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Spennato D, Leone J, Gundhardt C, Varnavski O, Fabbri R, Caprini M, Zamboni R, Benfenati V, Goodson T. Investigations of Astrocyte Calcium Signaling and Imaging with Classical and Nonclassical Light. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7966-7977. [PMID: 39133203 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The application of light in studying and influencing cellular behavior with improved temporal and spatial resolution remains a key objective in fields such as chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering. In the brain, nonexcitable cells called astrocytes play essential roles in regulating homeostasis and cognitive function through complex calcium signaling pathways. Understanding these pathways is vital for deciphering brain physiology and neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Despite challenges in selectively targeting astrocyte signaling pathways due to shared molecular equipment with neurons, recent advancements in laser technology offer promising avenues. However, the effort to use laser light properties to study astroglial cell function is still limited. This work aims to exploit an in-depth pharmacological analysis of astrocyte calcium channels to determine the physiological mechanism induced by exposure to classical nanosecond-pulsed light. We herein report molecular clues supporting the use of visible-nanosecond laser pulses as a promising approach to excite primary rat neocortical astrocytes and unprecedentedly report on the implementation of entangled two-photon microscopy to image them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Spennato
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Josephine Leone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Carolyn Gundhardt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Oleg Varnavski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Roberta Fabbri
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Istituto per la Sintesi Organica e Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Theodor Goodson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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2
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Czpakowska J, Kałuża M, Szpakowski P, Głąbiński A. An Overview of Multiple Sclerosis In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7759. [PMID: 39063001 PMCID: PMC11276743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147759] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) still poses a challenge in terms of complex etiology, not fully effective methods of treatment, and lack of healing agents. This neurodegenerative condition considerably affects the comfort of life by causing difficulties with movement and worsening cognition. Neuron, astrocyte, microglia, and oligodendrocyte activity is engaged in multiple pathogenic processes associated with MS. These cells are also utilized in creating in vitro cellular models for investigations focusing on MS. In this article, we present and discuss a summary of different in vitro models useful for MS research and describe their development. We discuss cellular models derived from animals or humans and present in the form of primary cell lines or immortalized cell lines. In addition, we characterize cell cultures developed from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Culture conditions (2D and 3D cultures) are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr Szpakowski
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Medical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 113 Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (J.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Andrzej Głąbiński
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Medical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 113 Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (J.C.); (M.K.)
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3
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Ahmadpour N, Kantroo M, Stobart MJ, Meza-Resillas J, Shabanipour S, Parra-Nuñez J, Salamovska T, Muzaleva A, O'Hara F, Erickson D, Di Gaetano B, Carrion-Falgarona S, Weber B, Lamont A, Lavine NE, Kauppinen TM, Jackson MF, Stobart JL. Cortical astrocyte N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors influence whisker barrel activity and sensory discrimination in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1571. [PMID: 38383567 PMCID: PMC10882001 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45989-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes express ionotropic receptors, including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). However, the contribution of NMDARs to astrocyte-neuron interactions, particularly in vivo, has not been elucidated. Here we show that a knockdown approach to selectively reduce NMDARs in mouse cortical astrocytes decreases astrocyte Ca2+ transients evoked by sensory stimulation. Astrocyte NMDAR knockdown also impairs nearby neuronal circuits by elevating spontaneous neuron activity and limiting neuronal recruitment, synchronization, and adaptation during sensory stimulation. Furthermore, this compromises the optimal processing of sensory information since the sensory acuity of the mice is reduced during a whisker-dependent tactile discrimination task. Lastly, we rescue the effects of astrocyte NMDAR knockdown on neurons and improve the tactile acuity of the animal by supplying exogenous ATP. Overall, our findings show that astrocytes can respond to nearby neuronal activity via their NMDAR, and that these receptors are an important component for purinergic signaling that regulate astrocyte-neuron interactions and cortical sensory discrimination in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meher Kantroo
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Muzaleva
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Finnegan O'Hara
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Dustin Erickson
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Bruno Di Gaetano
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alana Lamont
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Center, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Natalie E Lavine
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Center, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Tiina M Kauppinen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Center, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael F Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Center, Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jillian L Stobart
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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4
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Khananshvili D. Neuronal and astrocyte NCX isoform/splice variants: How do they participate in Na + and Ca 2+ signalling? Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102818. [PMID: 37918135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 gene isoforms and their splice variants are characteristically expressed in different regions of the brain. The tissue-specific splice variants of NCX1-3 isoforms show specific expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes, whereas the relevant NCX isoform/splice variants exhibit diverse allosteric modes of Na+- and Ca2+-dependent regulation. In general, overexpression of NCX1-3 genes leads to neuroprotective effects, whereas their ablation gains the opposite results. At this end, the partial contributions of NCX isoform/splice variants to neuroprotective effects remain unresolved. The glutamate-dependent Na+ entry generates Na+ transients (in response to neuronal cell activities), whereas the Na+-driven Ca2+ entry (through the reverse NCX mode) raises Ca2+ transients. This special mode of signal coupling translates Na+ transients into the Ca2+ signals while being a part of synaptic neurotransmission. This mechanism is of general interest since disease-related conditions (ischemia, metabolic stress, and stroke among many others) trigger Na+ and Ca2+ overload with deadly outcomes of downstream apoptosis and excitotoxicity. The recently discovered mechanisms of NCX allosteric regulation indicate that some NCX variants might play a critical role in the dynamic coupling of Na+-driven Ca2+ entry. In contrast, the others are less important or even could be dangerous under altered conditions (e.g., metabolic stress). This working hypothesis can be tested by applying advanced experimental approaches and highly focused computational simulations. This may allow the development of structure-based blockers/activators that can selectively modulate predefined NCX variants to lessen the life-threatening outcomes of excitotoxicity, ischemia, apoptosis, metabolic deprivation, brain injury, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khananshvili
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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5
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Lia A, Di Spiezio A, Vitalini L, Tore M, Puja G, Losi G. Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Glioblastoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2038. [PMID: 37895420 PMCID: PMC10608464 DOI: 10.3390/life13102038] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Alessandro Di Spiezio
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
- Neuroscience Institute (CNR-IN), Padova Section, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vitalini
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Manuela Tore
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Puja
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Losi
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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6
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Cervetto C, Maura G, Guidolin D, Amato S, Ceccoli C, Agnati LF, Marcoli M. Striatal astrocytic A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions and their role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023:109636. [PMID: 37321323 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109636] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that astrocytes are active players in synaptic transmission, so that a neurocentric perspective of the integrative signal communication in the central nervous system is shifting towards a neuro-astrocentric perspective. Astrocytes respond to synaptic activity, release chemical signals (gliotransmitters) and express neurotransmitter receptors (G protein-coupled and ionotropic receptors), thus behaving as co-actors with neurons in signal communication in the central nervous system. The ability of G protein-coupled receptors to physically interact through heteromerization, forming heteromers and receptor mosaics with new distinct signal recognition and transduction pathways, has been intensively studied at neuronal plasma membrane, and has changed the view of the integrative signal communication in the central nervous system. One of the best-known examples of receptor-receptor interaction through heteromerization, with relevant consequences for both the physiological and the pharmacological points of view, is given by adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors on the plasma membrane of striatal neurons. Here we review evidence that native A2A and D2 receptors can interact through heteromerization at the plasma membrane of astrocytes as well. Astrocytic A2A-D2 heteromers were found able to control the release of glutamate from the striatal astrocyte processes. A2A-D2 heteromers on striatal astrocytes and astrocyte processes are discussed as far as their potential relevance in the control of glutamatergic transmission in striatum is concerned, including potential roles in glutamatergic transmission dysregulation in pathological conditions including schizophrenia or the Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy.
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ceccoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biochemical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Italy.
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7
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Wu D, Chen Q, Chen X, Han F, Chen Z, Wang Y. The blood-brain barrier: structure, regulation, and drug delivery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:217. [PMID: 37231000 PMCID: PMC10212980 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 181.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a natural protective membrane that prevents central nervous system (CNS) from toxins and pathogens in blood. However, the presence of BBB complicates the pharmacotherapy for CNS disorders as the most chemical drugs and biopharmaceuticals have been impeded to enter the brain. Insufficient drug delivery into the brain leads to low therapeutic efficacy as well as aggravated side effects due to the accumulation in other organs and tissues. Recent breakthrough in materials science and nanotechnology provides a library of advanced materials with customized structure and property serving as a powerful toolkit for targeted drug delivery. In-depth research in the field of anatomical and pathological study on brain and BBB further facilitates the development of brain-targeted strategies for enhanced BBB crossing. In this review, the physiological structure and different cells contributing to this barrier are summarized. Various emerging strategies for permeability regulation and BBB crossing including passive transcytosis, intranasal administration, ligands conjugation, membrane coating, stimuli-triggered BBB disruption, and other strategies to overcome BBB obstacle are highlighted. Versatile drug delivery systems ranging from organic, inorganic, and biologics-derived materials with their synthesis procedures and unique physio-chemical properties are summarized and analyzed. This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive guideline for researchers in diverse fields, offering perspectives on further development of brain-targeted drug delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Drug Target and Drug Discovery Center, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, China.
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8
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Lawson J, LaVancher E, DeAlmeida M, Black BJ. Electrically-evoked oscillating calcium transients in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC glia and sensory neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1094070. [PMID: 37006467 PMCID: PMC10060658 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1094070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated glia are known to exhibit either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects, depending on their phenotype, while participating in chronic pain regulation. Until recently, it has been believed that satellite glial cells and astrocytes are electrically slight and process stimuli only through intracellular calcium flux that triggers downstream signaling mechanisms. Though glia do not exhibit action potentials, they do express both voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that facilitate measurable calcium transients, a measure of their own phenotypic excitability, and support and modulate sensory neuron excitability through ion buffering and secretion of excitatory or inhibitory neuropeptides (i.e., paracrine signaling). We recently developed a model of acute and chronic nociception using co-cultures of iPSC sensory neurons (SN) and spinal astrocytes on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Until recently, only neuronal extracellular activity has been recorded using MEAs with a high signal-to-noise ratio and in a non-invasive manner. Unfortunately, this method has limited compatibility with simultaneous calcium transient imaging techniques, which is the most common method for monitoring the phenotypic activity of astrocytes. Moreover, both dye-based and genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging rely on calcium chelation, affecting the culture’s long-term physiology. Therefore, it would be ideal to allow continuous and simultaneous direct phenotypic monitoring of both SNs and astrocytes in a high-to-moderate throughput non-invasive manner and would significantly advance the field of electrophysiology. Here, we characterize astrocytic oscillating calcium transients (OCa2+Ts) in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC astrocytes as well as iPSC SN-astrocyte co-cultures on 48 well plate MEAs. We demonstrate that astrocytes exhibit OCa2+Ts in an electrical stimulus amplitude- and duration-dependent manner. We show that OCa2+Ts can be pharmacologically inhibited with the gap junction antagonist, carbenoxolone (100 μM). Most importantly, we demonstrate that both neurons and glia can be phenotypically characterized in real time, repeatedly, over the duration of the culture. In total, our findings suggest that calcium transients in glial populations may serve as a stand-alone or supplemental screening technique for identifying potential analgesics or compounds targeting other glia-mediated pathologies.
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Caulfield ME, Vander Werp MJ, Stancati JA, Collier TJ, Sortwell CE, Sandoval IM, Manfredsson FP, Steece-Collier K. Downregulation of striatal CaV1.3 inhibits the escalation of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in male and female parkinsonian rats of advanced age. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106111. [PMID: 37001610 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 25 years, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has nearly doubled. Age remains the primary risk factor for PD and as the global aging population increases this trend is predicted to continue. Even when treated with levodopa, the gold standard dopamine (DA) replacement therapy, individuals with PD frequently develop therapeutic side effects. Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), a common side effect of long-term levodopa use, represents a significant unmet clinical need in the treatment of PD. Previously, in young adult (3-month-old) male parkinsonian rats, we demonstrated that the silencing of CaV1.3 (Cacan1d) L-type voltage-gated calcium channels via striatal delivery of rAAV-CaV1.3-shRNA provides uniform protection against the induction of LID, and significant reduction of established severe LID. With the goal of more closely replicating a clinical demographic, the current study examined the effects of CaV1.3-targeted gene therapy on LID escalation in male and female parkinsonian rats of advanced age (18-month-old at study completion). We tested the hypothesis that silencing aberrant CaV1.3 channel activity in the parkinsonian striatum would prevent moderate to severe dyskinesia with levodopa dose escalation. To test this hypothesis, 15-month-old male and female F344 rats were rendered unilaterally parkinsonian and primed with low-dose (3-4 mg/kg) levodopa. Following the establishment of stable, mild dyskinesias, rats received an intrastriatal injection of either the Cacna1d-specific rAAV-CaV1.3-shRNA vector (CAV-shRNA), or the scramble control rAAV-SCR-shRNA vector (SCR-shRNA). Daily (M-Fr) low-dose levodopa was maintained for 4 weeks during the vector transduction and gene silencing window followed by escalation to 6 mg/kg, then to 12 mg/kg levodopa. SCR-shRNA-shRNA rats showed stable LID expression with low-dose levodopa and the predicted escalation of LID severity with increased levodopa doses. Conversely, complex behavioral responses were observed in aged rats receiving CAV-shRNA, with approximately half of the male and female subjects-therapeutic 'Responders'-demonstrating protection against LID escalation, while the remaining half-therapeutic 'Non-Responders'-showed LID escalation similar to SCR-shRNA rats. Post-mortem histological analyses revealed individual variability in the detection of Cacna1d regulation in the DA-depleted striatum of aged rats. However, taken together, male and female therapeutic 'Responder' rats receiving CAV-shRNA had significantly less striatal Cacna1d in their vector-injected striatum relative to contralateral striatum than those with SCR-shRNA. The current data suggest that mRNA-level silencing of striatal CaV1.3 channels maintains potency in a clinically relevant in vivo scenario by preventing dose-dependent dyskinesia escalation in rats of advanced age. As compared to the uniform response previously reported in young male rats, there was notable variability between individual aged rats, particularly females, in the current study. Future investigations are needed to derive the sex-specific and age-related mechanisms which underlie variable responses to gene therapy and to elucidate factors which determine the therapeutic efficacy of treatment for PD.
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10
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Stulczewski D, Zgorzynska E, Dziedzic B, Wieczorek-Szukala K, Szafraniec K, Walczewska A. EPA stronger than DHA increases the mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiolipin levels but does not change the ATP level in astrocytes. Exp Cell Res 2023; 424:113491. [PMID: 36708860 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly energy-consuming glial cells critical for metabolic support to neurons. A growing body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes is involved in age-related neurodegenerative disorders and that fish oil, rich in docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acids, may alleviate cognition impairment in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The present study examines the effect of DHA and EPA on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis activation and ATP levels in astrocytes cultured in medium containing glucose or galactose, which limits oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). MMP, expressed as the ratio of red to green JC-10 and MitoTracker fluorescence, increased in EPA-incubated cells in a dose dependent manner and was higher than in DHA-incubated astrocytes, also after uncoupling of OXPHOS by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). In cells cultured in glucose and galactose medium mitochondrial hyperpolarization had no impact on intracellular ATP level. Furthermore, both EPA and DHA elevated mitochondrial cardiolipin content, however only EPA did so in a dose-dependent manner and reduced apoptosis which was analyzed by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Stulczewski
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Emilia Zgorzynska
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Barbara Dziedzic
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Kacper Szafraniec
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Walczewska
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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11
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Liu L, Gao H, Li J, Chen S. Probing microdomain Ca 2+ activity and synaptic transmission with a node-based tripartite synapse model. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1111306. [PMID: 36926546 PMCID: PMC10013067 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1111306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytic fine processes are the most minor structures of astrocytes but host much of the Ca2+ activity. These localized Ca2+ signals spatially restricted to microdomains are crucial for information processing and synaptic transmission. However, the mechanistic link between astrocytic nanoscale processes and microdomain Ca2+ activity remains hazily understood because of the technical difficulties in accessing this structurally unresolved region. In this study, we used computational models to disentangle the intricate relations of morphology and local Ca2+ dynamics involved in astrocytic fine processes. We aimed to answer: 1) how nano-morphology affects local Ca2+ activity and synaptic transmission, 2) and how fine processes affect Ca2+ activity of large process they connect. To address these issues, we undertook the following two computational modeling: 1) we integrated the in vivo astrocyte morphological data from a recent study performed with super-resolution microscopy that discriminates sub-compartments of various shapes, referred to as nodes and shafts to a classic IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling framework describing the intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, 2) we proposed a node-based tripartite synapse model linking with astrocytic morphology to predict the effect of structural deficits of astrocytes on synaptic transmission. Extensive simulations provided us with several biological insights: 1) the width of nodes and shafts could strongly influence the spatiotemporal variability of Ca2+ signals properties but what indeed determined the Ca2+ activity was the width ratio between nodes and shafts, 2) the connectivity of nodes to larger processes markedly shaped the Ca2+ signal of the parent process rather than nodes morphology itself, 3) the morphological changes of astrocytic part might potentially induce the abnormality of synaptic transmission by affecting the level of glutamate at tripartite synapses. Taken together, this comprehensive model which integrated theoretical computation and in vivo morphological data highlights the role of the nanomorphology of astrocytes in signal transmission and its possible mechanisms related to pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langzhou Liu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Gao
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shangbin Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Denizot A, Arizono M, Nägerl UV, Berry H, De Schutter E. Control of Ca 2+ signals by astrocyte nanoscale morphology at tripartite synapses. Glia 2022; 70:2378-2391. [PMID: 36097958 PMCID: PMC9825906 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Much of the Ca2+ activity in astrocytes is spatially restricted to microdomains and occurs in fine processes that form a complex anatomical meshwork, the so-called spongiform domain. A growing body of literature indicates that those astrocytic Ca2+ signals can influence the activity of neuronal synapses and thus tune the flow of information through neuronal circuits. Because of technical difficulties in accessing the small spatial scale involved, the role of astrocyte morphology on Ca2+ microdomain activity remains poorly understood. Here, we use computational tools and idealized 3D geometries of fine processes based on recent super-resolution microscopy data to investigate the mechanistic link between astrocytic nanoscale morphology and local Ca2+ activity. Simulations demonstrate that the nano-morphology of astrocytic processes powerfully shapes the spatio-temporal properties of Ca2+ signals and promotes local Ca2+ activity. The model predicts that this effect is attenuated upon astrocytic swelling, hallmark of brain diseases, which we confirm experimentally in hypo-osmotic conditions. Upon repeated neurotransmitter release events, the model predicts that swelling hinders astrocytic signal propagation. Overall, this study highlights the influence of the complex morphology of astrocytes at the nanoscale and its remodeling in pathological conditions on neuron-astrocyte communication at so-called tripartite synapses, where astrocytic processes come into close contact with pre- and postsynaptic structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Denizot
- Computational Neuroscience UnitOkinawa Institute of Science and TechnologyOnna‐SonJapan
| | - Misa Arizono
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroscienceUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroscienceCNRS UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
- Department of PharmacologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - U. Valentin Nägerl
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroscienceUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroscienceCNRS UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
| | - Hugues Berry
- LIRIS, UMR5205 CNRSUniv LyonVilleurbanneFrance
- INRIAVilleurbanneFrance
| | - Erik De Schutter
- Computational Neuroscience UnitOkinawa Institute of Science and TechnologyOnna‐SonJapan
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13
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Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Neuroinflammation to Ca2+ Homeostasis Dysregulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172728. [PMID: 36078138 PMCID: PMC9454513 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, with a complex, poorly understood pathogenesis. Cerebral atrophy, amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles represent the main pathological hallmarks of the AD brain. Recently, neuroinflammation has been recognized as a prominent feature of the AD brain and substantial evidence suggests that the inflammatory response modulates disease progression. Additionally, dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis represents another early factor involved in the AD pathogenesis, as intracellular Ca2+ concentration is essential to ensure proper cellular and neuronal functions. Although growing evidence supports the involvement of Ca2+ in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration-related inflammatory processes, scant data are available on its contribution in microglia and astrocytes functioning, both in health and throughout the AD continuum. Nevertheless, AD-related aberrant Ca2+ signalling in astrocytes and microglia is crucially involved in the mechanisms underpinning neuroinflammatory processes that, in turn, impact neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis and brain function. In this light, we attempted to provide an overview of the current understanding of the interactions between the glia cells-mediated inflammatory responses and the molecular mechanisms involved in Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulation in AD.
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14
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Glutamate Signaling and Filopodiagenesis of Astrocytoma Cells in Brain Cancers: Survey and Questions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172657. [PMID: 36078065 PMCID: PMC9454653 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172657] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are non-excitable cells in the CNS that can cause life-threatening astrocytoma tumors when they transform to cancerous cells. Perturbed homeostasis of the neurotransmitter glutamate is associated with astrocytoma tumor onset and progression, but the factors that govern this phenomenon are less known. Herein, we review possible mechanisms by which glutamate may act in facilitating the growth of projections in astrocytic cells. This review discusses the similarities and differences between the morphology of astrocytes and astrocytoma cells, and the role that dysregulation in glutamate and calcium signaling plays in the aberrant morphology of astrocytoma cells. Converging reports suggest that ionotropic glutamate receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels expressed in astrocytes may be responsible for the abnormal filopodiagenesis or process extension leading to astrocytoma cells’ infiltration throughout the brain.
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15
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Looking to the stars for answers: Strategies for determining how astrocytes influence neuronal activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4146-4156. [PMID: 36016711 PMCID: PMC9379862 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical components of neural circuits positioned in close proximity to the synapse, allowing them to rapidly sense and respond to neuronal activity. One repeatedly observed biomarker of astroglial activation is an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These astroglial Ca2+ signals are often observed spreading throughout various cellular compartments from perisynaptic astroglial processes, to major astrocytic branches and on to the soma or cell body. Here we review recent evidence demonstrating that astrocytic Ca2+ events are remarkably heterogeneous in both form and function, propagate through the astroglial syncytia, and are directly linked to the ability of astroglia to influence local neuronal activity. As many of the cellular functions of astroglia can be linked to intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and the diversity and heterogeneity of these events becomes more apparent, there is an increasing need for novel experimental strategies designed to better understand the how these signals evolve in parallel with neuronal activity. Here we review the recent advances that enable the characterization of both subcellular and population-wide astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics. Additionally, we also outline the experimental design required for simultaneous in vivo Ca2+ imaging in the context of neuronal or astroglial manipulation, highlighting new experimental strategies made possible by recent advances in viral vector, imaging, and quantification technologies. Through combined usage of these reagents and methodologies, we provide a conceptual framework to study how astrocytes functionally integrate into neural circuits and to what extent they influence and direct the synaptic activity underlying behavioral responses.
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16
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Pillai AG, Nadkarni S. Amyloid pathology disrupts gliotransmitter release in astrocytes. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010334. [PMID: 35913987 PMCID: PMC9371304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is associated with synaptic dysfunction and destabilization of astrocytic calcium homeostasis. A growing body of evidence support astrocytes as active modulators of synaptic transmission via calcium-mediated gliotransmission. However, the details of mechanisms linking Aβ signaling, astrocytic calcium dynamics, and gliotransmission are not known. We developed a biophysical model that describes calcium signaling and the ensuing gliotransmitter release from a single astrocytic process when stimulated by glutamate release from hippocampal neurons. The model accurately captures the temporal dynamics of microdomain calcium signaling and glutamate release via both kiss-and-run and full-fusion exocytosis. We investigate the roles of two crucial calcium regulating machineries affected by Aβ: plasma-membrane calcium pumps (PMCA) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). When we implemented these Aβ-affected molecular changes in our astrocyte model, it led to an increase in the rate and synchrony of calcium events. Our model also reproduces several previous findings of Aβ associated aberrant calcium activity, such as increased intracellular calcium level and increased spontaneous calcium activity, and synchronous calcium events. The study establishes a causal link between previous observations of hyperactive astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Aβ-induced modifications in mGluR and PMCA functions. Analogous to neurotransmitter release, gliotransmitter exocytosis closely tracks calcium changes in astrocyte processes, thereby guaranteeing tight control of synaptic signaling by astrocytes. However, the downstream effects of AD-related calcium changes in astrocytes on gliotransmitter release are not known. Our results show that enhanced rate of exocytosis resulting from modified calcium signaling in astrocytes leads to a rapid depletion of docked vesicles that disrupts the crucial temporal correspondence between a calcium event and vesicular release. We propose that the loss of temporal correspondence between calcium events and gliotransmission in astrocytes pathologically alters astrocytic modulation of synaptic transmission in the presence of Aβ accumulation. Signaling by astrocytes is critical to information processing at synapses, and its aberration plays a central role in neurological diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A complete characterization of calcium signaling and the resulting pattern of gliotransmitter release from fine astrocytic processes are not accessible to current experimental tools. We developed a biophysical model that can quantitatively describe signaling by astrocytes in response to a wide range of synaptic activity. We show that AD-related molecular alterations disrupt the concurrence of calcium and gliotransmitter release events, a characterizing feature that enables astrocytes to influence synaptic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suhita Nadkarni
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, Pune, India
- * E-mail:
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17
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The Involvement of Polyamines Catabolism in the Crosstalk between Neurons and Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071756. [PMID: 35885061 PMCID: PMC9312548 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, the content of polyamines is tightly regulated. Polyamines, including spermine, spermidine and putrescine, are involved in many cellular processes. Spermine oxidase specifically oxidizes spermine, and its deregulated activity has been reported to be linked to brain pathologies involving neuron damage. Spermine is a neuromodulator of a number of ionotropic glutamate receptors and types of ion channels. In this respect, the Dach-SMOX mouse model overexpressing spermine oxidase in the neocortex neurons was revealed to be a model of chronic oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and neuronal damage. Reactive astrocytosis, chronic oxidative and excitotoxic stress, neuron loss and the susceptibility to seizure in the Dach-SMOX are discussed here. This genetic model would help researchers understand the linkage between polyamine dysregulation and neurodegeneration and unveil the roles of polyamines in the crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons in neuroprotection or neurodegeneration.
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18
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Burboa PC, Puebla M, Gaete PS, Durán WN, Lillo MA. Connexin and Pannexin Large-Pore Channels in Microcirculation and Neurovascular Coupling Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137303. [PMID: 35806312 PMCID: PMC9266979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation homeostasis depends on several channels permeable to ions and/or small molecules that facilitate the regulation of the vasomotor tone, hyperpermeability, the blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular coupling function. Connexin (Cxs) and Pannexin (Panxs) large-pore channel proteins are implicated in several aspects of vascular physiology. The permeation of ions (i.e., Ca2+) and key metabolites (ATP, prostaglandins, D-serine, etc.) through Cxs (i.e., gap junction channels or hemichannels) and Panxs proteins plays a vital role in intercellular communication and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation or genetic pathologies associated with these channels promote deleterious tissue consequences. This review provides an overview of current knowledge concerning the physiological role of these large-pore molecule channels in microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and in the neurovascular coupling function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pía C. Burboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Mariela Puebla
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Pablo S. Gaete
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Walter N. Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Amato S, Averna M, Guidolin D, Pedrazzi M, Pelassa S, Capraro M, Passalacqua M, Bozzo M, Gatta E, Anderlini D, Maura G, Agnati LF, Cervetto C, Marcoli M. Heterodimer of A2A and Oxytocin Receptors Regulating Glutamate Release in Adult Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042326. [PMID: 35216441 PMCID: PMC8879615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of oxytocin (OT) in central nervous system are increasingly considered. Nevertheless, OT effects on gliotransmitter release have been neglected. METHODS In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OT receptor (OTR) and adenosine A2A receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of receptors activation on glutamate release from the processes were evaluated; A2A-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and PLA. Structure of the possible heterodimer of A2A and OT receptors was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. RESULTS Both A2A and OT receptors were expressed on the same astrocyte processes. Evidence for A2A-OTR receptor-receptor interaction was obtained by measuring the release of glutamate: OT inhibited the evoked glutamate release, while activation of A2A receptors, per se ineffective, abolished the OT effect. Biochemical and biophysical evidence for A2A-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes was also obtained. The residues in the transmembrane domains 4 and 5 of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. CONCLUSIONS When considering effects of OT in striatum, modulation of glutamate release from the astrocyte processes and of glutamatergic synapse functioning, and the interaction with A2A receptors on the astrocyte processes should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Simone Pelassa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Michela Capraro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Italian Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy;
| | - Deanna Anderlini
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Blair Drive, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
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20
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Marcoli M, Cervetto C, Amato S, Fiorucci C, Maura G, Mariottini P, Cervelli M. Transgenic Mouse Overexpressing Spermine Oxidase in Cerebrocortical Neurons: Astrocyte Dysfunction and Susceptibility to Epileptic Seizures. Biomolecules 2022; 12:204. [PMID: 35204705 PMCID: PMC8961639 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are organic polycations ubiquitously present in living cells. Polyamines are involved in many cellular processes, and their content in mammalian cells is tightly controlled. Among their function, these molecules modulate the activity of several ion channels. Spermine oxidase, specifically oxidized spermine, is a neuromodulator of several types of ion channel and ionotropic glutamate receptors, and its deregulated activity has been linked to several brain pathologies, including epilepsy. The Dach-SMOX mouse line was generated using a Cre/loxP-based recombination approach to study the complex and critical functions carried out by spermine oxidase and spermine in the mammalian brain. This mouse genetic model overexpresses spermine oxidase in the neocortex and is a chronic model of excitotoxic/oxidative injury and neuron vulnerability to oxidative stress and excitotoxic, since its phenotype revealed to be more susceptible to different acute oxidative insults. In this review, the molecular mechanisms underlined the Dach-SMOX phenotype, linked to reactive astrocytosis, neuron loss, chronic oxidative and excitotoxic stress, and susceptibility to seizures have been discussed in detail. The Dach-SMOX mouse model overexpressing SMOX may help in shedding lights on the susceptibility to epileptic seizures, possibly helping to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis in vulnerable individuals and contributing to provide new molecular mechanism targets to search for novel antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Cristian Fiorucci
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Paolo Mariottini
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
| | - Manuela Cervelli
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
- Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
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