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Tetsuka H, Gobbi S, Hatanaka T, Pirrami L, Shin SR. Wirelessly steerable bioelectronic neuromuscular robots adapting neurocardiac junctions. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eado0051. [PMID: 39321274 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Biological motions of native muscle tissues rely on the nervous system to interface movement with the surrounding environment. The neural innervation of muscles, crucial for regulating movement, is the fundamental infrastructure for swiftly responding to changes in body tissue requirements. This study introduces a bioelectronic neuromuscular robot integrated with the motor nervous system through electrical synapses to evoke cardiac muscle activities and steer robotic motion. Serving as an artificial brain and wirelessly regulating selective neural activation to initiate robot fin motion, a wireless frequency multiplexing bioelectronic device is used to control the robot. Frequency multiplexing bioelectronics enables the control of the robot locomotion speed and direction by modulating the flapping of the robot fins through the wireless motor innervation of cardiac muscles. The robots demonstrated an average locomotion speed of ~0.52 ± 0.22 millimeters per second, fin-flapping frequency up to 2.0 hertz, and turning locomotion path curvature of ~0.11 ± 0.04 radians per millimeter. These systems will contribute to the expansion of biohybrid machines into the brain-to-motor frontier for developing autonomous biohybrid systems capable of advanced adaptive motor control and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tetsuka
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Research Strategy Office, Toyota Research Institute of North America, Toyota Motor North America, 1555 Woodridge Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Samuele Gobbi
- iPrint Institute, HEIA-FR, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Takaaki Hatanaka
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Research Strategy Office, Toyota Research Institute of North America, Toyota Motor North America, 1555 Woodridge Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Lorenzo Pirrami
- iPrint Institute, HEIA-FR, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Zhao T, Zeng J, Zhang R, Wang H, Pu L, Yang H, Liang J, Dai X, Fan W, Han L. Identification of Blood Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke by Integrated Analysis of Metabolomics and Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:4082-4094. [PMID: 39167481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00394] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to uncover the pathological mechanism of ischemic stroke (IS) using a combined analysis of untargeted metabolomics and proteomics. The serum samples from a discovery set of 44 IS patients and 44 matched controls were analyzed using a specific detection method. The same method was then used to validate metabolites and proteins in the two validation sets: one with 30 IS patients and 30 matched controls, and the other with 50 IS patients and 50 matched controls. A total of 105 and 221 differentially expressed metabolites or proteins were identified, and the association between the two omics was determined in the discovery set. Enrichment analysis of the top 25 metabolites and 25 proteins in the two-way orthogonal partial least-squares with discriminant analysis, which was employed to identify highly correlated biomarkers, highlighted 15 pathways relevant to the pathological process. One metabolite and seven proteins exhibited differences between groups in the validation set. The binary logistic regression model, which included metabolite 2-hydroxyhippuric acid and proteins APOM_O95445, MASP2_O00187, and PRTN3_D6CHE9, achieved an area under the curve of 0.985 (95% CI: 0.966-1) in the discovery set. This study elucidated alterations and potential coregulatory influences of metabolites and proteins in the blood of IS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Jingjing Zeng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Liyuan Pu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Huiqun Yang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Dai
- Department of Anus & Intestine Surgery, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Weinv Fan
- Department of Neurology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Liyuan Han
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
- Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Epidemiology and Translational Medicine, Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
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Lu W, Wen J. Crosstalk Among Glial Cells in the Blood-Brain Barrier Injury After Ischemic Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6161-6174. [PMID: 38279077 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03939-6] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, perivascular microglia, pericytes, neuronal processes, and the basal lamina. As a complex and dynamic interface between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS), BBB is responsible for transporting nutrients essential for the normal metabolism of brain cells and hinders many toxic compounds entering into the CNS. The loss of BBB integrity following stroke induces tissue damage, inflammation, edema, and neural dysfunction. Thus, BBB disruption is an important pathophysiological process of acute ischemic stroke. Understanding the mechanism underlying BBB disruption can uncover more promising biological targets for developing treatments for ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke-induced activation of microglia and astrocytes leads to increased production of inflammatory mediators, containing chemokines, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), etc., which are important factors in the pathological process of BBB breakdown. In this review, we discussed the current knowledges about the vital and dual roles of astrocytes and microglia on the BBB breakdown during ischemic stroke. Specifically, we provided an updated overview of phenotypic transformation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as uncovered the crosstalk among astrocyte, microglia, and oligodendrocyte in the BBB disruption following ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhuo Lu
- Medical Branch, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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4
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Lorin C, Guiet R, Chiaruttini N, Ambrosini G, Boci E, Abdellah M, Markram H, Keller D. Structural and molecular characterization of astrocyte and vasculature connectivity in the mouse hippocampus and cortex. Glia 2024. [PMID: 39007459 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24594] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The relation of astrocytic endfeet to the vasculature plays a key functional role in the neuro-glia-vasculature unit. We characterize the spatial organization of astrocytes and the structural aspects that facilitate their involvement in molecular exchanges. Using double transgenic mice, we performed co-immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and three-dimensional digital segmentation to investigate the biophysical and molecular organization of astrocytes and their intricate endfoot network at the micrometer level in the isocortex and hippocampus. The results showed that hippocampal astrocytes had smaller territories, reduced endfoot dimensions, and fewer contacts with blood vessels compared with those in the isocortex. Additionally, we found that both connexins 43 and 30 have a higher density in the endfoot and the former is overexpressed relative to the latter. However, due to the limitations of the method, further studies are needed to determine the exact localization on the endfoot. The quantitative information obtained in this study will be useful for modeling the interactions of astrocytes with the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lorin
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Guiet
- Bioimaging and Optics Platform, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Chiaruttini
- Bioimaging and Optics Platform, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Ambrosini
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elvis Boci
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marwan Abdellah
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henry Markram
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Keller
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
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C Benincasa J, Madias MI, Kandell RM, Delgado-Garcia LM, Engler AJ, Kwon EJ, Porcionatto MA. Mechanobiological Modulation of In Vitro Astrocyte Reactivity Using Variable Gel Stiffness. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4279-4296. [PMID: 38870483 PMCID: PMC11234334 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00229] [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: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
After traumatic brain injury, the brain extracellular matrix undergoes structural rearrangement due to changes in matrix composition, activation of proteases, and deposition of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans by reactive astrocytes to produce the glial scar. These changes lead to a softening of the tissue, where the stiffness of the contusion "core" and peripheral "pericontusional" regions becomes softer than that of healthy tissue. Pioneering mechanotransduction studies have shown that soft substrates upregulate intermediate filament proteins in reactive astrocytes; however, many other aspects of astrocyte biology remain unclear. Here, we developed a platform for the culture of cortical astrocytes using polyacrylamide (PA) gels of varying stiffness (measured in Pascal; Pa) to mimic injury-related regions in order to investigate the effects of tissue stiffness on astrocyte reactivity and morphology. Our results show that substrate stiffness influences astrocyte phenotype; soft 300 Pa substrates led to increased GFAP immunoreactivity, proliferation, and complexity of processes. Intermediate 800 Pa substrates increased Aggrecan+, Brevican+, and Neurocan+ astrocytes. The stiffest 1 kPa substrates led to astrocytes with basal morphologies, similar to a physiological state. These results advance our understanding of astrocyte mechanotransduction processes and provide evidence of how substrates with engineered stiffness can mimic the injury microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Benincasa
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil
| | - Marianne I Madias
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Rebecca M Kandell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Lina M Delgado-Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ester J Kwon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Marimelia A Porcionatto
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039032, Brazil
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El-Gazar AA, El-Emam SZ, M El-Sayyad S, El-Mancy SS, Fayez SM, Sheta NM, Al-Mokaddem AK, Ragab GM. Pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium mitigates repetitive mild traumatic brain injury: Regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a/BDNF/ Klotho/Foxo3a cue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112118. [PMID: 38705029 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112118] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the protective machinery of pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium (PMBS) against secondary neuronal damage triggered by mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI). After PMBS characterization in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy, the selected formula was used to investigate its potency against experimental RTBI. Five groups of rats were used; group 1 (control) and the other four groups were subjected to RTBI. Groups 2 was RTBI positive control, while 3, 4, and 5 received boswellic acid (BSA), selenium (SEL), and PMBS, respectively. The open-field behavioral test was used for behavioral assessment. Subsequently, brain tissues were utilized for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting, and ELISA in addition to evaluating microRNA expression (miR-155 and miR-146a). The behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation triggered by RTBI were all improved by PMBS. Moreover, PMBS mitigated excessive glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the dysregulation in miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Besides, connexin43 (Cx43) expression as well as klotho and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated with diminished neuronal cell death and apoptosis because of reduced Forkhead Box class O3a(Foxo3a) expression in the PMBS-treated group. The current study has provided evidence of the benefits produced by incorporating BSA and SEL in PEGylated polymeric micelles formula. PMBS is a promising therapy for RTBI. Its beneficial effects are attributed to the manipulation of many pathways, including the regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression, as well as the BDNF /Klotho/Foxo3a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira A El-Gazar
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Soad Z El-Emam
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shorouk M El-Sayyad
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shereen S El-Mancy
- Pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sahar M Fayez
- Pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nermin M Sheta
- Pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K Al-Mokaddem
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Ragab
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza 12585, Egypt
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Yang XM, Yu H, Li JX, Li N, Li C, Xu DH, Zhang H, Fang TH, Wang SJ, Yan PY, Han BB. Excitotoxic Storms of Ischemic Stroke: A Non-neuronal Perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04184-7. [PMID: 38662299 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04184-7] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Numerous neurological disorders share a fatal pathologic process known as glutamate excitotoxicity. Among which, ischemic stroke is the major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. For a long time, the main idea of developing anti-excitotoxic neuroprotective agents was to block glutamate receptors. Despite this, there has been little successful clinical translation to date. After decades of "neuron-centered" views, a growing number of studies have recently revealed the importance of non-neuronal cells. Glial cells, cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, blood cells, and so forth are extensively engaged in glutamate synthesis, release, reuptake, and metabolism. They also express functional glutamate receptors and can listen and respond for fast synaptic transmission. This broadens the thoughts of developing excitotoxicity antagonists. In this review, the critical contribution of non-neuronal cells in glutamate excitotoxicity during ischemic stroke will be emphasized in detail, and the latest research progress as well as corresponding therapeutic strategies will be updated at length, aiming to reconceptualize glutamate excitotoxicity in a non-neuronal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Man Yang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Han Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-He Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Jun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
- Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bing-Bing Han
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
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Yu Y, Liao X, Xie X, Li Q, Chen X, Liu R. The role of neuroglial cells communication in ischemic stroke. Brain Res Bull 2024; 209:110910. [PMID: 38423190 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110910] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, but its treatment options are limited due to therapeutic window and reperfusion injury constraints. Microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are the major components of the neurovascular unit, and there is substantial evidence suggesting their contributions to maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system. Neuroglial cells participate in neuronal physiological functions and the repair of damaged neurons through various communication methods, including gap junctions, chemical signaling, and extracellular vesicles, in conjunction with other components of the neurovascular unit. Ischemia-induced microglia and astrocytes polarize into "M1/M2" and "A1/A2" phenotypes and exert neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects by releasing soluble factors, secreting extracellular vesicles, and forming syncytia networks in the acute (<72 h), subacute (>72 h), and chronic phases (>6 weeks). Apoptosis of oligodendrocytes due to ischemic hypoxia leads to white matter injury, causing long-term cognitive dysfunction, and promoting oligodendrogenesis is a crucial direction for achieving functional recovery in ischemic stroke. In this article, we summarize the cellular interactions following cerebral ischemia, analyze the roles of neuroglial cells through gap junctions, chemical signaling, and extracellular vesicles in different stages of ischemic stroke, and further explore strategies for intervening in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xinglan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xinyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Qihua Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xuehong Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Ruizhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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Koukalova L, Chmelova M, Amlerova Z, Vargova L. Out of the core: the impact of focal ischemia in regions beyond the penumbra. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1336886. [PMID: 38504666 PMCID: PMC10948541 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1336886] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in the necrotic core and the penumbra following induction of focal ischemia have been the focus of attention for some time. However, evidence shows, that ischemic injury is not confined to the primarily affected structures and may influence the remote areas as well. Yet many studies fail to probe into the structures beyond the penumbra, and possibly do not even find any significant results due to their short-term design, as secondary damage occurs later. This slower reaction can be perceived as a therapeutic opportunity, in contrast to the ischemic core defined as irreversibly damaged tissue, where the window for salvation is comparatively short. The pathologies in remote structures occur relatively frequently and are clearly linked to the post-stroke neurological outcome. In order to develop efficient therapies, a deeper understanding of what exactly happens in the exo-focal regions is necessary. The mechanisms of glia contribution to the ischemic damage in core/penumbra are relatively well described and include impaired ion homeostasis, excessive cell swelling, glutamate excitotoxic mechanism, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytosis or damage propagation via astrocytic syncytia. However, little is known about glia involvement in post-ischemic processes in remote areas. In this literature review, we discuss the definitions of the terms "ischemic core", "penumbra" and "remote areas." Furthermore, we present evidence showing the array of structural and functional changes in the more remote regions from the primary site of focal ischemia, with a special focus on glia and the extracellular matrix. The collected information is compared with the processes commonly occurring in the ischemic core or in the penumbra. Moreover, the possible causes of this phenomenon and the approaches for investigation are described, and finally, we evaluate the efficacy of therapies, which have been studied for their anti-ischemic effect in remote areas in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Koukalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Chmelova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Amlerova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Lu Y, Li M, Zhuang Y, Lin Z, Nie B, Lei J, Zhao Y, Zhao H. Combination of fMRI and PET reveals the beneficial effect of three-phase enriched environment on post-stroke memory deficits by enhancing plasticity of brain connectivity between hippocampus and peri-hippocampal cortex. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14466. [PMID: 37752881 PMCID: PMC10916434 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The three-phase enriched environment (EE) intervention paradigm has been shown to improve learning and memory function after cerebral ischemia, but the neuronal mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the hippocampal-cortical connectivity and the metabolic interactions between neurons and astrocytes to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of EE-induced memory improvement after stroke. METHODS Rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) or sham surgery and housed in standard environment or EE for 30 days. Memory function was examined by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted to detect the structural and functional changes. [18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was conducted to detect brain energy metabolism. PET-based brain connectivity and network analysis was performed to study the changes of hippocampal-cortical connectivity. Astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, including gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), glucose transporters (GLUTs), and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), was detected by histological studies. RESULTS Our results showed EE promoted memory function improvement, protected structure integrity, and benefited energy metabolism after stroke. More importantly, EE intervention significantly increased functional connectivity between the hippocampus and peri-hippocampal cortical regions, and specifically regulated the level of Cx43, GLUTs and MCTs in the hippocampus and cortex. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the three-phase enriched environment paradigm enhanced hippocampal-cortical connectivity plasticity and ameliorated post-stroke memory deficits. These findings might provide some new clues for the development of EE and thus facilitate the clinical transformation of EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Mingcong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Yuming Zhuang
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Ziyue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Binbin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianfeng Lei
- Core Facilities CenterCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Core Facilities CenterCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory ResearchBeijingChina
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Shiadeh SMJ, Goretta F, Svedin P, Jansson T, Mallard C, Ardalan M. Long-term impact of maternal obesity on the gliovascular unit and ephrin signaling in the hippocampus of adult offspring. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38308309 PMCID: PMC10837922 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03030-w] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk of developing mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Experimental studies have reported structural changes in the brain such as the gliovascular unit as well as activation of neuroinflammatory cells as a part of neuroinflammation processing in aged offspring of obese mothers. However, the molecular mechanisms linking maternal obesity to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes are not well established. The ephrin system plays a major role in a variety of cellular processes including cell-cell interaction, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation. Therefore, in this study we determined the impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on cortical, hippocampal development, vasculature and ephrin-A3/EphA4-signaling, in the adult offspring in mice. METHODS Maternal obesity was induced in mice by a high fat/high sugar Western type of diet (HF/HS). We collected brain tissue (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) from 6-month-old offspring of obese and lean (control) dams. Hippocampal volume, cortical thickness, myelination of white matter, density of astrocytes and microglia in relation to their activity were analyzed using 3-D stereological quantification. mRNA expression of ephrin-A3, EphA4 and synaptic markers were measured by qPCR in the brain tissue. Moreover, expression of gap junction protein connexin-43, lipocalin-2, and vascular CD31/Aquaporin 4 were determined in the hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Volume of hippocampus and cortical thickness were significantly smaller, and myelination impaired, while mRNA levels of hippocampal EphA4 and post-synaptic density (PSD) 95 were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the offspring of obese dams as compared to offspring of controls. Further analysis of the hippocampal gliovascular unit indicated higher coverage of capillaries by astrocytic end-feet, expression of connexin-43 and lipocalin-2 in endothelial cells in the offspring of obese dams. In addition, offspring of obese dams demonstrated activation of microglia together with higher density of cells, while astrocyte cell density was lower. CONCLUSION Maternal obesity affects brain size, impairs myelination, disrupts the hippocampal gliovascular unit and decreases the mRNA expression of EphA4 and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of adult offspring. These results indicate that the vasculature-glia cross-talk may be an important mediator of altered synaptic plasticity, which could be a link between maternal obesity and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fanny Goretta
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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12
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Gupta S, Khan J, Ghosh S. Molecular mechanism of cognitive impairment associated with Parkinson's disease: A stroke perspective. Life Sci 2024; 337:122358. [PMID: 38128756 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122358] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurological illness that causes several motor and non-motor symptoms, most characteristically limb tremors and bradykinesia. PD is a slowly worsening disease that arises due to progressive neurodegeneration of specific areas of the brain, especially the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Even though PD has continuously been linked to a higher mortality risk in numerous epidemiologic studies, there have been significant discoveries regarding the connection between PD and stroke. The incidence of strokes such as cerebral infarction and hemorrhage is substantially associated with the development of PD. Moreover, cognitive impairments, primarily dementia, have been associated with stroke and PD. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of this phenomenon is still obscure. This concise review focuses on the relationship between stroke and PD, emphasizing the molecular mechanism of cognition deficit and memory loss evident in PD and stroke. Furthermore, we are also highlighting some potential drug molecules that can target both PD and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanju Gupta
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-Jodhpur), Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Juhee Khan
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-Jodhpur), Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-Jodhpur), Rajasthan 342037, India.
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13
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Lavriha P, Qi C, Korkhov VM. Expression, Purification, and Nanodisc Reconstitution of Connexin-43 Hemichannels for Structural Characterization by Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2801:29-43. [PMID: 38578411 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3842-2_3] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Connexins are polytopic domain membrane proteins that form hexameric hemichannels (HCs) which can assemble into gap junction channels (GJCs) at the interface of two neighboring cells. The HCs may be involved in ion and small-molecule transport across the cellular plasma membrane in response to various stimuli. Despite their importance, relatively few structures of connexin HCs are available to date, compared to the structures of the GJCs. Here, we describe a protocol for expression, purification, and nanodisc reconstitution of connexin-43 (Cx43) HCs, which we have recently structurally characterized using cryo-EM analysis. Application of similar protocols to other connexin family members will lead to breakthroughs in the understanding of the structure and function of connexin HCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Lavriha
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Chao Qi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr M Korkhov
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Riew TR, Hwang JW, Jin X, Kim HL, Jung SJ, Lee MY. Astrocytes are involved in the formation of corpora amylacea-like structures from neuronal debris in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus after ischemia. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1308247. [PMID: 38188667 PMCID: PMC10766773 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1308247] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that the corpora amylacea (CA), a glycoprotein-rich aggregate frequently found in aged brains, accumulates in the ischemic hippocampus and that osteopontin (OPN) mediates the entire process of CA formation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which astrocytes and microglia participate in CA formation during the late phase (4-12 weeks) of brain ischemia. Based on various morphological analyses, including immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, immunoelectron microscopy, and correlative light and electron microscopy, we propose that astrocytes are the primary cells responsible for CA formation after ischemia. During the subacute phase after ischemia, astrocytes, rather than microglia, express Opn messenger ribonucleic acid and OPN protein, a surrogate marker and key component of CA. Furthermore, the specific localization of OPN in the Golgi complex suggests that it is synthesized and secreted by astrocytes. Astrocytes were in close proximity to type I OPN deposits, which accumulated in the mitochondria of degenerating neurons before fully forming the CA (type III OPN deposits). Throughout CA formation, astrocytes remained closely attached to OPN deposits, with their processes exhibiting well-developed gap junctions. Astrocytic cytoplasmic protein S100β, a calcium-binding protein, was detected within the fully formed CA. Additionally, ultrastructural analysis revealed direct contact between astroglial fibrils and the forming facets of the CA. Overall, we demonstrated that astrocytes play a central role in mediating CA formation from the initial stages of OPN deposit accumulation to the evolution of fully formed CA following transient ischemia in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Ryong Riew
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Hwang
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuyan Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Lim Kim
- Integrative Research Support Center, Laboratory of Electron Microscope, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sharon Jiyoon Jung
- Technological Convergence Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mun-Yong Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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15
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Chen X, Wang W, Li H, Zhang X. Enriched environment alleviates neurological deficits via downregulation of Cx43 after experimental stroke. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148619. [PMID: 37805009 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148619] [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] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
While it has been demonstrated that enriched environment (EE) can protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a key component of gap junctions, which may mediate cell-to-cell communication in neural cells. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of EE against cerebral I/R injury in rats by modulating Cx43. A rat model of cerebral I/R injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into the sham, MCAO, MCAO + EE, MCAO + Gap19, and MCAO + EE + Gap19 groups. The modified neurological severity score test and Morris water maze assay were used to assess neurological deficits. The infarct volume was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Neuronal survival was detected by immunofluorescence. The indices of oxidative stress were determined using ELISA, and the reactive oxygen species levels were determined using a dihydroethidium probe. Cx43 and inflammation-related protein expression levels were also measured using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. EE and Gap19 treatment significantly improved neurological deficits, reduced infarct volumes, attenuated neuronal injury, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress. Furthermore, EE and Gap19 treatment notably downregulated the expression of Cx43 and the inflammation-related pathway TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in the ischemic penumbra. Gap19, a Cx43 inhibitor, markedly enhanced the neuroprotective effects of EE in rats with cerebral I/R injury. EE treatment protects against cerebral I/R injury in rats via Cx43 downregulation. Our findings may shed light on the mechanism underlying the protective efficacy of EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wansong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Ruijin 2rd, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Street, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China.
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16
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Sosa MJ, Shih AY, Bonney SK. The elusive brain perivascular fibroblast: a potential role in vascular stability and homeostasis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1283434. [PMID: 38075961 PMCID: PMC10704358 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1283434] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In the brain, perivascular fibroblasts (PVFs) reside within the perivascular spaces (PVSs) of arterioles and large venules, however their physiological and pathophysiological roles remain largely unknown. PVFs express numerous extracellular matrix proteins that are found in the basement membrane and PVS surrounding large diameter vessels. PVFs are sandwiched between the mural cell layer and astrocytic endfeet, where they are poised to interact with mural cells, perivascular macrophages, and astrocytes. We draw connections between the more well-studied PVF pro-fibrotic response in ischemic injury and the less understood thickening of the vascular wall and enlargement of the PVS described in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. We postulate that PVFs may be responsible for stability and homeostasis of the brain vasculature, and may also contribute to changes within the PVS during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Sosa
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andy Y. Shih
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stephanie K. Bonney
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
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18
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Jazaeri SZ, Taghizadeh G, Babaei JF, Goudarzi S, Saadatmand P, Joghataei MT, Khanahmadi Z. Aquaporin 4 beyond a water channel; participation in motor, sensory, cognitive and psychological performances, a comprehensive review. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114353. [PMID: 37714320 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114353] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is a protein highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) as well as various other organs, whose different sites of action indicate its importance in various functions. AQP4 has a variety of essential roles beyond water homeostasis. In this article, we have for the first time summarized different roles of AQP4 in motor and sensory functions, besides cognitive and psychological performances, and most importantly, possible physiological mechanisms by which AQP4 can exert its effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AQP4 participates in pathology of different neurological disorders, various effects depending on the disease type. Since neurological diseases involve a spectrum of dysfunctions and due to the difficulty of obtaining a treatment that can simultaneously affect these deficits, it is therefore suggested that future studies consider the role of this protein in different functional impairments related to neurological disorders simultaneously or separately by targeting AQP4 expression and/or polarity modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Zohreh Jazaeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Fahanik Babaei
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Goudarzi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Saadatmand
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Zohreh Khanahmadi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Services, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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19
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Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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20
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Eitelmann S, Everaerts K, Petersilie L, Rose CR, Stephan J. Ca 2+-dependent rapid uncoupling of astrocytes upon brief metabolic stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1151608. [PMID: 37886111 PMCID: PMC10598858 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1151608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytic gap junctional coupling is a major element in neuron-glia interaction. There is strong evidence that impaired coupling is involved in neurological disorders. Reduced coupling was, e.g., demonstrated for core regions of ischemic stroke that suffer from massive cell death. In the surrounding penumbra, cells may recover, but recovery is hampered by spreading depolarizations, which impose additional metabolic stress onto the tissue. Spreading depolarizations are characterized by transient breakdown of cellular ion homeostasis, including pH and Ca2+, which might directly affect gap junctional coupling. Here, we exposed acute mouse neocortical tissue slices to brief metabolic stress and examined its effects on the coupling strength between astrocytes. Changes in gap junctional coupling were assessed by recordings of the syncytial isopotentiality. Moreover, quantitative ion imaging was performed in astrocytes to analyze the mechanisms triggering the observed changes. Our experiments show that a 2-minute perfusion of tissue slices with blockers of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation causes a rapid uncoupling in half of the recorded cells. They further indicate that uncoupling is not mediated by the accompanying (moderate) intracellular acidification. Dampening large astrocytic Ca2+ loads by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blocking Ca2+ influx pathways as well as a pharmacological inhibition of calmodulin, however, prevent the uncoupling. Taken together, we conclude that astrocytes exposed to brief episodes of metabolic stress can undergo a rapid, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent uncoupling. Such uncoupling may help to confine and reduce cellular damage in the ischemic penumbra in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jonathan Stephan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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21
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Darvishmolla M, Saeedi N, Tavassoli Z, Heysieattalab S, Janahmadi M, Hosseinmardi N. Maladaptive plasticity induced by morphine is mediated by hippocampal astrocytic Connexin-43. Life Sci 2023; 330:121969. [PMID: 37541575 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121969] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Drug addiction is an aberrant learning process that involves the recruitment of memory systems. We have previously demonstrated that morphine exposure causes maladaptive synaptic plasticity which involved hippocampal glial cells, especially astrocytes. Morphine addiction has been associated with astrocytic connexin 43 (Cx43), which plays a role in synaptic homeostasis. This study aimed to examine the role of hippocampal astrocytic Cx43 in morphine-induced maladaptive plasticity as a mechanism of addiction. MAIN METHODS Male rats were injected with morphine (10 mg/kg) subcutaneously every 12 h for nine days to induce dependence. Cx43 was inhibited by TAT-Gap19 (1 μl/1 nmol) microinjection in the CA1 region of the hippocampus 30 min before each morning morphine injection. Field potential recordings were used to assess synaptic plasticity. fEPSP was recorded from the CA1 area following CA3 stimulation. KEY FINDINGS Electrophysiological results showed that morphine treatment altered baseline synaptic responses. It also appears that morphine treatment augmented long-term potentiation (LTP) compared with the control group. Hippocampal astrocytic Cx43 inhibition, with the TAT-Gap19, undermines these effects of morphine on baseline synaptic responses and LTP. Despite this, long-term depression (LTD) did not differ significantly between the groups. Additionally, in the morphine-receiving group, inhibition of Cx43 significantly reduced the paired-pulse index at an 80-millisecond inter-pulse interval when assessing short-term plasticity. SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study demonstrated that inhibiting Cx43 reduced synaptic plasticity induced by morphine. It can be concluded that hippocampal astrocytes through Cx43 are involved in morphine-induced metaplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahgol Darvishmolla
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Saeedi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Tavassoli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Zhang M, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43 Phosphorylation: Implications in Multiple Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:4914. [PMID: 37446576 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is most widely distributed in mammals, especially in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Its phosphorylation state has been found to be regulated by the action of more than ten kinases and phosphatases, including mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signaling and regulating kinase signaling. In addition, the phosphorylation status of different phosphorylation sites affects its own synthesis and assembly and the function of the gap junctions (GJs) to varying degrees. The phosphorylation of Cx43 can affect the permeability, electrical conductivity, and gating properties of GJs, thereby having various effects on intercellular communication and affecting physiological or pathological processes in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between Cx43 phosphorylation and specific disease processes will help us better understand the disease. Based on the above clinical and preclinical findings, we present in this review the functional significance of Cx43 phosphorylation in multiple diseases and discuss the potential of Cx43 as a drug target in Cx43-related disease pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the importance of connexin 43 as an emerging therapeutic target in cardiac and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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23
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
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24
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Liang Z, Lou Y, Hao Y, Li H, Feng J, Liu S. The Relationship of Astrocytes and Microglia with Different Stages of Ischemic Stroke. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2465-2480. [PMID: 37464832 PMCID: PMC10616922 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230718104634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the predominant cause of severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. Post-stroke neuroinflammation has recently received increasing attention with the aim of providing a new effective treatment strategy for ischemic stroke. Microglia and astrocytes are major components of the innate immune system of the central nervous system. They can be involved in all phases of ischemic stroke, from the early stage, contributing to the first wave of neuronal cell death, to the late stage involving phagocytosis and repair. In the early stage of ischemic stroke, a vicious cycle exists between the activation of microglia and astrocytes (through astrocytic connexin 43 hemichannels), aggravating neuroinflammatory injury post-stroke. However, in the late stage of ischemic stroke, repeatedly activated microglia can induce the formation of glial scars by triggering reactive astrogliosis in the peri-infarct regions, which may limit the movement of activated microglia in reverse and restrict the diffusion of inflammation to healthy brain tissues, alleviating the neuroinflammatory injury poststroke. In this review, we elucidated the various roles of astrocytes and microglia and summarized their relationship with neuroinflammation. We also examined how astrocytes and microglia influence each other at different stages of ischemic stroke. Several potential therapeutic approaches targeting astrocytes and microglia in ischemic stroke have been reviewed. Understanding the details of astrocytemicroglia interaction processes will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke, contributing to the identification of new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingyue Lou
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulei Hao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiachun Feng
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Songyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Soden PA, Henderson AR, Lee E. A Microfluidic Model of AQP4 Polarization Dynamics and Fluid Transport in the Healthy and Inflamed Human Brain: The First Step Towards Glymphatics-on-a-Chip. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200027. [PMID: 35922370 PMCID: PMC9771879 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-dependent glymphatic waste clearance pathway has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is difficult to unravel the causative relationship between glymphatic dysfunction, AQP4 depolarization, protein aggregation, and inflammation in neurodegeneration using animal models alone. There is currently a clear, unmet need for in vitro models of the brain's waterscape, and the first steps towards a bona fide "glymphatics-on-a-chip" are taken in the present study. It is demonstrated that chronic exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), amyloid-β(1-42) oligomers, and an AQP4 inhibitor impairs the drainage of fluid and amyloid-β(1-40) tracer in a gliovascular unit (GVU)-on-a-chip model containing human astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells. The LPS-induced drainage impairment is partially retained following cell lysis, indicating that neuroinflammation induces parallel changes in cell-dependent and matrisome-dependent fluid transport pathways in GVU-on-a-chip. Additionally, AQP4 depolarization is observed following LPS treatment, suggesting that LPS-induced drainage impairments on-chip may be driven in part by changes in AQP4-dependent fluid dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Soden
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Aria R Henderson
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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26
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Peng L, Hu G, Yao Q, Wu J, He Z, Law BYK, Hu G, Zhou X, Du J, Wu A, Yu L. Microglia autophagy in ischemic stroke: A double-edged sword. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1013311. [PMID: 36466850 PMCID: PMC9708732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the major types of cerebrovascular diseases causing neurological morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the pathophysiological process of IS, microglia play a beneficial role in tissue repair. However, it could also cause cellular damage, consequently leading to cell death. Inflammation is characterized by the activation of microglia, and increasing evidence showed that autophagy interacts with inflammation through regulating correlative mediators and signaling pathways. In this paper, we summarized the beneficial and harmful effects of microglia in IS. In addition, we discussed the interplay between microglia autophagy and ischemic inflammation, as along with its application in the treatment of IS. We believe this could help to provide the theoretical references for further study into IS and treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Medicine Imaging, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guangqiang Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qianfang Yao
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ziyang He
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guishan Hu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhou
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Junrong Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems of Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmacology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anguo Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Medicine Imaging, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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27
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Interactions Between Astrocytes and Oligodendroglia in Myelin Development and Related Brain Diseases. Neurosci Bull 2022; 39:541-552. [PMID: 36370324 PMCID: PMC10043111 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00981-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAstrocytes (ASTs) and oligodendroglial lineage cells (OLGs) are major macroglial cells in the central nervous system. ASTs communicate with each other through connexin (Cx) and Cx-based network structures, both of which allow for quick transport of nutrients and signals. Moreover, ASTs interact with OLGs through connexin (Cx)-mediated networks to modulate various physiological processes in the brain. In this article, following a brief description of the infrastructural basis of the glial networks and exocrine factors by which ASTs and OLGs may crosstalk, we focus on recapitulating how the interactions between these two types of glial cells modulate myelination, and how the AST-OLG interactions are involved in protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulating synaptogenesis and neural activity. Recent studies further suggest that AST-OLG interactions are associated with myelin-related diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying AST-OLG interactions may inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies for related brain diseases.
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28
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Reyes EY, Shinohara ML. Host immune responses in the central nervous system during fungal infections. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:50-74. [PMID: 35672656 PMCID: PMC9489659 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13101] [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] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections in the central nervous system (CNS) cause high morbidity and mortality. The frequency of CNS mycosis has increased over the last two decades as more individuals go through immunocompromised conditions for various reasons. Nevertheless, options for clinical interventions for CNS mycoses are still limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the host-pathogen interaction mechanisms in CNS mycoses for developing novel treatments. Although the CNS has been regarded as an immune-privileged site, recent studies demonstrate the critical involvement of immune responses elicited by CNS-resident and CNS-infiltrated cells during fungal infections. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of fungal invasion in the CNS, fungal pathogen detection by CNS-resident cells (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons), roles of CNS-infiltrated leukocytes, and host immune responses. We consider that understanding host immune responses in the CNS is crucial for endeavors to develop treatments for CNS mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefany Y. Reyes
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Mari L. Shinohara
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
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29
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Ariza-Salamanca DF, Corrales-Hernández MG, Pachón-Londoño MJ, Hernández-Duarte I. Molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to catatonia: an integrative approach from clinical and preclinical evidence. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:993671. [PMID: 36245923 PMCID: PMC9558725 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.993671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to describe the clinical spectrum of catatonia, in order to carefully assess the involvement of astrocytes, neurons, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, and articulate the available preclinical and clinical evidence to achieve a translational understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this disorder. Catatonia is highly common in psychiatric and acutely ill patients, with prevalence ranging from 7.6% to 38%. It is usually present in different psychiatric conditions such as mood and psychotic disorders; it is also a consequence of folate deficiency, autoimmunity, paraneoplastic disorders, and even autistic spectrum disorders. Few therapeutic options are available due to its complexity and poorly understood physiopathology. We briefly revisit the traditional treatments used in catatonia, such as antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy, and benzodiazepines, before assessing novel therapeutics which aim to modulate molecular pathways through different mechanisms, including NMDA antagonism and its allosteric modulation, and anti-inflammatory drugs to modulate microglia reaction and mitigate oxidative stress, such as lithium, vitamin B12, and NMDAr positive allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
- Medical and Health Sciences Education Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María José Pachón-Londoño
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Isabella Hernández-Duarte
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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30
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Mishchenko TA, Yarkov RS, Saviuk MO, Krivonosov MI, Perenkov AD, Gudkov SV, Vedunova MV. Unravelling Contributions of Astrocytic Connexin 43 to the Functional Activity of Brain Neuron-Glial Networks under Hypoxic State In Vitro. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:948. [PMID: 36295708 PMCID: PMC9609249 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Brain hypoxia remains an Achilles' heel for public health that must be urgently addressed. Hypoxic damage affects both neurons and glial cells, particularly astrocytes, which are in close dynamic bi-directional communication, and are organized in plastic and tightly regulated networks. However, astroglial networks have received limited attention regarding their influence on the adaptive functional rearrangements of neural networks to oxygen deficiency. Herein, against the background of astrocytic Cx43 gap junction blockade by the selective blocker Gap19, we evaluated the features of spontaneous calcium activity and network characteristics of cells in primary cultures of the cerebral cortex, as well as the expression levels of metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 (mGluR2) and 5 (mGluR5) in the early and late periods after simulated hypoxia in vitro. We showed that, under normoxic conditions, blockade of Cx43 leads to an increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR2 and mGluR5 and long-term modulation of spontaneous calcium activity in primary cortical cultures, primarily expressed in the restructuring of the functional architectonics of neuron-glial networks through reducing the level of correlation between cells in the network and the percentage of existing correlated connections between cells. Blocking Cx43 during hypoxic injury has a pronounced neuroprotective effect. Together with the increased expression of mGluR5 receptors, a decrease in mGluR2 expression to the physiological level was found, which suggests the triggering of alternative molecular mechanisms of cell adaptation to hypoxia. Importantly, the blockade of Cx43 in hypoxic damage contributed to the maintenance of both the main parameters of the spontaneous calcium activity of primary cortical cultures and the functional architectonics of neuron-glial networks while maintaining the profile of calcium oscillations and calcium signal communications between cells at a highly correlated level. Our results demonstrate the crucial importance of astrocytic networks in functional brain adaptation to hypoxic damage and could be a promising target for the development of rational anti-hypoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Mishchenko
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Roman S. Yarkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Mariia O. Saviuk
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail I. Krivonosov
- Institute of Information, Technology, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey D. Perenkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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31
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
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32
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GJA1/CX43 High Expression Levels in the Cervical Spinal Cord of ALS Patients Correlate to Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammatory Profile. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092246. [PMID: 36140348 PMCID: PMC9496195 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motoneurons (MNs) with a fatal outcome. The typical degeneration of cortico-spinal, spinal, and bulbar MNs, observed in post-mortem biopsies, is associated with the activation of neuroimmune cells. GJA1, a member of the connexins (Cxs) gene family, encodes for connexin 43 (Cx43), a core gap junctions (GJs)- and hemichannels (HCs)-forming protein, involved in cell death, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, Cx43 expression was found to play a role in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we used microarray and RNA-seq datasets from the NCBI of the spinal cord of control (NDC) and ALS patients, which were stratified according to the GJA1 gene expression. Genes that positively or negatively correlated to GJA1 expression were used to perform a genomic deconvolution analysis (GDA) using neuroimmune signatures. Expression analysis revealed a significantly higher GJA1 expression in the MNs of ALS patients as compared to NDC. Gene deconvolution analysis revealed that positively correlated genes were associated with microglia activation, whereas negatively correlated genes were associated with neuronal activation profiles. Moreover, gene ontology analysis, performed on genes characterizing either microglia or neuronal signature, indicated immune activation or neurogenesis as main biological processes. Finally, using a synthetic analysis of drugs able to revert the GJA1 transcriptomic signatures, we found a specific drug profile for ALS patients with high GJA1 expression levels, composed of amlodipine, sertraline, and prednisolone. In conclusion, our exploratory study suggests GJA1 as a new neuro-immunological gene correlated to microglial cellular profile in the spinal cord of ALS patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of drugs able to revert typical GJA1/CX43 signature in ALS patients
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Corrales-Hernández MG, Ortiz-Vergara MC, Cormane-Alfaro V, Luque-Bernal RM, Calderon-Ospina CA, Cediel-Becerra JF. Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Neurodevelopment, Neurological Diseases, and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2237. [PMID: 36140338 PMCID: PMC9496069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for proper embryonic development and its dysfunction may lead to disease. Recent research has drawn attention to a new group of molecules called connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs). Cxs have been described for more than forty years as pivotal regulators of embryogenesis; however, the exact mechanism by which they provide this regulation has not been clearly elucidated. Consequently, Cxs and Panxs have been linked to congenital neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and, more recently, chronic hemichannel opening has been associated with adult neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions formed by hexameric assemblies of Cxs, known as connexons, is believed to be a crucial component in developmental regulation. As for Panxs, despite being topologically similar to Cxs, they predominantly seem to form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space and, despite recent research into Panx1 (Pannexin 1) expression in different regions of the brain during the embryonic phase, it has been studied to a lesser degree. When it comes to the nervous system, Cxs and Panxs play an important role in early stages of neuronal development with a wide span of action ranging from cellular migration during early stages to neuronal differentiation and system circuitry formation. In this review, we describe the most recent available evidence regarding the molecular and structural aspects of Cx and Panx channels, their role in neurodevelopment, congenital and adult neurological diseases, and finally propose how pharmacological modulation of these channels could modify the pathogenesis of some diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Valeria Cormane-Alfaro
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal
- Anatomy and Embriology Units, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- GENIUROS Research Group, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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Sato Y, Falcone-Juengert J, Tominaga T, Su H, Liu J. Remodeling of the Neurovascular Unit Following Cerebral Ischemia and Hemorrhage. Cells 2022; 11:2823. [PMID: 36139398 PMCID: PMC9496956 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Formulated as a group effort of the stroke community, the transforming concept of the neurovascular unit (NVU) depicts the structural and functional relationship between brain cells and the vascular structure. Composed of both neural and vascular elements, the NVU forms the blood-brain barrier that regulates cerebral blood flow to meet the oxygen demand of the brain in normal physiology and maintain brain homeostasis. Conversely, the dysregulation and dysfunction of the NVU is an essential pathological feature that underlies neurological disorders spanning from chronic neurodegeneration to acute cerebrovascular events such as ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage, which were the focus of this review. We also discussed how common vascular risk factors of stroke predispose the NVU to pathological changes. We synthesized existing literature and first provided an overview of the basic structure and function of NVU, followed by knowledge of how these components remodel in response to ischemic stroke and brain hemorrhage. A greater understanding of the NVU dysfunction and remodeling will enable the design of targeted therapies and provide a valuable foundation for relevant research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimichi Sato
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, SFVAMC, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Jaime Falcone-Juengert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, SFVAMC, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Teiji Tominaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Anesthesia, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jialing Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, SFVAMC, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Ding Z, Jiang N, Yang T, Han H, Hou M, Kumar G, Wu Y, Song L, Li X, Ma C, Su Y. Mapping the research trends of astrocytes in stroke: A bibliometric analysis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:949521. [PMID: 36159395 PMCID: PMC9492963 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.949521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke, including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, possesses complex pathological mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and blood-brain barrier damage. Astrocyte functions have been reported during injury, neuroprotection and cell crosstalk. It plays a key role in exacerbating stroke injury, promoting neurological repair and enhancing neuroregeneration. Aim This holistic bibliometric analysis aimed to provide a general overview of the recent advancement and the hotspots in the field of stroke and astrocyte from 2001 to 2021. Materials and methods Publications between 2001 and 2021, related to stroke and astrocyte were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) and analyzed in Gephi and VOSviewer. Results In total, 3789 documents were extracted from the WOS databases. The publications showed stable growth since 2001. The United States and China were the most prolific countries and University of California San Francisco and Oakland University were the most influential institutes. The top four most productive journals were Brain Research, Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Glia and Journal of Neuroinflammation. Keywords frequency and co-occurrence analysis revealed that the topics related to “micro-RNA”, “toll like receptor”, “neuroinflammation”, “autophagy” and “interleukin” were research frontiers. The field of stroke and astrocyte focused on several aspects, such as the role of astrocytes in the treatment of stroke, metabolic changes in astrocytes, the protective role of apoptosis in astrocytes after oxidative stress injury and neurovascular units. Conclusion This comprehensive bibliometric study provides an updated perspective on the trend of research associated with stroke and astrocyte. It will benefit scientific community to identify the important issues, future directions and provide a novel understanding of stroke pathophysiology, hotspots and frontiers to facilitate future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Ding
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hongxia Han
- Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Miaomiao Hou
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yige Wu
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lijuan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Cungen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- *Correspondence: Cungen Ma,
| | - Yanbing Su
- General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Yanbing Su,
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McDouall A, Zhou KQ, Bennet L, Green CR, Gunn AJ, Davidson JO. Connexins, Pannexins and Gap Junctions in Perinatal Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1445. [PMID: 35740466 PMCID: PMC9220888 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal brain injury secondary to hypoxia-ischemia and/or infection/inflammation remains a major cause of disability. Therapeutic hypothermia significantly improves outcomes, but in randomized controlled trials nearly half of infants still died or survived with disability, showing that additional interventions are needed. There is growing evidence that brain injury spreads over time from injured to previously uninjured regions of the brain. At least in part, this spread is related to opening of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, both of which are large conductance membrane channels found in many brain cells. Opening of these membrane channels releases adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and other neuroactive molecules, into the extracellular space. ATP has an important role in normal signaling, but pathologically can trigger the assembly of the multi-protein inflammasome complex. The inflammasome complex promotes activation of inflammatory caspases, and release of inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the connexin hemichannel appears to play a primary role in propagation of injury and chronic disease, and connexin hemichannel blockade has been shown to be neuroprotective in multiple animal models. Thus, there is potential for some blockers of connexin or pannexin channels to be developed into targeted interventions that could be used in conjunction with or separate to therapeutic hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice McDouall
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Kelly Q. Zhou
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Laura Bennet
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand;
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Joanne O. Davidson
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
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Qi Z, Yuan S, Liu KJ, Ji X. Normobaric hyperoxia plays a neuroprotective role after cerebral ischemia by maintaining the redox homeostasis and the level of connexin43 in astrocytes. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1509-1518. [PMID: 35698913 PMCID: PMC9437237 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute cerebral ischemia is caused by an insufficient blood supply to brain tissue. Oxygen therapy, which is able to aid diffusion to reach the ischemic region, has been regarded as a possible treatment for cerebral ischemia. Recent animal and pilot clinical studies have reported that normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) showed neuroprotective effects if started soon after the onset of stroke. However, little is known about the role and mechanism of NBO treatment in astrocytes. Connexin43, one of the main gap junction proteins in astrocytes, is extremely sensitive to hypoxia and oxidative stress after cerebral ischemia. Aims In the present study, we used sutures to develop an ischemia/reperfusion model in rats to mimic clinical recanalization and investigated the role of connexin43 in NBO‐treated stroke rats, as well as the underlying mechanism of NBO therapy. Results Normobaric hyperoxia treatment maintained the homeostasis of oxidoreductases: glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and NADPH oxidase 4 (two important oxidoreductases) and rescued the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced downregulation of connexin43 protein in astrocytes. Furthermore, NBO treatment attenuated cerebral ischemia‐induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria and was involved in neuroprotective effects by regulating the GPX4 and connexin43 pathway, using Ferrostatin‐1 (an activator of GPX4) or Gap27 (an inhibitor of connexin43). Conclusions This study showed the neuroprotective effects of NBO treatment by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining the level of connexin43 in astrocytes, which could be used for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Qi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhua Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Xunming Ji
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Satarker S, Bojja SL, Gurram PC, Mudgal J, Arora D, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic Glutamatergic Transmission and Its Implications in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071139. [PMID: 35406702 PMCID: PMC8997779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative disorders involve impaired neurotransmission, and glutamatergic neurotransmission sets a prototypical example. Glutamate is a predominant excitatory neurotransmitter where the astrocytes play a pivotal role in maintaining the extracellular levels through release and uptake mechanisms. Astrocytes modulate calcium-mediated excitability and release several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, including glutamate, and significantly modulate neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence supports the concept of excitotoxicity caused by astrocytic glutamatergic release in pathological conditions. Thus, the current review highlights different vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms of astrocytic glutamate release and their implication in neurodegenerative diseases. As in presynaptic neurons, the vesicular release of astrocytic glutamate is also primarily meditated by calcium-mediated exocytosis. V-ATPase is crucial in the acidification and maintenance of the gradient that facilitates the vesicular storage of glutamate. Along with these, several other components, such as cystine/glutamate antiporter, hemichannels, BEST-1, TREK-1, purinergic receptors and so forth, also contribute to glutamate release under physiological and pathological conditions. Events of hampered glutamate uptake could promote inflamed astrocytes to trigger repetitive release of glutamate. This could be favorable towards the development and worsening of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, across neurodegenerative diseases, we review the relations between defective glutamatergic signaling and astrocytic vesicular and non-vesicular events in glutamate homeostasis. The optimum regulation of astrocytic glutamatergic transmission could pave the way for the management of these diseases and add to their therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Sree Lalitha Bojja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Devinder Arora
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Shimura D, Shaw RM. GJA1-20k and Mitochondrial Dynamics. Front Physiol 2022; 13:867358. [PMID: 35399255 PMCID: PMC8983841 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.867358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the primary gap junction protein of mammalian heart ventricles and is encoded by the gene Gja1 which has a single coding exon and therefore cannot be spliced. We previously identified that Gja1 mRNA undergoes endogenous internal translation initiated at one of several internal AUG (M) start codons, generating N-terminal truncated protein isoforms that retain the C-terminus distal to the start site. GJA1-20k, whose translation initiates at mRNA M213, is usually the most abundant isoform in cells and greatly increases after ischemic and metabolic stress. GJA1-20k consists of a small segment of the last transmembrane domain and the complete C-terminus tail of Cx43, with a total size of about 20 kDa. The original role identified for GJA1-20k is as an essential subunit that facilitates the trafficking of full-length Cx43 hexameric hemichannels to cell-cell contacts, generating traditional gap junctions between adjacent cells facilitating, in cardiac muscle, efficient spread of electrical excitation. GJA1-20k deficient mice (generated by a M213L substitution in Gja1) suffer poor electrical coupling between cardiomycytes and arrhythmogenic sudden death two to 4 weeks after their birth. We recently identified that exogenous GJA1-20k expression also mimics the effect of ischemic preconditioning in mouse heart. Furthermore, GJA1-20k localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane and induces a protective and DRP1 independent form of mitochondrial fission, preserving ATP production and generating less reactive oxygen species (ROS) under metabolic stress, providing powerful protection of myocardium to ischemic insult. In this manuscript, we focus on the detailed roles of GJA1-20k in mitochondria, and its interaction with the actin cytoskeleton.
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Intercellular Communication in the Brain through Tunneling Nanotubes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051207. [PMID: 35267518 PMCID: PMC8909287 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are a means of cell communication which have been recently discovered. They allow the intercellular trafficking of many types of cellular compounds ranging from ions, such as Ca2+, to whole organelles such as mitochondria. TNTs are found in many tissues, both in physiological and pathological conditions. They are also found in the brain where they contribute to brain development and function and also to degenerative diseases and glioma. Abstract Intercellular communication is essential for tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding how cells interact with each other is paramount, as crosstalk between cells is often dysregulated in diseases and can contribute to their progression. Cells communicate with each other through several modalities, including paracrine secretion and specialized structures ensuring physical contact between them. Among these intercellular specialized structures, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are now recognized as a means of cell-to-cell communication through the exchange of cellular cargo, controlled by a variety of biological triggers, as described here. Intercellular communication is fundamental to brain function. It allows the dialogue between the many cells, including neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, glial cells, microglia, necessary for the proper development and function of the brain. We highlight here the role of TNTs in connecting these cells, for the physiological functioning of the brain and in pathologies such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and gliomas. Understanding these processes could pave the way for future therapies.
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Qiu M, Zong JB, He QW, Liu YX, Wan Y, Li M, Zhou YF, Wu JH, Hu B. Cell Heterogeneity Uncovered by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Offers Potential Therapeutic Targets for Ischemic Stroke. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1436-1454. [PMID: 36186129 PMCID: PMC9466965 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a detrimental neurological disease characterized by an irreversible infarct core surrounded by an ischemic penumbra, a salvageable region of brain tissue. Unique roles of distinct brain cell subpopulations within the neurovascular unit and peripheral immune cells during ischemic stroke remain elusive due to the heterogeneity of cells in the brain. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows for an unbiased determination of cellular heterogeneity at high-resolution and identification of cell markers, thereby unveiling the principal brain clusters within the cell-type-specific gene expression patterns as well as cell-specific subclusters and their functions in different pathways underlying ischemic stroke. In this review, we have summarized the changes in differentiation trajectories of distinct cell types and highlighted the specific pathways and genes in brain cells that are impacted by stroke. This review is expected to inspire new research and provide directions for investigating the potential pathological mechanisms and novel treatment strategies for ischemic stroke at the level of a single cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jie-hong Wu
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Bo Hu () and Dr. Jie-hong Wu (), Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Bo Hu () and Dr. Jie-hong Wu (), Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhao JJ, Wang ZH, Zhang YJ, Wang WJ, Cheng AF, Rong PJ, Shan CL. The mechanisms through which auricular vagus nerve stimulation protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:594-600. [PMID: 34380899 PMCID: PMC8504367 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation can improve patients' locomotor function. The stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve, which is the only superficial branch of the vagus nerve, may have similar effects to vagus nerve stimulation. However, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by modified Longa ligation. Twenty-four hours later, 7-day auricular vagus nerve stimulation was performed. The results showed that auricular vagus nerve stimulation promoted the secretion of acetylcholine, inhibited the secretion of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and reduced connexin 43 phosphorylation in the ischemic penumbra and motor cortex, promoting locomotor function recovery in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These findings suggested that auricular vagus nerve stimulation promotes the recovery of locomotor function in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by altering the secretion of acetylcholine and inflammatory factors and the phosphorylation of connexin 43. This study was approved by the Animal Use and Management Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine on November 8, 2019 (approval No. PZSHUTCM191108014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jun Zhao
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; School of Rehabilitation Science; Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Wang
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ai-Fang Cheng
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Jing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Lei Shan
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; School of Rehabilitation Science; Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Beckmann A, Recktenwald J, Ferdinand A, Grißmer A, Meier C. First Responders to Hyperosmotic Stress in Murine Astrocytes: Connexin 43 Gap Junctions Are Subject to an Immediate Ultrastructural Reorganization. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121307. [PMID: 34943223 PMCID: PMC8698406 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Gap junctions are intercellular channels that provide the means for direct transport of small molecules, ions, and water between connected cells. With these functions, gap junctions are essential for the maintenance of astrocytic homeostasis and of particular importance in the context of pathophysiological disbalances. These include the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome or the pathology after brain trauma. We demonstrate that short-term hyperosmolarity reduces intercellular communication via gap junctions. These functional changes coincide with the transformation of gap junction ultrastructure as evidenced by freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling and transmission electron microscopy. The hyperosmolarity-induced immediate changes in the ultrastructural assembly of connexons, the protein constituents of gap junction channels, have not been described in astrocytes before and are revealing the coherence of structure and function in gap junctions. Phosphorylation of Connexin 43, the main gap junction protein in astrocytes, at amino acid 368 (Serine) might link the two. Abstract In a short-term model of hyperosmotic stress, primary murine astrocytes were stimulated with a hyperosmolar sucrose solution for five minutes. Astrocytic gap junctions, which are mainly composed of Connexin (Cx) 43, displayed immediate ultrastructural changes, demonstrated by freeze–fracture replica immunogold labeling: their area, perimeter, and distance of intramembrane particles increased, whereas particle numbers per area decreased. Ultrastructural changes were, however, not accompanied by changes in Cx43 mRNA expression. In contrast, transcription of the gap junction regulator zonula occludens (ZO) protein 1 significantly increased, whereas its protein expression was unaffected. Phosphorylation of Serine (S) 368 of the Cx43 C–terminus has previously been associated with gap junction disassembly and reduction in gap junction communication. Hyperosmolar sucrose treatment led to enhanced phosphorylation of Cx43S368 and was accompanied by inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication, demonstrated by a scrape loading-dye transfer assay. Taken together, Cx43 gap junctions are fast reacting elements in response to hyperosmolar challenges and can therefore be considered as one of the first responders to hyperosmolarity. In this process, phosphorylation of Cx43S368 was associated with disassembly of gap junctions and inhibition of their function. Thus, modulation of the gap junction assembly might represent a target in the treatment of brain edema or trauma.
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APOE2, E3, and E4 differentially modulate cellular homeostasis, cholesterol metabolism, and inflammatory response in isogenic iPSC-derived astrocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 17:110-126. [PMID: 34919811 PMCID: PMC8758949 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) variant is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), while the APOE2 allele is protective. A major question is how different APOE genotypes affect the physiology of astrocytes, the main APOE-producing brain cells. Here, we differentiated human APOE-isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) (APOE4, E3, E2, and APOE knockout [APOE-KO]) to functional “iAstrocytes”. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomic analysis showed genotype-dependent reductions of cholesterol and lipid metabolic and biosynthetic pathways (reduction: APOE4 > E3 > E2). Cholesterol efflux and biosynthesis were reduced in APOE4 iAstrocytes, while subcellular localization of cholesterol in lysosomes was elevated. An increase in immunoregulatory proteomic pathways (APOE4 > E3 > E2) was accompanied by elevated cytokine release in APOE4 cells (APOE4 > E3 > E2 > KO). Activation of iAstrocytes exacerbated proteomic changes and cytokine secretion mostly in APOE4 iAstrocytes, while APOE2 and APOE-KO iAstrocytes were least affected. Taken together, APOE4 iAstrocytes reveal a disease-relevant phenotype, causing dysregulated cholesterol/lipid homeostasis, increased inflammatory signaling, and reduced β-amyloid uptake, while APOE2 iAstrocytes show opposing effects. Human astrocytes show strong proteomic differences depending on their APOE genotype Aβ uptake is highest in APOE-KO and lowest in APOE4 astrocytes (KO > E2 > E3 > E4) APOE4 astrocytes show exacerbated pro-inflammatory reactions (APOE4 > E3 > E2 > KO) Cholesterol synthesis and efflux are reduced in APOE4 astrocytes
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Zhang S, Shang D, Shi H, Teng W, Tian L. Function of Astrocytes in Neuroprotection and Repair after Ischemic Stroke. Eur Neurol 2021; 84:426-434. [PMID: 34455410 DOI: 10.1159/000517378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes are the most numerous cell types within the central nervous system, and many efforts have been put into determining the exact role of astrocytes in neuroprotection and repair after ischemic stroke. Although numerous studies have been done in recent years, there is still no thorough understanding of the exact function of astrocytes in the whole course of the stroke. SUMMARY According to the recent literature, there are many structures and factors that play important roles in the process of ischemic stroke, among which blood-brain barrier, various growth factors, gap junctions, AQP4, and glial scars have been studied most comprehensively, and all these factors are closely related to astrocytes. The role of astrocytes in ischemic stroke, therefore, can be analyzed more comprehensively. Key Message: The present review mainly summarized the current knowledge about astrocytes and their potential roles after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Zhang
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,
| | - Deshu Shang
- Cell Biology Division, Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Han Shi
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weiyu Teng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Hernández IH, Villa-González M, Martín G, Soto M, Pérez-Álvarez MJ. Glial Cells as Therapeutic Approaches in Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Cells 2021; 10:1639. [PMID: 34208834 PMCID: PMC8305833 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the second cause of mortality and the first cause of long-term disability constituting a serious socioeconomic burden worldwide. Approved treatments include thrombectomy and rtPA intravenous administration, which, despite their efficacy in some cases, are not suitable for a great proportion of patients. Glial cell-related therapies are progressively overcoming inefficient neuron-centered approaches in the preclinical phase. Exploiting the ability of microglia to naturally switch between detrimental and protective phenotypes represents a promising therapeutic treatment, in a similar way to what happens with astrocytes. However, the duality present in many of the roles of these cells upon ischemia poses a notorious difficulty in disentangling the precise pathways to target. Still, promoting M2/A2 microglia/astrocyte protective phenotypes and inhibiting M1/A1 neurotoxic profiles is globally rendering promising results in different in vivo models of stroke. On the other hand, described oligodendrogenesis after brain ischemia seems to be strictly beneficial, although these cells are the less studied players in the stroke paradigm and negative effects could be described for oligodendrocytes in the next years. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the precise role of mentioned glial cell types in the main pathological events of ischemic stroke, including inflammation, blood brain barrier integrity, excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen species management, metabolic support, and neurogenesis, among others, with a special attention to tested therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivó H Hernández
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) UAM/CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Villa-González
- Center for Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) UAM/CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Martín
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Soto
- Center for Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) UAM/CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Pérez-Álvarez
- Center for Molecular Biology "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) UAM/CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Katturajan R, Evan Prince S. A role of connexin 43 on the drug-induced liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity with associated signaling pathways. Life Sci 2021; 280:119629. [PMID: 34004253 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced organ toxicity/injury, especially in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, is a systematic disorder that causes oxidative stress formation and inflammation resulting in cell death and organ failure. Current therapies target reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and inhibit inflammatory factors in organ injury to restore the functions and temporary relief. Organ cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication, regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis-regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Aim to describe knowledge about the importance of connexin role and insights therapeutic targeting. Cx43 misregulation has been implicated in recent decades in various diseases. Moreover, in recent years there is increasing evidence that Cx43 is involved in the toxicity process, including hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal disorders. Cx43 has the potential to initiate the immune system to cause cell death, which has been activated in the acceleration of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signaling pathway. So far, therapies targeting Cx43 have been under inspection and are subjected to clinical trial phases. This review elucidates the role of Cx43 in drug-induced vital organ injury, and recent reports compromise its function in the major signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Bellot-Saez A, Stevenson R, Kékesi O, Samokhina E, Ben-Abu Y, Morley JW, Buskila Y. Neuromodulation of Astrocytic K + Clearance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052520. [PMID: 33802343 PMCID: PMC7959145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium homeostasis is fundamental for brain function. Therefore, effective removal of excessive K+ from the synaptic cleft during neuronal activity is paramount. Astrocytes play a key role in K+ clearance from the extracellular milieu using various mechanisms, including uptake via Kir channels and the Na+-K+ ATPase, and spatial buffering through the astrocytic gap-junction coupled network. Recently we showed that alterations in the concentrations of extracellular potassium ([K+]o) or impairments of the astrocytic clearance mechanism affect the resonance and oscillatory behavior of both the individual and networks of neurons. These results indicate that astrocytes have the potential to modulate neuronal network activity, however, the cellular effectors that may affect the astrocytic K+ clearance process are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the impact of neuromodulators, which are known to mediate changes in network oscillatory behavior, on the astrocytic clearance process. Our results suggest that while some neuromodulators (5-HT; NA) might affect astrocytic spatial buffering via gap-junctions, others (DA; Histamine) primarily affect the uptake mechanism via Kir channels. These results suggest that neuromodulators can affect network oscillatory activity through parallel activation of both neurons and astrocytes, establishing a synergistic mechanism to maximize the synchronous network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Bellot-Saez
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Rebecca Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Orsolya Kékesi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Evgeniia Samokhina
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Yuval Ben-Abu
- Projects and Physics Section, Sapir Academic College, D.N. Hof Ashkelon, Sderot 79165, Israel;
| | - John W. Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
- International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-246203853
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