A perspective on astrocyte regulation of neural circuit function and animal behavior

Astrocyte regulation of behavioral outputs: the versatile roles of calcium

Behavior arises from coordinated brain-wide neural and glial networks, enabling organisms to perceive, interpret, and respond to stimuli. Astrocytes play an important role in shaping behavioral output, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Astrocytes respond to intrinsic and extrinsic cues with calcium (Ca2+) fluctuations, which are highly heterogeneous across spatio-temporal scales, contexts, and brain regions. This heterogeneity allows astrocytes to exert dynamic regulatory effects on neuronal function but has made it challenging to understand the precise mechanisms and pathways linking astrocytic Ca2+ to specific behavioral outcomes, and the functional relevance of these signals remains unclear. Here, we review recent literature uncovering roles for astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in a wide array of behaviors, including cognitive, homeostatic, and affective focusing on its physiological roles, and potential pathological implications. We specifically highlight how different types of astrocytic Ca2+ signals are linked to distinct behavioral outcomes and discuss limitations and unanswered questions that remain to be addressed.

PD-linked LRRK2 G2019S mutation impairs astrocyte morphology and synapse maintenance via ERM hyperphosphorylation

Astrocytes are highly complex cells that mediate critical roles in synapse formation and maintenance by establishing thousands of direct contacts with synapses through their perisynaptic processes. Here, we found that the most common Parkinsonism gene mutation, LRRK2 G2019S, enhances the phosphorylation of the ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin), components of the perisynaptic astrocyte processes in a subset of cortical astrocytes. The ERM hyperphosphorylation was accompanied by decreased astrocyte morphological complexity and reduced excitatory synapse density and function. Dampening ERM phosphorylation levels in LRRK2 G2019S mouse astrocytes restored both their morphology and the excitatory synapse density in the anterior cingulate cortex. To determine how LRRK2 mutation impacts Ezrin interactome, we used an in vivo BioID proteomic approach, and we found that astrocytic Ezrin interacts with Atg7, a master regulator of autophagy. The Ezrin/Atg7 interaction is inhibited by Ezrin phosphorylation, thus diminished in LRRK2 G2019S astrocytes. Importantly, the Atg7 function is required to maintain proper astrocyte morphology. Our data provide a molecular pathway through which the LRRK2 G2019S mutation alters astrocyte morphology and synaptic density in a brain-region-specific manner.

Astrocyte ensembles manipulated with AstroLight tune cue-motivated behavior

Astrocytes, dynamic cells crucial to brain function, have traditionally been overshadowed by the emphasis on neuronal activity in regulating behavior. Unlike neurons, which are organized into ensembles that encode different brain representations, astrocytes have long been considered a homogeneous population. This is partly because of the lack of tools available to map and manipulate specific subsets of astrocytes based on their functional activity, obscuring the extent of their specialization in circuits. Here, using AstroLight, a tool that translates astrocytic activity-mediated calcium signals into gene expression in a light-dependent manner, we have identified an astrocytic ensemble, a functionally specified subset of astrocytes that emerges upon activity during cue-motivated behaviors in the nucleus accumbens, an integrator hub in the reward system. Furthermore, through gain-of-function and loss-of-function manipulations, we demonstrate that this ensemble is essential for modulating cue-reward associations. These findings highlight the specialization of astrocytes into ensembles and their fine-tuning role in shaping salient behavior.

Astrocytes phenomics as new druggable targets in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression

For over a century after their discovery astrocytes were regarded merely as cells located among other brain cells to hold and give support to neurons. Astrocytes activation, "astrocytosis" or A1 functional state, was considered a detrimental mechanism against neuronal survival. Recently, the scientific view on astrocytes has changed. Accumulating evidence indicate that astrocytes are not homogeneous, but rather encompass heterogeneous subpopulations of cells that differ from each other in terms of transcriptomics, molecular signature, function and response in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we report and discuss the recent literature on the phenomic differences of astrocytes in health and their modifications in disease conditions, focusing mainly on the hippocampus, a region involved in learning and memory encoding, in the age-related memory impairments, and in Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. The morphological and functional heterogeneity of astrocytes in different brain regions may be related to their different housekeeping functions. Astrocytes that express diverse transcriptomics and phenomics are present in strictly correlated brain regions and they are likely responsible for interactions essential for the formation of the specialized neural circuits that drive complex behaviors. In the contiguous and interconnected hippocampal areas CA1 and CA3, astrocytes show different, finely regulated, and region-specific heterogeneity. Heterogeneous astrocytes have specific activities in the healthy brain, and respond differently to physiological or pathological stimuli, such as inflammaging present in normal brain aging or beta-amyloid-dependent neuroinflammation typical of AD. To become reactive, astrocytes undergo transcriptional, functional, and morphological changes that transform them into cells with different properties and functions. Alterations of astrocytes affect the neurovascular unit, the blood-brain barrier and reverberate to other brain cell populations, favoring or dysregulating their activities. It will be of great interest to understand whether the differential phenomics of astrocytes in health and disease can explain the diverse vulnerability of the hippocampal areas to aging or to different damaging insults, in order to find new astrocyte-targeted therapies that might prevent or treat neurodegenerative disorders.

Spectrum of Clinical and Imaging Features of Children With GFAP Astrocytopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies (abs) have been described primarily in adults with a spectrum of autoimmune-mediated diseases. In children, data on clinical and neuroradiologic features of children with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy are limited. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiologic features in children with GFAP-ab-associated diseases.

METHODS

We retrospectively recruited children from 13 clinical centers between 2020 and 2023 who (1) tested positive for GFAP-ab in serum and/or CSF and (2) of whom a complete clinical and MRI data set was available.

RESULTS

We identified and included 15 children (5 girls, 10 boys). The median age at onset was 9.9 years (range: 2-16 years). All children presented with features of AE or meningitis, acute cerebellitis, or transverse myelitis. CSF pleocytosis was common (13/15, median 245 cells/μL), and 13 (87%) of 15 harbored GFAP-abs in their CSF, 8 (53%) of whom did not have detectable GFAP-abs in their serum. MRI was abnormal in 15 (100%) of 15 children: Specific patterns included confluent lesions in the pons or caudate nucleus (11/15; 73%), peri-aqueductal regions (13/15; 87%), and spinal cord (6/10; 60%). 12 children had a favorable outcome (mRS score of

DISCUSSION

GFAP-ab-associated diseases encompass a wide spectrum of clinical presentation associated with a particular set of MRI features clearly distinct to other antibody-mediated diseases or MOGAD. We recommend that testing for GFAP-abs in serum and CSF be included in the workup of children with AE, particularly if brainstem involvement occurs.

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Child
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/blood
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/cerebrospinal fluid
• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/immunology
• Male
• Female
• Adolescent
• Child, Preschool
• Retrospective Studies
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Autoantibodies/blood
• Autoantibodies/cerebrospinal fluid
• Astrocytes/pathology
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/diagnostic imaging
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/diagnosis
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/cerebrospinal fluid
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/blood

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Affiliation(s)

Simon Sommer From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Andreas Panzer From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Annikki Bertolini From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Robert Cleaveland From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Vivek Jain From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Tugba Kapanci From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Ute Derichs From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Tobias Geis From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Axel Neu From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Christa Löhr-Nilles From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Rahel Aeschimann-Huhn From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Marina Flotats-Bastardas From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Kumaran Deiva From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Thais Armangue From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Gemma Olivé-Cirera From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Sudheeran Kannoth From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Anne Koy From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Hadas Meirson From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Aviva Fattal-Valevski From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Esther Ganelin-Cohen From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Heike Losch From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Annacarin Horne From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Ronny Wickström From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Justina Dargvainiene From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Frank Leypoldt From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany
Kevin Rostasy From the Departments of Pediatric Neurology (S.S., A.B., K.R.), and Pediatric Radiology (A.P., R.C.), Children's Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany; Consultant Child Neurologist and Epileptologist at Neoclinic Children's Hospital (V.J.), Jaipur, India; Department of Pediatric Neurology (T.K.), Children's Hospital Datteln, University Witten/Herdecke; Faculty of Health (T.K.), Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnosis, Witten/Herdecke University; Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (U.D.), University Medical Clinic, Mainz; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) (T.G.), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (A.N.), VAMED Klinik Geesthacht; Department of Pediatrics (A.N.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Department of Pediatric Neurology (C.L.-N.), Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen, Trier; Department of Pediatric Intensive Care (R.A.-H.), University Children's Hal Marburg; Department of Pediatric Neurology (M.F.-B.), Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (K.D.), Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Bicêtre Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Referral Center for Rare Inflammatory and Auto-immune Brain and Spinal Diseases, Paris Saclay University, France; Neuroimmunology Unit (T.A.), in Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona; Neuroimmunology Program (T.A., G.O.-C.), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona; Neurology Unit (G.O.-C.), Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroimmunology Laboratory (S.K.), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Amrita University, Kochi, India; Department of Pediatrics (A.K.); Center for Rare Diseases (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatric Neurology (H.M.); Pediatric Neurology Institute (A.F.-V.), Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Institute of Pediatric Neurology (E.G.-C.), Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; University Children's Hospital Oldenburg (H.L.), Department of Neuropediatrics, Oldenburg; Neuropediatric Unit (A.H., R.W.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute of Clinical Chemistry (J.D., F.L.), Neuroimmunology Unit and Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus, Kiel, Germany

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Insulin and leptin acutely modulate the energy metabolism of primary hypothalamic and cortical astrocytes

Astrocytes constitute a heterogeneous cell population within the brain, contributing crucially to brain homeostasis and playing an important role in overall brain function. Their function and metabolism are not only regulated by local signals, for example, from nearby neurons, but also by long-range signals such as hormones. Thus, two prominent hormones primarily known for regulating the energy balance of the whole organism, insulin, and leptin, have been reported to also impact astrocytes within the brain. In this study, we investigated the acute regulation of astrocytic metabolism by these hormones in cultured astrocytes prepared from the mouse cortex and hypothalamus, a pivotal region in the context of nutritional regulation. Utilizing genetically encoded, fluorescent nanosensors, the cytosolic concentrations of glucose, lactate, and ATP, along with glycolytic rate and the NADH/NAD+ redox state were measured. Under basal conditions, differences between the two populations of astrocytes were observed for glucose and lactate concentrations as well as the glycolytic rate. Additionally, astrocytic metabolism responded to insulin and leptin in both brain regions, with some unique characteristics for each cell population. Finally, both hormones influenced how cells responded to elevated extracellular levels of potassium ions, a common indicator of neuronal activity. In summary, our study provides evidence that insulin and leptin acutely regulate astrocytic metabolism within minutes. Additionally, while astrocytes from the hypothalamus and cortex share similarities in their metabolism, they also exhibit distinct properties, further underscoring the growing recognition of astrocyte heterogeneity.

Pharmaceutical-mediated neuroimmune modulation in psychiatric/psychological adverse events

The therapeutic use of many pharmaceuticals, including small molecules and biological therapies, has been associated with the onset of psychiatric and psychological adverse events (PPAEs), posing substantial concerns to patients' health and safety. These events, which encompass mood (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation) and cognitive changes (e.g., learning and memory impairment, dementia) often remain undetected until advanced stages of clinical trials or pharmacovigilance, mostly because the mechanisms underlying the onset of PPAEs remain poorly understood. In recent years, the role of neuroimmune modulation (comprising an intricate interplay between various cell types and signaling pathways) in PPAEs has garnered substantial interest. Indeed, understanding these complex interactions would substantially contribute to increase the ability to predict the potential onset of PPAEs during preclinical stages of a new drug's R&D. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent advances in neuroimmune modulation-related mechanisms contributing to the onset of PPAEs and their association with specific pharmaceuticals. Reported data strongly support an association between neuroimmune modulation and the onset of PPAEs. Pharmaceuticals may target specific molecular pathways and pathway elements (e.g., cholinergic and serotonergic systems), which in turn may directly or indirectly impact the inflammatory status and the homeostasis of the brain, regulating inflammation and neuronal function. Also, modulation of the peripheral immune system by pharmaceuticals that do not permeate the blood-brain barrier (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) may alter the neuroimmunomodulatory status of the brain, leading to PPAEs. In summary, this review underscores the diverse pathways through which drugs can influence brain inflammation, shedding light on potential targeted interventions.

Clearing Amyloid-Beta by Astrocytes: The Role of Rho GTPases Signaling Pathways as Potential Therapeutic Targets

Astrocytes, vital support cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are crucial for maintaining neuronal health. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes play a key role in clearing toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Aβ, a potent neuroinflammatory trigger, stimulates astrocytes to release excessive glutamate and inflammatory factors, exacerbating neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent studies underscore the role of Rho GTPases-particularly RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42-in regulating Aβ clearance and neuroinflammation. These key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and intracellular signaling pathways function independently through distinct mechanisms but may converge to modulate inflammatory responses. Their influence on astrocyte structure and function extends to regulating endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) activity, which modulates vasoactive peptides such as endothelin-1 (ET-1). Through these processes, Rho GTPases impact vascular permeability and neuroinflammation, contributing to AD pathogenesis by affecting both Aβ clearance and cerebrovascular interactions. Understanding the interplay between Rho GTPases and the cerebrovascular system provides fresh insights into AD pathogenesis. Targeting Rho GTPase signaling pathways in astrocytes could offer a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate neuroinflammation, enhance Aβ clearance, and slow disease progression, ultimately improving cognitive outcomes in AD patients.

Physiological and Pathological Role of mTOR Signaling in Astrocytes

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the key regulators of cellular energy metabolism. It senses diverse alterations in the extracellular environment such as availability of nutrients and growth factors, and mediates the corresponding intracellular response. In the brain, astrocytes crucially contribute to energy and neurotransmitter metabolism, and numerous other functions. However, the relevance of physiological, astrocytic mTOR signaling in maintaining brain homeostasis and function is not well understood. Pathophysiological mTOR signaling is involved in manifold diseases in the central nervous system and most of the knowledge about astrocytic mTOR signaling has been derived from observations on these disorders. Dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway impairs important functions of astrocytes including neurotransmitter uptake and -signaling as well as energy metabolism. Some of these alterations could trigger neuropathological conditions such as epilepsy. This review focuses on how mTOR signaling regulates properties of astrocytes, and how these signaling events might contribute to the physiological function of the brain.

Regulation of adult neurogenesis: the crucial role of astrocytic mitochondria

Neurogenesis has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for central nervous system disorders. The role of neuronal mitochondria in neurogenesis is well-studied, however, recent evidence underscores the critical role of astrocytic mitochondrial function in regulating neurogenesis and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This review highlights the regulatory effects of astrocyte mitochondria on neurogenesis, focusing on metabolic support, calcium homeostasis, and the secretion of neurotrophic factors. The effect of astrocytic mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology and treatment strategies of Alzheimer's disease and depression is discussed. Greater attention is needed to investigate the mitochondrial autophagy, dynamics, biogenesis, and energy metabolism in neurogenesis. Targeting astrocyte mitochondria presents a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing neural regeneration.

Role of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and the impact of exercise-induced remodeling

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent and debilitating brain disorder that worsens progressively with age, characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) leading to amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylation of Tau, resulting in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), are primary pathological features of AD. Despite significant research investment and effort, therapies targeting Aβ and NFTs have proven limited in efficacy for treating or slowing AD progression. Consequently, there is a growing interest in non-invasive therapeutic strategies for AD prevention. Exercise, a low-cost and non-invasive intervention, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective potential in AD prevention. Astrocytes, among the most abundant glial cells in the brain, play essential roles in various physiological processes and are implicated in AD initiation and progression. Exercise delays pathological progression and mitigates cognitive dysfunction in AD by modulating astrocyte morphological and phenotypic changes and fostering crosstalk with other glial cells. This review aims to consolidate the current understanding of how exercise influences astrocyte dynamics in AD, with a focus on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying astrocyte remodeling. The review begins with an overview of the neuropathological changes observed in AD, followed by an examination of astrocyte dysfunction as a feature of the disease. Lastly, the review explores the potential therapeutic implications of exercise-induced astrocyte remodeling in the context of AD.

GEARBOCS: An Adeno Associated Virus Tool for In Vivo Gene Editing in Astrocytes

CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering enables rapid and precise gene manipulations in the CNS. Here, we developed a non-invasive astrocyte-specific method utilizing a single AAV vector, which we named GEARBOCS (Gene Editing in AstRocytes Based On CRISPR/Cas9 System). We verified GEARBOCS' specificity to mouse cortical astrocytes and demonstrated its utility for three types of gene manipulations: knockout (KO); tagging (TagIn); and reporter knock-in (GeneTrap) strategies. Next, we deployed GEARBOCS in two test cases. First, we determined that astrocytes are a necessary source of the synaptogenic factor Sparcl1 for thalamocortical synapse maintenance in the mouse primary visual cortex. Second, we determined that cortical astrocytes express the synaptic vesicle associated Vamp2 protein and found that it is required for maintaining excitatory and inhibitory synapse numbers in the visual cortex. These results show that the GEARBOCS strategy provides a fast and efficient means to study astrocyte biology in vivo.

A lactate-dependent shift of glycolysis mediates synaptic and cognitive processes in male mice

Astrocytes control brain activity via both metabolic processes and gliotransmission, but the physiological links between these functions are scantly known. Here we show that endogenous activation of astrocyte type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors determines a shift of glycolysis towards the lactate-dependent production of D-serine, thereby gating synaptic and cognitive functions in male mice. Mutant mice lacking the CB1 receptor gene in astrocytes (GFAP-CB1-KO) are impaired in novel object recognition (NOR) memory. This phenotype is rescued by the gliotransmitter D-serine, by its precursor L-serine, and also by lactate and 3,5-DHBA, an agonist of the lactate receptor HCAR1. Such lactate-dependent effect is abolished when the astrocyte-specific phosphorylated-pathway (PP), which diverts glycolysis towards L-serine synthesis, is blocked. Consistently, lactate and 3,5-DHBA promoted the co-agonist binding site occupancy of CA1 post-synaptic NMDA receptors in hippocampal slices in a PP-dependent manner. Thus, a tight cross-talk between astrocytic energy metabolism and gliotransmission determines synaptic and cognitive processes.

Thermodynamic model for memory

A thermodynamic model for memory formation is proposed. Key points include: 1) Any thought or consciousness corresponds to a thermodynamic system of nerve cells. 2) The system concept of nerve cells can only be described by thermodynamics of condensed matter. 3) The memory structure is logically associated with the system structure or the normal structure of biology. 4) The development of our thoughts is processed irreversibly, and numerous states or thoughts can be generated. 5) Memory formation results from the reorganization and change of cellular structures (or memory structures), which are related to nerve cell skeleton and membrane. Their alteration can change the excitability of nerve cells and the pathway of neural impulse conduction. 6) Amnesia results from the loss of thermodynamic stability of the memory structure, which can be achieved by different ways. Some related phenomena and facts are discussed. The analysis shows that thermodynamics can account for the basic properties of memory.

Deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease: A scientometric and bibliometric analysis, trends, and research hotspots

Parkinson disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative ailment in the elderly, relies mainly on pharmacotherapy, yet deep brain stimulation (DBS) emerges as a vital remedy for refractory cases. This study performs a bibliometric analysis on DBS in PD, delving into research trends and study impact to offer comprehensive insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, illuminating the current state and evolutionary trajectory of research in this domain. A systematic search on March 13, 2023, in the Scopus database utilized keywords like "Parkinson disease," "PD," "Parkinsonism," "Deep brain stimulation," and "DBS." The top 1000 highly cited publications on DBS in PD underwent scientometric analysis via VOS Viewer and R Studio's Bibliometrix package, covering publication characteristics, co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, thematic clustering, and trend topics. The bibliometric analysis spanned 1984 to 2021, involving 1000 cited articles from 202 sources. The average number of citations per document were 140.9, with 31,854 references. "Movement Disorders" led in publications (n = 98), followed by "Brain" (n = 78) and "Neurology" (n = 65). The University of Oxford featured prominently. Thematic keyword clustering identified 9 core research areas, such as neuropsychological function and motor circuit electrophysiology. The shift from historical neurosurgical procedures to contemporary focuses like "beta oscillations" and "neuroethics" was evident. The bibliometric analysis emphasizes UK and US dominance, outlining 9 key research areas pivotal for reshaping Parkinson treatment. A discernible shift from invasive neurosurgery to DBS is observed. The call for personalized DBS, integration with NIBS, and exploration of innovative avenues marks the trajectory for future research.

Simulation of gap junction formation reveals critical role of Cys disulfide redox state in connexin hemichannel docking

Video Abstract.

Developmental origin and local signals cooperate to determine septal astrocyte identity

Astrocyte specification during development is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the precise contribution of each remains poorly understood. Here we show that septal astrocytes from Nkx2.1 and Zic4 expressing progenitor zones are allocated into non-overlapping domains of the medial (MS) and lateral septal nuclei (LS) respectively. Astrocytes in these areas exhibit distinctive molecular and morphological features tailored to the unique cellular and synaptic circuit environment of each nucleus. Using single-nucleus (sn) RNA sequencing, we trace the developmental trajectories of cells in the septum and find that neurons and astrocytes undergo region and developmental stage-specific local cell-cell interactions. We show that expression of the classic morphogens Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) by MS and LS neurons respectively, functions to promote the molecular specification of local astrocytes in each region. Finally, using heterotopic cell transplantation, we show that both morphological and molecular specifications of septal astrocytes are highly dependent on the local microenvironment, regardless of developmental origins. Our data highlights the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors shaping astrocyte identities and illustrates the importance of the local environment in determining astrocyte functional specialization.

Astrocytes adjust the dynamic range of cortical network activity to control modality-specific sensory information processing

Cortical neuron-astrocyte communication in response to peripheral sensory stimulation occurs in a topographic-, frequency-, and intensity-dependent manner. However, the contribution of this functional interaction to the processing of sensory inputs and consequent behavior remains unclear. We investigate the role of astrocytes in sensory information processing at circuit and behavioral levels by monitoring and manipulating astrocytic activity in vivo. We show that astrocytes control the dynamic range of the cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to incoming sensory inputs. The astrocytic modulation of sensory processing contributes to setting the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The mechanism of such astrocytic control is mediated through modulation of inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks. These results uncover a role for astrocytes in maintaining the cortical network activity in an optimal range to control behavior associated with specific sensory modalities.

Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles

While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.

Multiplex translaminar imaging in the spinal cord of behaving mice

While the spinal cord is known to play critical roles in sensorimotor processing, including pain-related signaling, corresponding activity patterns in genetically defined cell types across spinal laminae have remained challenging to investigate. Calcium imaging has enabled cellular activity measurements in behaving rodents but is currently limited to superficial regions. Here, using chronically implanted microprisms, we imaged sensory and motor-evoked activity in regions and at speeds inaccessible by other high-resolution imaging techniques. To enable translaminar imaging in freely behaving animals through implanted microprisms, we additionally developed wearable microscopes with custom-compound microlenses. This system addresses multiple challenges of previous wearable microscopes, including their limited working distance, resolution, contrast, and achromatic range. Using this system, we show that dorsal horn astrocytes in behaving mice show sensorimotor program-dependent and lamina-specific calcium excitation. Additionally, we show that tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1)-expressing neurons exhibit translaminar activity to acute mechanical pain but not locomotion.

Astrocytes in memory formation and maintenance

Learning and memory are fundamental but highly complex functions of the brain. They rely on multiple mechanisms including the processing of sensory information, memory formation, maintenance of short- and long-term memory, memory retrieval and memory extinction. Recent experiments provide strong evidence that, besides neurons, astrocytes crucially contribute to these higher brain functions. However, the complex interplay of astrocytes and neurons in local neuron-glia assemblies is far from being understood. Although important basic cellular principles that govern and link neuronal and astrocytic cellular functions have been established, additional mechanisms clearly continue to emerge. In this short essay, we first review current technologies allowing the experimenter to explore the role of astrocytes in behaving animals, with focus on spatial memory. We then discuss astrocytic signaling mechanisms and their role in learning and memory. We also reveal gaps in our knowledge that currently prevent a comprehensive understanding of how astrocytes contribute to acquisition, storage and retrieval of memory by modulating neuronal signaling in local circuits.

The role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation

Astrocytes are present throughout the brain and intimately interact with neurons and blood vessels. Three decades of research have shown that astrocytes reciprocally communicate with neurons and other non-neuronal cells in the brain and dynamically regulate cell function. Astrocytes express numerous receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and cytokines and receive information from neurons, other astrocytes, and other non-neuronal cells. Among those receptors, the main focus has been G-protein coupled receptors. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors leads to dramatic changes in intracellular signaling (Ca²⁺ and cAMP), which is considered a form of astrocyte activity. Methodological improvements in measurement and manipulation of astrocytes have advanced our understanding of the role of astrocytes in circuits and have begun to reveal unexpected functions of astrocytes in behavior. Recent studies have suggested that astrocytic activity regulates behavior flexibility, such as coping strategies for stress exposure, and plays an important role in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Preclinical evidence suggests that impairment of astrocytic function contributes to psychiatric diseases, especially major depression. Here, we review recent progress on the role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation.

Gray and white matter astrocytes differ in basal metabolism but respond similarly to neuronal activity

Astrocytes are a heterogeneous population of glial cells in the brain, which adapt their properties to the requirements of the local environment. Two major groups of astrocytes are protoplasmic astrocytes residing in gray matter as well as fibrous astrocytes of white matter. Here, we compared the energy metabolism of astrocytes in the cortex and corpus callosum as representative gray matter and white matter regions, in acute brain slices taking advantage of genetically encoded fluorescent nanosensors for the NADH/NAD⁺ redox ratio and for ATP. Astrocytes of the corpus callosum presented a more reduced basal NADH/NAD⁺ redox ratio, and a lower cytosolic concentration of ATP compared to cortical astrocytes. In cortical astrocytes, the neurotransmitter glutamate and increased extracellular concentrations of K⁺ , typical correlates of neuronal activity, induced a more reduced NADH/NAD⁺ redox ratio. While application of glutamate decreased [ATP], K⁺ as well as the combination of glutamate and K⁺ resulted in an increase of ATP levels. Strikingly, a very similar regulation of metabolism by K⁺ and glutamate was observed in astrocytes in the corpus callosum. Finally, strong intrinsic neuronal activity provoked by application of bicuculline and withdrawal of Mg²⁺ caused a shift of the NADH/NAD⁺ redox ratio to a more reduced state as well as a slight reduction of [ATP] in gray and white matter astrocytes. In summary, the metabolism of astrocytes in cortex and corpus callosum shows distinct basal properties, but qualitatively similar responses to neuronal activity, probably reflecting the different environment and requirements of these brain regions.

Ca2+-modulated photoactivatable imaging reveals neuron-astrocyte glutamatergic circuitries within the nucleus accumbens

Astrocytes are key elements of brain circuits that are involved in different aspects of the neuronal physiology relevant to brain functions. Although much effort is being made to understand how the biology of astrocytes affects brain circuits, astrocytic network heterogeneity and plasticity is still poorly defined. Here, we have combined structural and functional imaging of astrocyte activity recorded in mice using the Ca²⁺-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator and specific optostimulation of glutamatergic pathways to map the functional neuron-astrocyte circuitries in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We showed pathway-specific astrocytic responses induced by selective optostimulation of main inputs from the prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, and ventral hippocampus. Furthermore, co-stimulation of glutamatergic pathways induced non-linear Ca²⁺-signaling integration, revealing integrative properties of NAc astrocytes. All these results demonstrate the existence of specific neuron-astrocyte circuits in the NAc, providing an insight to the understanding of how the NAc integrates information.

Neuron-astrocyte communication is fundamental for brain physiology, yet the heterogeneity in the functional interaction between these two elements remains poorly understood. Here we show how different neuron-astrocyte networks integrate information from distinct glutamatergic inputs.

ATP indirectly stimulates hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons via the activation of neighboring P2X7 receptor-bearing astrocytes and NG2 glial cells, respectively

There is ongoing dispute on the question whether CNS neurons possess ATP-sensitive P2X7 receptors (Rs) or whether only non-neuronal cells bear this receptor-type and indirectly signal to the neighboring neurons. We genetically deleted P2X7Rs specifically in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, and then recorded current responses in neurons to the prototypic agonist of this receptor, dibenzoyl-ATP (Bz-ATP). These experiments were made in brain slice preparations taken from the indicated variants of the P2X7R KO animals. In hippocampal CA3, but not CA1 pyramidal neurons, the deletion of oligodendrocytic (NG2 glial) P2X7Rs abolished the Bz-ATP-induced current responses. In contrast to the Bz-ATP-induced currents in CA3 pyramidal neurons, current amplitudes evoked by the ionotropic glutamate/GABA_AR agonists AMPA/muscimol were not inhibited at all. Whereas in the CA3 area NG2 glia appeared to mediate the P2X7R-mediated stimulation of pyramidal neurons, in the CA1 area, astrocytic P2X7Rs had a somewhat similar effect. This was shown by recording the frequencies and amplitudes of spontaneous excitatory currents (sPSCs) in brain slice preparations. Bz-ATP increased the sPSC frequency in CA1, but not CA3 pyramidal neurons without altering the amplitude, indicating a P2X7R-mediated increase of the neuronal input. Micro-injection of the selective astrocytic toxin L-α-aminoadipate into both hippocampi, or the in vitro application of the GABA_AR antagonistic gabazine, completely blocked the frequency increases of sPSCs. Hence, CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons of the mouse did not possess P2X7Rs, but were indirectly modulated by astrocytic and oligodendrocytic P2X7Rs, respectively.