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Jovanovic VM, Mesch KT, Tristan CA. hPSC-Derived Astrocytes at the Forefront of Translational Applications in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:903. [PMID: 38891034 PMCID: PMC11172187 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110903] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment or abnormalities of typical astrocyte functions in the CNS serve as a causative or contributing factor in numerous neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, disease-modeling and drug-screening approaches, primarily focused on human astrocytes, rely on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived astrocytes. However, it is important to acknowledge that these hPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit notable differences across studies and when compared to their in vivo counterparts. These differences may potentially compromise translational outcomes if not carefully accounted for. This review aims to explore state-of-the-art in vitro models of human astrocyte development, focusing on the developmental processes, functional maturity, and technical aspects of various hPSC-derived astrocyte differentiation protocols. Additionally, it summarizes their successful application in modeling neurological disorders. The discussion extends to recent advancements in the large-scale production of human astrocytes and their application in developing high-throughput assays conducive to therapeutic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vukasin M. Jovanovic
- Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA (C.A.T.)
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Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Immunomodulatory Properties. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020279. [PMID: 36829556 PMCID: PMC9953405 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Oils are an essential part of the human diet and are primarily derived from plant (or sometimes fish) sources. Several of them exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Specific diets, such as Mediterranean diet, that are high in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and ω-9 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) have even been shown to exert an overall positive impact on human health. One of the most widely used supplements in the developed world is fish oil, which contains high amounts of PUFAs docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid. This review is focused on the natural sources of various polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the human diet, and their role as precursor molecules in immune signaling pathways. Consideration is also given to their role in CNS immunity. Recent findings from clinical trials utilizing various fatty acids or diets high in specific fatty acids are reviewed, along with the mechanisms through which fatty acids exert their anti-inflammatory properties. An overall understanding of diversity of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their role in several molecular signaling pathways is useful in formulating diets that reduce inflammation and increase longevity.
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Domingos C, Müller FE, Passlick S, Wachten D, Ponimaskin E, Schwarz MK, Schoch S, Zeug A, Henneberger C. Induced Remodelling of Astrocytes In Vitro and In Vivo by Manipulation of Astrocytic RhoA Activity. Cells 2023; 12:331. [PMID: 36672265 PMCID: PMC9856770 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020331] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural changes of astrocytes and their perisynaptic processes occur in response to various physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. They are thought to profoundly affect synaptic signalling and neuron-astrocyte communication. Understanding the causal relationship between astrocyte morphology changes and their functional consequences requires experimental tools to selectively manipulate astrocyte morphology. Previous studies indicate that RhoA-related signalling can play a major role in controlling astrocyte morphology, but the direct effect of increased RhoA activity has not been documented in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we established a viral approach to manipulate astrocytic RhoA activity. We tested if and how overexpression of wild-type RhoA, of a constitutively active RhoA mutant (RhoA-CA), and of a dominant-negative RhoA variant changes the morphology of cultured astrocytes. We found that astrocytic expression of RhoA-CA induced robust cytoskeletal changes and a withdrawal of processes in cultured astrocytes. In contrast, overexpression of other RhoA variants led to more variable changes of astrocyte morphology. These induced morphology changes were reproduced in astrocytes of the hippocampus in vivo. Importantly, astrocytic overexpression of RhoA-CA did not alter the branching pattern of larger GFAP-positive processes of astrocytes. This indicates that a prolonged increase of astrocytic RhoA activity leads to a distinct morphological phenotype in vitro and in vivo, which is characterized by an isolated reduction of fine peripheral astrocyte processes in vivo. At the same time, we identified a promising experimental approach for investigating the functional consequences of astrocyte morphology changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingos
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Passlick
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin K. Schwarz
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research (EECR), Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical School, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - André Zeug
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Ablinger I, Dressel K, Rott T, Lauer AA, Tiemann M, Batista JP, Taddey T, Grimm HS, Grimm MOW. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease-From Bench to Bedside: What Feasible Options Do Already Exist Today? Biomedicines 2022; 10:2922. [PMID: 36428494 PMCID: PMC9687885 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the western population. The incidence of this disease increases with age. Rising life expectancy and the resulting increase in the ratio of elderly in the population are likely to exacerbate socioeconomic problems. Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial disease. In addition to amyloidogenic processing leading to plaques, and tau pathology, but also other molecular causes such as oxidative stress or inflammation play a crucial role. We summarize the molecular mechanisms leading to Alzheimer's disease and which potential interventions are known to interfere with these mechanisms, focusing on nutritional approaches and physical activity but also the beneficial effects of cognition-oriented treatments with a focus on language and communication. Interestingly, recent findings also suggest a causal link between oral conditions, such as periodontitis or edentulism, and Alzheimer's disease, raising the question of whether dental intervention in Alzheimer's patients can be beneficial as well. Unfortunately, all previous single-domain interventions have been shown to have limited benefit to patients. However, the latest studies indicate that combining these efforts into multidomain approaches may have increased preventive or therapeutic potential. Therefore, as another emphasis in this review, we provide an overview of current literature dealing with studies combining the above-mentioned approaches and discuss potential advantages compared to monotherapies. Considering current literature and intervention options, we also propose a multidomain interdisciplinary approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients that synergistically links the individual approaches. In conclusion, this review highlights the need to combine different approaches in an interdisciplinary manner, to address the future challenges of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ablinger
- Speech and Language Therapy, Campus Bonn, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Dressel
- Speech and Language Therapy, Campus Düsseldorf, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thea Rott
- Interdisciplinary Periodontology and Prevention, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Anna Andrea Lauer
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael Tiemann
- Sport Science, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - João Pedro Batista
- Sport Science and Physiotherapy, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Tim Taddey
- Physiotherapy, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Heike Sabine Grimm
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Otto Walter Grimm
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
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