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Rivera AD, Normanton JR, Butt AM, Azim K. The Genomic Intersection of Oligodendrocyte Dynamics in Schizophrenia and Aging Unravels Novel Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4452. [PMID: 38674040 PMCID: PMC11050044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084452] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a significant worldwide health concern, affecting over 20 million individuals and contributing to a potential reduction in life expectancy by up to 14.5 years. Despite its profound impact, the precise pathological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia continue to remain enigmatic, with previous research yielding diverse and occasionally conflicting findings. Nonetheless, one consistently observed phenomenon in brain imaging studies of schizophrenia patients is the disruption of white matter, the bundles of myelinated axons that provide connectivity and rapid signalling between brain regions. Myelin is produced by specialised glial cells known as oligodendrocytes, which have been shown to be disrupted in post-mortem analyses of schizophrenia patients. Oligodendrocytes are generated throughout life by a major population of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC), which are essential for white matter health and plasticity. Notably, a decline in a specific subpopulation of OPC has been identified as a principal factor in oligodendrocyte disruption and white matter loss in the aging brain, suggesting this may also be a factor in schizophrenia. In this review, we analysed genomic databases to pinpoint intersections between aging and schizophrenia and identify shared mechanisms of white matter disruption and cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127 Padua, Italy;
| | - John R. Normanton
- GliaGenesis Limited, Orchard Lea, Horns Lane, Oxfordshire, Witney OX29 8NH, UK; (J.R.N.); (K.A.)
| | - Arthur M. Butt
- GliaGenesis Limited, Orchard Lea, Horns Lane, Oxfordshire, Witney OX29 8NH, UK; (J.R.N.); (K.A.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Kasum Azim
- GliaGenesis Limited, Orchard Lea, Horns Lane, Oxfordshire, Witney OX29 8NH, UK; (J.R.N.); (K.A.)
- Independent Data Lab UG, Frauenmantelanger 31, 80937 Munich, Germany
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Zhang X, Chen C, Liu Y. Navigating the metabolic maze: anomalies in fatty acid and cholesterol processes in Alzheimer's astrocytes. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:63. [PMID: 38521950 PMCID: PMC10960454 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01430-x] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and its underlying mechanisms have been a subject of great interest. The mainstream theory of AD pathology suggests that the disease is primarily associated with tau protein and amyloid-beta (Aβ). However, an increasing body of research has revealed that abnormalities in lipid metabolism may be an important event throughout the pathophysiology of AD. Astrocytes, as important members of the lipid metabolism network in the brain, play a significant role in this event. The study of abnormal lipid metabolism in astrocytes provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of AD. This review focuses on the abnormal metabolism of fatty acids (FAs) and cholesterol in astrocytes in AD, and discusses it from three perspectives: lipid uptake, intracellular breakdown or synthesis metabolism, and efflux transport. We found that, despite the accumulation of their own fatty acids, astrocytes cannot efficiently uptake fatty acids from neurons, leading to fatty acid accumulation within neurons and resulting in lipotoxicity. In terms of cholesterol metabolism, astrocytes exhibit a decrease in endogenous synthesis due to the accumulation of exogenous cholesterol. Through a thorough investigation of these metabolic abnormalities, we can provide new insights for future therapeutic strategies by literature review to navigate this complex metabolic maze and bring hope to patients with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Chuanying Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Brain Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Kim DW, Lim JH, Cho S, Kim SH. Effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang on Brain Injury and Cognitive Function Impairment Caused by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis in a Mouse Model. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:644-655. [PMID: 38464836 PMCID: PMC10920841 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.90167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most prevalent dementia type, with no drugs approved for its treatment. Here, the effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang (BBCT) on ischemic brain injury and cognitive function impairment were investigated in a bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model. Mice were divided into sham-operated, BCAS control, L-BBCT (40 ml/kg), and H-BBCT (80 ml/kg) groups. BBCT's effects were characterized using the Y-maze test, novel object recognition test (NORT), immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. The NORT revealed cognitive function improvement in the H-BBCT group, while the Y-maze test revealed no significant difference among the four groups. The CD68+ microglia and GFAP+ astrocyte numbers were reduced in the H-BBCT group. Furthermore, H-BBCT treatment restored the dysregulation of gene expression caused by BCAS. The major BBCT targets were predicted to be cell division cycle protein 20 (CDC20), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1). BBCT regulates the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways, as predicted by KEGG and GO analyses, respectively. BBCT significantly improved cognitive impairment in a BCAS mouse model by inhibiting microglial and astrocyte activation and regulating the expression of CDC20, EGF, TRAF1, and key proteins in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Woon Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital, Daegu Haany University, 411 Saecheonnyeon-daero, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Lim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, 49, Busandaehak-ro, Yangsan-si 50612, Republic of Korea
- Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, 20 Geumo-ro, Yangsan-si 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Suin Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, 49 Busandaehak-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital, Daegu Haany University, 411 Saecheonnyeon-daero, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Role of a small GTPase Cdc42 in aging and age-related diseases. Biogerontology 2023; 24:27-46. [PMID: 36598630 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-10008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A small GTPase, Cdc42 is evolutionarily one of the most ancient members of the Rho family, which is ubiquitously expressed and involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions. The crucial role of Cdc42 includes regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell polarity, morphology and migration, endocytosis and exocytosis, cell cycle, and proliferation in many different cell types. Many studies have provided compelling yet contradicting evidence that Cdc42 dysregulation plays an important role in cellular and tissue aging. Furthermore, Cdc42 is a critical factor in the development and progression of aging-related pathologies, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes type 2, and aging-related disorders of the joints and bones, and the inhibition of the Cdc42 demonstrates potentially significant therapeutic and anti-aging effects in animal models of aging and disease. However, regulation of Cdc42 expression and activity is very complex and depends on many factors, such as the origin and complexity of the tissues, hormonal status, etc. Therefore, this review is focused on current advances in understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with Cdc42 activity and regulation of senescence in different cell types since they may provide a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies and targeted drugs to reverse the aging process and treat aging-associated disorders.
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Beadell AV, Zhang Z, Capuano AW, Bennett DA, He C, Zhang W, Arvanitakis Z. Genome-Wide Mapping Implicates 5-Hydroxymethylcytosines in Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:1135-1151. [PMID: 37182870 PMCID: PMC10490934 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221113] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a recognized risk factor for dementia. Because DM is a potentially modifiable condition, greater understanding of the mechanisms linking DM to the clinical expression of Alzheimer's disease dementia may provide insights into much needed dementia therapeutics. OBJECTIVE In this feasibility study, we investigated DM as a dementia risk factor by examining genome-wide distributions of the epigenetic DNA modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). METHODS We obtained biologic samples from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and used the highly sensitive 5hmC-Seal technique to perform genome-wide profiling of 5hmC in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from antemortem serum samples and in genomic DNA from postmortem prefrontal cortex brain tissue from 80 individuals across four groups: Alzheimer's disease neuropathologically defined (AD), DM clinically defined, AD with DM, and individuals with neither disease (controls). RESULTS Distinct 5hmC signatures and biological pathways were enriched in persons with both AD and DM versus AD alone, DM alone, or controls, including genes inhibited by EGFR signaling in oligodendroglia and those activated by constitutive RHOA. We also demonstrate the potential diagnostic value of 5hmC profiling in circulating cfDNA. Specifically, an 11-gene weighted model distinguished AD from non-AD/non-DM controls (AUC = 91.8%; 95% CI, 82.9-100.0%), while a 4-gene model distinguished DM-associated AD from AD alone (AUC = 87.9%; 95% CI, 77.5-98.3%). CONCLUSION We demonstrate in this small sample, the feasibility of detecting and characterizing 5hmC in DM-associated AD and of using 5hmC information contained in circulating cfDNA to detect AD in high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana V Beadell
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ana W Capuano
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zoe Arvanitakis
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Rivera A, Butt A, Azim K. Next generation drug connectivity mapping for acquiring therapeutic agents to differentially regulate myelination. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:797-798. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Targeting the Subventricular Zone to Promote Myelin Repair in the Aging Brain. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111809. [PMID: 35681504 PMCID: PMC9180001 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the largest and most active germinal zone in the adult forebrain. Neural stem cells (NSCs) of the SVZ generate olfactory interneurons throughout life and retain the intrinsic ability to generate oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. OLs and myelin are targets in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Remyelination is dependent on the ability of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to proliferate, migrate, and terminally differentiate into myelinating OLs. During aging, there is a gradual decrease in the regenerative capacity of OPCs, and the consequent loss of OLs and myelin is a contributing factor in cognitive decline and the failure of remyelination in MS and other pathologies with aging contexts, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and stroke. The age-related decrease in oligodendrogenesis has not been fully characterised but is known to reflect changes in intrinsic and environmental factors affecting the ability of OPCs to respond to pro-differentiation stimuli. Notably, SVZ-derived OPCs are an important source of remyelinating OLs in addition to parenchymal OPCs. In this mini-review, we briefly discuss differences between SVZ-derived and parenchymal OPCs in their responses to demyelination and highlight challenges associated with their study in vivo and how they can be targeted for regenerative therapies in the aged brain.
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