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Sriram S, Carstens K, Dewing W, Fiacco TA. Astrocyte regulation of extracellular space parameters across the sleep-wake cycle. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1401698. [PMID: 38988660 PMCID: PMC11233815 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1401698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple subfields of neuroscience research are beginning to incorporate astrocytes into current frameworks of understanding overall brain physiology, neuronal circuitry, and disease etiology that underlie sleep and sleep-related disorders. Astrocytes have emerged as a dynamic regulator of neuronal activity through control of extracellular space (ECS) volume and composition, both of which can vary dramatically during different levels of sleep and arousal. Astrocytes are also an attractive target of sleep research due to their prominent role in the glymphatic system, a method by which toxic metabolites generated during wakefulness are cleared away. In this review we assess the literature surrounding glial influences on fluctuations in ECS volume and composition across the sleep-wake cycle. We also examine mechanisms of astrocyte volume regulation in glymphatic solute clearance and their role in sleep and wake states. Overall, findings highlight the importance of astrocytes in sleep and sleep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Sriram
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kaira Carstens
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Wayne Dewing
- Undergraduate Major in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Todd A Fiacco
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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2
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González-González MA, Conde SV, Latorre R, Thébault SC, Pratelli M, Spitzer NC, Verkhratsky A, Tremblay MÈ, Akcora CG, Hernández-Reynoso AG, Ecker M, Coates J, Vincent KL, Ma B. Bioelectronic Medicine: a multidisciplinary roadmap from biophysics to precision therapies. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1321872. [PMID: 38440417 PMCID: PMC10911101 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1321872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic Medicine stands as an emerging field that rapidly evolves and offers distinctive clinical benefits, alongside unique challenges. It consists of the modulation of the nervous system by precise delivery of electrical current for the treatment of clinical conditions, such as post-stroke movement recovery or drug-resistant disorders. The unquestionable clinical impact of Bioelectronic Medicine is underscored by the successful translation to humans in the last decades, and the long list of preclinical studies. Given the emergency of accelerating the progress in new neuromodulation treatments (i.e., drug-resistant hypertension, autoimmune and degenerative diseases), collaboration between multiple fields is imperative. This work intends to foster multidisciplinary work and bring together different fields to provide the fundamental basis underlying Bioelectronic Medicine. In this review we will go from the biophysics of the cell membrane, which we consider the inner core of neuromodulation, to patient care. We will discuss the recently discovered mechanism of neurotransmission switching and how it will impact neuromodulation design, and we will provide an update on neuronal and glial basis in health and disease. The advances in biomedical technology have facilitated the collection of large amounts of data, thereby introducing new challenges in data analysis. We will discuss the current approaches and challenges in high throughput data analysis, encompassing big data, networks, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the electrochemical properties of neural interfaces, along with the integration of biocompatible and reliable materials and compliance with biomedical regulations for translational applications. Preclinical validation is foundational to the translational process, and we will discuss the critical aspects of such animal studies. Finally, we will focus on the patient point-of-care and challenges in neuromodulation as the ultimate goal of bioelectronic medicine. This review is a call to scientists from different fields to work together with a common endeavor: accelerate the decoding and modulation of the nervous system in a new era of therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra González-González
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silvia V. Conde
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Stéphanie C. Thébault
- Laboratorio de Investigación Traslacional en salud visual (D-13), Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cuneyt G. Akcora
- Department of Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Melanie Ecker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | | | - Kathleen L. Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Brandy Ma
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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3
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Rapaka D, Adiukwu PC, Challa SR, Bitra VR. Interplay Between Astroglial Endocannabinoid System and the Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Physiol Res 2023; 72:575-586. [PMID: 38015757 PMCID: PMC10751057 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors have been shown to regulate wide array of functions ranging from homeostasis to the cognitive functioning but recent data support the hypothesis that astrocytes also operate as a mediator of synaptic plasticity and contribute to cognition and learning. The receptor heterogeneity plays a key role in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. Despite the fact that the majority of CB1 receptors act on neurons, studies have revealed that cannabinoids have direct control over astrocytes, including energy generation and neuroprotection. The tripartite synapse connects astrocytes to neurons and allows them to interact with one another and the astrocytes are key players in synaptic plasticity, which is associated with cognitive functions. This review focuses on our growing understanding of the intricate functions of astroglial CB1 that underpin physiological brain function, and in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rapaka
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana. ,
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4
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Murphy-Royal C, Ching S, Papouin T. A conceptual framework for astrocyte function. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1848-1856. [PMID: 37857773 PMCID: PMC10990637 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The participation of astrocytes in brain computation was hypothesized in 1992, coinciding with the discovery that these cells display a form of intracellular Ca2+ signaling sensitive to neuroactive molecules. This finding fostered conceptual leaps crystalized around the idea that astrocytes, once thought to be passive, participate actively in brain signaling and outputs. A multitude of disparate roles of astrocytes has since emerged, but their meaningful integration has been muddied by the lack of consensus and models of how we conceive the functional position of these cells in brain circuitry. In this Perspective, we propose an intuitive, data-driven and transferable conceptual framework we coin 'contextual guidance'. It describes astrocytes as 'contextual gates' that shape neural circuitry in an adaptive, state-dependent fashion. This paradigm provides fresh perspectives on principles of astrocyte signaling and its relevance to brain function, which could spur new experimental avenues, including in computational space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Murphy-Royal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) & Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - ShiNung Ching
- Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas Papouin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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5
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Kc E, Islam J, Kim HK, Park YS. GFAP-NpHR mediated optogenetic inhibition of trigeminal nucleus caudalis attenuates hypersensitive behaviors and thalamic discharge attributed to infraorbital nerve constriction injury. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:137. [PMID: 37821818 PMCID: PMC10566148 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of hyperactive astrocytes in neuropathic pain is crucial. However, the association between medullary astrocytes and trigeminal neuralgia (TN)-related pain processing is unclear. Here, we examined how optogenetic inhibition of medullary astrocytes in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) regulates pain hypersensitivity in an infraorbital nerve (ION) constricted TN model. We used adult Sprague Dawley rats subjected to infraorbital nerve (ION) constriction to mimic TN symptoms, with naive and sham rats serving as controls. For in vivo optogenetic manipulations, rats stereotaxically received AAV8-GFAP-eNpHR3.0-mCherry or AAV8-GFAP-mCherry at the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Open field, von Frey, air puff, and acetone tests measured pain behavioral flexibility. In vivo thalamic recordings were obtained simultaneously with optogenetic manipulation in the TNC. Orofacial hyperalgesia and thalamic hyperexcitability were both accompanied by medullary astrocyte hyperactivity, marked by upregulated GFAP. The yellow laser-driven inhibition of TNC astrocytes markedly improved behavioral responses and regulated thalamic neuronal responses. Halorhodopsin-mediated inhibition in medullary astrocytes may modify the nociceptive input transmitted through the trigeminothalamic tract and pain perception. Taken together, these findings imply that this subpopulation in the TNC and its thalamic connections play a significant role in regulating the trigeminal pain circuitry, which might aid in the identification of new therapeutic measures in TN management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Kc
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaisan Islam
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyong Kyu Kim
- Department of Medicine and Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seok Park
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Miguel-Quesada C, Zaforas M, Herrera-Pérez S, Lines J, Fernández-López E, Alonso-Calviño E, Ardaya M, Soria FN, Araque A, Aguilar J, Rosa JM. Astrocytes adjust the dynamic range of cortical network activity to control modality-specific sensory information processing. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112950. [PMID: 37543946 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical neuron-astrocyte communication in response to peripheral sensory stimulation occurs in a topographic-, frequency-, and intensity-dependent manner. However, the contribution of this functional interaction to the processing of sensory inputs and consequent behavior remains unclear. We investigate the role of astrocytes in sensory information processing at circuit and behavioral levels by monitoring and manipulating astrocytic activity in vivo. We show that astrocytes control the dynamic range of the cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to incoming sensory inputs. The astrocytic modulation of sensory processing contributes to setting the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The mechanism of such astrocytic control is mediated through modulation of inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks. These results uncover a role for astrocytes in maintaining the cortical network activity in an optimal range to control behavior associated with specific sensory modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Miguel-Quesada
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain; Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Marta Zaforas
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Salvador Herrera-Pérez
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Justin Lines
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elena Fernández-López
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Elena Alonso-Calviño
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Maria Ardaya
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Federico N Soria
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Juliana M Rosa
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
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7
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Guebel DV. Human hippocampal astrocytes: Computational dissection of their transcriptome, sexual differences and exosomes across ageing and mild-cognitive impairment. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2677-2707. [PMID: 37427765 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease is often disregarded. Hence, characterization of astrocytes along their early evolution toward Alzheimer would be greatly beneficial. However, due to their exquisite responsiveness, in vivo studies are difficult. So public microarray data of hippocampal homogenates from (healthy) young, (healthy) elder and elder with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were subjected to re-analysis by a multi-step computational pipeline. Ontologies and pathway analyses were compared after determining the differential genes that, belonging to astrocytes, have splice forms. Likewise, the subset of molecules exportable to exosomes was also determined. The results showed that astrocyte's phenotypes changed significantly. While already 'activated' astrocytes were found in the younger group, major changes occurred during ageing (increased vascular remodelling and response to mechanical stimulus, diminished long-term potentiation and increased long-term depression). MCI's astrocytes showed some 'rejuvenated' features, but their sensitivity to shear stress was markedly lost. Importantly, most of the changes showed to be sex biassed. Men's astrocytes are enriched in a type 'endfeet-astrocytome', whereas women's astrocytes appear close to the 'scar-forming' type (prone to endothelial dysfunction, hypercholesterolemia, loss of glutamatergic synapses, Ca+2 dysregulation, hypoxia, oxidative stress and 'pro-coagulant' phenotype). In conclusion, the computational dissection of the networks based on the hippocampal gene isoforms provides a relevant proxy to in vivo astrocytes, also revealing the occurrence of sexual differences. Analyses of the astrocytic exosomes did not provide an acceptable approximation to the overall functioning of astrocytes in the hippocampus, probably due to the selective cellular mechanisms which charge the cargo molecules.
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8
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Wang F, Wang W, Gu S, Qi D, Smith NA, Peng W, Dong W, Yuan J, Zhao B, Mao Y, Cao P, Lu QR, Shapiro LA, Yi SS, Wu E, Huang JH. Distinct astrocytic modulatory roles in sensory transmission during sleep, wakefulness, and arousal states in freely moving mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2186. [PMID: 37069258 PMCID: PMC10110578 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research on astrocytic Ca2+ in synaptic transmission, its contribution to the modulation of sensory transmission during different brain states remains largely unknown. Here, by using two-photon microscopy and whole-cell recordings, we show two distinct astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the murine barrel cortex: a small, long-lasting Ca2+ increase during sleep and a large, widespread but short-lasting Ca2+ spike when aroused. The large Ca2+ wave in aroused mice was inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-dependent, evoked by the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system, and enhanced sensory input, contributing to reliable sensory transmission. However, the small Ca2+ transient was IP3-independent and contributed to decreased extracellular K+, hyperpolarization of the neurons, and suppression of sensory transmission. These events respond to different pharmacological inputs and contribute to distinct sleep and arousal functions by modulating the efficacy of sensory transmission. Together, our data demonstrate an important function for astrocytes in sleep and arousal states via astrocytic Ca2+ waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610060, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14643, USA.
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610060, China
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Simeng Gu
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610060, China
- Department of Medical Psychology, Jiangsu University Medical School, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Dan Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76508, USA
| | - Nathan A Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14643, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Weiguo Peng
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610060, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jiajin Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14643, USA
| | - Binbin Zhao
- Basic Medicine College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Peng Cao
- School of Psychology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Richard Lu
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lee A Shapiro
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
| | - S Stephen Yi
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences (ICES), The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76508, USA.
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
- Texas A & M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76508, USA.
- Texas A & M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76508, USA.
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9
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Wang Y, Royer J, Park BY, Vos de Wael R, Larivière S, Tavakol S, Rodriguez-Cruces R, Paquola C, Hong SJ, Margulies DS, Smallwood J, Valk SL, Evans AC, Bernhardt BC. Long-range functional connections mirror and link microarchitectural and cognitive hierarchies in the human brain. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:1782-1798. [PMID: 35596951 PMCID: PMC9977370 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher-order cognition is hypothesized to be implemented via distributed cortical networks that are linked via long-range connections. However, it is unknown how computational advantages of long-range connections reflect cortical microstructure and microcircuitry. METHODS We investigated this question by (i) profiling long-range cortical connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cortico-cortical geodesic distance mapping, (ii) assessing how long-range connections reflect local brain microarchitecture, and (iii) examining the microarchitectural similarity of regions connected through long-range connections. RESULTS Analysis of 2 independent datasets indicated that sensory/motor areas had more clustered short-range connections, while transmodal association systems hosted distributed, long-range connections. Meta-analytical decoding suggested that this topographical difference mirrored shifts in cognitive function, from perception/action towards emotional/social processing. Analysis of myelin-sensitive in vivo MRI as well as postmortem histology and transcriptomics datasets established that gradients in functional connectivity distance are paralleled by those present in cortical microarchitecture. Notably, long-range connections were found to link spatially remote regions of association cortex with an unexpectedly similar microarchitecture. CONCLUSIONS By mapping covarying topographies of long-range functional connections and cortical microcircuits, the current work provides insights into structure-function relations in human neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhou Wang
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Jessica Royer
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Bo-Yong Park
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada.,Department of Data Science, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, South Korea.,Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Reinder Vos de Wael
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Sara Larivière
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Shahin Tavakol
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Raul Rodriguez-Cruces
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Casey Paquola
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Seok-Jun Hong
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Daniel S Margulies
- Cognitive Neuroanatomy Lab, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Centre, University of Paris and CRNS, INCC - UMR 8002, Rue des Saint-Pères 75006, Paris
| | - Jonathan Smallwood
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Humphrey Hall, Room 232 Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1A. Leipzig D-04103, Germany.,Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Alan C Evans
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Boris C Bernhardt
- Multimodal Imaging and Connectome Analysis Laboratory, McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B4, Canada
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10
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Eraso‐Pichot A, Pouvreau S, Olivera‐Pinto A, Gomez‐Sotres P, Skupio U, Marsicano G. Endocannabinoid signaling in astrocytes. Glia 2023; 71:44-59. [PMID: 35822691 PMCID: PMC9796923 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The study of the astrocytic contribution to brain functions has been growing in popularity in the neuroscience field. In the last years, and especially since the demonstration of the involvement of astrocytes in synaptic functions, the astrocyte field has revealed multiple functions of these cells that seemed inconceivable not long ago. In parallel, cannabinoid investigation has also identified different ways by which cannabinoids are able to interact with these cells, modify their functions, alter their communication with neurons and impact behavior. In this review, we will describe the expression of different endocannabinoid system members in astrocytes. Moreover, we will relate the latest findings regarding cannabinoid modulation of some of the most relevant astroglial functions, namely calcium (Ca2+ ) dynamics, gliotransmission, metabolism, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Eraso‐Pichot
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Sandrine Pouvreau
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Alexandre Olivera‐Pinto
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Paula Gomez‐Sotres
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Urszula Skupio
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
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11
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Goenaga J, Araque A, Kofuji P, Herrera Moro Chao D. Calcium signaling in astrocytes and gliotransmitter release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1138577. [PMID: 36937570 PMCID: PMC10017551 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1138577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia are as numerous in the brain as neurons and widely known to serve supportive roles such as structural scaffolding, extracellular ionic and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support. However, over the past two decades, several lines of evidence indicate that astrocytes, which are a type of glia, play active roles in neural information processing. Astrocytes, although not electrically active, can exhibit a form of excitability by dynamic changes in intracellular calcium levels. They sense synaptic activity and release neuroactive substances, named gliotransmitters, that modulate neuronal activity and synaptic transmission in several brain areas, thus impacting animal behavior. This "dialogue" between astrocytes and neurons is embodied in the concept of the tripartite synapse that includes astrocytes as integral elements of synaptic function. Here, we review the recent work and discuss how astrocytes via calcium-mediated excitability modulate synaptic information processing at various spatial and time scales.
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12
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Saceleanu VM, Covache-Busuioc RA, Costin HP, Glavan LA, Ciurea AV. An Important Step in Neuroscience: Camillo Golgi and His Discoveries. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244112. [PMID: 36552876 PMCID: PMC9776620 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Camillo Golgi (Figure 1) is one of the most prestigious personalities of modern medicine [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicentiu Mircea Saceleanu
- Neurosurgery Department, Sibiu County Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Lucian Blaga“ University of Medicine, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.-P.C.); (L.-A.G.)
| | - Horia-Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.-P.C.); (L.-A.G.)
| | - Luca-Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.-P.C.); (L.-A.G.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurosurgery Department and Scientific, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 70000 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Medical Sciences, Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Petroff RL, Williams C, Li JL, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Richards T, English CN, Baldessari A, Shum S, Jing J, Isoherranen N, Crouthamel B, McKain N, Grant KS, Burbacher TM, Harry GJ. Prolonged, Low-Level Exposure to the Marine Toxin, Domoic Acid, and Measures of Neurotoxicity in Nonhuman Primates. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:97003. [PMID: 36102641 PMCID: PMC9472675 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excitotoxic molecule, domoic acid (DA), is a marine algal toxin known to induce overt hippocampal neurotoxicity. Recent experimental and epidemiological studies suggest adverse neurological effects at exposure levels near the current regulatory limit (20 ppm, ∼0.075-0.1mg/kg). At these levels, cognitive effects occur in the absence of acute symptoms or evidence of neuronal death. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify adverse effects on the nervous system from prolonged, dietary DA exposure in adult, female Macaca fascicularis monkeys. METHODS Monkeys were orally exposed to 0, 0.075, and 0.15mg/kg per day for an average of 14 months. Clinical blood counts, chemistry, and cytokine levels were analyzed in the blood. In-life magnetic resonance (MR) imaging assessed volumetric and tractography differences in and between the hippocampus and thalamus. Histology of neurons and glia in the fornix, fimbria, internal capsule, thalamus, and hippocampus was evaluated. Hippocampal RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Enrichment of gene networks for neuronal health, excitotoxicity, inflammation/glia, and myelin were assessed with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. RESULTS Clinical blood counts, chemistry, and cytokine levels were not altered with DA exposure in nonhuman primates. Transcriptome analysis of the hippocampus yielded 748 differentially expressed genes (fold change≥1.5; p≤0.05), reflecting differences in a broad molecular profile of intermediate early genes (e.g., FOS, EGR) and genes related to myelin networks in DA animals. Between exposed and control animals, MR imaging showed comparable connectivity of the hippocampus and thalamus and histology showed no evidence of hypomyelination. Histological examination of the thalamus showed a larger microglia soma size and an extension of cell processes, but suggestions of a GFAP+astrocyte response showed no indication of astrocyte hypertrophy. DISCUSSION In the absence of overt hippocampal excitotoxicity, chronic exposure of Macaca fascicularis monkeys to environmentally relevant levels of DA suggested a subtle shift in the molecular profile of the hippocampus and the microglia phenotype in the thalamus that was possibly reflective of an adaptive response due to prolonged DA exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L. Petroff
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher Williams
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - James W. MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Theo K. Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Todd Richards
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Audrey Baldessari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara Shum
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jing Jing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nina Isoherranen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brenda Crouthamel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Noelle McKain
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kimberly S. Grant
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas M. Burbacher
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - G. Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Dias L, Madeira D, Dias R, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Aβ 1-42 peptides blunt the adenosine A 2A receptor-mediated control of the interplay between P 2X 7 and P 2Y 1 receptors mediated calcium responses in astrocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:457. [PMID: 35907034 PMCID: PMC11071907 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of astrocytes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still ill defined. AD involves an abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and increased production of danger signals such as ATP. ATP can direct or indirectly, through its metabolism into adenosine, trigger adaptive astrocytic responses resulting from intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. AD also triggers an upregulation of astrocytic adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR), which blockade prevents memory dysfunction in AD. We now investigated how Aβ peptides affect ATP-mediated Ca2+ responses in astrocytes measured by fluorescence live-cell imaging and whether A2AR control astrocytic Ca2+ responses mediated by ATP receptors, mainly P2X7R and P2Y1R. In primary cultures of rat astrocytes exposed to Aβ1-42, ATP-evoked Ca2+ responses had a lower amplitude but a longer duration than in control astrocytes and involved P2X7R and P2Y1R, the former potentiating the later. Moreover, Aβ1-42 exposure increased protein levels of P2Y1R in astrocytes. A2AR antagonism with SCH58261 controlled in a protein kinase A-dependent manner both P2X7R- and P2Y1R-mediated Ca2+ responses in astrocytes. The interplay between these purinoceptors in astrocytes was blunted upon exposure to Aβ1-42. These findings uncover the ability of A2AR to regulate the inter-twinned P2X7R- and P2Y1R-mediated Ca2+ dynamics in astrocytes, which is disrupted in conditions of early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Madeira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rafael Dias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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15
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Burboa PC, Puebla M, Gaete PS, Durán WN, Lillo MA. Connexin and Pannexin Large-Pore Channels in Microcirculation and Neurovascular Coupling Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137303. [PMID: 35806312 PMCID: PMC9266979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation homeostasis depends on several channels permeable to ions and/or small molecules that facilitate the regulation of the vasomotor tone, hyperpermeability, the blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular coupling function. Connexin (Cxs) and Pannexin (Panxs) large-pore channel proteins are implicated in several aspects of vascular physiology. The permeation of ions (i.e., Ca2+) and key metabolites (ATP, prostaglandins, D-serine, etc.) through Cxs (i.e., gap junction channels or hemichannels) and Panxs proteins plays a vital role in intercellular communication and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation or genetic pathologies associated with these channels promote deleterious tissue consequences. This review provides an overview of current knowledge concerning the physiological role of these large-pore molecule channels in microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and in the neurovascular coupling function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pía C. Burboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Mariela Puebla
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Pablo S. Gaete
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Walter N. Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Mulkey DK, Olsen ML, Ou M, Cleary CM, Du G. Putative Roles of Astrocytes in General Anesthesia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:5-15. [PMID: 33588730 PMCID: PMC9199541 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210215120755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
General anesthetics are a mainstay of modern medicine, and although much progress has been made towards identifying molecular targets of anesthetics and neural networks contributing to endpoints of general anesthesia, our understanding of how anesthetics work remains unclear. Reducing this knowledge gap is of fundamental importance to prevent unwanted and life-threatening side-effects associated with general anesthesia. General anesthetics are chemically diverse, yet they all have similar behavioral endpoints, and so for decades, research has sought to identify a single underlying mechanism to explain how anesthetics work. However, this effort has given way to the 'multiple target hypothesis' as it has become clear that anesthetics target many cellular proteins, including GABAA receptors, glutamate receptors, voltage-independent K+ channels, and voltagedependent K+, Ca2+ and Na+ channels, to name a few. Yet, despite evidence that astrocytes are capable of modulating multiple aspects of neural function and express many anesthetic target proteins, they have been largely ignored as potential targets of anesthesia. The purpose of this brief review is to highlight the effects of anesthetic on astrocyte processes and identify potential roles of astrocytes in behavioral endpoints of anesthesia (hypnosis, amnesia, analgesia, and immobilization).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, USA;,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT, USA; E-mail:
| | | | | | - Colin M. Cleary
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, StorrsCT, USA
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17
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McConnell HL, Mishra A. Cells of the Blood-Brain Barrier: An Overview of the Neurovascular Unit in Health and Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:3-24. [PMID: 35733036 PMCID: PMC9987262 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The brain is endowed with highly specialized vasculature that is both structurally and functionally unique compared to vasculature supplying peripheral organs. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by endothelial cells of the cerebral vasculature and prevents extravasation of blood products into the brain to protect neural tissue and maintain a homeostatic environment. The BBB functions as part of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is composed of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in addition to the specialized endothelial cells, mural cells, and the basement membrane. Through coordinated intercellular signaling, these cells function as a dynamic unit to tightly regulate brain blood flow, vascular function, neuroimmune responses, and waste clearance. In this chapter, we review the functions of individual NVU components, describe neurovascular coupling as a classic example of NVU function, and discuss archetypal NVU pathophysiology during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L McConnell
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Office of Academic Development, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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18
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Sun Q, Hu Y, Deng S, Xiong Y, Huang Z. A visualization pipeline for <i>in vivo</i> two-photon volumetric astrocytic calcium imaging. J Biomed Res 2022; 36:358-367. [PMID: 36130733 PMCID: PMC9548438 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.36.20220099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the multi-functional glial cells with the most abundant population in the brain, integrate information across their territories to regulate neuronal synaptic and cerebrovascular activities. Astrocytic calcium (Ca2+) signaling is the major readout of cellular functional state of astrocytes. The conventional two-photon in vivo imaging usually focuses on a single horizontal focal plane to capture the astrocytic Ca2+ signals, which leaves >80% spatial information undetected. To fully probe the Ca2+ activity across the whole astrocytic territory, we developed a pipeline for imaging and visualizing volumetric astrocytic Ca2+ time-lapse images. With the pipeline, we discovered a new signal distribution pattern from three-dimensional (3D) astrocytic Ca2+ imaging data of mice under isoflurane anesthetic states. The tools developed in this study enable a better understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns of astrocytic activity in 3D space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yusi Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Saiyue Deng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yanyu Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhili Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Zhili Huang, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China. Tel/Fax: +86-21-54237043/+86-21-54237103, E-mail:
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19
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Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. From Physiology to Pathology of Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations: Astroglia as a Target for Further Research. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661408. [PMID: 34177766 PMCID: PMC8219957 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrographic hallmark of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and other idiopathic forms of epilepsy are 2.5-4 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWDs) originating from abnormal electrical oscillations of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. SWDs are generally associated with sudden and brief non-convulsive epileptic events mostly generating impairment of consciousness and correlating with attention and learning as well as cognitive deficits. To date, SWDs are known to arise from locally restricted imbalances of excitation and inhibition in the deep layers of the primary somatosensory cortex. SWDs propagate to the mostly GABAergic nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) and the somatosensory thalamic nuclei that project back to the cortex, leading to the typical generalized spike and wave oscillations. Given their shared anatomical basis, SWDs have been originally considered the pathological transition of 11-16 Hz bursts of neural oscillatory activity (the so-called sleep spindles) occurring during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, but more recent research revealed fundamental functional differences between sleep spindles and SWDs, suggesting the latter could be more closely related to the slow (<1 Hz) oscillations alternating active (Up) and silent (Down) cortical activity and concomitantly occurring during NREM. Indeed, several lines of evidence support the fact that SWDs impair sleep architecture as well as sleep/wake cycles and sleep pressure, which, in turn, affect seizure circadian frequency and distribution. Given the accumulating evidence on the role of astroglia in the field of epilepsy in the modulation of excitation and inhibition in the brain as well as on the development of aberrant synchronous network activity, we aim at pointing at putative contributions of astrocytes to the physiology of slow-wave sleep and to the pathology of SWDs. Particularly, we will address the astroglial functions known to be involved in the control of network excitability and synchronicity and so far mainly addressed in the context of convulsive seizures, namely (i) interstitial fluid homeostasis, (ii) K+ clearance and neurotransmitter uptake from the extracellular space and the synaptic cleft, (iii) gap junction mechanical and functional coupling as well as hemichannel function, (iv) gliotransmission, (v) astroglial Ca2+ signaling and downstream effectors, (vi) reactive astrogliosis and cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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20
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Astrocyte Networks as Therapeutic Targets in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061368. [PMID: 34199470 PMCID: PMC8228804 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are intimately involved in the response to neurodegenerative stress and have become an attractive target for the development of neuroprotective therapies. However, studies often focus on astrocytes as single-cell units. Astrocytes are densely interconnected by gap junctions that are composed primarily of the protein connexin-43 (Cx43) and can function as a broader network of cells. Such networks contribute to a number of important processes, including metabolite distribution and extracellular ionic buffering, and are likely to play an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative disease. This review will focus on the pro-degenerative and pro-survival influence of astrocyte Cx43 in disease progression, with a focus on the roles of gap junctions and hemichannels in the spread of degenerative stress. Finally, we will highlight the specific evidence for targeting these networks in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
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21
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Wahis J, Holt MG. Astrocytes, Noradrenaline, α1-Adrenoreceptors, and Neuromodulation: Evidence and Unanswered Questions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:645691. [PMID: 33716677 PMCID: PMC7947346 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.645691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Noradrenaline is a major neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS). It is released from varicosities on neuronal efferents, which originate principally from the main noradrenergic nuclei of the brain - the locus coeruleus - and spread throughout the parenchyma. Noradrenaline is released in response to various stimuli and has complex physiological effects, in large part due to the wide diversity of noradrenergic receptors expressed in the brain, which trigger diverse signaling pathways. In general, however, its main effect on CNS function appears to be to increase arousal state. Although the effects of noradrenaline have been researched extensively, the majority of studies have assumed that noradrenaline exerts its effects by acting directly on neurons. However, neurons are not the only cells in the CNS expressing noradrenaline receptors. Astrocytes are responsive to a range of neuromodulators - including noradrenaline. In fact, noradrenaline evokes robust calcium transients in astrocytes across brain regions, through activation of α1-adrenoreceptors. Crucially, astrocytes ensheath neurons at synapses and are known to modulate synaptic activity. Hence, astrocytes are in a key position to relay, or amplify, the effects of noradrenaline on neurons, most notably by modulating inhibitory transmission. Based on a critical appraisal of the current literature, we use this review to argue that a better understanding of astrocyte-mediated noradrenaline signaling is therefore essential, if we are ever to fully understand CNS function. We discuss the emerging concept of astrocyte heterogeneity and speculate on how this might impact the noradrenergic modulation of neuronal circuits. Finally, we outline possible experimental strategies to clearly delineate the role(s) of astrocytes in noradrenergic signaling, and neuromodulation in general, highlighting the urgent need for more specific and flexible experimental tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Wahis
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Astrocytes mediate the effect of oxytocin in the central amygdala on neuronal activity and affective states in rodents. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:529-541. [PMID: 33589833 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) orchestrates social and emotional behaviors through modulation of neural circuits. In the central amygdala, the release of OT modulates inhibitory circuits and, thereby, suppresses fear responses and decreases anxiety levels. Using astrocyte-specific gain and loss of function and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that a morphologically distinct subpopulation of astrocytes expresses OT receptors and mediates anxiolytic and positive reinforcement effects of OT in the central amygdala of mice and rats. The involvement of astrocytes in OT signaling challenges the long-held dogma that OT acts exclusively on neurons and highlights astrocytes as essential components for modulation of emotional states under normal and chronic pain conditions.
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