1
|
Otero G, Bolatto C, Isasi E, Cerri S, Rodríguez P, Boragno D, Marco M, Parada C, Stancov M, Cuitinho MN, Olivera-Bravo S. Adult aberrant astrocytes submitted to late passage cultivation lost differentiation markers and decreased their pro-inflammatory profile. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30360. [PMID: 38711658 PMCID: PMC11070869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), astrocytes are considered key players in some non-cell non-neuronal autonomous mechanisms that underlie motor neuron death. However, it is unknown how much of these deleterious features were permanently acquired. To assess this point, we evaluated if the most remarkable features of neurotoxic aberrant glial phenotypes (AbAs) isolated from paralytic rats of the ALS model G93A Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) could remain upon long lasting cultivation. Real time PCR, immunolabelling and zymography analysis showed that upon many passages, AbAs preserved the cell proliferation capacity, mitochondrial function and response to different compounds that inhibit some key astrocyte functions but decreased the expression of parameters associated to cell lineage, homeostasis and inflammation. As these results are contrary to the sustained inflammatory status observed along disease progression in SOD1G93A rats, we propose that the most AbAs remarkable features related to homeostasis and neurotoxicity were not permanently acquired and might depend on the signaling coming from the injuring microenvironment present in the degenerating spinal cord of terminal rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Otero
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carmen Bolatto
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eugenia Isasi
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Cerri
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paola Rodríguez
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Daniela Boragno
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marta Marco
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Chemistry (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Parada
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matías Stancov
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Cuitinho
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Silvia Olivera-Bravo
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropathology (NBNP), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miquel E, Villarino R, Martínez-Palma L, Cassina A, Cassina P. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 knockdown restores the ability of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked SOD1G93A rat astrocytes to support motor neuron survival by increasing mitochondrial respiration. Glia 2024; 72:999-1011. [PMID: 38372421 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Various studies using cellular and animal models of ALS indicate that there is a complex interplay between MN and neighboring non-neuronal cells, such as astrocytes, resulting in noncell autonomous neurodegeneration. Astrocytes in ALS exhibit a lower ability to support MN survival than nondisease-associated ones, which is strongly correlated with low-mitochondrial respiratory activity. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) led to an increase in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway as the primary source of cell energy in SOD1G93A astrocytes and restored the survival of MN. Among the four PDK isoforms, PDK2 is ubiquitously expressed in astrocytes and presents low expression levels in neurons. Herein, we hypothesize whether selective knockdown of PDK2 in astrocytes may increase mitochondrial activity and, in turn, reduce SOD1G93A-associated toxicity. To assess this, cultured neonatal SOD1G93A rat astrocytes were incubated with specific PDK2 siRNA. This treatment resulted in a reduction of the enzyme expression with a concomitant decrease in the phosphorylation rate of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. In addition, PDK2-silenced SOD1G93A astrocytes exhibited restored mitochondrial bioenergetics parameters, adopting a more complex mitochondrial network. This treatment also decreased lipid droplet content in SOD1G93A astrocytes, suggesting a switch in energetic metabolism. Significantly, PDK2 knockdown increased the ability of SOD1G93A astrocytes to support MN survival, further supporting the major role of astrocyte mitochondrial respiratory activity in astrocyte-MN interactions. These results suggest that PDK2 silencing could be a cell-specific therapeutic tool to slow the progression of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Miquel
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosalía Villarino
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Martínez-Palma
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Patricia Cassina
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reyes-Ábalos AL, Álvarez-Zabaleta M, Olivera-Bravo S, Di Tomaso MV. Acute Genetic Damage Induced by Ethanol and Corticosterone Seems to Modulate Hippocampal Astrocyte Signaling. Int J Cell Biol 2024; 2024:5524487. [PMID: 38439918 PMCID: PMC10911912 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5524487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes maintain CNS homeostasis but also critically contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such functional diversity implies an extensive signaling repertoire including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and nanotubes (NTs) that could be involved in protection or damage, as widely shown in various experimental paradigms. However, there is no information associating primary damage to the astrocyte genome, the DNA damage response (DDR), and the EV and NT repertoire. Furthermore, similar studies were not performed on hippocampal astrocytes despite their involvement in memory and learning processes, as well as in the development and maintenance of alcohol addiction. By exposing murine hippocampal astrocytes to 400 mM ethanol (EtOH) and/or 1 μM corticosterone (CTS) for 1 h, we tested whether the induced DNA damage and DDR could elicit significant changes in NTs and surface-attached EVs. Genetic damage and initial DDR were assessed by immunolabeling against the phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γH2AX), DDR-dependent apoptosis by BAX immunoreactivity, and astrocyte activation by the glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) and phalloidin staining. Surface-attached EVs and NTs were examined via scanning electron microscopy, and labeled proteins were analyzed via confocal microscopy. Relative to controls, astrocytes exposed to EtOH, CTS, or EtOH+CTS showed significant increases in nuclear γlH2AX foci, nuclear and cytoplasmic BAX signals, and EV frequency at the expense of the NT amount, mainly upon EtOH, without detectable signs of morphological reactivity. Furthermore, the largest and most complex EVs originated only in DNA-damaged astrocytes. Obtained results revealed that astrocytes exposed to acute EtOH and/or CTS preserved their typical morphology but presented severe DNA damage, triggered canonical DDR pathways, and early changes in the cell signaling mediated by EVs and NTs. Further deepening of this initial morphological and quantitative analysis is necessary to identify the mechanistic links between genetic damage, DDR, cell-cell communication, and their possible impact on hippocampal neural cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Reyes-Ábalos
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable-Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Unidad de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Álvarez-Zabaleta
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable-Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Silvia Olivera-Bravo
- Departamento de Neurobiología y Neuropatología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable-Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Vittoria Di Tomaso
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable-Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reyes-Ábalos AL, Álvarez-Zabaleta M, Olivera-Bravo S, Di Tomaso MV. Astrocyte DNA damage and response upon acute exposure to ethanol and corticosterone. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 5:1277047. [PMID: 38259729 PMCID: PMC10800529 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1277047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Astrocytes are the glial cells responsible for brain homeostasis, but if injured, they could damage neural cells even deadly. Genetic damage, DNA damage response (DDR), and its downstream cascades are dramatic events poorly studied in astrocytes. Hypothesis and methods: We propose that 1 h of 400 mmol/L ethanol and/or 1 μmol/L corticosterone exposure of cultured hippocampal astrocytes damages DNA, activating the DDR and eliciting functional changes. Immunolabeling against γH2AX (chromatin DNA damage sites), cyclin D1 (cell cycle control), nuclear (base excision repair, BER), and cytoplasmic (anti-inflammatory functions) APE1, ribosomal nucleolus proteins together with GFAP and S100β plus scanning electron microscopy studies of the astrocyte surface were carried out. Results: Data obtained indicate significant DNA damage, immediate cell cycle arrest, and BER activation. Changes in the cytoplasmic signals of cyclin D1 and APE1, nucleolus number, and membrane-attached vesicles strongly suggest a reactivity like astrocyte response without significant morphological changes. Discussion: Obtained results uncover astrocyte genome immediate vulnerability and DDR activation, plus a functional response that might in part, be signaled through extracellular vesicles, evidencing the complex influence that astrocytes may have on the CNS even upon short-term aggressions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Reyes-Ábalos
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Álvarez-Zabaleta
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - María Vittoria Di Tomaso
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Metabolic Dysfunction in Motor Neuron Disease: Shedding Light through the Lens of Autophagy. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070574. [PMID: 35888698 PMCID: PMC9317837 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show a myriad of energetic abnormalities, such as weight loss, hypermetabolism, and dyslipidaemia. Evidence suggests that these indices correlate with and ultimately affect the duration of survival. This review aims to discuss ALS metabolic abnormalities in the context of autophagy, the primordial system acting at the cellular level for energy production during nutrient deficiency. As the primary pathway of protein degradation in eukaryotic cells, the fundamental role of cellular autophagy is the adaptation to metabolic demands. Therefore, autophagy is tightly coupled to cellular metabolism. We review evidence that the delicate balance between autophagy and metabolism is aberrant in ALS, giving rise to intracellular and systemic pathophysiology observations. Understanding the metabolism autophagy crosstalk can lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for ALS.
Collapse
|
8
|
Neuroprotective effects of violacein in a model of inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4439. [PMID: 35292673 PMCID: PMC8924276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons and muscle atrophy, with defective neuron-glia interplay and emergence of aberrant glial phenotypes having a role in disease pathology. Here, we have studied if the pigment violacein with several reported protective/antiproliferative properties may control highly neurotoxic astrocytes (AbAs) obtained from spinal cord cultures of symptomatic hSOD1G93A rats, and if it could be neuroprotective in this ALS experimental model. At concentrations lower than those reported as protective, violacein selectively killed aberrant astrocytes. Treatment of hSOD1G93A rats with doses equivalent to the concentrations that killed AbAs caused a marginally significant delay in survival, partially preserved the body weight and soleus muscle mass and improved the integrity of the neuromuscular junction. Reduced motor neuron death and glial reactivity was also found and likely related to decreased inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. Thus, in spite that new experimental designs aimed at extending the lifespan of hSOD1G93A rats are needed, improvements observed upon violacein treatment suggest a significant therapeutic potential that deserves further studies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ralhan I, Chang CL, Lippincott-Schwartz J, Ioannou MS. Lipid droplets in the nervous system. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102136. [PMID: 34152362 PMCID: PMC8222944 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid droplets are dynamic intracellular lipid storage organelles that respond to the physiological state of cells. In addition to controlling cell metabolism, they play a protective role for many cellular stressors, including oxidative stress. Despite prior descriptions of lipid droplets appearing in the brain as early as a century ago, only recently has the role of lipid droplets in cells found in the brain begun to be understood. Lipid droplet functions have now been described for cells of the nervous system in the context of development, aging, and an increasing number of neuropathologies. Here, we review the basic mechanisms of lipid droplet formation, turnover, and function and discuss how these mechanisms enable lipid droplets to function in different cell types of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha Ralhan
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chi-Lun Chang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA
| | | | - Maria S. Ioannou
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Obrador E, Salvador-Palmer R, López-Blanch R, Jihad-Jebbar A, Vallés SL, Estrela JM. The Link between Oxidative Stress, Redox Status, Bioenergetics and Mitochondria in the Pathophysiology of ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126352. [PMID: 34198557 PMCID: PMC8231819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease of the motor system. It is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. ALS is incurable and has a bleak prognosis, with median survival of 3-5 years after the initial symptomatology. In ALS, motor neurons gradually degenerate and die. Many features of mitochondrial dysfunction are manifested in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Mitochondria have shown to be an early target in ALS pathophysiology and contribute to disease progression. Disruption of their axonal transport, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of the mitochondrial structure, dynamics, mitophagy, energy production, calcium buffering and apoptotic triggering have all been directly involved in disease pathogenesis and extensively reported in ALS patients and animal model systems. Alterations in energy production by motor neurons, which severely limit their survival capacity, are tightly linked to the redox status and mitochondria. The present review focuses on this link. Placing oxidative stress as a main pathophysiological mechanism, the molecular interactions and metabolic flows involved are analyzed. This leads to discussing potential therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial biology to slow disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
| | | | | | | | | | - José M. Estrela
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (J.M.E.); Tel.: +34-963864646 (J.M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Role of Lipids, Lipid Metabolism and Ectopic Lipid Accumulation in Axon Growth, Regeneration and Repair after CNS Injury and Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051078. [PMID: 34062747 PMCID: PMC8147289 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axons in the adult mammalian nervous system can extend over formidable distances, up to one meter or more in humans. During development, axonal and dendritic growth requires continuous addition of new membrane. Of the three major kinds of membrane lipids, phospholipids are the most abundant in all cell membranes, including neurons. Not only immature axons, but also severed axons in the adult require large amounts of lipids for axon regeneration to occur. Lipids also serve as energy storage, signaling molecules and they contribute to tissue physiology, as demonstrated by a variety of metabolic disorders in which harmful amounts of lipids accumulate in various tissues through the body. Detrimental changes in lipid metabolism and excess accumulation of lipids contribute to a lack of axon regeneration, poor neurological outcome and complications after a variety of central nervous system (CNS) trauma including brain and spinal cord injury. Recent evidence indicates that rewiring lipid metabolism can be manipulated for therapeutic gain, as it favors conditions for axon regeneration and CNS repair. Here, we review the role of lipids, lipid metabolism and ectopic lipid accumulation in axon growth, regeneration and CNS repair. In addition, we outline molecular and pharmacological strategies to fine-tune lipid composition and energy metabolism in neurons and non-neuronal cells that can be exploited to improve neurological recovery after CNS trauma and disease.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhu L, Hu F, Li C, Zhang C, Hang R, Xu R. Perilipin 4 Protein: an Impending Target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1723-1737. [PMID: 33242187 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might exist some relationships with the abnormal lipidomic metabolisms. Therefore, we observed and analyzed the alteration of perilipin 4 (PLIN 4) distribution in the anterior horns (AH); the central canals (CC) and its surrounding gray matter; the posterior horns (PH); and the anterior, lateral, and posterior funiculus (AF, LF, and PF) of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments, as well as the alteration of PLIN 4 expression in the entire spinal cords at the pre-onset, onset, and progression stages of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur (TG) mice and the same period of wild-type(WT) by fluorescent immunohistochemistry, the Western blot, and the image analysis. Results showed that the PLIN 4 distributions in the spinal AH, CC and its surrounding gray matter, PH, AF, and PF of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments in the TG mice at the pre-onset, onset, and progression stages significantly increased compared with those at the same periods of WT mice; the gray matter was especially significant. No significant changes were detected in the LF. PLIN 4 extensively distributed in the neurons and the proliferation neural cells. The PLIN 4 distributions significantly gradually increased from the pre-onset to onset to progression stages, and significantly correlated with the gradual increase death of neural cells. Total PLIN 4 expression in the spinal cords of TG mice significantly increased from the pre-onset, to onset, and to progression stages compared with that in the WT mice. Our data suggested that the PLIN 4 distribution and expression alterations might participate in the death of neural cells in the pathogenesis of ALS through modulating the lipidomic metabolisms and the neural cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Caixiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ruiwen Hang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cassina P, Miquel E, Martínez-Palma L, Cassina A. Glial Metabolic Reprogramming in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroimmunomodulation 2021; 28:204-212. [PMID: 34175843 DOI: 10.1159/000516926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a human neurodegenerative disorder that induces a progressive paralysis of voluntary muscles due to motor neuron loss. The causes are unknown, and there is no curative treatment available. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of ALS pathology; however, it is currently unknown whether it is a cause or a consequence of disease progression. Recent evidence indicates that glial mitochondrial function changes to cope with energy demands and critically influences neuronal death and disease progression. Aberrant glial cells detected in the spinal cord of diseased animals are characterized by increased proliferation rate and reduced mitochondrial bioenergetics. These features can be compared with cancer cell behavior of adapting to nutrient microenvironment by altering energy metabolism, a concept known as metabolic reprogramming. We focus on data that suggest that aberrant glial cells in ALS undergo metabolic reprogramming and profound changes in glial mitochondrial activity, which are associated with motor neuron death in ALS. This review article emphasizes on the association between metabolic reprogramming and glial reactivity, bringing new paradigms from the area of cancer research into neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting glial mitochondrial function and metabolic reprogramming may result in promising therapeutic strategies for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cassina
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ernesto Miquel
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Martínez-Palma
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crabé R, Aimond F, Gosset P, Scamps F, Raoul C. How Degeneration of Cells Surrounding Motoneurons Contributes to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122550. [PMID: 33260927 PMCID: PMC7760029 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Despite motoneuron death being recognized as the cardinal event of the disease, the loss of glial cells and interneurons in the brain and spinal cord accompanies and even precedes motoneuron elimination. In this review, we provide striking evidence that the degeneration of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, in addition to inhibitory and modulatory interneurons, disrupt the functionally coherent environment of motoneurons. We discuss the extent to which the degeneration of glial cells and interneurons also contributes to the decline of the motor system. This pathogenic cellular network therefore represents a novel strategic field of therapeutic investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Crabé
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Franck Aimond
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Philippe Gosset
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, UMR1051, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (F.A.); (P.G.); (F.S.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tracey TJ, Kirk SE, Steyn FJ, Ngo ST. The role of lipids in the central nervous system and their pathological implications in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 112:69-81. [PMID: 32962914 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lipids play an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). They contribute to the structural integrity and physical characteristics of cell and organelle membranes, act as bioactive signalling molecules, and are utilised as fuel sources for mitochondrial metabolism. The intricate homeostatic mechanisms underpinning lipid handling and metabolism across two major CNS cell types; neurons and astrocytes, are integral for cellular health and maintenance. Here, we explore the various roles of lipids in these two cell types. Given that changes in lipid metabolism have been identified in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, we also discuss changes in lipid handling and utilisation in the context of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in order to identify key cellular processes affected by the disease, and inform future areas of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T J Tracey
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - S E Kirk
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - F J Steyn
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - S T Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gunes ZI, Kan VWY, Ye X, Liebscher S. Exciting Complexity: The Role of Motor Circuit Elements in ALS Pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:573. [PMID: 32625051 PMCID: PMC7311855 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease, characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. Despite decades of research, we still to date lack a cure or disease modifying treatment, emphasizing the need for a much-improved insight into disease mechanisms and cell type vulnerability. Altered neuronal excitability is a common phenomenon reported in ALS patients, as well as in animal models of the disease, but the cellular and circuit processes involved, as well as the causal relevance of those observations to molecular alterations and final cell death, remain poorly understood. Here, we review evidence from clinical studies, cell type-specific electrophysiology, genetic manipulations and molecular characterizations in animal models and culture experiments, which argue for a causal involvement of complex alterations of structure, function and connectivity of different neuronal subtypes within the cortical and spinal cord motor circuitries. We also summarize the current knowledge regarding the detrimental role of astrocytes and reassess the frequently proposed hypothesis of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity with respect to changes in neuronal excitability. Together, these findings suggest multifaceted cell type-, brain area- and disease stage- specific disturbances of the excitation/inhibition balance as a cardinal aspect of ALS pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep I Gunes
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vanessa W Y Kan
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - XiaoQian Ye
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Liebscher
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Velebit J, Horvat A, Smolič T, Prpar Mihevc S, Rogelj B, Zorec R, Vardjan N. Astrocytes with TDP-43 inclusions exhibit reduced noradrenergic cAMP and Ca 2+ signaling and dysregulated cell metabolism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6003. [PMID: 32265469 PMCID: PMC7138839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62864-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in neurons and non-neuronal cells, including astrocytes, which metabolically support neurons with nutrients. Neuronal metabolism largely depends on the activation of the noradrenergic system releasing noradrenaline. Activation of astroglial adrenergic receptors with noradrenaline triggers cAMP and Ca2+ signaling and augments aerobic glycolysis with production of lactate, an important neuronal energy fuel. Astrocytes with cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions can cause motor neuron death, however, whether astroglial metabolism and metabolic support of neurons is altered in astrocytes with TDP-43 inclusions, is unclear. We measured lipid droplet and glucose metabolisms in astrocytes expressing the inclusion-forming C-terminal fragment of TDP-43 or the wild-type TDP-43 using fluorescent dyes or genetically encoded nanosensors. Astrocytes with TDP-43 inclusions exhibited a 3-fold increase in the accumulation of lipid droplets versus astrocytes expressing wild-type TDP-43, indicating altered lipid droplet metabolism. In these cells the noradrenaline-triggered increases in intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ levels were reduced by 35% and 31%, respectively, likely due to the downregulation of β2-adrenergic receptors. Although noradrenaline triggered a similar increase in intracellular lactate levels in astrocytes with and without TDP-43 inclusions, the probability of activating aerobic glycolysis was facilitated by 1.6-fold in astrocytes with TDP-43 inclusions and lactate MCT1 transporters were downregulated. Thus, while in astrocytes with TDP-43 inclusions noradrenergic signaling is reduced, aerobic glycolysis and lipid droplet accumulation are facilitated, suggesting dysregulated astroglial metabolism and metabolic support of neurons in TDP-43-associated ALS and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Velebit
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anemari Horvat
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Smolič
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Prpar Mihevc
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Biomedical Research Institute BRIS, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chaves-Filho AB, Pinto IFD, Dantas LS, Xavier AM, Inague A, Faria RL, Medeiros MHG, Glezer I, Yoshinaga MY, Miyamoto S. Alterations in lipid metabolism of spinal cord linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11642. [PMID: 31406145 PMCID: PMC6691112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle paralysis and death. While a link between dysregulated lipid metabolism and ALS has been proposed, lipidome alterations involved in disease progression are still understudied. Using a rodent model of ALS overexpressing mutant human Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1-G93A), we performed a comparative lipidomic analysis in motor cortex and spinal cord tissues of SOD1-G93A and WT rats at asymptomatic (~70 days) and symptomatic stages (~120 days). Interestingly, lipidome alterations in motor cortex were mostly related to age than ALS. In contrast, drastic changes were observed in spinal cord of SOD1-G93A 120d group, including decreased levels of cardiolipin and a 6-fold increase in several cholesteryl esters linked to polyunsaturated fatty acids. Consistent with previous studies, our findings suggest abnormal mitochondria in motor neurons and lipid droplets accumulation in aberrant astrocytes. Although the mechanism leading to cholesteryl esters accumulation remains to be established, we postulate a hypothetical model based on neuroprotection of polyunsaturated fatty acids into lipid droplets in response to increased oxidative stress. Implicated in the pathology of other neurodegenerative diseases, cholesteryl esters appear as attractive targets for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lucas Souza Dantas
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andre Machado Xavier
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex Inague
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Lucas Faria
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marisa H G Medeiros
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isaias Glezer
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Yukio Yoshinaga
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sayuri Miyamoto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Arocena M, Landeira M, Di Paolo A, Silva A, Sotelo‐Silveira J, Fernández A, Alonso J. Using a variant of coverslip hypoxia to visualize tumor cell alterations at increasing distances from an oxygen source. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:16671-16678. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Arocena
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
- Departamento de Genómica Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable Montevideo Uruguay
- Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biofísica, Facultad de Odontología Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Landeira
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
- Departamento de Genómica Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Andrés Di Paolo
- Departamento de Genómica Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Alejandro Silva
- Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| | - José Sotelo‐Silveira
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
- Departamento de Genómica Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Ariel Fernández
- Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Julia Alonso
- Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad de la República Montevideo Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Trias E, Beilby PR, Kovacs M, Ibarburu S, Varela V, Barreto-Núñez R, Bradford SC, Beckman JS, Barbeito L. Emergence of Microglia Bearing Senescence Markers During Paralysis Progression in a Rat Model of Inherited ALS. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:42. [PMID: 30873018 PMCID: PMC6403180 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age is a recognized risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a paralytic disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons and neuroinflammation. A hallmark of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells. Yet, the pathogenic role of cellular senescence in ALS remains poorly understood. In rats bearing the ALS-linked SOD1G93A mutation, microgliosis contribute to motor neuron death, and its pharmacologic downregulation results in increased survival. Here, we have explored whether gliosis and motor neuron loss were associated with cellular senescence in the spinal cord during paralysis progression. In the lumbar spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1G93A rats, numerous cells displayed nuclear p16INK4a as well as loss of nuclear Lamin B1 expression, two recognized senescence-associated markers. The number of p16INK4a-positive nuclei increased by four-fold while Lamin B1-negative nuclei increased by 1,2-fold, respect to non-transgenic or asymptomatic transgenic rats. p16INK4a-positive nuclei and Lamin B1-negative nuclei were typically localized in a subset of hypertrophic Iba1-positive microglia, occasionally exhibiting nuclear giant multinucleated cell aggregates and abnormal nuclear morphology. Next, we analyzed senescence markers in cell cultures of microglia obtained from the spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1G93A rats. Although microglia actively proliferated in cultures, a subset of them developed senescence markers after few days in vitro and subsequent passages. Senescent SOD1G93A microglia in culture conditions were characterized by large and flat morphology, senescence-associated beta-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity as well as positive labeling for p16INK4a, p53, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and nitrotyrosine, suggesting a senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Remarkably, in the degenerating lumbar spinal cord other cell types, including ChAT-positive motor neurons and GFAP-expressing astrocytes, also displayed nuclear p16INK4a staining. These results suggest that cellular senescence is closely associated with inflammation and motor neuron loss occurring after paralysis onset in SOD1G93A rats. The emergence of senescent cells could mediate key pathogenic mechanisms in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela R Beilby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel C Bradford
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Martínez-Palma L, Miquel E, Lagos-Rodríguez V, Barbeito L, Cassina A, Cassina P. Mitochondrial Modulation by Dichloroacetate Reduces Toxicity of Aberrant Glial Cells and Gliosis in the SOD1G93A Rat Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:203-215. [PMID: 30159850 PMCID: PMC6361051 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-0659-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron (MN) degeneration and gliosis. Neonatal astrocytes obtained from the SOD1G93A rat model of ALS exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotoxicity that can be reduced by dichloroacetate (DCA), a metabolic modulator that has been used in humans, and shows beneficial effects on disease outcome in SOD1G93A mice. Aberrant glial cells (AbGC) isolated from the spinal cords of adult paralytic SOD1G93A rats exhibit highly proliferative and neurotoxic properties and may contribute to disease progression. Here we analyze the mitochondrial activity of AbGC and whether metabolic modulation would modify their phenotypic profile. Our studies revealed fragmented mitochondria and lower respiratory control ratio in AbGC compared to neonatal SOD1G93A and nontransgenic rat astrocytes. DCA (5 mM) exposure improved AbGC mitochondrial function, reduced their proliferative rate, and importantly, decreased their toxicity to MNs. Furthermore, oral DCA administration (100 mg/kg, 10 days) to symptomatic SOD1G93A rats reduced MN degeneration, gliosis, and the number of GFAP/S100β double-labeled hypertrophic glial cells in the spinal cord. DCA treatment of AbGC reduced extracellular lactate levels indicating that the main recognized DCA action, targeting the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase/pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, may underlie our findings. Our results show that AbGC metabolic phenotype is related to their toxicity to MNs and indicate that its modulation can reduce glial mediated pathology in the spinal cord. Together with previous findings, these results further support glial metabolic modulation as a valid therapeutic strategy in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martínez-Palma
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Ernesto Miquel
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valentina Lagos-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis Barbeito
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Cassina
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Patricia Cassina
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Gral Flores 2125, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dučić T, Stamenković S, Lai B, Andjus P, Lučić V. Multimodal Synchrotron Radiation Microscopy of Intact Astrocytes from the hSOD1 G93A Rat Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Anal Chem 2018; 91:1460-1471. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Dučić
- CELLS − ALBA, Carrer de la Llum 2-26, 08290 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefan Stamenković
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Center for Laser Microscopy−CLM, Studentski Trg 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Barry Lai
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Pavle Andjus
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Center for Laser Microscopy−CLM, Studentski Trg 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladan Lučić
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 1, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Trias E, Barbeito L, Yamanaka K. Phenotypic heterogeneity of astrocytes in motor neuron disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 9:225-234. [PMID: 30555538 PMCID: PMC6282976 DOI: 10.1111/cen3.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that astrocytes do not just support the function of neurons, but play key roles in maintaining the brain environment in health and disease. Contrary to the traditional understanding of astrocytes as static cells, reactive astrocytes possess more diverse functions and phenotypes than previously predicted. In the present focused review, we summarize the evidence showing that astrocytes are playing profound roles in the disease process of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aberrantly activated astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis rodents express microglial molecular markers and provoke toxicities to accelerate disease progression. In addition, TIR domain–containing adapter protein–inducing interferon‐β‐dependent innate immune pathway in astrocytes also has a novel function in terminating glial activation and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, heterogeneity in phenotypes and functions of astrocytes are also observed in various disease conditions, such as other neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia, aging and acute lesions in the central nervous system. Through accumulating knowledge of the phenotypic and functional diversity of astrocytes, these cells will become more attractive therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Nagoya University Nagoya Japan.,Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Olivera-Bravo S, Seminotti B, Isasi E, Ribeiro CA, Leipnitz G, Woontner M, Goodman SI, Souza D, Barbeito L, Wajner M. Long Lasting High Lysine Diet Aggravates White Matter Injury in Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficient (Gcdh−/−) Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:648-657. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|