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Sharma S, Majumdar A, Basu A. Regulation of Onecut2 by miR-9-5p in Japanese encephalitis virus infected neural stem/progenitor cells. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0323823. [PMID: 38319106 PMCID: PMC10913399 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03238-23] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of the major neurotropic viral infections that is known to dysregulate the homeostasis of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) and depletes the stem cell pool. NSPCs are multipotent stem cell population of the central nervous system (CNS) which are known to play an important role in the repair of the CNS during insults/injury caused by several factors such as ischemia, neurological disorders, CNS infections, and so on. Viruses have evolved to utilize host factors for their own benefit and during JEV infection, host factors, including the non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs, are reported to be affected, thereby cellular processes regulated by the miRNAs exhibit perturbed functionality. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the role of JEV infection in dysregulating the function of neural stem cells (NSCs) by altering the cell fate and depleting the stem cell pool leading to a decline in stem cell function in CNS repair mechanism post-infection. JEV-induced alteration in miRNA expression in the NSCs is one of the major interest to us. In prior studies, we have observed an altered expression pattern of certain miRNAs following JEV infection. In this study, we have validated the role of JEV infection in NSCs in altering the expression of miR-9-5p, which is a known regulator of neurogenesis in NSCs. Furthermore, we have validated the interaction of this miRNA with its target, Onecut2 (OC2), in primary NSCs utilizing miRNA mimic and inhibitor transfection experiments. Our findings indicate a possible role of JEV mediated dysregulated interaction between miR-9-5p and its putative target OC2 in NSPCs. IMPORTANCE MicroRNAs have emerged as key disease pathogenic markers and potential therapeutic targets. In this study, we solidify this concept by studying a key miRNA, miR-9-5p, in Japanese encephalitis virus infection of neural stem/progenitor cells. miRNA target Onecut2 has a possible role in stem cell pool biology. Here, we show a possible mechanistic axis worth investing in neurotropic viral biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anirban Basu
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana, India
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2
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Trevisan M, Pianezzola A, Onorati M, Apolloni L, Pistello M, Arav-Boger R, Palù G, Mercorelli B, Loregian A. Human neural progenitor cell models to study the antiviral effects and neuroprotective potential of approved and investigational human cytomegalovirus inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 223:105816. [PMID: 38286212 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105816] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the viral leading cause of congenital defects in newborns worldwide. Many aspects of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, which currently lacks a specific treatment, as well as the main determinants of neuropathogenesis in the developing brain during HCMV infection are unclear. In this study, we modeled HCMV infection at different stages of neural development. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of both approved and investigational anti-HCMV drugs on viral replication and gene expression in two different neural progenitor cell lines, i.e., human embryonic stem cells-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and fetus-derived neuroepithelial stem (NES) cells. Ganciclovir, letermovir, nitazoxanide, and the ozonide OZ418 reduced viral DNA synthesis and the production of infectious virus in both lines of neural progenitors. HCMV infection dysregulated the expression of genes that either are markers of neural progenitors, such as SOX2, NESTIN, PAX-6, or play a role in neurogenesis, such as Doublecortin. Treatment with antiviral drugs had different effects on HCMV-induced dysregulation of the genes under investigation. This study contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cCMV neuropathogenesis and paves the way for further consideration of anti-HCMV drugs as candidate therapeutic agents for the amelioration of cCMV-associated neurological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Anna Pianezzola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Onorati
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Apolloni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Centro Retrovirus, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56127, Italy
| | - Ravit Arav-Boger
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Zheng Q, Wang D, Lin R, Chen Y, Huang H, Xu Z, Zheng C, Xu W. Mendelian randomization analysis suggests no associations of human herpes viruses with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1299122. [PMID: 38156274 PMCID: PMC10754516 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1299122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The causal associations between infections with human herpes viruses (HHVs) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been disputed. This study investigated the causal associations between herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), HHV-6, and HHV-7 infections and ALS through a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) method. Methods The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) database were analyzed by inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, Cochran's Q test, funnel plots, and leaveone-out analysis were used to verify the validity and robustness of the MR results. Results In the forward MR analysis of the IVW, genetically predicted HSV infections [odds ratio (OR) = 0.9917; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9685-1.0154; p = 0.4886], HSV keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis (OR = 0.9897; 95% CI: 0.9739-1.0059; p = 0.2107), anogenital HSV infection (OR = 1.0062; 95% CI: 0.9826-1.0304; p = 0.6081), VZV IgG (OR = 1.0003; 95% CI: 0.9849-1.0160; p = 0.9659), EBV IgG (OR = 0.9509; 95% CI: 0.8879-1.0183; p = 0.1497), CMV (OR = 0.9481; 95% CI: 0.8680-1.0357; p = 0.2374), HHV-6 IgG (OR = 0.9884; 95% CI: 0.9486-1.0298; p = 0.5765) and HHV-7 IgG (OR = 0.9991; 95% CI: 0.9693-1.0299; p = 0.9557) were not causally associated with ALS. The reverse MR analysis of the IVW revealed comparable findings, indicating no link between HHVs infections and ALS. The reliability and validity of the findings were verified by the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion According to the MR study, there is no evidence of causal associations between genetically predicted HHVs (HSV, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-7) and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcong Zheng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Du Wang
- Arthritis Clinical and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rongjie Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- Department of Paediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haoen Huang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zixing Xu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Weihong Xu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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4
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Wales-McGrath B, Mercer H, Piontkivska H. Changes in ADAR RNA editing patterns in CMV and ZIKV congenital infections. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:685. [PMID: 37968596 PMCID: PMC10652522 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09778-4] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA editing is a process that increases transcriptome diversity, often through Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADARs) that catalyze the deamination of adenosine to inosine. ADAR editing plays an important role in regulating brain function and immune activation, and is dynamically regulated during brain development. Additionally, the ADAR1 p150 isoform is induced by interferons in viral infection and plays a role in antiviral immune response. However, the question of how virus-induced ADAR expression affects host transcriptome editing remains largely unanswered. This question is particularly relevant in the context of congenital infections, given the dynamic regulation of ADAR editing during brain development, the importance of this editing for brain function, and subsequent neurological symptoms of such infections, including microcephaly, sensory issues, and other neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Here, we begin to address this question, examining ADAR expression in publicly available datasets of congenital infections of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) microarray expression data, as well as mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and mouse/ human induced pluripotent neuroprogenitor stem cell (hiNPC) Zika virus (ZIKV) RNA-seq data. RESULTS We found that in all three datasets, ADAR1 was overexpressed in infected samples compared to uninfected samples. In the RNA-seq datasets, editing rates were also analyzed. In all mouse infections cases, the number of editing sites was significantly increased in infected samples, albeit this was not the case for hiNPC ZIKV samples. Mouse ZIKV samples showed altered editing of well-established protein-recoding sites such as Gria3, Grik5, and Nova1, as well as editing sites that may impact miRNA binding. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence for changes in ADAR expression and subsequent dysregulation of ADAR editing of host transcriptomes in congenital infections. These changes in editing patterns of key neural genes have potential significance in the development of neurological symptoms, thus contributing to neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Further experiments should be performed to explore the full range of editing changes that occur in different congenital infections, and to confirm the specific functional consequences of these editing changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wales-McGrath
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather Mercer
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH, USA
| | - Helen Piontkivska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
- Healthy Communities Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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5
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Chandwani MN, Kamte YS, Singh VR, Hemerson ME, Michaels AC, Leak RK, O'Donnell LA. The anti-viral immune response of the adult host robustly modulates neural stem cell activity in spatial, temporal, and sex-specific manners. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:61-77. [PMID: 37516388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses induce a wide range of neurological sequelae through the dysfunction and death of infected cells and persistent inflammation in the brain. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are often disturbed during viral infections. Although some viruses directly infect and kill NSCs, the antiviral immune response may also indirectly affect NSCs. To better understand how NSCs are influenced by a productive immune response, where the virus is successfully resolved and the host survives, we used the CD46+ mouse model of neuron-restricted measles virus (MeV) infection. As NSCs are spared from direct infection in this model, they serve as bystanders to the antiviral immune response initiated by selective infection of mature neurons. MeV-infected mice showed distinct regional and temporal changes in NSCs in the primary neurogenic niches of the brain, the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ). Hippocampal NSCs increased throughout the infection (7 and 60 days post-infection; dpi), while mature neurons transiently declined at 7 dpi and then rebounded to basal levels by 60 dpi. In the SVZ, NSC numbers were unchanged, but mature neurons declined even after the infection was controlled at 60 dpi. Further analyses demonstrated sex, temporal, and region-specific changes in NSC proliferation and neurogenesis throughout the infection. A relatively long-term increase in NSC proliferation and neurogenesis was observed in the hippocampus; however, neurogenesis was reduced in the SVZ. This decline in SVZ neurogenesis was associated with increased immature neurons in the olfactory bulb in female, but not male mice, suggesting potential migration of newly-made neurons out of the female SVZ. These sex differences in SVZ neurogenesis were accompanied by higher infiltration of B cells and greater expression of interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 in female mice. Learning, memory, and olfaction tests revealed no overt behavioral changes after the acute infection subsided. These results indicate that antiviral immunity modulates NSC activity in adult mice without inducing gross behavioral deficits among those tested, suggestive of mechanisms to restore neurons and maintain adaptive behavior, but also revealing the potential for robust NSC disruption in subclinical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha N Chandwani
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yashika S Kamte
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vivek R Singh
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marlo E Hemerson
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexa C Michaels
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren A O'Donnell
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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6
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Kamte YS, Chandwani MN, London NM, Potosnak CE, Leak RK, O'Donnell LA. Perturbations in neural stem cell function during a neurotropic viral infection in juvenile mice. J Neurochem 2023; 166:809-829. [PMID: 37530081 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15914] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) often cause worse neurological outcomes in younger hosts. Throughout childhood, the brain undergoes extensive development and refinement to produce functional neural networks. Network function is maintained partly with the help of neural stem cells (NSCs) that replace neuronal and glia subtypes in the two neurogenic niches of the brain (the hippocampus and subventricular zone). Accumulating evidence suggests that viruses disrupt NSC function in adulthood and infancy, but the in vivo impact of childhood infections on acute and long-term NSC function is unknown. Using a juvenile mouse model of measles virus (MeV) infection, where only mature neurons in the brain are infected, we defined the effects of the antiviral immune response on NSCs from juvenile to adult stages of life. We found that (a) virus persists in the brains of survivors despite an anti-viral immune response; (b) NSC numbers decrease dramatically during early infection, but ultimately stabilize in adult survivors; (c) infection is associated with mild apoptosis throughout the juvenile brain, but NSC proliferation is unchanged; (d) the loss of NSC numbers is dependent upon the stage of NSC differentiation; and (e) immature neurons increase early during infection, concurrent with depletion of NSC pools. Collectively, we show that NSCs are exquisitely sensitive to the inflammatory microenvironment created during neuron-restricted MeV infection in juveniles, responding with an early loss of NSCs but increased neurogenesis. These studies provide insight into potential cellular mechanisms associated with long-term neurological deficits in survivors of childhood CNS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika S Kamte
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Manisha N Chandwani
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalie M London
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chloe E Potosnak
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren A O'Donnell
- School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Ren Q, Zhang G, Dong C, Li Z, Zhou D, Huang L, Li W, Huang G, Yan J. Parental Folate Deficiency Inhibits Proliferation and Increases Apoptosis of Neural Stem Cells in Rat Offspring: Aggravating Telomere Attrition as a Potential Mechanism. Nutrients 2023; 15:2843. [PMID: 37447170 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of maternal folate status on the fetal central nervous system (CNS) is well recognized, while evidence is emerging that such an association also exists between fathers and offspring. The biological functions of telomeres and telomerase are also related to neural cell proliferation and apoptosis. The study aimed to investigate the effect of parental folate deficiency on the proliferation and apoptosis of neural stem cells (NSCs) in neonatal offspring and the role of telomeres in this effect. In this study, rats were divided into four groups: maternal folate-deficient and paternal folate-deficient diet (D-D) group; maternal folate-deficient and paternal folate-normal diet (D-N) group; maternal folate-normal and paternal folate-deficient diet (N-D) group; and the maternal folate-normal and paternal folate-normal diet (N-N) group. The offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day 0 (PND0), and NSCs were cultured from the hippocampus and striatum tissues of offspring for future assay. The results revealed that parental folate deficiency decreased folate levels, increased homocysteine (Hcy) levels of the offspring's brain tissue, inhibited proliferation, increased apoptosis, shortened telomere length, and aggravated telomere attrition of offspring NSCs in vivo and in vitro. In vitro experiments further showed that offspring NSCs telomerase activity was inhibited due to parental folate deficiency. In conclusion, parental folate deficiency inhibited the proliferation and increased apoptosis of offspring NSCs, maternal folate deficiency had more adverse effects than paternal, and the mechanisms may involve the telomere attrition of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghan Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guoquan Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Cuixia Dong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhenshu Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Dezheng Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guowei Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Administration, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Paez-Gonzalez P, Lopez-de-San-Sebastian J, Ceron-Funez R, Jimenez AJ, Rodríguez-Perez LM. Therapeutic strategies to recover ependymal barrier after inflammatory damage: relevance for recovering neurogenesis during development. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1204197. [PMID: 37397456 PMCID: PMC10308384 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1204197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelium covering the surfaces of the cerebral ventricular system is known as the ependyma, and is essential for maintaining the physical and functional integrity of the central nervous system. Additionally, the ependyma plays an essential role in neurogenesis, neuroinflammatory modulation and neurodegenerative diseases. Ependyma barrier is severely affected by perinatal hemorrhages and infections that cross the blood brain barrier. The recovery and regeneration of ependyma after damage are key to stabilizing neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that are critical during early postnatal ages. Unfortunately, there are no effective therapies to regenerate this tissue in human patients. Here, the roles of the ependymal barrier in the context of neurogenesis and homeostasis are reviewed, and future research lines for development of actual therapeutic strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Paez-Gonzalez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Ceron-Funez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio J. Jimenez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Luis Manuel Rodríguez-Perez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Sports, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
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9
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Jiang M, Jang SE, Zeng L. The Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors on Neurogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091285. [PMID: 37174685 PMCID: PMC10177620 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, neurogenesis is maintained throughout adulthood primarily in two typical niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and in other nonclassic neurogenic areas (e.g., the amygdala and striatum). During prenatal and early postnatal development, neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiate into neurons and migrate to appropriate areas such as the olfactory bulb where they integrate into existing neural networks; these phenomena constitute the multistep process of neurogenesis. Alterations in any of these processes impair neurogenesis and may even lead to brain dysfunction, including cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Here, we first summarize the main properties of mammalian neurogenic niches to describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurogenesis plays an integral role in neuronal plasticity in the brain and cognition in the postnatal period. Given that neurogenesis can be highly modulated by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, we discuss the impact of extrinsic (e.g., alcohol) and intrinsic (e.g., hormones) modulators on neurogenesis. Additionally, we provide an overview of the contribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to persistent neurological sequelae such as neurodegeneration, neurogenic defects and accelerated neuronal cell death. Together, our review provides a link between extrinsic/intrinsic factors and neurogenesis and explains the possible mechanisms of abnormal neurogenesis underlying neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Dongguan Campus, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Se Eun Jang
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Li Zeng
- Neural Stem Cell Research Lab, Research Department, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technology University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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10
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Piccirilli G, Gabrielli L, Bonasoni MP, Chiereghin A, Turello G, Borgatti EC, Simonazzi G, Felici S, Leone M, Salfi NCM, Santini D, Lazzarotto T. Fetal Brain Damage in Human Fetuses with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Histological Features and Viral Tropism. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1385-1399. [PMID: 35933637 PMCID: PMC10006254 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes congenital neurological lifelong disabilities. To date, the neuropathogenesis of brain injury related to congenital HCMV (cCMV) infection is poorly understood. This study evaluates the characteristics and pathogenetic mechanisms of encephalic damage in cCMV infection. Ten HCMV-infected human fetuses at 21 weeks of gestation were examined. Specifically, tissues from different brain areas were analyzed by: (i) immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect HCMV-infected cell distribution, (ii) hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate histological damage and (iii) real-time PCR to quantify tissue viral load (HCMV-DNA). The differentiation stage of HCMV-infected neural/neuronal cells was assessed by double IHC to detect simultaneously HCMV-antigens and neural/neuronal markers: nestin (a marker of neural stem/progenitor cells), doublecortin (DCX, marker of cells committed to the neuronal lineage) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN, identifying mature neurons). HCMV-positive cells and viral DNA were found in the brain of 8/10 (80%) fetuses. For these cases, brain damage was classified as mild (n = 4, 50%), moderate (n = 3, 37.5%) and severe (n = 1, 12.5%) based on presence and frequency of pathological findings (necrosis, microglial nodules, microglial activation, astrocytosis, and vascular changes). The highest median HCMV-DNA level was found in the hippocampus (212 copies/5 ng of human DNA [hDNA], range: 10-7,505) as well as the highest mean HCMV-infected cell value (2.9 cells, range: 0-23), followed by that detected in subventricular zone (1.7 cells, range: 0-19). These findings suggested a preferential viral tropism for both neural stem/progenitor cells and neuronal committed cells, residing in these regions, confirmed by the expression of DCX and nestin in 94% and 63.3% of HCMV-positive cells, respectively. NeuN was not found among HCMV-positive cells and was nearly absent in the brain with severe damage, suggesting HCMV does not infect mature neurons and immature neural/neuronal cells do not differentiate into neurons. This could lead to known structural and functional brain defects from cCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Piccirilli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Angela Chiereghin
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Turello
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Caterina Borgatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Simonazzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Felici
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Leone
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Santini
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Vav Proteins in Development of the Brain: A Potential Relationship to the Pathogenesis of Congenital Zika Syndrome? Viruses 2022; 14:v14020386. [PMID: 35215978 PMCID: PMC8874935 DOI: 10.3390/v14020386] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can result in a significant impact on the brain and eye of the developing fetus, termed congenital zika syndrome (CZS). At a morphological level, the main serious presentations of CZS are microcephaly and retinal scarring. At a cellular level, many cell types of the brain may be involved, but primarily neuronal progenitor cells (NPC) and developing neurons. Vav proteins have guanine exchange activity in converting GDP to GTP on proteins such as Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA to stimulate intracellular signaling pathways. These signaling pathways are known to play important roles in maintaining the polarity and self-renewal of NPC pools by coordinating the formation of adherens junctions with cytoskeletal rearrangements. In developing neurons, these same pathways are adopted to control the formation and growth of neurites and mediate axonal guidance and targeting in the brain and retina. This review describes the role of Vavs in these processes and highlights the points of potential ZIKV interaction, such as (i) the binding and entry of ZIKV in cells via TAM receptors, which may activate Vav/Rac/RhoA signaling; (ii) the functional convergence of ZIKV NS2A with Vav in modulating adherens junctions; (iii) ZIKV NS4A/4B protein effects on PI3K/AKT in a regulatory loop via PPI3 to influence Vav/Rac1 signaling in neurite outgrowth; and (iv) the induction of SOCS1 and USP9X following ZIKV infection to regulate Vav protein degradation or activation, respectively, and impact Vav/Rac/RhoA signaling in NPC and neurons. Experiments to define these interactions will further our understanding of the molecular basis of CZS and potentially other developmental disorders stemming from in utero infections. Additionally, Vav/Rac/RhoA signaling pathways may present tractable targets for therapeutic intervention or molecular rationale for disease severity in CZS.
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