1
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Tabassum S, Shorter S, Ovsepian SV. Analysis of the action mechanisms and targets of herbal anticonvulsants highlights opportunities for therapeutic engagement with refractory epilepsy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:761-771. [PMID: 38653825 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurring seizures. It poses significant therapeutic challenges due to diverse etiology, pathobiology, and pharmacotherapy-resistant variants. The anticonvulsive effects of herbal leads with biocompatibility and toxicity considerations have attracted much interest, inspiring mechanistic analysis with the view of their use for engagement of new targets and combination with antiseizure pharmacotherapies. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the key molecular players and putative action mechanisms of the most common antiepileptic herbals demonstrated in tissue culture and preclinical models. From the review of the literature, it emerges that their effects are mediated via five distinct mechanisms: (1) reduction of membrane excitability through inhibition of cation channels, (2) improvement of mitochondrial functions with antioxidant effects, (3) enhancement in synaptic transmission mediated by GABAA receptors, (4) improvement of immune response with anti-inflammatory action, and (5) suppression of protein synthesis and metabolism. While some of the primary targets and action mechanisms of herbal anticonvulsants (1, 3) are shared with antiseizure pharmacotherapies, herbal leads also engage with distinct mechanisms (2, 4, and 5), suggesting new drug targets and opportunities for their integration with antiseizure medications. Addressing outstanding questions through research and in silico modeling should facilitate the future use of herbals as auxiliary therapy in epilepsy and guide the development of treatment of pharmacoresistant seizures through rigorous trials and regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Tabassum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Susan Shorter
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, 0177, Republic of Georgia.
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2
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Pokorná M, Kútna V, Ovsepian SV, Matěj R, Černá M, O’Leary VB. Biomolecules to Biomarkers? U87MG Marker Evaluation on the Path towards Glioblastoma Multiforme Pathogenesis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:123. [PMID: 38258133 PMCID: PMC10818292 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of the glioma subtype glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) challenges effective neuropathological treatment. The reliance on in vitro studies and xenografted animal models to simulate human GBM has proven ineffective. Currently, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the applicability of cell line biomolecules to the realm of GBM pathogenesis. Our study's objectives were to address this preclinical issue and assess prominin-1, ICAM-1, PARTICLE and GAS5 as potential GBM diagnostic targets. The methodologies included haemoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR. The findings identified that morphology correlates with malignancy in GBM patient pathology. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy revealed prominin-1 in pseudo-palisades adjacent to necrotic foci in both animal and human GBM. Evidence is presented for an ICAM-1 association with degenerating vasculature. Significantly elevated nuclear PARTICLE expression from in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR reflected its role as a tumor activator. GAS5 identified within necrotic GBM validated this potential prognostic biomolecule with extended survival. Here we present evidence for the stem cell marker prominin-1 and the chemotherapeutic target ICAM-1 in a glioma animal model and GBM pathology sections from patients that elicited alternative responses to adjuvant chemotherapy. This foremost study introduces the long non-coding RNA PARTICLE into the context of human GBM pathogenesis while substantiating the role of GAS5 as a tumor suppressor. The validation of GBM biomarkers from cellular models contributes to the advancement towards superior detection, therapeutic responders and the ultimate attainment of promising prognoses for this currently incurable brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Pokorná
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (M.Č.)
| | - Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 25067 Klecany, Czech Republic;
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK;
| | - Radoslav Matěj
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Šrobárova 50, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Černá
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (M.Č.)
| | - Valerie Bríd O’Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (M.Č.)
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3
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Martinez S. Selective vulnerability of motor neuron types and functional groups to degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: review of the neurobiological mechanisms and functional correlates. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1-14. [PMID: 37999738 PMCID: PMC10827929 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterised by a progressive loss of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle activity. The disease manifests through a variety of motor dysfunctions related to the extent of damage and loss of neurons at different anatomical locations. Despite extensive research, it remains unclear why some motor neurons are especially susceptible to the disease, while others are affected less or even spared. In this article, we review the neurobiological mechanisms, neurochemical profiles, and morpho-functional characteristics of various motor neuron groups and types of motor units implicated in their differential exposure to degeneration. We discuss specific cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and extrinsic factors influencing the vulnerability gradient of motor units and motor neuron types to ALS, with their impact on disease manifestation, course, and prognosis, as revealed in preclinical and clinical studies. We consider the outstanding challenges and emerging opportunities for interpreting the phenotypic and mechanistic variability of the disease to identify targets for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 10000, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
- Center of Biomedical Network Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Boussios S, Devo P, Goodall ICA, Sirlantzis K, Ghose A, Shinde SD, Papadopoulos V, Sanchez E, Rassy E, Ovsepian SV. Exosomes in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Cell Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14356. [PMID: 37762660 PMCID: PMC10531522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer originating from renal tubular epithelial cells, with clear cell RCC comprising approximately 80% of cases. The primary treatment modalities for RCC are surgery and targeted therapy, albeit with suboptimal efficacies. Despite progress in RCC research, significant challenges persist, including advanced distant metastasis, delayed diagnosis, and drug resistance. Growing evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in multiple aspects of RCC, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug response. These membrane-bound vesicles are released into the extracellular environment by nearly all cell types and are capable of transferring various bioactive molecules, including RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids, aiding intercellular communication. The molecular cargo carried by EVs renders them an attractive resource for biomarker identification, while their multifarious role in the RCC offers opportunities for diagnosis and targeted interventions, including EV-based therapies. As the most versatile type of EVs, exosomes have attracted much attention as nanocarriers of biologicals, with multi-range signaling effects. Despite the growing interest in exosomes, there is currently no widely accepted consensus on their subtypes and properties. The emerging heterogeneity of exosomes presents both methodological challenges and exciting opportunities for diagnostic and clinical interventions. This article reviews the characteristics and functions of exosomes, with a particular reference to the recent advances in their application to the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios Boussios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham ME7 5NY, UK; (A.G.); (E.S.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- Kent Medway Medical School, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7LX, UK
- AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki–Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Perry Devo
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK; (P.D.); (I.C.A.G.); (S.V.O.)
| | - Iain C. A. Goodall
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK; (P.D.); (I.C.A.G.); (S.V.O.)
| | - Konstantinos Sirlantzis
- School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK;
| | - Aruni Ghose
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham ME7 5NY, UK; (A.G.); (E.S.)
- Barts Cancer Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Northwood HA6 2RN, UK
- Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network, London, UK
| | - Sayali D. Shinde
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK Barts Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK;
| | | | - Elisabet Sanchez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham ME7 5NY, UK; (A.G.); (E.S.)
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Institut, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK; (P.D.); (I.C.A.G.); (S.V.O.)
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5
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Zhang G, Devo P, O'Leary VB, Ovsepian SV. Ageing perspective on cognitive outcomes from reproductive hormone adjustments. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19050. [PMID: 37664737 PMCID: PMC10470197 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to primary reproductive functions, gonadal hormones play an important role in an array of neural mechanisms across the human lifespan. The ageing-related decline in their activity has been linked to the deterioration of cognitive functions in otherwise healthy women, associated with menopause transition, contributing to higher incidents of post-menopause dementia. Given the growing utility of gonadal steroids for birth control, as well as for compensatory treatment of menopause and oophorectomy symptoms, and adjuvant transgender therapy, their long-term effects on neural mechanisms warrant comprehensive assessment. In this article, we present an ageing perspective on the cognitive outcomes from contraceptive and replacement therapeutic use of gonadal hormones and discuss their effects on the risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementia. Despite rising data supporting the ameliorative effects of reproductive hormones on cognitive facilities, their impact varies depending on study design and type of intervention, thus, implying dynamic neuro-endocrine interactions with complex compensatory mechanisms. Elucidating differential effects of reproductive hormone adjustments on cognition with underlying mechanisms is expected not only to shed light on important aspects of brain ageing and dementia but to facilitate their use in personalized medicine with improved safety margins and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Bader College, Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, BN27 1RN, United Kingdom
| | - Perry Devo
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie B. O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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6
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Ovsepian SV, Waxman SG. Gene therapy for chronic pain: emerging opportunities in target-rich peripheral nociceptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:252-265. [PMID: 36658346 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
With sweeping advances in precision delivery systems and manipulation of the genomes and transcriptomes of various cell types, medical biotechnology offers unprecedented selectivity for and control of a wide variety of biological processes, forging new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This perspective summarizes state-of-the-art gene therapies enabled by recent innovations, with an emphasis on the expanding universe of molecular targets that govern the activity and function of primary sensory neurons and which might be exploited to effectively treat chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- School of Science, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK.
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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7
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Negi D, Granak S, Shorter S, O'Leary VB, Rektor I, Ovsepian SV. Molecular Biomarkers of Neuronal Injury in Epilepsy Shared with Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:767-778. [PMID: 36884195 PMCID: PMC10275849 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases, changes in neuronal proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood are viewed as potential biomarkers of the primary pathology in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent reports suggest, however, that level of neuronal proteins in fluids also alters in several types of epilepsy in various age groups, including children. With increasing evidence supporting clinical and sub-clinical seizures in Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, and in other less common neurodegenerative conditions, these findings call into question the specificity of neuronal protein response to neurodegenerative process and urge analysis of the effects of concomitant epilepsy and other comorbidities. In this article, we revisit the evidence for alterations in neuronal proteins in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid associated with epilepsy with and without neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss shared and distinctive characteristics of changes in neuronal markers, review their neurobiological mechanisms, and consider the emerging opportunities and challenges for their future research and diagnostic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Negi
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Simon Granak
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany, 25067, Czech Republic
| | - Susan Shorter
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague, 10000, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rektor
- First Department of Neurology, St. Anne's University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Multimodal and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group, CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
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8
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Singh S, Fereshetyan K, Shorter S, Paliokha R, Dremencov E, Yenkoyan K, Ovsepian SV. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in perinatal depression: Side show or pivotal factor? Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103467. [PMID: 36528281 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal depression is the most common psychiatric complication of pregnancy, with its detrimental effects on maternal and infant health widely underrated. There is a pressing need for specific molecular biomarkers, with pregnancy-related decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood and downregulation of TrkB receptor in the brain reported in clinical and preclinical studies. In this review, we explore the emerging role of BDNF in reproductive biology and discuss evidence suggesting its deficiency as a risk factor for perinatal depression. With the increasing evidence for restoration of serum BDNF levels by antidepressant therapy, the strengthening association of perinatal depression with deficiency of BDNF supports its potential as a surrogate endpoint for preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Singh
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Katarine Fereshetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University of M. Heratsi, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Susan Shorter
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Ruslan Paliokha
- Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eliyahu Dremencov
- Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University of M. Heratsi, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK.
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9
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Jorratt P, Ricny J, Leibold C, Ovsepian SV. Endogenous Modulators of NMDA Receptor Control Dendritic Field Expansion of Cortical Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1440-1452. [PMID: 36462136 PMCID: PMC9899188 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Impairments of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, with pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR-mediated currents and associated neurobehavioral changes considered as a model of schizophrenia. We analyzed the effects of brief and long-term exposure of rat cortical cultures to the most prevalent endogenous modulators of NMDAR (kynurenic acid, pregnenolone sulfate, spermidine, and zinc) on neuronal viability, stimulation-induced release of glutamate, and dendritic morphology with synaptic density. Both, glutamate release and neuronal viability studies revealed no difference between the test and control groups. No differences were also observed in the number of dendritic branching and length, or density of synaptic connections and neuronal soma size. Comparison of the extent of dendritic projections and branching patterns, however, revealed enhanced distal arborization with the expansion of the dendritic area under prolonged treatment of cultures with physiological concentrations of NMDAR modulators, with differences reaching significance in spermidine and pregnenolone sulfate tests. Measurements of the density of glutamatergic synapses showed consistency across all neuronal groups, except those treated with pregnenolone sulfate, which showed a reduction of PSD-95-positive elements. Overall, our data suggest that constitutive glutamatergic activity mediated by NMDAR controls the dendritic field expansion and can influence the integrative properties of cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Jorratt
- grid.447902.cNational Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic ,grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XThird Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ricny
- grid.447902.cNational Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Leibold
- grid.5963.9Faculty of Biology and Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- grid.36316.310000 0001 0806 5472Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB UK
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10
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Granak S, Tuckova K, Kutna V, Vojtechova I, Bajkova L, Petrasek T, Ovsepian SV. Developmental effects of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity and environmental enrichment on structural synaptic plasticity and behaviour in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:17-31. [PMID: 36380588 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition causing a range of social and communication impairments. Although the role of multiple genes and environmental factors has been reported, the effects of the interplay between genes and environment on the onset and progression of the disease remains elusive. We housed wild-type (Tsc2+/+) and tuberous sclerosis 2 deficient (Tsc2+/-) Eker rats (ASD model) in individually ventilated cages or enriched conditions and conducted a series of behavioural tests followed by the histochemical analysis of dendritic spines and plasticity in three age groups (days 45, 90 and 365). The elevated plus-maze test revealed a reduction of anxiety by enrichment, whereas the mobility of young and adult Eker rats in the open field was lower compared to the wild type. In the social interaction test, an enriched environment reduced social contact in the youngest group and increased anogenital exploration in 90- and 365-day-old rats. Self-grooming was increased by environmental enrichment in young and adult rats and decreased in aged Eker rats. Dendritic spine counts revealed an increased spine density in the cingulate gyrus in adult Ekers irrespective of housing conditions, whereas spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons was comparable across all genotypes and groups. Morphometric analysis of dendritic spines revealed age-related changes in spine morphology and density, which were responsive to animal genotype and environment. Taken together, our findings suggest that under TSC2 haploinsufficiency and mTORC1 hyperactivity, the expression of behavioural signs and neuroplasticity in Eker rats can be differentially influenced by the developmental stage and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Granak
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Tuckova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Kutna
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Vojtechova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Bajkova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Petrasek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK
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11
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB. Adult Neurogenesis in the Gut, Homeostatic Autoimmunity and Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers. Neuroscience 2022; 504:75-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Kocurova G, Ricny J, Ovsepian SV. Autoantibodies targeting neuronal proteins as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Theranostics 2022; 12:3045-3056. [PMID: 35547759 PMCID: PMC9065204 DOI: 10.7150/thno.72126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are associated with the accumulation of a range of misfolded proteins across the central nervous system and related autoimmune responses, including the generation of antibodies and the activation of immune cells. Both innate and adaptive immunity become mobilized, leading to cellular and humoral effects. The role of humoral immunity in disease onset and progression remains to be elucidated with rising evidence suggestive of positive (protection, repair) and negative (injury, toxicity) outcomes. In this study, we review advances in research of neuron-targeting autoantibodies in the most prevalent NDDs. We discuss their biological origin, molecular diversity and changes in the course of diseases, consider their relevance to the initiation and progression of pathology as well as diagnostic and prognostic significance. It is suggested that the emerging autoimmune aspects of NDDs not only could facilitate the early detection but also might help to elucidate previously unknown facets of pathobiology with relevance to the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kocurova
- Experimental Neurobiology Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ricny
- Experimental Neurobiology Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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13
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Kútna V, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Cerebellar demyelination and neurodegeneration associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity may contribute to the developmental onset of autism-like neurobehavioral phenotype in a rat model. Autism Res 2022; 15:791-805. [PMID: 35178882 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum hosts more than half of all neurons of the human brain, with their organized activity playing a key role in coordinating motor functions. Cerebellar activity has also been implicated in the control of speech, communication, and social behavior, which are compromised in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite major research advances, there is a shortage of mechanistic data relating cellular and molecular changes in the cerebellum to autistic behavior. We studied the impact of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 haploinsufficiency (Tsc2+/-) with downstream mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in 1, 9, and 18 m.o. Eker rats, to determine possible structural correlates of an autism-like behavioural phenotype in this model. We report a greater developmental expansion of the cerebellar vermis, owing to enlarged white matter and thickened molecular layer. Histochemical and immunofluorescence data suggest age-related demyelination of central tract of the vermis, as evident from reduced level of myelin-basic protein in the arbora vitae. We also observed a higher number of astrocytes in Tsc2+/- rats of older age while the number of Purkinje cells (PCs) in these animals was lower than in wild-type controls. Unlike astrocytes and PCs, Bergmann glia remained unaltered at all ages in both genotypes, while the number of microglia was higher in Tsc2+/- rats of older age. The convergent evidence for a variety of age-dependent cellular changes in the cerebellum of rats associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity, thus, predicts an array of functional impairments, which may contribute to the developmental onset of an autism-like behavioral phenotype in this model. LAY SUMMARY: This study elucidates the impact of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in a rat model of autism and epilepsy. It describes age-dependent degeneration of Purkinje neurons, with demyelination of central tract as well as activation of microglia, and discusses the implications of these changes for neuro-behavioral phenotypes. The described changes provide new indications for the putative mechanisms underlying cerebellar impairments with their age-related onset, which may contribute to the pathobiology of autism, epilepsy, and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie Bríd O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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14
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Dremencov E, Jezova D, Barak S, Gaburjakova J, Gaburjakova M, Kutna V, Ovsepian SV. Trophic factors as potential therapies for treatment of major mental disorders. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136194. [PMID: 34433100 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding major advances in psychotherapeutics, their efficacy and specificity remain limited. The slow onset of beneficial outcomes and numerous adverse effects of widely used medications remain of chief concern, warranting in-depth studies. The majority of frontline therapies are thought to enhance the endogenous monoaminergic drive, to initiate a cascade of molecular events leading to lasting functional and structural plasticity. They also involve alterations in trophic factor signalling, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), VGF (non-acronymic), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and others. In several major mental disorders, emerging data suggest protective and restorative effects of trophic factors in preclinical models, when applied on their own. Antidepressant outcomes of VGF and FGF2, for instance, were shown in experimental animals, while BDNF and GDNF prove useful in the treatment of addiction, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. The main challenge with the effective translation of these and other findings in the clinic is the knowledge gap in action mechanisms with potential risks, as well as the lack of effective platforms for validation under clinical settings. Herein, we review the state-of-the-art and advances in the therapeutic use of trophic factors in several major neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliyahu Dremencov
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Segev Barak
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jana Gaburjakova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Gaburjakova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Kutna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
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15
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Vrajová M, Šlamberová R, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Methamphetamine and sleep impairments: neurobehavioral correlates and molecular mechanisms. Sleep 2021; 44:6066541. [PMID: 33406259 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a potent and highly addictive psychostimulant, and one of the most widely used illicit drugs. Over recent years, its global usage and seizure have been on a rapid rise, with growing detrimental effects on mental and physical health, and devastating psychosocial impact pressing for intervention. Among the unwanted effects of methamphetamine, acute and long-term sleep impairments are of major concern, posing a significant therapeutic challenge, and a cause of addiction relapse. Unraveling mechanisms and functional correlates of methamphetamine-related sleep and circadian disruption are, therefore, of key relevance to translational and clinical psychiatry. In this article, we review the mounting evidence for the acute and long-term impairements of sleep-wake behavior and circadian activity caused by single or recurring methamphetamine usage and withdrawal. Factors contributing to the severity of sleep loss and related cognitive deficit, with risks of relapse are discussed. Key molecular players mediating methamphetamine-induced dopamine release and neuromodulation are considered, with wake-promoting effects in mesolimbic circuits. The effects on various sleep phases and related changes in dopamine levels in selected subcortical structures are reviewed and compared to other psychostimulants with similar action mechanisms. A critical appraisal is presented of the therapeutic use of modafinil, countering sleep, and circadian rhythm impairments. Finally, emerging knowledge gaps and methodical limitations are highlighted along with the areas for future research and therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vrajová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Klecany, Czech Republic
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16
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Androvičová R, Pfaus JG, Ovsepian SV. Estrogen pendulum in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease: Review of therapeutic benefits and outstanding questions. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136038. [PMID: 34116197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Although produced largely in the periphery, gonadal steroids play a key role in regulating the development and functions of the central nervous system and have been implicated in several chronic neuropsychiatric disorders, with schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) most prominent. Despite major differences in pathobiology and clinical manifestations, in both conditions, estrogen transpires primarily with protective effects, buffering the onset and progression of diseases at various levels. As a result, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) emerges as one of the most widely discussed adjuvant interventions. In this review, we revisit evidence supporting the protective role of estrogen in schizophrenia and AD and consider putative cellular and molecular mechanisms. We explore the underlying functional processes relevant to the manifestation of these devastating conditions, with a focus on synaptic transmission and plasticity mechanisms. We discuss specific effects of estrogen deficit on neurotransmitter systems such as cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic. While the evidence from both, preclinical and clinical reports, in general, are supportive of the protective effects of estrogen from cognitive decline to synaptic pathology, numerous questions remain, calling for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Androvičová
- Department of Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (RA) and Department of Experimental Neuroscience (SVO), National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - James G Pfaus
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (RA) and Department of Experimental Neuroscience (SVO), National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
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17
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C, Zaborszky L. Integrated phylogeny of the human brain and pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease: A unifying hypothesis. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135895. [PMID: 33862141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The disproportionate evolutionary expansion of the human cerebral cortex with reinforcement of cholinergic innervations warranted a major rise in the functional and metabolic load of the conserved basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic system. Given that acetylcholine (ACh) regulates properties of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau and promotes non-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), growing neocortex predicts higher demands for ACh, while the emerging role of BF cholinergic projections in Aβ clearance infers greater exposure of source neurons and their innervation fields to amyloid pathology. The higher exposure of evolutionary most recent cortical areas to the amyloid pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with synaptic impairments and atrophy, therefore, might involve attenuated homeostatic effects of BF cholinergic projections, in addition to fall-outs of inherent processes of expanding association areas. This unifying model, thus, views amyloid pathology and loss of cholinergic cells as a quid pro quo of the allometric evolution of the human brain, which in combination with increase in life expectancy overwhelm the fine homeostatic balance and trigger the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Praha 10, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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18
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Kútna V, O'Leary VB, Newman E, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Revisiting Brain Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in Rat and Human: Shared Molecular and Cellular Pathology Leads to Distinct Neurophysiological and Behavioral Phenotypes. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:845-858. [PMID: 33398801 PMCID: PMC8423952 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-01000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a dominant autosomal genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in TSC1 and TSC2, which lead to constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1) with its decoupling from regulatory inputs. Because mTORC1 integrates an array of molecular signals controlling protein synthesis and energy metabolism, its unrestrained activation inflates cell growth and division, resulting in the development of benign tumors in the brain and other organs. In humans, brain malformations typically manifest through a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, among which mental retardation, intellectual disabilities with signs of autism, and refractory seizures, which are the most prominent. TSC in the rat brain presents the first-rate approximation of cellular and molecular pathology of the human brain, showing many instructive characteristics. Nevertheless, the developmental profile and distribution of lesions in the rat brain, with neurophysiological and behavioral manifestation, deviate considerably from humans, raising numerous research and translational questions. In this study, we revisit brain TSC in human and Eker rats to relate their histopathological, electrophysiological, and neurobehavioral characteristics. We discuss shared and distinct aspects of the pathology and consider factors contributing to phenotypic discrepancies. Given the shared genetic cause and molecular pathology, phenotypic deviations suggest an incomplete understanding of the disease. Narrowing the knowledge gap in the future should not only improve the characterization of the TSC rat model but also explain considerable variability in the clinical manifestation of the disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ehren Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
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19
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Riegerová P, Brejcha J, Bezděková D, Chum T, Mašínová E, Čermáková N, Ovsepian SV, Cebecauer M, Štefl M. Expression and Localization of AβPP in SH-SY5Y Cells Depends on Differentiation State. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:485-491. [PMID: 34057078 PMCID: PMC8385523 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, due to its capacity to differentiate into neurons, easy handling, and low cost, is a common experimental model to study molecular events leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is prevalently used in its undifferentiated state, which does not resemble neurons affected by the disease. Here, we show that the expression and localization of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), one of the key molecules involved in AD pathogenesis, is dramatically altered in SH-SY5Y cells fully differentiated by combined treatment with retinoic acid and BDNF. We show that insufficient differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells results in AβPP mislocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Riegerová
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Brejcha
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Bezděková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Chum
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Mašínová
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Čermáková
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Cebecauer
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Štefl
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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20
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Jorratt P, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Endogenous antagonists of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor in schizophrenia. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 17:888-905. [PMID: 33336545 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric brain disorder that has devastating personal impact and rising healthcare costs. Dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathobiology of the disease, attributed largely to the hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Currently, there is a major gap in mechanistic analysis as to how endogenous modulators of the NMDA receptors contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. We present a systematic review of the neurobiology and the role of endogenous NMDA receptor antagonists in animal models of schizophrenia, and in patients. We discuss their neurochemical origin, release from neurons and glia with action mechanisms, and functional effects, which might contribute toward the impairment of neuronal processes underlying this complex pathological state. We consider clinical evidence suggesting dysregulations of endogenous NMDA receptor in schizophrenia, and highlight the pressing need in future studies and emerging directions, to restore the NMDA receptor functions for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Jorratt
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
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21
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Ovsepian SV, Horacek J, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C. The Ups and Downs of BACE1: Walking a Fine Line between Neurocognitive and Other Psychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:222-234. [PMID: 32713260 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420940943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although neurocognitive deficit is the best-recognized indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD), psychotic and other noncognitive symptoms are the prime cause of institutionalization. BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of Aβ of AD, and one of the promising therapeutic targets in countering cognitive decline and amyloid pathology. Changes in BACE1 activity have also emerged to cause significant noncognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms and impairments of circadian rhythms, as evident from clinical trials and reports in transgenic models. In this study, we consider key characteristics of BACE1 with its contribution to neurocognitive deficit and other psychiatric symptoms of AD. We argue that a growing list of noncognitive mental impairments related to pharmacological modulation of BACE1 might present a major obstacle in clinical translation of emerging therapeutic leads targeting this protease. The adverse effects of BACE1 inhibition on mental health call for a revision of treatment strategies that assume indiscriminate inhibition of this key protease, and stress the need for further mechanistic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jiri Horacek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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22
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Abstract
Synaptic transmission is a fundamental neurobiological process by which neurons interact with each other and non-neuronal cells. It involves release of active substances from the presynaptic neuron onto receptive elements of postsynaptic cells, inducing waves of spreading electrochemical response. While much has been learned about the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving and governing transmitter release and sensing, the evolutionary origin of synaptic connections remains obscure. Herein, we review emerging evidence and concepts suggesting that key components of chemical synapse arose independently from neurons, in different functional and biological contexts, before the rise of multicellular living forms. We argue that throughout evolution, distinct synaptic constituents have been co-opted from ancestral forms for a new role in early metazoan, leading to the rise of chemical synapses and neurotransmission. Such a mosaic model of the origin of chemical synapses agrees with and supports the pluralistic hypothesis of evolutionary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolai P Vesselkin
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia; Faculty of Medicine, The State University of Saint Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia
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23
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Olefir I, Ghazaryan A, Yang H, Malekzadeh-Najafabadi J, Glasl S, Symvoulidis P, O'Leary VB, Sergiadis G, Ntziachristos V, Ovsepian SV. Spatial and Spectral Mapping and Decomposition of Neural Dynamics and Organization of the Mouse Brain with Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography. Cell Rep 2020; 26:2833-2846.e3. [PMID: 30840901 PMCID: PMC6403416 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In traditional optical imaging, limited light penetration constrains high-resolution interrogation to tissue surfaces. Optoacoustic imaging combines the superb contrast of optical imaging with deep penetration of ultrasound, enabling a range of new applications. We used multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for functional and structural neuroimaging in mice at resolution, depth, and specificity unattainable by other neuroimaging modalities. Based on multispectral readouts, we computed hemoglobin gradient and oxygen saturation changes related to processing of somatosensory signals in different structures along the entire subcortical-cortical axis. Using temporal correlation analysis and seed-based maps, we reveal the connectivity between cortical, thalamic, and sub-thalamic formations. With the same modality, high-resolution structural tomography of intact mouse brain was achieved based on endogenous contrasts, demonstrating near-perfect matches with anatomical features revealed by histology. These results extend the limits of noninvasive observations beyond the reach of standard high-resolution neuroimaging, verifying the suitability of MSOT for small-animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Olefir
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Ara Ghazaryan
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jaber Malekzadeh-Najafabadi
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Glasl
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Symvoulidis
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, 11636 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - George Sergiadis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 25067 Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, 11636 Prague, Czech Republic.
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24
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Ovsepian SV, Jiang Y, Sardella TC, Malekzadeh-Najafabadi J, Burton NC, Yu X, Ntziachristos V. Visualizing cortical response to optogenetic stimulation and sensory inputs using multispectral handheld optoacoustic imaging. Photoacoustics 2020; 17:100153. [PMID: 32154103 PMCID: PMC7052434 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2019.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To date, the vast majority of intra-vital neuroimaging systems applied in clinic and diagnostics is stationary with a rigid scanning element, requires specialized facilities and costly infrastructure. Here, we describe a simple yet radical approach for optoacoustic (photoacoustic) brain imaging in vivo using a light-weight handheld probe. It enables multispectral video-rate visualization of hemoglobin gradient changes in the cortex of adult rats induced by whisker and forelimb sensory inputs, as well as by optogenetic stimulation of intra-cortical connections. With superb penetration and molecular specificity, described here in method holds major promises for future applications in research, routine ambulatory neuroimaging, and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V. Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering and Chair of Biological Imaging at Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha 10, Czech Republic
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- High-Field Magnetic Resonance Department, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Jaber Malekzadeh-Najafabadi
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering and Chair of Biological Imaging at Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Xin Yu
- High-Field Magnetic Resonance Department, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering and Chair of Biological Imaging at Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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25
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Kútna V, Uttl L, Waltereit R, Krištofiková Z, Kaping D, Petrásek T, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Tuberous Sclerosis (tsc2+/-) Model Eker Rats Reveals Extensive Neuronal Loss with Microglial Invasion and Vascular Remodeling Related to Brain Neoplasia. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:329-339. [PMID: 31820275 PMCID: PMC7007483 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder characterized by frequent noncancerous neoplasia in the brain, which can induce a range of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in humans, resulting from out of control tissue growth. The causative spontaneous loss-of-function mutations have been also identified in rats. Herein, we studied histopathological and molecular changes in brain lesions of the Eker rat model carrying germline mutation of the tsc2 gene, predisposed to multiple neoplasias. Predominant subcortical tumors were analyzed, along with a rare form occurring within the pyriform lobe. The uniform composition of lesions supports the histochemical parity of malformations, with immunofluorescence data supporting their neuro-glial origin. Massive depletion of mature neurons and axonal loss were evident within lesions, with occasional necrotic foci implying advanced stage of pathology. Enrichment of mesenchymal-derived cell markers with hallmarks of neurogenesis and active microglia imply enhanced cell proliferation, with local immune response. The depletion of capillaries within the core was complemented by the formation of dense mesh of nascent vessels at the interface of neoplasia with healthy tissue, implying large-scale vascular remodeling. Taken as a whole, these findings present several novel features of brain tumors in Eker rat model, rendering it suitable for studies of the pathobiology and progression of primary brain tumors, with therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Uttl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Waltereit
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Zdenka Krištofiková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Kaping
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Petrásek
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
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26
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Ovsepian SV, Olefir I, Ntziachristos V. Advances in Optoacoustic Neurotomography of Animal Models. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:1315-1326. [PMID: 31662189 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Unlike traditional optical methods, optoacoustic imaging is less sensitive to scattering of ballistic photons, so it is capable of high-resolution interrogation at a greater depth. By integrating video-rate visualization with multiplexing and sensing a range of endogenous and exogenous chromophores, optoacoustic imaging has matured into a versatile noninvasive investigation modality with rapidly expanding use in biomedical research. We review the principal features of the technology and discuss recent advances it has enabled in structural, functional, and molecular neuroimaging in small-animal models. In extending the boundaries of noninvasive observation beyond the reach of customary photonic methods, the latest developments in optoacoustics have substantially advanced neuroimaging inquiry, with promising implications for basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 116 36 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivan Olefir
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
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27
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Ayvazyan NM, O'Leary VB, Dolly JO, Ovsepian SV. Neurobiology and therapeutic utility of neurotoxins targeting postsynaptic mechanisms of neuromuscular transmission. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1968-1984. [PMID: 31247153 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the principal site for the translation of motor neurochemical signals to muscle activity. Therefore, the release and sensing machinery of acetylcholine (ACh) along with muscle contraction are two of the main targets of natural toxins and pathogens, causing paralysis. Given pharmacology and medical advances, the active ingredients of toxins that target postsynaptic mechanisms have become of major interest, showing promise as drug leads. Herein, we review key facets of prevalent toxins modulating the mechanisms of ACh sensing and generation of the postsynaptic response, with muscle contraction. We consider the correlation between their outstanding selectivity and potency plus effects on motor function, and discuss emerging data advocating their usage for the development of therapies alleviating neuromuscular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira M Ayvazyan
- Orbeli Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Praha 10, Czech Republic
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; The National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, Czech Republic; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Praha 10, Czech Republic.
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28
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O'Leary VB, Ovsepian SV, Smida J, Atkinson MJ. PARTICLE - The RNA podium for genomic silencers. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19464-19470. [PMID: 31058319 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Radiation exposure can evoke cellular stress responses. Emerging recognition that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as regulators of gene expression has broadened the spectra of molecules controlling the genomic landscape upon alterations in environmental conditions. Knowledge of the mechanisms responding to low dose irradiation (LDR) exposure is very limited yet most likely involve subtle ancillary molecular pathways other than those protecting the cell from direct cellular damage. The discovery that transcription of the lncRNA PARTICLE (promoter of MAT2A- antisense radiation-induced circulating lncRNA; PARTICL) becomes dramatically instigated within a day after LDR exposure introduced a new gene regulator onto the biological landscape. PARTICLE affords an RNA binding platform for genomic silencers such as DNA methyltransferase 1 and histone tri-methyltransferases to reign in the expression of tumor suppressors such as its neighboring MAT2A in cis as well as WWOX in trans. In silico evidence offers scope to speculate that PARTICLE exploits the abundance of Hoogsten bonds that exist throughout mammalian genomes for triplex formation, presumably a vital feature within this RNA silencer. PARTICLE may provide a buffering riboswitch platform for S-adenosylmethionine. The correlation of PARTICLE triplex formation sites within tumor suppressor genes and their abundance throughout the genome at cancer-related hotspots offers an insight into potential avenues worth exploring in future therapeutic endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- RP1 Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Smida
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Michael J Atkinson
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany.,Chair of Radiation Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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29
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Abstract
The bulk of brain energy expenditure is allocated for maintenance of perpetual intrinsic activity of neurons and neural circuits. Long-term electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies in anesthetized and behaving animals show, however, that the great majority of nerve cells in the intact brain do not fire action potentials, i.e., are permanently silent. Herein, I review emerging data suggesting massive redundancy of nerve cells in mammalian nervous system, maintained in inhibited state at high energetic costs. Acquired in the course of evolution, these collections of dormant neurons and circuits evade routine functional undertakings, and hence, keep out of the reach of natural selection. Under penetrating stress and disease, however, they occasionally switch in active state and drive a variety of neuro-psychiatric symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. The increasing evidence for widespread occurrence of silent neurons warrants careful revision of functional models of the brain and entails unforeseen reserves for rehabilitation and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Medicine at Charles University, 116 36, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany. .,International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
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30
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Berezhnoi A, Schwarz M, Buehler A, Ovsepian SV, Aguirre J, Ntziachristos V. Assessing hyperthermia-induced vasodilation in human skin in vivo using optoacoustic mesoscopy. J Biophotonics 2018; 11:e201700359. [PMID: 29573174 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the unique imaging abilities of optoacoustic mesoscopy to visualize skin structures and microvasculature with the view of establishing a robust approach for monitoring heat-induced hyperemia in human skin in vivo. Using raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), we investigated whether optoacoustic (photoacoustic) mesoscopy can identify changes in skin response to local heating at microvasculature resolution in a cross-sectional fashion through skin in the human forearm. We visualized the heat-induced hyperemia for the first time with single-vessel resolution throughout the whole skin depth. We quantified changes in total blood volume in the skin and their correlation with local heating. In response to local heating, total blood volume increased 1.83- and 1.76-fold, respectively, in the volar and dorsal aspects of forearm skin. We demonstrate RSOM imaging of the dilation of individual vessels in the skin microvasculature, consistent with hyperemic response to heating at the skin surface. Our results demonstrate great potential of RSOM for elucidating the morphology, functional state and reactivity of dermal microvasculature, with implications for diagnostics and disease monitoring. Image: Cross-sectional view of skin microvasculature dilated in response to hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Berezhnoi
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Schwarz
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- iThera Medical GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Buehler
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Juan Aguirre
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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31
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Zaborszky L, Ntziachristos V, Dolly JO. Amyloid Plaques of Alzheimer's Disease as Hotspots of Glutamatergic Activity. Neuroscientist 2018; 25:288-297. [PMID: 30051750 DOI: 10.1177/1073858418791128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deposition of amyloid plaques in limbic and associative cortices is amongst the most recognized histopathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Despite decades of research, there is a lack of consensus over the impact of plaques on neuronal function, with their role in cognitive decline and memory loss undecided. Evidence has emerged suggesting complex and localized axonal pathology around amyloid plaques, with a significant fraction of swellings and dystrophies becoming enriched with putative synaptic vesicles and presynaptic proteins normally colocalized at hotspots of transmitter release. In the absence of hallmark active zone proteins and postsynaptic receptive elements, the axonal swellings surrounding amyloid plaques have been suggested as sites for ectopic release of glutamate, which under reduced clearance can lead to elevated local excitatory drive. Throughout this review, we consider the emerging data suggestive of amyloid plaques as hotspots of compulsive glutamatergic activity. Evidence for local and long-range effects of nonsynaptic glutamate is discussed in the context of circuit dysfunctions and neurodegenerative changes of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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32
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Bozhko D, Osborn EA, Rosenthal A, Verjans JW, Hara T, Kellnberger S, Wissmeyer G, Ovsepian SV, McCarthy JR, Mauskapf A, Stein AF, Jaffer FA, Ntziachristos V. Quantitative intravascular biological fluorescence-ultrasound imaging of coronary and peripheral arteries in vivo. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 18:1253-1261. [PMID: 28031233 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jew222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims (i) to evaluate a novel hybrid near-infrared fluorescence-intravascular ultrasound (NIRF-IVUS) system in coronary and peripheral swine arteries in vivo; (ii) to assess simultaneous quantitative biological and morphological aspects of arterial disease. Methods and results Two 9F/15MHz peripheral and 4.5F/40MHz coronary near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)-IVUS catheters were engineered to enable accurate co-registrtation of biological and morphological readings simultaneously in vivo. A correction algorithm utilizing IVUS information was developed to account for the distance-related fluorescence attenuation due to through-blood imaging. Corrected NIRF (cNIRF)-IVUS was applied for in vivo imaging of angioplasty-induced vascular injury in swine peripheral arteries and experimental fibrin deposition on coronary artery stents, and of atheroma in a rabbit aorta, revealing feasibility to intravascularly assay plaque structure and inflammation. The addition of ICG-enhanced NIRF assessment improved the detection of angioplasty-induced endothelial damage compared to standalone IVUS. In addition, NIRF detection of coronary stent fibrin by in vivo cNIRF-IVUS imaging illuminated stent pathobiology that was concealed on standalone IVUS. Fluorescence reflectance imaging and microscopy of resected tissues corroborated the in vivo findings. Conclusions Integrated cNIRF-IVUS enables simultaneous co-registered through-blood imaging of disease related morphological and biological alterations in coronary and peripheral arteries in vivo. Clinical translation of cNIRF-IVUS may significantly enhance knowledge of arterial pathobiology, leading to improvements in clinical diagnosis and prognosis, and helps to guide the development of new therapeutic approaches for arterial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Bozhko
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Eric A Osborn
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA.,Cardiology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amir Rosenthal
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Johan W Verjans
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA
| | - Tetsuya Hara
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA
| | - Stephan Kellnberger
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA
| | - Georg Wissmeyer
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Jason R McCarthy
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA
| | - Adam Mauskapf
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ashley F Stein
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Farouc A Jaffer
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 025114, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging (CBI), Technische Universität München (TUM), Trogerstr. 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
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33
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O'Leary VB, O'Connell M, Antyborzec I, Ntziachristos V, Oliver Dolly J, Ovsepian SV. Alleviation of Trigeminal Nociception Using p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Targeted Lentiviral Interference Therapy. Neurotherapeutics 2018; 15:489-499. [PMID: 29427180 PMCID: PMC5935639 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-0608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic trigeminal (TG) neuropathies are the cause of considerable distress, with limited treatments available at present. Nociceptive neurons enriched with the vanilloid type 1 receptor (VR1) partake in pain sensation and sensitization in the TG system. While VR1 blockers with anti-nociceptive potential are of substantial medical interest, their use remains limited due to poor selectivity and lack of cell-targeting capabilities. This study describes a methodology for the alleviation of nociception via targeted depletion of VR1 in TG sensory neurons in rats. In cultured TG ganglion neurons, VR1 expression was virtually abolished by lentiviral short hairpin RNA (LV-VR1). By decorating GFP encoding LV (LV-GFP) and LV-VR1 with IgG192 for targeting TG sensory neurons enriched with the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), transduction of a reporter GFP and VR1 depletion was achieved after injection of targeted vectors into the whisker pad. In IgG192/LV-VR1-injected rats, the behavioral response to capsaicin exposure as well as Erk 1/2 phosphorylation and VR1 current activation by capsaicin were significantly reduced. This pioneering investigation, thus, provides a proof of principle for a means of attenuating TG nociception, revealing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie B O'Leary
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Marie O'Connell
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Inga Antyborzec
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Faculty for Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chair of Biomedical Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Faculty for Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chair of Biomedical Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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34
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Reber J, Willershäuser M, Karlas A, Paul-Yuan K, Diot G, Franz D, Fromme T, Ovsepian SV, Bézière N, Dubikovskaya E, Karampinos DC, Holzapfel C, Hauner H, Klingenspor M, Ntziachristos V. Non-invasive Measurement of Brown Fat Metabolism Based on Optoacoustic Imaging of Hemoglobin Gradients. Cell Metab 2018. [PMID: 29514074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Metabolism is a fundamental process of life. However, non-invasive measurement of local tissue metabolism is limited today by a deficiency in adequate tools for in vivo observations. We designed a multi-modular platform that explored the relation between local tissue oxygen consumption, determined by label-free optoacoustic measurements of hemoglobin, and concurrent indirect calorimetry obtained during metabolic activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). By studying mice and humans, we show how video-rate handheld multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) in the 700-970 nm spectral range enables non-invasive imaging of BAT activation, consistent with positron emission tomography findings. Moreover, we observe BAT composition differences between healthy and diabetic tissues. The study consolidates hemoglobin as a principal label-free biomarker for longitudinal non-invasive imaging of BAT morphology and bioenergetics in situ. We also resolve water and fat components in volunteers, and contrast MSOT readouts with magnetic resonance imaging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Reber
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Monja Willershäuser
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; EKFZ - Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Angelos Karlas
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Korbinian Paul-Yuan
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gael Diot
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Franz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Fromme
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; EKFZ - Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Bézière
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elena Dubikovskaya
- Department of Chemistry, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios C Karampinos
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Hauner
- EKFZ - Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Klingenspor
- Chair of Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; EKFZ - Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany; Chair for Biological Imaging, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Zaborszky L, Ntziachristos V, Dolly JO. Synaptic vesicle cycle and amyloid β: Biting the hand that feeds. Alzheimers Dement 2018; 14:502-513. [PMID: 29494806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic vesicle cycle (SVC) holds center stage in the biology of presynaptic terminals. Through recurrent exocytosis and endocytosis, it facilitates a sequence of events enabling chemical neurotransmission between functionally related neurons. As a fundamental process that links the interior of nerve cells with their environment, the SVC is also critical for signaling and provides an entry route for a range of pathogens and toxins, enabling detrimental effects. In Alzheimer's disease, the SVC is both the prime site of amyloid β production and toxicity. In this study, we discuss the emerging evidence for physiological and pathological effects of Aβ on various stages of the SVC, from postfusion membrane recovery to trafficking, docking, and priming of vesicles for fusion and transmitter release. Understanding of the mechanisms of Aβ interaction with the SVC within the unifying calcium hypothesis of aging and Alzheimer's disease should further elucidate the fundamental biology of the presynaptic terminal and reveal novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other age-related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Ghazaryan A, Ovsepian SV, Ntziachristos V. Extended Near-Infrared Optoacoustic Spectrometry for Sensing Physiological Concentrations of Glucose. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:112. [PMID: 29619009 PMCID: PMC5871742 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose sensing is pursued extensively in biomedical research and clinical practice for assessment of the carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as in the context of an array of disorders, including diabetes, morbid obesity, and cancer. Currently used methods for real-time glucose measurements are invasive and require access to body fluids, with novel tools and methods for non-invasive sensing of the glucose levels highly desired. In this study, we introduce a near-infrared (NIR) optoacoustic spectrometer for sensing physiological concentrations of glucose within aqueous media and describe the glucose spectra within 850-1,900 nm and various concentration ranges. We apply the ratiometric and dictionary learning methods with a training set of data and validate their utility for glucose concentration measurements with optoacoustics in the probe dataset. We demonstrate the superior signal-to-noise ratio (factor of ~3.9) achieved with dictionary learning over the ratiometric approach across the wide glucose concentration range. Our data show a linear relationship between the optoacoustic signal intensity and physiological glucose concentration, in line with the results of optical spectroscopy. Thus, the feasibility of detecting physiological glucose concentrations using NIR optoacoustic spectroscopy is demonstrated, enabling the sensing glucose with ±10 mg/dl precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Ghazaryan
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Saak V. Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Vasilis Ntziachristos,
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Diot G, Metz S, Noske A, Liapis E, Schroeder B, Ovsepian SV, Meier R, Rummeny E, Ntziachristos V. Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) of Human Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6912-6922. [PMID: 28899968 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-3200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: In a pilot study, we introduce fast handheld multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) of the breast at 28 wavelengths, aiming to identify high-resolution optoacoustic (photoacoustic) patterns of breast cancer and noncancerous breast tissue.Experimental Design: We imaged 10 female patients ages 48-81 years with malignant nonspecific breast cancer or invasive lobular carcinoma. Three healthy volunteers ages 31-36 years were also imaged. Fast-MSOT was based on unique single-frame-per-pulse (SFPP) image acquisition employed to improve the accuracy of spectral differentiation over using a small number of wavelengths. Breast tissue was illuminated at the 700-970 nm spectral range over 0.56 seconds total scan time. MSOT data were guided by ultrasonography and X-ray mammography or MRI.Results: The extended spectral range allowed the computation of oxygenated hemoglobin (HBO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HB), total blood volume (TBV), lipid, and water contributions, allowing first insights into in vivo high-resolution breast tissue MSOT cancer patterns. TBV and Hb/HBO2 images resolved marked differences between cancer and control tissue, manifested as a vessel-rich tumor periphery with highly heterogeneous spatial appearance compared with healthy tissue. We observe significant TBV variations between different tumors and between tumors over healthy tissues. Water and fat lipid layers appear disrupted in cancer versus healthy tissue; however, offer weaker contrast compared with TBV images.Conclusions: In contrast to optical methods, MSOT resolves physiologic cancer features with high resolution and revealed patterns not offered by other radiologic modalities. The new features relate to personalized and precision medicine potential. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6912-22. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gael Diot
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Stephan Metz
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Aurelia Noske
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Evangelos Liapis
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schroeder
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Meier
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Ernst Rummeny
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Chair of Biological Imaging, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.
- Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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Chekkoury A, Nunes A, Gateau J, Symvoulidis P, Feuchtinger A, Beziere N, Ovsepian SV, Walch A, Ntziachristos V. High-Resolution Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography of the Vascularization and Constitutive Hypoxemia of Cancerous Tumors. Neoplasia 2017; 18:459-67. [PMID: 27566102 PMCID: PMC5018092 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity of the design and alignment of illumination and ultrasonic transducers empower the fine scalability and versatility of optoacoustic imaging. In this study, we implement an innovative high-resolution optoacoustic mesoscopy for imaging the vasculature and tissue oxygenation within subcutaneous and orthotopic cancerous implants of mice in vivo through acquisition of tomographic projections over 180° at a central frequency of 24 MHz. High-resolution volumetric imaging was combined with multispectral functional measurements to resolve the exquisite inner structure and vascularization of the entire tumor mass using endogenous and exogenous optoacoustic contrast. Evidence is presented for constitutive hypoxemia within the carcinogenic tissue through analysis of the hemoglobin absorption spectra and distribution. Morphometric readouts obtained with optoacoustic mesoscopy have been verified with high-resolution ultramicroscopic studies. The findings described herein greatly extend the applications of optoacoustic mesoscopy toward structural and multispectral functional measurements of the vascularization and hemodynamics within solid tumors in vivo and are of major relevance to basic and preclinical oncological studies in small animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Chekkoury
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Antonio Nunes
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerome Gateau
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany; ESPCI Paris-Tech, PSL Research University, CNRS, Institut Langevin, 1 rue Jussieu, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Panagiotis Symvoulidis
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Research Unit of Analytical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Beziere
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit of Analytical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr., 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 München, Germany.
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Schwarz M, Soliman D, Omar M, Buehler A, Ovsepian SV, Aguirre J, Ntziachristos V. Optoacoustic Dermoscopy of the Human Skin: Tuning Excitation Energy for Optimal Detection Bandwidth With Fast and Deep Imaging in vivo. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 2017; 36:1287-1296. [PMID: 28278460 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2017.2664142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) dermoscopy offers two principal advantages over conventional optical imaging applied in dermatology. First, it yields high-resolution cross-sectional images of the skin at depths not accessible to other non-invasive optical imaging methods. Second, by resolving absorption spectra at multiple wavelengths, it enables label-free 3D visualization of morphological and functional features. However, the relation of pulse energy to generated bandwidth and imaging depth remains poorly defined. In this paper, we apply computer models to investigate the optoacoustic frequency response generated by simulated skin. We relate our simulation results to experimental measurements of the detection bandwidth as a function of optical excitation energy in phantoms and human skin. Using raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy, we further compare the performance of two broadband ultrasonic detectors (a bandwidth of 20-180 and 10-90MHz) in acquiring optoacoustic readouts. Based on the findings of this paper, we propose energy ranges required for skin imaging with considerations of laser safety standards.
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Shaban H, O’Connor R, Ovsepian SV, Dinan TG, Cryan JF, Schellekens H. Electrophysiological approaches to unravel the neurobiological basis of appetite and satiety: use of the multielectrode array as a screening strategy. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:31-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Ntziachristos V, Dolly JO. Circumventing Brain Barriers: Nanovehicles for Retroaxonal Therapeutic Delivery. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:983-993. [PMID: 27720365 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In addition to safeguarding the central nervous system (CNS) from the vast majority of pathogens and toxins, transvascular barriers impose immense challenges to the delivery of beneficial cargo. A few toxins and neurotropic viruses capable of penetrating the brain have proved to be potentially valuable for neuron targeting and enhanced transfer of restorative medicine and therapeutic genes. Here we review molecular concepts and implications of the highly neurotropic tetanus toxin (TeTx) and botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) and their ability to infiltrate and migrate throughout neurons. We discuss recent applications of their detoxified variants as versatile nanovehicles for retroaxonal delivery of therapeutics to motor neurons and synapses. Continued advances in research on these remarkable agents in preclinical trials might facilitate their future use for medical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Antyborzec I, O'Leary VB, Dolly JO, Ovsepian SV. Low-Affinity Neurotrophin Receptor p75 Promotes the Transduction of Targeted Lentiviral Vectors to Cholinergic Neurons of Rat Basal Forebrain. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:859-870. [PMID: 27220617 PMCID: PMC5081123 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-016-0445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are one of the most affected neuronal types in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with their extensive loss documented at late stages of the pathology. While discriminatory provision of neuroprotective agents and trophic factors to these cells is thought to be of substantial therapeutic potential, the intricate topography and structure of the forebrain cholinergic system imposes a major challenge. To overcome this, we took advantage of the physiological enrichment of BFCNs with a low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) for their targeting by lentiviral vectors within the intact brain of adult rat. Herein, a method is described that affords selective and effective transduction of BFCNs with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter, which combines streptavidin-biotin technology with anti-p75NTR antibody-coated lentiviral vectors. Specific GFP expression in cholinergic neurons was attained in the medial septum and nuclei of the diagonal band Broca after a single intraventricular administration of such targeted vectors. Bioelectrical activity of GFP-labeled neurons was proven to be unchanged. Thus, proof of principle is obtained for the utility of the low-affinity p75NTR for targeted transduction of vectors to BFCNs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Antyborzec
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - James O Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
- Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
A breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research came with the discovery of the link between activity-dependent release of amyloid-β (Aβ) from neurons and formation of amyloid plaques. Along with elucidating the cellular basis of behavioral-dependent fluctuations in Aβ levels in the brain, insights have been gained toward understanding the mechanisms that warrant selective vulnerability of various forebrain circuits to amyloid pathology. The notion of elevated activity as a source of excessive Aβ production and plaque formation is, however, in conflict with ample electrophysiological data, which demonstrate exceedingly intense activity (both intrinsic and synaptic) of neurons in several brain regions that are spared or marginally affected by amyloid plaques of AD. Thus, the link between the functional load of brain circuits and their vulnerability to amyloidosis, while evident, is also complex and remains poorly understood. Here, we discuss emerging data suggestive of a major role for super-intense synchronous activity of cortical and limbic networks in excessive Aβ production and plaque formation. It is proposed that dense recurrent wiring of associative areas prone to epileptic seizures might be of critical relevance to their higher susceptibility to plaque pathology and related functional impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
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Olefir I, Mercep E, Burton NC, Ovsepian SV, Ntziachristos V. Hybrid multispectral optoacoustic and ultrasound tomography for morphological and physiological brain imaging. J Biomed Opt 2016; 21:86005. [PMID: 27533442 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.21.8.086005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Expanding usage of small animal models in biomedical research necessitates development of technologies for structural, functional, or molecular imaging that can be readily integrated in the biological laboratory. Herein, we consider dual multispectral optoacoustic (OA) and ultrasound tomography based on curved ultrasound detector arrays and describe the performance achieved for hybrid morphological and physiological brain imaging of mice in vivo. We showcase coregistered hemodynamic parameters resolved by OA tomography under baseline conditions and during alterations of blood oxygen saturation. As an internal reference, we provide imaging of abdominal organs. We illustrate the performance advantages of hybrid curved detector ultrasound and OA tomography and discuss immediate and long-term implications of our findings in the context of animal and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Olefir
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg 85764, GermanybTechnische Universität München, School of Bioengineering, Boltzmannstraße 11, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Elena Mercep
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg 85764, GermanycTechnische Universität München, Faculty of Medicine, Ismaninger Straße 22, Munich 81675, GermanydiThera Medical GmbH, Zielstattst
| | - Neal C Burton
- iThera Medical GmbH, Zielstattstrasse 13, Munich 81379, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg 85764, GermanybTechnische Universität München, School of Bioengineering, Boltzmannstraße 11, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg 85764, GermanybTechnische Universität München, School of Bioengineering, Boltzmannstraße 11, Garching 85748, Germany
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He H, Wissmeyer G, Ovsepian SV, Buehler A, Ntziachristos V. Hybrid optical and acoustic resolution optoacoustic endoscopy. Opt Lett 2016; 41:2708-10. [PMID: 27304269 DOI: 10.1364/ol.41.002708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We propose the implementation of hybrid optical and acoustic resolution optoacoustic endoscopy. Laser light is transmitted to tissue by two types of illumination for achieving optical and acoustic resolution imaging. A 20 MHz ultrasound detector is used for recording optoacoustic signals. The endoscopy probe attains a 3.6 mm diameter and is fully encapsulated into a catheter system. We validate the imaging performance of the hybrid endoscope on phantoms and ex vivo, and discuss the necessity for the extended resolution and depth range of endoscopy achieved.
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Ovsepian SV, LeBerre M, Steuber V, O'Leary VB, Leibold C, Oliver Dolly J. Distinctive role of KV1.1 subunit in the biology and functions of low threshold K+ channels with implications for neurological disease. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 159:93-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Willem M, Tahirovic S, Busche MA, Ovsepian SV, Chafai M, Kootar S, Hornburg D, Evans LDB, Moore S, Daria A, Hampel H, Müller V, Giudici C, Nuscher B, Wenninger-Weinzierl A, Kremmer E, Heneka MT, Thal DR, Giedraitis V, Lannfelt L, Müller U, Livesey FJ, Meissner F, Herms J, Konnerth A, Marie H, Haass C. η-Secretase processing of APP inhibits neuronal activity in the hippocampus. Nature 2015; 526:443-7. [PMID: 26322584 DOI: 10.1038/nature14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques, which are predominantly composed of amyloid-β peptide. Two principal physiological pathways either prevent or promote amyloid-β generation from its precursor, β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), in a competitive manner. Although APP processing has been studied in great detail, unknown proteolytic events seem to hinder stoichiometric analyses of APP metabolism in vivo. Here we describe a new physiological APP processing pathway, which generates proteolytic fragments capable of inhibiting neuronal activity within the hippocampus. We identify higher molecular mass carboxy-terminal fragments (CTFs) of APP, termed CTF-η, in addition to the long-known CTF-α and CTF-β fragments generated by the α- and β-secretases ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10) and BACE1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1), respectively. CTF-η generation is mediated in part by membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinases such as MT5-MMP, referred to as η-secretase activity. η-Secretase cleavage occurs primarily at amino acids 504-505 of APP695, releasing a truncated ectodomain. After shedding of this ectodomain, CTF-η is further processed by ADAM10 and BACE1 to release long and short Aη peptides (termed Aη-α and Aη-β). CTFs produced by η-secretase are enriched in dystrophic neurites in an AD mouse model and in human AD brains. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of BACE1 activity results in robust accumulation of CTF-η and Aη-α. In mice treated with a potent BACE1 inhibitor, hippocampal long-term potentiation was reduced. Notably, when recombinant or synthetic Aη-α was applied on hippocampal slices ex vivo, long-term potentiation was lowered. Furthermore, in vivo single-cell two-photon calcium imaging showed that hippocampal neuronal activity was attenuated by Aη-α. These findings not only demonstrate a major functionally relevant APP processing pathway, but may also indicate potential translational relevance for therapeutic strategies targeting APP processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Willem
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Aurel Busche
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, Technische Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Magda Chafai
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Scherazad Kootar
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Daniel Hornburg
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Lewis D B Evans
- Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute &Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Steven Moore
- Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute &Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Anna Daria
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Hampel
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Müller
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Camilla Giudici
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Nuscher
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Elisabeth Kremmer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Immunology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Unit, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Institute of Pathology - Laboratory for Neuropathology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Vilmantas Giedraitis
- Department of Public Health/Geriatrics, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Lannfelt
- Department of Public Health/Geriatrics, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrike Müller
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology IPMB, Functional Genomics, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute &Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Felix Meissner
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Arthur Konnerth
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technische Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hélène Marie
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Christian Haass
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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48
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Abstract
Functional overviews of cholinergic mechanisms in the cerebral cortex have traditionally focused on the release of acetylcholine with modulator and transmitter effects. Recently, however, data have emerged that extend the role of acetylcholine and cholinergic innervations to a range of housekeeping and metabolic functions. These include regulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing with production of amyloid β (Aβ) and other APP fragments and control of the phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau. Evidence has been also presented for receptor-ligand like interactions of cholinergic receptors with soluble Aβ peptide and MAP tau, with modulator and signaling effects. Moreover, high-affinity binding of Aβ to the neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR) enriched in basalo-cortical cholinergic projections has been implicated in clearance of Aβ and nucleation of amyloid plaques. Here, we critically evaluate these unorthodox cholinergic mechanisms and discuss their role in neuronal physiology and the biology of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany Faculty of Science and Health, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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49
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Filser S, Ovsepian SV, Masana M, Blazquez-Llorca L, Brandt Elvang A, Volbracht C, Müller MB, Jung CKE, Herms J. Pharmacological inhibition of BACE1 impairs synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:729-39. [PMID: 25599931 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BACE1 (beta site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) is the rate limiting protease in amyloid β production, hence a promising drug target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition of BACE1, as the major β-secretase in vivo with multiple substrates, however is likely to have mechanism-based adverse effects. We explored the impact of long-term pharmacological inhibition of BACE1 on dendritic spine dynamics, synaptic functions, and cognitive performance of adult mice. METHODS Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess Aβ40 levels in brain and plasma after oral administration of BACE1 inhibitors SCH1682496 or LY2811376. In vivo two-photon microscopy of the somatosensory cortex was performed to monitor structural dynamics of dendritic spines while synaptic functions and plasticity were measured via electrophysiological recordings of excitatory postsynaptic currents and hippocampal long-term potentiation in brain slices. Finally, behavioral tests were performed to analyze the impact of pharmacological inhibition of BACE1 on cognitive performance. RESULTS Dose-dependent decrease of Aβ40 levels in vivo confirmed suppression of BACE1 activity by both inhibitors. Prolonged treatment caused a reduction in spine formation of layer V pyramidal neurons, which recovered after withdrawal of inhibitors. Congruently, the rate of spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in pyramidal neurons and hippocampal long-term potentiation were reduced in animals treated with BACE1 inhibitors. These effects were not detected in Bace1(-/-) mice treated with SCH1682496, confirming BACE1 as the pharmacological target. Described structural and functional changes were associated with cognitive deficits as revealed in behavioral tests. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate important functions to BACE1 in structural and functional synaptic plasticity in the mature brain, with implications for cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Filser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mercè Masana
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Blazquez-Llorca
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Christian K E Jung
- Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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50
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Ochs SM, Dorostkar MM, Aramuni G, Schön C, Filser S, Pöschl J, Kremer A, Van Leuven F, Ovsepian SV, Herms J. Loss of neuronal GSK3β reduces dendritic spine stability and attenuates excitatory synaptic transmission via β-catenin. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:482-9. [PMID: 24912492 PMCID: PMC4378257 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, fragile X syndrome or anxiety disorder. Many drugs employed to treat these conditions inhibit GSK3β either directly or indirectly. We studied how conditional knockout of GSK3β affected structural synaptic plasticity. Deletion of the GSK3β gene in a subset of cortical and hippocampal neurons in adult mice led to reduced spine density. In vivo imaging revealed that this was caused by a loss of persistent spines, whereas stabilization of newly formed spines was reduced. In electrophysiological recordings, these structural alterations correlated with a considerable drop in the frequency and amplitude of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor-dependent miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. Expression of constitutively active β-catenin caused reduction in spine density and electrophysiological alterations similar to GSK3β knockout, suggesting that the effects of GSK3β knockout were mediated by the accumulation of β-catenin. In summary, changes of dendritic spines, both in quantity and in morphology, are correlates of experience-dependent synaptic plasticity; thus, these results may help explain the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs inhibiting GSK3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Ochs
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M M Dorostkar
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - G Aramuni
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - C Schön
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - S Filser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Pöschl
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - A Kremer
- Experimental Genetics Group-LEGTEGG, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F Van Leuven
- Experimental Genetics Group-LEGTEGG, Department of Human Genetics KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S V Ovsepian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 23, Munich 81377, Germany. E-mail:
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