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Nentwig TB, Obray JD, Kruyer A, Wilkes ET, Vaughan DT, Scofield MD, Chandler LJ. Central Amygdala Astrocyte Plasticity Underlies GABAergic Dysregulation in Ethanol Dependence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598470. [PMID: 38915577 PMCID: PMC11195260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Dependence is a hallmark of alcohol use disorder characterized by excessive alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key brain structure underlying the synaptic and behavioral consequences of ethanol dependence. While accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and behavior, there is a limited understanding of the role astrocytes play in ethanol dependence. The present study used a combination of viral labeling, super resolution confocal microscopy, 3D image analysis, and slice electrophysiology to determine the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. During withdrawal from CIE exposure, we observed increased GABA transmission, an upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels, and an increased proximity of astrocyte processes near CeA synapses. Furthermore, GAT3 levels and synaptic proximity were positively associated with voluntary ethanol drinking in dependent rats. Slice electrophysiology confirmed that the upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels was functional, as CIE exposure unmasked a GAT3-sensitive tonic GABA current in the CeA. A causal role for astrocytic GAT3 in ethanol dependence was assessed using viral-mediated GAT3 overexpression and knockdown approaches. However, GAT3 knockdown or overexpression had no effect on somatic withdrawal symptoms, dependence-escalated ethanol intake, aversion-resistant drinking, or post-dependent ethanol drinking in male or female rats. Moreover, intra-CeA pharmacological inhibition of GAT3 also did not alter dependent ethanol drinking. Together, these findings indicate that ethanol dependence induces GABAergic dysregulation and astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. However, astrocytic GAT3 does not appear necessary for the drinking related phenotypes associated with dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd B. Nentwig
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - J. Daniel Obray
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erik T Wilkes
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Dylan T. Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - L. Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
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Parekh SV, Adams LO, Barkell GA, Paniccia JE, Reissner KJ, Lysle DT. Dorsal hippocampal astrocytes mediate the development of heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1265-1275. [PMID: 38396195 PMCID: PMC11106136 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
There is a significant co-occurrence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in clinical populations. However, the neurobiological mechanisms linking chronic opioid use, withdrawal, and the development of PTSD are poorly understood. Our previous research has shown that proinflammatory cytokines, expressed primarily by astrocytes in the dorsal hippocampus (DH), play a role in the development of heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning (HW-EFL), an animal model of PTSD-OUD comorbidity. Given the role of astrocytes in memory, fear learning, and opioid use, our experiments aimed to investigate their involvement in HW-EFL. Experiment 1 examined the effect of withdrawal from chronic heroin administration on GFAP surface area and volume, and identified increased surface area and volume of GFAP immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus (DG) following 24-hour heroin withdrawal. Experiment 2 examined astrocyte morphology and synaptic interactions at the 24-hour withdrawal timepoint using an astroglial membrane-bound GFP (AAV5-GfaABC1D-lck-GFP). Although we did not detect significant changes in surface area and volume of GfaABC1D-Lck-GFP labelled astrocytes, we did observe a significant increase in the colocalization of astrocyte membranes with PSD-95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) in the DG. Experiment 3 tested if stimulating astroglial Gi signaling in the DH alters HW-EFL, and our results demonstrate this manipulation attenuates HW-EFL. Collectively, these findings contribute to our current understanding of the effects of heroin withdrawal on astrocytes and support the involvement of astrocytes in the comorbid relationship between opioid use and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shveta V Parekh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Lydia O Adams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Gillian A Barkell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Paniccia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Kathryn J Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA
| | - Donald T Lysle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3720, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3270, USA.
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Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100607. [PMID: 38304302 PMCID: PMC10831308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN augments maternal behaviors and promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Nylah A. Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eden V. Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin P. Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Debra A. Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
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Helmbrecht H, Lin TJ, Janakiraman S, Decker K, Nance E. Prevalence and practices of immunofluorescent cell image processing: a systematic review. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1188858. [PMID: 37545881 PMCID: PMC10400723 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1188858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We performed a systematic review that identified at least 9,000 scientific papers on PubMed that include immunofluorescent images of cells from the central nervous system (CNS). These CNS papers contain tens of thousands of immunofluorescent neural images supporting the findings of over 50,000 associated researchers. While many existing reviews discuss different aspects of immunofluorescent microscopy, such as image acquisition and staining protocols, few papers discuss immunofluorescent imaging from an image-processing perspective. We analyzed the literature to determine the image processing methods that were commonly published alongside the associated CNS cell, microscopy technique, and animal model, and highlight gaps in image processing documentation and reporting in the CNS research field. Methods We completed a comprehensive search of PubMed publications using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and other general search terms for CNS cells and common fluorescent microscopy techniques. Publications were found on PubMed using a combination of column description terms and row description terms. We manually tagged the comma-separated values file (CSV) metadata of each publication with the following categories: animal or cell model, quantified features, threshold techniques, segmentation techniques, and image processing software. Results Of the almost 9,000 immunofluorescent imaging papers identified in our search, only 856 explicitly include image processing information. Moreover, hundreds of the 856 papers are missing thresholding, segmentation, and morphological feature details necessary for explainable, unbiased, and reproducible results. In our assessment of the literature, we visualized current image processing practices, compiled the image processing options from the top twelve software programs, and designed a road map to enhance image processing. We determined that thresholding and segmentation methods were often left out of publications and underreported or underutilized for quantifying CNS cell research. Discussion Less than 10% of papers with immunofluorescent images include image processing in their methods. A few authors are implementing advanced methods in image analysis to quantify over 40 different CNS cell features, which can provide quantitative insights in CNS cell features that will advance CNS research. However, our review puts forward that image analysis methods will remain limited in rigor and reproducibility without more rigorous and detailed reporting of image processing methods. Conclusion Image processing is a critical part of CNS research that must be improved to increase scientific insight, explainability, reproducibility, and rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawley Helmbrecht
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Teng-Jui Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sanjana Janakiraman
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kaleb Decker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Zhang X, Wolfinger A, Wu X, Alnafisah R, Imami A, Hamoud AR, Lundh A, Parpura V, McCullumsmith RE, Shukla R, O’Donovan SM. Gene Enrichment Analysis of Astrocyte Subtypes in Psychiatric Disorders and Psychotropic Medication Datasets. Cells 2022; 11:3315. [PMID: 36291180 PMCID: PMC9600295 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have many important functions in the brain, but their roles in psychiatric disorders and their responses to psychotropic medications are still being elucidated. Here, we used gene enrichment analysis to assess the relationships between different astrocyte subtypes, psychiatric diseases, and psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers). We also carried out qPCR analyses and "look-up" studies to assess the chronic effects of these drugs on astrocyte marker gene expression. Our bioinformatic analysis identified gene enrichment of different astrocyte subtypes in psychiatric disorders. The highest level of enrichment was found in schizophrenia, supporting a role for astrocytes in this disorder. We also found differential enrichment of astrocyte subtypes associated with specific biological processes, highlighting the complex responses of astrocytes under pathological conditions. Enrichment of protein phosphorylation in astrocytes and disease was confirmed by biochemical analysis. Analysis of LINCS chemical perturbagen gene signatures also found that kinase inhibitors were highly discordant with astrocyte-SCZ associated gene signatures. However, we found that common gene enrichment of different psychotropic medications and astrocyte subtypes was limited. These results were confirmed by "look-up" studies and qPCR analysis, which also reported little effect of psychotropic medications on common astrocyte marker gene expression, suggesting that astrocytes are not a primary target of these medications. Conversely, antipsychotic medication does affect astrocyte gene marker expression in postmortem schizophrenia brain tissue, supporting specific astrocyte responses in different pathological conditions. Overall, this study provides a unique view of astrocyte subtypes and the effect of medications on astrocytes in disease, which will contribute to our understanding of their role in psychiatric disorders and offers insights into targeting astrocytes therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alyssa Wolfinger
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Rawan Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ali Imami
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-rizaq Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Anna Lundh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert E. McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Promedica Neurosciences Institute, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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6
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Shrestha AP, Saravanakumar A, Konadu B, Madireddy S, Gibert Y, Vaithianathan T. Embryonic Hyperglycemia Delays the Development of Retinal Synapses in a Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179693. [PMID: 36077087 PMCID: PMC9456524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic hyperglycemia negatively impacts retinal development, leading to abnormal visual behavior, altered timing of retinal progenitor differentiation, decreased numbers of retinal ganglion cells and Müller glia, and vascular leakage. Because synaptic disorganization is a prominent feature of many neurological diseases, the goal of the current work was to study the potential impact of hyperglycemia on retinal ribbon synapses during embryonic development. Our approach utilized reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence labeling to compare the transcription of synaptic proteins and their localization in hyperglycemic zebrafish embryos, respectively. Our data revealed that the maturity of synaptic ribbons was compromised in hyperglycemic zebrafish larvae, where altered ribeye expression coincided with the delay in establishing retinal ribbon synapses and an increase in the immature synaptic ribbons. Our results suggested that embryonic hyperglycemia disrupts retinal synapses by altering the development of the synaptic ribbon, which can lead to visual defects. Future studies using zebrafish models of hyperglycemia will allow us to study the underlying mechanisms of retinal synapse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek P. Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ambalavanan Saravanakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Program in Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Bridget Konadu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Saivikram Madireddy
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yann Gibert
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Thirumalini Vaithianathan
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-901-448-2786
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7
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Zingg B, Dong HW, Tao HW, Zhang LI. Application of AAV1 for Anterograde Transsynaptic Circuit Mapping and Input-Dependent Neuronal Cataloging. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e339. [PMID: 35044725 PMCID: PMC8852298 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Viruses that spread transsynaptically provide a powerful means to study interconnected circuits in the brain. Here we describe the use of adeno-associated virus, serotype 1 (AAV1), as a tool to achieve robust, anterograde transsynaptic spread in a variety of unidirectional pathways. A protocol for performing intracranial AAV1 injections in mice is presented, along with additional guidance for planning experiments, sourcing materials, and optimizing the approach to achieve the most successful outcomes. By following the methods presented here, researchers will be able to reveal postsynaptically connected neurons downstream of a given AAV1 injection site and access these input-defined cells for subsequent mapping, recording, and manipulation to characterize their anatomical and functional properties. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Stereotaxic injection of AAV1 for anterograde transsynaptic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Zingg
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hong-Wei Dong
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Huizhong Whit Tao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li I. Zhang
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Aryal SP, Neupane KR, Masud AA, Richards CI. Characterization of Astrocyte Morphology and Function Using a Fast and Reliable Tissue Clearing Technique. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e279. [PMID: 34694747 PMCID: PMC8550103 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytic processes interact with synapses throughout the brain modulating neurotransmitter signaling and synaptic communication. During conditions such as exposure to drugs of abuse and neurological diseases, astrocytes respond by altering their morphological and functional properties. Reactive astrocyte phenotypes exhibit a bushy morphology with altered soma volume and an increased number of processes compared to resting astrocytes. The reactive astrocytic phenotype also overexpresses proteins one of which can be glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Fluorescence microscopy on thin tissue sections (<20 µm) requires reconstruction, often through multiple sections, to delineate the full astrocytic morphology. In contrast, tissue clearing methods have been developed that enable imaging of larger sections including the whole brain, providing an opportunity to see in-depth changes in single cell structure. In this article, a detailed protocol for studying astrocyte morphology using tissue clearing and subsequent imaging of whole brains as well as region-specific slices is provided. This method is ideal for understanding the effect of different physiological conditions on astrocyte morphology. A standard biochemistry laboratory has the resources to accomplish tissue clearing using this protocol and most universities have the required imaging facilities. Protocols to study brains from both genetically modified mice that contain an astrocyte-specific marker and from wild-type mice using antibody labeling steps after tissue clearing are provided. We also describe general protocols to conduct fluorescence imaging of astrocytes in cleared tissue to characterize their morphology. This protocol could be useful for researchers working in the rapidly growing field of astrocyte biology. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Brain perfusion, fixation, and tissue clearing Alternate Protocol: Clearing brain tissue with passive clarity Basic Protocol 2: Antibody labeling and refractive index matching Basic Protocol 3: Fluorescence imaging and characterization of astrocyte morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya P Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Khaga R Neupane
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Abdullah A Masud
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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9
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Borodinova AA, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Salmina AB, Vlasova OL. Genetic Constructs for the Control of Astrocytes' Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071600. [PMID: 34202359 PMCID: PMC8306323 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we aim to discuss the principles and the perspectives of using the genetic constructs based on AAV vectors to regulate astrocytes’ activity. Practical applications of optogenetic approaches utilizing different genetically encoded opsins to control astroglia activity were evaluated. The diversity of astrocytic cell-types complicates the rational design of an ideal viral vector for particular experimental goals. Therefore, efficient and sufficient targeting of astrocytes is a multiparametric process that requires a combination of specific AAV serotypes naturally predisposed to transduce astroglia with astrocyte-specific promoters in the AAV cassette. Inadequate combinations may result in off-target neuronal transduction to different degrees. Potentially, these constraints may be bypassed with the latest strategies of generating novel synthetic AAV serotypes with specified properties by rational engineering of AAV capsids or using directed evolution approach by searching within a more specific promoter or its replacement with the unique enhancer sequences characterized using modern molecular techniques (ChIP-seq, scATAC-seq, snATAC-seq) to drive the selective transgene expression in the target population of cells or desired brain regions. Realizing these strategies to restrict expression and to efficiently target astrocytic populations in specific brain regions or across the brain has great potential to enable future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Borodinova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel M. Balaban
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilya B. Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga L. Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
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10
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Muraleedharan R, Nardini D, Waclaw RR, Dasgupta B. Analysis of reactive astrogliosis in mouse brain using in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100375. [PMID: 33718893 PMCID: PMC7933799 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrogliosis is characterized by a profound change in astrocyte phenotype in response to all CNS injuries. Here, we present a revised in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocol to label the reactive astrocytes in the mouse brain. Several approaches for quantifying astrocyte reactivity lacked sensitivity to discriminate across the spectrum. We optimized in situ hybridization followed by IHC. We provide a staining protocol for quantitative measures of astrocyte reactivity as an independent confirmation of the magnitude of reactive gliosis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Muraleedharan et al. (2020).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Nardini
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ronald Raymond Waclaw
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Biplab Dasgupta
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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11
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Gipson CD, Rawls S, Scofield MD, Siemsen BM, Bondy EO, Maher EE. Interactions of neuroimmune signaling and glutamate plasticity in addiction. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:56. [PMID: 33612110 PMCID: PMC7897396 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02072-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic use of drugs of abuse affects neuroimmune signaling; however, there are still many open questions regarding the interactions between neuroimmune mechanisms and substance use disorders (SUDs). Further, chronic use of drugs of abuse can induce glutamatergic changes in the brain, but the relationship between the glutamate system and neuroimmune signaling in addiction is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to bring into focus the role of neuroimmune signaling and its interactions with the glutamate system following chronic drug use, and how this may guide pharmacotherapeutic treatment strategies for SUDs. In this review, we first describe neuroimmune mechanisms that may be linked to aberrant glutamate signaling in addiction. We focus specifically on the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, a potentially important neuroimmune mechanism that may be a key player in driving drug-seeking behavior. We highlight the importance of astroglial-microglial crosstalk, and how this interacts with known glutamatergic dysregulations in addiction. Then, we describe the importance of studying non-neuronal cells with unprecedented precision because understanding structure-function relationships in these cells is critical in understanding their role in addiction neurobiology. Here we propose a working model of neuroimmune-glutamate interactions that underlie drug use motivation, which we argue may aid strategies for small molecule drug development to treat substance use disorders. Together, the synthesis of this review shows that interactions between glutamate and neuroimmune signaling may play an important and understudied role in addiction processes and may be critical in developing more efficacious pharmacotherapies to treat SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra D Gipson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone, BBSRB, Room 363, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA.
| | - Scott Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Benjamin M Siemsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Emma O Bondy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone, BBSRB, Room 363, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
| | - Erin E Maher
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone, BBSRB, Room 363, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
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O'Carroll SJ, Cook WH, Young D. AAV Targeting of Glial Cell Types in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Relevance to Human Gene Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:618020. [PMID: 33505247 PMCID: PMC7829478 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.618020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different glial cell types are found throughout the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they have important functions. These cell types are also involved in nervous system pathology, playing roles in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma in the brain and spinal cord (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), nerve degeneration and development of pain in peripheral nerves (Schwann cells, satellite cells), retinal diseases (Müller glia) and gut dysbiosis (enteric glia). These cell type have all been proposed as potential targets for treating these conditions. One approach to target these cell types is the use of gene therapy to modify gene expression. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to be safe and effective in targeting cells in the nervous system and have been used in a number of clinical trials. To date, a number of studies have tested the use of different AAV serotypes and cell-specific promoters to increase glial cell tropism and expression. However, true glial-cell specific targeting for a particular glial cell type remains elusive. This review provides an overview of research into developing glial specific gene therapy and discusses some of the issues that still need to be addressed to make glial cell gene therapy a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William H Cook
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Parekh SV, Paniccia JE, Lebonville CL, Lysle DT. Dorsal hippocampal interleukin-1 signaling mediates heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3653-3664. [PMID: 32860071 PMCID: PMC7686097 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence suggests opioid abuse can increase the incidence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in clinical populations. Interestingly, opioid withdrawal alone can produce symptoms similar to those of PTSD. Despite this association, the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship of opioid abuse, withdrawal, and PTSD is poorly understood. Our laboratory has investigated the neurobiological underpinnings of stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL), an animal model of PTSD-like symptoms. We have previously shown that, in SEFL, a severe footshock induces an increase in dorsal hippocampal (DH) interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and subsequent fear learning is blocked by DH IL-1 receptor antagonism (IL-1RA). Given that opioids and stress engage similar neuroimmune mechanisms, the present experiments investigate whether the same mechanisms drive heroin withdrawal to induce a PTSD-like phenotype. First, we tested the effect of a chronic escalating heroin dose and withdrawal regimen on fear learning and found it produces enhanced future fear learning. Heroin withdrawal also induces a time-dependent, region-specific increase in IL-1β and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity within the dentate gyrus of the DH. IL-1β was significantly colocalized with GFAP, indicating astrocytes may be involved in increased IL-1β. Moreover, intra-DH infusions of IL-1RA 0, 24, and 48 h into heroin withdrawal prevents the development of enhanced fear learning but does not alter withdrawal-induced weight loss. Collectively, our data suggests heroin withdrawal is sufficient to produce enhanced fear learning, astrocytes may play a role in heroin withdrawal-induced IL-1β, and DH IL-1 signaling during withdrawal mediates the development of heroin withdrawal-enhanced fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shveta V. Parekh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270 USA
| | - Jacqueline E. Paniccia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270 USA
| | - Christina L. Lebonville
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270 USA
| | - Donald T. Lysle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3270, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270 USA,Corresponding Author: , Telephone: +1-919-962-3088, Fax: +1-919-962-2537
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