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Agoston DV. Of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the human brain. Celebrating Miklos Palkovits' 90th birthday. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1374864. [PMID: 38764486 PMCID: PMC11099251 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1374864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Denes V. Agoston
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, De Caro R, Agnati LF. A Self-Similarity Logic May Shape the Organization of the Nervous System. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:203-225. [PMID: 38468034 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
From the morphological point of view, the nervous system exhibits a fractal, self-similar geometry at various levels of observations, from single cells up to cell networks. From the functional point of view, it is characterized by a hierarchical organization in which self-similar structures (networks) of different miniaturizations are nested within each other. In particular, neuronal networks, interconnected to form neuronal systems, are formed by neurons, which operate thanks to their molecular networks, mainly having proteins as components that via protein-protein interactions can be assembled in multimeric complexes working as micro-devices. On this basis, the term "self-similarity logic" was introduced to describe a nested organization where, at the various levels, almost the same rules (logic) to perform operations are used. Self-similarity and self-similarity logic both appear to be intimately linked to the biophysical evidence for the nervous system being a pattern-forming system that can flexibly switch from one coherent state to another. Thus, they can represent the key concepts to describe its complexity and its concerted, holistic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, Marcoli M, Cervetto C, De Caro R, Maura G, Agnati LF. Modulation of Neuron and Astrocyte Dopamine Receptors via Receptor-Receptor Interactions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1427. [PMID: 37895898 PMCID: PMC10610355 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101427] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine neurotransmission plays critical roles in regulating complex cognitive and behavioral processes including reward, motivation, reinforcement learning, and movement. Dopamine receptors are classified into five subtypes, widely distributed across the brain, including regions responsible for motor functions and specific areas related to cognitive and emotional functions. Dopamine also acts on astrocytes, which express dopamine receptors as well. The discovery of direct receptor-receptor interactions, leading to the formation of multimeric receptor complexes at the cell membrane and providing the cell decoding apparatus with flexible dynamics in terms of recognition and signal transduction, has expanded the knowledge of the G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling processes. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of currently identified receptor complexes containing dopamine receptors and of their modulatory action on dopamine-mediated signaling between neurons and between neurons and astrocytes. Pharmacological possibilities offered by targeting receptor complexes in terms of addressing neuropsychiatric disorders associated with altered dopamine signaling will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (C.T.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (C.T.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (C.T.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
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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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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, Marcoli M, Cervetto C, Maura G, Agnati LF. Receptor-receptor interactions and microvesicle exchange as mechanisms modulating signaling between neurons and astrocytes. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109509. [PMID: 36935005 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109509] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that astrocytes play a significant metabolic role in the nervous tissue, maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular space and of the blood-brain barrier, and providing trophic support to neurons. In addition, however, evidence exists indicating astrocytes as important elements for brain activity through signaling exchange with neurons. Astrocytes, indeed, can sense synaptic activity and their molecular machinery responds to neurotransmitters released by neurons with cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevations that, in turn, stimulate the release of neuroactive substances (gliotransmitters) influencing nearby neurons. In both cell types the recognition and transduction of this complex pattern of signals is mediated by specific receptors that are also involved in mechanisms tuning the intercellular cross-talk between astrocytes and neurons. Two of these mechanisms are the focus of the present discussion. The first concerns direct receptor-receptor interactions leading to the formation at the cell membrane of multimeric receptor complexes. The cooperativity that emerges in the actions of orthosteric and allosteric ligands of the monomers forming the assembly provides the cell decoding apparatus with sophisticated and flexible dynamics in terms of recognition and signal transduction pathways. A further mechanism of plasticity involving receptors is based on the transfer of elements of the cellular signaling apparatus via extracellular microvesicles acting as protective containers, which can lead to transient changes in the transmitting/decoding capabilities of the target cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
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Loh YM, Su MP, Ellis DA, Andrés M. The auditory efferent system in mosquitoes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1123738. [PMID: 36923250 PMCID: PMC10009176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1123738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst acoustic communication forms an integral component of the mating behavior of many insect species, it is particularly crucial for disease-transmitting mosquitoes; swarming males rely on hearing the faint sounds of flying females for courtship initiation. That males can hear females within the din of a swarm is testament to their fabulous auditory systems. Mosquito hearing is highly frequency-selective, remarkably sensitive and, most strikingly, supported by an elaborate system of auditory efferent neurons that modulate the auditory function - the only documented example amongst insects. Peripheral release of octopamine, serotonin and GABA appears to differentially modulate hearing across major disease-carrying mosquito species, with receptors from other neurotransmitter families also identified in their ears. Because mosquito mating relies on hearing the flight tones of mating partners, the auditory efferent system offers new potential targets for mosquito control. It also represents a unique insect model for studying auditory efferent networks. Here we review current knowledge of the mosquito auditory efferent system, briefly compare it with its counterparts in other species and highlight future research directions to unravel its contribution to mosquito auditory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuMin M. Loh
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Matthew P. Su
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - David A. Ellis
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Andrés
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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Marcoli M, Agnati LF, Franco R, Cortelli P, Anderlini D, Guidolin D, Cervetto C, Maura G. Modulating brain integrative actions as a new perspective on pharmacological approaches to neuropsychiatric diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1038874. [PMID: 36699033 PMCID: PMC9868467 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1038874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical aspect of drug development in the therapy of neuropsychiatric diseases is the "Target Problem", that is, the selection of a proper target after not simply the etiopathological classification but rather the detection of the supposed structural and/or functional alterations in the brain networks. There are novel ways of approaching the development of drugs capable of overcoming or at least reducing the deficits without triggering deleterious side effects. For this purpose, a model of brain network organization is needed, and the main aspects of its integrative actions must also be established. Thus, to this aim we here propose an updated model of the brain as a hyper-network in which i) the penta-partite synapses are suggested as key nodes of the brain hyper-network and ii) interacting cell surface receptors appear as both decoders of signals arriving to the network and targets of central nervous system diseases. The integrative actions of the brain networks follow the "Russian Doll organization" including the micro (i.e., synaptic) and nano (i.e., molecular) levels. In this scenario, integrative actions result primarily from protein-protein interactions. Importantly, the macromolecular complexes arising from these interactions often have novel structural binding sites of allosteric nature. Taking G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as potential targets, GPCRs heteromers offer a way to increase the selectivity of pharmacological treatments if proper allosteric drugs are designed. This assumption is founded on the possible selectivity of allosteric interventions on G protein-coupled receptors especially when organized as "Receptor Mosaics" at penta-partite synapse level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Manuela Marcoli, ; Luigi F. Agnati,
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Manuela Marcoli, ; Luigi F. Agnati,
| | - Rafael Franco
- CiberNed Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Deanna Anderlini
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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