1
|
Tong MK, Thakur A, Yang T, Wong SK, Li WK, Lee Y. Amyloid-β oligomer-induced neurotoxicity by exosomal interactions between neuron and microglia. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 727:150312. [PMID: 38924962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150312] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition in the brain, causing deficits in cognitive function. Amyloid-beta oligomers (AβOs), the soluble precursor peptides producing Aβ plaques, also produce neurotoxicity and microgliosis together with glycolytic reprogramming. Recently, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), a key glycolysis regulator, and its ancillary protein, CD147, are found to play an important role in the secretion of exosomes, 30-200 nm vesicles in size, which are considered as toxic molecule carriers in AD. However, the effect of low-concentration AβOs (1 nM) on microglia MCT1 and CD147 expression as well as 1 nM AβOs-treated microglia-derived exosomes on neuronal toxicity remain largely elusive. In this study, 1 nM AβOs induce significant axonopathy and microgliosis. Furthermore, 1 nM AβOs-treated neurons- or microglia-derived exosomes produce axonopathy through their autologous or heterologous uptake by neurons, supporting the role of exosomes as neurotoxicity mediators in AD. Interestingly, MCT1 and CD147 are enhanced in microglia by treatment with 1 nM AβOs or exosomes from 1 nM AβOs-treated- microglia or neurons, suggesting the implication of AβOs-induced enhanced MCT1 and CD147 in microglia with AD neuropathogenesis, which is consistent with the in-silico analysis of the single cell RNA sequencing data from microglia in mouse models of AD and AD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Kit Tong
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Abhimanyu Thakur
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Kai Wong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Kar Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Robertson KV, Rodriguez AS, Cartailler JP, Shrestha S, Schleh MW, Schroeder KR, Valenti AM, Kramer AT, Harrison FE, Hasty AH. Knockdown of microglial iron import gene, Slc11a2, worsens cognitive function and alters microglial transcriptional landscape in a sex-specific manner in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:238. [PMID: 39334471 PMCID: PMC11438269 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03238-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: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglial cell iron load and inflammatory activation are significant hallmarks of late-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vitro, microglia preferentially upregulate the iron importer, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1, gene name Slc11a2) in response to inflammatory stimuli, and excess iron can augment cellular inflammation, suggesting a feed-forward loop between iron import mechanisms and inflammatory signaling. However, it is not understood whether microglial iron import mechanisms directly contribute to inflammatory signaling and chronic disease in vivo. These studies determined the effects of microglial-specific knockdown of Slc11a2 on AD-related cognitive decline and microglial transcriptional phenotype. METHODS In vitro experiments and RT-qPCR were used to assess a role for DMT1 in amyloid-β-associated inflammation. To determine the effects of microglial Slc11a2 knockdown on AD-related phenotypes in vivo, triple-transgenic Cx3cr1Cre-ERT2;Slc11a2flfl;APP/PS1+or - mice were generated and administered corn oil or tamoxifen to induce knockdown at 5-6 months of age. Both sexes underwent behavioral analyses to assess cognition and memory (12-15 months of age). Hippocampal CD11b+ microglia were magnetically isolated from female mice (15-17 months) and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted. RESULTS DMT1 inhibition in vitro robustly decreased Aβ-induced inflammatory gene expression and cellular iron levels in conditions of excess iron. In vivo, Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female, but not male, mice displayed a significant worsening of memory function in Morris water maze and a fear conditioning assay, along with significant hyperactivity compared to control WT and APP/PS1 mice. Hippocampal microglia from Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 females displayed significant increases in Enpp2, Ttr, and the iron-export gene, Slc40a1, compared to control APP/PS1 cells. Slc11a2KD cells from APP/PS1 females also exhibited decreased expression of markers associated with subsets of disease-associated microglia (DAMs), such as Apoe, Ctsb, Ly9, Csf1, and Hif1α. CONCLUSIONS This work suggests a sex-specific role for microglial iron import gene Slc11a2 in propagating behavioral and cognitive phenotypes in the APP/PS1 model of AD. These data also highlight an association between loss of a DAM-like phenotype in microglia and cognitive deficits in Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female mice. Overall, this work illuminates an iron-related pathway in microglia that may serve a protective role during disease and offers insight into mechanisms behind disease-related sex differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Volk Robertson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alec S Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Shristi Shrestha
- Creative Data Solutions, Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael W Schleh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kyle R Schroeder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arianna M Valenti
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alec T Kramer
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 7465 Medical Research Building IV, 2213 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Alyssa H Hasty
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, 702 Light Hall, Nashville, TN, USA.
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin W, Pei J, Roy JR, Jayaraman S, Ahalliya RM, Kanniappan GV, Mironescu M, Palanisamy CP. Comprehensive review on single-cell RNA sequencing: A new frontier in Alzheimer's disease research. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102454. [PMID: 39142391 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102454] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurodegenerative condition marked by gradual cognitive deterioration and the loss of neurons. While conventional bulk RNA sequencing techniques have shed light on AD pathology, they frequently obscure the cellular diversity within brain tissues. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed our capability to analyze the cellular composition of AD, allowing for the detection of unique cell populations, rare cell types, and gene expression alterations at an individual cell level. This review examines the use of scRNA-seq in AD research, focusing on its contributions to understanding cellular diversity, disease progression, and potential therapeutic targets. We discuss key technological innovations, data analysis techniques, and challenges associated with scRNA-seq in studying AD. Furthermore, we highlight recent studies that have utilized scRNA-seq to identify novel biomarkers, uncover disease-associated pathways, and elucidate the role of non-neuronal cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, in AD pathogenesis. By providing a comprehensive overview of advancements in scRNA-seq for unraveling cellular heterogeneity in AD, this review highlights the transformative impact of scRNA-seq on our comprehension of disease mechanisms and the creation of targeted treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wengang Jin
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, 2011 QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C, Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
| | - JinJin Pei
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, 2011 QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C, Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
| | - Jeane Rebecca Roy
- Department of Anatomy, Bhaarath Medical College and hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600073, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Rathi Muthaiyan Ahalliya
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Research Centre, FASCM, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641021, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Velliyur Kanniappan
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105, India.
| | - Monica Mironescu
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Food Industry and Environmental Protection, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Bv. Victoriei 10, Sibiu 550024, Romania.
| | - Chella Perumal Palanisamy
- Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gardner RS, Kyle M, Hughes K, Zhao LR. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Immunomodulatory Effects of Stem Cell Factor and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment in the Brains of Aged APP/PS1 Mice. Biomolecules 2024; 14:827. [PMID: 39062541 PMCID: PMC11275138 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070827] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads to progressive neurodegeneration and dementia. AD primarily affects older adults with neuropathological changes including amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that systemic treatment with combined stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF) reduces the Aβ load, increases Aβ uptake by activated microglia and macrophages, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores dendrites and synapses in the brains of aged APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. However, the mechanisms underlying SCF+G-CSF-enhanced brain repair in aged APP/PS1 mice remain unclear. This study used a transcriptomic approach to identify the potential mechanisms by which SCF+G-CSF treatment modulates microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to mitigate AD pathology in the aged brain. After injections of SCF+G-CSF for 5 consecutive days, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD11b+ cells isolated from the brains of 28-month-old APP/PS1 mice. The vast majority of cell clusters aligned with transcriptional profiles of microglia in various activation states. However, SCF+G-CSF treatment dramatically increased a cell population showing upregulation of marker genes related to peripheral myeloid cells. Flow cytometry data also revealed an SCF+G-CSF-induced increase of cerebral CD45high/CD11b+ active phagocytes. SCF+G-CSF treatment robustly increased the transcription of genes implicated in immune cell activation, including gene sets that regulate inflammatory processes and cell migration. The expression of S100a8 and S100a9 was robustly enhanced following SCF+G-CSF treatment in all CD11b+ cell clusters. Moreover, the topmost genes differentially expressed with SCF+G-CSF treatment were largely upregulated in S100a8/9-positive cells, suggesting a well-conserved transcriptional profile related to SCF+G-CSF treatment in resident and peripherally derived CD11b+ immune cells. This S100a8/9-associated transcriptional profile contained notable genes related to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, neuroprotection, and Aβ plaque inhibition or clearance. Altogether, this study reveals the immunomodulatory effects of SCF+G-CSF treatment in the aged brain with AD pathology, which will guide future studies to further uncover the therapeutic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li-Ru Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gardner R, Kyle M, Hughes K, Zhao LR. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals immunomodulatory effects of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593359. [PMID: 38766064 PMCID: PMC11100789 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimers disease leads to progressive neurodegeneration and dementia. Alzheimers disease primarily affects older adults with neuropathological changes including amyloid beta deposition, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that systemic treatment with combined stem cell factor, SCF, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, GCSF, reduces amyloid beta load, increases amyloid beta uptake by activated microglia and macrophages, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores dendrites and synapses in the brains of aged APP-PS1 mice. However, the mechanisms underlying SCF-GCSF-enhanced brain repair in aged APP-PS1 mice remain unclear. This study used a transcriptomic approach to identify potential mechanisms by which SCF-GCSF treatment modulates microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to mitigate Alzheimers disease pathology in the aged brain. After injections of SCF-GCSF for 5 consecutive days, single cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD11b positive cells isolated from the brains of 28-month-old APP-PS1 mice. The vast majority of cell clusters aligned with transcriptional profiles of microglia in various activation states. However, SCF-GCSF treatment dramatically increased a cell population showing upregulation of marker genes related to peripheral myeloid cells. Flow cytometry data also revealed an SCF-GCSF-induced increase of cerebral CD45high-CD11b positive active phagocytes. SCF-GCSF treatment robustly increased the transcription of genes implicated in immune cell activation, including gene sets that regulate inflammatory processes and cell migration. Expression of S100a8 and S100a9 were robustly enhanced following SCF-GCSF treatment in all CD11b positive cell clusters. Moreover, the topmost genes differentially expressed with SCF-GCSF treatment were largely upregulated in S100a8-S100a9 positive cells, suggesting a well-conserved transcriptional profile related to SCF-GCSF treatment in resident and peripherally derived CD11b positive immune cells. This S100a8-S100a9-associated transcriptional profile contained notable genes related to proinflammatory and antiinflammatory responses, neuroprotection, and amyloid beta plaque inhibition or clearance. Altogether, this study reveals immunomodulatory effects of SCF-GCSF treatment in the aged brain with Alzheimers disease pathology, which will guide future studies to further uncover the therapeutic mechanisms.
Collapse
|
6
|
García-Culebras A, Cuartero MI, Peña-Martínez C, Moraga A, Vázquez-Reyes S, de Castro-Millán FJ, Cortes-Canteli M, Lizasoain I, Moro MÁ. Myeloid cells in vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Possible therapeutic targets? Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:777-798. [PMID: 37282844 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16159] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports the suggestion that the peripheral immune system plays a role in different pathologies associated with cognitive impairment, such as vascular dementia (VD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this review is to summarize, within the peripheral immune system, the implications of different types of myeloid cells in AD and VD, with a special focus on post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID). We will review the contributions of the myeloid lineage, from peripheral cells (neutrophils, platelets, monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages) to central nervous system (CNS)-associated cells (perivascular macrophages and microglia). Finally, we will evaluate different potential strategies for pharmacological modulation of pathological processes mediated by myeloid cell subsets, with an emphasis on neutrophils, their interaction with platelets and the process of immunothrombosis that triggers neutrophil-dependent capillary stall and hypoperfusion, as possible effector mechanisms that may pave the way to novel therapeutic avenues to stop dementia, the epidemic of our time. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia García-Culebras
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Cuartero
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Peña-Martínez
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Moraga
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Vázquez-Reyes
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier de Castro-Millán
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cortes-Canteli
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lizasoain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Moro
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo EY, Sugimura RR. Taming microglia: the promise of engineered microglia in treating neurological diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:19. [PMID: 38212785 PMCID: PMC10785527 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03015-9] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the CNS-resident immune cells, are implicated in many neurological diseases. Nearly one in six of the world's population suffers from neurological disorders, encompassing neurodegenerative and neuroautoimmune diseases, most with dysregulated neuroinflammation involved. Activated microglia become phagocytotic and secret various immune molecules, which are mediators of the brain immune microenvironment. Given their ability to penetrate through the blood-brain barrier in the neuroinflammatory context and their close interaction with neurons and other glial cells, microglia are potential therapeutic delivery vehicles and modulators of neuronal activity. Re-engineering microglia to treat neurological diseases is, thus, increasingly gaining attention. By altering gene expression, re-programmed microglia can be utilized to deliver therapeutics to targeted sites and control neuroinflammation in various neuroinflammatory diseases. This review addresses the current development in microglial engineering, including genetic targeting and therapeutic modulation. Furthermore, we discuss limitations to the genetic engineering techniques and models used to test the functionality of re-engineered microglia, including cell culture and animal models. Finally, we will discuss future directions for the application of engineered microglia in treating neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Echo Yongqi Luo
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Rio Ryohichi Sugimura
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fornari Laurindo L, Aparecido Dias J, Cressoni Araújo A, Torres Pomini K, Machado Galhardi C, Rucco Penteado Detregiachi C, Santos de Argollo Haber L, Donizeti Roque D, Dib Bechara M, Vialogo Marques de Castro M, de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira E, José Tofano R, Jasmin Santos German Borgo I, Maria Barbalho S. Immunological dimensions of neuroinflammation and microglial activation: exploring innovative immunomodulatory approaches to mitigate neuroinflammatory progression. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1305933. [PMID: 38259497 PMCID: PMC10800801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1305933] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of age-related neurodegenerative conditions. Within this framework, neuroinflammation emerges as a significant contributing factor. It involves the activation of microglia and astrocytes, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). These instances result in neuronal damage and neurodegeneration through activated nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing (NLR) family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Due to limited effectiveness regarding the inhibition of neuroinflammatory targets using conventional drugs, there is challenging growth in the search for innovative therapies for alleviating neuroinflammation in CNS diseases or even before their onset. Our results indicate that interventions focusing on Interleukin-Driven Immunomodulation, Chemokine (CXC) Receptor Signaling and Expression, Cold Exposure, and Fibrin-Targeted strategies significantly promise to mitigate neuroinflammatory processes. These approaches demonstrate potential anti-neuroinflammatory effects, addressing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. While the findings are promising, immunomodulatory therapies often face limitations due to Immune-Related Adverse Events. Therefore, the conduction of randomized clinical trials in this matter is mandatory, and will pave the way for a promising future in the development of new medicines with specific therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Aparecido Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina Torres Pomini
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Machado Galhardi
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luíza Santos de Argollo Haber
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Domingos Donizeti Roque
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dib Bechara
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela Vialogo Marques de Castro
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Tofano
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iris Jasmin Santos German Borgo
- Department of Biological Sciences (Anatomy), School of Dentistry of Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo (FOB-USP), Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Singh A, Kumar Singh N. Pre-clinical Evidence-based Neuroprotective Potential of Naringin against Alzheimer's Disease-like Pathology: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1112-1123. [PMID: 37526460 DOI: 10.2174/1389201024666230801095526] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are a group of progressive, chronic, and disabling disorders that are highly prevalent and the incidence is on a constant rise globally. Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders is hallmarked by cognitive impairment, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, cholinergic dysfunction, mitochondrial toxicity, and neurodegeneration. Available therapeutic agents only provide symptomatic relief and their use are limited due to serious side effects. Recent research has recognized flavonoids as potential multi-target biomolecules that can reduce the pathogenesis of AD. Naringin, a natural citrus flavonoid has been traditionally used to treat various NDs including AD, and has gained special attention because exhibits a neuroprotective effect by affecting numerous signaling pathways with minimum adverse effects. Naringin reduces deposition of Aβ, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress burden, mitochondrial toxicity, the activity of glutamate receptors, and apoptosis of the neuronal cells. Additionally, it reduces the expression of phosphorylated-P38/P38 and the NF-κB signaling pathway, showing that a wide range of molecular targets is involved in naringin's neuroprotective action. The present study describes the possible pharmacological targets, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of naringin involved in neuroprotection against AD-like pathology. Based on the above pre-clinical reports it can be concluded that naringin could be an alternative therapeutic agent for the management of AD-like manifestation. Thus, there is a strong recommendation to perform more preclinical and clinical studies to develop naringin as a novel molecule that could be a multi-target drug to counteract AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashini Singh
- Division of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Singh
- Division of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rao A, Chen N, Kim MJ, Blumenfeld J, Yip O, Hao Y, Liang Z, Nelson MR, Koutsodendris N, Grone B, Ding L, Yoon SY, Arriola P, Huang Y. Microglia Depletion Reduces Human Neuronal APOE4-Driven Pathologies in a Chimeric Alzheimer's Disease Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.10.566510. [PMID: 38014339 PMCID: PMC10680610 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.566510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite strong evidence supporting the involvement of both apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) and microglia in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathogenesis, the effects of microglia on neuronal APOE4-driven AD pathogenesis remain elusive. Here, we examined such effects utilizing microglial depletion in a chimeric model with human neurons in mouse hippocampus. Specifically, we transplanted homozygous APOE4, isogenic APOE3, and APOE-knockout (APOE-KO) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human neurons into the hippocampus of human APOE3 or APOE4 knock-in mice, and depleted microglia in half the chimeric mice. We found that both neuronal APOE and microglial presence were important for the formation of Aβ and tau pathologies in an APOE isoform-dependent manner (APOE4 > APOE3). Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis identified two pro-inflammatory microglial subtypes with high MHC-II gene expression that are enriched in chimeric mice with human APOE4 neuron transplants. These findings highlight the concerted roles of neuronal APOE, especially APOE4, and microglia in AD pathogenesis. HIGHLIGHTS Transplanted human APOE4 neurons generate Aβ and p-tau aggregates in APOE4-KI mouse hippocampus.Human neuronal APOE4 promotes the formation of dense-core Aβ plaques and p-tau aggregates.Microglia is required for human neuronal APOE4-driven formation of p-tau aggregates.scRNA-seq reveals enrichment of MHC-II microglia in mice with human APOE4 neuron transplants.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abdullatef S, Farina C. Publicly available ex vivo transcriptomics datasets to explore CNS physiology and neurodegeneration: state of the art and perspectives. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1211079. [PMID: 37680966 PMCID: PMC10481165 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1211079] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is characterized by an intricate composition of diverse cell types, including neurons and glia cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia), whose functions may differ along time, between sexes and upon pathology. The advancements in high-throughput transcriptomics are providing fundamental insights on cell phenotypes, so that molecular codes and instructions are ever more described for CNS physiology and neurodegeneration. To facilitate the search of relevant information, this review provides an overview of key CNS transcriptomics studies ranging from CNS development to ageing and from physiology to pathology as defined for five neurodegenerative disorders and their relative animal models, with a focus on molecular descriptions whose raw data were publicly available. Accurate phenotypic descriptions of cellular states correlate with functional changes and this knowledge may support research devoted to the development of therapeutic strategies supporting CNS repair and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Abdullatef
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fernández-Moya SM, Ganesh AJ, Plass M. Neural cell diversity in the light of single-cell transcriptomics. Transcription 2023; 14:158-176. [PMID: 38229529 PMCID: PMC10807474 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2295044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of highly parallel and affordable high-throughput single-cell transcriptomics technologies has revolutionized our understanding of brain complexity. These methods have been used to build cellular maps of the brain, its different regions, and catalog the diversity of cells in each of them during development, aging and even in disease. Now we know that cellular diversity is way beyond what was previously thought. Single-cell transcriptomics analyses have revealed that cell types previously considered homogeneous based on imaging techniques differ depending on several factors including sex, age and location within the brain. The expression profiles of these cells have also been exploited to understand which are the regulatory programs behind cellular diversity and decipher the transcriptional pathways driving them. In this review, we summarize how single-cell transcriptomics have changed our view on the cellular diversity in the human brain, and how it could impact the way we study neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we describe the new computational approaches that can be used to study cellular differentiation and gain insight into the functions of individual cell populations under different conditions and their alterations in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra María Fernández-Moya
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
- Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P- CMR[C], Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Akshay Jaya Ganesh
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
- Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P- CMR[C], Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mireya Plass
- Gene Regulation of Cell Identity, Regenerative Medicine Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
- Program for Advancing Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia, P- CMR[C], Barcelona, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brain region-specific myelinogenesis is not directly linked to amyloid-β in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114344. [PMID: 36736651 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by aggregating amyloid beta-protein (Aβ). Recent evidence has shown that insufficient myelinogenesis contributes to AD-related functional deficits. However, it remains unclear whether Aβ, in either plaque or soluble form, could alter myelinogenesis in AD brains. By cell-lineage tracing and labeling, we found both myelinogenesis and Aβ deposits displayed a region-specific pattern in the 13-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mouse brains. Aβ plaques cause focal demyelination, but only about 15% Aβ plaques are closely associated with newly formed myelin in the APP/PS1 brains. Further, the Aβ plaque total area and the amount of new myelin are not linearly correlated across different cortical regions, suggesting that Aβ plaques induce demyelination but may not exclusively trigger remyelination. To understand the role of soluble Aβ in regulating myelinogenesis, we chose to observe the visual system, wherein soluble Aβ is detectable but without the presence of Aβ plaques in the APP/PS1 retina, optic nerve, and optic tract. Interestingly, newly-formed myelin density was not significantly altered in the APP/PS1 optic nerves and optic tracts as compared to the wildtype controls, suggesting soluble Aβ probably does not change myelinogenesis. Further, treatment of purified oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) with soluble Aβ (oligomers) for 48 h did not change the cell densities of MBP positive cells and PDGFRα positive OPCs in vitro. Consistently, injection of soluble Aβ into the lateral ventricles did not alter myelinogenesis in the corpus callosum of NG2-CreErt; Tau-mGFP mice significantly. Together, these findings indicate that the region-dependent myelinogenesis in AD brains is not directly linked to Aβ, but rather probably a synergic result in adapting to AD pathology.
Collapse
|
14
|
Inflammasome activation in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease. Transl Res 2023; 254:1-12. [PMID: 36070840 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) represent 2 of the largest sources of death and disability in the United States. Recent studies have identified TBI as a potential risk factor for AD development, and numerous reports have shown that TBI is linked with AD associated protein expression during the acute phase of injury, suggesting an interplay between the 2 pathologies. The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that plays a role in both TBI and AD pathologies, and is characterized by inflammatory cytokine release and pyroptotic cell death. Products of inflammasome signaling pathways activate microglia and astrocytes, which attempt to resolve pathological inflammation caused by inflammatory cytokine release and phagocytosis of cellular debris. Although the initial phase of the inflammatory response in the nervous system is beneficial, recent evidence has emerged that the heightened inflammatory response after trauma is self-perpetuating and results in additional damage in the central nervous system. Inflammasome-induced cytokines and inflammasome signaling proteins released from activated microglia interact with AD associated proteins and exacerbate AD pathological progression and cellular damage. Additionally, multiple genetic mutations associated with AD development alter microglia inflammatory activity, increasing and perpetuating inflammatory cell damage. In this review, we discuss the pathologies of TBI and AD and how they are impacted by and potentially interact through inflammasome activity and signaling proteins. We discuss current clinical trials that target the inflammasome to reduce heightened inflammation associated with these disorders.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu Y, Eisel UL. Microglia-Astrocyte Communication in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:785-803. [PMID: 37638434 PMCID: PMC10578295 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Microglia and astrocytes are regarded as active participants in the central nervous system under various neuropathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both microglia and astrocyte activation have been reported to occur with a spatially and temporarily distinct pattern. Acting as a double-edged sword, glia-mediated neuroinflammation may be both detrimental and beneficial to the brain. In a variety of neuropathologies, microglia are activated before astrocytes, which facilitates astrocyte activation. Yet reactive astrocytes can also prevent the activation of adjacent microglia in addition to helping them become activated. Studies describe changes in the genetic profile as well as cellular and molecular responses of these two types of glial cells that contribute to dysfunctional immune crosstalk in AD. In this paper, we construct current knowledge of microglia-astrocyte communication, highlighting the multifaceted functions of microglia and astrocytes and their role in AD. A thorough comprehension of microglia-astrocyte communication could hasten the creation of novel AD treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wu
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ulrich L.M. Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu X, Schrader JM, Irizarry BA, Smith SO, Van Nostrand WE. Impact of Aβ40 and Aβ42 Fibrils on the Transcriptome of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2982. [PMID: 36428550 PMCID: PMC9688026 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112982] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrillar amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits in the brain, which are primarily composed of Aβ40 or Aβ42 peptides, are key pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. Although the underlying mechanisms are still not clear, the Aβ fibrils can trigger a number of cellular responses, including activation of astrocytes and microglia. In addition, fibril structures of the Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides are known to be polymorphic, which poses a challenge for attributing the contribution of different Aβ sequences and structures to brain pathology. Here, we systematically treated primary astrocytes and microglia with single, well-characterized polymorphs of Aβ40 or Aβ42 fibrils, and performed bulk RNA sequencing to assess cell-specific changes in gene expression. A greater number of genes were up-regulated by Aβ42 fibril-treated glial cells (251 and 2133 genes in astrocyte and microglia, respectively) compared with the Aβ40 fibril-treated glial cells (191 and 251 genes in astrocytes and microglia, respectively). Immunolabeling studies in an AD rat model with parenchymal fibrillar Aβ42 plaques confirmed the expression of PAI-1, MMP9, MMP12, CCL2, and C1r in plaque-associated microglia, and iNOS, GBP2, and C3D in plaque-associated astrocytes, validating markers from the RNA sequence data. In order to better understand these Aβ fibril-induced gene changes, we analyzed gene expression patterns using the Ingenuity pathway analysis program. These analyses further highlighted that Aβ42 fibril treatment up-regulated cellular activation pathways and immune response pathways in glial cells, including IL1β and TNFα in astrocytes, and microglial activation and TGFβ1 in microglia. Further analysis revealed that a number of disease-associated microglial (DAM) genes were surprisingly suppressed in Aβ40 fibril treated microglia. Together, the present findings indicate that Aβ42 fibrils generally show similar, but stronger, stimulating activity of glial cells compared with Aβ40 fibril treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhu
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Joseph M. Schrader
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Brandon A. Irizarry
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Steven O. Smith
- Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - William E. Van Nostrand
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Conte F, Paci P. Alzheimer's disease: insights from a network medicine perspective. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16846. [PMID: 36207441 PMCID: PMC9546925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20404-3] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that currently lacks available effective therapy. Thus, identifying novel molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of AD is urgently demanded. In this study, we exploited tools and concepts of the emerging research area of Network Medicine to unveil a novel putative disease gene signature associated with AD. We proposed a new pipeline, which combines the strengths of two consolidated algorithms of the Network Medicine: DIseAse MOdule Detection (DIAMOnD), designed to predict new disease-associated genes within the human interactome network; and SWItch Miner (SWIM), designed to predict important (switch) genes within the co-expression network. Our integrated computational analysis allowed us to enlarge the set of the known disease genes associated to AD with additional 14 genes that may be proposed as new potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Conte
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Quintana JF, Chandrasegaran P, Sinton MC, Briggs EM, Otto TD, Heslop R, Bentley-Abbot C, Loney C, de Lecea L, Mabbott NA, MacLeod A. Single cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses reveal microglia-plasma cell crosstalk in the brain during Trypanosoma brucei infection. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5752. [PMID: 36180478 PMCID: PMC9525673 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei and induces profound reactivity of glial cells and neuroinflammation when the parasites colonise the central nervous system. However, the transcriptional and functional responses of the brain to chronic T. brucei infection remain poorly understood. By integrating single cell and spatial transcriptomics of the mouse brain, we identify that glial responses triggered by infection are readily detected in the proximity to the circumventricular organs, including the lateral and 3rd ventricle. This coincides with the spatial localisation of both slender and stumpy forms of T. brucei. Furthermore, in silico predictions and functional validations led us to identify a previously unknown crosstalk between homeostatic microglia and Cd138+ plasma cells mediated by IL-10 and B cell activating factor (BAFF) signalling. This study provides important insights and resources to improve understanding of the molecular and cellular responses in the brain during infection with African trypanosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Quintana
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Praveena Chandrasegaran
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew C Sinton
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma M Briggs
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Infection and Immunity, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rhiannon Heslop
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Calum Bentley-Abbot
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin Loney
- School of Infection and Immunity, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- MRC Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Neil A Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Annette MacLeod
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM), MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Q, Xie C. Microglia activation linking amyloid-β drive tau spatial propagation in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:951128. [PMID: 36033617 PMCID: PMC9417618 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.951128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunming Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Chunming Xie
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ma S, Bi W, Liu X, Li S, Qiu Y, Huang C, Lv R, Yin Q. Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis of the db/db Mouse Hippocampus Reveals Cell-Type-Specific Insights Into the Pathobiology of Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:891039. [PMID: 35721719 PMCID: PMC9200615 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.891039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DCD), is one of the complications of diabetes, which is characterized by a series of neurophysiological and pathological abnormalities. However, the exact pathogenesis of DCD is still unknown. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) could discover unusual subpopulations, explore functional heterogeneity and identify signaling pathways and potential markers. The aim of this research was to provide deeper opinion into molecular and cellular changes underlying DCD, identify different cellular types of the diabetic mice hippocampus at single-cell level, and elucidate the factors mediating the pathogenesis of DCD. To elucidate cell specific gene expression changes in the hippocampus of diabetic encephalopathy. Single-cell RNA sequencing of hippocampus from db/m and db/db mice was carried out. Subclustering analysis was performed to further describe microglial cell subpopulations. Interestingly using immunohistochemistry, these findings were confirmed at the protein level. Single cell analysis yielded transcriptome data for 14621 hippocampal cells and defined 11 different cell types. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in the microglia compartments indicated that infection- and immune system process- associated terms, oxidative stress and inflammation play vital roles in the progression of DCD. Compared with db/m mouse, experiments at the protein level supported the activation of microglia, increased expression of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress damage in the hippocampus of db/db mouse. In addition, a major finding of our research was the subpopulation of microglia that express genes related to pro-inflammatory disease-associated microglia (DAM). Our research reveals pathological alterations of inflammation and oxidative stress mediated hippocampal damage in the db/db mice, and may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for DCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhan Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenkai Bi
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xueying Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shangbin Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaxin Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengcheng Huang
- Clinical Education Administration, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Renjun Lv
- Department of Geriatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Renjun Lv, ; Qingqing Yin,
| | - Qingqing Yin
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Renjun Lv, ; Qingqing Yin,
| |
Collapse
|