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Ji Y, Zuo C, Liao N, Yao L, Yang R, Chen H, Wen F. Identification of key lncRNAs in age-related macular degeneration through integrated bioinformatics and experimental validation. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5435-5451. [PMID: 38484366 PMCID: PMC11006464 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205656] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify key long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and to identify relevant pathological mechanisms of AMD development. We identified 407 differentially expressed mRNAs and 429 differentially expressed lncRNAs in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina in the macular region of AMD patients versus controls (P < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 0.585) from GSE135092. A total of 14 key differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained through external data validation from GSE115828. A miRNA-mRNA and miRNA-lncRNA network containing 52 lncRNA nodes, 49 miRNA nodes, 14 mRNA nodes and 351 edges was constructed via integrated analysis of these components. Finally, the LINC00276-miR-619-5p-IFIT3 axis was identified via protein-protein network analysis. In the t-BH-induced ARPE-19 senescent cell model, LINC00276 and IFIT3 were downregulated. Overexpression of LINC00276 could accelerate cell migration in combination with IFIT3 upregulation. This compelling finding suggests that LINC00276 plays an influential role in the progression of AMD, potentially through modulating senescence processes, thereby setting a foundation for future investigative efforts to verify this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chengguo Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Nanying Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Liwei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ruijun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
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You TY, Dong Q, Cui M. Emerging Links between Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation and Cognitive Decline: A Role for Brain Microvascular Pericytes. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2022.1204. [PMID: 37163446 PMCID: PMC10389833 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment associated with vascular etiology has been of considerable interest in the development of dementia. Recent studies have started to uncover cerebral blood flow deficits in initiating cognitive deterioration. Brain microvascular pericytes, the only type of contractile cells in capillaries, are involved in the precise modulation of vascular hemodynamics due to their ability to regulate resistance in the capillaries. They exhibit potential in maintaining the capillary network geometry and basal vascular tone. In addition, pericytes can facilitate better blood flow supply in response to neurovascular coupling. Their dysfunction is thought to disturb cerebral blood flow causing metabolic imbalances or structural injuries, leading to consequent cognitive decline. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of microvascular pericytes in brain blood flow regulation and outline the framework of a two-hit hypothesis in cognitive decline, where we emphasize how pericytes serve as targets of cerebral blood flow dysregulation that occurs with neurological challenges, ranging from genetic factors, aging, and pathological proteins to ischemic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yao You
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
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Xie C, Hu J, Cheng Y, Yao Z. Researches on cognitive sequelae of burn injury: Current status and advances. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1026152. [PMID: 36408414 PMCID: PMC9672468 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1026152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is a devastating disease with high incidence of disability and mortality. The cognitive dysfunctions, such as memory defect, are the main neurological sequelae influencing the life quality of burn-injured patients. The post-burn cognitive dysfunctions are related to the primary peripheral factors and the secondary cerebral inflammation, resulting in the destruction of blood-brain barrier (BBB), as is shown on Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. As part of the neurovascular unit, BBB is vital to the nutrition and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and undergoes myriad alterations after burn injury, causing post-burn cognitive defects. The diagnosis and treatment of cognitive dysfunctions as burn injury sequelae are of great importance. In this review, we address the major manifestations and interventions of post-burn cognitive defects, as well as the mechanisms involved in memory defect, including neuroinflammation, destruction of BBB, and hormone imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongxiang Yao
- Department of Physiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Rudd H, Toborek M. Pitfalls of Antiretroviral Therapy: Current Status and Long-Term CNS Toxicity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070894. [PMID: 35883450 PMCID: PMC9312798 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070894] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV can traverse the BBB using a Trojan horse-like mechanism. Hidden within infected immune cells, HIV can infiltrate the highly safeguarded CNS and propagate disease. Once integrated within the host genome, HIV becomes a stable provirus, which can remain dormant, evade detection by the immune system or antiretroviral therapy (ART), and result in rebound viraemia. As ART targets actively replicating HIV, has low BBB penetrance, and exposes patients to long-term toxicity, further investigation into novel therapeutic approaches is required. Viral proteins can be produced by latent HIV, which may play a synergistic role alongside ART in promoting neuroinflammatory pathophysiology. It is believed that the ability to specifically target these proviral reservoirs would be a vital driving force towards a cure for HIV infection. A novel drug design platform, using the in-tandem administration of several therapeutic approaches, can be used to precisely target the various components of HIV infection, ultimately leading to the eradication of active and latent HIV and a functional cure for HIV. The aim of this review is to explore the pitfalls of ART and potential novel therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Rudd
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(305)-243-0230
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Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. Advances in brain barriers and brain fluids research in 2021: great progress in a time of adversity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:48. [PMID: 35681151 PMCID: PMC9178944 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial highlights advances in brain barrier and brain fluid research in 2021. It covers research on components of the blood–brain barrier, neurovascular unit and brain fluid systems; how brain barriers and brain fluid systems are impacted by neurological disorders and their role in disease progression; and advances in strategies for treating such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | | | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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Eisenbaum M, Pearson A, Gratkowski A, Mouzon B, Mullan M, Crawford F, Ojo J, Bachmeier C. Influence of traumatic brain injury on extracellular tau elimination at the blood-brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:48. [PMID: 34702292 PMCID: PMC8549249 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive head trauma has been associated with the accumulation of tau species in the brain. Our prior work showed brain vascular mural cells contribute to tau processing in the brain, and that these cells progressively degenerate following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (r-mTBI). The current studies investigated the role of the cerebrovasculature in the elimination of extracellular tau from the brain, and the influence of r-mTBI on these processes. Following intracranial injection of biotin-labeled tau, the levels of exogenous labeled tau residing in the brain were elevated in a mouse model of r-mTBI at 12 months post-injury compared to r-sham mice, indicating reduced tau elimination from the brain following head trauma. This may be the result of decreased caveolin-1 mediated tau efflux at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), as the caveolin inhibitor, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, significantly reduced tau uptake in isolated cerebrovessels and significantly decreased the basolateral-to-apical transit of tau across an in vitro model of the BBB. Moreover, we found that the upstream regulator of endothelial caveolin-1, Mfsd2a, was elevated in r-mTBI cerebrovessels compared to r-sham, which coincided with a decreased expression of cerebrovascular caveolin-1 in the chronic phase following r-mTBI (> 3 months post-injury). Lastly, angiopoietin-1, a mural cell-derived protein governing endothelial Mfsd2a expression, was secreted from r-mTBI cerebrovessels to a greater extent than r-sham animals. Altogether, in the chronic phase post-injury, release of angiopoietin-1 from degenerating mural cells downregulates caveolin-1 expression in brain endothelia, resulting in decreased tau elimination across the BBB, which may describe the accumulation of tau species in the brain following head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Eisenbaum
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA. .,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
| | - Andrew Pearson
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Arissa Gratkowski
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Benoit Mouzon
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael Mullan
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Fiona Crawford
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Ojo
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Corbin Bachmeier
- The Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.,Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines, FL, USA
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Kurmann L, Okoniewski M, Dubey RK. Estradiol Inhibits Human Brain Vascular Pericyte Migration Activity: A Functional and Transcriptomic Analysis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092314. [PMID: 34571963 PMCID: PMC8472363 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in women and it kills twice as many women as breast cancer. A key role in the pathophysiology of stroke plays the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) within the neurovascular unit. While estrogen induces vascular protective actions, its influence on stroke remains unclear. Moreover, experiments assessing its impact on endothelial cells to induce barrier integrity are non-conclusive. Since pericytes play an active role in regulating BBB integrity and function, we hypothesize that estradiol may influence BBB by regulating their activity. In this study using human brain vascular pericytes (HBVPs) we investigated the impact of estradiol on key pericyte functions known to influence BBB integrity. HBVPs expressed estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β and GPER) and treatment with estradiol (10 nM) inhibited basal cell migration but not proliferation. Since pericyte migration is a hallmark for BBB disruption following injury, infection and inflammation, we investigated the effects of estradiol on TNFα-induced PC migration. Importantly, estradiol prevented TNFα-induced pericyte migration and this effect was mimicked by PPT (ER-α agonist) and DPN (ER-β agonist), but not by G1 (GPR30 agonist). The modulatory effects of estradiol were abrogated by MPP and PHTPP, selective ER-α and ER-β antagonists, respectively, confirming the role of ER-α and ER-β in mediating the anti-migratory actions of estrogen. To delineate the intracellular mechanisms mediating the inhibitory actions of estradiol on PC migration, we investigated the role of AKT and MAPK activation. While estradiol consistently reduced the TNFα-induced MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, only the inhibition of MAPK, but not Akt, significantly abrogated the migratory actions of TNFα. In transendothelial electrical resistance measurements, estradiol induced barrier function (TEER) in human brain microvascular endothelial cells co-cultured with pericytes, but not in HBMECs cultured alone. Importantly, transcriptomics analysis of genes modulated by estradiol in pericytes showed downregulation of genes known to increase cell migration and upregulation of genes known to inhibit cell migration. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that estradiol modulates pericyte activity and thereby improves endothelial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kurmann
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
| | | | - Raghvendra K. Dubey
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Correspondence:
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