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Stefanova EE, Dychiao JVT, Chinn MC, Borhani M, Scott AL. P2X7 regulates ependymo-radial glial cell proliferation in adult Danio rerio following spinal cord injury. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060270. [PMID: 38526172 PMCID: PMC11033521 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060270] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to mammals, zebrafish undergo successful neural regeneration following spinal cord injury. Spinal cord ependymo-radial glia (ERG) undergo injury-induced proliferation and neuronal differentiation to replace damaged cells and restore motor function. However, the molecular cues driving these processes remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved P2X7 receptors are widely distributed on neurons and ERG within the zebrafish spinal cord. At the protein level, the P2X7 receptor expressed in zebrafish is a truncated splice variant of the full-length variant found in mammals. The protein expression of this 50 kDa isoform was significantly downregulated at 7 days post-injury (dpi) but returned to basal levels at 14 dpi when compared to naïve controls. Pharmacological activation of P2X7 following SCI resulted in a greater number of proliferating cells around the central canal by 7 dpi but did not affect neuronal differentiation at 14 dpi. Our findings suggest that unlike in mammals, P2X7 signaling may not play a maladaptive role following SCI in adult zebrafish and may also work to curb the proliferative response of ERG following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva E. Stefanova
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Mavis C. Chinn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matin Borhani
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela L. Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Leão Batista Simões J, Webler Eichler S, Raitz Siqueira ML, de Carvalho Braga G, Bagatini MD. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Long-COVID Scenario and the Therapeutic Potential of the Purinergic System in Neuromodulation. Brain Sci 2024; 14:180. [PMID: 38391754 PMCID: PMC10886908 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020180] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves the degeneration of motor neurons and debilitating and possibly fatal symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic directly affected the quality of life of this group, and the SARS-CoV-2 infection accelerated the present neuroinflammatory process. Furthermore, studies indicate that the infection may have led to the development of the pathology. Thus, the scenario after this pandemic presents "long-lasting COVID" as a disease that affects people who have been infected. From this perspective, studying the pathophysiology behind ALS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and possible supporting therapies becomes necessary when we understand the impact on the quality of life of these patients. Thus, the purinergic system was trained to demonstrate how its modulation can add to the treatment, reduce disease progression, and result in better prognoses. From our studies, we highlight the P2X7, P2X4, and A2AR receptors and how their activity can directly influence the ALS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Margarete Dulce Bagatini
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
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3
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Falco MV, Fabbiani G, Maciel C, Valdivia S, Vitureira N, Russo RE. P2X7 receptor activation awakes a dormant stem cell niche in the adult spinal cord. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1288676. [PMID: 38164435 PMCID: PMC10757934 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1288676] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The ependyma of the spinal cord is a latent stem cell niche that is reactivated by injury, generating new cells that migrate to the lesion site to limit the damage. The mechanisms by which ependymal cells are reactivated after injury remain poorly understood. ATP has been proposed to act as a diffusible "danger signal" to alert about damage and start repair. Indeed, spinal cord injury (SCI) generates an increase in extracellular ATP around the lesion epicenter that lasts for several hours and affects the functional outcome after the damage. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7r) has functional properties (e.g., low sensitivity for ATP, high permeability for Ca2+) that makes it a suitable candidate to act as a detector of tissue damage. Because ependymal cells express functional P2X7r that generate an inward current and regenerative Ca2+ waves, we hypothesize that the P2X7r has a main role in the mechanisms by which progenitor-like cells in the ependyma react to tissue damage. To test this possibility, we simulated the P2X7r activation that occurs after SCI by in vivo intraspinal injection of the selective agonist BzATP nearby the central canal. We found that BzATP rescued ependymal cells from quiescence by triggering a proliferative response similar to that generated by injury. In addition, P2X7r activation by BzATP induced a shift of ependymal cells to a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) phenotype similar to that induced by injury. However, P2X7r activation did not trigger the migration of ependyma-derived cells as occurs after tissue damage. Injection of BzATP induced the expression of connexin 26 (Cx26) in ependymal cells, an event needed for the proliferative reaction after injury. BzATP did not induce these changes in ependymal cells of P2X7-/- mice supporting a specific action on P2X7r. In vivo blockade of P2X7r with the potent antagonist AZ10606120 reduced significantly the injury-induced proliferation of ependymal cells. Our data indicate that P2X7r has a key role in the "awakening" of the ependymal stem cell niche after injury and suggest purinergic signaling is an interesting target to improve the contribution of endogenous progenitors to repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Falco
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Fabbiani
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Maciel
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Spring Valdivia
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nathalia Vitureira
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raúl E. Russo
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
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4
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Ji Z, Zheng J, Ma Y, Lei H, Lin W, Huang J, Yang H, Zhang G, Li B, Shu B, Du X, Zhang J, Lin H, Liao Y. Emergency Treatment and Photoacoustic Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury Using Reversible Dual-Signal Transform-Based Selenium Antioxidant. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207888. [PMID: 37127878 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), following explosive oxidative stress, causes an abrupt and irreversible pathological deterioration of the central nervous system. Thus, preventing secondary injuries caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as monitoring and assessing the recovery from SCI are critical for the emergency treatment of SCI. Herein, an emergency treatment strategy is developed for SCI based on the selenium (Se) matrix antioxidant system to effectively inhibit oxidative stress-induced damage and simultaneously real-time evaluate the severity of SCI using a reversible dual-photoacoustic signal (680 and 750 nm). Within the emergency treatment and photoacoustic severity assessment (ETPSA) strategy, the designed Se loaded boron dipyrromethene dye with a double hydroxyl group (Se@BDP-DOH) is simultaneously used as a sensitive reporter group and an excellent antioxidant for effectively eliminating explosive oxidative stress. Se@BDP-DOH is found to promote the recovery of both spinal cord tissue and locomotor function in mice with SCI. Furthermore, ETPSA strategy synergistically enhanced ROS consumption via the caveolin 1 (Cav 1)-related pathways, as confirmed upon treatment with Cav 1 siRNA. Therefore, the ETPSA strategy is a potential tool for improving emergency treatment and photoacoustic assessment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisheng Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Judun Zheng
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
| | - Yanming Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Hongyi Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Longgang District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518100, P. R. China
| | - Weiqiang Lin
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
| | - Jialin Huang
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Shu
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
| | - Xianjin Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Guang-zhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Hongsheng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Yuhui Liao
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Longgang District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518100, P. R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Vascular Injury and Repair Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, P. R. China
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5
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Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Jendelova P, Erceg S. The activation of dormant ependymal cells following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:175. [PMID: 37408068 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03395-4] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ependymal cells, a dormant population of ciliated progenitors found within the central canal of the spinal cord, undergo significant alterations after spinal cord injury (SCI). Understanding the molecular events that induce ependymal cell activation after SCI represents the first step toward controlling the response of the endogenous regenerative machinery in damaged tissues. This response involves the activation of specific signaling pathways in the spinal cord that promotes self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. We review our current understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular events that mediate the SCI-induced activation of ependymal cells by focusing on the roles of some cell adhesion molecules, cellular membrane receptors, ion channels (and their crosstalk), and transcription factors. An orchestrated response regulating the expression of receptors and ion channels fine-tunes and coordinates the activation of ependymal cells after SCI or cell transplantation. Understanding the major players in the activation of ependymal cells may help us to understand whether these cells represent a critical source of cells contributing to cellular replacement and tissue regeneration after SCI. A more complete understanding of the role and function of individual signaling pathways in endogenous spinal cord progenitors may foster the development of novel targeted therapies to induce the regeneration of the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- National Stem Cell Bank - Valencia Node, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Ma XY, Yang TT, Liu L, Peng XC, Qian F, Tang FR. Ependyma in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Radiation-Induced Brain Injury and as a Therapeutic Target for Neurotrophic Factors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:754. [PMID: 37238624 PMCID: PMC10216700 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050754] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuron loss caused by the progressive damage to the nervous system is proposed to be the main pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Ependyma is a layer of ciliated ependymal cells that participates in the formation of the brain-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB). It functions to promotes the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the material exchange between CSF and brain interstitial fluid. Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) shows obvious impairments of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the neuroinflammatory processes after acute brain injury, a large amount of complement proteins and infiltrated immune cells are circulated in the CSF to resist brain damage and promote substance exchange through the BCB. However, as the protective barrier lining the brain ventricles, the ependyma is extremely vulnerable to cytotoxic and cytolytic immune responses. When the ependyma is damaged, the integrity of BCB is destroyed, and the CSF flow and material exchange is affected, leading to brain microenvironment imbalance, which plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other neurotrophic factors promote the differentiation and maturation of ependymal cells to maintain the integrity of the ependyma and the activity of ependymal cilia, and may have therapeutic potential in restoring the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment after RIBI or during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Ma
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Feng-Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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7
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Corrigendum: Purinergic signaling systems across comparative models of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:689-696. [PMID: 36018196 PMCID: PMC9727416 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.350234] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.338993].
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8
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NPC transplantation rescues sci-driven cAMP/EPAC2 alterations, leading to neuroprotection and microglial modulation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:455. [PMID: 35904607 PMCID: PMC9338125 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04494-w] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation represents a promising treatment strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We demonstrate that severe spinal contusion in adult rats causes transcriptional dysregulation, which persists from early subacute to chronic stages of SCI and affects nearly 20,000 genes in total tissue extracts. Functional analysis of this dysregulated transcriptome reveals the significant downregulation of cAMP signalling components immediately after SCI, involving genes such as EPAC2 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP), PKA, BDNF, and CAMKK2. The ectopic transplantation of spinal cord-derived NPCs at acute or subacute stages of SCI induces a significant transcriptional impact in spinal tissue, as evidenced by the normalized expression of a large proportion of SCI-affected genes. The transcriptional modulation pattern driven by NPC transplantation includes the rescued expression of cAMP signalling genes, including EPAC2. We also explore how the sustained in vivo inhibition of EPAC2 downstream signalling via the intrathecal administration of ESI-05 for 1 week impacts therapeutic mechanisms involved in the NPC-mediated treatment of SCI. NPC transplantation in SCI rats in the presence and absence of ESI-05 administration prompts increased rostral cAMP levels; however, NPC and ESI-05 treated animals exhibit a significant reduction in EPAC2 mRNA levels compared to animals receiving only NPCs treatment. Compared with transplanted animals, NPCs + ESI-05 treatment increases the scar area (as shown by GFAP staining), polarizes microglia into an inflammatory phenotype, and increases the magnitude of the gap between NeuN + cells across the lesion. Overall, our results indicate that the NPC-associated therapeutic mechanisms in the context of SCI involve the cAMP pathway, which reduces inflammation and provides a more neuropermissive environment through an EPAC2-dependent mechanism.
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9
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Rahimi B, Aliaghaei A, Ramezani F, Behroozi Z, Nasirinezhad F. Sertoli cell transplantation attenuates microglial activation and inhibits TRPC6 expression in neuropathic pain induced by spinal cord injury. Physiol Behav 2022; 251:113807. [PMID: 35427673 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113807] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell therapy is a promising treatment method for relieving neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injuries (SCI). Sertoli cells (SCs) are an attractive choice given their demonstrated secretion of growth factors and immunosuppressant effect. This study mechanistically characterizes the analgesic effect of SCs transplantation. METHODS The clip compression SCI model was carried out on the T12-T13 level in male Wistar rats. One-week post-SCI, SCs were transplanted into the site of injury. Animals underwent Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scoring, mechanical allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia on a weekly basis for a duration of six weeks. Histological examination of the spinal cord and molecular evaluation of Iba-1, P2Y4, TRPC6, and P-mTOR were performed. SCs survival, measured by anti-Müllerian hormone expression in the spinal cord. RESULTS Animals that received SCs transplantation showed improvement in motor function recovery and pain relief. Furthermore, a cavity was significantly decreased in the transplanted animals (p = 0.0024), the expression level of TRPC6 and caspase3 and the number of activated microglia decreased compared to the SCI animals, and p-mTOR and P2Y4R expression remarkably increased compared to the SCI group. CONCLUSION SCs transplantation produces an analgesic effect which may represent a promising treatment for SCI-induced chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Rahimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behroozi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farinaz Nasirinezhad
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for experimental and comparative study, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Gilmour AD, Reshamwala R, Wright AA, Ekberg JAK, St John JA. Optimizing Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury Repair. J Neurotrauma 2021; 37:817-829. [PMID: 32056492 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation constitutes an important avenue for development of new treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI). These therapies are aimed at supporting neural repair and/or replacing lost cells at the injury site. To date, various cell types have been trialed, with most studies focusing on different types of stem cells or glial cells. Here, we review commonly used cell transplantation approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, with focus on transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), the glial cells of the primary olfactory nervous system. OECs are promising candidates for promotion of neural repair given that they support continuous regeneration of the olfactory nerve that occurs throughout life. Further, OECs can be accessed from the nasal mucosa (olfactory neuroepithelium) at the roof of the nasal cavity and can be autologously transplanted. OEC transplantation has been trialed in many animal models of SCI, as well as in human clinical trials. While several studies have been promising, outcomes are variable and the method needs improvement to enhance aspects such as cell survival, integration, and migration. As a case study, we include the approaches used by our team (the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia) to address the current problems with OEC transplantation and discuss how the therapeutic potential of OEC transplantation can be improved. Our approach includes discovery research to improve our knowledge of OEC biology, identifying natural and synthetic compounds to stimulate the neural repair properties of OECs, and designing three-dimensional cell constructs to create stable and transplantable cell structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Gilmour
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ronak Reshamwala
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison A Wright
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A St John
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Giraldo E, Nebot VJ, Đorđević S, Requejo-Aguilar R, Alastrue-Agudo A, Zagorodko O, Armiñan A, Martinez-Rojas B, Vicent MJ, Moreno-Manzano V. A rationally designed self-immolative linker enhances the synergism between a polymer-rock inhibitor conjugate and neural progenitor cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2021; 276:121052. [PMID: 34388362 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rho/ROCK signaling induced after spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes to secondary damage by promoting apoptosis, inflammation, and axon growth inhibition. The specific Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil can contribute to functional regeneration after SCI, although inherent low stability has hampered its use. To improve the therapeutic potential of fasudil, we now describe a family of rationally-designed bioresponsive polymer-fasudil conjugates based on an understanding of the conditions after SCI, such as low pH, enhanced expression of specific proteases, and a reductive environment. Fasudil conjugated to poly-l-glutamate via a self-immolative redox-sensitive linker (PGA-SS-F) displays optimal release kinetics and, consequently, treatment with PGA-SS-F significantly induces neurite elongation and axon growth in dorsal root ganglia explants, spinal cord organotypic cultures, and neural precursor cells (NPCs). The intrathecal administration of PGA-SS-F after SCI in a rat model prevents early apoptosis and induces the expression of axonal growth- and neuroplasticity-associated markers to a higher extent than the free form of fasudil. Moreover, a combination treatment comprising the acute transplantation of NPCs pre-treated with PGA-SS-F leads to enhanced cell engraftment and reduced cyst formation after SCI. In chronic SCI, combinatory treatment increases the preservation of neuronal fibers. Overall, this synergistic combinatorial strategy may represent a potentially efficient clinical approach to SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giraldo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain; Department of Biotechnology. Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - V J Nebot
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain; PTS S.L., Valencia, Spain
| | - S Đorđević
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Requejo-Aguilar
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain; Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain. Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - A Alastrue-Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - O Zagorodko
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Armiñan
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - B Martinez-Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - M J Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
| | - V Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Lab. Prince Felipe Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
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12
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P2X7 receptors in the central nervous system. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 187:114472. [PMID: 33587917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For the past three decades, our laboratory has conducted pioneering research to elucidate the complexity of purinergic signaling in the CNS, alone and in collaboration with other groups, inspired by the ground-breaking efforts of Geoffrey Burnstock. This review summarizes our contribution to understand the nucleotide receptor signaling in the CNS with a special focus on the P2X7 receptor.
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13
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Jacobson KA, Delicado EG, Gachet C, Kennedy C, von Kügelgen I, Li B, Miras-Portugal MT, Novak I, Schöneberg T, Perez-Sen R, Thor D, Wu B, Yang Z, Müller CE. Update of P2Y receptor pharmacology: IUPHAR Review 27. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2413-2433. [PMID: 32037507 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eight G protein-coupled P2Y receptor subtypes respond to extracellular adenine and uracil mononucleotides and dinucleotides. P2Y receptors belong to the δ group of rhodopsin-like GPCRs and contain two structurally distinct subfamilies: P2Y1 , P2Y2 , P2Y4 , P2Y6 , and P2Y11 (principally Gq protein-coupled P2Y1 -like) and P2Y12-14 (principally Gi protein-coupled P2Y12 -like) receptors. Brain P2Y receptors occur in neurons, glial cells, and vasculature. Endothelial P2Y1 , P2Y2 , P2Y4 , and P2Y6 receptors induce vasodilation, while smooth muscle P2Y2 , P2Y4 , and P2Y6 receptor activation leads to vasoconstriction. Pancreatic P2Y1 and P2Y6 receptors stimulate while P2Y13 receptors inhibits insulin secretion. Antagonists of P2Y12 receptors, and potentially P2Y1 receptors, are anti-thrombotic agents, and a P2Y2 /P2Y4 receptor agonist treats dry eye syndrome in Asia. P2Y receptor agonists are generally pro-inflammatory, and antagonists may eventually treat inflammatory conditions. This article reviews recent developments in P2Y receptor pharmacology (using synthetic agonists and antagonists), structure and biophysical properties (using X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis and modelling), physiological and pathophysiological roles, and present and potentially future therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Massachusetts
| | - Esmerilda G Delicado
- Dpto. Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Gachet
- Université de Strasbourg INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Charles Kennedy
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ivar von Kügelgen
- Biomedical Research Center, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Beibei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Ivana Novak
- Department of Biology, Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raquel Perez-Sen
- Dpto. Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Doreen Thor
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,IFB AdiposityDiseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beili Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenlin Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Miras-Portugal MT, Ortega F, Gualix J, Perez-Sen R, Delicado EG, Gomez-Villafuertes R. Intracellular Calcium Recording After Purinoceptor Activation Using a Video-Microscopy Equipment. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2041:311-321. [PMID: 31646499 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9717-6_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Calcium is one of the most important intracellular messengers, triggering a wide range of cellular responses. Changes in intracellular free calcium concentration can be measured using calcium sensitive fluorescent dyes, which are either EGTA- or BAPTA-based organic molecules that change their spectral properties in response to Ca2+ binding. One of the most common calcium indicators is the ratiometric dye Fura-2. The main advantage of using ratiometric dyes is that the ratio signal is independent of the illumination intensity, dye concentration, photobleaching, and focus changes among others, allowing for the concentration of intracellular calcium to be determined independently of these artifacts. In this protocol, we describe the use of Fura-2 to measure intracellular calcium elevations in single cultured cells after purinoceptor activation using a video-microscopy equipment. This method, usually known as calcium imaging, allows for real-time quantification of intracellular calcium dynamics and can be adapted to measure agonist mediated intracellular calcium responses due to the activation of different purinergic receptors in several cellular models using the appropriate growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Miras-Portugal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gualix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Perez-Sen
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esmerilda G Delicado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gomez-Villafuertes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Moreno-Manzano V. Ependymal cells in the spinal cord as neuronal progenitors. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 50:82-87. [PMID: 31901616 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ependymal cells are neural progenitors and form part of the central canal of the spinal cord. Therefore, ependymal cells could serve as a potential source of neural progenitors for regenerative medicine applications. Such applications consist of endogenous activation or exogenous transplantation, alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments, to repair spinal cord injuries. This mini review describes the main phenotypical characteristics of ependymal cells from spinal cord and the opportunities offered for spinal cord injury therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
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16
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Hachem LD, Mothe AJ, Tator CH. Unlocking the paradoxical endogenous stem cell response after spinal cord injury. Stem Cells 2019; 38:187-194. [PMID: 31648407 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nearly a century ago, the concept of the secondary injury in spinal cord trauma was first proposed to explain the complex cascade of molecular and cellular events leading to widespread neuronal and glial cell death after trauma. In recent years, it has been established that the ependymal region of the adult mammalian spinal cord contains a population of multipotent neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) that are activated after spinal cord injury (SCI) and likely play a key role in endogenous repair and regeneration. How these cells respond to the various components of the secondary injury remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that many of the biochemical components of the secondary injury cascade which have classically been viewed as deleterious to host neuronal and glial cells may paradoxically trigger NSPC activation, proliferation, and differentiation thus challenging our current understanding of secondary injury mechanisms in SCI. Herein, we highlight new findings describing the response of endogenous NSPCs to spinal cord trauma, redefining the secondary mechanisms of SCI through the lens of the endogenous population of stem/progenitor cells. Moreover, we outline how these insights can fuel novel stem cell-based therapeutic strategies to repair the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen D Hachem
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea J Mothe
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Charles H Tator
- Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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17
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Reigada D, Calderón-García AÁ, Soto-Catalán M, Nieto-Díaz M, Muñoz-Galdeano T, Del Águila Á, Maza RM. MicroRNA-135a-5p reduces P2X 7 -dependent rise in intracellular calcium and protects against excitotoxicity. J Neurochem 2019; 151:116-130. [PMID: 30924927 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Excitotoxic cell death because of the massive release of glutamate and ATP contributes to the secondary extension of cellular and tissue loss following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Evidence from blockage experiments suggests that over-expression and activation of purinergic receptors, especially P2X7 , produces excitotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases and trauma of the central nervous system. We hypothesize that the down-regulation of specific miRNAs after the SCI contributes to the over-expression of P2X7 and that restorative strategies can be used to reduce the excitotoxic response. In the present study, we have employed bioinformatic analyses to identify microRNAs whose down-regulation following SCI can be responsible for P2X7 over-expression and excitotoxic activity. Additional luciferase assays validated microRNA-135a-5p (miR-135a) as a posttranscriptional modulator of P2X7 . Moreover, gene expression analysis in spinal cord samples from a rat SCI model confirmed that the decrease in miR-135a expression correlated with P2X7 over-expression after injury. Transfection of cultures of Neuro-2a neuronal cell line with a miR-135a inhibitory sequences (antagomiR-135a), simulating the reduction of miR-135a observed after SCI, resulted in the increase of P2X7 expression and the subsequent ATP-dependent rise in intracellular calcium concentration. Conversely, a restorative strategy employing miR-135a mimicked reduced P2X7 expression, attenuating the increase in intracellular calcium concentration that depends on this receptor and protecting cells from excitotoxic death. Therefore, we conclude that miR-135a is a potential therapeutic target for SCI and that restoration of its expression may reduce the deleterious effects of ATP-dependent excitotoxicity induced after a traumatic spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reigada
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Andrés Ángel Calderón-García
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca. Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Soto-Catalán
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Manuel Nieto-Díaz
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Teresa Muñoz-Galdeano
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Ángela Del Águila
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain.,Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Rodrigo M Maza
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
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18
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Martínez-Ramos C, Doblado LR, Mocholi EL, Alastrue-Agudo A, Petidier MS, Giraldo E, Pradas MM, Moreno-Manzano V. Biohybrids for spinal cord injury repair. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:509-521. [PMID: 30726582 DOI: 10.1002/term.2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result in the loss of sensory and motor function with massive cell death and axon degeneration. We have previously shown that transplantation of spinal cord-derived ependymal progenitor cells (epSPC) significantly improves functional recovery after acute and chronic SCI in experimental models, via neuronal differentiation and trophic glial cell support. Here, we propose an improved procedure based on transplantation of epSPC in a tubular conduit of hyaluronic acid containing poly (lactic acid) fibres creating a biohybrid scaffold. In vitro analysis showed that the poly (lactic acid) fibres included in the conduit induce a preferential neuronal fate of the epSPC rather than glial differentiation, favouring elongation of cellular processes. The safety and efficacy of the biohybrid implantation was evaluated in a complete SCI rat model. The conduits allowed efficient epSPC transfer into the spinal cord, improving the preservation of the neuronal tissue by increasing the presence of neuronal fibres at the injury site and by reducing cavities and cyst formation. The biohybrid-implanted animals presented diminished astrocytic reactivity surrounding the scar area, an increased number of preserved neuronal fibres with a horizontal directional pattern, and enhanced coexpression of the growth cone marker GAP43. The biohybrids offer an improved method for cell transplantation with potential capabilities for neuronal tissue regeneration, opening a promising avenue for cell therapies and SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martínez-Ramos
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Rodríguez Doblado
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric López Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Prince Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrue-Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Prince Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Esther Giraldo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Prince Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Monleón Pradas
- Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valencia, Spain
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19
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Stem Cells Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041039. [PMID: 29601528 PMCID: PMC5979319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), a serious public health issue, most likely occurs in previously healthy young adults. Current therapeutic strategies for SCI includes surgical decompression and pharmacotherapy, however, there is still no gold standard for the treatment of this devastating condition. Inefficiency and adverse effects of standard therapy indicate that novel therapeutic strategies are required. Because of their neuroregenerative and neuroprotective properties, stem cells are a promising tool for the treatment of SCI. Herein, we summarize and discuss the promising therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPC) for SCI.
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20
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FM19G11 and Ependymal Progenitor/Stem Cell Combinatory Treatment Enhances Neuronal Preservation and Oligodendrogenesis after Severe Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010200. [PMID: 29315225 PMCID: PMC5796149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) suffers from a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. We have previously shown that individual therapeutic strategies, transplantation of ependymal stem/progenitor cells of the spinal cord after injury (epSPCi) or FM19G11 pharmacological treatment, induce moderate functional recovery after SCI. Here, the combination of treatments has been assayed for functional and histological analysis. Immediately after severe SCI, one million epSPCi were intramedullary injected, and the FM19G11 compound or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (as the vehicle control) was administrated via intrathecal catheterization. The combination of treatments, epSPCi and FM19G11, improves locomotor tasks compared to the control group, but did not significantly improve the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scores for locomotor analysis in comparison with the individual treatments. However, the histological analysis of the spinal cord tissues, two months after SCI and treatments, demonstrated that when we treat the animals with both epSPCi and FM19G11, an improved environment for neuronal preservation was generated by reduction of the glial scar extension. The combinatorial treatment also contributes to enhancing the oligodendrocyte precursor cells by inducing the expression of Olig1 in vivo. These results suggest that a combination of therapies may be an exciting new therapeutic treatment for more efficient neuronal activity recovery after severe SCI.
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21
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Lecca D, Fumagalli M, Ceruti S, Abbracchio MP. Intertwining extracellular nucleotides and their receptors with Ca2+ in determining adult neural stem cell survival, proliferation and final fate. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0433. [PMID: 27377726 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), during both brain and spinal cord development, purinergic and pyrimidinergic signalling molecules (ATP, UTP and adenosine) act synergistically with peptidic growth factors in regulating the synchronized proliferation and final specification of multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) to neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells. Some NSCs still persist throughout adulthood in both specific 'neurogenic' areas and in brain and spinal cord parenchyma, retaining the potentiality to generate all the three main types of adult CNS cells. Once CNS anatomical structures are defined, purinergic molecules participate in calcium-dependent neuron-to-glia communication and also control the behaviour of adult NSCs. After development, some purinergic mechanisms are silenced, but can be resumed after injury, suggesting a role for purinergic signalling in regeneration and self-repair also via the reactivation of adult NSCs. In this respect, at least three different types of adult NSCs participate in the response of the adult brain and spinal cord to insults: stem-like cells residing in classical neurogenic niches, in particular, in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), parenchymal oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs, also known as NG2-glia) and parenchymal injury-activated astrocytes (reactive astrocytes). Here, we shall review and discuss the purinergic regulation of these three main adult NSCs, with particular focus on how and to what extent modulation of intracellular calcium levels by purinoceptors is mandatory to determine their survival, proliferation and final fate.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evolution brings Ca(2+) and ATP together to control life and death'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Lecca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Fumagalli
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ceruti
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria P Abbracchio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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22
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Zhang T, Li XH, Zhang DB, Liu XY, Zhao F, Lin XW, Wang R, Lang HX, Pang XN. Repression of COUP-TFI Improves Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation into Insulin-Producing Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:220-231. [PMID: 28918023 PMCID: PMC5504083 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Identifying molecular mechanisms that regulate insulin expression in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) can provide clues on how to stimulate the differentiation of bmMSCs into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), which can be used as a therapeutic approach against type 1 diabetes (T1D). As repression factors may inhibit differentiation, the efficiency of this process is insufficient for cell transplantation. In this study, we used the mouse insulin 2 (Ins2) promoter sequence and performed a DNA affinity precipitation assay combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the transcription factor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcriptional factor I (COUP-TFI). Functionally, bmMSCs were reprogrammed into IPCs via COUP-TFI suppression and MafA overexpression. The differentiated cells expressed higher levels of genes specific for islet endocrine cells, and they released C-peptide and insulin in response to glucose stimulation. Transplantation of IPCs into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice caused a reduction in hyperglycemia. Mechanistically, COUP-TFI bound to the DR1 (direct repeats with 1 spacer) element in the Ins2 promoter, thereby negatively regulating promoter activity. Taken together, the data provide a novel mechanism by which COUP-TFI acts as a negative regulator in the Ins2 promoter. The differentiation of bmMSCs into IPCs could be improved by knockdown of COUP-TFI, which may provide a novel stem cell-based therapy for T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hang Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dian-Bao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Wen Lin
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xin Lang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ning Pang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Shenyang Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China; Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation inhibits P2X4 receptor overexpression in spinal cord injury rats with neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2017; 651:171-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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24
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Reigada D, Navarro-Ruiz RM, Caballero-López MJ, Del Águila Á, Muñoz-Galdeano T, Maza RM, Nieto-Díaz M. Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap 4A) inhibits ATP-induced excitotoxicity: a neuroprotective strategy for traumatic spinal cord injury treatment. Purinergic Signal 2017; 13:75-87. [PMID: 27761681 PMCID: PMC5334201 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-016-9541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing cell death during the secondary injury is a major priority in the development of a cure for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). One of the earliest processes that follow SCI is the excitotoxicity resulting from the massive release of excitotoxicity mediators, including ATP, which induce an excessive and/or prolonged activation of their receptors and a deregulation of the calcium homeostasis. Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is an endogenous purinergic agonist, present in both extracellular and intracellular fluids, with promising cytoprotective effects in different diseases including neurodegenerative processes. In a search for efficient neuroprotective strategies for SCI, we have tested the capability of Ap4A to reduce the excitotoxic death mediated by the ATP-induced deregulation of calcium homeostasis and its consequences on tissue preservation and functional recovery in a mouse model of moderate contusive SCI. Our analyses with the murine neural cell line Neuro2a demonstrate that treatment with Ap4A reduces ATP-dependent excitotoxic death by both lowering the intracellular calcium response and decreasing the expression of specific purinergic receptors. Follow-up analyses in a mouse model of contusive SCI showed that acute administration of Ap4A following SCI reduces tissue damage and improves motor function recovery. These results suggest that Ap4A cytoprotection results from a decrease of the purinergic tone preventing the effects of a massive release of ATP after SCI, probably together with a direct induction of anti-apoptotic and pro-survival pathways via activation of P2Y2 proposed in previous studies. In conclusion, Ap4A may be a good candidate for an SCI therapy, particularly to reduce excitotoxicity in combination with other modulators and/or inhibitors of the excitotoxic process that are being tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reigada
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Rosa María Navarro-Ruiz
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Marcos Javier Caballero-López
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Ángela Del Águila
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Teresa Muñoz-Galdeano
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Rodrigo M. Maza
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Manuel Nieto-Díaz
- Molecular Neuroprotection Group, Experimental Neurology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos (SESCAM), Finca la Peraleda s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
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25
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Stem Cells and Labeling for Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:ijms18010006. [PMID: 28035961 PMCID: PMC5297641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that usually results in sudden and long-lasting locomotor and sensory neuron degeneration below the lesion site. During the last two decades, the search for new therapies has been revolutionized with the improved knowledge of stem cell (SC) biology. SCs therapy offers several attractive strategies for spinal cord repair. The transplantation of SCs promotes remyelination, neurite outgrowth and axonal elongation, and activates resident or transplanted progenitor cells across the lesion cavity. However, optimized growth and differentiation protocols along with reliable safety assays should be established prior to the clinical application of SCs. Additionally, the ideal method of SCs labeling for efficient cell tracking after SCI remains a challenging issue that requires further investigation. This review summarizes the current findings on the SCs-based therapeutic strategies, and compares different SCs labeling approaches for SCI.
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26
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Requejo-Aguilar R, Alastrue-Agudo A, Cases-Villar M, Lopez-Mocholi E, England R, Vicent MJ, Moreno-Manzano V. Combined polymer-curcumin conjugate and ependymal progenitor/stem cell treatment enhances spinal cord injury functional recovery. Biomaterials 2016; 113:18-30. [PMID: 27810639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) suffers from a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Animal models of acute SCI have provided evidence that transplantation of ependymal stem/progenitor cells of the spinal cord (epSPCs) induces functional recovery, while systemic administration of the anti-inflammatory curcumin provides neuroprotection. However, functional recovery from chronic stage SCI requires additional enhancements in available therapeutic strategies. Herein, we report on a combination treatment for SCI using epSPCs and a pH-responsive polymer-curcumin conjugate. The incorporation of curcumin in a pH-responsive polymeric carrier mainchain, a polyacetal (PA), enhances blood bioavailability, stability, and provides a means for highly localized delivery. We find that PA-curcumin enhances neuroprotection, increases axonal growth, and can improve functional recovery in acute SCI. However, when combined with epSPCs, PA-curcumin also enhances functional recovery in a rodent model of chronic SCI. This suggests that combination therapy may be an exciting new therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic SCI in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Requejo-Aguilar
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrue-Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Cases-Villar
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric Lopez-Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Richard England
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain; Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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27
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Tang Y, Illes P. Regulation of adult neural progenitor cell functions by purinergic signaling. Glia 2016; 65:213-230. [PMID: 27629990 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular purines are signaling molecules in the neurogenic niches of the brain and spinal cord, where they activate cell surface purinoceptors at embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) and adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Although mRNA and protein are expressed at NSCs/NPCs for almost all subtypes of the nucleotide-sensitive P2X/P2Y, and the nucleoside-sensitive adenosine receptors, only a few of those have acquired functional significance. ATP is sequentially degraded by ecto-nucleotidases to ADP, AMP, and adenosine with agonistic properties for distinct receptor-classes. Nucleotides/nucleosides facilitate or inhibit NSC/NPC proliferation, migration and differentiation. The most ubiquitous effect of all agonists (especially of ATP and ADP) appears to be the facilitation of cell proliferation, usually through P2Y1Rs and sometimes through P2X7Rs. However, usually P2X7R activation causes necrosis/apoptosis of NPCs. Differentiation can be initiated by P2Y2R-activation or P2X7R-blockade. A key element in the transduction mechanism of either receptor is the increase of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, which may arise due to its release from intracellular storage sites (G protein-coupling; P2Y) or due to its passage through the receptor-channel itself from the extracellular space (ATP-gated ion channel; P2X). Further research is needed to clarify how purinergic signaling controls NSC/NPC fate and how the balance between the quiescent and activated states is established with fine and dynamic regulation. GLIA 2017;65:213-230.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Peter Illes
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, 04107, Germany
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28
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Connexin 50 modulates Sox2 expression in spinal-cord-derived ependymal stem/progenitor cells. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 365:295-307. [PMID: 27221278 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels included in the family of Connexins (Cx) have been reported to influence the secondary expansion of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and neuropathic pain following SCI. However, Cxs also contribute to spinal cord neurogenesis during the remyelinating process and functional recovery after SCI. Certain Cxs have been recently related to the control of cell proliferation and the differentiation of neuronal progenitors. Adult spinal-cord-derived ependymal stem progenitor cells (epSPC) show high expression levels of Cx50 in non-pathological conditions and lower expression when they actively proliferate after injury (epSPCi). We explore the role of Cx50 in the ependymal population in the modulation of Sox2, a crucial factor of neural progenitor self-renewal and a promising target for promoting neuronal-cell-fate induction for neuronal tissue repair. Short-interfering-RNA ablation or over-expression of Cx50 regulates the expression of Sox2 in both epSPC and epSPCi. Interestingly, Cx50 and Sox2 co-localize at the nucleus indicating a potential role for this ion channel beyond cell-to-cell communication in the spinal cord. In vivo and in vitro experiments with Clotrimazole, a specific pharmacological modulator of Cx50, show the convergent higher expression of Cx50 and Sox2 in the isolated epSPC/epSPCi and in spinal cord tissue. Therefore, the pharmacological modulation of Cx50 might constitute an interesting mechanism for Sox2 induction to modulate the endogenous regenerative potential of neuronal tissue with a potential application in regenerative therapies.
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29
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Gomez-Villafuertes R. Contribution of purinergic receptors to spinal cord injury repair: stem cell-based neuroregeneration. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:418-9. [PMID: 27127477 PMCID: PMC4829003 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.179049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gomez-Villafuertes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Marichal N, Fabbiani G, Trujillo-Cenóz O, Russo RE. Purinergic signalling in a latent stem cell niche of the rat spinal cord. Purinergic Signal 2016; 12:331-41. [PMID: 26988236 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-016-9507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The ependyma of the spinal cord harbours stem cells which are activated by traumatic spinal cord injury. Progenitor-like cells in the central canal (CC) are organized in spatial domains. The cells lining the lateral aspects combine characteristics of ependymocytes and radial glia (RG) whereas in the dorsal and ventral poles, CC-contacting cells have the morphological phenotype of RG and display complex electrophysiological phenotypes. The signals that may affect these progenitors are little understood. Because ATP is massively released after spinal cord injury, we hypothesized that purinergic signalling plays a part in this spinal stem cell niche. We combined immunohistochemistry, in vitro patch-clamp whole-cell recordings and Ca(2+) imaging to explore the effects of purinergic agonists on ependymal progenitor-like cells in the neonatal (P1-P6) rat spinal cord. Prolonged focal application of a high concentration of ATP (1 mM) induced a slow inward current. Equimolar concentrations of BzATP generated larger currents that reversed close to 0 mV, had a linear current-voltage relationship and were blocked by Brilliant Blue G, suggesting the presence of functional P2X7 receptors. Immunohistochemistry showed that P2X7 receptors were expressed around the CC and the processes of RG. BzATP also generated Ca(2+) waves in RG that were triggered by Ca(2+) influx and propagated via Ca(2+) release from internal stores through activation of ryanodine receptors. We speculate that the intracellular Ca(2+) signalling triggered by P2X7 receptor activation may be an epigenetic mechanism to modulate the behaviour of progenitors in response to ATP released after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Marichal
- Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Adult Neurogenesis and Cellular Reprogramming, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Hanns-Dieter-Husch-Weg 19, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Gabriela Fabbiani
- Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Omar Trujillo-Cenóz
- Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raúl E Russo
- Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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31
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Abstract
Ependymal cells are epithelial support cells that line the central canal and ventricular cavities of the central nervous system, providing the interface between the cerebrospinal fluid and the parenchyma of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal ependymal layer (SEL) is composed of 3 main cell types: tanycytes, ependymocytes, and cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. A fourth cell type, termed the supraependymal cell, is also occasionally described. Cells of the SEL show restricted proliferative capacity in health but display neural stem cell properties both in vitro and in vivo in various disease states. A growing body of literature is devoted to the regenerative roles of the SEL, particularly in the context of spinal cord injury, where mechanical damage to the spinal cord leads to a significant increase in SEL proliferation. SEL-derived cell progeny migrate to sites of injury within the injured spinal cord parenchyma and contribute primarily to glial scar formation. In additional to their role as endogenous neural stem cells, cells of the SEL may be an important source of cytokines and other cell signaling molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor, heat shock proteins, and various growth factors. The SEL has become of recent interest to neuroscience researchers because of its potential to participate in and respond to diseases affecting the spinal cord (eg, traumatic spinal cord injury) and neurodegenerative disease. The intimate association of the SEL with the cerebrospinal fluid makes intrathecal therapies a viable option, and recent studies highlight the potential promise of treatments that augment SEL responses to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Moore
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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32
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Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Alastrue-Agudo A, Stojkovic M, Erceg S, Moreno-Manzano V. Connexin 50 Expression in Ependymal Stem Progenitor Cells after Spinal Cord Injury Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:26608-18. [PMID: 26561800 PMCID: PMC4661840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161125981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels included in the family of Connexins (Cx) help to control cell proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors. Here we explored the role of Connexin 50 (Cx50) in cell fate modulation of adult spinal cord derived neural precursors located in the ependymal canal (epSPC). epSPC from non-injured animals showed high expression levels of Cx50 compared to epSPC from animals with spinal cord injury (SCI) (epSPCi). When epSPC or epSPCi were induced to spontaneously differentiate in vitro we found that Cx50 favors glial cell fate, since higher expression levels, endogenous or by over-expression of Cx50, augmented the expression of the astrocyte marker GFAP and impaired the neuronal marker Tuj1. Cx50 was found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of glial cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte-derived cells. Similar expression patterns were found in primary cultures of mature astrocytes. In addition, opposite expression profile for nuclear Cx50 was observed when epSPC and activated epSPCi were conducted to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, suggesting a different role for this ion channel in spinal cord beyond cell-to-cell communication. In vivo detection of Cx50 by immunohistochemistry showed a defined location in gray matter in non-injured tissues and at the epicenter of the injury after SCI. epSPCi transplantation, which accelerates locomotion regeneration by a neuroprotective effect after acute SCI is associated with a lower signal of Cx50 within the injured area, suggesting a minor or detrimental contribution of this ion channel in spinal cord regeneration by activated epSPCi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Alastrue-Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia E-46012, Spain.
| | - Miodrag Stojkovic
- Spebo Medical, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia.
- Human Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia E-46012, Spain.
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia E-46012, Spain.
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33
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Miras-Portugal MT, Gomez-Villafuertes R, Gualix J, Diaz-Hernandez JI, Artalejo AR, Ortega F, Delicado EG, Perez-Sen R. Nucleotides in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. Neuropharmacology 2015; 104:243-54. [PMID: 26359530 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Brain injury generates the release of a multitude of factors including extracellular nucleotides, which exhibit bi-functional properties and contribute to both detrimental actions in the acute phase and also protective and reparative actions in the later recovery phase to allow neuroregeneration. A promising strategy toward restoration of neuronal function is based on activation of endogenous adult neural stem/progenitor cells. The implication of purinergic signaling in stem cell biology, including regulation of proliferation, differentiation, and cell death has become evident in the last decade. In this regard, current strategies of acute transplantation of ependymal stem/progenitor cells after spinal cord injury restore altered expression of P2X4 and P2X7 receptors and improve functional locomotor recovery. The expression of both receptors is transcriptionally regulated by Sp1 factor, which plays a key role in the startup of the transcription machinery to induce regeneration-associated genes expression. Finally, general signaling pathways triggered by nucleotide receptors in neuronal populations converge on several intracellular kinases, such as PI3K/Akt, GSK3 and ERK1,2, as well as the Nrf-2/heme oxigenase-1 axis, which specifically link them to neuroprotection. In this regard, regulation of dual specificity protein phosphatases can become novel mechanism of actions for nucleotide receptors that associate them to cell homeostasis regulation. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Miras-Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gomez-Villafuertes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Gualix
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Diaz-Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio R Artalejo
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esmerilda G Delicado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Perez-Sen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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