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Mou X, Leeman SM, Roye Y, Miller C, Musah S. Fenestrated Endothelial Cells across Organs: Insights into Kidney Function and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9107. [PMID: 39201792 PMCID: PMC11354928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169107] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the vascular system plays an indispensable role in maintaining homeostasis by supplying oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste and toxins. Blood vessels-the key constituents of the vascular system-are composed of a layer of endothelial cells on their luminal surface. In most organs, tightly packed endothelial cells serve as a barrier separating blood and lymph from surrounding tissues. Intriguingly, endothelial cells in some tissues and organs (e.g., choroid plexus, liver sinusoids, small intestines, and kidney glomerulus) form transcellular pores called fenestrations that facilitate molecular and ionic transport across the vasculature and mediate immune responses through leukocyte transmigration. However, the development and unique functions of endothelial cell fenestrations across organs are yet to be fully uncovered. This review article provides an overview of fenestrated endothelial cells in multiple organs. We describe their development and organ-specific roles, with expanded discussions on their contributions to glomerular health and disease. We extend these discussions to highlight the dynamic changes in endothelial cell fenestrations in diabetic nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Alport syndrome, and preeclampsia, and how these unique cellular features could be targeted for therapeutic development. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies for in vitro modeling of biological systems, and their relevance for advancing the current understanding of endothelial cell fenestrations in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingrui Mou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sophia M. Leeman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yasmin Roye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Carmen Miller
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Samira Musah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Faculty of the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke Regeneration Center, Duke MEDx Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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2
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Wälchli T, Ghobrial M, Schwab M, Takada S, Zhong H, Suntharalingham S, Vetiska S, Gonzalez DR, Wu R, Rehrauer H, Dinesh A, Yu K, Chen ELY, Bisschop J, Farnhammer F, Mansur A, Kalucka J, Tirosh I, Regli L, Schaller K, Frei K, Ketela T, Bernstein M, Kongkham P, Carmeliet P, Valiante T, Dirks PB, Suva ML, Zadeh G, Tabar V, Schlapbach R, Jackson HW, De Bock K, Fish JE, Monnier PP, Bader GD, Radovanovic I. Single-cell atlas of the human brain vasculature across development, adulthood and disease. Nature 2024; 632:603-613. [PMID: 38987604 PMCID: PMC11324530 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07493-y] [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: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
A broad range of brain pathologies critically relies on the vasculature, and cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the cellular and molecular architecture of the human brain vasculature remains incompletely understood1. Here we performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of 606,380 freshly isolated endothelial cells, perivascular cells and other tissue-derived cells from 117 samples, from 68 human fetuses and adult patients to construct a molecular atlas of the developing fetal, adult control and diseased human brain vasculature. We identify extensive molecular heterogeneity of the vasculature of healthy fetal and adult human brains and across five vascular-dependent central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, including brain tumours and brain vascular malformations. We identify alteration of arteriovenous differentiation and reactivated fetal as well as conserved dysregulated genes and pathways in the diseased vasculature. Pathological endothelial cells display a loss of CNS-specific properties and reveal an upregulation of MHC class II molecules, indicating atypical features of CNS endothelial cells. Cell-cell interaction analyses predict substantial endothelial-to-perivascular cell ligand-receptor cross-talk, including immune-related and angiogenic pathways, thereby revealing a central role for the endothelium within brain neurovascular unit signalling networks. Our single-cell brain atlas provides insights into the molecular architecture and heterogeneity of the developing, adult/control and diseased human brain vasculature and serves as a powerful reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wälchli
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Moheb Ghobrial
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Institute of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schwab
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shigeki Takada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hang Zhong
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Institute of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Suntharalingham
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Vetiska
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ruilin Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anuroopa Dinesh
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward L Y Chen
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeroen Bisschop
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Farnhammer
- Group Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann Mansur
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Itay Tirosh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Luca Regli
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Schaller
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Geneva Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Frei
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Troy Ketela
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Bernstein
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Kongkham
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- MacFeeters-Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB & Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Taufik Valiante
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter B Dirks
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Departments of Surgery and Molecular Genetics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario L Suva
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hartland W Jackson
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katrien De Bock
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Institute of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jason E Fish
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, Vision Division, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sprott Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Wang R, Mao L, Liang P, Gan Y, Gao Q, Liang S, Zhang D, Luo G, Yang S. Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the protective effect of Jiawei Xinglou Chengqi Granules in ischemic stroke. Braz J Med Biol Res 2024; 57:e13388. [PMID: 38958365 PMCID: PMC11221863 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2024e13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Jiawei Xinglou Chengqi Granule (JXCG) is an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). JXCG has been shown to effectively ameliorate cerebral ischemic symptoms in clinical practice, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of JXCG in the treatment of IS by combining metabolomics with network pharmacology. The chemical composition of JXCG was analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) untargeted metabolomics were used to identify differential metabolites within metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology was applied to mine potential targets of JXCG in the treatment of IS. The identified key targets were validated by constructing an integrated network of metabolomics and network pharmacology and by molecular docking using Cytoscape. The effect of JXCG on IS was evaluated in vivo, and the predicted targets and pathways of JXCG in IS therapy were assessed using immunoblotting. Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology, we identified the therapeutic targets of JXCG for IS. Notably, JXCG lessened neuronal damage and reduced cerebral infarct size in rats with IS. Western blot analysis showed that JXCG upregulated PRKCH and downregulated PRKCE and PRKCQ proteins. Our combined network pharmacology and metabolomics findings showed that JXCG may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of IS by targeting multiple factors and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoqiong Wang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Linshen Mao
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Pan Liang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yulu Gan
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qixue Gao
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Dechou Zhang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gang Luo
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Sijin Yang
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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4
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Aburto MR, Cryan JF. Gastrointestinal and brain barriers: unlocking gates of communication across the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:222-247. [PMID: 38355758 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between gut and brain has long been appreciated in health and disease, and the gut microbiota is a key player in communication between these two distant organs. Yet, the mechanisms through which the microbiota influences development and function of the gut-brain axis remain largely unknown. Barriers present in the gut and brain are specialized cellular interfaces that maintain strict homeostasis of different compartments across this axis. These barriers include the gut epithelial barrier, the blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Barriers are ideally positioned to receive and communicate gut microbial signals constituting a gateway for gut-microbiota-brain communication. In this Review, we focus on how modulation of these barriers by the gut microbiota can constitute an important channel of communication across the gut-brain axis. Moreover, barrier malfunction upon alterations in gut microbial composition could form the basis of various conditions, including often comorbid neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, we should focus on unravelling the molecular and cellular basis of this communication and move from simplistic framing as 'leaky gut'. A mechanistic understanding of gut microbiota modulation of barriers, especially during critical windows of development, could be key to understanding the aetiology of gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- María R Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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5
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Wang M, Xia D, Xu D, Yin Y, Xu F, Zhang B, Li K, Yang Z, Zou J. Neovascularization directed by CAVIN1/CCBE1/VEGFC confers TMZ-resistance in glioblastoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216593. [PMID: 38092144 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216593] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Acquisition of resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) poses a significant challenge in glioblastoma (GBM) therapy. Neovascularization, a pivotal process in tumorigenesis and development, remains poorly understood in its contribution to chemoresistance in GBMs. This study unveils aberrant vascular networks within TMZ-resistant (TMZ-R) GBM tissues and identifies the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein CCBE1 as a potential mediator. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments involving gain and loss of function assessments, we demonstrate that high expression of CCBE1 promotes hyper-angiogenesis and orchestrates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC/d3) within GBM. This is likely driven by VEGFC/Rho signaling. Intriguingly, CCBE1 overexpression substantially fails to promote tumor growth, but endows resistance to GBM cells in a vascular endothelial cell-dependent manner. Mechanically, the constitutive phosphorylation of SP1 at Ser101 drives the upregulation of CCBE1 transcription in TMZ resistant tumors, and the excretion of CCBE1 depends on caveolae associated protein 1 (CAVIN1) binding and assembling. Tumor cells derived CCBE1 promotes VEGFC maturation, activates VEGFR2/VEGFR3/Rho signaling in vascular endothelial cells, and ultimately results in hyper-angiogenesis in TMZ-R tumors. Collectively, the current study uncovers the cellular and molecular basis of abnormal angiogenesis in a chemo resistant microenvironment, implying that curbing CCBE1 is key to reversing TMZ resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Die Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Daxing Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, T Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Koukou Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Zhenkun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China; Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214023, China.
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6
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Größbacher G, Bartolf-Kopp M, Gergely C, Bernal PN, Florczak S, de Ruijter M, Rodriguez NG, Groll J, Malda J, Jungst T, Levato R. Volumetric Printing Across Melt Electrowritten Scaffolds Fabricates Multi-Material Living Constructs with Tunable Architecture and Mechanics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300756. [PMID: 37099802 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Major challenges in biofabrication revolve around capturing the complex, hierarchical composition of native tissues. However, individual 3D printing techniques have limited capacity to produce composite biomaterials with multi-scale resolution. Volumetric bioprinting recently emerged as a paradigm-shift in biofabrication. This ultrafast, light-based technique sculpts cell-laden hydrogel bioresins into 3D structures in a layerless fashion, providing enhanced design freedom over conventional bioprinting. However, it yields prints with low mechanical stability, since soft, cell-friendly hydrogels are used. Herein, the possibility to converge volumetric bioprinting with melt electrowriting, which excels at patterning microfibers, is shown for the fabrication of tubular hydrogel-based composites with enhanced mechanical behavior. Despite including non-transparent melt electrowritten scaffolds in the volumetric printing process, high-resolution bioprinted structures are successfully achieved. Tensile, burst, and bending mechanical properties of printed tubes are tuned altering the electrowritten mesh design, resulting in complex, multi-material tubular constructs with customizable, anisotropic geometries that better mimic intricate biological tubular structures. As a proof-of-concept, engineered tubular structures are obtained by building trilayered cell-laden vessels, and features (valves, branches, fenestrations) that can be rapidly printed using this hybrid approach. This multi-technology convergence offers a new toolbox for manufacturing hierarchical and mechanically tunable multi-material living structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Größbacher
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Bartolf-Kopp
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Csaba Gergely
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paulina Núñez Bernal
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Sammy Florczak
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Mylène de Ruijter
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Núria Ginés Rodriguez
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Jungst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CT, The Netherlands
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7
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Denzer L, Muranyi W, Schroten H, Schwerk C. The role of PLVAP in endothelial cells. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:393-412. [PMID: 36781482 PMCID: PMC10172233 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03741-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells play a major part in the regulation of vascular permeability and angiogenesis. According to their duty to fit the needs of the underlying tissue, endothelial cells developed different subtypes with specific endothelial microdomains as caveolae, fenestrae and transendothelial channels which regulate nutrient exchange, leukocyte migration, and permeability. These microdomains can exhibit diaphragms that are formed by the endothelial cell-specific protein plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), the only known protein component of these diaphragms. Several studies displayed an involvement of PLVAP in diseases as cancer, traumatic spinal cord injury, acute ischemic brain disease, transplant glomerulopathy, Norrie disease and diabetic retinopathy. Besides an upregulation of PLVAP expression within these diseases, pro-angiogenic or pro-inflammatory responses were observed. On the other hand, loss of PLVAP in knockout mice leads to premature mortality due to disrupted homeostasis. Generally, PLVAP is considered as a major factor influencing the permeability of endothelial cells and, finally, to be involved in the regulation of vascular permeability. Following these observations, PLVAP is debated as a novel therapeutic target with respect to the different vascular beds and tissues. In this review, we highlight the structure and functions of PLVAP in different endothelial types in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Denzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Walter Muranyi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Horst Schroten
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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8
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Alnaqbi N, Mohammad MG, Hamoudi R, Mabondzo A, Harati R. Molecular Heterogeneity of the Brain Endothelium. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3462-3478. [PMID: 37185751 PMCID: PMC10136751 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040227] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is part of a neurovascular structure located in the brain's micro vessels, that is essential to maintain brain homeostasis, but prevents the brain uptake of most drugs. Because of its importance in neuro-pharmacotherapy, the BBB has been the subject of extensive research since its discovery over 100 years ago. Major advances in understanding the structure and function of the barrier have been made. Drugs are re-designed to cross the BBB. However, despite these efforts, overcoming the BBB efficiently to treat brain diseases safely remains challenging. The majority of BBB research studies focus on the BBB as a homogenous structure throughout the different brain regions. However, this simplification may lead to an inadequate understanding of the BBB function with significant therapeutic consequences. From this perspective, we analyzed the gene and protein expression profiles of the BBB in the micro vessels from the brains of mice that were isolated from two different brain regions, namely the cortex and the hippocampus. The expression profile of the inter-endothelial junctional protein (claudin-5), three ABC transporters (P-glycoprotein, Bcrp and Mrp-1), and three BBB receptors (lrp-1, TRF and GLUT-1) were analyzed. Our gene and protein analysis showed that the brain endothelium in the hippocampus exhibits different expression profiles compared to the brain cortex. Specifically, brain endothelial cells (BECs) of the hippocampus express higher gene levels of abcb1, abcg2, lrp1, and slc2a1 compared to the BECs of the cortex regions with a trend of increase for claudin-5, while BECs of the cortex express higher gene levels of abcc1 and trf compared to the hippocampus. At the protein levels, the P-gp expression was found to be significantly higher in the hippocampus compared to the cortex, while TRF was found to be up-regulated in the cortex. These data suggest that the structure and function of the BBB are not homogeneous, and imply that drugs are not delivered similarly among the different brain regions. Appreciation of the BBB heterogeneity by future research programs is thus critical for efficient drug delivery and the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Alnaqbi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Aloïse Mabondzo
- Department of Medicines and Healthcare Technologies, Paris-Saclay University, The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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9
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Chen Y, Dai J, Tang L, Mikhailova T, Liang Q, Li M, Zhou J, Kopp RF, Weickert C, Chen C, Liu C. Neuroimmune transcriptome changes in patient brains of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:710-721. [PMID: 36424395 PMCID: PMC9911365 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been implicated in multiple brain disorders but the extent and the magnitude of change in immune-related genes (IRGs) across distinct brain disorders has not been directly compared. In this study, 1275 IRGs were curated and their expression changes investigated in 2467 postmortem brains of controls and patients with six major brain disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major depressive disorder (MDD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). There were 865 IRGs present across all microarray and RNA-seq datasets. More than 60% of the IRGs had significantly altered expression in at least one of the six disorders. The differentially expressed immune-related genes (dIRGs) shared across disorders were mainly related to innate immunity. Moreover, sex, tissue, and putative cell type were systematically evaluated for immune alterations in different neuropsychiatric disorders. Co-expression networks revealed that transcripts of the neuroimmune systems interacted with neuronal-systems, both of which contribute to the pathology of brain disorders. However, only a few genes with expression changes were also identified as containing risk variants in genome-wide association studies. The transcriptome alterations at gene and network levels may clarify the immune-related pathophysiology and help to better define neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiacheng Dai
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Longfei Tang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tatiana Mikhailova
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Qiuman Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Miao Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Richard F Kopp
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Cynthia Weickert
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- School of Psychiatry, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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10
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Fetsko AR, Sebo DJ, Taylor MR. Brain endothelial cells acquire blood-brain barrier properties in the absence of Vegf-dependent CNS angiogenesis. Dev Biol 2023; 494:46-59. [PMID: 36502932 PMCID: PMC9870987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During neurovascular development, brain endothelial cells (BECs) respond to secreted signals from the neuroectoderm that regulate CNS angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in the brain, and barriergenesis, the acquisition of blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Vegf signaling are both required for CNS angiogenesis; however, the relationship between these pathways is not understood. Furthermore, while Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for barriergenesis, the role of Vegf signaling in this vital process remains unknown. Here, we provide the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, that Vegf signaling is not required for barriergenesis and that activation of Wnt/β-catenin in BECs is independent of Vegf signaling during neurovascular development. Using double transgenic glut1b:mCherry and plvap:EGFP zebrafish (Danio rerio) to visualize the developing brain vasculature, we performed a forward genetic screen and identified a new mutant allele of kdrl, an ortholog of mammalian Vegfr2. The kdrl mutant lacks CNS angiogenesis but, unlike the Wnt/β-catenin pathway mutant gpr124, acquires BBB properties in BECs. To examine Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in BECs, we chemically inhibited Vegf signaling and found robust expression of the Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional reporter line 7xtcf-Xla.Siam:EGFP. Taken together, our results establish that Vegf signaling is essential for CNS angiogenesis but is not required for Wnt/β-catenin-dependent barriergenesis. Given the clinical significance of either inhibiting pathological angiogenesis or stimulating neovascularization, our study provides valuable new insights that are critical for the development of effective therapies that target the vasculature in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey R Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dylan J Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael R Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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11
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Hong T, Park H, An G, Song G, Lim W. Ethalfluralin induces developmental toxicity in zebrafish via oxidative stress and inflammation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158780. [PMID: 36115403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ethalfluralin, of dinitroaniline herbicide family, is an effective weed controller. Following residue detection in herbicide-treated fields, ethalfluralin was reported to interfere with early stages of implantation in some vertebrate species. However, the role of ethalfluralin in the development of zebrafish embryos has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the morphological and physiological changes that occur in the embryonic development of zebrafish due to ethalfluralin exposure. Results indicated that ethalfluralin decreased survival rate along with reduction in the hatching ratio and heartbeat. It was observed to cause edema in the heart and yolk sac, and apoptosis in the anterior region of the developing zebrafish larvae; as visualized through acridine orange and TUNEL staining. In addition, ethalfluralin increased the expression of the apoptosis-associated genes including tp53, cyc1, casp8, casp9, and casp3. The Seahorse Mito Stress analysis revealed that ethalfluralin slightly reduced mitochondrial respiration in live zebrafish embryos. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was also observed to be elevated in zebrafish larvae in response to ethalfluralin. Treatment with ethalfluralin decreased blood vessel formation in brain and intestine in flk1 transgenic zebrafish embryos. The decrease in angiogenesis related gene expression was specifically observed in vegfc, flt1, and kdrl, and in the intestinal vasculature related genes apoa4a, aqp3, fabp2, and vil1. Moreover, an increase in inflammatory genes such as cox2a, cox2b, cxcl-c1c, il8, mcl1a, mcl1b, and nf-κb was observed using real-time PCR analysis. Collectively, these results indicate that oxidative stress generated by exposure to ethalfluralin induced ROS generation, apoptosis, inflammation and anti-angiogenic effects, and therefore, ethalfluralin may be toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hahyun Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Garam An
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Bitanihirwe BKY, Lizano P, Woo TUW. Deconstructing the functional neuroanatomy of the choroid plexus: an ontogenetic perspective for studying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3573-3582. [PMID: 35618887 PMCID: PMC9133821 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is a delicate and highly vascularized structure in the brain comprised of a dense network of fenestrated capillary loops that help in the synthesis, secretion and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This unique neuroanatomical structure is comprised of arachnoid villi stemming from frond-like surface projections-that protrude into the lumen of the four cerebral ventricles-providing a key source of nutrients to the brain parenchyma in addition to serving as a 'sink' for central nervous system metabolic waste. In fact, the functions of the CP are often described as being analogous to those of the liver and kidney. Beyond forming a barrier/interface between the blood and CSF compartments, the CP has been identified as a modulator of leukocyte trafficking, inflammation, cognition, circadian rhythm and the gut brain-axis. In recent years, advances in molecular biology techniques and neuroimaging along with the use of sophisticated animal models have played an integral role in shaping our understanding of how the CP-CSF system changes in relation to the maturation of neural circuits during critical periods of brain development. In this article we provide an ontogenetic perspective of the CP and review the experimental evidence implicating this structure in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron K Y Bitanihirwe
- Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Paulo Lizano
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tsung-Ung W Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
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13
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Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has been viewed as an immunologically privileged site, but emerging works are uncovering a large array of neuroimmune interactions primarily occurring at its borders. CNS barriers sites host diverse population of both innate and adaptive immune cells capable of, directly and indirectly, influence the function of the residing cells of the brain parenchyma. These structures are only starting to reveal their role in controlling brain function under normal and pathological conditions and represent an underexplored therapeutic target for the treatment of brain disorders. This review will highlight the development of the CNS barriers to host neuro-immune interactions and emphasize their newly described roles in neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly for the meninges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Frederick
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gabriel A Tavares
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Antoine Louveau
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Kent University, Neurosciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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14
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Matsuoka RL, Buck LD, Vajrala KP, Quick RE, Card OA. Historical and current perspectives on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:372. [PMID: 35726097 PMCID: PMC9209386 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic brain activity requires timely communications between the brain parenchyma and circulating blood. Brain-blood communication is facilitated by intricate networks of brain vasculature, which display striking heterogeneity in structure and function. This vascular cell heterogeneity in the brain is fundamental to mediating diverse brain functions and has long been recognized. However, the molecular basis of this biological phenomenon has only recently begun to be elucidated. Over the past century, various animal species and in vitro systems have contributed to the accumulation of our fundamental and phylogenetic knowledge about brain vasculature, collectively advancing this research field. Historically, dye tracer and microscopic observations have provided valuable insights into the anatomical and functional properties of vasculature across the brain, and these techniques remain an important approach. Additionally, recent advances in molecular genetics and omics technologies have revealed significant molecular heterogeneity within brain endothelial and perivascular cell types. The combination of these conventional and modern approaches has enabled us to identify phenotypic differences between healthy and abnormal conditions at the single-cell level. Accordingly, our understanding of brain vascular cell states during physiological, pathological, and aging processes has rapidly expanded. In this review, we summarize major historical advances and current knowledge on blood endothelial cell heterogeneity in the brain, and discuss important unsolved questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Luke D Buck
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Keerti P Vajrala
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
| | - Rachael E Quick
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Olivia A Card
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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15
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Jang A, Lehtinen MK. Experimental approaches for manipulating choroid plexus epithelial cells. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:36. [PMID: 35619113 PMCID: PMC9134666 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells are crucial for the function of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) in the developing and mature brain. The ChP is considered the primary source and regulator of CSF, secreting many important factors that nourish the brain. It also performs CSF clearance functions including removing Amyloid beta and potassium. As such, the ChP is a promising target for gene and drug therapy for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). This review describes the current successful and emerging experimental approaches for targeting ChP epithelial cells. We highlight methodological strategies to specifically target these cells for gain or loss of function in vivo. We cover both genetic models and viral gene delivery systems. Additionally, several lines of reporters to access the ChP epithelia are reviewed. Finally, we discuss exciting new approaches, such as chemical activation and transplantation of engineered ChP epithelial cells. We elaborate on fundamental functions of the ChP in secretion and clearance and outline experimental approaches paving the way to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahram Jang
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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16
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Carloni S, Rescigno M. Unveiling the gut-brain axis: structural and functional analogies between the gut and the choroid plexus vascular and immune barriers. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:869-882. [PMID: 35861857 PMCID: PMC9301898 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vasculature plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of blood-tissue interface homeostasis. Knowledge on the morphological and functional nature of the blood vessels in every single tissue is, however, very poor, but it is becoming clear that each organ is characterized by the presence of endothelial barriers with different properties fundamental for the maintenance of tissue resident immune homeostasis and for the recruitment of blood-trafficking immune cells. The tissue specificity of the vascular unit is dependent on the presence of differentiated endothelial cells that form continues, fenestrated, or sinusoidal vessels with different grades of permeability and different immune receptors, according to how that particular tissue needs to be protected. The gut-brain axis highlights the prominent role that the vasculature plays in allowing a direct and prompt exchange of molecules between the gut, across the gut vascular barrier (GVB), and the brain. Recently, we identified a new choroid plexus vascular barrier (PVB) which receives and integrates information coming from the gut and is fundamental in the modulation of the gut-brain axis. Several pathologies are linked to functional dysregulation of either the gut or the choroid plexus vascular barriers. In this review, we unveil the structural and functional analogies between the GVB and PVB, comparing their peculiar features and highlighting the functional role of pitcher and catcher of the gut-brain axis, including their role in the establishment of immune homeostasis and response upon systemic stimuli. We propose that when the gut vascular barrier-the main protecting system of the body from the external world-is compromised, the choroid plexus gatekeeper becomes a second barrier that protects the central nervous system from systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carloni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
| | - Maria Rescigno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
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17
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Ding W, Tang W, Zhi J. The lymphangiogenic factor CCBE1 promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth in colorectal cancer. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:819-825. [PMID: 34819004 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666211124092804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collagen and calcium-binding EGF domain-1 (CCBE1) is essential for the development of the lymphatic vasculature and colorectal cancer (CRC) lymphangiogenesis as it enhances the proteolytic process of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) activating VEGFR3. The fully processed mature VEGFC could also activate VEGFR2, the important endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, involved in blood vascular development and tumor angiogenesis. However, the role of CCBE1 in cancer angiogenesis remains undefined. METHODS In this paper, we find that the protein expression of CCBE1 is higher in the primary CRC tissue with distant metastasis and positively correlated with blood vessel density. RESULTS The mRNA expression of CCBE1 is closely positively correlated with the vascular endothelial marker CD31 and VEGFR2 in CRC from TCGA datasets. The supernatant of the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 with CCBE1 overexpression significantly promotes the tube formation ability of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and enhances angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of CCBE1 decreases the angiogenic ability of CRC. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the angiogenic role of CCBE1 in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Ding
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092. China
| | - Wenfang Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092. China
| | - Jiajun Zhi
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092. China
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Quick RE, Buck LD, Parab S, Tolbert ZR, Matsuoka RL. Highly Efficient Synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9-Based Mutagenesis for Rapid Cardiovascular Phenotypic Screening in F0 Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735598. [PMID: 34746131 PMCID: PMC8570140 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is a valuable vertebrate model to study cardiovascular formation and function due to the facile visualization and rapid development of the circulatory system in its externally growing embryos. Despite having distinct advantages, zebrafish have paralogs of many important genes, making reverse genetics approaches inefficient since generating animals bearing multiple gene mutations requires substantial efforts. Here, we present a simple and robust synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9-based mutagenesis approach for generating biallelic F0 zebrafish knockouts. Using a dual-guide synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (dgRNP) system, we compared the efficiency of biallelic gene disruptions following the injections of one, two, and three dgRNPs per gene into the cytoplasm or yolk. We show that simultaneous cytoplasmic injections of three distinct dgRNPs per gene into one-cell stage embryos resulted in the most efficient and consistent biallelic gene disruptions. Importantly, this triple dgRNP approach enables efficient inactivation of cell autonomous and cell non-autonomous gene function, likely due to the low mosaicism of biallelic disruptions. In support of this finding, we provide evidence that the F0 animals generated by this method fully phenocopied the endothelial and peri-vascular defects observed in corresponding stable mutant homozygotes. Moreover, this approach faithfully recapitulated the trunk vessel phenotypes resulting from the genetic interaction between two vegfr2 zebrafish paralogs. Mechanistically, investigation of genome editing and mRNA decay indicates that the combined mutagenic actions of three dgRNPs per gene lead to an increased probability of frameshift mutations, enabling efficient biallelic gene disruptions. Therefore, our approach offers a highly robust genetic platform to quickly assess novel and redundant gene function in F0 zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Quick
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Luke D Buck
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sweta Parab
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zane R Tolbert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Vascular Development in Zebrafish. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101088. [PMID: 34685459 PMCID: PMC8539546 DOI: 10.3390/life11101088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a functional cardiovascular system is crucial for the development of all vertebrates. Defects in the development of the cardiovascular system lead to cardiovascular diseases, which are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. However, we are just beginning to understand which signaling pathways guide blood vessel growth in different tissues and organs. The advantages of the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) helped to identify novel cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular growth. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. In particular, we describe the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of blood vessels in different vascular beds within the embryo.
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Wei X, Meel MH, Breur M, Bugiani M, Hulleman E, Phoenix TN. Defining tumor-associated vascular heterogeneity in pediatric high-grade and diffuse midline gliomas. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:142. [PMID: 34425907 PMCID: PMC8381557 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays important roles in brain tumor pathogenesis and treatment response, yet our understanding of its function and heterogeneity within or across brain tumor types remains poorly characterized. Here we analyze the neurovascular unit (NVU) of pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) using patient derived xenografts and natively forming glioma mouse models. We show tumor-associated vascular differences between these glioma subtypes, and parallels between PDX and mouse model systems, with DMG models maintaining a more normal vascular architecture, BBB function and endothelial transcriptional program relative to pHGG models. Unlike prior work in angiogenic brain tumors, we find that expression of secreted Wnt antagonists do not alter the tumor-associated vascular phenotype in DMG tumor models. Together, these findings highlight vascular heterogeneity between pHGG and DMG and differences in their response to alterations in developmental BBB signals that may participate in driving these pathological differences.
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21
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Perin P, Rossetti R, Ricci C, Cossellu D, Lazzarini S, Bethge P, Voigt FF, Helmchen F, Batti L, Gantar I, Pizzala R. 3D Reconstruction of the Clarified Rat Hindbrain Choroid Plexus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692617. [PMID: 34395426 PMCID: PMC8359725 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) acts as a regulated gate between blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Despite its simple histology (a monostratified cuboidal epithelium overlying a vascularized stroma), this organ has remarkably complex functions several of which involve local interaction with cells located around ventricle walls. Our knowledge of CP structural organization is mainly derived from resin casts, which capture the overall features but only allow reconstruction of the vascular pattern surface, unrelated to the overlying epithelium and only loosely related to ventricular location. Recently, CP single cell atlases are starting to emerge, providing insight on local heterogeneities and interactions. So far, however, few studies have described CP spatial organization at the mesoscale level, because of its fragile nature and deep location within the brain. Here, using an iDISCO-based clearing approach and light-sheet microscopy, we have reconstructed the normal rat hindbrain CP (hCP) macro- and microstructure, using markers for epithelium, arteries, microvasculature, and macrophages, and noted its association with 4th ventricle-related neurovascular structures. The hCP is organized in domains associated to a main vessel (fronds) which carry a variable number of villi; the latter are enclosed by epithelium and may be flat (leaf-like) or rolled up to variable extent. Arteries feeding the hCP emerge from the cerebellar surface, and branch into straight arterioles terminating as small capillary anastomotic networks, which run within a single villus and terminate attaching multiple times to a large tortuous capillary (LTC) which ends into a vein. Venous outflow mostly follows arterial pathways, except for the lateral horizontal segment (LHS) and the caudal sagittal segment. The structure of fronds and villi is related to the microvascular pattern at the hCP surface: when LTCs predominate, leaflike villi are more evident and bulge from the surface; different, corkscrew-like villi are observed in association to arterioles reaching close to the CP surface with spiraling capillaries surrounding them. Both leaf-like and corkscrew-like villi may reach the 4th ventricle floor, making contact points at their tip, where no gap is seen between CP epithelium and ependyma. Contacts usually involve several adjacent villi and may harbor epiplexus macrophages. At the junction between medial (MHS) and lateral (LHS) horizontal segment, arterial supply is connected to the temporal bone subarcuate fossa, and venous outflow drains to a ventral vein which exits through the cochlear nuclei at the Luschka foramen. These vascular connections stabilize the hCP overall structure within the 4th ventricle but make MHS-LHS joint particularly fragile and very easily damaged when removing the brain from the skull. Even in damaged samples, however, CP fronds (or isolated villi) often remain strongly attached to the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) surface; in these fronds, contacts are still present and connecting “bridges” may be seen, suggesting the presence of real molecular contacts rather than mere appositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Perin
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Ricci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Cossellu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Lazzarini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Philipp Bethge
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian F Voigt
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Batti
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivana Gantar
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Pizzala
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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