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Beachum AN, Salazar G, Nachbar A, Krause K, Klose H, Meyer K, Maserejian A, Ross G, Boyd H, Weigel T, Ambaye L, Miller H, Coutinho-Budd J. Glia multitask to compensate for neighboring glial cell dysfunction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.06.611719. [PMID: 39314422 PMCID: PMC11418964 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.06.611719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
As glia mature, they undergo glial tiling to abut one another without invading each other's boundaries. Upon the loss of the secreted neurotrophin Spätzle3 (Spz3), Drosophila cortex glia transform morphologically and lose their intricate interactions with neurons and surrounding glial subtypes. Here, we reveal that all neighboring glial cell types (astrocytes, ensheathing glia, and subperineurial glia) react by extending processes into the previous cortex glial territory to compensate for lost cortex glial function and reduce the buildup of neuronal debris. However, the loss of Spz3 alone is not sufficient for glia to cross their natural borders, as blocking CNS growth via nutrient-restriction blocks the aberrant infiltration induced by the loss of Spz3. Surprisingly, even when these neighboring glia divert their cellular resources beyond their typical borders to take on new compensatory roles, they are able to multitask to continue to preserve their own normal functions to maintain CNS homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Beachum
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Gabriela Salazar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Amelia Nachbar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Kevin Krause
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Hannah Klose
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Kate Meyer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | | | - Grace Ross
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Hannah Boyd
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Thaddeus Weigel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Lydia Ambaye
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Hayes Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Jaeda Coutinho-Budd
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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2
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Bose R, Posada-Pérez M, Karvela E, Skandik M, Keane L, Falk A, Spulber S, Joseph B, Ceccatelli S. Bi-allelic NRXN1α deletion in microglia derived from iPSC of an autistic patient increases interleukin-6 production and impairs supporting function on neuronal networking. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 123:28-42. [PMID: 39243986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, with a highly diverse genetic hereditary component, including altered neuronal circuits, that has an impact on communication skills and behaviours of the affected individuals. Beside the recognised role of neuronal alterations, perturbations of microglia and the associated neuroinflammatory processes have emerged as credible contributors to aetiology and physiopathology of ASD. Mutations in NRXN1, a member of the neurexin family of cell-surface receptors that bind neuroligin, have been associated to ASD. NRXN1 is known to be expressed by neurons where it facilitates synaptic contacts, but it has also been identified in glial cells including microglia. Asserting the impact of ASD-related genes on neuronal versus microglia functions has been challenging. Here, we present an ASD subject-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-based in vitro system to characterise the effects of the ASD-associated NRXN1 gene deletion on neurons and microglia, as well as on the ability of microglia to support neuronal circuit formation and function. Using this approach, we demonstrated that NRXN1 deletion, impacting on the expression of the alpha isoform (NRXN1α), in microglia leads to microglial alterations and release of IL6, a pro-inflammatory interleukin associated with ASD. Moreover, microglia bearing the NRXN1α-deletion, lost the ability to support the formation of functional neuronal networks. The use of recombinant IL6 protein on control microglia-neuron co-cultures or neutralizing antibody to IL6 on their NRXN1α-deficient counterparts, supported a direct contribution of IL6 to the observed neuronal phenotype. Altogether, our data suggest that, in addition to neurons, microglia are also negatively affected by NRXN1α-deletion, and this significantly contributes to the observed neuronal circuit aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Bose
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
| | - Mercedes Posada-Pérez
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
| | - Eleni Karvela
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Skandik
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lily Keane
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan Spulber
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
| | - Sandra Ceccatelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Shui On Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
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3
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Mesci P, LaRock CN, Jeziorski JJ, Nakashima H, Chermont N, Ferrasa A, Herai RH, Ozaki T, Saleh A, Snethlage CE, Sanchez S, Goldberg G, Trujillo CA, Nakashima K, Nizet V, Muotri AR. Human microglial cells as a therapeutic target in a neurodevelopmental disease model. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1074-1091. [PMID: 39059378 PMCID: PMC11368698 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.06.013] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although microglia are macrophages of the central nervous system, their involvement is not limited to immune functions. The roles of microglia during development in humans remain poorly understood due to limited access to fetal tissue. To understand how microglia can impact human neurodevelopment, the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene was knocked out in human microglia-like cells (MGLs). Disruption of the MECP2 in MGLs led to transcriptional and functional perturbations, including impaired phagocytosis. The co-culture of healthy MGLs with MECP2-knockout (KO) neurons rescued synaptogenesis defects, suggesting a microglial role in synapse formation. A targeted drug screening identified ADH-503, a CD11b agonist, restored phagocytosis and synapse formation in spheroid-MGL co-cultures, significantly improved disease progression, and increased survival in MeCP2-null mice. These results unveil a MECP2-specific regulation of human microglial phagocytosis and identify a novel therapeutic treatment for MECP2-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Mesci
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jacob J Jeziorski
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hideyuki Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Natalia Chermont
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adriano Ferrasa
- Experimental Multiuser Laboratory (LEM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná 80215-901, Brazil; Department of Informatics (DEINFO), Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, Paraná 84030-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto H Herai
- Experimental Multiuser Laboratory (LEM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná 80215-901, Brazil; Research Department, Lico Kaesemodel Institute (ILK), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Tomoka Ozaki
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Aurian Saleh
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cedric E Snethlage
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sandra Sanchez
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gabriela Goldberg
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cleber A Trujillo
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; University of California, San Diego, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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4
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Wu J, Zhang J, Chen X, Wettschurack K, Que Z, Deming BA, Olivero-Acosta MI, Cui N, Eaton M, Zhao Y, Li SM, Suzuki M, Chen I, Xiao T, Halurkar MS, Mandal P, Yuan C, Xu R, Koss WA, Du D, Chen F, Wu LJ, Yang Y. Microglial over-pruning of synapses during development in autism-associated SCN2A-deficient mice and human cerebral organoids. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:2424-2437. [PMID: 38499656 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States. While neurons have been the focus of understanding ASD, an altered neuro-immune response in the brain may be closely associated with ASD, and a neuro-immune interaction could play a role in the disease progression. As the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate brain development and homeostasis via core functions including phagocytosis of synapses. While ASD has been traditionally considered a polygenic disorder, recent large-scale human genetic studies have identified SCN2A deficiency as a leading monogenic cause of ASD and intellectual disability. We generated a Scn2a-deficient mouse model, which displays major behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. However, the role of microglia in this disease model is unknown. Here, we reported that Scn2a-deficient mice have impaired learning and memory, accompanied by reduced synaptic transmission and lower spine density in neurons of the hippocampus. Microglia in Scn2a-deficient mice are partially activated, exerting excessive phagocytic pruning of post-synapses related to the complement C3 cascades during selective developmental stages. The ablation of microglia using PLX3397 partially restores synaptic transmission and spine density. To extend our findings from rodents to human cells, we established a microglia-incorporated human cerebral organoid model carrying an SCN2A protein-truncating mutation identified in children with ASD. We found that human microglia display increased elimination of post-synapse in cerebral organoids carrying the SCN2A mutation. Our study establishes a key role of microglia in multi-species autism-associated models of SCN2A deficiency from mouse to human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kyle Wettschurack
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Zhefu Que
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Brody A Deming
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Maria I Olivero-Acosta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ningren Cui
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Muriel Eaton
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Yuanrui Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Sophia M Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Matthew Suzuki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ian Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Tiange Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Manasi S Halurkar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Purba Mandal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Dongshu Du
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fuxue Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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5
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Baum ML, Wilton DK, Fox RG, Carey A, Hsu YHH, Hu R, Jäntti HJ, Fahey JB, Muthukumar AK, Salla N, Crotty W, Scott-Hewitt N, Bien E, Sabatini DA, Lanser TB, Frouin A, Gergits F, Håvik B, Gialeli C, Nacu E, Lage K, Blom AM, Eggan K, McCarroll SA, Johnson MB, Stevens B. CSMD1 regulates brain complement activity and circuit development. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:317-332. [PMID: 38552925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Complement proteins facilitate synaptic elimination during neurodevelopmental pruning, but neural complement regulation is not well understood. CUB and Sushi Multiple Domains 1 (CSMD1) can regulate complement activity in vitro, is expressed in the brain, and is associated with increased schizophrenia risk. Beyond this, little is known about CSMD1 including whether it regulates complement activity in the brain or otherwise plays a role in neurodevelopment. We used biochemical, immunohistochemical, and proteomic techniques to examine the regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution as well as protein interactions of CSMD1 in the brain. To evaluate whether CSMD1 is involved in complement-mediated synapse elimination, we examined Csmd1-knockout mice and CSMD1-knockout human stem cell-derived neurons. We interrogated synapse and circuit development of the mouse visual thalamus, a process that involves complement pathway activity. We also quantified complement deposition on synapses in mouse visual thalamus and on cultured human neurons. Finally, we assessed uptake of synaptosomes by cultured microglia. We found that CSMD1 is present at synapses and interacts with complement proteins in the brain. Mice lacking Csmd1 displayed increased levels of complement component C3, an increased colocalization of C3 with presynaptic terminals, fewer retinogeniculate synapses, and aberrant segregation of eye-specific retinal inputs to the visual thalamus during the critical period of complement-dependent refinement of this circuit. Loss of CSMD1 in vivo enhanced synaptosome engulfment by microglia in vitro, and this effect was dependent on activity of the microglial complement receptor, CR3. Finally, human stem cell-derived neurons lacking CSMD1 were more vulnerable to complement deposition. These data suggest that CSMD1 can function as a regulator of complement-mediated synapse elimination in the brain during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Baum
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MD-PhD Program of Harvard & MIT, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel K Wilton
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel G Fox
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alanna Carey
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yu-Han H Hsu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ruilong Hu
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Henna J Jäntti
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jaclyn B Fahey
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Allie K Muthukumar
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nikkita Salla
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - William Crotty
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nicole Scott-Hewitt
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bien
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David A Sabatini
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Toby B Lanser
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arnaud Frouin
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Frederick Gergits
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Chrysostomi Gialeli
- Division of Medical Protein Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, S-214 28 Malmö, Sweden; Cardiovascular Research - Translational Studies Research Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, S-214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Eugene Nacu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kasper Lage
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anna M Blom
- Division of Medical Protein Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, S-214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Steven A McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew B Johnson
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Beth Stevens
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA.
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6
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Rogerson-Wood L, Goldsbury CS, Sawatari A, Leamey CA. An early enriched experience drives targeted microglial engulfment of miswired neural circuitry during a restricted postnatal period. Glia 2024; 72:1217-1235. [PMID: 38511347 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24522] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Brain function is critically dependent on correct circuit assembly. Microglia are well-known for their important roles in immunological defense and neural plasticity, but whether they can also mediate experience-induced correction of miswired circuitry is unclear. Ten-m3 knockout (KO) mice display a pronounced and stereotyped visuotopic mismapping of ipsilateral retinal inputs in their visual thalamus, providing a useful model to probe circuit correction mechanisms. Environmental enrichment (EE) commenced around birth, but not later in life, can drive a partial correction of the most mismapped retinal inputs in Ten-m3 KO mice. Here, we assess whether enrichment unlocks the capacity for microglia to selectively engulf and remove miswired circuitry, and the timing of this effect. Expression of the microglial-associated lysosomal protein CD68 showed a clear enrichment-driven, spatially restricted change which had not commenced at postnatal day (P)18, was evident at P21, more robust at P25, and had ceased by P30. This was observed specifically at the corrective pruning site and was absent at a control site. An engulfment assay at the corrective pruning site in P25 mice showed EE-driven microglial-uptake of the mismapped axon terminals. This was temporally and spatially specific, as no enrichment-driven microglial engulfment was seen in P18 KO mice, nor the control locus. The timecourse of the EE-driven corrective pruning as determined anatomically, aligned with this pattern of microglia reactivity and engulfment. Collectively, these findings show experience can drive targeted microglial engulfment of miswired neural circuitry during a restricted postnatal window. This may have important therapeutic implications for neurodevelopmental conditions involving aberrant neural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Rogerson-Wood
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience theme), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire S Goldsbury
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience theme), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Atomu Sawatari
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience theme), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine A Leamey
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience theme), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Cordone V. Biochemical and molecular determinants of the subclinical inflammatory mechanisms in Rett syndrome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 757:110046. [PMID: 38815782 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110046] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
To date, Rett syndrome (RTT), a genetic disorder mainly caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, is increasingly considered a broad-spectrum pathology, instead of just a neurodevelopmental disease, due to the multitude of peripheral co-morbidities and the compromised metabolic pathways, affecting the patients. The altered molecular processes include an impaired mitochondrial function, a perturbed redox homeostasis, a chronic subclinical inflammation and an improper cholesterol metabolism. The persistent subclinical inflammatory condition was first defined ten years ago, as a previously unrecognized feature of RTT, playing a role in the pathology progress and modulation of phenotypical severity. In light of this, the present work aims at reviewing the current knowledge on the chronic inflammatory status and the altered immune/inflammatory functions in RTT, as well as investigating the emerging mechanisms underlying this condition with a special focus on the latest findings about inflammasome system, autoimmunity responses and intestinal micro- and mycobiota. On these bases, although further research is needed, future therapeutic strategies able to re-establish an adequate immune/inflammatory response could represent potential approaches for RTT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cordone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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8
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Strohm AO, Majewska AK. Physical exercise regulates microglia in health and disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1420322. [PMID: 38911597 PMCID: PMC11192042 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a well-established link between physical activity and brain health. As such, the effectiveness of physical exercise as a therapeutic strategy has been explored in a variety of neurological contexts. To determine the extent to which physical exercise could be most beneficial under different circumstances, studies are needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms behind the benefits of physical activity. Interest has grown in understanding how physical activity can regulate microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglia are key mediators of neuroinflammatory processes and play a role in maintaining brain homeostasis in healthy and pathological settings. Here, we explore the evidence suggesting that physical activity has the potential to regulate microglia activity in various animal models. We emphasize key areas where future research could contribute to uncovering the therapeutic benefits of engaging in physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra O. Strohm
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ania K. Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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9
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Jana A, Nath A, Sen P, Kundu S, Alghamdi BS, Abujamel TS, Saboor M, Woon-Khiong C, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Alam MZ, Ashraf GM. Unraveling the Endocannabinoid System: Exploring Its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38744725 PMCID: PMC11093854 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08781-6] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass persistent difficulties in social communication, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive facets of behavior, hobbies, or pursuits, which are often accompanied with cognitive limitations. Over the past few decades, a sizable number of studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. Preclinical rat models have proven to be extremely valuable in simulating and analyzing the roles of a wide range of established environmental and genetic factors. Recent research has also demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including ASD. In fact, the ECS has the potential to regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular pathways associated with autism, including the immune system. Moreover, the ECS has emerged as a promising target for intervention with high predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy are resent preclinical studies in rodents, which describe the onset of ASD-like symptoms after various genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the ECS, providing encouraging evidence for further exploration in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Arnab Nath
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Palash Sen
- School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Swikriti Kundu
- Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki S Abujamel
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Saboor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chan Woon-Khiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Mohammad Zubair Alam
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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10
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Khoury ES, Patel RV, O’Ferrall C, Fowler A, Sah N, Sharma A, Gupta S, Scafidi S, Kurtz J, Olmstead SJ, Kudchadkar SR, Kannan RM, Blue ME, Kannan S. Dendrimer nanotherapy targeting of glial dysfunction improves inflammation and neurobehavioral phenotype in adult female Mecp2-heterozygous mouse model of Rett syndrome. J Neurochem 2024; 168:841-854. [PMID: 37777475 PMCID: PMC11002961 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15960] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation of Mecp2 gene and primarily affects females. Glial cell dysfunction has been implicated in in Rett syndrome (RTT) both in patients and in mouse models of this disorder and can affect synaptogenesis, glial metabolism and inflammation. Here we assessed whether treatment of adult (5-6 months old) symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous female mice with N-acetyl cysteine conjugated to dendrimer (D-NAC), which is known to target glia and modulate inflammation and oxidative injury, results in improved behavioral phenotype, sleep and glial inflammatory profile. We show that unbiased global metabolomic analysis of the hippocampus and striatum in adult Mecp2-heterozygous mice demonstrates significant differences in lipid metabolism associated with neuroinflammation, providing the rationale for targeting glial inflammation in this model. Our results demonstrate that treatment with D-NAC (10 mg/kg NAC) once weekly is more efficacious than equivalently dosed free NAC in improving the gross neurobehavioral phenotype in symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous female mice. We also show that D-NAC therapy is significantly better than saline in ameliorating several aspects of the abnormal phenotype including paw clench, mobility, fear memory, REM sleep and epileptiform activity burden. Systemic D-NAC significantly improves microglial proinflammatory cytokine production and is associated with improvements in several aspects of the phenotype including paw clench, mobility, fear memory, and REM sleep, and epileptiform activity burden in comparison to saline-treated Mecp2-hetereozygous mice. Systemic glial-targeted delivery of D-NAC after symptom onset in an older clinically relevant Rett syndrome model shows promise in improving neurobehavioral impairments along with sleep pattern and epileptiform activity burden. These findings argue for the translational value of this approach for treatment of patients with Rett Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Smith Khoury
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ruchit V. Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Caroline O’Ferrall
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amanda Fowler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nirnath Sah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Siddharth Gupta
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Susanna Scafidi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Josh Kurtz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sarah J. Olmstead
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sapna R. Kudchadkar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Kennedy Krieger Institute – Johns Hopkins University for Cerebral Palsy Research Excellence, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21218
| | - Mary E. Blue
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205
- Kennedy Krieger Institute – Johns Hopkins University for Cerebral Palsy Research Excellence, Baltimore, MD 21287
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11
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Aran A, Cayam Rand D. Cannabinoid treatment for the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:65-79. [PMID: 38226593 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2306290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 3% of school-age children. The core symptoms are deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Associated problems in cognition, language, behavior, sleep and mood are prevalent. Currently, no established pharmacological treatment exists for core ASD symptoms. Risperidone and aripiprazole are used to manage associated irritability, but their effectiveness is limited and adverse events are common. AREAS COVERED This mini-review summarizes existing scientific literature and ongoing clinical trials concerning cannabinoid treatment for ASD. Uncontrolled case series have documented improvements in both core ASD symptoms and related behavioral challenges in children treated with cannabis extracts rich in cannabidiol (CBD). Placebo-controlled studies involving CBD-rich cannabis extracts and/or pure CBD in children with ASD have demonstrated mixed efficacy results. A similar outcome was observed in a placebo-controlled study of pure CBD addressing social avoidance in Fragile X syndrome. Importantly, these studies have shown relatively high safety and tolerability. EXPERT OPINION While current clinical data suggest the potential of CBD and CBD-rich cannabis extract in managing core and behavioral deficits in ASD, it is prudent to await the results of ongoing placebo-controlled trials before considering CBD treatment for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Aran
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Israel School of Medicine, Hebrew university of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dalit Cayam Rand
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Israel School of Medicine, Hebrew university of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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12
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Cao Z, Min X, Xie X, Huang M, Liu Y, Sun W, Xu G, He M, He K, Li Y, Yuan J. RIPK1 activation in Mecp2-deficient microglia promotes inflammation and glutamate release in RTT. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320383121. [PMID: 38289948 PMCID: PMC10861890 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320383121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (Mecp2) gene. Here, we found that inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) kinase ameliorated progression of motor dysfunction after onset and prolonged the survival of Mecp2-null mice. Microglia were activated early in myeloid Mecp2-deficient mice, which was inhibited upon inactivation of RIPK1 kinase. RIPK1 inhibition in Mecp2-deficient microglia reduced oxidative stress, cytokines production and induction of SLC7A11, SLC38A1, and GLS, which mediate the release of glutamate. Mecp2-deficient microglia release high levels of glutamate to impair glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and promote increased levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 proteins in vivo, which was reduced upon RIPK1 inhibition. Thus, activation of RIPK1 kinase in Mecp2-deficient microglia may be involved both in the onset and progression of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Cao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Xia Min
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xingxing Xie
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Maoqing Huang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Weimin Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Guifang Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Miao He
- Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Kaiwen He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ying Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
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13
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Luo Y, Wang Z. The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines 2024; 12:210. [PMID: 38255315 PMCID: PMC10813633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010210] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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14
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Tiberi A, Borgonovo G, Testa G, Pacifico P, Jacob A, Di Caprio M, Totaro V, Calvello M, Cattaneo A, Capsoni S. Reversal of neurological deficits by painless nerve growth factor in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Brain 2024; 147:122-134. [PMID: 37633263 PMCID: PMC10766238 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad282] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disease, affecting 1 in over 10 000 females born worldwide, caused by de novo mutations in the X-chromosome-located methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. Despite the great effort put forth by the scientific community, a therapy for this devastating disease is still needed. Here, we tested the therapeutic effects of a painless mutein of the nerve growth factor (NGF), called human NGF painless (hNGFp), via a non-invasive intranasal delivery in female MeCP2+/- mice. Of note, previous work had demonstrated a broad biodistribution of hNGFp in the mouse brain by the nasal delivery route. We report that (i) the long-term lifelong treatment of MeCP2+/- mice with hNGFp, starting at 2 months of age, increased the chance of survival while also greatly improving behavioural parameters. Furthermore, when we assessed the phenotypic changes brought forth by (ii) a short-term 1-month-long hNGFp-treatment, starting at 3 months of age (right after the initial presentation of symptoms), we observed the rescue of a well known neuronal target population of NGF, cholinergic neurons in the medial septum. Moreover, we reveal a deficit in microglial morphology in MeCP2+/- mice, completely reversed in treated animals. This effect on microglia is in line with reports showing microglia to be a TrkA-dependent non-neuronal target cell population of NGF in the brain. To understand the immunomodulatory activity of hNGFp, we analysed the cytokine profile after hNGFp treatment in MeCP2+/- mice, to discover that the treatment recovered the altered expression of key neuroimmune-communication molecules, such as fractalkine. The overall conclusion is that hNGFp delivered intranasally can ameliorate symptoms in the MeCP2+/- model of Rett syndrome, by exerting strong neuroprotection with a dual mechanism of action: directly on target neurons and indirectly via microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tiberi
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Borgonovo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Testa
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Pacifico
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ajesh Jacob
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valentino Totaro
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Wilton DK, Mastro K, Heller MD, Gergits FW, Willing CR, Fahey JB, Frouin A, Daggett A, Gu X, Kim YA, Faull RLM, Jayadev S, Yednock T, Yang XW, Stevens B. Microglia and complement mediate early corticostriatal synapse loss and cognitive dysfunction in Huntington's disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:2866-2884. [PMID: 37814059 PMCID: PMC10667107 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating monogenic neurodegenerative disease characterized by early, selective pathology in the basal ganglia despite the ubiquitous expression of mutant huntingtin. The molecular mechanisms underlying this region-specific neuronal degeneration and how these relate to the development of early cognitive phenotypes are poorly understood. Here we show that there is selective loss of synaptic connections between the cortex and striatum in postmortem tissue from patients with HD that is associated with the increased activation and localization of complement proteins, innate immune molecules, to these synaptic elements. We also found that levels of these secreted innate immune molecules are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of premanifest HD patients and correlate with established measures of disease burden.In preclinical genetic models of HD, we show that complement proteins mediate the selective elimination of corticostriatal synapses at an early stage in disease pathogenesis, marking them for removal by microglia, the brain's resident macrophage population. This process requires mutant huntingtin to be expressed in both cortical and striatal neurons. Inhibition of this complement-dependent elimination mechanism through administration of a therapeutically relevant C1q function-blocking antibody or genetic ablation of a complement receptor on microglia prevented synapse loss, increased excitatory input to the striatum and rescued the early development of visual discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility deficits in these models. Together, our findings implicate microglia and the complement cascade in the selective, early degeneration of corticostriatal synapses and the development of cognitive deficits in presymptomatic HD; they also provide new preclinical data to support complement as a therapeutic target for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Wilton
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
| | - Kevin Mastro
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Molly D Heller
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Frederick W Gergits
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Carly Rose Willing
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Jaclyn B Fahey
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Arnaud Frouin
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Anthony Daggett
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yejin A Kim
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ted Yednock
- Annexon Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - X William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beth Stevens
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
- Stanley Center, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Thoby-Brisson M. Central respiratory command and microglia: An early-life partnership. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102756. [PMID: 37544078 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102756] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, brain-resident macrophages, are key players in brain development, regulating synapse density, shaping neural circuits, contributing to plasticity, and maintaining nervous tissue homeostasis. These functions are ensured from early prenatal development until maturity, in normal and pathological states of the central nervous system. Microglia dysfunction can be involved in several neurodevelopmental disorders, some of which are associated with respiratory deficits. Breathing is a rhythmic motor behavior generated and controlled by hindbrain neuronal networks. The operation of the central respiratory command relies on the proper development of these rhythmogenic networks, formation of their appropriate interactions, and their lifelong constant adaptation to physiological needs. This review, focusing exclusively on the perinatal period, outlines recent advances obtained in rodents in determining the roles of microglia in the establishment and functioning of the respiratory networks and their involvement in certain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Thoby-Brisson
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, France. mailto:
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17
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Yang Y, Wu J, Zhang J, Chen X, Que Z, Wettschurack K, Deming B, Acosta M, Cui N, Eaton M, Zhao Y, Halurkar M, Purba M, Chen I, Xiao T, Suzuki M, Yuan C, Xu R, Koss W, Du D, Chen F, Wu LJ, Clinic M. Microglial over-pruning of synapses during development in autism-associated SCN2A-deficient mice and human cerebral organoids. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3270664. [PMID: 37841865 PMCID: PMC10571631 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3270664/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States. While neurons have been the focus to understand ASD, an altered neuro-immune response in the brain may be closely associated with ASD, and a neuro-immune interaction could play a role in the disease progression. As the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate brain development and homeostasis via core functions including phagocytosis of synapses. While ASD has been traditionally considered a polygenic disorder, recent large-scale human genetic studies have identified SCN2A deficiency as a leading monogenic cause of ASD and intellectual disability. We generated a Scn2a-deficient mouse model, which displays major behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. However, the role of microglia in this disease model is unknown. Here, we reported that Scn2a-deficient mice have impaired learning and memory, accompanied by reduced synaptic transmission and lower spine density in neurons of the hippocampus. Microglia in Scn2a-deficient mice are partially activated, exerting excessive phagocytic pruning of post-synapses related to the complement C3 cascades during selective developmental stages. The ablation of microglia using PLX3397 partially restores synaptic transmission and spine density. To extend our findings from rodents to human cells, we established a microglial-incorporated human cerebral organoid model carrying an SCN2A protein-truncating mutation identified in children with ASD. We found that human microglia display increased elimination of post-synapse in cerebral organoids carrying the SCN2A mutation. Our study establishes a key role of microglia in multi-species autism-associated models of SCN2A deficiency from mouse to human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Jingliang Zhang
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Zhefu Que
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Kyle Wettschurack
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Brody Deming
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Maria Acosta
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Ningren Cui
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Muriel Eaton
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Yuanrui Zhao
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Manasi Halurkar
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Mandal Purba
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
| | - Ian Chen
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy & Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)
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18
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Mirarchi A, Albi E, Beccari T, Arcuri C. Microglia and Brain Disorders: The Role of Vitamin D and Its Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11892. [PMID: 37569267 PMCID: PMC10419106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accounting for 5-20% of the total glial cells present in the adult brain, microglia are involved in several functions: maintenance of the neural environment, response to injury and repair, immunesurveillance, cytokine secretion, regulation of phagocytosis, synaptic pruning, and sculpting postnatal neural circuits. Microglia contribute to some neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), Tourette syndrome (TS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia. Moreover, microglial involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases, has also been well established. During the last two decades, epidemiological and research studies have demonstrated the involvement of vitamin D3 (VD3) in the brain's pathophysiology. VD3 is a fat-soluble metabolite that is required for the proper regulation of many of the body's systems, as well as for normal human growth and development, and shows neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions and influences on neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, playing a role in various neurological diseases. In order to better understand the exact mechanisms behind the diverse actions of VD3 in the brain, a large number of studies have been performed on isolated cells or tissues of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we discuss the involvement of VD3 and microglia on neurodegeneration- and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mirarchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.A.); (T.B.)
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.A.); (T.B.)
| | - Cataldo Arcuri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
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19
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Schwabenland M, Mossad O, Sievert A, Peres AG, Ringel E, Baasch S, Kolter J, Cascone G, Dokalis N, Vlachos A, Ruzsics Z, Henneke P, Prinz M, Blank T. Neonatal immune challenge poses a sex-specific risk for epigenetic microglial reprogramming and behavioral impairment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2721. [PMID: 37169749 PMCID: PMC10175500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While the precise processes underlying a sex bias in the development of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are unknown, there is growing evidence that an early life immune activation can contribute to the disease pathogenesis. When we mimicked an early systemic viral infection or applied murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) systemically in neonatal female and male mice, only male adolescent mice presented behavioral deficits, including reduced social behavior and cognition. This was paralleled by an increased amount of infiltrating T cells in the brain parenchyma, enhanced interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming of microglial cells. These microglial cells showed increased phagocytic activity, which resulted in abnormal loss of excitatory synapses within the hippocampal brain region. None of these alterations were seen in female adolescent mice. Our findings underscore the early postnatal period's susceptibility to cause sex-dependent long-term CNS deficiencies following infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Omar Mossad
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annika Sievert
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adam G Peres
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elena Ringel
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Baasch
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Cascone
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Dokalis
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Institute for Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Blank
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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20
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Nagappan-Chettiar S, Yasuda M, Johnson-Venkatesh EM, Umemori H. The molecular signals that regulate activity-dependent synapse refinement in the brain. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 79:102692. [PMID: 36805716 PMCID: PMC10023433 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102692] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The formation of appropriate synaptic connections is critical for the proper functioning of the brain. Early in development, neurons form a surplus of immature synapses. To establish efficient, functional neural networks, neurons selectively stabilize active synapses and eliminate less active ones. This process is known as activity-dependent synapse refinement. Defects in this process have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Here we review the manner and mechanisms by which synapse elimination is regulated through activity-dependent competition. We propose a theoretical framework for the molecular mechanisms of synapse refinement, in which three types of signals regulate the refinement. We then describe the identity of these signals and discuss how multiple molecular signals interact to achieve appropriate synapse refinement in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivapratha Nagappan-Chettiar
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. https://twitter.com/sivapratha
| | - Masahiro Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erin M Johnson-Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hisashi Umemori
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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21
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Parajuli B, Koizumi S. Strategies for Manipulating Microglia to Determine Their Role in the Healthy and Diseased Brain. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1066-1076. [PMID: 36085395 PMCID: PMC9462627 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the specialized macrophages of the central nervous system and play an important role in neural circuit development, modulating neurotransmission, and maintaining brain homeostasis. Microglia in normal brain is quiescent and show ramified morphology with numerous branching processes. They constantly survey their surrounding microenvironment through the extension and retraction of their processes and interact with neurons, astrocytes, and blood vessels using these processes. Microglia respond quickly to any pathological event in the brain by assuming ameboid morphology devoid of branching processes and restore homeostasis. However, when there is chronic inflammation, microglia may lose their homeostatic functions and secrete various proinflammatory cytokines and mediators that initiate neural dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In this article, we review the role of microglia in the normal brain and in various pathological brain conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. We describe strategies to manipulate microglia, focusing on depletion, repopulation, and replacement, and we discuss their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijay Parajuli
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan.
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22
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Damiani F, Cornuti S, Tognini P. The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109491. [PMID: 36924923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of brain circuits to reorganize and change the properties of the network, resulting in alterations in brain function and behavior. It is traditionally believed that neuroplasticity is influenced by external stimuli, learning, and experience. Intriguingly, there is new evidence suggesting that endogenous signals from the body's periphery may play a role. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms living in harmony with their host, may be able to influence plasticity through its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with critical periods of neurodevelopment, during which neural circuits are highly plastic and potentially vulnerable. As such, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition) during early life may contribute to the disruption of normal developmental trajectories, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review aims to examine the ways in which the gut microbiota can affect neuroplasticity. It will also discuss recent research linking gastrointestinal issues and bacterial dysbiosis to various neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential impact on neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cornuti
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Tognini
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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23
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Logiacco F, Grzegorzek LC, Cordell EC, Popp O, Mertins P, Gutmann DH, Kettenmann H, Semtner M. Neurofibromatosis type 1-dependent alterations in mouse microglia function are not cell-intrinsic. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:36. [PMID: 36890585 PMCID: PMC9996880 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01525-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously discovered a sex-by-genotype defect in microglia function using a heterozygous germline knockout mouse model of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1 ± mice), in which only microglia from male Nf1 ± mice exhibited defects in purinergic signaling. Herein, we leveraged an unbiased proteomic approach to demonstrate that male, but not female, heterozygous Nf1 ± microglia exhibit differences in protein expression, which largely reflect pathways involved in cytoskeletal organization. In keeping with these predicted defects in cytoskeletal function, only male Nf1 ± microglia had reduced process arborization and surveillance capacity. To determine whether these microglial defects were cell autonomous or reflected adaptive responses to Nf1 heterozygosity in other cells in the brain, we generated conditional microglia Nf1-mutant knockout mice by intercrossing Nf1flox/flox with Cx3cr1-CreER mice (Nf1flox/wt; Cx3cr1-CreER mice, Nf1MG ± mice). Surprisingly, neither male nor female Nf1MG ± mouse microglia had impaired process arborization or surveillance capacity. In contrast, when Nf1 heterozygosity was generated in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes by intercrossing Nf1flox/flox with hGFAP-Cre mice (Nf1flox/wt; hGFAP-Cre mice, Nf1GFAP ± mice), the microglia defects found in Nf1 ± mice were recapitulated. Collectively, these data reveal that Nf1 ± sexually dimorphic microglia abnormalities are likely not cell-intrinsic properties, but rather reflect a response to Nf1 heterozygosity in other brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Logiacco
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Cathleen Grzegorzek
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elizabeth C Cordell
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Oliver Popp
- Proteomics Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Proteomics Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Marcus Semtner
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Time-dependent and selective microglia-mediated removal of spinal synapses in neuropathic pain. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112010. [PMID: 36656715 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition resulting from damage to the nervous system. Imbalance of spinal excitation and inhibition has been proposed to contribute to neuropathic pain. However, the structural basis of this imbalance remains unknown. Using a preclinical model of neuropathic pain, we show that microglia selectively engulf spinal synapses that are formed by central neurons and spare those of peripheral sensory neurons. Furthermore, we reveal that removal of inhibitory and excitatory synapses exhibits distinct temporal patterns, in which microglia-mediated inhibitory synapse removal precedes excitatory synapse removal. We also find selective and gradual increase in complement depositions on dorsal horn synapses that corresponds to the temporal pattern of microglial synapse pruning activity and type-specific synapse loss. Together, these results define a specific role for microglia in the progression of neuropathic pain pathogenesis and implicate these immune cells in structural remodeling of dorsal horn circuitry.
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25
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An Early Enriched Experience Drives an Activated Microglial Profile at Site of Corrective Neuroplasticity in Ten-m3 Knock-Out Mice. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0162-22.2022. [PMID: 36635245 PMCID: PMC9831145 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0162-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is beneficial for brain development and function, but our understanding of its capacity to drive circuit repair, the underlying mechanisms, and how this might vary with age remains limited. Ten-m3 knock-out (KO) mice exhibit a dramatic and stereotyped mistargeting of ipsilateral retinal inputs to the thalamus, resulting in visual deficits. We have recently shown a previously unexpected capacity for EE during early postnatal life (from birth for six weeks) to drive the partial elimination of miswired axonal projections, along with a recovery of visually mediated behavior, but the timeline of this repair was unclear. Here, we reveal that with just 3.5 weeks of EE from birth, Ten-m3 KOs exhibit a partial behavioral rescue, accompanied by pruning of the most profoundly miswired retinogeniculate terminals. Analysis suggests that the pruning is underway at this time point, providing an ideal opportunity to probe potential mechanisms. With the shorter EE-period, we found a localized increase in microglial density and activation profile within the identified geniculate region where corrective pruning was observed. No comparable response to EE was found in age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. These findings identify microglia as a potential mechanistic link through which EE drives the elimination of miswired neural circuits during early postnatal development. Activity driven, atypical recruitment of microglia to prune aberrant connectivity and restore function may have important therapeutic implications for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autistic spectrum disorder.
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26
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Ramos A, Joshi RS, Szabo G. Innate immune activation: Parallels in alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:910298. [PMID: 36157070 PMCID: PMC9505690 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.910298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is associated with systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction especially in the liver and the brain. For more than a decade, studies have highlighted alcohol abuse-mediated impairment of brain function and acceleration of neurodegeneration through inflammatory mechanisms that directly involve innate immune cells. Furthermore, recent studies indicate overlapping genetic risk factors between alcohol use and neurodegenerative disorders, specifically regarding the role of innate immunity in the pathomechanisms of both areas. Considering the pressing need for a better understanding of the relevance of alcohol abuse in dementia progression, here we summarize the molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation observed in alcohol abuse and Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. In addition, we highlight mechanisms that are already established in the field of Alzheimer’s disease that may be relevant to explore in alcoholism to better understand alcohol mediated neurodegeneration and dementia, including the relevance of the liver-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ramos
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Radhika S. Joshi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gyongyi Szabo,
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27
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Translational pediatrics: clinical perspective for Phelan-McDermid syndrome and autism research. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:373-377. [PMID: 34702975 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic disorder presenting with developmental delay, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The segmental deletion of chromosome 22q13.3 affects the copy number of SHANK3, the gene encoding a scaffolding protein at the postsynaptic density. Biological studies indicate that SHANK3 plays crucial roles in the development of synaptic functions in the postnatal brain. Notably, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have enabled researchers to develop brain organoids and microglia from patients and to explore the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders in human cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these cells revealed that human-specific genes are uniquely expressed during cortical development. Thus, patient-derived disease models are expected to identify as-yet-unidentified functions of SHANK3 in the development of human brain. These efforts may help establish a new style of translational research in pediatrics, which is expected to provide therapeutic insight for children with PMS and broader categories of disease. IMPACT: Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a prototypic model for molecular studies of autism spectrum disorder. Brain organoids are expected to provide therapeutic insight. Single-cell RNA sequencing of microglia may uncover the functional roles of human-specific genes.
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28
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Komada M, Nishimura Y. Epigenetics and Neuroinflammation Associated With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Microglial Perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852752. [PMID: 35646933 PMCID: PMC9133693 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Converging lines of evidence from basic and clinical sciences suggest that dysregulation of the epigenetic landscape, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, is associated with neuroinflammation. Genetic and environmental factors can affect the interaction between epigenetics and neuroinflammation, which may cause neurodevelopmental disorders. In this minireview, we focus on neuroinflammation that might be mediated by epigenetic dysregulation in microglia, and compare studies using mammals and zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munekazu Komada
- Mammalian Embryology, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yuhei Nishimura,
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29
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Taheri F, Taghizadeh E, Navashenaq JG, Rezaee M, Gheibihayat SM. The role of efferocytosis in neuro-degenerative diseases. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:1593-1603. [PMID: 35059903 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05835-6] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Efferocytosis has a critical role in maintaining tissues and organs' homeostasis by removing apoptotic cells. It is essential for human health, and disturbances in efferocytosis may result indifferent illnesses. In case of inadequate clearance of the dead cells, the content in the cells would be released. In fact, it induces some damages to the tissue and leads to the prolonged inflammation, so unsuitable phagocytosis of the apoptotic cells is involved in occurrence as well as expansion of numerous human chronic inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown age dependence of the neuro-degenerative diseases, which are largely due to the neuro-inflammation and the loss of neurons and thus cause the brain's functional disorders. Efferocytosis is coupled to anti-inflammatory responses that contribute to the elimination of the dying neurons in neuro-degenerative diseases, so its disruption may make a risk factor in numerous human chronic inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, and Rett syndrome. This study is a review of the efferocytosis molecular pathways and their role in neuro-degenerative diseases in order to discover a new treatment option to cure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Taheri
- Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Eskandar Taghizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Rezaee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibihayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 8915173143, Yazd, Iran.
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Huang Y, Zhu Z. Current status of sevoflurane anesthesia in association with microglia inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. IBRAIN 2022; 10:217-224. [PMID: 38915946 PMCID: PMC11193866 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Sevoflurane is one of the most commonly used volatile anesthetics in clinical practice and is often used in pediatric anesthesia and intraoperative maintenance. Microglia exist in the central nervous system and are innate immune cells in the central nervous system. Under external stimulation, microglia are divided into two phenotypes: proinflammatory (M1 type) and anti-inflammatory (M2 type), maintaining the stability of the central nervous system through induction, housekeeping, and defense functions. Sevoflurane can activate microglia, increase the expression of inflammatory factors through various inflammatory signaling pathways, release inflammatory mediators to cause oxidative stress, damage nerve tissues, and eventually develop into neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, the relationship between sevoflurane anesthesia and microglia inflammation expression and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases is reviewed as follows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan‐Li Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGui ZhouChina
| | - Zhao‐Qiong Zhu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGui ZhouChina
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31
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Elevated microglial oxidative phosphorylation and phagocytosis stimulate post-stroke brain remodeling and cognitive function recovery in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:35. [PMID: 35017668 PMCID: PMC8752825 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02984-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
New research shows that disease-associated microglia in neurodegenerative brains present features of elevated phagocytosis, lysosomal functions, and lipid metabolism, which benefit brain repair. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Intracellular pH (pHi) is important for regulating aerobic glycolysis in microglia, where Na/H exchanger (NHE1) is a key pH regulator by extruding H+ in exchange of Na+ influx. We report here that post-stroke Cx3cr1-CreER+/-;Nhe1flox/flox (Nhe1 cKO) brains displayed stimulation of microglial transcriptomes of rate-limiting enzyme genes for glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. The other upregulated genes included genes for phagocytosis and LXR/RXR pathway activation as well as the disease-associated microglia hallmark genes (Apoe, Trem2, Spp1). The cKO microglia exhibited increased oxidative phosphorylation capacity, and higher phagocytic activity, which likely played a role in enhanced synaptic stripping and remodeling, oligodendrogenesis, and remyelination. This study reveals that genetic blockade of microglial NHE1 stimulated oxidative phosphorylation immunometabolism, and boosted phagocytosis function which is associated with tissue remodeling and post-stroke cognitive function recovery.
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32
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Hu C, Li H, Li J, Luo X, Hao Y. Microglia: Synaptic modulator in autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:958661. [PMID: 36465285 PMCID: PMC9714329 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.958661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by variable impairment of social communication and repetitive behaviors, highly restricted interests, and/or sensory behaviors beginning early in life. Many individuals with ASD have dysfunction of microglia, which may be closely related to neuroinflammation, making microglia play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD. Mounting evidence indicates that microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are required for proper brain function, especially in the maintenance of neuronal circuitry and control of behavior. Dysfunction of microglia will ultimately affect the neural function in a variety of ways, including the formation of synapses and alteration of excitatory-inhibitory balance. In this review, we provide an overview of how microglia actively interact with neurons in physiological conditions and modulate the fate and functions of synapses. We put a spotlight on the multi-dimensional neurodevelopmental roles of microglia, especially in the essential influence of synapses, and discuss how microglia are currently thought to influence ASD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Hu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heli Li
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Miao Y, Chen X, You F, Jia M, Li T, Tang P, Shi R, Hu S, Zhang L, Chen JF, Gao Y. Adenosine A 2A receptor modulates microglia-mediated synaptic pruning of the retinogeniculate pathway during postnatal development. Neuropharmacology 2021; 200:108806. [PMID: 34562441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Synapse pruning is essential not only for the developmental establishment of synaptic connections in the brain but also for the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there are no effective pharmacological means to regulate synaptic pruning during early development. Using the eye-specific segregation of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) as a model of synaptic pruning coupled with adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonism and knockout, we demonstrated while genetic deletion of the A2AR throughout the development attenuated eye-specific segregation with the attenuated microglial phagocytosis at postnatal day 5 (P5), selective treatment with the A2AR antagonist KW6002 at P2-P4 facilitated synaptic pruning of visual pathway with microglial activation, increased lysosomal activity in microglia and increased microglial engulfment of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) inputs in the dLGN at P5 (but not P10). Furthermore, KW6002-mediated facilitation of synaptic pruning was activity-dependent since tetrodotoxin (TTX) treatment abolished the KW6002 facilitation. Moreover, the A2AR antagonist also modulated postsynaptic proteins and synaptic density at early postnatal stages as revealed by the reduced immunoreactivity of postsynaptic proteins (Homer1 and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5) and colocalization of presynaptic VGlut2 and postsynaptic Homer1 puncta in the dLGN. These findings suggest that A2AR can control pruning by multiple actions involving the retinal wave, microglia engulfment, and postsynaptic stability. Thus, A2AR antagonists may represent a novel pharmacological strategy to modulate microglia-mediated synaptic pruning and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with dysfunctional pruning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Miao
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Xuhao Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Feng You
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Manli Jia
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Ting Li
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Ping Tang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Ruyi Shi
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Shisi Hu
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Liping Zhang
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China.
| | - Ying Gao
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China.
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Fu M, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Wu W, Sun Y, Zhang X, Tao J, Li Z. MicroRNA-221-3p Suppresses the Microglia Activation and Seizures by Inhibiting of HIF-1α in Valproic Acid-Resistant Epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:714556. [PMID: 34497517 PMCID: PMC8419275 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.714556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
One-third of patients with epilepsy suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Valproic acid (VPA) is a classic anticonvulsant drug, and its resistance is a crucial predictor of DRE, but the pathogenesis remain unknown. Most patients with VPA-resistant epilepsy appear distinct inflammatory response and local hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is an essential effector molecule of hypoxia and inflammation, and may exert therefore a significant effect on the development of VPA-resistant epilepsy. We systematically assess the significance of HIF-1α on children and mice with VPA-resistant epilepsy, and investigated the micro (mi) RNAs that regulate HIF-1α expression. We established models of VPA-sensitive epilepsy and VPA-resistant epilepsy in mice, and confirmed that they had significant differences in epileptic behavior and electroencephalography data. Through proteomics analysis, we identified that HIF-1α was overexpressed in mice with VPA-resistant epilepsy, and regulated the expression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Increased expression of HIF-1α led to the increase of microglia and induced their polarization from the M2 phenotype to M1 phenotype, which triggered the release of proinflammatory mediators. Bioinformatics analysis of public databases demonstrated that miR-221-3p was reduced in VPA-resistant epilepsy, and negatively regulated HIF-1α expression. Intervention using miR-221-3p mimics reduced HIF-1α expression markedly and suppressed the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory mediators, which relieved epileptic seizures of VPA-resistant epilepsy. These observations reveal miR-221-3p/HIF-1α as essential component in pathogenesis of VPA-resistant epilepsy which represent therapeutic antiseizure targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Fu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxia Sun
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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35
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Abbas Farishta R, Zouahi H, Casanova C. Distributions of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 in the visual thalamus and associated areas of the cat. J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:1112-1125. [PMID: 34468980 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is packaged in vesicles via two main vesicular transporter (VGLUT) proteins, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, which regulate its storage and release from synapses of excitatory neurons. Studies in rodents, primates, ferrets, and tree shrews suggest that these transporters may identify distinct subsets of excitatory projections in visual structures, particularly in thalamocortical pathways where they tend to correlate with modulatory and driver projections, respectively. Despite being a well-studied model of thalamocortical connectivity, little is known about their expression pattern in the cat visual system. To expand current knowledge on their distribution and how they correlated with known driver and modulator projecting sites, we examined the protein expression patterns of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the visual thalamus of the cat (lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar complex). We also studied their expression pattern in relevant visual structures projecting to or receiving significant thalamic projections, such as the primary visual cortex and the superior colliculus. Our results indicate that both VGLUTs are consistently present throughout the cat visual system and show laminar or nuclei specificity in their distribution, which suggests, as in other species, that VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 represent distinct populations of glutamatergic projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Abbas Farishta
- Laboratoire des neurosciences de la vision, École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hadjer Zouahi
- Laboratoire des neurosciences de la vision, École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Casanova
- Laboratoire des neurosciences de la vision, École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Galvani G, Mottolese N, Gennaccaro L, Loi M, Medici G, Tassinari M, Fuchs C, Ciani E, Trazzi S. Inhibition of microglia overactivation restores neuronal survival in a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:155. [PMID: 34238328 PMCID: PMC8265075 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, is caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Evidence in animal models of CDD showed that absence of CDKL5 negatively affects neuronal survival, as well as neuronal maturation and dendritic outgrowth; however, knowledge of the substrates underlying these alterations is still limited. Neuroinflammatory processes are known to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, to date, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether this plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. Methods We evaluated microglia activation using AIF-1 immunofluorescence, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and signaling in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, which is characterized by an impaired survival of hippocampal neurons that worsens with age. Hippocampal neuron survival was determined by DCX, NeuN, and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining in Cdkl5 KO mice treated with luteolin (10 mg/kg), a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid. Since hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress, we evaluated neuronal survival in Cdkl5 KO mice injected with NMDA (60 mg/kg) after a 7-day treatment with luteolin. Results We found increased microglial activation in the brain of the Cdkl5 KO mouse. We found alterations in microglial cell morphology and number, increased levels of AIF-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of STAT3 signaling. Remarkably, treatment with luteolin recovers microglia alterations as well as neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 KO mice, and prevents the increase in NMDA-induced cell death in the hippocampus. Conclusions Our results suggest that neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of CDD and imply the potential usefulness of luteolin as a treatment option in CDD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Mottolese
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Tassinari
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
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Mike JK, Ferriero DM. Efferocytosis Mediated Modulation of Injury after Neonatal Brain Hypoxia-Ischemia. Cells 2021; 10:1025. [PMID: 33925299 PMCID: PMC8146813 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051025] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal brain hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a leading cause of morbidity and long-term disabilities in children. While we have made significant progress in describing HI mechanisms, the limited therapies currently offered for HI treatment in the clinical setting stress the importance of discovering new targetable pathways. Efferocytosis is an immunoregulatory and homeostatic process of clearance of apoptotic cells (AC) and cellular debris, best described in the brain during neurodevelopment. The therapeutic potential of stimulating defective efferocytosis has been recognized in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will explore the involvement of efferocytosis after a stroke and HI as a promising target for new HI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Krystofova Mike
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Donna Marie Ferriero
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Department of Neurology Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Sharifi O, Yasui DH. The Molecular Functions of MeCP2 in Rett Syndrome Pathology. Front Genet 2021; 12:624290. [PMID: 33968128 PMCID: PMC8102816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.624290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 protein, encoded by the MECP2 gene, binds to DNA and affects transcription. Outside of this activity the true range of MeCP2 function is still not entirely clear. As MECP2 gene mutations cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome in 1 in 10,000 female births, much of what is known about the biologic function of MeCP2 comes from studying human cell culture models and rodent models with Mecp2 gene mutations. In this review, the full scope of MeCP2 research available in the NIH Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) data base to date is considered. While not all original research can be mentioned due to space limitations, the main aspects of MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are discussed while highlighting the work of individual researchers and research groups. First, the primary functions of MeCP2 relevant to Rett syndrome are summarized and explored. Second, the conflicting evidence and controversies surrounding emerging aspects of MeCP2 biology are examined. Next, the most obvious gaps in MeCP2 research studies are noted. Finally, the most recent discoveries in MeCP2 and Rett syndrome research are explored with a focus on the potential and pitfalls of novel treatments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Sharifi
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dag H Yasui
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
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40
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Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Marttinen M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen P, Kemppainen S, Martiskainen H, Rauramaa T, Pike I, Leinonen V, Natunen T, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. MECP2 Increases the Pro-Inflammatory Response of Microglial Cells and Phosphorylation at Serine 423 Regulates Neuronal Gene Expression upon Neuroinflammation. Cells 2021; 10:860. [PMID: 33918872 PMCID: PMC8070522 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a critical transcriptional regulator for synaptic function. Dysfunction of synapses, as well as microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, represent the earliest pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, expression, protein levels, and activity-related phosphorylation changes of MECP2 were analyzed in post-mortem human temporal cortex. The effects of wild type and phosphorylation-deficient MECP2 variants at serine 423 (S423) or S80 on microglial and neuronal function were assessed utilizing BV2 microglial monocultures and co-cultures with mouse cortical neurons under inflammatory stress conditions. MECP2 phosphorylation at the functionally relevant S423 site nominally decreased in the early stages of AD-related neurofibrillary pathology in the human temporal cortex. Overexpression of wild type MECP2 enhanced the pro-inflammatory response in BV2 cells upon treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) and decreased BV2 cell phagocytic activity. The expression of the phosphorylation-deficient MECP2-S423A variant, but not S80A, further increased the pro-inflammatory response of BV2 cells. In neurons co-cultured with BV2 cells, the MECP2-S423A variant increased the expression of several genes, which are important for the maintenance and protection of neurons and synapses upon inflammatory stress. Collectively, functional analyses in different cellular models suggest that MECP2 may influence the inflammatory response in microglia independently of S423 and S80 phosphorylation, while the S423 phosphorylation might play a role in the activation of neuronal gene expression, which conveys neuroprotection under neuroinflammation-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Petra Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London WC1H 9BB, UK;
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
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41
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Patrizi A, Awad PN, Chattopadhyaya B, Li C, Di Cristo G, Fagiolini M. Accelerated Hyper-Maturation of Parvalbumin Circuits in the Absence of MeCP2. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:256-268. [PMID: 31038696 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) mutations are the primary cause of Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Cortical parvalbumin GABAergic interneurons (PV) make exuberant somatic connections onto pyramidal cells in the visual cortex of Mecp2-deficient mice, which contributes to silencing neuronal cortical circuits. This phenotype can be rescued independently of Mecp2 by environmental, pharmacological, and genetic manipulation. It remains unknown how Mecp2 mutation can result in abnormal inhibitory circuit refinement. In the present manuscript, we examined the development of GABAergic circuits in the primary visual cortex of Mecp2-deficient mice. We identified that PV circuits were the only GABAergic interneurons to be upregulated, while other interneurons were downregulated. Acceleration of PV cell maturation was accompanied by increased PV cells engulfment by perineuronal nets (PNNs) and by an increase of PV cellular and PNN structural complexity. Interestingly, selective deletion of Mecp2 from PV cells was sufficient to drive increased structure complexity of PNN. Moreover, the accelerated PV and PNN maturation was recapitulated in organotypic cultures. Our results identify a specific timeline of disruption of GABAergic circuits in the absence of Mecp2, indicating a possible cell-autonomous role of MeCP2 in the formation of PV cellular arbors and PNN structures in the visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Patrizi
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Schaller Research Group Leader at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heildeberg, Germany
| | - Patricia N Awad
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Chloe Li
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Graziella Di Cristo
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,CHU Ste Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,International Research Center for Neurointelligence, University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo, Japan
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42
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Wang K, Li J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Chen D, Shi Z, Smith AD, Li W, Gao Y. Central nervous system diseases related to pathological microglial phagocytosis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:528-539. [PMID: 33650762 PMCID: PMC8025646 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are important phagocytes of the central nervous system (CNS). They play an important role in protecting the CNS by clearing necrotic tissue and apoptotic cells in many CNS diseases. However, recent studies have found that microglia can phagocytose parts of neurons excessively, such as the neuronal cell body, synapse, or myelin sheaths, before or after the onset of CNS diseases, leading to aggravated injury and impaired tissue repair. Meanwhile, reduced phagocytosis of synapses and myelin results in abnormal circuit connections and inhibition of remyelination, respectively. Previous studies focused primarily on the positive effects of microglia phagocytosis, whereas only a few studies have focused on the negative effects. In this review, we use the term "pathological microglial phagocytosis" to refer to excessive or reduced phagocytosis by microglia that leads to structural or functional abnormalities in target cells and brain tissue. The classification of pathological microglial phagocytosis, the composition, and activation of related signaling pathways, as well as the process of pathological phagocytosis in various kinds of CNS diseases, are described in this review. We hypothesize that pathological microglial phagocytosis leads to aggravation of tissue damage and negative functional outcome. For example, excessive microglial phagocytosis of synapses can be observed in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, leading to significant synapse loss and memory impairment. In Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury, excessive microglial phagocytosis of neuronal cell bodies causes impaired gray matter recovery and sensory dysfunction. We therefore believe that more studies should focus on the mechanism of pathological microglial phagocytosis and activation to uncover potential targets of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Amanda D Smith
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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43
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Shi Z, Zhang Z, Schaffer L, Huang Z, Fu L, Head S, Gaasterland T, Wang X, Li X. Dynamic transcriptome landscape in the song nucleus HVC between juvenile and adult zebra finches. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2021; 2:e10035. [PMID: 36618441 PMCID: PMC9744550 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Male juvenile zebra finches learn to sing by imitating songs of adult males early in life. The development of the song control circuit and song learning and maturation are highly intertwined processes, involving gene expression, neurogenesis, circuit formation, synaptic modification, and sensory-motor learning. To better understand the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying these events, we used RNA-Seq to examine genome-wide transcriptomes in the song control nucleus HVC of male juvenile (45 d) and adult (100 d) zebra finches. We report that gene groups related to axon guidance, RNA processing, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial functions show enriched expression in juvenile HVC compared to the rest of the brain. As juveniles mature into adulthood, massive gene expression changes occur. Expression of genes related to amino acid metabolism, cell cycle, and mitochondrial function is reduced, accompanied by increased and enriched expression of genes with synaptic functions, including genes related to G-protein signaling, neurotransmitter receptors, transport of small molecules, and potassium channels. Unexpectedly, a group of genes with immune system functions is also developmentally regulated, suggesting potential roles in the development and functions of HVC. These data will serve as a rich resource for investigations into the development and function of a neural circuit that controls vocal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Shi
- Neuroscience Center of ExcellenceLouisiana State University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Network BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | - Zhi Huang
- Neuroscience Center of ExcellenceLouisiana State University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Lijuan Fu
- Neuroscience Center of ExcellenceLouisiana State University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Present address:
California Medical Innovations InstituteSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steven Head
- Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Terry Gaasterland
- Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- University of California at San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Xiu‐Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Network BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - XiaoChing Li
- Neuroscience Center of ExcellenceLouisiana State University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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44
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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Raiders S, Han T, Scott-Hewitt N, Kucenas S, Lew D, Logan MA, Singhvi A. Engulfed by Glia: Glial Pruning in Development, Function, and Injury across Species. J Neurosci 2021; 41:823-833. [PMID: 33468571 PMCID: PMC7880271 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1660-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagocytic activity of glial cells is essential for proper nervous system sculpting, maintenance of circuitry, and long-term brain health. Glial engulfment of apoptotic cells and superfluous connections ensures that neuronal connections are appropriately refined, while clearance of damaged projections and neurotoxic proteins in the mature brain protects against inflammatory insults. Comparative work across species and cell types in recent years highlights the striking conservation of pathways that govern glial engulfment. Many signaling cascades used during developmental pruning are re-employed in the mature brain to "fine tune" synaptic architecture and even clear neuronal debris following traumatic events. Moreover, the neuron-glia signaling events required to trigger and perform phagocytic responses are impressively conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates. This review offers a compare-and-contrast portrayal of recent findings that underscore the value of investigating glial engulfment mechanisms in a wide range of species and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Raiders
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Taeho Han
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Nicole Scott-Hewitt
- F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Sarah Kucenas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904
| | - Deborah Lew
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458
| | - Mary A Logan
- Jungers Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Aakanksha Singhvi
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
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46
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Lago-Baldaia I, Fernandes VM, Ackerman SD. More Than Mortar: Glia as Architects of Nervous System Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:611269. [PMID: 33381506 PMCID: PMC7767919 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.611269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are an essential component of the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. In the human brain, glia are as numerous as neurons, yet the importance of glia to nearly every aspect of nervous system development has only been expounded over the last several decades. Glia are now known to regulate neural specification, synaptogenesis, synapse function, and even broad circuit function. Given their ubiquity, it is not surprising that the contribution of glia to neuronal disease pathogenesis is a growing area of research. In this review, we will summarize the accumulated evidence of glial participation in several distinct phases of nervous system development and organization-neural specification, circuit wiring, and circuit function. Finally, we will highlight how these early developmental roles of glia contribute to nervous system dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lago-Baldaia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vilaiwan M. Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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47
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Martins-Ferreira R, Leal B, Costa PP, Ballestar E. Microglial innate memory and epigenetic reprogramming in neurological disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 200:101971. [PMID: 33309803 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are myeloid-derived cells recognized as brain-resident macrophages. They act as the first and main line of immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia have high phenotypic plasticity and are essential for regulating healthy brain homeostasis, and their dysregulation underlies the onset and progression of several CNS pathologies through impaired inflammatory responses. Aberrant microglial activation, following an inflammatory insult, is associated with epigenetic dysregulation in various CNS pathologies. Emerging data suggest that certain stimuli to myeloid cells determine enhanced or attenuated responses to subsequent stimuli. These phenomena, generally termed innate immune memory (IIM), are highly dependent on epigenetic reprogramming. Microglial priming has been reported in several neurological diseases and corresponds to a state of increased permissiveness or exacerbated response, promoted by continuous exposure to a chronic pro-inflammatory environment. In this article, we provide extensive evidence of these epigenetic-mediated phenomena under neurological conditions and discuss their contribution to pathogenesis and their clinical implications, including those concerning potential novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Martins-Ferreira
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain; Immunogenetics Lab, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - Universidade Do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Barbara Leal
- Immunogenetics Lab, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - Universidade Do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pinho Costa
- Immunogenetics Lab, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - Universidade Do Porto (ICBAS-UPorto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
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48
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Coomey R, Stowell R, Majewska A, Tropea D. The Role of Microglia in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and their Therapeutics. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:272-276. [PMID: 32091337 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200221172619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The development of new therapeutics is critically dependent on an understanding of the molecular pathways, the disruption of which results in neurological symptoms. Genetic and biomarker studies have highlighted immune signalling as a pathway that is impaired in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), and several studies on animal models of aberrant neurodevelopment have implicated microglia, the brain's immune cells, in the pathology of these diseases. Despite the increasing awareness of the role of immune responses and inflammation in the pathophysiology of NDDs, the testing of new drugs rarely considers their effects in microglia. In this brief review, we present evidence of how the study of microglia can be critical for understanding the mechanisms of action of candidate drugs for NDDs and for increasing their therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Coomey
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Level 1, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Rianne Stowell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue Box 603, Rochester NY 14642, United States
| | - Ania Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue Box 603, Rochester NY 14642, United States
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, D08 W9RT, Ireland.,FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 YN77, Republic of Ireland
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49
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Ramirez JM, Karlen-Amarante M, Wang JDJ, Bush NE, Carroll MS, Weese-Mayer DE, Huff A. The Pathophysiology of Rett Syndrome With a Focus on Breathing Dysfunctions. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:375-390. [PMID: 33052774 PMCID: PMC7864239 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00008.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-chromosome-linked neurological disorder, is characterized by serious pathophysiology, including breathing and feeding dysfunctions, and alteration of cardiorespiratory coupling, a consequence of multiple interrelated disturbances in the genetic and homeostatic regulation of central and peripheral neuronal networks, redox state, and control of inflammation. Characteristic breath-holds, obstructive sleep apnea, and aerophagia result in intermittent hypoxia, which, combined with mitochondrial dysfunction, causes oxidative stress-an important driver of the clinical presentation of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Marlusa Karlen-Amarante
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Jia-Der Ju Wang
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicholas E Bush
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael S Carroll
- Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Autonomic Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Debra E Weese-Mayer
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Autonomic Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alyssa Huff
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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50
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Brioschi S, d'Errico P, Amann LS, Janova H, Wojcik SM, Meyer-Luehmann M, Rajendran L, Wieghofer P, Paolicelli RC, Biber K. Detection of Synaptic Proteins in Microglia by Flow Cytometry. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:149. [PMID: 33132837 PMCID: PMC7550663 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that microglia actively remove synapses in vivo, thereby playing a key role in synaptic refinement and modulation of brain connectivity. This phenomenon was mainly investigated in immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. However, a quantification of synaptic material in microglia using these techniques is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this issue, we aimed to quantify synaptic proteins in microglia using flow cytometry. With this approach, we first showed that microglia from the healthy adult mouse brain contain a detectable level of VGLUT1 protein. Next, we found more than two-fold increased VGLUT1 immunoreactivity in microglia from the developing brain (P15) as compared to adult microglia. These data indicate that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning mostly occurs during the brain developmental period. We then quantified the VGLUT1 staining in microglia in two transgenic models characterized by pathological microglia-mediated synaptic pruning. In the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) microglia exhibited a significant increase in VGLUT1 immunoreactivity before the onset of amyloid pathology. Moreover, conditional deletion of TDP-43 in microglia, which causes a hyper-phagocytic phenotype associated with synaptic loss, also resulted in increased VGLUT1 immunoreactivity within microglia. This work provides a quantitative assessment of synaptic proteins in microglia, under homeostasis, and in mouse models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brioschi
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paolo d'Errico
- Department of Neurology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas S Amann
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja M Wojcik
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Lawrence Rajendran
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rosa C Paolicelli
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Knut Biber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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