Microglial expression of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins is regulated by cytokines and the extracellular matrix: beta5 integrin null microglia show no defects in adhesion or MMP-9 expression on vitronectin

Emerging Roles for MFG-E8 in Synapse Elimination

Synapse elimination is an essential process in the healthy nervous system and is dysregulated in many neuropathologies. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms and under what conditions they occur remain unclear. MFG-E8 is a secreted glycoprotein well known to act as an opsonin, tagging stressed and dying cells for engulfment by phagocytes. Opsonization of cells and debris by MFG-E8 for microglial phagocytosis in the CNS is well established, and its role in astrocytic phagocytosis, and trogocytosis-like engulfment of synapses is beginning to be explored. However, MFG-E8's function in other tissues is highly diverse, and evidence suggests that its role in the nervous system and on synapse elimination in particular may be more complex and varied than opsonization. In this review, we outline the documented direct and indirect effects of MFG-E8 on synapse elimination, while also proposing potential roles to be explored further, in particular, cytoskeletal reorganization of neurites and glia leading to synapse elimination by various mechanisms. Finally, we demonstrate the need for several open questions to be answered-chiefly, under what conditions might MFG-E8-mediated synapse elimination occur in favor of other mechanisms, and when might its activity be dysregulated, increasing unwanted synapse elimination and neurotoxicity?

The role of integrins in brain health and neurodegenerative diseases

Integrins are heterodimeric membrane proteins expressed on the surface of most cells. They mediate adhesion and signaling processes relevant for a wealth of physiological processes, including nervous system development and function. Interestingly, integrins are also recognized therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Here, we discuss the role of integrins in brain development and function, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain (Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke). Furthermore, we discuss therapeutic targeting of these adhesion receptors in inflammatory diseases of the brain.

The cerebroprotection and prospects of FNDC5/irisin in stroke

Stroke, the leading cause of disability and cognitive impairment, is also the second leading cause of death worldwide. The drugs with multi-targeted brain cytoprotective effects are increasingly being advocated for the treatment of stroke. Irisin, a newly discovered myokine produced by cleavage of fibronectin type III domain 5, has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism, mitochondrial energy, and fat browning. A large amount of evidence indicated that irisin could exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties in a variety of diseases such as myocardial infarction, inflammatory bowel disease, lung injury, and kidney or liver disease. Studies have found that irisin is widely distributed in multiple brain regions and also plays an important regulatory role in the central nervous system. The most common cause of a stroke is a sudden blockage of an artery (ischemic stroke), and in some circumstances, a blood vessel rupture can also result in a stroke (hemorrhagic stroke). After a stroke, complicated pathophysiological processes lead to serious brain injury and neurological dysfunction. According to recent investigations, irisin may protect elements of the neurovascular unit by acting on multiple pathological processes in stroke. This review aims to outline the currently recognized effects of irisin on stroke and propose possible directions for future research.

Irisin reduces amyloid-β by inducing the release of neprilysin from astrocytes following downregulation of ERK-STAT3 signaling

A pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein in the brain. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce Aβ burden in various AD mouse models, but the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. Irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, is the secreted form of fibronectin type-III-domain-containing 5 (FNDC5). Here, using a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model of AD, we show that irisin significantly reduces Aβ pathology by increasing astrocytic release of the Aβ-degrading enzyme neprilysin (NEP). This is mediated by downregulation of ERK-STAT3 signaling. Finally, we show that integrin αV/β5 acts as the irisin receptor on astrocytes required for irisin-induced release of astrocytic NEP, leading to clearance of Aβ. Our findings reveal for the first time a cellular and molecular mechanism by which exercise-induced irisin attenuates Aβ pathology, suggesting a new target pathway for therapies aimed at the prevention and treatment of AD.

Cell-specific expression and function of laminin at the neurovascular unit

Laminin, a major component of the basal lamina (BL), is a heterotrimeric protein with many isoforms. In the CNS, laminin is expressed by almost all cell types, yet different cells synthesize distinct laminin isoforms. By binding to its receptors, laminin exerts a wide variety of important functions. However, due to the reciprocal and cell-specific expression of laminin in different cells at the neurovascular unit, its functions in blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance and BBB repair after injury are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the neurovascular unit under both physiological and pathological conditions. We first briefly introduce the structures of laminin and its receptors. Next, the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the CNS are summarized in a cell-specific manner. Finally, we identify the knowledge gap in the field and discuss key questions that need to be answered in the future. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview on cell-specific expression of laminin and its receptors in the CNS and their functions on BBB integrity.

Decipher the Glioblastoma Microenvironment: The First Milestone for New Groundbreaking Therapeutic Strategies

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour in adults. Despite the combination of novel therapeutical approaches, it remains a deadly malignancy with an abysmal prognosis. GBM is a polymorphic tumour from both molecular and histological points of view. It consists of different malignant cells and various stromal cells, contributing to tumour initiation, progression, and treatment response. GBM’s microenvironment is multifaceted and is made up of soluble factors, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cell types (e.g., neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts) together with resident (e.g., microglia) or recruited (e.g., bone marrow-derived macrophages) immune cells. These latter constitute the so-called immune microenvironment, accounting for a substantial GBM’s tumour volume. Despite the abundance of immune cells, an intense state of tumour immunosuppression is promoted and developed; this represents the significant challenge for cancer cells’ immune-mediated destruction. Though literature data suggest that distinct GBM’s subtypes harbour differences in their microenvironment, its role in treatment response remains obscure. However, an in-depth investigation of GBM’s microenvironment may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities to improve patients’ outcomes. This review will elucidate the GBM’s microenvironment composition, highlighting the current state of the art in immunotherapy approaches. We will focus on novel strategies of active and passive immunotherapies, including vaccination, gene therapy, checkpoint blockade, and adoptive T-cell therapies.

Crosstalk between Inflammation and the BBB in Stroke

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is located at the interface between the central nervous system (CNS) and the circulatory system, is instrumental in establishing and maintaining the microenvironmental homeostasis of the CNS. BBB disruption following stroke promotes inflammation by enabling leukocytes, T cells and other immune cells to migrate via both the paracellular and transcellular routes across the BBB and to infiltrate the CNS parenchyma. Leukocytes promote the removal of necrotic tissues and neuronal recovery, but they also aggravate BBB injury and exacerbate stroke outcomes, especially after late reperfusion. Moreover, the swelling of astrocyte endfeet is thought to contribute to the ‘no-reflow’ phenomenon observed after cerebral ischemia, that is, blood flow cannot return to capillaries after recanalization of large blood vessels. Pericyte recruitment and subsequent coverage of endothelial cells (ECs) alleviate BBB disruption, which causes the transmigration of inflammatory cells across the BBB to be a dynamic process. Furthermore, interneurons and perivascular microglia also make contacts with ECs, astrocytes and pericytes to establish the neurovascular unit. BBB-derived factors after cerebral ischemia triggered microglial activation. During the later stage of injury, microglia remain associated with brain ECs and contribute to repair mechanisms, including postinjury angiogenesis, by acquiring a protective phenotype, which possibly occurs through the release of microglia-derived soluble factors. Taken together, we reviewed dynamic and bidirectional crosstalk between inflammation and the BBB during stroke and revealed targeted interventions based on the crosstalk between inflammation and the BBB, which will provide novel insights for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Liposomal 9-Aminoacridine for Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: From Drug Discovery to Drug Delivery

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal part in the pathogenesis of stroke. Orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 is involved in the inflammatory response of microglia and macrophages. In this study, we discovered an old drug, 9-aminoacridine (9-AA), as a novel NR4A1 activator from our in-house FDA-approved drug library, which exhibited anti-inflammatory activities through an NR4A1/IL-10/SOCS3 signaling pathway and modulated the microglia activation. To improve the druggability of 9-AA, different liposomal formulations were screened and investigated. 9-AA-loaded liposome (9-AA/L) was prepared to reduce the adverse effect of 9-AA. Furthermore, 9-AA-loaded PEG/cRGD dual-modified liposome (9-AA/L-PEG-cRGD) was obtained, which displayed prolonged circulation, improved biodistribution, and increased brain accumulation. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model, 9-AA/L-PEG-cRGD significantly reduced brain infarct area, ameliorated ischemic brain injury, and promoted long-term neurological function recovery. This "from drug discovery to drug delivery" methodology provides a potential therapeutic strategy using the liposomal 9-AA, the NR4A1 activator to suppress neuroinflammation for treatment of ischemic stroke.

Microglia: Brain cells on the move

In the last decade, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the biology of microglia - i.e. the fascinating immigrated resident immune cell population of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent literature reviews have largely dealt with the plentiful functions of microglia in CNS homeostasis, development and pathology, and the influences of sex and the microbiome. In this review, the intriguing aspect of their physical plasticity during CNS development will get specific attention. Microglia move around (mobility) and reshape their processes (motility). Microglial migration into and inside the CNS is most prominent throughout development and consequently most of the data described in this review concern mobility and motility in the changing environment of the developing brain. Here, we first define microglia based on their highly specialized age- and region-dependent gene expression signature and associated functional heterogeneity. Next, we describe their origin, the migration route of immature microglial cells towards the CNS, the mechanisms underlying their invasion of the CNS, and their spatiotemporal localization and surveying behaviour inside the developing CNS. These processes are dependent on microglial mobility and motility which are determined by the microenvironment of the CNS. Therefore, we further zoom in on the changing environment during CNS development. We elaborate on the extracellular matrix and the respective integrin receptors on microglia and we discuss the purinergic and molecular signalling in microglial mobility. In the last section, we discuss the physiological and pathological functions of microglia in which mobility and motility are involved to stress the importance of microglial 'movement'.

Vitronectin from brain pericytes promotes adult forebrain neurogenesis by stimulating CNTF

Vitronectin (VTN) is a glycoprotein in the blood and affects hemostasis. VTN is also present in the extracellular matrix of various organs but little is known about its function in healthy adult tissues. We show, in adult mice, that VTN is uniquely expressed by approximately half of the pericytes of subventricular zone (SVZ) where neurogenesis continues throughout life. Intracerebral VTN antibody injection or VTN knockout reduced neurogenesis as well as expression of pro-neurogenic CNTF, and anti-neurogenic LIF and IL-6. Conversely, injections of VTN, or plasma from VTN+/+, but not VTN-/- mice, increased these cytokines. VTN promoted SVZ neurogenesis when LIF and IL-6 were suppressed by co-administration of a gp130 inhibitor. Unexpectedly, VTN inhibited FAK signaling and VTN-/- mice had increased FAK signaling in the SVZ. Further, an FAK inhibitor or VTN increased CNTF expression, but not in conditional astrocytic FAK knockout mice, suggesting that VTN increases CNTF through FAK inhibition in astrocytes. These results identify a novel role of pericyte-derived VTN in the brain, where it regulates SVZ neurogenesis through co-expression of CNTF, LIF and IL-6. VTN-integrin-FAK and gp130 signaling may provide novel targets to induce neurogenesis for cell replacement therapies.

Microglia in the Neurovascular Unit: Blood-Brain Barrier-microglia Interactions After Central Nervous System Disorders

Over the past few decades, microglial cells have been regarded as the main executor of inflammation after acute and chronic central nervous system (CNS) disorders, responding rapidly to exogenous stimuli during acute trauma or infections, or signals released by cells undergoing cell death during conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Barriers of the nervous system, and in particular the blood-brain barrier (BBB), play a key role in the normal physiological and cognitive functions of the brain. Being at the interface between the central and peripheral compartment, the BBB is regarded as a sensor of homeostasis, and any disruption within the brain or the systemic compartment triggers BBB dysfunction and neuroinflammation, both contributing to the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease. This involves a dynamic response mediated by all components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and ongoing research suggests that BBB-microglia interaction is critical to dictate the microglial response to NVU injury. The present review aims to give an up-to-date account of the emerging critical role of BBB-microglia interactions during neuroinflammation, and how these could be targeted for the therapeutic treatment of major central inflammatory disease.

Retinal microglia - A key player in healthy and diseased retina

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain and retina, are constantly engaged in the surveillance of their surrounding neural tissue. During embryonic development they infiltrate the retinal tissues and participate in the phagocytosis of redundant neurons. The contribution of microglia in maintaining the purposeful and functional histo-architecture of the adult retina is indispensable. Within the retinal microenvironment, robust microglial activation is elicited by subtle changes caused by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. When there is a disturbance in the cell-cell communication between microglia and other retinal cells, for example in retinal injury, the activated microglia can manifest actions that can be detrimental. This is evidenced by activated microglia secreting inflammatory mediators that can further aggravate the retinal injury. Microglial activation as a harbinger of a variety of retinal diseases is well documented by many studies. In addition, a change in the microglial phenotype which may be associated with aging, may predispose the retina to age-related diseases. In light of the above, the focus of this review is to highlight the role played by microglia in the healthy and diseased retina, based on findings of our own work and from that of others.

Blood vitronectin is a major activator of LIF and IL-6 in the brain through integrin-FAK and uPAR signaling

We defined how blood-derived vitronectin (VTN) rapidly and potently activates leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) in vitro and after vascular injury in the brain. Treatment with VTN (but not fibrinogen, fibronectin, laminin-111 or collagen-I) substantially increased LIF and IL-6 within 4 h in C6-astroglioma cells, while VTN^-/- mouse plasma was less effective than that from wild-type mice. LIF and IL-6 were induced by intracerebral injection of recombinant human (rh)VTN in mice, but induction seen upon intracerebral hemorrhage was less in VTN^-/- mice than in wild-type littermates. In vitro, VTN effects were inhibited by RGD, αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin-blocking peptides and antibodies. VTN activated focal adhesion kinase (FAK; also known as PTK2), whereas pharmacological- or siRNA-mediated inhibition of FAK, but not PYK2, reduced the expression of LIF and IL-6 in C6 and endothelial cells and after traumatic cell injury. Dominant-negative FAK (Y397F) reduced the amount of injury-induced LIF and IL-6. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of uPAR (also known as PLAUR), which binds VTN, also reduced cytokine expression, possibly through a common target of uPAR and integrins. We propose that VTN leakage into tissues promotes inflammation. Integrin-FAK signaling is therefore a novel IL-6 and LIF regulation mechanism relevant to the inflammation and stem cell fields.

Surface functionalized exosomes as targeted drug delivery vehicles for cerebral ischemia therapy

The safe and effective delivery of drugs is a major obstacle in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Exosomes hold great promise as an endogenous drug delivery nanosystem for the treatment of cerebral ischemia given their unique properties, including low immunogenicity, innate stability, high delivery efficiency, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, exosome insufficient targeting capability limits their clinical applications. In this study, the c(RGDyK) peptide has been conjugated to the exosome surface by an easy, rapid, and bio-orthogonal chemistry. In the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model, The engineered c(RGDyK)-conjugated exosomes (cRGD-Exo) target the lesion region of the ischemic brain after intravenous administration. Furthermore, curcumin has been loaded onto the cRGD-Exo, and administration of these exosomes has resulted in a strong suppression of the inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis in the lesion region. The results suggest a targeting delivery vehicle for ischemic brain based on exosomes and provide a strategy for the rapid and large-scale production of functionalized exosomes.

Age-specific function of α5β1 integrin in microglial migration during early colonization of the developing mouse cortex

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, take part in brain development and homeostasis. They derive from primitive myeloid progenitors that originate in the yolk sac and colonize the brain mainly through intensive migration. During development, microglial migration speed declines which suggests that their interaction with the microenvironment changes. However, the matrix-cell interactions allowing dispersion within the parenchyma are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to better characterize the migration behavior and to assess the role of matrix-integrin interactions during microglial migration in the embryonic brain ex vivo. We focused on microglia-fibronectin interactions mediated through the fibronectin receptor α5β1 integrin because in vitro work indirectly suggested a role for this ligand-receptor pair. Using 2-photon time-lapse microscopy on acute ex vivo embryonic brain slices, we found that migration occurs in a saltatory pattern and is developmentally regulated. Most importantly, there is an age-specific function of the α5β1 integrin during microglial cortex colonization. At embryonic day (E) 13.5, α5β1 facilitates migration while from E15.5, it inhibits migration. These results indicate a developmentally regulated function of α5β1 integrin in microglial migration during colonization of the embryonic brain.

LXW7 ameliorates focal cerebral ischemia injury and attenuates inflammatory responses in activated microglia in rats

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in ischemic stroke, when activated microglia release excessive pro-inflammatory mediators. The inhibition of integrin αvβ3 improves outcomes in rat focal cerebral ischemia models. However, the mechanisms by which microglia are neuroprotective remain unclear. This study evaluated whether post-ischemic treatment with another integrin αvβ3 inhibitor, the cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide-cGRGDdvc (LXW7), alleviates cerebral ischemic injury. The anti-inflammatory effect of LXW7 in activated microglia within rat focal cerebral ischemia models was examined. A total of 108 Sprague-Dawley rats (250–280 g) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 2 h, the rats were given an intravenous injection of LXW7 (100 μg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Neurological scores, infarct volumes, brain water content (BWC) and histology alterations were determined. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)], and Iba1-positive activated microglia, within peri-ischemic brain tissue, were assessed with ELISA, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Infarct volumes and BWC were significantly lower in LXW7-treated rats compared to those in the MCAO + PBS (control) group. The LXW7 treatment lowered the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There was a reduction of Iba1-positive activated microglia, and the TNF-α and IL-1β expressions were attenuated. However, there was no difference in the Zea Longa scores between the ischemia and LXW7 groups. The results suggest that LXW7 protected against focal cerebral ischemia and attenuated inflammation in activated microglia. LXW7 may be neuroprotective during acute MCAO-induced brain damage and microglia-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Gene silencing of MCP-1 prevents microglial activation and inflammatory injury after intracerebral hemorrhage

Microglia are activated after intracerebral hemorrhage and induce neuron death by releasing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. However, the related mechanism of microglia activation in such conditions remains elusive. MCP-1, the ligand of CCR2 expressed in the central nervous system, could promote microglia proliferation, survival and cytokine secretion. According to the previous findings, we make a hypothesis that whether alternation of MCP-1 level could attenuate microglia activation and toxicity to neuron in intracerebral hemorrhage. To identify that, we interfere with the MCP-1 expression of microglia by RNAi technology, and coculture the microglia and neuron in ICH. The results demonstrated that MCP-1 RNAi inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression in microglia and attenuated neuron injury. In conclusion, the present study suggests that MCP-1 might promote ICH induced microglia activation and toxicity to neuron, and MCP-1 RNAi might provide promising therapeutical strategy for ICH.

Role of TGFβ signaling in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); being associated with conspicuous changes on microglia activation. Aged microglia exhibit an increased expression of cytokines, exacerbated reactivity to various stimuli, oxidative stress, and reduced phagocytosis of β-amyloid (Aβ). Whereas normal inflammation is protective, it becomes dysregulated in the presence of a persistent stimulus, or in the context of an inflammatory environment, as observed in aging. Thus, neuroinflammation can be a self-perpetuating deleterious response, becoming a source of additional injury to host cells in neurodegenerative diseases. In aged individuals, although transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is upregulated, its canonical Smad3 signaling is greatly reduced and neuroinflammation persists. This age-related Smad3 impairment reduces protective activation while facilitating cytotoxic activation of microglia through several cellular mechanisms, potentiating microglia-mediated neurodegeneration. Here, we critically discuss the role of TGFβ-Smad signaling on the cytotoxic activation of microglia and its relevance in the pathogenesis of AD. Other protective functions, such as phagocytosis, although observed in aged animals, are not further induced by inflammatory stimuli and TGFβ1. Analysis in silico revealed that increased expression of receptor scavenger receptor (SR)-A, involved in Aβ uptake and cell activation, by microglia exposed to TGFβ, through a Smad3-dependent mechanism could be mediated by transcriptional co-factors Smad2/3 over the MSR1 gene. We discuss that changes of TGFβ-mediated regulation could at least partially mediate age-associated microglia changes, and, together with other changes on inflammatory response, could result in the reduction of protective activation and the potentiation of cytotoxicity of microglia, resulting in the promotion of neurodegenerative diseases.

The relationship between serial [(18) F]PBR06 PET imaging of microglial activation and motor function following stroke in mice

PURPOSE

Using [(18) F]PBR06 positron emission tomography (PET) to characterize the time course of stroke-associated neuroinflammation (SAN) in mice, to evaluate whether brain microglia influences motor function after stroke, and to demonstrate the use of [(18) F]PBR06 PET as a therapeutic assessment tool.

PROCEDURES

Stroke was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Balb/c mice (control, stroke, and stroke with poststroke minocycline treatment). [18 F]PBR06 PET/CT imaging, rotarod tests, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed 3, 11, and 22 days poststroke induction (PSI).

RESULTS

The stroke group exhibited significantly increased microglial activation, and impaired motor function. Peak microglial activation was 11 days PSI. There was a strong association between microglial activation, motor function, and microglial protein expression on IHC. Minocycline significantly reduced microglial activation and improved motor function by day 22 PSI.

CONCLUSION

[18 F]PBR06 PET imaging noninvasively characterizes the time course of SAN, and shows increased microglial activation is associated with decreased motor function.

MFGE8/Integrin β3 pathway alleviates apoptosis and inflammation in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

BACKGROUND

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8(MFGE8)/Integrin β3 pathway was reported to be involved in reducing oxidative stress and early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In the present study, the potential effects of MFGE8 and its receptor Integrin β3 in the inhibition of apoptosis and neuroinflammation in early brain injury after SAH were investigated.

METHODS

Ninety-five (95) male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The SAH model was induced by endovascular perforation. Recombinant human MFGE8 (rhMFGE8), MFGE8 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and Integrin β3 siRNA were injected intracerebroventricularly. SAH grade, neurologic scores, Western blots and immunofluorescence were employed to study the mechanisms of MFGE8 and its receptor Integrin β3, as well as neurological outcome.

RESULTS

SAH induced significant neuronal apoptosis and inflammation and exhibited neurological dysfunction in rats. Knockdown endogenous MFGE8 with siRNA significantly increased the protein levels of cleaved caspase 3 and IL-1β, accompanied with more neurological deficits. rhMFGE8 significantly reduced neural cell death in cortex, decreased cleaved caspase 3 and IL-1β expressions, and improved neurological functions 24h after SAH. The anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation effects of rhMFGE8 were abolished by Integrin β3 siRNA.

CONCLUSION

MFGE8 could alleviate neurologic damage in early brain injury after SAH via anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects. MFGE8 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for future management of SAH patients.

Aging-like changes in the transcriptome of irradiated microglia

Whole brain irradiation remains important in the management of brain tumors. Although necessary for improving survival outcomes, cranial irradiation also results in cognitive decline in long-term survivors. A chronic inflammatory state characterized by microglial activation has been implicated in radiation-induced brain injury. We here provide the first comprehensive transcriptional profile of irradiated microglia. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to isolate CD11b+ microglia from the hippocampi of C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice 1 month after 10 Gy cranial irradiation. Affymetrix gene expression profiles were evaluated using linear modeling and rank product analyses. One month after irradiation, a conserved irradiation signature across strains was identified, comprising 448 and 85 differentially up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated enrichment for inflammation, including M1 macrophage-associated genes, but also an unexpected enrichment for extracellular matrix and blood coagulation-related gene sets, in contrast previously described microglial states. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis confirmed these findings and further revealed alterations in mitochondrial function. The RNA-seq transcriptome of microglia 24-h postradiation proved similar to the 1-month transcriptome, but additionally featured alterations in apoptotic and lysosomal gene expression. Reanalysis of published aging mouse microglia transcriptome data demonstrated striking similarity to the 1-month irradiated microglia transcriptome, suggesting that shared mechanisms may underlie aging and chronic irradiation-induced cognitive decline. GLIA 2015;63:754-767.

Systemic inflammation in early neonatal mice induces transient and lasting neurodegenerative effects

Background

The inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to induce acute gliosis in neonatal mice. However, the progressive effects on the murine neurodevelopmental program over the week that follows systemic inflammation are not known. Thus, we investigated the effects of repeated LPS administration in the first postnatal week in mice, a condition mimicking sepsis in late preterm infants, on the developing central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

Systemic inflammation was induced by daily intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of LPS (6 mg/kg) in newborn mice from postnatal day (PND) 4 to PND6. The effects on neurodevelopment were examined by staining the white matter and neurons with Luxol Fast Blue and Cresyl Violet, respectively. The inflammatory response was assessed by quantifying the expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, high mobility group box (HMGB)-1, and autotaxin (ATX). In addition, B6 CX3CR1^gfp/+ mice combined with cryo-immunofluorescence were used to determine the acute, delayed, and lasting effects on myelination, microglia, and astrocytes.

Results

LPS administration led to acute body and brain weight loss as well as overt structural changes in the brain such as cerebellar hypoplasia, neuronal loss/shrinkage, and delayed myelination. The impaired myelination was associated with alterations in the proliferation and differentiation of NG2 progenitor cells early after LPS administration, rather than with excessive phagocytosis by CNS myeloid cells. In addition to disruptions in brain architecture, a robust inflammatory response to LPS was observed. Quantification of inflammatory biomarkers revealed decreased expression of ATX with concurrent increases in HMGB1, TLR-4, and MMP-9 expression levels. Acute astrogliosis (GFAP⁺ cells) in the brain parenchyma and at the microvasculature interface together with parenchymal microgliosis (CX3CR1⁺ cells) were also observed. These changes preceded the migration/proliferation of CX3CR1⁺ cells around the vessels at later time points and the subsequent loss of GFAP⁺ astrocytes.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study has uncovered a complex innate inflammatory reaction and associated structural changes in the brains of neonatal mice challenged peripherally with LPS. These findings may explain some of the neurobehavioral abnormalities that develop following neonatal sepsis.

Sevoflurane preconditioning ameliorates neuronal deficits by inhibiting microglial MMP-9 expression after spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Background

Microglia are the primary immune cells of the spinal cord that are activated in response to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and release various neurotrophic and/or neurotoxic factors to determine neuronal survival. Among them, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which cleaves various components of the extracellular matrix in the basal lamina and functions as part of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB), is considered important for regulating inflammatory responses and microenvironmental homeostasis of the BSCB in the pathology of ischemia. Sevoflurane has been reported to protect against neuronal apoptosis during cerebral IR. However, the effects of sevoflurane preconditioning on spinal cord IR injury remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of sevoflurane on potential genetic roles of microglial MMP-9 in tight junction protein breakdown, opening of the BSCB, and subsequent recruitment of microglia to apoptotic spinal cord neurons.

Results

The results showed significant upregulation of MMP-9 in rats with IR-induced inflammation of the BSCB compared to that of the sham group, manifested as dysfunctional BSCB with increased Evans blue extravasation and reduced expression of occludin protein. Increased MMP-9 expression was also observed to facilitate invasion and migration of activated microglia, imaging as high Iba-1 expression, clustered to neurons in the injured spinal cord, as shown by double immunofluorescence, and increased proinflammatory chemokine production (CXCL10, CCL2). Further, sevoflurane preconditioning markedly improved motor function by ameliorating neuronal apoptosis, as shown by reduced TUNEL-positive cell counts and expression of cleaved caspase-3. These protective effects were probably responsible for downregulation of MMP-9 and maintenance of normal expression of occludin protein indicating BSCB integrity from inflammatory damage, which was confirmed by decreased protein levels of Iba-1 and MMP-9, as well as reduced production of proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL10, CCL2) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β). Intrathecal injection of specific siRNAs targeting MMP-9 had similar protective effects to those of sevoflurane preconditioning.

Conclusions

Preconditioning with 2.4% sevoflurane attenuated spinal cord IR injury by inhibiting recruitment of microglia and secretion of MMP-9; thus inhibiting downstream effects on inflammatory damage to BSCB integrity and neuronal apoptosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-014-0069-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PET imaging of stroke-induced neuroinflammation in mice using [18F]PBR06

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) radioligand [(18)F]N-fluoroacetyl-N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-phenoxyaniline ([(18)F]PBR06) as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging biomarker of stroke-induced neuroinflammation in a rodent model.

PROCEDURES

Stroke was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in Balb/c mice. Dynamic PET/CT imaging with displacement and preblocking using PK111195 was performed 3 days later. PET data were correlated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the activated microglial markers TSPO and CD68 and with autoradiography.

RESULTS

[(18)F]PBR06 accumulation peaked within the first 5 min postinjection, then decreased gradually, remaining significantly higher in infarct compared to noninfarct regions. Displacement or preblocking with PK11195 eliminated the difference in [(18)F]PBR06 uptake between infarct and noninfarct regions. Autoradiography and IHC correlated well spatially with uptake on PET.

CONCLUSIONS

[(18)F]PBR06 PET specifically images TSPO in microglial neuroinflammation in a mouse model of stroke and shows promise for imaging and monitoring microglial activation/neuroinflammation in other disease models.

Drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier: an overview

The brain is one of the most protected organs in the body. There are two key barriers that control the access of endogenous substances and xenobiotics (drugs or toxins) to the CNS. These physiological structures are the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. The BBB represents the main determinant of the effective delivery of drugs to the CNS. Good access through the BBB is essential if the target site is located within the CNS or, in contrast, can be a disadvantage if adverse reactions occur at central level. The development of new drugs targeted to the CNS requires a better knowledge of the factors affecting BBB permeation as well as in vitro and in silico predictive tools to optimize screening, and to reduce the attrition rate at later stages of drug development. This review discusses the particular characteristics of the biology and physiology of the BBB with respect to the permeation and distribution of drugs into the brain. The factors affecting rate, extent and distribution into the brain are discussed and a brief description of the in silico, in vitro, in situ and in vivo methods used to measure BBB transport are presented. Finally, the lastest proposals and strategies to enhance transport across the BBB of new CNS drugs are summarized.

Extracellular matrix and matrix receptors in blood-brain barrier formation and stroke

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed primarily to protect the brain microenvironment from the influx of plasma components, which may disturb neuronal functions. The BBB is a functional unit that consists mainly of specialized endothelial cells (ECs) lining the cerebral blood vessels, astrocytes, and pericytes. The BBB is a dynamic structure that is altered in neurologic diseases, such as stroke. ECs and astrocytes secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to generate and maintain the basement membranes (BMs). ECM receptors, such as integrins and dystroglycan, are also expressed at the brain microvasculature and mediate the connections between cellular and matrix components in physiology and disease. ECM proteins and receptors elicit diverse molecular signals that allow cell adaptation to environmental changes and regulate growth and cell motility. The composition of the ECM is altered upon BBB disruption and directly affects the progression of neurologic disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss the dynamic changes of ECM composition and integrin receptor expression that control BBB functions in physiology and pathology.

Use of astrocyte-microglial cocultures to examine the regulatory influence of astrocytes on microglial activation

Microglia are the principal immune effector cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Under normal conditions, they occupy a quiescent surveillance phenotype, but following stimulation by microorganisms or inflammatory cytokines, microglia transform into highly activated migratory, phagocytic cells producing inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Significantly, several studies have demonstrated that astrocytes attenuate microglial activation, reducing microglial adhesion, production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In this chapter, we describe an astrocyte-microglia coculture system that can be used to investigate interactions between these two cell types. We also describe a flow cytometry approach to quantify microglial activation state, as assessed by microglial expression of cellular activation markers, including MHC class I and the Mac-1 and α4 integrins.

Microglia use multiple mechanisms to mediate interactions with vitronectin; non-essential roles for the highly-expressed αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins

Background

As the primary resident immune cells, microglia play a central role in regulating inflammatory processes in the CNS. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein vitronectin promotes microglial activation, switching microglia into an activated phenotype. We have shown previously that microglia express two vitronectin receptors, αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins. As these integrins have well-defined roles in activation and phagocytic processes in other cell types, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the contribution of these two integrins in microglial activation.

Methods

Microglial cells were prepared from wild-type, β3 integrin knockout (KO), β5 integrin KO or β3/β5 integrin DKO mice, and their interactions and activation responses to vitronectin examined in a battery of assays, including adhesion, expression of activation markers, MMP-9 expression, and phagocytosis. Expression of other αv integrins was examined by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation.

Results

Surprisingly, when cultured on vitronectin, microglia from the different knockout strains showed no obvious defects in adhesion, activation marker expression, MMP-9 induction, or phagocytosis of vitronectin-coated beads. To investigate the reason for this lack of effect, we examined the expression of other αv integrins. Flow cytometry showed that β3/β5 integrin DKO microglia expressed residual αv integrin at the cell surface, and immunoprecipitation confirmed this finding by revealing the presence of low levels of the αvβ1 and αvβ8 integrins. β1 integrin blockade had no impact on adhesion of β3/β5 integrin DKO microglia to vitronectin, suggesting that in addition to αvβ1, αvβ3, and αvβ5, αvβ8 also serves as a functional vitronectin receptor on microglia.

Conclusions

Taken together, this demonstrates that the αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins are not essential for mediating microglial activation responses to vitronectin, but that microglia use multiple redundant receptors to mediate interactions with this ECM protein.

An angiogenic inhibitor, cyclic RGDfV, attenuates MPTP-induced dopamine neuron toxicity

We previously demonstrated that several dopamine (DA) neurotoxins produced punctate areas of FITC-labeled albumin (FITC-LA) leakage in the substantia nigra and striatum suggesting blood brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Further, this leakage was co-localized with αvβ3 integrin up-regulation, a marker for angiogenesis. This suggested that the FITC-LA leakage might have been a result of angiogenesis. To assess the possible role of angiogenesis in DA neuron loss, we treated mice with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and on the following day treated with cyRGDfV, a cyclic peptide that binds to integrin αvβ3 and prevents angiogenesis. Post-treatment for 3 days (b.i.d.) with cyRGDfV blocked the MPTP-induced upregulation of integrin β3 immunoreactivity (a marker for angiogenesis), leakage of FITC-LA into brain parenchyma (a marker for BBB disruption) as well as the down regulation of Zona Occludin-1 (ZO-1; a marker for tight junction integrity). In addition, cyRGDfV also completely prevented tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cell loss (a marker for DA neurons) and markedly attenuated the up-regulation of activated microglia (Iba1 cell counts and morphology). These data suggest that cyRGDfV, and perhaps other anti-angiogenic drugs, are neuroprotective following acute MPTP treatment and may suggest that compensatory angiogenesis and BBB dysfunction may contribute to inflammation and DA neuron loss.

The blood-brain and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers: function and dysfunction

The central nervous system (CNS) is tightly sealed from the changeable milieu of blood by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB). While the BBB is considered to be localized at the level of the endothelial cells within CNS microvessels, the BCSFB is established by choroid plexus epithelial cells. The BBB inhibits the free paracellular diffusion of water-soluble molecules by an elaborate network of complex tight junctions (TJs) that interconnects the endothelial cells. Combined with the absence of fenestrae and an extremely low pinocytotic activity, which inhibit transcellular passage of molecules across the barrier, these morphological peculiarities establish the physical permeability barrier of the BBB. In addition, a functional BBB is manifested by a number of permanently active transport mechanisms, specifically expressed by brain capillary endothelial cells that ensure the transport of nutrients into the CNS and exclusion of blood-borne molecules that could be detrimental to the milieu required for neural transmission. Finally, while the endothelial cells constitute the physical and metabolic barrier per se, interactions with adjacent cellular and acellular layers are prerequisites for barrier function. The fully differentiated BBB consists of a complex system comprising the highly specialized endothelial cells and their underlying basement membrane in which a large number of pericytes are embedded, perivascular antigen-presenting cells, and an ensheathment of astrocytic endfeet and associated parenchymal basement membrane. Endothelial cell morphology, biochemistry, and function thus make these brain microvascular endothelial cells unique and distinguishable from all other endothelial cells in the body. Similar to the endothelial barrier, the morphological correlate of the BCSFB is found at the level of unique apical tight junctions between the choroid plexus epithelial cells inhibiting paracellular diffusion of water-soluble molecules across this barrier. Besides its barrier function, choroid plexus epithelial cells have a secretory function and produce the CSF. The barrier and secretory function of the choroid plexus epithelial cells are maintained by the expression of numerous transport systems allowing the directed transport of ions and nutrients into the CSF and the removal of toxic agents out of the CSF. In the event of CNS pathology, barrier characteristics of the blood-CNS barriers are altered, leading to edema formation and recruitment of inflammatory cells into the CNS. In this review we will describe current knowledge on the cellular and molecular basis of the functional and dysfunctional blood-CNS barriers with focus on CNS autoimmune inflammation.

Molecular components underlying nongenomic thyroid hormone signaling in embryonic zebrafish neurons

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopment requires thyroid hormone, yet the mechanisms and targets of thyroid hormone action during embryonic stages remain ill-defined. We previously showed that the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) rapidly increases voltage-gated sodium current in zebrafish Rohon-Beard cells (RBs), a primary sensory neuron subtype present during embryonic development. Here, we determined essential components of the rapid T4 signaling pathway by identifying the involved intracellular messengers, the targeted sodium channel isotype, and the spatial and temporal expression pattern of the nongenomic alphaVbeta3 integrin T4 receptor.

RESULTS

We first tested which signaling pathways mediate T4's rapid modulation of sodium current (I(Na)) by perturbing specific pathways associated with nongenomic thyroid hormone signaling. We found that pharmacological blockade of protein phosphatase 1 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 isoform decreased and increased tonic sodium current amplitudes, respectively, and blockade of either occluded rapid responses to acute T4 application. We next tested for the ion channel target of rapid T4 signaling via morpholino knock-down of specific sodium channel isotypes. We found that selective knock-down of the sodium channel alpha-subunit Na(v)1.6a, but not Na(v)1.1la, occluded T4's acute effects. We also determined the spatial and temporal distribution of a nongenomic T4 receptor, integrin alphaVbeta3. At 24 hours post fertilization (hpf), immunofluorescent assays showed no specific integrin alphaVbeta3 immunoreactivity in wild-type zebrafish embryos. However, by 48 hpf, embryos expressed integrin alphaVbeta3 in RBs and primary motoneurons. Consistent with this temporal expression, T4 modulated RB I(Na) at 48 but not 24 hpf. We next tested whether T4 rapidly modulated I(Na) of caudal primary motoneurons, which express the receptor (alphaVbeta3) and target (Na(v)1.6a) of rapid T4 signaling. In response to T4, caudal primary motoneurons rapidly increased sodium current peak amplitude 1.3-fold.

CONCLUSION

T4's nongenomic regulation of sodium current occurs in different neuronal subtypes, requires the activity of specific phosphorylation pathways, and requires both integrin alphaVbeta3 and Na(v)1.6a. Our in vivo analyses identify molecules required for T4's rapid regulation of voltage-gated sodium current.