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Tan AYS, Tippett LJ, Turner CP, Swanson MEV, Park TIH, Curtis MA, Faull RLM, Dragunow M, Singh-Bains MK. Microglial proliferation and astrocytic protein alterations in the human Huntington's disease cortex. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106554. [PMID: 38844243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that severely affects the basal ganglia and regions of the cerebral cortex. While astrocytosis and microgliosis both contribute to basal ganglia pathology, the contribution of gliosis and potential factors driving glial activity in the human HD cerebral cortex is less understood. Our study aims to identify nuanced indicators of gliosis in HD which is challenging to identify in the severely degenerated basal ganglia, by investigating the middle temporal gyrus (MTG), a cortical region previously documented to demonstrate milder neuronal loss. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on MTG paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays (TMAs) comprising 29 HD and 35 neurologically normal cases to compare the immunoreactivity patterns of key astrocytic proteins (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP; inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1, Kir4.1; glutamate transporter-1, GLT-1; aquaporin-4, AQP4), key microglial proteins (ionised calcium-binding adapter molecule-1, IBA-1; human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR; transmembrane protein 119, TMEM119; purinergic receptor P2RY12, P2RY12), and indicators of proliferation (Ki-67; proliferative cell nuclear antigen, PCNA). Our findings demonstrate an upregulation of GFAP+ protein expression attributed to the presence of more GFAP+ expressing cells in HD, which correlated with greater cortical mutant huntingtin (mHTT) deposition. In contrast, Kir4.1, GLT-1, and AQP4 immunoreactivity levels were unchanged in HD. We also demonstrate an increased number of IBA-1+ and TMEM119+ microglia with somal enlargement. IBA-1+, TMEM119+, and P2RY12+ reactive microglia immunophenotypes were also identified in HD, evidenced by the presence of rod-shaped, hypertrophic, and dystrophic microglia. In HD cases, IBA-1+ cells contained either Ki-67 or PCNA, whereas GFAP+ astrocytes were devoid of proliferative nuclei. These findings suggest cortical microgliosis may be driven by proliferation in HD, supporting the hypothesis of microglial proliferation as a feature of HD pathophysiology. In contrast, astrocytes in HD demonstrate an altered GFAP expression profile that is associated with the degree of mHTT deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelie Y S Tan
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lynette J Tippett
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Clinton P Turner
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Molly E V Swanson
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Malvindar K Singh-Bains
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
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Anwar MM, Pérez-Martínez L, Pedraza-Alva G. Exploring the Significance of Microglial Phenotypes and Morphological Diversity in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Mechanisms to Potential Therapeutic Targets. Immunol Invest 2024:1-56. [PMID: 38836373 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2358446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Studying various microglial phenotypes and their functions in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial due to the intricate nature of their phenomics and their vital immunological role. Microglia undergo substantial phenomic changes, encompassing morphological, transcriptional, and functional aspects, resulting in distinct cell types with diverse structures, functions, properties, and implications. The traditional classification of microglia as ramified, M1 (proinflammatory), or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes is overly simplistic, failing to capture the wide range of recently identified microglial phenotypes in various brain regions affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Altered and activated microglial phenotypes deviating from the typical ramified structure are significant features of many neurodegenerative conditions. Understanding the precise role of each microglial phenotype is intricate and sometimes contradictory. This review specifically focuses on elucidating recent modifications in microglial phenotypes within neurodegenerative diseases. Recognizing the heterogeneity of microglial phenotypes in diseased states can unveil novel therapeutic strategies for targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the exploration of the use of healthy isolated microglia to mitigate disease progression has provided an innovative perspective. In conclusion, this review discusses the dynamic landscape of mysterious microglial phenotypes, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR)/Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Leonor Pérez-Martínez
- Neuroimmunobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Pedraza-Alva
- Neuroimmunobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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3
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Santiago-Balmaseda A, Aguirre-Orozco A, Valenzuela-Arzeta IE, Villegas-Rojas MM, Pérez-Segura I, Jiménez-Barrios N, Hurtado-Robles E, Rodríguez-Hernández LD, Rivera-German ER, Guerra-Crespo M, Martinez-Fong D, Ledesma-Alonso C, Diaz-Cintra S, Soto-Rojas LO. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Unraveling the Heterogeneity of Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:921. [PMID: 38891053 PMCID: PMC11172252 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The astrocyte population, around 50% of human brain cells, plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are vital in orchestrating neuronal development by releasing synaptogenic molecules and eliminating excessive synapses. They also modulate neuronal excitability and contribute to CNS homeostasis, promoting neuronal survival by clearance of neurotransmitters, transporting metabolites, and secreting trophic factors. Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous and respond to CNS injuries and diseases through a process known as reactive astrogliosis, which can contribute to both inflammation and its resolution. Recent evidence has revealed remarkable alterations in astrocyte transcriptomes in response to several diseases, identifying at least two distinct phenotypes called A1 or neurotoxic and A2 or neuroprotective astrocytes. However, due to the vast heterogeneity of these cells, it is limited to classify them into only two phenotypes. This review explores the various physiological and pathophysiological roles, potential markers, and pathways that might be activated in different astrocytic phenotypes. Furthermore, we discuss the astrocyte heterogeneity in the main neurodegenerative diseases and identify potential therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms in the differentiation and imbalance of the astrocytic population will allow the identification of specific biomarkers and timely therapeutic approaches in various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Santiago-Balmaseda
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Annai Aguirre-Orozco
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Irais E. Valenzuela-Arzeta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Marcos M. Villegas-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11340, Mexico
| | - Isaac Pérez-Segura
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Natalie Jiménez-Barrios
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Ernesto Hurtado-Robles
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Luis Daniel Rodríguez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Erick R. Rivera-German
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
| | - Magdalena Guerra-Crespo
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.E.V.-A.); (N.J.-B.); (D.M.-F.)
| | - Carlos Ledesma-Alonso
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sofía Diaz-Cintra
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Luis O. Soto-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Laboratorio 4 Edificio A4, Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (A.S.-B.); (A.A.-O.); (M.M.V.-R.); (I.P.-S.); (E.H.-R.); (L.D.R.-H.); (E.R.R.-G.)
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Lu M, Shi J, Li X, Liu Y, Liu Y. Long-term intake of thermo-induced oxidized oil results in anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors: involvement of microglia and astrocytes. Food Funct 2024; 15:4037-4050. [PMID: 38533894 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05302d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Frequent consumption of fried foods has been strongly associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression, particularly among young individuals. The existing evidence has indicated that acrylamide produced from starchy foods at high temperatures can induce anxious behavior. However, there is limited research on the nerve damage caused by thermo-induced oxidized oil (TIOO). In this study, we conducted behavioral tests on mice and found that prolonged consumption of TIOO led to significant anxiety behavior and a tendency toward depression. TIOO primarily induced these two emotional disorders by affecting the differentiation of microglia, the level of inflammatory factors, the activation of astrocytes, and glutamate circulation in brain tissue. By promoting the over-differentiation of microglia into M1 microglia, TIOO disrupted their differentiation balance, resulting in an up-regulation of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NOS2) in M1 microglia and a down-regulation of neuroprotective factors IL-4/IL-10 in M2 microglia, leading to nerve damage. Moreover, TIOO activated astrocytes, accelerating their proliferation and causing GFAP precipitation, which damaged astrocytes. Meanwhile, TIOO stimulates the secretion of the BDNF and reduces the level of the glutamate receptor GLT-1 in astrocytes, leading to a disorder in the glutamate-glutamine cycle, further exacerbating nerve damage. In conclusion, this study suggests that long-term intake of thermo-induced oxidized oil can trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiachen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xue Li
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuanfa Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Future Food (Bai Ma) Research Institute, 111 Baima Road, Lishui District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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5
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Niso-Santano M, Fuentes JM, Galluzzi L. Immunological aspects of central neurodegeneration. Cell Discov 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38594240 PMCID: PMC11004155 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00666-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology of various neurodegenerative disorders that mainly affect the central nervous system including (but not limited to) Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease has classically been attributed to neuronal defects that culminate with the loss of specific neuronal populations. However, accumulating evidence suggests that numerous immune effector cells and the products thereof (including cytokines and other soluble mediators) have a major impact on the pathogenesis and/or severity of these and other neurodegenerative syndromes. These observations not only add to our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions but also imply that (at least in some cases) therapeutic strategies targeting immune cells or their products may mediate clinically relevant neuroprotective effects. Here, we critically discuss immunological mechanisms of central neurodegeneration and propose potential strategies to correct neurodegeneration-associated immunological dysfunction with therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Niso-Santano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Cáceres, Spain.
| | - José M Fuentes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Creus-Muncunill J, Haure-Mirande JV, Mattei D, Bons J, Ramirez AV, Hamilton BW, Corwin C, Chowdhury S, Schilling B, Ellerby LM, Ehrlich ME. TYROBP/DAP12 knockout in Huntington's disease Q175 mice cell-autonomously decreases microglial expression of disease-associated genes and non-cell-autonomously mitigates astrogliosis and motor deterioration. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:66. [PMID: 38459557 PMCID: PMC10924371 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the Huntingtin gene (HTT). Immune activation is abundant in the striatum of HD patients. Detection of active microglia at presymptomatic stages suggests that microgliosis is a key early driver of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Recent studies showed that deletion of Tyrobp, a microglial protein, ameliorates neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease amyloidopathy and tauopathy mouse models while decreasing components of the complement subnetwork. OBJECTIVE While TYROBP/DAP12-mediated microglial activation is detrimental for some diseases such as peripheral nerve injury, it is beneficial for other diseases. We sought to determine whether the TYROBP network is implicated in HD and whether Tyrobp deletion impacts HD striatal function and transcriptomics. METHODS To test the hypothesis that Tyrobp deficiency would be beneficial in an HD model, we placed the Q175 HD mouse model on a Tyrobp-null background. We characterized these mice with a combination of behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Further, we evaluated the gene signature in isolated Q175 striatal microglia, with and without Tyrobp. RESULTS Comprehensive analysis of publicly available human HD transcriptomic data revealed that the TYROBP network is overactivated in the HD putamen. The Q175 mice showed morphologic microglial activation, reduced levels of post-synaptic density-95 protein and motor deficits at 6 and 9 months of age, all of which were ameliorated on the Tyrobp-null background. Gene expression analysis revealed that lack of Tyrobp in the Q175 model does not prevent the decrease in the expression of striatal neuronal genes but reduces pro-inflammatory pathways that are specifically active in HD human brain, including genes identified as detrimental in neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. C1q and members of the Ccr5 signaling pathway. Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed that astrogliosis and complement system pathway were reduced after Tyrobp deletion, which was further validated by immunofluorescence analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide molecular and functional support demonstrating that Tyrobp deletion prevents many of the abnormalities in the HD Q175 mouse model, suggesting that the Tyrobp pathway is a potential therapeutic candidate for Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniele Mattei
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Joanna Bons
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Angie V Ramirez
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - B Wade Hamilton
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Chuhyon Corwin
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Chowdhury
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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7
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Lobato AG, Ortiz-Vega N, Zhu Y, Neupane D, Meier KK, Zhai RG. Copper enhances aggregational toxicity of mutant huntingtin in a Drosophila model of Huntington's Disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166928. [PMID: 38660915 PMCID: PMC11046041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical presentations of moderate to severe cognitive, motor, and psychiatric disturbances. HD is caused by the trinucleotide repeat expansion of CAG of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The mutant HTT protein containing pathological polyglutamine (polyQ) extension is prone to misfolding and aggregation in the brain. It has previously been observed that copper and iron concentrations are increased in the striata of post-mortem human HD brains. Although it has been shown that the accumulation of mutant HTT protein can interact with copper, the underlying HD progressive phenotypes due to copper overload remains elusive. Here, in a Drosophila model of HD, we showed that copper induces dose-dependent aggregational toxicity and enhancement of Htt-induced neurodegeneration. Specifically, we found that copper increases mutant Htt aggregation, enhances the accumulation of Thioflavin S positive β-amyloid structures within Htt aggregates, and consequently alters autophagy in the brain. Administration of copper chelator D-penicillamine (DPA) through feeding significantly decreases β-amyloid aggregates in the HD pathological model. These findings reveal a direct role of copper in potentiating mutant Htt protein-induced aggregational toxicity, and further indicate the potential impact of environmental copper exposure in the disease onset and progression of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Lobato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Human Genetics and Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natalie Ortiz-Vega
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deepa Neupane
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Katlyn K Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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8
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Makeeva VS, Dyrkheeva NS, Lavrik OI, Zakian SM, Malakhova AA. Mutant-Huntingtin Molecular Pathways Elucidate New Targets for Drug Repurposing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16798. [PMID: 38069121 PMCID: PMC10706709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases known today is quite extensive. The complexities of their research and treatment lie not only in their diversity. Even many years of struggle and narrowly focused research on common pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other brain diseases have not brought cures for these illnesses. What can be said about orphan diseases? In particular, Huntington's disease (HD), despite affecting a smaller part of the human population, still attracts many researchers. This disorder is known to result from a mutation in the HTT gene, but having this information still does not simplify the task of drug development and studying the mechanisms of disease progression. Nonetheless, the data accumulated over the years and their analysis provide a good basis for further research. Here, we review studies devoted to understanding the mechanisms of HD. We analyze genes and molecular pathways involved in HD pathogenesis to describe the action of repurposed drugs and try to find new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladlena S. Makeeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Nadezhda S. Dyrkheeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Olga I. Lavrik
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Suren M. Zakian
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Anastasia A. Malakhova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
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9
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Baldwin KT, Murai KK, Khakh BS. Astrocyte morphology. Trends Cell Biol 2023:S0962-8924(23)00204-0. [PMID: 38180380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are predominant glial cells that tile the central nervous system (CNS). A cardinal feature of astrocytes is their complex and visually enchanting morphology, referred to as bushy, spongy, and star-like. A central precept of this review is that such complex morphological shapes evolved to allow astrocytes to contact and signal with diverse cells at a range of distances in order to sample, regulate, and contribute to the extracellular milieu, and thus participate widely in cell-cell signaling during physiology and disease. The recent use of improved imaging methods and cell-specific molecular evaluations has revealed new information on the structural organization and molecular underpinnings of astrocyte morphology, the mechanisms of astrocyte morphogenesis, and the contributions to disease states of reduced morphology. These insights have reignited interest in astrocyte morphological complexity as a cornerstone of fundamental glial biology and as a critical substrate for multicellular spatial and physiological interactions in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA.
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10
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Gao C, Jiang J, Tan Y, Chen S. Microglia in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:359. [PMID: 37735487 PMCID: PMC10514343 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia activation is observed in various neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances in single-cell technologies have revealed that these reactive microglia were with high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Some identified microglia in specific states correlate with pathological hallmarks and are associated with specific functions. Microglia both exert protective function by phagocytosing and clearing pathological protein aggregates and play detrimental roles due to excessive uptake of protein aggregates, which would lead to microglial phagocytic ability impairment, neuroinflammation, and eventually neurodegeneration. In addition, peripheral immune cells infiltration shapes microglia into a pro-inflammatory phenotype and accelerates disease progression. Microglia also act as a mobile vehicle to propagate protein aggregates. Extracellular vesicles released from microglia and autophagy impairment in microglia all contribute to pathological progression and neurodegeneration. Thus, enhancing microglial phagocytosis, reducing microglial-mediated neuroinflammation, inhibiting microglial exosome synthesis and secretion, and promoting microglial conversion into a protective phenotype are considered to be promising strategies for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we comprehensively review the biology of microglia and the roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies and Huntington's disease. We also summarize the possible microglia-targeted interventions and treatments against neurodegenerative diseases with preclinical and clinical evidence in cell experiments, animal studies, and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengdi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
- Lab for Translational Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), Shanghai Tech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Long H, Zhu W, Wei L, Zhao J. Iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis in brain diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e298. [PMID: 37377861 PMCID: PMC10292684 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain iron homeostasis is maintained through the normal function of blood-brain barrier and iron regulation at the systemic and cellular levels, which is fundamental to normal brain function. Excess iron can catalyze the generation of free radicals through Fenton reactions due to its dual redox state, thus causing oxidative stress. Numerous evidence has indicated brain diseases, especially stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, are closely related to the mechanism of iron homeostasis imbalance in the brain. For one thing, brain diseases promote brain iron accumulation. For another, iron accumulation amplifies damage to the nervous system and exacerbates patients' outcomes. In addition, iron accumulation triggers ferroptosis, a newly discovered iron-dependent type of programmed cell death, which is closely related to neurodegeneration and has received wide attention in recent years. In this context, we outline the mechanism of a normal brain iron metabolism and focus on the current mechanism of the iron homeostasis imbalance in stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Meanwhile, we also discuss the mechanism of ferroptosis and simultaneously enumerate the newly discovered drugs for iron chelators and ferroptosis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Long
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyShanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Afliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School
of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wangshu Zhu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyShanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Afliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School
of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Liming Wei
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyShanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Afliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School
of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jungong Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyShanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Afliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School
of MedicineShanghaiChina
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12
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Alavi MS, Karimi G, Ghanimi HA, Roohbakhsh A. The potential of CYP46A1 as a novel therapeutic target for neurological disorders: An updated review of mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175726. [PMID: 37062503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is a key component of the cell membrane that impacts the permeability, fluidity, and functions of membrane-bound proteins. It also participates in synaptogenesis, synaptic function, axonal growth, dendrite outgrowth, and microtubule stability. Cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism are in balance in the brain. Its metabolism in the brain is mediated mainly by CYP46A1 or cholesterol 24-hydroxylase. It is responsible for eliminating about 80% of the cholesterol excess from the human brain. CYP46A1 converts cholesterol to 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24HC) that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the liver for the final elimination process. Studies show that cholesterol and 24HC levels change during neurological diseases and conditions. So, it was hypothesized that inhibition or activation of CYP46A1 would be an effective therapeutic strategy. Accordingly, preclinical studies, using genetic and pharmacological interventions, assessed the role of CYP46A1 in main neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxias, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, its role in seizures and brain injury was evaluated. The recent development of soticlestat, as a selective and potent CYP46A1 inhibitor, with significant anti-seizure effects in preclinical and clinical studies, suggests the importance of this target for future drug developments. Previous studies have shown that both activation and inhibition of CYP46A1 are of therapeutic value. This article, using recent studies, highlights the role of CYP46A1 in various brain diseases and insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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13
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Khakh BS, Goldman SA. Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1522:42-59. [PMID: 36864567 PMCID: PMC10145027 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14977] [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: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease-related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Gangwani MR, Soto JS, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Tiwari S, Kawaguchi R, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. Neuronal and astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease dissected with zinc finger protein transcriptional repressors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111953. [PMID: 36640336 PMCID: PMC9898160 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by expanded CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT) resulting in expression of mutant HTT proteins (mHTT) with extended polyglutamine tracts, including in striatal neurons and astrocytes. It is unknown whether pathophysiology in vivo can be attenuated by lowering mHTT in either cell type throughout the brain, and the relative contributions of neurons and astrocytes to HD remain undefined. We use zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcriptional repressors to cell-selectively lower mHTT in vivo. Astrocytes display loss of essential functions such as cholesterol metabolism that are partly driven by greater neuronal dysfunctions, which encompass neuromodulation, synaptic, and intracellular signaling pathways. Using transcriptomics, proteomics, electrophysiology, and behavior, we dissect neuronal and astrocytic contributions to HD pathophysiology. Remarkably, brain-wide delivery of neuronal ZFPs results in strong mHTT lowering, rescue of HD-associated behavioral and molecular phenotypes, and significant extension of lifespan, findings that support translational development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohitkumar R. Gangwani
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Joselyn S. Soto
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Srushti Tiwari
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - James A. Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA,Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
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15
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Abjean L, Ben Haim L, Riquelme-Perez M, Gipchtein P, Derbois C, Palomares MA, Petit F, Hérard AS, Gaillard MC, Guillermier M, Gaudin-Guérif M, Aurégan G, Sagar N, Héry C, Dufour N, Robil N, Kabani M, Melki R, De la Grange P, Bemelmans AP, Bonvento G, Deleuze JF, Hantraye P, Flament J, Bonnet E, Brohard S, Olaso R, Brouillet E, Carrillo-de Sauvage MA, Escartin C. Reactive astrocytes promote proteostasis in Huntington's disease through the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. Brain 2023; 146:149-166. [PMID: 35298632 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by striatal neurodegeneration, aggregation of mutant Huntingtin and the presence of reactive astrocytes. Astrocytes are important partners for neurons and engage in a specific reactive response in Huntington's disease that involves morphological, molecular and functional changes. How reactive astrocytes contribute to Huntington's disease is still an open question, especially because their reactive state is poorly reproduced in experimental mouse models. Here, we show that the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, a central cascade controlling astrocyte reactive response, is activated in the putamen of Huntington's disease patients. Selective activation of this cascade in astrocytes through viral gene transfer reduces the number and size of mutant Huntingtin aggregates in neurons and improves neuronal defects in two complementary mouse models of Huntington's disease. It also reduces striatal atrophy and increases glutamate levels, two central clinical outcomes measured by non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, astrocyte-specific transcriptomic analysis shows that activation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in astrocytes coordinates a transcriptional program that increases their intrinsic proteolytic capacity, through the lysosomal and ubiquitin-proteasome degradation systems. This pathway also enhances their production and exosomal release of the co-chaperone DNAJB1, which contributes to mutant Huntingtin clearance in neurons. Together, our results show that the JAK2-STAT3 pathway controls a beneficial proteostasis response in reactive astrocytes in Huntington's disease, which involves bi-directional signalling with neurons to reduce mutant Huntingtin aggregation, eventually improving disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurene Abjean
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Lucile Ben Haim
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Miriam Riquelme-Perez
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Pauline Gipchtein
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Céline Derbois
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Marie-Ange Palomares
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Fanny Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Hérard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marie-Claude Gaillard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Martine Guillermier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Mylène Gaudin-Guérif
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gwennaëlle Aurégan
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Nisrine Sagar
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Cameron Héry
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Noëlle Dufour
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Mehdi Kabani
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Ronald Melki
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Alexis P Bemelmans
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Gilles Bonvento
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Jean-François Deleuze
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Julien Flament
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Eric Bonnet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Solène Brohard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Robert Olaso
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Maria-Angeles Carrillo-de Sauvage
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Carole Escartin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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16
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Farzana F, McConville MJ, Renoir T, Li S, Nie S, Tran H, Hannan AJ, Hatters DM, Boughton BA. Longitudinal spatial mapping of lipid metabolites reveals pre-symptomatic changes in the hippocampi of Huntington's disease transgenic mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105933. [PMID: 36436748 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In Huntington's disease (HD), a key pathological feature includes the development of inclusion-bodies of fragments of the mutant huntingtin protein in the neurons of the striatum and hippocampus. To examine the molecular changes associated with inclusion-body formation, we applied MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging and deuterium pulse labelling to determine lipid levels and synthesis rates in the hippocampus of a transgenic mouse model of HD (R6/1 line). The R6/1 HD mice lacked inclusions in the hippocampus at 6 weeks of age (pre-symptomatic), whereas inclusions were pervasive by 16 weeks of age (symptomatic). Hippocampal subfields (CA1, CA3 and DG), which formed the highest density of inclusion formation in the mouse brain showed a reduction in the relative abundance of neuron-enriched lipids that have roles in neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and ER-stress protection. Lipids involved in the adaptive response to ER stress (phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and ganglioside classes) displayed increased rates of synthesis in HD mice relative to WT mice at all the ages examined, including prior to the formation of the inclusion bodies. Our findings, therefore, support a role for ER stress occurring pre-symptomatically and potentially contributing to pathological mechanisms underlying HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farheen Farzana
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Metabolomics Australia, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Harvey Tran
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Danny M Hatters
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Berin A Boughton
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Australian National Phenome Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia, Australia.
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17
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Cvetanovic M, Gray M. Contribution of Glial Cells to Polyglutamine Diseases: Observations from Patients and Mouse Models. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:48-66. [PMID: 37020152 PMCID: PMC10119372 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are broadly characterized neuropathologically by the degeneration of vulnerable neuronal cell types in a specific brain region. The degeneration of specific cell types has informed on the various phenotypes/clinical presentations in someone suffering from these diseases. Prominent neurodegeneration of specific neurons is seen in polyglutamine expansion diseases including Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). The clinical manifestations observed in these diseases could be as varied as the abnormalities in motor function observed in those who have Huntington's disease (HD) as demonstrated by a chorea with substantial degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) or those with various forms of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) with an ataxic motor presentation primarily due to degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Due to the very significant nature of the degeneration of MSNs in HD and Purkinje cells in SCAs, much of the research has centered around understanding the cell autonomous mechanisms dysregulated in these neuronal cell types. However, an increasing number of studies have revealed that dysfunction in non-neuronal glial cell types contributes to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Here we explore these non-neuronal glial cell types with a focus on how each may contribute to the pathogenesis of HD and SCA and the tools used to evaluate glial cells in the context of these diseases. Understanding the regulation of supportive and harmful phenotypes of glia in disease could lead to development of novel glia-focused neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Michelle Gray
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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18
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Geijtenbeek KW, Janzen J, Bury AE, Sanz-Sanz A, Hoebe RA, Bondulich MK, Bates GP, Reits EAJ, Schipper-Krom S. Reduction in PA28αβ activation in HD mouse brain correlates to increased mHTT aggregation in cell models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278130. [PMID: 36574405 PMCID: PMC9794069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat at the N-terminus of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Lowering the levels of soluble mutant HTT protein prior to aggregation through increased degradation by the proteasome would be a therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay the onset of disease. Native PAGE experiments in HdhQ150 mice and R6/2 mice showed that PA28αβ disassembles from the 20S proteasome during disease progression in the affected cortex, striatum and hippocampus but not in cerebellum and brainstem. Modulating PA28αβ activated proteasomes in various in vitro models showed that PA28αβ improved polyQ degradation, but decreased the turnover of mutant HTT. Silencing of PA28αβ in cells lead to an increase in mutant HTT aggregates, suggesting that PA28αβ is critical for overall proteostasis, but only indirectly affects mutant HTT aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jolien Janzen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra E. Bury
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alicia Sanz-Sanz
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A. Hoebe
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marie K. Bondulich
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Huntington’s Disease Centre and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian P. Bates
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Huntington’s Disease Centre and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A. J. Reits
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Sabine Schipper-Krom
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Medical Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Owada R, Kakuta Y, Yoshida K, Mitsui S, Nakamura K. Conditioned medium from BV2 microglial cells having polyleucine specifically alters startle response in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18718. [PMID: 36333586 PMCID: PMC9636192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG translation (RAN translation) is observed in transcripts that are causative for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases and generates proteins with mono amino acid tracts such as polyalanine (polyA), polyleucine (polyL) and polyserine (polyS) in neurons, astrocytes and microglia. We have previously shown that microglia with aggregated polyQ led to defective differentiation and degeneration of neuron-like cells. However, it has not been determined whether only microglia containing a specific RAN product, but not other RAN products, is harmful in vitro and in vivo. Here we show that polyL-incorporating microglia specifically led to altered startle response in mice. Aggregated polyA, polyS and polyL induced aberrant differentiation of microglia-like BV2 cells. Differentiated PC12 cells treated with conditioned medium (CM) of polyS- and polyL- but not polyA-incorporating microglia-like BV2 cells showed retraction of neurites and loss of branch of neurites. Injection of the polyL-CM, but not polyA-CM and polyS-CM, into the lateral ventricle lowered startle response in mice. Consistently, polyL induced the highest expression of CD68 in BV2 cells. The lowered startle response was replicated in mice given the polyL-CM in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC), the key region of startle response. Thus, endogenous RAN proteins having polyL derived from polyQ diseases-causative genes in microglia might specifically impair startle response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Yohei Kakuta
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Kosuke Yoshida
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- grid.256642.10000 0000 9269 4097Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-Machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511 Japan
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20
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Layburn FE, Tan AY, Mehrabi NF, Curtis MA, Tippett LJ, Turner CP, Riguet N, Aeschbach L, Lashuel HA, Dragunow M, Faull RL, Singh-Bains MK. N-terminal mutant huntingtin deposition correlates with CAG repeat length and symptom onset, but not neuronal loss in Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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21
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Donnelly KM, Coleman CM, Fuller ML, Reed VL, Smerina D, Tomlinson DS, Pearce MMP. Hunting for the cause: Evidence for prion-like mechanisms in Huntington’s disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:946822. [PMID: 36090278 PMCID: PMC9448931 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.946822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis that pathogenic protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases spread from cell-to-cell in the brain in a manner akin to infectious prions has gained substantial momentum due to an explosion of research in the past 10–15 years. Here, we review current evidence supporting the existence of prion-like mechanisms in Huntington’s disease (HD), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat tract in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. We summarize information gained from human studies and in vivo and in vitro models of HD that strongly support prion-like features of the mutant HTT (mHTT) protein, including potential involvement of molecular features of mHTT seeds, synaptic structures and connectivity, endocytic and exocytic mechanisms, tunneling nanotubes, and nonneuronal cells in mHTT propagation in the brain. We discuss mechanisms by which mHTT aggregate spreading and neurotoxicity could be causally linked and the potential benefits of targeting prion-like mechanisms in the search for new disease-modifying therapies for HD and other fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby M. Donnelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cevannah M. Coleman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Madison L. Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Victoria L. Reed
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dayna Smerina
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David S. Tomlinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Margaret M. Panning Pearce
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Margaret M. Panning Pearce,
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22
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Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
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23
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Molecular Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Huntington's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061432. [PMID: 35740453 PMCID: PMC9219859 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease described 150 years ago by George Huntington. The genetic defect was identified in 1993 to be an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 4. In the following almost 30 years, a considerable amount of research, using mainly animal models or in vitro experiments, has tried to unravel the complex molecular cascades through which the transcription of the mutant protein leads to neuronal loss, especially in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and identified excitotoxicity, transcriptional dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired proteostasis, altered axonal trafficking and reduced availability of trophic factors to be crucial contributors. This review discusses the pathogenic cascades described in the literature through which mutant huntingtin leads to neuronal demise. However, due to the ubiquitous presence of huntingtin, astrocytes are also dysfunctional, and neuroinflammation may additionally contribute to Huntington’s disease pathology. The quest for therapies to delay the onset and reduce the rate of Huntington’s disease progression is ongoing, but is based on findings from basic research.
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24
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Saba J, Couselo FL, Bruno J, Carniglia L, Durand D, Lasaga M, Caruso C. Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease: A Starring Role for Astrocyte and Microglia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1116-1143. [PMID: 34852742 PMCID: PMC9886821 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211201094608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. HD causes motor, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Since no existing treatment affects the course of this disease, new treatments are needed. Inflammation is frequently observed in HD patients before symptom onset. Neuroinflammation, characterized by the presence of reactive microglia, astrocytes and inflammatory factors within the brain, is also detected early. However, in comparison to other neurodegenerative diseases, the role of neuroinflammation in HD is much less known. Work has been dedicated to altered microglial and astrocytic functions in the context of HD, but less attention has been given to glial participation in neuroinflammation. This review describes evidence of inflammation in HD patients and animal models. It also discusses recent knowledge on neuroinflammation in HD, highlighting astrocyte and microglia involvement in the disease and considering anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico López Couselo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Bruno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Address correspondence to this author at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 10, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tel: +54 11 5285 3380; E-mail:
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25
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Kacher R, Mounier C, Caboche J, Betuing S. Altered Cholesterol Homeostasis in Huntington’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:797220. [PMID: 35517051 PMCID: PMC9063567 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.797220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG repeat in the first exon of Huntingtin’s gene. The associated neurodegeneration mainly affects the striatum and the cortex at early stages and progressively spreads to other brain structures. Targeting HD at its earlier stages is under intense investigation. Numerous drugs were tested, with a rate of success of only 3.5% approved molecules used as symptomatic treatment. The restoration of cholesterol metabolism, which is central to the brain homeostasis and strongly altered in HD, could be an interesting disease-modifying strategy. Cholesterol is an essential membrane component in the central nervous system (CNS); alterations of its homeostasis have deleterious consequences on neuronal functions. The levels of several sterols, upstream of cholesterol, are markedly decreased within the striatum of HD mouse model. Transcription of cholesterol biosynthetic genes is reduced in HD cell and mouse models as well as post-mortem striatal and cortical tissues from HD patients. Since the dynamic of brain cholesterol metabolism is complex, it is essential to establish the best method to target it in HD. Cholesterol, which does not cross the blood-brain-barrier, is locally synthesized and renewed within the brain. All cell types in the CNS synthesize cholesterol during development but as they progress through adulthood, neurons down-regulate their cholesterol synthesis and turn to astrocytes for their full supply. Cellular levels of cholesterol reflect the dynamic balance between synthesis, uptake and export, all integrated into the context of the cross talk between neurons and glial cells. In this review, we describe the latest advances regarding the role of cholesterol deregulation in neuronal functions and how this could be a determinant factor in neuronal degeneration and HD progression. The pathways and major mechanisms by which cholesterol and sterols are regulated in the CNS will be described. From this overview, we discuss the main clinical strategies for manipulating cholesterol metabolism in the CNS, and how to reinstate a proper balance in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhia Kacher
- Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute (ICM), AP-HP, INSERM, CNRS, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Coline Mounier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Jocelyne Caboche
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Betuing
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Paris, France
- U1130, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Sandrine Betuing,
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26
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Smethurst P, Franklin H, Clarke BE, Sidle K, Patani R. The role of astrocytes in prion-like mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Brain 2022; 145:17-26. [PMID: 35265969 PMCID: PMC8967097 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases are not merely neuronal in nature but comprise multicellular involvement, with astrocytes emerging as key players. The pathomechanisms of several neurodegenerative diseases involve the deposition of misfolded protein aggregates in neurons that have characteristic prion-like behaviours such as template-directed seeding, intercellular propagation, distinct conformational strains and protein-mediated toxicity. The role of astrocytes in dealing with these pathological prion-like protein aggregates and whether their responses either protect from or conspire with the disease process is currently unclear. Here we review the existing literature implicating astrocytes in multiple neurodegenerative proteinopathies with a focus on prion-like behaviour in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Smethurst
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Hannah Franklin
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Benjamin E Clarke
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Katie Sidle
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Katie Sidle E-mail:
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Correspondence to: Rickie Patani The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK E-mail:
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27
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Owada R, Mitsui S, Nakamura K. Exogenous polyserine and polyleucine are toxic to recipient cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1685. [PMID: 35102230 PMCID: PMC8803884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05720-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of mRNAs/transcripts responsible for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases may generate peptides containing different mono amino acid tracts such as polyserine (polyS) and polyleucine (polyL). The propagation of aggregated polyQ from one cell to another is also an intriguing feature of polyQ proteins. However, whether the RAN translation-related polyS and polyL have the ability to propagate remains unclear, and if they do, whether the exogenous polyS and polyL exert toxicity on the recipient cells is also not known yet. In the present study, we found that aggregated polyS and polyL peptides spontaneously enter neuron-like cells and astrocytes in vitro. Aggregated polyS led to the degeneration of the differentiated neuron-like cultured cells. Likewise, the two types of aggregates taken up by astrocytes induced aberrant differentiation and cell death in vitro. Furthermore, injection of each of the two types of aggregates into the ventricles of adult mice resulted in their behavioral changes. The polyS-injected mice showed extensive vacuolar degeneration in the brain. Thus, the RAN translation-related proteins containing polyS and polyL have the potential to propagate and the proteins generated by all polyQ diseases might exert universal toxicity in the recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
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28
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C57BL/6 Background Attenuates mHTT Toxicity in the Striatum of YAC128 Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312664. [PMID: 34884469 PMCID: PMC8657915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models are frequently used to study Huntington’s disease (HD). The onset and severity of neuronal and behavioral pathologies vary greatly between HD mouse models, which results from different huntingtin expression levels and different CAG repeat length. HD pathology appears to depend also on the strain background of mouse models. Thus, behavioral deficits of HD mice are more severe in the FVB than in the C57BL/6 background. Alterations in medium spiny neuron (MSN) morphology and function have been well documented in young YAC128 mice in the FVB background. Here, we tested the relevance of strain background for mutant huntingtin (mHTT) toxicity on the cellular level by investigating HD pathologies in YAC128 mice in the C57BL/6 background (YAC128/BL6). Morphology, spine density, synapse function and membrane properties were not or only subtly altered in MSNs of 12-month-old YAC128/BL6 mice. Despite the mild cellular phenotype, YAC128/BL6 mice showed deficits in motor performance. More pronounced alterations in MSN function were found in the HdhQ150 mouse model in the C57BL/6 background (HdhQ150/BL6). Consistent with the differences in HD pathology, the number of inclusion bodies was considerably lower in YAC128/BL6 mice than HdhQ150/BL6 mice. This study highlights the relevance of strain background for mHTT toxicity in HD mouse models.
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29
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Bakels HS, Roos RAC, van Roon-Mom WMC, de Bot ST. Juvenile-Onset Huntington Disease Pathophysiology and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Mov Disord 2021; 37:16-24. [PMID: 34636452 PMCID: PMC9291924 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant inherited brain disorder that typically becomes manifest in adulthood. Juvenile-onset Huntington disease refers to approximately 5% of patients with symptom onset before the age of 21 years. The causal factor is a pathologically expanded CAG repeat in the Huntingtin gene. Age at onset is inversely correlated with CAG repeat length. Juvenile-onset patients have distinct symptoms and signs with more severe pathology of involved brain structures in comparison with disease onset in adulthood. The aim of this review is to compare clinical and pathological features in juvenile- and adult-onset Huntington disease and to explore which processes potentially contribute to the observed differences. A specific focus is placed on molecular mechanisms of mutant huntingtin in early neurodevelopment and the interaction of a neurodegenerative disease and postnatal brain maturation. The importance of a better understanding of pathophysiological differences between juvenile- and adult-onset Huntington disease lies in development and implementation of new therapeutic strategies. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Bakels
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Raymund A C Roos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Susanne T de Bot
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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30
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Chan ST, Mercaldo ND, Kwong KK, Hersch SM, Rosas HD. Impaired Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Huntington's Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:663898. [PMID: 34366879 PMCID: PMC8334185 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.663898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that impairments of cerebrovascular function and/or abnormalities of the cerebral vasculature might contribute to early neuronal cell loss in Huntington's disease (HD). Studies in both healthy individuals as well as in patients with other neurodegenerative disorders have used an exogenous carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess regional cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). In this study, we explored potential impairments of CVR in HD. Twelve gene expanded HD individuals, including both pre-symptomatic and early symptomatic HD and eleven healthy controls were administered a gas mixture targeting a 4-8 mmHg increase in CO2 relative to the end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (P ET CO2) at rest. A Hilbert Transform analysis was used to compute the cross-correlation between the time series of regional BOLD signal changes (ΔBOLD) and increased P ET CO2, and to estimate the response delay of ΔBOLD relative to P ET CO2. After correcting for age, we found that the cross-correlation between the time series for regional ΔBOLD and for P ET CO2 was weaker in HD subjects than in controls in several subcortical white matter regions, including the corpus callosum, subcortical white matter adjacent to rostral and caudal anterior cingulate, rostral and caudal middle frontal, insular, middle temporal, and posterior cingulate areas. In addition, greater volume of dilated perivascular space (PVS) was observed to overlap, primarily along the periphery, with the areas that showed greater ΔBOLD response delay. Our preliminary findings support that alterations in cerebrovascular function occur in HD and may be an important, not as yet considered, contributor to early neuropathology in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Tak Chan
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Nathaniel D Mercaldo
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K Kwong
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Steven M Hersch
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Herminia D Rosas
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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31
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Aslani M, Mortazavi-Jahromi SS, Mirshafiey A. Efficient roles of miR-146a in cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammatory disorders: An effectual review in neuroimmunology. Immunol Lett 2021; 238:1-20. [PMID: 34293378 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Known as one of the most sophisticated systems of the human body, the nervous system consists of neural cells and controls all parts of the body. It is closely related to the immune system. The effects of inflammation and immune reactions have been observed in the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders. Defined as the gene expression regulators, miRNAs participate in cellular processes. miR-146a is a mediator in the neuroimmune system, leaving substantial effects on the homeostasis of immune and brain cells, neuronal identities acquisition, and immune responses regulation in the nervous system. Its positive efficiency has been proven in modulating inflammatory reactions, hemorrhagic complications, and pain. Moreover, the miR-146a targets play a key role in the pathogenesis of these illnesses. Based on the performance of its targets, miR-146a can have various effects on the disease progress. The abnormal expression/function of miR-146a has been reported in neuroinflammatory disorders. There is research evidence that this molecule qualifies as a desirable biomarker for some disorders and can even be a therapeutic target. This study aims to provide a meticulous review regarding the roles of miR-146a in the pathogenesis and progression of several neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, temporal lobe epilepsy, ischemic stroke, etc. The study also considers its eligibility for use as an ideal biomarker and therapeutic target in these diseases. The awareness of these mechanisms can facilitate the disease management/treatment, lead to patients' amelioration, improve the quality of life, and mitigate the risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abbas Mirshafiey
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Iron activates microglia and directly stimulates indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase activity in the N171-82Q mouse model of Huntington's disease. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250606. [PMID: 33989290 PMCID: PMC8121302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a dominant CAG-repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. Microglial activation is a key feature of HD pathology, and is present before clinical disease onset. The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation is activated in HD, and is thought to contribute to disease progression. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) catalyzes the first step in this pathway; this and other pathway enzymes reside with microglia. While HD brain microglia accumulate iron, the role of iron in promoting microglial activation and KP activity is unclear. Here we utilized the neonatal iron supplementation model to investigate the relationship between iron, microglial activation and neurodegeneration in adult HD mice. We show in the N171-82Q mouse model of HD microglial morphologic changes consistent with immune activation. Neonatal iron supplementation in these mice promoted neurodegeneration and resulted in additional microglial activation in adults as determined by increased soma volume and decreased process length. We further demonstrate that iron activates IDO, both in brain lysates and purified recombinant protein (EC50 = 1.24 nM). Brain IDO activity is increased by HD. Neonatal iron supplementation further promoted IDO activity in cerebral cortex, altered KP metabolite profiles, and promoted HD neurodegeneration as measured by brain weights and striatal volumes. Our results demonstrate that dietary iron is an important activator of microglia and the KP pathway in this HD model, and that this occurs in part through a direct effect on IDO. The findings are relevant to understanding how iron promotes neurodegeneration in HD.
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33
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CB2 Receptor in Microglia: The Guardian of Self-Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010019. [PMID: 33375006 PMCID: PMC7792761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are key to maintaining the homeostasis of the brain. These immune cells of the brain can be our biggest ally in fighting infections, but can worsen pathology or hinder recovery when uncontrolled. Thus, understanding how microglia contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and how their activity can be controlled is of great importance. It is known that activation of endocannabinoid system, and especially the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), decreases inflammation. Alongside its non-psychoactive effect, it makes the CB2R receptor a perfect target for treating diseases accompanied by neuroinflammation including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanisms by which CB2R regulates microglial activity are not yet understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on the roles of microglial CB2R from in vitro and in vivo studies. We look into CB2R function under physiological and pathological conditions and focus on four different disease models representing chronic and acute inflammation. We highlight open questions and controversies and provide an update on the latest discoveries that were enabled by the development of novel technologies. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the role of microglia CB2R in cognition and its role in neuron–microglia communication.
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34
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Trujillo-Estrada L, Gomez-Arboledas A, Forner S, Martini AC, Gutierrez A, Baglietto-Vargas D, LaFerla FM. Astrocytes: From the Physiology to the Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:675-698. [PMID: 31470787 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190830110152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key cells for adequate brain formation and regulation of cerebral blood flow as well as for the maintenance of neuronal metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and exocytosis, and synaptic transmission. Many of these functions are intrinsically related to neurodegeneration, allowing refocusing on the role of astrocytes in physiological and neurodegenerative states. Indeed, emerging evidence in the field indicates that abnormalities in the astrocytic function are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the present review, we highlight the physiological role of astrocytes in the CNS, including their communication with other cells in the brain. Furthermore, we discuss exciting findings and novel experimental approaches that elucidate the role of astrocytes in multiple neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo-Estrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Angela Gomez-Arboledas
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefânia Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Alessandra Cadete Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Antonia Gutierrez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Baglietto-Vargas
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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35
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Owada R, Awata S, Suzue K, Kanetaka H, Kakuta Y, Nakamura K. Polyglutamine-containing microglia leads to disturbed differentiation and neurite retraction of neuron-like cells. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04851. [PMID: 32954034 PMCID: PMC7486442 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expanded polyglutamine-containing proteins in neurons intrinsically contributes to neuronal dysfunctions and neuronal cell death in polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. In addition, an expanded polyQ-containing protein in microglia also leads to apoptosis of neurons. However, detailed morphological analysis of neurons exposed to conditioned medium (CM) derived from polyQ-containing microglia has not been essentially carried out. Here, we introduced aggregated peptide with 69 glutamine repeat (69Q) into BV2 microglial cells. The 69Q-containing BV2 cells showed shorter branches. The CM from 69Q-containing microglia (69Q-CM) induced neurite retraction and fewer number of branch point of neurites of differentiated PC12 cells. Likewise, the 69Q-CM induces disturbed differentiation of PC12 cells with shorter total length of neurites and fewer number of branch point of neurites. Thus, the factor(s) released from polyQ-containing microglia affect both differentiation and degeneration of neuron-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Saaya Awata
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazutomo Suzue
- Department of Parasitology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Kanetaka
- Laison Center for Innovative Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yohei Kakuta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Corresponding author.
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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36
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Crapser JD, Ochaba J, Soni N, Reidling JC, Thompson LM, Green KN. Microglial depletion prevents extracellular matrix changes and striatal volume reduction in a model of Huntington's disease. Brain 2020; 143:266-288. [PMID: 31848580 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is associated with a reactive microglial response and consequent inflammation. To address the role of these cells in disease pathogenesis, we depleted microglia from R6/2 mice, a rapidly progressing model of Huntington's disease marked by behavioural impairment, mutant huntingtin (mHTT) accumulation, and early death, through colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibition (CSF1Ri) with pexidartinib (PLX3397) for the duration of disease. Although we observed an interferon gene signature in addition to downregulated neuritogenic and synaptic gene pathways with disease, overt inflammation was not evident by microglial morphology or cytokine transcript levels in R6/2 mice. Nonetheless, CSF1Ri-induced microglial elimination reduced or prevented disease-related grip strength and object recognition deficits, mHTT accumulation, astrogliosis, and striatal volume loss, the latter of which was not associated with reductions in cell number but with the extracellular accumulation of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs)-a primary component of glial scars. A concurrent loss of proteoglycan-containing perineuronal nets was also evident in R6/2 mice, and microglial elimination not only prevented this but also strikingly increased perineuronal nets in the brains of naïve littermates, suggesting a new role for microglia as homeostatic regulators of perineuronal net formation and integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Crapser
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Ochaba
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Neelakshi Soni
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jack C Reidling
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kim N Green
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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37
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King AC, Wood TE, Rodriguez E, Parpura V, Gray M. Differential effects of SNARE-dependent gliotransmission on behavioral phenotypes in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2020; 330:113358. [PMID: 32387649 PMCID: PMC7313419 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the widely expressed huntingtin protein. Multiple studies have indicated the importance of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in astrocytes to HD pathogenesis. Astrocytes exhibit SNARE-dependent exocytosis and gliotransmission, which can be hampered by transgenic expression of dominant negative SNARE (dnSNARE) in these glial cells. We used BACHD mice and crossed them with the dnSNARE model to determine if pan-astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis plays an important role in vivo in the progression of HD behavioral phenotypes. We assessed motor and neuropsychiatric behaviors in these mice. At 12 months of age there was a significant improvement in motor coordination (rotarod test) in BACHD/dnSNARE mice when compared to BACHD mice. Analyses of open field performance revealed significant worsening of center entry (at 9 and 12 months), but not distance traveled in BACHD/dnSNARE when compared to BACHD mice, and variable/inconclusive results on vertical plane entry. While no differences between BACHD and BACHD/dnSNARE mice at 12 months of age in the forced swim test were found, we did observe a significant decrease in performance of BACHD/dnSNARE mice in the light-dark box paradigm. Thus, reduction of astrocytic SNARE-dependent exocytosis has differential effects on the psychiatric-like and motor phenotypes observed in BACHD mice. These data suggest broadly targeting SNARE-dependent exocytosis in astrocytes throughout the brain as a means to modulate gliotransmission in HD may contribute to worsening of specific behavioral deficits and perhaps a brain-region specific approach would be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesha C King
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience Theme, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tara E Wood
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Efrain Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michelle Gray
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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38
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Yang J, Yang X. Phase Transition of Huntingtin: Factors and Pathological Relevance. Front Genet 2020; 11:754. [PMID: 32849783 PMCID: PMC7396480 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of intracellular mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates is a hallmark of Huntington’s disease (HD). The mechanisms underlying mHtt aggregation, however, are still not fully understood. A few recent studies indicated mHtt undergoes phase transition, bringing new clues to understand how mHtt aggregates assemble. Here in this mini review, we will summarize these findings with a focus on the factors that affect mHtt phase transition. We will also discuss the possible pathological roles of mHtt phase separation in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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39
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Wong CO. Endosomal-Lysosomal Processing of Neurodegeneration-Associated Proteins in Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145149. [PMID: 32708198 PMCID: PMC7404029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by deposition of protein aggregates that are resulted from misfolding, dysregulated trafficking, and compromised proteolytic degradation. These proteins exert cellular toxicity to a broad range of brain cells and are found in both neurons and glia. Extracellular monomeric and oligomeric ND-associated proteins are taken up by astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell in the brain. Internalization, intracellular trafficking, processing, and disposal of these proteins are executed by the endosomal-lysosomal system of astrocytes. Endosomal-lysosomal organelles thus mediate the cellular impact and metabolic fate of these toxic protein species. Given the indispensable role of astrocytes in brain metabolic homeostasis, the endosomal-lysosomal processing of these proteins plays a fundamental role in altering the trajectory of neurodegeneration. This review aims at summarizing the mounting evidence that has established the essential role of astrocytic endosomal-lysosomal organelles in the processing of amyloid precursor proteins, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), tau, alpha synuclein, and huntingtin, which are associated with NDs such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-On Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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40
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Zhou Y, Chen Q, Wang Y, Wu H, Xu W, Pan Y, Gao S, Dong X, Zhang JH, Shao A. Persistent Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction: Pathophysiological Substrate and Trigger for Late-Onset Neurodegeneration After Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:581. [PMID: 32581697 PMCID: PMC7296179 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the major causes of death worldwide and leads to persisting neurological deficits in many of the survivors. One of the most significant long-term sequelae deriving from TBI is neurodegenerative disease, which is a group of incurable diseases that impose a heavy socio-economic burden. However, mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of TBI to neurodegenerative disease remain elusive. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a functional unit composed of neurons, neuroglia, vascular cells, and the basal lamina matrix. The key role of NVU dysfunction in many central nervous system diseases has been revealed. Studies have proved the presence of prolonged structural and functional abnormalities of the NVU after TBI. Moreover, growing evidence suggests impaired NVU function is also implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we propose the Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction (NVUD) Hypothesis, in which the persistent NVU dysfunction is thought to underlie the development of post-TBI neurodegeneration. We deduce NVUD Hypothesis through relational inference and supporting evidence, and suggest continued NVU abnormalities following TBI serve as the pathophysiological substrate and trigger yielding chronic neuroinflammation, proteinopathies and oxidative stress, consequently leading to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The NVUD Hypothesis may provide potential treatment and prevention strategies for TBI and late-onset neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haijian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanbo Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - John H. Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery and Neurology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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41
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Maxan A, Sciacca G, Alpaugh M, Tao Z, Breger L, Dehay B, Ling Z, Chuan Q, Cisbani G, Masnata M, Salem S, Lacroix S, Oueslati A, Bezard E, Cicchetti F. Use of adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of mutant huntingtin to study the spreading capacity of the protein in mice and non-human primates. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 141:104951. [PMID: 32439599 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to model various aspects of Huntington's disease (HD) pathology, in particular protein spread, we administered adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) or GFP coupled to HTT-Exon1 (19Q or 103Q) to the central nervous system of adult wild-type (WT) mice and non-human primates. All animals underwent behavioral testing and post-mortem analyses to determine the long-term consequences of AAV injection. Both mice and non-human primates demonstrated behavioral changes at 2-3 weeks post-surgery. In mice, these changes were absent after 3 months while in non-human primates, they persisted in the majority of tested animals. Post-mortem analysis revealed that spreading of the aggregates was limited, although the virus did spread between synaptically-connected brain regions. Despite circumscribed spreading, the presence of mHTT generated changes in endogenous huntingtin (HTT) levels in both models. Together, these results suggest that viral expression of mHTTExon1 can induce spreading and seeding of HTT in both mice and non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Maxan
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Giacomo Sciacca
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Melanie Alpaugh
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Zhu Tao
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ludivine Breger
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Benjamin Dehay
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Zhang Ling
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Chuan
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- University of Toronto, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Maria Masnata
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Shireen Salem
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Steve Lacroix
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Médicine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 0A6, Canada
| | - Abid Oueslati
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Médicine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 0A6, Canada
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, China Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des maladies neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 0A6, Canada.
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42
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Nóbrega C, Conceição A, Costa RG, Koppenol R, Sequeira RL, Nunes R, Carmo-Silva S, Marcelo A, Matos CA, Betuing S, Caboche J, Cartier N, Alves S. The cholesterol 24-hydroxylase activates autophagy and decreases mutant huntingtin build-up in a neuroblastoma culture model of Huntington's disease. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:210. [PMID: 32276655 PMCID: PMC7149904 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compromised brain cholesterol turnover and altered regulation of brain cholesterol metabolism have been allied with some neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Following our previous studies in HD, in this study we aim to investigate in vitro in a neuroblastoma cellular model of HD, the effect of CYP46A1 overexpression, an essential enzyme in cholesterol metabolism, on huntingtin aggregation and levels. RESULTS We found that CYP46A1 reduces the quantity and size of mutant huntingtin aggregates in cells, as well as the levels of mutant huntingtin protein. Additionally, our results suggest that the observed beneficial effects of CYP46A1 in HD cells are linked to the activation of autophagy. Taken together, our results further demonstrate that CYP46A1 is a pertinent target to counteract HD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clévio Nóbrega
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal. .,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal. .,Algarve Biomedical Center, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal. .,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - André Conceição
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rafael G Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rebekah Koppenol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Raquel L Sequeira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Nunes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Sara Carmo-Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Marcelo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandrine Betuing
- Neuronal Signaling and Gene Regulation, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénerie, INSERM/UMR-S 1130, CNRS/UMR 8246, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jocelyne Caboche
- Neuronal Signaling and Gene Regulation, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Faculté des Sciences et Ingénerie, INSERM/UMR-S 1130, CNRS/UMR 8246, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- INSERM U1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 bd de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France.
| | - Sandro Alves
- Brainvectis, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 boulevard de l'Hôpital Paris, 75646, Paris Cedex 13, France.
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Savage JC, St-Pierre MK, Carrier M, El Hajj H, Novak SW, Sanchez MG, Cicchetti F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial physiological properties and interactions with synapses are altered at presymptomatic stages in a mouse model of Huntington's disease pathology. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:98. [PMID: 32241286 PMCID: PMC7118932 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive and motor abilities by primarily targeting the striatum and cerebral cortex. HD is caused by a mutation elongating the CAG repeats within the Huntingtin gene, resulting in HTT protein misfolding. Although the genetic cause of HD has been established, the specific susceptibility of neurons within various brain structures has remained elusive. Microglia, which are the brain's resident macrophages, have emerged as important players in neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, few studies have examined their implication in HD. METHODS To provide novel insights, we investigated the maturation and dysfunction of striatal microglia using the R6/2 mouse model of HD. This transgenic model, which presents with 120+/-5 CAG repeats, displays progressive motor deficits beginning at 6 weeks of age, with full incapacitation by 13 weeks. We studied microglial morphology, phagocytic capacity, and synaptic contacts in the striatum of R6/2 versus wild-type (WT) littermates at 3, 10, and 13 weeks of age, using a combination of light and transmission electron microscopy. We also reconstructed dendrites and determined synaptic density within the striatum of R6/2 and WT littermates, at nanoscale resolution using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS At 3 weeks of age, prior to any known motor deficits, microglia in R6/2 animals displayed a more mature morphological phenotype than WT animals. Microglia from R6/2 mice across all ages also demonstrated increased phagocytosis, as revealed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, microglial processes from 10-week-old R6/2 mice made fewer contacts with synaptic structures than microglial processes in 3-week-old R6/2 mice and age-matched WT littermates. Synaptic density was not affected by genotype at 3 weeks of age but increased with maturation in WT mice. The location of synapses was lastly modified in R6/2 mice compared with WT controls, from targeting dendritic spines to dendritic trunks at both 3 and 10 weeks of age. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that microglia may play an intimate role in synaptic alteration and loss during HD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Hassan El Hajj
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sammy Weiser Novak
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria Gabriela Sanchez
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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44
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de Majo M, Koontz M, Rowitch D, Ullian EM. An update on human astrocytes and their role in development and disease. Glia 2020; 68:685-704. [PMID: 31926040 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human astrocytes provide trophic as well as structural support to the surrounding brain cells. Furthermore, they have been implicated in many physiological processes important for central nervous system function. Traditionally astrocytes have been considered to be a homogeneous class of cells, however, it has increasingly become more evident that astrocytes can have very different characteristics in different regions of the brain, or even within the same region. In this review we will discuss the features of human astrocytes, their heterogeneity, and their generation during neurodevelopment and the extraordinary progress that has been made to model these fascinating cells in vitro, mainly from induced pluripotent stem cells. Astrocytes' role in disease will also be discussed with a particular focus on their role in neurodegenerative disorders. As outlined here, astrocytes are important for the homeostasis of the central nervous system and understanding their regional specificity is a priority to elucidate the complexity of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina de Majo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mark Koontz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David Rowitch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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45
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Sung K, Jimenez-Sanchez M. Autophagy in Astrocytes and its Implications in Neurodegeneration. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:2605-2621. [PMID: 31931011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a major degradation pathway where double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes deliver cytoplasmic content to the lysosome. Increasing evidence suggests that autophagy dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, misfolded proteins that accumulate in these diseases and constitute a common pathological hallmark are substrates for autophagic degradation. Astrocytes, a major type of glial cells, are emerging as a critical component in most neurodegenerative diseases. This review will summarize the recent efforts to investigate the role that autophagy plays in astrocytes in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. While the field has mostly focused on the implications of autophagy in neurons, autophagy may also be involved in the clearance of disease-related proteins in astrocytes as well as in maintaining astrocyte function, which could impact the cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous contribution of astrocytes to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Sung
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Maria Jimenez-Sanchez
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, UK.
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46
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Ardan T, Baxa M, Levinská B, Sedláčková M, Nguyen TD, Klíma J, Juhás Š, Juhásová J, Šmatlíková P, Vochozková P, Motlík J, Ellederová Z. Transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease exhibiting gradually progressing neurodegeneration. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm.041319. [PMID: 31645369 PMCID: PMC6918760 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD) require preclinical testing in large animal models. The minipig is a suitable experimental animal because of its large gyrencephalic brain, body weight of 70-100 kg, long lifespan, and anatomical, physiological and metabolic resemblance to humans. The Libechov transgenic minipig model for HD (TgHD) has proven useful for proof of concept of developing new therapies. However, to evaluate the efficacy of different therapies on disease progression, a broader phenotypic characterization of the TgHD minipig is needed. In this study, we analyzed the brain tissues of TgHD minipigs at the age of 48 and 60-70 months, and compared them to wild-type animals. We were able to demonstrate not only an accumulation of different forms of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in TgHD brain, but also pathological changes associated with cellular damage caused by mHTT. At 48 months, we detected pathological changes that included the demyelination of brain white matter, loss of function of striatal neurons in the putamen and activation of microglia. At 60-70 months, we found a clear marker of neurodegeneration: significant cell loss detected in the caudate nucleus, putamen and cortex. This was accompanied by clusters of structures accumulating in the neurites of some neurons, a sign of their degeneration that is also seen in Alzheimer's disease, and a significant activation of astrocytes. In summary, our data demonstrate age-dependent neuropathology with later onset of neurodegeneration in TgHD minipigs. Summary: Longitudinal phenotyping of the minipig model for Huntington's disease demonstrates a slow and age-dependent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Ardan
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Baxa
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Božena Levinská
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Sedláčková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University in Brno, Faculty of Medicine, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - The Duong Nguyen
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Klíma
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Štefan Juhás
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhásová
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Šmatlíková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Vochozková
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlík
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederová
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
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47
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Goodnight AV, Kremsky I, Khampang S, Jung YH, Billingsley JM, Bosinger SE, Corces VG, Chan AWS. Chromatin accessibility and transcription dynamics during in vitro astrocyte differentiation of Huntington's Disease Monkey pluripotent stem cells. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:67. [PMID: 31722751 PMCID: PMC6852955 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's Disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion, resulting in a mutant huntingtin protein. While it is now clear that astrocytes are affected by HD and significantly contribute to neuronal dysfunction and pathogenesis, the alterations in the transcriptional and epigenetic profiles in HD astrocytes have yet to be characterized. Here, we examine global transcription and chromatin accessibility dynamics during in vitro astrocyte differentiation in a transgenic non-human primate model of HD. RESULTS We found global changes in accessibility and transcription across different stages of HD pluripotent stem cell differentiation, with distinct trends first observed in neural progenitor cells (NPCs), once cells have committed to a neural lineage. Transcription of p53 signaling and cell cycle pathway genes was highly impacted during differentiation, with depletion in HD NPCs and upregulation in HD astrocytes. E2F target genes also displayed this inverse expression pattern, and strong associations between E2F target gene expression and accessibility at nearby putative enhancers were observed. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that chromatin accessibility and transcription are altered throughout in vitro HD astrocyte differentiation and provide evidence that E2F dysregulation contributes to aberrant cell-cycle re-entry and apoptosis throughout the progression from NPCs to astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Goodnight
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, 1462 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Isaac Kremsky
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sujittra Khampang
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Yoon Hee Jung
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - James M Billingsley
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven E Bosinger
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, 1462 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, 1462 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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48
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Palpagama TH, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. The Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Huntington's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:258. [PMID: 31708741 PMCID: PMC6824292 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. HD patients present with movement disorders, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms and cognitive decline. This review summarizes the contribution of microglia and astrocytes to HD pathophysiology. Neuroinflammation in the HD brain is characterized by a reactive morphology in these glial cells. Microglia and astrocytes are critical in regulating neuronal activity and maintaining an optimal milieu for neuronal function. Previous studies provide evidence that activated microglia and reactive astrocytes contribute to HD pathology through transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory genes to perpetuate a chronic inflammatory state. Reactive astrocytes also display functional changes in glutamate and ion homeostasis and energy metabolism. Astrocytic and microglial changes may further contribute to the neuronal death observed with the progression of HD. Importantly, the degree to which these neuroinflammatory changes are detrimental to neurons and contribute to the progression of HD pathology is not well understood. Furthermore, recent observations provide compelling evidence that activated microglia and astrocytes exert a variety of beneficial functions that are essential for limiting tissue damage and preserving neuronal function in the HD brain. Therefore, a better understanding of the neuroinflammatory environment in the brain in HD may lead to the development of targeted and innovative therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulani H Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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49
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Creus-Muncunill J, Ehrlich ME. Cell-Autonomous and Non-cell-Autonomous Pathogenic Mechanisms in Huntington's Disease: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:957-978. [PMID: 31529216 PMCID: PMC6985401 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an expansion in the trinucleotide CAG repeat in exon-1 in the huntingtin gene, located on chromosome 4. When the number of trinucleotide CAG exceeds 40 repeats, disease invariably is manifested, characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. The huntingtin (Htt) protein and its mutant form (mutant huntingtin, mHtt) are ubiquitously expressed but although multiple brain regions are affected, the most vulnerable brain region is the striatum. Striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) preferentially degenerate, followed by the cortical pyramidal neurons located in layers V and VI. Proposed HD pathogenic mechanisms include, but are not restricted to, excitotoxicity, neurotrophic support deficits, collapse of the protein degradation mechanisms, mitochondrial dysfunction, transcriptional alterations, and disorders of myelin. Studies performed in cell type-specific and regionally selective HD mouse models implicate both MSN cell-autonomous properties and cell-cell interactions, particularly corticostriatal but also with non-neuronal cell types. Here, we review the intrinsic properties of MSNs that contribute to their selective vulnerability and in addition, we discuss how astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, together with aberrant corticostriatal connectivity, contribute to HD pathophysiology. In addition, mHtt causes cell-autonomous dysfunction in cell types other than MSNs. These findings have implications in terms of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing neuronal dysfunction and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Creus-Muncunill
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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50
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Siracusa R, Fusco R, Cuzzocrea S. Astrocytes: Role and Functions in Brain Pathologies. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1114. [PMID: 31611796 PMCID: PMC6777416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain. Postnatally, astrocyte progenitors migrate to reach their brain area and related properties. They have a regulatory role of brain functions that are implicated in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, controlling blood-brain barrier permeability and maintaining extracellular homeostasis. Mature astrocytes also express some genes enriched in cell progenitors, suggesting they can retain proliferative potential. Considering heterogeneity of cell population, it is not surprising that their disorders are related to a wide range of different neuro-pathologies. Brain diseases are characterized by the active inflammatory state of the astrocytes, which is usually described as up-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In particular, the loss of astrocytes function as a result of cellular senescence could have implications for the neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease, and for the aging brain. Astrocytes can also drive the induction and the progression of the inflammatory state due to their Ca2+ signals and that it is strongly related to the disease severity/state. Moreover, they contribute to the altered neuronal activity in several frontal cortex pathologies such as ischemic stroke and epilepsy. There, we describe the current knowledge pertaining to astrocytes' role in brain pathologies and discuss the possibilities to target them as approach toward pharmacological therapies for neuro-pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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