1
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Huang Q, Lee HH, Volpe B, Zhang Q, Xue C, Liu BC, Abuhasan YR, Li L, Yang JS, Egholm J, Gutierrez-Vazquez C, Li A, Lee A, Tang S, Wong CW, Liu T, Huang Y, Ramos RL, Stout RF, El Ouaamari A, Quintana FJ, Lowell BB, Kahn CR, Pothos EN, Cai W. Deletion of murine astrocytic vesicular nucleotide transporter increases anxiety and depressive-like behavior and attenuates motivation for reward. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02692-5. [PMID: 39122778 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02692-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are multi-functional glial cells in the central nervous system that play critical roles in modulation of metabolism, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter levels, and synaptic plasticity. Astrocyte-derived signaling molecules mediate many of these modulatory functions of astrocytes, including vesicular release of ATP. In the present study, we used a unique genetic mouse model to investigate the functional significance of astrocytic exocytosis of ATP. Using primary cultured astrocytes, we show that loss of vesicular nucleotide transporter (Vnut), a primary transporter responsible for loading cytosolic ATP into the secretory vesicles, dramatically reduces ATP loading into secretory lysosomes and ATP release, without any change in the molecular machinery of exocytosis or total intracellular ATP content. Deletion of astrocytic Vnut in adult mice leads to increased anxiety, depressive-like behaviors, and decreased motivation for reward, especially in females, without significant impact on food intake, systemic glucose metabolism, cognition, or sociability. These behavioral alterations are associated with significant decreases in the basal extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. Likewise, ex vivo brain slices from these mice show a strong trend toward a reduction in evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Mechanistically, the reduced dopamine signaling we observed is likely due to an increased expression of monoamine oxidases. Together, these data demonstrate a key modulatory role of astrocytic exocytosis of ATP in anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and motivation for reward, by regulating the mesolimbic dopamine circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Hiu Ham Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Bryan Volpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Qingchen Zhang
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chang Xue
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Liu
- Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yahia R Abuhasan
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lingyun Li
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy S Yang
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Egholm
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Gutierrez-Vazquez
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allen Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Sharon Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Chun Wa Wong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Tiemin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Raddy L Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Randy F Stout
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | | | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradford B Lowell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Ronald Kahn
- Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emmanuel N Pothos
- Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Weikang Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA.
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2
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Qiao LY. Satellite Glial Cells Bridge Sensory Neuron Crosstalk in Visceral Pain and Cross-Organ Sensitization. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 390:213-221. [PMID: 38777604 PMCID: PMC11264254 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.002061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Following colonic inflammation, the uninjured bladder afferent neurons are also activated. The mechanisms and pathways underlying this sensory neuron cross-activation (from injured neurons to uninjured neurons) are not fully understood. Colonic and bladder afferent neurons reside in the same spinal segments and are separated by satellite glial cells (SGCs) and extracellular matrix in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). SGCs communicate with sensory neurons in a bidirectional fashion. This review summarizes the differentially regulated genes/proteins in the injured and uninjured DRG neurons and explores the role of SGCs in regulation of sensory neuron crosstalk in visceral cross-organ sensitization. The review also highlights the paracrine pathways in mediating neuron-SGC and SGC-neuron coupling with an emphasis on the neurotrophins and purinergic systems. Finally, I discuss the results from recent RNAseq profiling of SGCs to reveal useful molecular markers for characterization, functional study, and therapeutic targets of SGCs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are the largest glial subtypes in sensory ganglia and play a critical role in mediating sensory neuron crosstalk, an underlying mechanism in colon-bladder cross-sensitization. Identification of novel and unique molecular markers of SGCs can advance the discovery of therapeutic targets in treatment of chronic pain including visceral pain comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Y Qiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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3
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Akyuz E, Arulsamy A, Aslan FS, Sarisözen B, Guney B, Hekimoglu A, Yilmaz BN, Retinasamy T, Shaikh MF. An Expanded Narrative Review of Neurotransmitters on Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Therapeutic Interventions on Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y. [PMID: 39012443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles are the key players responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau affect the balance in chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the current review examined the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the alterations in the neurochemical activity and cross talk with their receptors and transporters. In the presence of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, changes may occur in the expression of neuronal receptors which in turn triggers excessive release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft contributing to cell death and neuronal damage. The GABAergic system may also be affected by AD pathology in a similar way. In addition, decreased receptors in the cholinergic system and dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmission of AD pathology may also contribute to the damage to cognitive function. Moreover, the presence of deficiencies in noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus in AD suggests that noradrenergic stimulation could be useful in addressing its pathophysiology. The regulation of melatonin, known for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Aβ accumulation, along with the involvement of the serotonergic system and histaminergic system in cognition and memory, becomes remarkable for promoting neurotransmission in AD. Additionally, nitric oxide and adenosine-based therapeutic approaches play a protective role in AD by preventing neuroinflammation. Overall, neurotransmitter-based therapeutic strategies emerge as pivotal for addressing neurotransmitter homeostasis and neurotransmission in the context of AD. This review discussed the potential for neurotransmitter-based drugs to be effective in slowing and correcting the neurodegenerative processes in AD by targeting the neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, neurotransmitter-based drugs could serve as a future therapeutic strategy to tackle AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Bugra Sarisözen
- School of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Guney
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Beyza Nur Yilmaz
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thaarvena Retinasamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.
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4
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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz M, Adamiak K, Strużyńska L. Astrocyte-Neuron Interaction via the Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle and Its Dysfunction in Tau-Dependent Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3050. [PMID: 38474295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Astroglia constitute the largest group of glial cells and are involved in numerous actions that are critical to neuronal development and functioning, such as maintaining the blood-brain barrier, forming synapses, supporting neurons with nutrients and trophic factors, and protecting them from injury. These properties are deeply affected in the course of many neurodegenerative diseases, including tauopathies, often before the onset of the disease. In this respect, the transfer of essential amino acids such as glutamate and glutamine between neurons and astrocytes in the glutamate-glutamine cycle (GGC) is one example. In this review, we focus on the GGC and the disruption of this cycle in tau-dependent neurodegeneration. A profound understanding of the complex functions of the GGC and, in the broader context, searching for dysfunctions in communication pathways between astrocytes and neurons via GGC in health and disease, is of critical significance for the development of novel mechanism-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Adamiak
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Strużyńska
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Babenko V, Redina O, Smagin D, Kovalenko I, Galyamina A, Kudryavtseva N. Brain-Region-Specific Genes Form the Major Pathways Featuring Their Basic Functional Role: Their Implication in Animal Chronic Stress Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2882. [PMID: 38474132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of RNA-Sec data from murine bulk tissue samples taken from five brain regions associated with behavior and stress response was conducted. The focus was on the most contrasting brain region-specific genes (BRSG) sets in terms of their expression rates. These BRSGs are identified as genes with a distinct outlying (high) expression rate in a specific region compared to others used in the study. The analysis suggested that BRSG sets form non-randomly connected compact gene networks, which correspond to the major neuron-mediated functional processes or pathways in each brain region. The number of BRSGs and the connection rate were found to depend on the heterogeneity and coordinated firing rate of neuron types in each brain region. The most connected pathways, along with the highest BRSG number, were observed in the Striatum, referred to as Medium Spiny Neurons (MSNs), which make up 95% of neurons and exhibit synchronous firing upon dopamine influx. However, the Ventral Tegmental Area/Medial Raphe Nucleus (VTA/MRN) regions, although primarily composed of monoaminergic neurons, do not fire synchronously, leading to a smaller BRSG number. The Hippocampus (HPC) region, on the other hand, displays significant neuronal heterogeneity, with glutamatergic neurons being the most numerous and synchronized. Interestingly, the two monoaminergic regions involved in the study displayed a common BRSG subnetwork architecture, emphasizing their proximity in terms of axonal throughput specifics and high-energy metabolism rates. This finding suggests the concerted evolution of monoaminergic neurons, leading to unique adaptations at the genic repertoire scale. With BRSG sets, we were able to highlight the contrasting features of the three groups: control, depressive, and aggressive mice in the animal chronic stress model. Specifically, we observed a decrease in serotonergic turnover in both the depressed and aggressive groups, while dopaminergic emission was high in both groups. There was also a notable absence of dopaminoceptive receptors on the postsynaptic membranes in the striatum in the depressed group. Additionally, we confirmed that neurogenesis BRSGs are specific to HPC, with the aggressive group showing attenuated neurogenesis rates compared to the control/depressive groups. We also confirmed that immune-competent cells like microglia and astrocytes play a crucial role in depressed phenotypes, including mitophagy-related gene Prkcd. Based on this analysis, we propose the use of BRSG sets as a suitable framework for evaluating case-control group-wise assessments of specific brain region gene pathway responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Babenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga Redina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry Smagin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Irina Kovalenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anna Galyamina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia Kudryavtseva
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
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7
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Boyle BR, Berghella AP, Blanco-Suarez E. Astrocyte Regulation of Neuronal Function and Survival in Stroke Pathophysiology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:233-267. [PMID: 39190078 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The interactions between astrocytes and neurons in the context of stroke play crucial roles in the disease's progression and eventual outcomes. After a stroke, astrocytes undergo significant changes in their morphology, molecular profile, and function, together termed reactive astrogliosis. Many of these changes modulate how astrocytes relate to neurons, inducing mechanisms both beneficial and detrimental to stroke recovery. For example, excessive glutamate release and astrocytic malfunction contribute to excitotoxicity in stroke, eventually causing neuronal death. Astrocytes also provide essential metabolic support and neurotrophic signals to neurons after stroke, ensuring homeostatic stability and promoting neuronal survival. Furthermore, several astrocyte-secreted molecules regulate synaptic plasticity in response to stroke, allowing for the rewiring of neural circuits to compensate for damaged areas. In this chapter, we highlight the current understanding of the interactions between astrocytes and neurons in response to stroke, explaining the varied mechanisms contributing to injury progression and the potential implications for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R Boyle
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrea P Berghella
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena Blanco-Suarez
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Imrie G, Gray MB, Raghuraman V, Farhy-Tselnicker I. Gene Expression at the Tripartite Synapse: Bridging the Gap Between Neurons and Astrocytes. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:95-136. [PMID: 39190073 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major class of glial cells, are an important element at the synapse where they engage in bidirectional crosstalk with neurons to regulate numerous aspects of neurotransmission, circuit function, and behavior. Mutations in synapse-related genes expressed in both neurons and astrocytes are central factors in a vast number of neurological disorders, making the proteins that they encode prominent targets for therapeutic intervention. Yet, while the roles of many of these synaptic proteins in neurons are well established, the functions of the same proteins in astrocytes are largely unknown. This gap in knowledge must be addressed to refine therapeutic approaches. In this chapter, we integrate multiomic meta-analysis and a comprehensive overview of current literature to show that astrocytes express an astounding number of genes that overlap with the neuronal and synaptic transcriptomes. Further, we highlight recent reports that characterize the expression patterns and potential novel roles of these genes in astrocytes in both physiological and pathological conditions, underscoring the importance of considering both cell types when investigating the function and regulation of synaptic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Imrie
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Madison B Gray
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Vishnuvasan Raghuraman
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Isabella Farhy-Tselnicker
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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9
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Wong LJ, Lee BWL, Sng YJ, Poh L, Rajeev V, Selvaraji S, Drummond GR, Sobey CG, Arumugam TV, Fann DY. Inflammasome Activation Mediates Apoptotic and Pyroptotic Death in Astrocytes Under Ischemic Conditions. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:533-544. [PMID: 37646911 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08753-2] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a hallmark mechanism of ischemic stroke-induced brain injury. Recent studies have shown that an intracellular multimeric protein complex known as an inflammasome is a key factor for inducing an inflammatory response, and apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in ischemic stroke. Inflammasome assembly leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory caspases, and the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. While the role of inflammasomes in ischemic stroke-induced neuronal death, and microglial activation and cell death have been established, little is known about the role of inflammasomes in astrocytes under ischemic conditions. In this study, we investigated the expression and activation of inflammasome components in protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes under ischemic conditions. We found that both protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes expressed a differential increase in inflammasome protein components, and that their activation promoted maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, and secretion of IL-1β, as well as initiating apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 decreased expression of cleaved caspase-1 and production of mature IL-1β, and protected against inflammasome-mediated apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the role of inflammasome signaling in astrocytes under ischemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lap Jack Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernice Woon Li Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Jing Sng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luting Poh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vismitha Rajeev
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharmelee Selvaraji
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grant R Drummond
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher G Sobey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - David Y Fann
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme (HLTRP), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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10
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Pauwels EK, Boer GJ. Friends and Foes in Alzheimer's Disease. Med Princ Pract 2023; 32:313-322. [PMID: 37788649 PMCID: PMC10727688 DOI: 10.1159/000534400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease. The prognosis is poor, and currently there are no proven effective therapies. Most likely, the etiology is related to cerebral inflammatory processes that cause neuronal damage, resulting in dysfunction and apoptosis of nerve cells. Pathogens that evoke a neuroinflammatory response, collectively activate astrocytes and microglia, which contributes to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This leads to the deposit of clustered fragments of beta-amyloid and misfolded tau proteins which do not elicit an adequate immune reaction. Apart from the function of astrocytes and microglia, molecular entities such as TREM2, SYK, C22, and C33 play a role in the physiopathology of AD. Furthermore, bacteria and viruses may trigger an overactive inflammatory response in the brain. Pathogens like Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis (known for low-grade infection in the oral cavity) can release gingipains, which are enzymes that can damage and destroy neurons. Chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease) can co-localize with tau tangles and amyloid deposits. As for viral infections, herpes simplex virus 1, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus can play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Present investigations have resulted in the development of antibodies that can clear the brain of beta-amyloid plaques. Trials with humanized aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab revealed limited success in AD patients. However, AD should be considered as a continuum in which the initial preclinical phase may take 10 or even 20 years. It is generally thought that this phase offers a window for efficacious treatment. Therefore, research is also focused on the identification of biomarkers for early AD detection. In this respect, the plasma measurement of neurofilament light chain in patients treated with hydromethylthionine mesylate may well open a new way to prevent the formation of tau tangles and represents the first treatment for AD at its roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest K.J. Pauwels
- Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. Boer
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Pacheco-Sánchez B, Tovar R, Ben Rabaa M, Sánchez-Salido L, Vargas A, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Rivera P. Sex-Dependent Altered Expression of Cannabinoid Signaling in Hippocampal Astrocytes of the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Implications for Controlling Astroglial Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12598. [PMID: 37628778 PMCID: PMC10454447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. In AD-associated neuroinflammation, astrocytes play a key role, finding glial activation both in patients and in animal models. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a neurolipid signaling system with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties implicated in AD. Astrocytes respond to external cannabinoid signals and also have their own cannabinoid signaling. Our main objective is to describe the cannabinoid signaling machinery present in hippocampal astrocytes from 3×Tg-AD mice to determine if they are actively involved in the neurodegenerative process. Primary cultures of astrocytes from the hippocampus of 3×Tg-AD and non-Tg offspring were carried out. We analyzed the gene expression of astrogliosis markers, the main components of the ECS and Ca2+ signaling. 3×Tg-AD hippocampal astrocytes show low inflammatory activity (Il1b, Il6, and Gls) and Ca2+ flow (P2rx5 and Mcu), associated with low cannabinoid signaling (Cnr1 and Cnr2). These results were more evident in females. Our study corroborates glial involvement in AD pathology, in which cannabinoid signaling plays an important role. 3×Tg-AD mice born with hippocampal astrocytes with differential gene expression of the ECS associated with an innate attenuation of their activity. In addition, we show that there are sex differences from birth in this AD animal, which should be considered when investigating the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pacheco-Sánchez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Rubén Tovar
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Meriem Ben Rabaa
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
- Molecular Biotechnology, FH Campus Wien, University for Applied Sciences, Favoritenstraße 222, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lourdes Sánchez-Salido
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Antonio Vargas
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana, Medicina Legal e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.P.-S.); (R.T.); (M.B.R.); (L.S.-S.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
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Çarçak N, Onat F, Sitnikova E. Astrocytes as a target for therapeutic strategies in epilepsy: current insights. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1183775. [PMID: 37583518 PMCID: PMC10423940 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1183775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are specialized non-neuronal glial cells of the central nervous system, contributing to neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission (gliotransmission). Astrocytes play a key roles in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Epilepsy, as a chronic disorder characterized by neuronal hyperexcitation and hypersynchronization, is accompanied by substantial disturbances of glial cells and impairment of astrocytic functions and neuronal signaling. Anti-seizure drugs that provide symptomatic control of seizures primarily target neural activity. In epileptic patients with inadequate control of seizures with available anti-seizure drugs, novel therapeutic candidates are needed. These candidates should treat epilepsy with anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects. Evidence from human and animal studies shows that astrocytes have value for developing new anti-seizure and anti-epileptogenic drugs. In this review, we present the key functions of astrocytes contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and synaptic activity following an etiology-based approach. We analyze the role of astrocytes in both development (epileptogenesis) and generation of seizures (ictogenesis). Several promising new strategies that attempted to modify astroglial functions for treating epilepsy are being developed: (1) selective targeting of glia-related molecular mechanisms of glutamate transport; (2) modulation of tonic GABA release from astrocytes; (3) gliotransmission; (4) targeting the astrocytic Kir4.1-BDNF system; (5) astrocytic Na+/K+/ATPase activity; (6) targeting DNA hypo- or hypermethylation of candidate genes in astrocytes; (7) targeting astrocytic gap junction regulators; (8) targeting astrocytic adenosine kinase (the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme); and (9) targeting microglia-astrocyte communication and inflammatory pathways. Novel disease-modifying therapeutic strategies have now been developed, such as astroglia-targeted gene therapy with a broad spectrum of genetic constructs to target astroglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Onat
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evgenia Sitnikova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Fujii J, Osaki T, Soma Y, Matsuda Y. Critical Roles of the Cysteine-Glutathione Axis in the Production of γ-Glutamyl Peptides in the Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098044. [PMID: 37175751 PMCID: PMC10179188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Glutamyl moiety that is attached to the cysteine (Cys) residue in glutathione (GSH) protects it from peptidase-mediated degradation. The sulfhydryl group of the Cys residue represents most of the functions of GSH, which include electron donation to peroxidases, protection of reactive sulfhydryl in proteins via glutaredoxin, and glutathione conjugation of xenobiotics, whereas Cys-derived sulfur is also a pivotal component of some redox-responsive molecules. The amount of Cys that is available tends to restrict the capacity of GSH synthesis. In in vitro systems, cystine is the major form in the extracellular milieu, and a specific cystine transporter, xCT, is essential for survival in most lines of cells and in many primary cultivated cells as well. A reduction in the supply of Cys causes GPX4 to be inhibited due to insufficient GSH synthesis, which leads to iron-dependent necrotic cell death, ferroptosis. Cells generally cannot take up GSH without the removal of γ-glutamyl moiety by γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) on the cell surface. Meanwhile, the Cys-GSH axis is essentially common to certain types of cells; primarily, neuronal cells that contain a unique metabolic system for intercellular communication concerning γ-glutamyl peptides. After a general description of metabolic processes concerning the Cys-GSH axis, we provide an overview and discuss the significance of GSH-related compounds in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Osaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yuya Soma
- Graduate School of Nursing, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsuda
- Graduate School of Nursing, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
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