Roles of Microglial Ion Channel in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Dynamically Modulates the Migration of BV2 Microglia

OBJECTIVE

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising modality for neuromodulation. Microglia are the resident immune cells in the brain and their mobility is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis and alleviating neuroimmune pathologies. However, it is unclear whether and how LIPUS modulates microglial migration in physiological conditions.

METHODS

Here we examined the in vitro effects of LIPUS on the mobility of BV2 microglia by live cell imaging. Single-cell tracing of BV2 microglia migration was analyzed using ImageJ and Chemotaxis and Migration Tool software. Pharmacological manipulation was performed to determine the key molecular players involved in regulating ultrasound-dependent microglia migration.

RESULTS

We found that the distance of microglial migration was enhanced by LIPUS with increasing acoustic pressure. Removing the extracellular Ca2+ influx or depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores suppressed ultrasound-enhanced BV2 migration. Furthermore, we found that blocking the reorganization of actin, or suppressing purinergic signaling by application of apyrase or hemi-channel inhibitors, both diminished ultrasound-induced BV2 migration. LIPUS stimulation also enhanced microglial migration in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory environment.

CONCLUSION

LIPUS promoted microglia migration in both physiological and inflammatory environments. Calcium, cytoskeleton, and purinergic signaling were involved in regulating ultrasound-dependent microglial mobility. Our study reveals the biomechanical impact of ultrasound on microglial migration and highlights the potential of using ultrasound-based tools for modulation of microglial function.

Advancing Post-Stroke Depression Research: Insights from Murine Models and Behavioral Analyses

Post-stroke depression (PSD) represents a significant neuropsychiatric complication that affects between 39% and 52% of stroke survivors, leading to impaired recovery, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. This comprehensive review synthesizes our current knowledge of PSD, encompassing its epidemiology, risk factors, underlying neurochemical mechanisms, and the existing tools for preclinical investigation, including animal models and behavioral analyses. Despite the high prevalence and severe impact of PSD, challenges persist in accurately modeling its complex symptomatology in preclinical settings, underscoring the need for robust and valid animal models to better understand and treat PSD. This review also highlights the multidimensional nature of PSD, where both biological and psychosocial factors interplay to influence its onset and course. Further, we examine the efficacy and limitations of the current animal models in mimicking the human PSD condition, along with behavioral tests used to evaluate depressive-like behaviors in rodents. This review also sets a new precedent by integrating the latest findings across multidisciplinary studies, thereby offering a unique and comprehensive perspective of existing knowledge. Finally, the development of more sophisticated models that closely replicate the clinical features of PSD is crucial in order to advance translational research and facilitate the discovery of future effective therapies.

Proteome landscape and interactome of voltage-gated potassium channel 1.6 (Kv1.6) of the murine ophthalmic artery and neuroretina

The voltage-gated potassium channel 1.6 (Kv1.6) plays a vital role in ocular neurovascular beds and exerts its modulatory functions via interaction with other proteins. However, the interactome and their potential roles remain unknown. Here, the global proteome landscape of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and neuroretina was mapped, followed by the determination of Kv1.6 interactome and validation of its functionality and cellular localization. Microfluorimetric analysis of intracellular [K+] and Western blot validated the native functionality and cellular expression of the recombinant Kv1.6 channel protein. A total of 54, 9 and 28 Kv1.6-interacting proteins were identified in the mouse OA and, retina of mouse and rat, respectively. The Kv1.6-protein partners in the OA, namely actin cytoplasmic 2, alpha-2-macroglobulin and apolipoprotein A-I, were implicated in the maintenance of blood vessel integrity by regulating integrin-mediated adhesion to extracellular matrix and Ca2+ flux. Many retinal protein interactors, particularly the ADP/ATP translocase 2 and cytoskeleton protein tubulin, were involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress response and cell viability. Three common interactors were found in all samples comprising heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, Ig heavy constant gamma 1 and Kv1.6 channel. This foremost in-depth investigation enriched and identified the elusive Kv1.6 channel and, elucidated its complex interactome.

Reduction of inflammation and mitochondrial degeneration in mutant SOD1 mice through inhibition of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with no effective therapy, causing progressive loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Regardless of its genetic or sporadic origin, there is currently no cure for ALS or therapy that can reverse or control its progression. In the present study, taking advantage of a human superoxide dismutase-1 mutant (hSOD1-G93A) mouse that recapitulates key pathological features of human ALS, we investigated the possible role of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 in disease progression. We found that chronic administration of the brain-penetrant Kv1.3 inhibitor, PAP-1 (40 mg/Kg), in early symptomatic mice (i) improves motor deficits and prolongs survival of diseased mice (ii) reduces astrocyte reactivity, microglial Kv1.3 expression, and serum pro-inflammatory soluble factors (iii) improves structural mitochondrial deficits in motor neuron mitochondria (iv) restores mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential significance of Kv1.3 activity as a contributing factor to the metabolic disturbances observed in ALS. Consequently, targeting Kv1.3 presents a promising avenue for modulating disease progression, shedding new light on potential therapeutic strategies for ALS.

The Impact of Juvenile Microglia Transcriptomics on the Adult Brain Regeneration after Cerebral Ischemia

Microglial cells play a pivotal role in the brain's health and operation through all stages of life and in the face of illness. The contributions of microglia during the developmental phase of the brain markedly contrast with their contributions in the brain of adults after injury. Enhancing our understanding of the pathological mechanisms that involve microglial activity in brains as they age and in cerebrovascular conditions is crucial for informing the creation of novel therapeutic approaches. In this work we provide results on microglia transcriptomics in the juvenile vs injured adult brain and its impact on adult brain regeneration after cerebral ischemia. During fetal brain development, microglia cells are involved in gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis and synaptic reorganization by engulfing neuronal extensions. Within the mature, intact brain, microglial cells exhibit reduced movement of their processes in response to minimal neuronal activity, while they continuously monitor their surroundings and clear away cellular debris. Following a stroke in the adult brain, inflammation, neurodegeneration, or disruptions in neural equilibrium trigger alterations in both the genetic blueprint and the structure and roles of microglia, a state often described as "activated" microglia. Such genetic shifts include a notable increase in the pathways related to phagosomes, lysosomes, and the presentation of antigens, coupled with a rise in the expression of genes linked to cell surface receptors. We conclude that a comparison of microglia transcriptomic activity during brain development and post-stroke adult brain might provide us with new clues about how neurodegeneration occurs in the adult brain. This information could very useful to develop drugs to slow down or limit the post-stroke pathology and improve clinical outcome.

Targeting calcium homeostasis and impaired inter-organelle crosstalk as a potential therapeutic approach in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Current therapeutic strategies for PD are limited and mainly involve symptomatic relief, with no available treatment for the underlying causes of the disease. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic approaches that target the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of PD. Calcium homeostasis is an essential process for maintaining proper cellular function and survival, including neuronal cells. Calcium dysregulation is also observed in various organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and lysosomes, resulting in organelle dysfunction and impaired inter-organelle communication. The ER, as the primary calcium reservoir, is responsible for folding proteins and maintaining calcium homeostasis, and its dysregulation can lead to protein misfolding and neurodegeneration. The crosstalk between ER and mitochondrial calcium signaling is disrupted in PD, leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. In addition, a lethal network of calcium cytotoxicity utilizes mitochondria, ER and lysosome to destroy neurons. This review article focused on the complex role of calcium dysregulation and its role in aggravating functioning of organelles in PD so as to provide new insight into therapeutic strategies for treating this disease. Targeting dysfunctional organelles, such as the ER and mitochondria and lysosomes and whole network of calcium dyshomeostasis can restore proper calcium homeostasis and improve neuronal function. Additionally targeting calcium dyshomeostasis that arises from miscommunication between several organelles can be targeted so that therapeutic effects of calcium are realised in whole cellular territory.

Chronic Administration of Ion Channel Blockers Impact Microglia Morphology and Function in a Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease

As the population ages, a high prevalence of multimorbidity will affect the way physicians need to think about drug interactions. With microglia's important involvement in the pathology and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding whether systemically administered drugs intended for other affections could impact microglia function, already impacted by the presence of beta-amyloid, is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological changes of microglia, using in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy, in a murine model of AD under systemic administration of sodium or calcium ion channel blockers in order to establish potential effects that these drugs might have on microglia under neuro-inflammatory conditions. A total of 30 mice (age 14-16 weeks, weight 20-25 g) were used, with 25 APP randomly divided into three groups. The remaining animals were CX3CR1GFP/GFP male mice (n = 5) used as WT controls. After baseline behavior testing, all animals received daily intraperitoneal injections for 30 days according to the assigned group [WT (n = 5), Control (n = 5), Carbamazepine (n = 10), and Verapamil (n = 10)]. The results showed that the Verapamil treatment improved short-term memory and enhanced exploratory behavior in APP mice. The Carbamazepine treatment also improved short-term memory but did not elicit significant changes in anxiety-related behavior. Both Verapamil and Carbamazepine reduced the surveillance speed of microglia processes and changed microglia morphology in the cortex compared to the Control group. Due to their complex molecular machinery, microglia are potentially affected by drugs that do not target them specifically, and, as such, investigating these interactions could prove beneficial in our management of neurodegenerative pathologies.

Microglial morphology in the somatosensory cortex across lifespan. A quantitative study

BACKGROUND

Microglia are long-lived cells that constantly monitor their microenvironment. To accomplish this task, they constantly change their morphology both in the short and long term under physiological conditions. This makes the process of quantifying physiological microglial morphology difficult.

RESULTS

By using a semi-manual and a semi-automatic method to assess fine changes in cortical microglia morphology, we were able to quantify microglia changes in number, surveillance and branch tree starting from the fifth postnatal day to 2 years of life. We were able to identify a fluctuating behavior of most analyzed parameters characterized by a rapid cellular maturation, followed by a long period of relative stable morphology during the adult life with a final convergence to an aged phenotype. Detailed cellular arborization analysis revealed age-induced differences in microglia morphology, with mean branch length and the number of terminal processes changing constantly over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides insight into microglia morphology changes across lifespan under physiological conditions. We were able to highlight, that due to the dynamic nature of microglia several morphological parameters are needed to establish the physiological state of these cells.

Neuroglia Cells Transcriptomic in Brain Development, Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Glia cells are essential for brain functioning during development, aging and disease. However, the role of astroglia plays during brain development is quite different from the role played in the adult lesioned brain. Therefore, a deeper understanding of pathomechanisms underlying astroglia activity in the aging brain and cerebrovascular diseases is essential to guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. To this end, this review provides a comparison between the transcriptomic activity of astroglia cells during development, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia. During fetal brain development, astrocytes and microglia often affect the same developmental processes such as neuro-/gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic pruning. In the adult brain astrocytes are a critical player in the synapse remodeling by mediating synapse elimination while microglia activity has been associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and remove cell debris by constantly sensing the environment. However, in the lesioned brain astrocytes proliferate and play essential functions with regard to energy supply to the neurons, neurotransmission and buildup of a protective scar isolating the lesion site from the surroundings. Inflammation, neurodegeneration, or loss of brain homeostasis induce changes in microglia gene expression, morphology, and function, generally referred to as "primed" microglia. These changes in gene expression are characterized by an enrichment of phagosome, lysosome, and antigen presentation signaling pathways and is associated with an up-regulation of genes encoding cell surface receptors. In addition, primed microglia are characterized by upregulation of a network of genes in response to interferon gamma. Conclusion. A comparison of astroglia cells transcriptomic activity during brain development, aging and neurodegenerative disorders might provide us with new therapeutic strategies with which to protect the aging brain and improve clinical outcome.

The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 modulates the migration and immune response of microglia

Microglia are the brain's resident immune cells, performing surveillance to promote homeostasis and healthy functioning. While microglial chemical signaling is well-studied, mechanical cues regulating their function are less well-understood. Here, we investigate the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in microglia migration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and stiffness sensing. In Piezo1 knockout transgenic mice, we demonstrated the functional expression of Piezo1 in microglia and identified genes whose expression was consequently affected. Functional assays revealed that Piezo1 deficiency in microglia enhanced migration toward amyloid β-protein, and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced upon stimulation by lipopolysaccharide, both in vitro and in vivo. The phenomenon could be mimicked or reversed chemically using a Piezo1-specific agonist or antagonist. Finally, we also showed that Piezo1 mediated the effect of substrate stiffness-induced migration and cytokine expression. Altogether, we show that Piezo1 is an important molecular mediator for microglia, its activation modulating microglial migration and immune responses.

The contribution of ion channels to shaping macrophage behaviour

The expanding roles of macrophages in physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms now include normal tissue homeostasis, tissue repair and regeneration, including neuronal tissue; initiation, progression, and resolution of the inflammatory response and a diverse array of anti-microbial activities. Two hallmarks of macrophage activity which appear to be fundamental to their diverse cellular functionalities are cellular plasticity and phenotypic heterogeneity. Macrophage plasticity allows these cells to take on a broad spectrum of differing cellular phenotypes in response to local and possibly previous encountered environmental signals. Cellular plasticity also contributes to tissue- and stimulus-dependent macrophage heterogeneity, which manifests itself as different macrophage phenotypes being found at different tissue locations and/or after different cell stimuli. Together, plasticity and heterogeneity align macrophage phenotypes to their required local cellular functions and prevent inappropriate activation of the cell, which could lead to pathology. To execute the appropriate function, which must be regulated at the qualitative, quantitative, spatial and temporal levels, macrophages constantly monitor intracellular and extracellular parameters to initiate and control the appropriate cell signaling cascades. The sensors and signaling mechanisms which control macrophages are the focus of a considerable amount of research. Ion channels regulate the flow of ions between cellular membranes and are critical to cell signaling mechanisms in a variety of cellular functions. It is therefore surprising that the role of ion channels in the macrophage biology has been relatively overlooked. In this review we provide a summary of ion channel research in macrophages. We begin by giving a narrative-based explanation of the membrane potential and its importance in cell biology. We then report on research implicating different ion channel families in macrophage functions. Finally, we highlight some areas of ion channel research in macrophages which need to be addressed, future possible developments in this field and therapeutic potential.

The Need for New Biomarkers to Assist with Stroke Prevention and Prediction of Post-Stroke Therapy Based on Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

The risk of having a stroke event doubles each decade after the age of 55. Therefore, it is of great interest to develop neurorestorative therapies of stroke which occurs mostly in elderly people. However, to date, patients at risk for these sequels of stroke are not duly diagnosed and treated due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-delimited particles that are shed by the brain cells and are able to cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the blood stream; thus, they may be used to interrogate molecular and cellular events in the brain damaged area. In this review, we summarize the major molecular and cellular responses of astroglia and neurons to cerebral ischemia and assess their impact on post-stroke recovery and rehabilitation. In particular, we ask if EVs secreted by brain cells are responses to cerebral ischemia, and they may shed new light on the interplay between exosomes-mediated interactions between brain cells and the question of how to exploit it in order to predict the individual course of the disease and to introduce specific preventive or therapeutic strategies. Given these findings, we are left with two options: either to (i) transplant neuronal precursors into the damaged cortical area or (ii) to covert abundantly present proliferating astrocytes in the perilesional area into neurons by using recently developed genetic technologies. However, given the complexity of molecular and cellular responses to cerebral ischemia and our limited capabilities to restore brain structure and function, we are left with only one realistic aim: to invest more in prevention.