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Xie L, Wu Q, Li K, Khan MAS, Zhang A, Sinha B, Li S, Chang SL, Brody DL, Grinstaff MW, Zhou S, Alterovitz G, Liu P, Wang X. Tryptophan Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease with the Involvement of Microglia and Astrocyte Crosstalk and Gut-Brain Axis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2168-2190. [PMID: 38916729 PMCID: PMC11346405 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular Amyloid Aβ peptide (Aβ) deposition and intracellular Tau protein aggregation. Glia, especially microglia and astrocytes are core participants during the progression of AD and these cells are the mediators of Aβ clearance and degradation. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a complex interactive network between the gut and brain involved in neurodegeneration. MGBA affects the function of glia in the central nervous system (CNS), and microbial metabolites regulate the communication between astrocytes and microglia; however, whether such communication is part of AD pathophysiology remains unknown. One of the potential links in bilateral gut-brain communication is tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The microbiota-originated Trp and its metabolites enter the CNS to control microglial activation, and the activated microglia subsequently affect astrocyte functions. The present review highlights the role of MGBA in AD pathology, especially the roles of Trp per se and its metabolism as a part of the gut microbiota and brain communications. We (i) discuss the roles of Trp derivatives in microglia-astrocyte crosstalk from a bioinformatics perspective, (ii) describe the role of glia polarization in the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk and AD pathology, and (iii) summarize the potential of Trp metabolism as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the role of Trp in AD from the perspective of the gut-brain axis and microglia, as well as astrocyte crosstalk, to inspire the discovery of novel AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushuang Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Kelin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mohammed A S Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Zhang
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bharati Sinha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sihui Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Sulie L Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gil Alterovitz
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pinghua Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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Guevara C, Vicencio SC, Pizarro IS, Villavicencio-Tejo F, Quintanilla RA, Astudillo P, Ampuero E, Varas R, Orellana JA, Ortiz FC. Evidence for TGF-β1/Nrf2 Signaling Crosstalk in a Cuprizone Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:914. [PMID: 39199160 PMCID: PMC11351764 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080914] [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: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and degenerative disease that impacts central nervous system (CNS) function. One of the major characteristics of the disease is the presence of regions lacking myelin and an oxidative and inflammatory environment. TGF-β1 and Nrf2 proteins play a fundamental role in different oxidative/inflammatory processes linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as MS. The evidence from different experimental settings has demonstrated a TGF-β1-Nrf2 signaling crosstalk under pathological conditions. However, this possibility has not been explored in experimental models of MS. Here, by using the cuprizone-induced demyelination model of MS, we report that the in vivo pharmacological blockage of the TGF-β1 receptor reduced Nrf2, catalase, and TGFβ-1 protein levels in the demyelination phase of cuprizone administration. In addition, ATP production, locomotor function and cognitive performance were diminished by the treatment. Altogether, our results provide evidence for a crosstalk between TGF-β1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways under CNS demyelination, highlighting the importance of the antioxidant cellular response of neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coram Guevara
- Mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Sinay C. Vicencio
- Mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Ignacio S. Pizarro
- Mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Francisca Villavicencio-Tejo
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile (R.A.Q.)
| | - Rodrigo A. Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile (R.A.Q.)
| | - Pablo Astudillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Laboratorio Neurofarmacología del Comportamiento, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago9170022, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Varas
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Juan A. Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Fernando C. Ortiz
- Mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
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3
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Li D, Liu C, Wang H, Li Y, Wang Y, An S, Sun S. The Role of Neuromodulation and Potential Mechanism in Regulating Heterotopic Ossification. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1628-1642. [PMID: 38416374 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04118-8] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological process characterized by the aberrant formation of bone in muscles and soft tissues. It is commonly triggered by traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and burns. Despite a wide range of evidence underscoring the significance of neurogenic signals in proper bone remodeling, a clear understanding of HO induced by nerve injury remains rudimentary. Recent studies suggest that injury to the nervous system can activate various signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, leading to neurogenic HO through the release of neurotrophins. These pathophysiological changes lay a robust groundwork for the prevention and treatment of HO. In this review, we collected evidence to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HO related to nerve injury, aiming to enhance our understanding of how neurological repair processes can culminate in HO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengju Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Changxing Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haojue Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Senbo An
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Shui Sun
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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4
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Bedolla A, Wegman E, Weed M, Stevens MK, Ware K, Paranjpe A, Alkhimovitch A, Ifergan I, Taranov A, Peter JD, Gonzalez RMS, Robinson JE, McClain L, Roskin KM, Greig NH, Luo Y. Adult microglial TGFβ1 is required for microglia homeostasis via an autocrine mechanism to maintain cognitive function in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5306. [PMID: 38906887 PMCID: PMC11192737 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49596-0] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While TGF-β signaling is essential for microglial function, the cellular source of TGF-β1 ligand and its spatial regulation remains unclear in the adult CNS. Our data supports that microglia but not astrocytes or neurons are the primary producers of TGF-β1 ligands needed for microglial homeostasis. Microglia-Tgfb1 KO leads to the activation of microglia featuring a dyshomeostatic transcriptome that resembles disease-associated, injury-associated, and aged microglia, suggesting microglial self-produced TGF-β1 ligands are important in the adult CNS. Astrocytes in MG-Tgfb1 inducible (i)KO mice show a transcriptome profile that is closely aligned with an LPS-associated astrocyte profile. Additionally, using sparse mosaic single-cell microglia KO of TGF-β1 ligand we established an autocrine mechanism for signaling. Here we show that MG-Tgfb1 iKO mice present cognitive deficits, supporting that precise spatial regulation of TGF-β1 ligand derived from microglia is required for the maintenance of brain homeostasis and normal cognitive function in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Bedolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elliot Wegman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Max Weed
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Kierra Ware
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aditi Paranjpe
- Information Services for Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Anastasia Alkhimovitch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aleksandr Taranov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joshua D Peter
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Maria Salazar Gonzalez
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, US
| | - J Elliott Robinson
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, US
| | - Lucas McClain
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Krishna M Roskin
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, US
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Santiago-Balmaseda A, Aguirre-Orozco A, Valenzuela-Arzeta IE, Villegas-Rojas MM, Pérez-Segura I, Jiménez-Barrios N, Hurtado-Robles E, Rodríguez-Hernández LD, Rivera-German ER, Guerra-Crespo M, Martinez-Fong D, Ledesma-Alonso C, Diaz-Cintra S, Soto-Rojas LO. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Unraveling the Heterogeneity of Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:921. [PMID: 38891053 PMCID: PMC11172252 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110921] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The astrocyte population, around 50% of human brain cells, plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are vital in orchestrating neuronal development by releasing synaptogenic molecules and eliminating excessive synapses. They also modulate neuronal excitability and contribute to CNS homeostasis, promoting neuronal survival by clearance of neurotransmitters, transporting metabolites, and secreting trophic factors. Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous and respond to CNS injuries and diseases through a process known as reactive astrogliosis, which can contribute to both inflammation and its resolution. Recent evidence has revealed remarkable alterations in astrocyte transcriptomes in response to several diseases, identifying at least two distinct phenotypes called A1 or neurotoxic and A2 or neuroprotective astrocytes. However, due to the vast heterogeneity of these cells, it is limited to classify them into only two phenotypes. This review explores the various physiological and pathophysiological roles, potential markers, and pathways that might be activated in different astrocytic phenotypes. Furthermore, we discuss the astrocyte heterogeneity in the main neurodegenerative diseases and identify potential therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms in the differentiation and imbalance of the astrocytic population will allow the identification of specific biomarkers and timely therapeutic approaches in various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Santiago-Balmaseda
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Annai Aguirre-Orozco
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Irais E. Valenzuela-Arzeta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Marcos M. Villegas-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Isaac Pérez-Segura
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Natalie Jiménez-Barrios
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Ernesto Hurtado-Robles
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Luis Daniel Rodríguez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Erick R. Rivera-German
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Magdalena Guerra-Crespo
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Carlos Ledesma-Alonso
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sofía Diaz-Cintra
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Luis O. Soto-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
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6
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Galindo AN, Frey Rubio DA, Hettiaratchi MH. Biomaterial strategies for regulating the neuroinflammatory response. MATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 5:4025-4054. [PMID: 38774837 PMCID: PMC11103561 DOI: 10.1039/d3ma00736g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Injury and disease in the central nervous system (CNS) can result in a dysregulated inflammatory environment that inhibits the repair of functional tissue. Biomaterials present a promising approach to tackle this complex inhibitory environment and modulate the mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation to halt the progression of secondary injury and promote the repair of functional tissue. In this review, we will cover recent advances in biomaterial strategies, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, implantable scaffolds, and neural probe coatings, that have been used to modulate the innate immune response to injury and disease within the CNS. The stages of inflammation following CNS injury and the main inflammatory contributors involved in common neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed, as understanding the inflammatory response to injury and disease is critical for identifying therapeutic targets and designing effective biomaterial-based treatment strategies. Biomaterials and novel composites will then be discussed with an emphasis on strategies that deliver immunomodulatory agents or utilize cell-material interactions to modulate inflammation and promote functional tissue repair. We will explore the application of these biomaterial-based strategies in the context of nanoparticle- and hydrogel-mediated delivery of small molecule drugs and therapeutic proteins to inflamed nervous tissue, implantation of hydrogels and scaffolds to modulate immune cell behavior and guide axon elongation, and neural probe coatings to mitigate glial scarring and enhance signaling at the tissue-device interface. Finally, we will present a future outlook on the growing role of biomaterial-based strategies for immunomodulation in regenerative medicine and neuroengineering applications in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia N Galindo
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
| | - David A Frey Rubio
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
| | - Marian H Hettiaratchi
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon Eugene OR USA
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7
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Sawant N, Watanabe A, Ueda H, Okano H, Morita M. Incomplete accumulation of perilesional reactive astrocytes exacerbates wound healing after closed-head injury by increasing inflammation and BBB disruption. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114700. [PMID: 38272160 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114700] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing after closed-head injury is a significant medical issue. However, conventional models of focal traumatic brain injury, such as fluid percussion injury and controlled cortical impact, employ mechanical impacts on the exposed cerebral cortex after craniotomy. These animal models are inappropriate for studying gliosis, as craniotomy itself induces gliosis. To address this, we developed a closed-head injury model and named "photo injury", which employs intense light illumination through a thinned-skull cranial window. Our prior work demonstrated that the gliosis of focal cerebral lesion after the photo injury does not encompass artificial gliosis and comprises two distinct reactive astrocyte subpopulations. The reactive astrocytes accumulated in the perilesional recovery area actively proliferate and express Nestin, a neural stem cell marker, while those in distal regions do not exhibit these traits. The present study investigated the role of perilesional reactive astrocytes (PRAs) in wound healing using the ablation of reactive astrocytes by the conditional knockout of Stat3. The extensive and non-selective ablation of reactive astrocytes in Nestin-Cre:Stat3f/f mice resulted in an exacerbation of injury, marked by increased inflammation and BBB disruption. On the other hand, GFAP-CreERT2:Stat3f/f mice exhibited the partial and selective ablation of the PRAs, while their exacerbation of injury was at the same extent as in Nestin-Cre:Stat3f/f mice. The comparison of these two mouse strains indicates that the PRAs are an essential astrocyte component for wound healing after closed-head injury, and their anti-inflammatory and regenerative functions are significantly affected even by incomplete accumulation. In addition, the reporter gene expression in the PRAs by GFAP-CreERT2 indicated a substantial elimination of these cells and an absence of differentiation into other cell types, despite Nestin expression, after wound healing. Thus, the accumulation and subsequent elimination of PRA are proposed as promising diagnostic and therapeutic avenues to bolster wound healing after closed-head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Sawant
- Biomolecular Organization, Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Airi Watanabe
- Biomolecular Organization, Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Haruna Ueda
- Biomolecular Organization, Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Morita
- Biomolecular Organization, Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan; Application Division, Center of Optical Scattering Image Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan.
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8
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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Tripathy DK, Panda LP, Biswal S, Barhwal K. Insights into the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: current and emerging therapeutic approaches. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1355242. [PMID: 38523646 PMCID: PMC10957596 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1355242] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is an intrusive and recurrent primary brain tumor with low survivability. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the stemness and proliferation of GB. The tumor microenvironment induces tumor heterogeneity of cancer cells by facilitating clonal evolution and promoting multidrug resistance, leading to cancer cell progression and metastasis. It also plays an important role in angiogenesis to nourish the hypoxic tumor environment. There is a strong interaction of neoplastic cells with their surrounding microenvironment that comprise several immune and non-immune cellular components. The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of immune components like microglia, macrophages, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and non-immune components such as extracellular matrix, endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons. The prognosis of GB is thus challenging, making it a difficult target for therapeutic interventions. The current therapeutic approaches target these regulators of tumor micro-environment through both generalized and personalized approaches. The review provides a summary of important milestones in GB research, factors regulating tumor microenvironment and promoting angiogenesis and potential therapeutic agents widely used for the treatment of GB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dev Kumar Tripathy
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Lakshmi Priya Panda
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Suryanarayan Biswal
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Kalpana Barhwal
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India
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10
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Wang C, Jiang X, Lv J, Zhuang W, Xie L, Liu G, Saimaier K, Han S, Shi C, Hua Q, Zhang R, Du C. TPN10475 Constrains Effector T Lymphocytes Activation and Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Pathogenesis by Facilitating TGF-β Signal Transduction. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:6. [PMID: 38411708 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10109-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated by immune cells, in which auto-reactive CD4+ T cells have been implicated as a major driver in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the artemisinin derivative TPN10475 could alleviate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a commonly used animal model of MS and its possible mechanisms. TPN10475 effectively resisted the reduction of TGF-β signal transduction induced by TCR stimulation, suppressed the activation and function of effector CD4+ T cells in vitro, and restricted the differentiation of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells. It was also found to negatively regulate the inflammatory response in EAE by reducing the peripheral activation drive of auto-reactive helper T lymphocytes, inhibiting the migration of inflammatory cells into the CNS to attenuate EAE. The above results suggested that the upregulation of TGF-β signal transduction may provide new ideas for the study of MS pathogenesis and have positive implications for the development of drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiangrui Jiang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Medica, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jie Lv
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ling Xie
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guangyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kaidireya Saimaier
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sanxing Han
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Changjie Shi
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qiuhong Hua
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Changsheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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11
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Liang H, Liu P, Wang Z, Xiong H, Yin C, Zhao D, Wu C, Chen L. TREM2 gene induces differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic neurons and promotes neuronal repair via TGF-β activation in 6-OHDA-lesioned mouse model of Parkinson's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14630. [PMID: 38348765 PMCID: PMC10862187 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold a promising potential for rescuing dopaminergic neurons in therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). This study clarifies a TREM2-dependent mechanism explaining the function of iPSC differentiation in neuronal repair of PD. METHODS PD-related differentially expressed genes were screened by bioinformatics analyses and their expression was verified using RT-qPCR in nigral tissues of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Following ectopic expression and depletion experiments in iPSCs, cell differentiation into dopaminergic neurons as well as the expression of dopaminergic neuronal markers TH and DAT was measured. Stereotaxic injection of 6-OHDA was used to develop a mouse model of PD, which was injected with iPSC suspension overexpressing TREM2 to verify the effect of TREM2 on neuronal repair. RESULTS TREM2 was poorly expressed in the nigral tissues of 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. In the presence of TREM2 overexpression, the iPSCs showed increased expression of dopaminergic neuronal markers TH and DAT, which facilitated the differentiation of iPSCs into dopaminergic neurons. Mechanistic investigations indicated that TREM2 activated the TGF-β pathway and induced iPSC differentiation into dopaminergic neurons. In vivo data showed that iPSCs overexpressing TREM2 enhanced neuronal repair in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. CONCLUSION This work identifies a mechanistic insight for TREM2-mediated TGF-β activation in the regulation of neuronal repair in PD and suggests novel strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbai Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Zijing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Huan Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Cheng Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Chunhui Wu
- School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Longyi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
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12
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Wang T, Chen S, Mao Z, Shang Y, Brinton RD. Allopregnanolone pleiotropic action in neurons and astrocytes: calcium signaling as a unifying mechanism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1286931. [PMID: 38189047 PMCID: PMC10771836 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1286931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Allopregnanolone (Allo) is a neurosteroid with pleiotropic action in the brain that includes neurogenesis, oligogenesis, human and rodent neural stem cell regeneration, increased glucose metabolism, mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis, improved cognitive function, and reduction of both inflammation and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Because the breadth of Allo-induced responses requires activation of multiple systems of biology in the absence of an Allo-specific nuclear receptor, analyses were conducted in both neurons and astrocytes to identify unifying systems and signaling pathways. Methods Mechanisms of Allo action were investigated in embryonic hippocampal neurons and astrocytes cultured in an Aging Model (AM) media. Cellular morphology, mitochondrial function, and transcriptomics were investigated followed by mechanistic pathway analyses. Results In hippocampal neurons, Allo significantly increased neurite outgrowth and synaptic protein expression, which were paralleled by upregulated synaptogenesis and long-term potentiation gene expression profiles. Mechanistically, Allo induced Ca2+/CREB signaling cascades. In parallel, Allo significantly increased maximal mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and Complex IV activity while reducing oxidative stress, which required both the GABAA and L-type Ca2+ channels. In astrocytes, Allo increased ATP generation, mitochondrial function and dynamics while reducing oxidative stress, inflammasome indicators, and apoptotic signaling. Mechanistically, Allo regulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function required both the GABAA and L-type Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, Allo activated NRF1-TFAM signaling and increased the DRP1/OPA1 protein ratio, which led to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Conclusion Collectively, the cellular, mitochondrial, transcriptional, and pharmacological profiles provide evidence in support of calcium signaling as a unifying mechanism for Allo pleiotropic actions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zisu Mao
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yuan Shang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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13
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Palumbo L, Carinci M, Guarino A, Asth L, Zucchini S, Missiroli S, Rimessi A, Pinton P, Giorgi C. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Epileptic Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2825. [PMID: 37893198 PMCID: PMC10604217 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102825] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a dynamic process of defense and protection against the harmful action of infectious agents or other detrimental stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the uncontrolled regulation of this physiological process is strongly associated with serious dysfunctional neuronal issues linked to the progression of CNS disorders. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders worldwide. Indeed, NLRP3, one of the most well-studied inflammasomes, is involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, events that characterize this pathological condition. In this context, several pieces of evidence have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Based on an extensive review of the literature on the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy, in this review we discuss our current understanding of the connection between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and progressive neurodegeneration in epilepsy. The goal of the review is to cover as many of the various known epilepsy models as possible, providing a broad overview of the current literature. Lastly, we also propose some of the present therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3, aiming to provide potential insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sonia Missiroli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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14
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Xie H, Sun H, Dong H, Dai L, Xu H, Zhang L, Wang Q, Zhang J, Zhao G, Xu C, Yin K. Label-free quantitative proteomic analyses of mouse astrocytes provides insight into the host response mechanism at different developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011102. [PMID: 37721957 PMCID: PMC10538781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic parasite that can infect the central nervous system (CNS), causing severe toxoplasmosis and behavioral cognitive impairment. Mortality is high in immunocompromised individuals with toxoplasmosis, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the CNS. There are still no effective vaccines and drugs for the prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis. There are five developmental stages for T. gondii to complete life cycle, of which the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages are the key to the acute and chronic infection. In this study, to better understanding of how T. gondii interacts with the host CNS at different stages of infection, we constructed acute and chronic infection models of T. gondii in astrocytes, and used label-free proteomics to detect the proteome changes before and after infection, respectively. A total of 4676 proteins were identified, among which 163 differentially expressed proteins (fold change ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 0.67 and p-value ≤ 0.05) including 109 up-regulated proteins and 54 down-regulated proteins in C8-TA vs C8 group, and 719 differentially expressed proteins including 495 up-regulated proteins and 224 down-regulated proteins in C8-BR vs C8-TA group. After T. gondii tachyzoites infected astrocytes, differentially expressed proteins were enriched in immune-related biological processes to promote the formation of bradyzoites and maintain the balance of T. gondii, CNS and brain. After T. gondii bradyzoites infected astrocytes, the differentially expressed proteins up-regulated the host's glucose metabolism, and some up-regulated proteins were strongly associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings not only provide new insights into the psychiatric pathogenesis of T. gondii, but also provide potential targets for the treatment of acute and chronic Toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hang Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hongjie Dong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Haozhi Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
- Xingan League Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ulanhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong, China
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15
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Bedolla A, Wegman E, Weed M, Paranjpe A, Alkhimovitch A, Ifergan I, McClain L, Luo Y. Microglia-derived TGF-β1 ligand maintains microglia homeostasis via autocrine mechanism and is critical for normal cognitive function in adult mouse brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547814. [PMID: 37461569 PMCID: PMC10349967 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
While TGF-β signaling is essential for microglial function, the cellular source of TGF-β ligand and its spatial regulation remains unclear in the adult CNS. Our data support that microglia, not astrocytes or neurons, are the primary producers of TGF-β1 ligands needed for microglial homeostasis. Microglia (MG)-Tgfb1 inducible knockout (iKO) leads to the activation of microglia featuring a dyshomeostatic transcriptomic profile that resembles disease-associated microglia (DAMs), injury-associated microglia, and aged microglia, suggesting that microglial self-produced TGF-β1 ligands are important in the adult CNS. Interestingly, astrocytes in MG-Tgfb1 iKO mice show a transcriptome profile that closely aligns with A1-like astrocytes. Additionally, using sparse mosaic single-cell microglia iKO of TGF-β1 ligand, we established an autocrine mechanism for TGF-β signaling. Importantly MG-Tgfb1 iKO mice show cognitive deficits, supporting that precise spatial regulation of TGF-β1 ligand derived from microglia is critical for the maintenance of brain homeostasis and normal cognitive function in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Bedolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Elliot Wegman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Max Weed
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Aditi Paranjpe
- Information Services, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Anastasia Alkhimovitch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Lucas McClain
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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16
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Pang QM, Zhang Q, Wu XC, Yang RL, Fu SP, Fan ZH, Liu J, Yu LM, Peng JC, Zhang T. Mechanism of M2 macrophages modulating astrocyte polarization through the TGF-β/PI3K/Akt pathway. Immunol Lett 2023; 259:1-8. [PMID: 37244460 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that activated astrocytes (AS) are divided into two distinct types, termed A1 and A2. A2 astrocytes are neuroprotective and promote tissue repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury. Whereas, the specific mechanism for the formation of the A2 phenotype remains unclear. This study focused on the PI3K/Akt pathway and examined whether TGF-β secreted by M2 macrophages could mediate A2 polarization by activating this pathway. In this study, we revealed that both M2 macrophages and their conditioned medium (M2-CM) could facilitate the secretion of IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β from AS, and this effect was significantly reversed after the administration of SB431542 (a TGF-β receptor inhibitor) or LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor). Moreover, immunofluorescence results demonstrated that TGF-β secreted by M2 macrophages could facilitate the expression of A2 biomarker S100A10 in AS; combined with the results of western blot, it was found that this effect was closely related to the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in AS. In conclusion, TGF-β secreted by M2 macrophages may induce the conversion of AS to the A2 phenotype through the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ming Pang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiang-Chong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Sheng-Ping Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhen-Hai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Li-Mei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jia-Chen Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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17
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Wang Q, Zhong Y, Chen N, Chen J. From the immune system to mood disorders especially induced by Toxoplasma gondii: CD4+ T cell as a bridge. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1078984. [PMID: 37077528 PMCID: PMC10106765 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1078984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a ubiquitous and obligatory intracellular protozoa, not only alters peripheral immune status, but crosses the blood-brain barrier to trigger brain parenchymal injury and central neuroinflammation to establish latent cerebral infection in humans and other vertebrates. Recent findings underscore the strong correlation between alterations in the peripheral and central immune environment and mood disorders. Th17 and Th1 cells are important pro-inflammatory cells that can drive the pathology of mood disorders by promoting neuroinflammation. As opposed to Th17 and Th1, regulatory T cells have inhibitory inflammatory and neuroprotective functions that can ameliorate mood disorders. T. gondii induces neuroinflammation, which can be mediated by CD4+ T cells (such as Tregs, Th17, Th1, and Th2). Though the pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorder have been currently studied, emerging evidence points to unique role of CD4+ T cells in mood disorder, especially those caused by T. gondii infection. In this review, we explore some recent studies that extend our understanding of the relationship between mood disorders and T. gondii.
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Ng W, Ng SY. Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:54. [PMID: 36567359 PMCID: PMC9791755 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winanto Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
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19
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de Medeiros Brito RM, Meurer YDSR, Batista JAL, de Sá AL, de Medeiros Souza CR, de Souto JT, de Andrade-Neto VF. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection contributes to perineuronal nets impairment in the primary somatosensory cortex. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:487. [PMID: 36566237 PMCID: PMC9790132 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05596-x] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is able to manipulate the host immune system to establish a persistent and efficient infection, contributing to the development of brain abnormalities with behavioral repercussions. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of T. gondii infection on the systemic inflammatory response and structure of the primary somatosensory cortex (PSC). C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were infected with T. gondii ME49 strain tissue cysts and accompanied for 30 days. After this period, levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and TGF-β were measured. After blood collection, mice were perfused and the brains were submitted to immunohistochemistry for perineuronal net (PNN) evaluation and cyst quantification. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice presented higher levels of TNF-α and IL-12, while the levels of TGF-β were similar between the two mouse lineages, associated with the elevated number of tissue cysts, with a higher occurrence of cysts in the posterior area of the PSC when compared to BALB/c mice, which presented a more homogeneous cyst distribution. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a greater loss of PNN labeling in C57BL/6 animals compared to BALB/c. These data raised a discussion about the ability of T. gondii to stimulate a systemic inflammatory response capable of indirectly interfering in the brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XPostgraduate Program in Parasitary Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil ,grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues Meurer
- grid.411216.10000 0004 0397 5145Postgraduate Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Memory and Cognition Studies Laboratory, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba Brazil
| | - Jully Anne Lemos Batista
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Andréa Lima de Sá
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Cássio Ricardo de Medeiros Souza
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Janeusa Trindade de Souto
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
| | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- grid.411233.60000 0000 9687 399XLaboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
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20
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Alloo J, Leleu I, Grangette C, Pied S. Parasite infections, neuroinflammation, and potential contributions of gut microbiota. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024998. [PMID: 36569929 PMCID: PMC9772015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many parasitic diseases (including cerebral malaria, human African trypanosomiasis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, neurocysticercosis and neuroschistosomiasis) feature acute or chronic brain inflammation processes, which are often associated with deregulation of glial cell activity and disruption of the brain blood barrier's intactness. The inflammatory responses of astrocytes and microglia during parasite infection are strongly influenced by a variety of environmental factors. Although it has recently been shown that the gut microbiota influences the physiology and immunomodulation of the central nervous system in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's, the putative link in parasite-induced neuroinflammatory diseases has not been well characterized. Likewise, the central nervous system can influence the gut microbiota. In parasite infections, the gut microbiota is strongly perturbed and might influence the severity of the central nervous system inflammation response through changes in the production of bacterial metabolites. Here, we review the roles of astrocytes and microglial cells in the neuropathophysiological processes induced by parasite infections and their possible regulation by the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sylviane Pied
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille-CIIL, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-CNRS UMR 9017-Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique et Médicale-Inserm U1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
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21
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T cell surveillance of Toxoplasma gondii: Basic insights into how T cells operate in the central nervous system. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 77:102640. [PMID: 36240583 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability of T cells to operate in the central nervous system (CNS) is required for resistance to multiple pathogens that affect this tissue. The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has evolved to persist in the CNS and poses unique challenges to the immune system with the need to control parasite replication while balancing the adverse pathology associated with local inflammation. This article reviews the models used to study the response to T. gondii during toxoplasmic encephalitis and highlights some of the broader lessons that are relevant to understanding how T cells function in the CNS.
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22
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Yang Y, Wang C, Chen R, Wang Y, Tan C, Liu J, Zhang Q, Xiao G. Novel therapeutic modulators of astrocytes for hydrocephalus. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:932955. [PMID: 36226316 PMCID: PMC9549203 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.932955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is mainly characterized by excessive production or impaired absorption of cerebrospinal fluid that causes ventricular dilation and intracranial hypertension. Astrocytes are the key response cells to inflammation in the central nervous system. In hydrocephalus, astrocytes are activated and show dual characteristics depending on the period of development of the disease. They can suppress the disease in the early stage and may aggravate it in the late stage. More evidence suggests that therapeutics targeting astrocytes may be promising for hydrocephalus. In this review, based on previous studies, we summarize different forms of hydrocephalus-induced astrocyte reactivity and the corresponding function of these responses in hydrocephalus. We also discuss the therapeutic effects of astrocyte regulation on hydrocephalus in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chuansen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yuchang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Changwu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingping Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Zhang,
| | - Gelei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Gelei Xiao,
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23
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Ramírez AE, Gil-Jaramillo N, Tapias MA, González-Giraldo Y, Pinzón A, Puentes-Rozo PJ, Aristizábal-Pachón AF, González J. MicroRNA: A Linking between Astrocyte Dysfunction, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091439. [PMID: 36143475 PMCID: PMC9505027 DOI: 10.3390/life12091439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurodegenerative diseases are complex neurological disorders with a high incidence worldwide in older people, increasing hospital visits and requiring expensive treatments. As a precursor phase of neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment needs to be studied to understand the factors that influence its development and improve patients’ quality of life. The present review compiles possible factors and biomarkers for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment based on the most recent studies involving miRNAs. These molecules can direct the gene expression in multiple cells, affecting their behavior under certain conditions, such as stressing factors. This review encourages further research into biomarkers that identify cognitive impairment in cellular models such as astrocytes, which are brain cells capable of maintaining the optimal conditions for the central nervous system functioning. Abstract The importance of miRNAs in cellular processes and their dysregulation has taken significant importance in understanding different pathologies. Due to the constant increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) worldwide and their economic impact, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), considered a prodromal phase, is a logical starting point to study this public health problem. Multiple studies have established the importance of miRNAs in MCI, including astrocyte regulation during stressful conditions. Additionally, the protection mechanisms exerted by astrocytes against some damage in the central nervous system (CNS) lead to astrocytic reactivation, in which a differential expression of miRNAs has been shown. Nevertheless, excessive reactivation can cause neurodegeneration, and a clear pattern defining the equilibrium point between a neuroprotective or detrimental astrocytic phenotype is unknown. Therefore, the miRNA expression has gained significant attention to understand the maintenance of brain balance and improve the diagnosis and treatment at earlier stages in the ND. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the emerging role of miRNAs in cellular processes that contribute to the loss of cognitive function, including lipotoxicity, which can induce chronic inflammation, also considering the fundamental role of astrocytes in brain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica E. Ramírez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Natalia Gil-Jaramillo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - María Alejandra Tapias
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Yeimy González-Giraldo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Andrés Pinzón
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Pedro J. Puentes-Rozo
- Grupo de Neurociencias del Caribe, Unidad de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
- Grupo de Neurociencias del Caribe, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla 080007, Colombia
| | | | - Janneth González
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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24
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Broekaart DWM, Zimmer TS, Cohen ST, Tessers R, Anink JJ, de Vries HE, Gorter JA, Prades R, Aronica E, van Vliet EA. The Gelatinase Inhibitor ACT-03 Reduces Gliosis in the Rapid Kindling Rat Model of Epilepsy, and Attenuates Inflammation and Loss of Barrier Integrity In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092117. [PMID: 36140216 PMCID: PMC9495904 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092117] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases responsible for the cleavage of intra- and extracellular proteins. Several brain MMPs have been implicated in neurological disorders including epilepsy. We recently showed that the novel gelatinase inhibitor ACT-03 has disease-modifying effects in models of epilepsy. Here, we studied its effects on neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Using the rapid kindling rat model of epilepsy, we examined whether ACT-03 affected astro- and microgliosis in the brain using immunohistochemistry. Cellular and molecular alterations were further studied in vitro using human fetal astrocyte and brain endothelial cell (hCMEC/D3) cultures, with a focus on neuroinflammatory markers as well as on barrier permeability using an endothelial and astrocyte co-culture model. We observed less astro- and microgliosis in the brains of kindled animals treated with ACT-03 compared to control vehicle-treated animals. In vitro, ACT-03 treatment attenuated stimulation-induced mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory factors in human fetal astrocytes and brain endothelial cells, as well as a loss of barrier integrity in endothelial and astrocyte co-cultures. Since ACT-03 has disease-modifying effects in epilepsy models, possibly via limiting gliosis, inflammation, and barrier integrity loss, it is of interest to further evaluate its effects in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diede W. M. Broekaart
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Till S. Zimmer
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie T. Cohen
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Tessers
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper J. Anink
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga E. de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A. Gorter
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roger Prades
- Accure Therapeutics S.L., 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (E.A.v.V.)
| | - Erwin A. van Vliet
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (E.A.v.V.)
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25
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Lazic A, Balint V, Stanisavljevic Ninkovic D, Peric M, Stevanovic M. Reactive and Senescent Astroglial Phenotypes as Hallmarks of Brain Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094995. [PMID: 35563385 PMCID: PMC9100382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, as the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, are tightly integrated into neural networks and participate in numerous aspects of brain physiology and pathology. They are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, and the loss of astrocyte physiological functions and/or gain of pro-inflammatory functions, due to their reactivation or cellular senescence, can have profound impacts on the surrounding microenvironment with pathological outcomes. Although the importance of astrocytes is generally recognized, and both senescence and reactive astrogliosis have been extensively reviewed independently, there are only a few comparative overviews of these complex processes. In this review, we summarize the latest data regarding astrocyte reactivation and senescence, and outline similarities and differences between these phenotypes from morphological, functional, and molecular points of view. A special focus has been given to neurodegenerative diseases, where these phenotypic alternations of astrocytes are significantly implicated. We also summarize current perspectives regarding new advances in model systems based on astrocytes as well as data pointing to these glial cells as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanda Balint
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mina Peric
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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26
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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27
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Differences in the Expression Patterns of TGFβ Isoforms and Associated Genes in Astrocytic Brain Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081876. [PMID: 35454784 PMCID: PMC9032667 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes associated with the TGFβ isoforms are involved in a number of different cancers, and their effect on the progression of brain tumors is also being discussed. Using an oligonucleotide microarray method, we assessed differences in expression patterns of genes in astrocytic brain tumor sections from 43 patients at different stages of disease. Quantitative mRNA assessment of the three TGFβ isoforms was also performed by real-time RT-qPCR. Oligonucleotide microarray data were analyzed using the PL-Grid Infrastructure. The microarray analysis showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 expression in G3/G4 stage relative to G2, whereas real-time RT-qPCR validation confirmed this change only for the TGFβ2 isoform (p < 0.05). The oligonucleotide microarray method allowed the identification of 16 differential genes associated with TGFβ isoforms. Analysis of the STRING database showed that the proteins encoded by the analyzed genes form a strong interaction network (p < 0.001), and a significant number of proteins are involved in carcinogenesis. Differences in expression patterns of transcripts associated with TGFβ isoforms confirm that they play a role in astrocytic brain tumor transformation. Quantitative assessment of TGFβ2 mRNA may be a valuable method to complement the diagnostic process in the future.
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28
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Neuronal alarmin IL-1α evokes astrocyte-mediated protective signals: Effectiveness in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105716. [PMID: 35367629 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinction between glial painful and protective pathways is unclear and the possibility to finely modulate the system is lacking. Focusing on painful neuropathies, we studied the role of interleukin 1α (IL-1α), an alarmin belonging to the larger family of damage-associated molecular patterns endogenously secreted to restore homeostasis. The treatment of rat primary neurons with increasing dose of the neurotoxic anticancer drug oxaliplatin (0.3-100μM, 48 h) induced the release of IL-1α. The knockdown of the alarmin in neurons leads to their higher mortality when co-cultured with astrocytes. This toxicity was related to increased extracellular ATP and decreased release of transforming growth factor β1, mostly produced by astrocytes. In a rat model of neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin, the intrathecal treatment with IL-1α was able to reduce mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity both after acute injection and continuous infusion. Ex vivo analysis on spinal purified astrocyte processes (gliosomes) and nerve terminals (synaptosomes) revealed the property of IL-1α to reduce the endogenous glutamate release induced by oxaliplatin. This protective effect paralleled with an increased number of GFAP-positive cells in the spinal cord, suggesting the ability of IL-1α to evoke a positive, conservative astrocyte phenotype. Endogenous IL-1α induces protective signals in the cross-talk between neurons and astrocytes. Exogenously administered in rats, IL-1α prevents neuropathic pain in the presence of spinal glutamate decrease and astrocyte activation.
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Li L, Zhou J, Han L, Wu X, Shi Y, Cui W, Zhang S, Hu Q, Wang J, Bai H, Liu H, Guo W, Feng D, Qu Y. The Specific Role of Reactive Astrocytes in Stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:850866. [PMID: 35321205 PMCID: PMC8934938 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.850866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential in maintaining normal brain functions such as blood brain barrier (BBB) homeostasis and synapse formation as the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). After the stroke, astrocytes are known as reactive astrocytes (RAs) because they are stimulated by various damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokines, resulting in significant changes in their reactivity, gene expression, and functional characteristics. RAs perform multiple functions after stroke. The inflammatory response of RAs may aggravate neuro-inflammation and release toxic factors to exert neurological damage. However, RAs also reduce excitotoxicity and release neurotrophies to promote neuroprotection. Furthermore, RAs contribute to angiogenesis and axonal remodeling to promote neurological recovery. Therefore, RAs' biphasic roles and mechanisms make them an effective target for functional recovery after the stroke. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functional changes and internal molecular mechanisms of RAs, as well as their therapeutic potential and strategies, in order to comprehensively understand the role of RAs in the outcome of stroke disease and provide a new direction for the clinical treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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McConnell HL, Mishra A. Cells of the Blood-Brain Barrier: An Overview of the Neurovascular Unit in Health and Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:3-24. [PMID: 35733036 PMCID: PMC9987262 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The brain is endowed with highly specialized vasculature that is both structurally and functionally unique compared to vasculature supplying peripheral organs. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by endothelial cells of the cerebral vasculature and prevents extravasation of blood products into the brain to protect neural tissue and maintain a homeostatic environment. The BBB functions as part of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is composed of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in addition to the specialized endothelial cells, mural cells, and the basement membrane. Through coordinated intercellular signaling, these cells function as a dynamic unit to tightly regulate brain blood flow, vascular function, neuroimmune responses, and waste clearance. In this chapter, we review the functions of individual NVU components, describe neurovascular coupling as a classic example of NVU function, and discuss archetypal NVU pathophysiology during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L McConnell
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Office of Academic Development, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Loss-of-function manipulations to identify roles of diverse glia and stromal cells during CNS scar formation. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:337-350. [PMID: 34164732 PMCID: PMC8975763 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Scar formation is the replacement of parenchymal cells by stromal cells and fibrotic extracellular matrix. Until as recently as 25 years ago, little was known about the major functional contributions of different neural and non-neural cell types in the formation of scar tissue and tissue fibrosis in the CNS. Concepts about CNS scar formation are evolving rapidly with the availability of different types of loss-of-function technologies that allow mechanistic probing of cellular and molecular functions in models of CNS disorders in vivo. Such loss-of-function studies are beginning to reveal that scar formation and tissue fibrosis in the CNS involves complex interactions amongst multiple types of CNS glia and non-neural stromal cells. For example, attenuating functions of the CNS resident glial cells, astrocytes or microglia, can disrupt the formation of limitans borders that form around stromal cell scars, which leads to increased spread of inflammation, increased loss of neural tissue, and increased fibrosis. Insights are being gained into specific neuropathological mechanisms whereby specific dysfunctions of different types of CNS glia could cause or contribute to disorder-related tissue pathology and dysfunction. CNS glia, as well as fibrosis-producing stromal cells, are emerging as potential major contributors to diverse CNS disorders either through loss- or gain-of-functions, and are thereby emerging as important potential targets for interventions. In this article, we will review and discuss the effects on CNS scar formation and tissue repair of loss-of-function studies targeted at different specific cell types in various disorder models in vivo.
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Complement as a powerful "influencer" in the brain during development, adulthood and neurological disorders. Adv Immunol 2021; 152:157-222. [PMID: 34844709 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The complement system was long considered as only a powerful effector arm of the immune system that, while critically protective, could lead to inflammation and cell death if overactivated, even in the central nervous system (CNS). However, in the past decade it has been recognized as playing critical roles in key physiological processes in the CNS, including neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling in the developing and adult brain. Inherent in these processes are the interactions with cells in the brain, and the cascade of interactions and functional consequences that ensue. As a result, investigations of therapeutic approaches for both suppressing excessive complement driven neurotoxicity and aberrant sculpting of neuronal circuits, require broad (and deep) knowledge of the functional activities of multiple components of this highly evolved and regulated system to avoid unintended negative consequences in the clinic. Advances in basic science are beginning to provide a roadmap for translation to therapeutics, with both small molecule and biologics. Here, we present examples of the critical roles of proper complement function in the development and sculpting of the nervous system, and in enabling rapid protection from infection and clearance of dying cells. Microglia are highlighted as important command centers that integrate signals from the complement system and other innate sensors that are programed to provide support and protection, but that direct detrimental responses to aberrant activation and/or regulation of the system. Finally, we present promising research areas that may lead to effective and precision strategies for complement targeted interventions to promote neurological health.
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Daher D, Shaghlil A, Sobh E, Hamie M, Hassan ME, Moumneh MB, Itani S, El Hajj R, Tawk L, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111351. [PMID: 34832507 PMCID: PMC8625914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a prevalent protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a neglected disease in which incidence and symptoms differ between patients and regions. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis manifests as acute and chronic forms. Acute toxoplasmosis presents as mild or asymptomatic disease that evolves, under the host immune response, into a persistent chronic disease in healthy individuals. Chronic toxoplasmosis establishes as latent tissue cysts in the brain and skeletal muscles. In immunocompromised patients, chronic toxoplasmosis may reactivate, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Recently, the association between toxoplasmosis and various diseases has been shown. These span primary neuropathies, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and different types of cancer. Currently, a direct pre-clinical or clinical molecular connotation between toxoplasmosis and most of its associated diseases remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on Toxoplasma-induced and associated diseases with a focus on available knowledge of the molecular players dictating these associations. We will also abridge the existing therapeutic options of toxoplasmosis and highlight the current gaps to explore the implications of toxoplasmosis on its associated diseases to advance treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Ahmad Shaghlil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Eyad Sobh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Malika Elhage Hassan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Mohamad Bahij Moumneh
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon;
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Abstract
Cerebral toxoplasmosis and cerebral malaria are two important neurological diseases caused by protozoan parasites. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the innate immune responses of microglia and astrocytes to Toxoplasma and Plasmodium infection. In both infections, these tissue-resident glial cells perform a sentinel function mediated by alarmin crosstalk that licenses adaptive type 1 immunity in the central nervous system. Divergent protective or pathogenic effects of type 1 activation of these astrocytes and microglia are revealed depending on the inherent lytic potential of the protozoan parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - George S Yap
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Wu Q, Miao X, Zhang J, Xiang L, Li X, Bao X, Du S, Wang M, Miao S, Fan Y, Wang W, Xu X, Shen X, Yang D, Wang X, Fang Y, Hu L, Pan X, Dong H, Wang H, Wang Y, Li J, Huang Z. Astrocytic YAP protects the optic nerve and retina in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model through TGF-β signaling. Theranostics 2021; 11:8480-8499. [PMID: 34373754 PMCID: PMC8344002 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Optic neuritis is one of main symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) that causes visual disability. Astrocytes are pivotal regulators of neuroinflammation in MS, and astrocytic yes-associated protein (YAP) plays a critical role in neuroinflammation. Meanwhile, YAP signaling is involved in visual impairment, including glaucoma, retinal choroidal atrophy and retinal detachment. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of astrocytic YAP in neuroinflammation and demyelination of MS-related optic neuritis (MS-ON) remains unclear. Methods: To assess the functions of YAP in MS-ON, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a common model of MS) was established, and mice that conditional knockout (CKO) of YAP in astrocytes, YAPGFAP-CKO mice, were successfully generated. Behavior tests, immunostaining, Nissl staining, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL staining, Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, electron microscopy (EM), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) by RNA sequencing were used to examine the function and mechanism of YAP signaling based on these YAPGFAP-CKO mice and EAE model mice. To further explore the potential treatment of YAP signaling in EAE, EAE mice were treated with various drugs, including SRI-011381 that is an agonist of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, and XMU-MP-1 which inhibits Hippo kinase MST1/2 to activate YAP. Results: We found that YAP was significantly upregulated and activated in the astrocytes of optic nerve in EAE mice. Conditional knockout of YAP in astrocytes caused more severe inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in optic nerve, and damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in EAE mice. Moreover, YAP deletion in astrocytes promoted the activation of astrocytes and microglia, but inhibited the proliferation of astrocytes of optic nerve in EAE mice. Mechanically, TGF-β signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated after YAP deletion in astrocytes. Additionally, both qPCR and immunofluorescence assays confirmed the reduction of TGF-β signaling pathway in YAPGFAP-CKO EAE mice. Interestingly, SRI-011381 partially rescued the deficits in optic nerve and retina of YAPGFAP-CKO EAE mice. Finally, activation of YAP signaling by XMU-MP-1 relieved the neuroinflammation and demyelination in optic nerve of EAE mice. Conclusions: These results suggest astrocytic YAP may prevent the neuroinflammatory infiltration and demyelination through upregulation of TGF-β signaling and provide targets for the development of therapeutic strategies tailored for MS-ON.
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Matta SK, Rinkenberger N, Dunay IR, Sibley LD. Toxoplasma gondii infection and its implications within the central nervous system. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:467-480. [PMID: 33627834 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that infects a wide range of animals and causes zoonotic infections in humans. Although it normally only results in mild illness in healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection with high mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the central nervous system. In the acute phase of infection, interferon-dependent immune responses control rapid parasite expansion and mitigate acute disease symptoms. However, after dissemination the parasite differentiates into semi-dormant cysts that form within muscle cells and neurons, where they persist for life in the infected host. Control of infection in the central nervous system, a compartment of immune privilege, relies on modified immune responses that aim to balance infection control while limiting potential damage due to inflammation. In response to the activation of interferon-mediated pathways, the parasite deploys an array of effector proteins to escape immune clearance and ensure latent survival. Although these pathways are best studied in the laboratory mouse, emerging evidence points to unique mechanisms of control in human toxoplasmosis. In this Review, we explore some of these recent findings that extend our understanding for proliferation, establishment and control of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K Matta
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rinkenberger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Mendez OA, Flores Machado E, Lu J, Koshy AA. Injection with Toxoplasma gondii protein affects neuron health and survival. eLife 2021; 10:e67681. [PMID: 34106047 PMCID: PMC8270641 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes a long-term latent infection of neurons. Using a custom MATLAB-based mapping program in combination with a mouse model that allows us to permanently mark neurons injected with parasite proteins, we found that Toxoplasma-injected neurons (TINs) are heterogeneously distributed in the brain, primarily localizing to the cortex followed by the striatum. In addition, we determined that cortical TINs are commonly (>50%) excitatory neurons (FoxP2+) and that striatal TINs are often (>65%) medium spiny neurons (MSNs) (FoxP2+). By performing single neuron patch clamping on striatal TINs and neighboring uninfected MSNs, we discovered that TINs have highly aberrant electrophysiology. As approximately 90% of TINs will die by 8 weeks post-infection, this abnormal physiology suggests that injection with Toxoplasma protein-either directly or indirectly-affects neuronal health and survival. Collectively, these data offer the first insights into which neurons interact with Toxoplasma and how these interactions alter neuron physiology in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A Mendez
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | | | - Jing Lu
- College of Nursing, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Anita A Koshy
- BIO5 Institute, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Department of Immunobiology, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
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Elsheikha HM, Marra CM, Zhu XQ. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e00115-19. [PMID: 33239310 PMCID: PMC7690944 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00115-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to infect a considerable number of mammalian and avian species and a substantial proportion of the world's human population. The parasite has an impressive ability to disseminate within the host's body and employs various tactics to overcome the highly regulatory blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain. In healthy individuals, T. gondii infection is largely tolerated without any obvious ill effects. However, primary infection in immunosuppressed patients can result in acute cerebral or systemic disease, and reactivation of latent tissue cysts can lead to a deadly outcome. It is imperative that treatment of life-threatening toxoplasmic encephalitis is timely and effective. Several therapeutic and prophylactic regimens have been used in clinical practice. Current approaches can control infection caused by the invasive and highly proliferative tachyzoites but cannot eliminate the dormant tissue cysts. Adverse events and other limitations are associated with the standard pyrimethamine-based therapy, and effective vaccines are unavailable. In this review, the epidemiology, economic impact, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed, and critical areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christina M Marra
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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39
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Astrocyte-immune cell interactions in physiology and pathology. Immunity 2021; 54:211-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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40
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Sarkar S, Biswas SC. Astrocyte subtype-specific approach to Alzheimer's disease treatment. Neurochem Int 2021; 145:104956. [PMID: 33503465 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes respond to any pathological condition in the central nervous system (CNS) including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and this response is called astrocyte reactivity. Astrocyte reaction to a CNS insult is a highly heterogeneous phenomenon in which the astrocytes undergo a set of morphological, molecular and functional changes with a characteristic secretome profile. Such astrocytes are termed as 'reactive astrocytes'. Controversies regarding the reactive astrocytes abound. Recently, a continuum of reactive astrocyte profiles with distinct transcriptional states has been identified. Among them, disease-associated astrocytes (DAA) were uniquely present in AD mice and expressed a signature set of genes implicated in complement cascade, endocytosis and aging. Earlier, two stimulus-specific reactive astrocyte subtypes with their unique transcriptomic signatures were identified using mouse models of neuroinflammation and ischemia and termed as A1 astrocytes (detrimental) and A2 astrocytes (beneficial) respectively. Interestingly, although most of the A1 signature genes were also detected in DAA, as opposed to A2 astrocyte signatures, some of the A1 specific genes were expressed in other astrocyte subtypes, indicating that these nomenclature-based signatures are not very specific. In this review, we elaborate the disparate functions and cytokine profiles of reactive astrocyte subtypes in AD and tried to distinguish them by designating neurotoxic astrocytes as A1-like and neuroprotective ones as A2-like without directly referring to the A1/A2 original nomenclature. We have also focused on the dual nature from a functional perspective of some cytokines depending on AD-stage, highlighting a number of them as major candidates in AD therapy. Therefore, we suggest that promoting subtype-specific beneficial roles, inhibiting subtype-specific detrimental roles or targeting subtype-specific cytokines constitute a novel therapeutic approach to AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Sarkar
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Subhas C Biswas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India.
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Franklin H, Clarke BE, Patani R. Astrocytes and microglia in neurodegenerative diseases: Lessons from human in vitro models. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 200:101973. [PMID: 33309801 PMCID: PMC8052192 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes and microglia key fulfil homeostatic and immune functions in the CNS. Dysfunction of these cell types is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding cellular autonomy and early pathogenic changes is a key goal. New human iPSC models will inform on disease mechanisms and therapy development.
Both astrocytes and microglia fulfil homeostatic and immune functions in the healthy CNS. Dysfunction of these cell types have been implicated in the pathomechanisms of several neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the cellular autonomy and early pathological changes in these cell types may inform drug screening and therapy development. While animal models and post-mortem tissue have been invaluable in understanding disease processes, the advent of human in vitro models provides a unique insight into disease biology as a manipulable model system obtained directly from patients. Here, we discuss the different human in vitro models of astrocytes and microglia and outline the phenotypes that have been recapitulated in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Franklin
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Benjamin E Clarke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.
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42
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Kwon HS, Koh SH. Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders: the roles of microglia and astrocytes. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:42. [PMID: 33239064 PMCID: PMC7689983 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1000] [Impact Index Per Article: 250.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Microglia and astrocytes are key regulators of inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. The activation of microglia and astrocytes is heterogeneous and traditionally categorized as neurotoxic (M1-phenotype microglia and A1-phenotype astrocytes) or neuroprotective (M2-phenotype microglia and A2-phenotype astrocytes). However, this dichotomized classification may not reflect the various phenotypes of microglia and astrocytes. The relationship between these activated glial cells is also very complicated, and the phenotypic distribution can change, based on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases is essential for developing effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the roles of inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the contributions of microglia and astrocytes and their relationship. In addition, we discuss biomarkers to measure neuroinflammation and studies on therapeutic drugs that can modulate neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Sung Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Bozic I, Savic D, Lavrnja I. Astrocyte phenotypes: Emphasis on potential markers in neuroinflammation. Histol Histopathol 2020; 36:267-290. [PMID: 33226087 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have numerous integral roles in all CNS functions. They are essential for synaptic transmission and support neurons by providing metabolic substrates, secreting growth factors and regulating extracellular concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters. Astrocytes respond to CNS insults through reactive astrogliosis, in which they go through many functional and molecular changes. In neuroinflammatory conditions reactive astrocytes exert both beneficial and detrimental functions, depending on the context and heterogeneity of astrocytic populations. In this review we profile astrocytic diversity in the context of neuroinflammation; with a specific focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and its best-described animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We characterize two main subtypes, protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes and describe the role of intermediate filaments in the physiology and pathology of these cells. Additionally, we outline a variety of markers that are emerging as important in investigating astrocytic biology in both physiological conditions and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bozic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Rhea EM, Logsdon AF, Banks WA, Erickson ME. Intranasal Delivery: Effects on the Neuroimmune Axes and Treatment of Neuroinflammation. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111120. [PMID: 33233734 PMCID: PMC7699866 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the pre-clinical and clinical work performed to use intranasal delivery of various compounds from growth factors to stem cells to reduce neuroimmune interactions. We introduce the concept of intranasal (IN) delivery and the variations of this delivery method based on the model used (i.e., rodents, non-human primates, and humans). We summarize the literature available on IN delivery of growth factors, vitamins and metabolites, cytokines, immunosuppressants, exosomes, and lastly stem cells. We focus on the improvement of neuroimmune interactions, such as the activation of resident central nervous system (CNS) immune cells, expression or release of cytokines, and detrimental effects of signaling processes. We highlight common diseases that are linked to dysregulations in neuroimmune interactions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Rhea
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; (A.F.L.); (W.A.B.); (M.E.E.)
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-206-764-2938
| | - Aric F. Logsdon
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; (A.F.L.); (W.A.B.); (M.E.E.)
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William A. Banks
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; (A.F.L.); (W.A.B.); (M.E.E.)
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michelle E. Erickson
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; (A.F.L.); (W.A.B.); (M.E.E.)
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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45
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Laing C, Blanchard N, McConkey GA. Noradrenergic Signaling and Neuroinflammation Crosstalk Regulate Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Behavioral Changes. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:1072-1082. [PMID: 33214056 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infections of the nervous system elicit neuroimmune responses and alter neurotransmission, affecting host neurological functions. Chronic infection with the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma correlates with certain neurological disorders in humans and alters behavior in rodents. Here, we propose that the crosstalk between neurotransmission and neuroinflammation may underlie some of these cognitive changes. We discuss how T. gondii infection suppresses noradrenergic signaling and how the restoration of this pathway improves behavioral aberrations, suggesting that altered neurotransmission and neuroimmune responses may act in concert to perturb behavior. This interaction might apply to other infectious agents, such as viruses, that elicit cognitive changes. We hypothesize that neurotransmitter signaling in immune cells can contribute to behavioral changes associated with brain infection, offering opportunities for potential therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Laing
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicolas Blanchard
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Inserm, CNRS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Glenn A McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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46
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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47
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Linnerbauer M, Rothhammer V. Protective Functions of Reactive Astrocytes Following Central Nervous System Insult. Front Immunol 2020; 11:573256. [PMID: 33117368 PMCID: PMC7561408 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.573256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play important roles in numerous central nervous system disorders including autoimmune inflammatory, hypoxic, and degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the spatial and temporal context, activated astrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis, progression, and recovery of disease. Recent progress in the dissection of transcriptional responses to varying forms of central nervous system insult has shed light on the mechanisms that govern the complexity of reactive astrocyte functions. While a large body of research focuses on the pathogenic effects of reactive astrocytes, little is known about how they limit inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration. However, these protective astrocyte pathways might be of relevance for the understanding of the underlying pathology in disease and may lead to novel targeted approaches to treat autoimmune inflammatory and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In this review article, we have revisited the emerging concept of protective astrocyte functions and discuss their role in the recovery from inflammatory and ischemic disease as well as their role in degenerative disorders. Focusing on soluble astrocyte derived mediators, we aggregate the existing knowledge on astrocyte functions in the maintenance of homeostasis as well as their reparative and tissue-protective function after acute lesions and in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we give an outlook of how these mediators may guide future therapeutic strategies to tackle yet untreatable disorders of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Linnerbauer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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48
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Age-related changes in cerebral congenital toxoplasmosis: Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 348:577384. [PMID: 32919146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577384] [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: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide disease producing varying degrees of damage to the fetus including ocular and neurological impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the progress of congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected offspring animal model at different age groups till become adults. To fulfill this aim, the offspring of Me49 T. gondii infected pregnant mice were divided into groups; embryo, infant, young and adult phases. Blood and brain samples were collected for further hormonal and histopathological studies and immunohistochemical staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and synaptophysin (SYN). Our results showed several encephalitic changes in the infected groups ranging from gliosis to reduced cortical cell number and fibrinoid degeneration of the brain. We showed increased expression of GFAP and SYN indicating activation of astrocytes and modification of the synaptic function, respectively. These changes started intrauterine following congenital infection and increased progressively afterward. Moreover, infected mice had elevated corticosterone levels. In conclusion, the current study provided new evidences for the cellular changes especially in the infected embryo and highlighted the role of GFAP and SYN that may be used as indicators for T. gondii-related neuropathy.
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49
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TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling mediates the formation of a stable serine racemase dimer in microglia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140447. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Cheng YY, Ding YX, Bian GL, Chen LW, Yao XY, Lin YB, Wang Z, Chen BY. Reactive Astrocytes Display Pro-inflammatory Adaptability with Modulation of Notch-PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway Under Inflammatory Stimulation. Neuroscience 2020; 440:130-145. [PMID: 32450294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are major glial cells critical in assisting the function of the central nervous system (CNS), but the functional changes and regulation mechanism of reactive astrocytes are still poorly understood in CNS diseases. In this study, mouse primary astrocytes were cultured, and inflammatory insult was performed to observe functional changes in astrocytes and the involvement of Notch-PI3K-AKT signaling activation through immunofluorescence, PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, and inhibition experiments. Notch downstream signal Hes-1 was clearly observed in the astrocytes, and Notch signal inhibitor GSI dose-dependently decreased the cleaved Notch-l level without an influence on cell viability. Inflammatory insult of lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-γ (LPS+IFNγ) induced an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, that is, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF, at the protein and mRNA levels in activated astrocytes, which was reduced or blocked by GSI treatment. The cell viability of the astrocytes did not show significant differences among different groups. While an increase in MyD88, NF-кB, and phosphor-NF-кB was confirmed, upregulation of PI3K, AKT, and phosphor-AKT was observed in the activated astrocytes with LPS+IFNγ insult and was reduced by GSI treatment. Inhibitor experiments showed that inhibition of Notch-PI3K-AKT signaling activation reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine production triggered by LPS+IFNγ inflammatory insult. This study showed that the reactive astrocytes displayed pro-inflammatory adaptability through Notch-PI3K-AKT signaling activation in response to inflammatory stimulation, suggesting that the Notch-PI3K-AKT pathway in reactive astrocytes may serve as a promising target against CNS inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, PR China
| | - Yin-Xiu Ding
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, PR China
| | - Gan-Lan Bian
- Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Liang-Wei Chen
- Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China.
| | - Xin-Yi Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Ye-Bin Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| | - Bei-Yu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
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