Sensing and Regulating Synaptic Activity by Astrocytes at Tripartite Synapse

Water-Soluble Lynx1 Upregulates Dendritic Spine Density and Stimulates Astrocytic Network and Signaling

Secreted and membrane-tethered mammalian neuromodulators from the Ly6/uPAR family are involved in regulation of many physiological processes. Some of them are expressed in the CNS in the neurons of different brain regions and target neuronal membrane receptors. Thus, Lynx1 potentiates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, while others like Lypd6 and Lypd6b suppress it. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cognitive processes by these neuromodulators remain unclear. Here, we showed that water-soluble analogue of Lynx1 (ws-Lynx-1) targets α7-nAChRs both in the hippocampal neurons and astrocytes. Incubation of astrocytes with ws-Lynx1 increased expression of connexins 30 and 43; α4, α5, and β4 integrins; and E- and P-cadherins. Ws-Lynx1 reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory adhesion factors ICAM-1, PSGL-1, and VCAM-1 and downregulated secretion of CD44 and NCAM, which inhibit synaptic plasticity. Moreover, increased astrocytic secretion of the dendritic growth activator ALCAM and neurogenesis regulator E-selectin was observed. Incubation of neurons with ws-Lynx1 potentiated α7-nAChRs and upregulated dendritic spine density. Thus, the pro-cognitive activity of ws-Lynx1 observed previously can be explained by stimulation of astrocytic network and signaling together with up-regulation of spinogenesis, potentiation of the α7-nAChRs, and neuronal and synaptic plasticity. For comparison, influence of water-soluble analogues of a set of Ly6/uPAR proteins (SLURP-1, SLURP-2, Lypd6, Lypd6b, and PSCA) on dendritic spine density and diameter was studied. Data obtained give new insights on the role of Ly6/uPAR proteins in the brain and open new prospects for the development of drugs to improve cognitive function.

Astrocytes, reactive astrogliosis, and glial scar formation in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a global health crisis, causing significant death and disability worldwide. Neuroinflammation that follows traumatic brain injury has serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive impairments, with astrocytes involved in this response. Following traumatic brain injury, astrocytes rapidly become reactive, and astrogliosis propagates from the injury core to distant brain regions. Homeostatic astroglial proteins are downregulated near the traumatic brain injury core, while pro-inflammatory astroglial genes are overexpressed. This altered gene expression is considered a pathological remodeling of astrocytes that produces serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive recovery. In addition, glial scar formed by reactive astrocytes is initially necessary to limit immune cell infiltration, but in the long term impedes axonal reconnection and functional recovery. Current therapeutic strategies for traumatic brain injury are focused on preventing acute complications. Statins, cannabinoids, progesterone, beta-blockers, and cerebrolysin demonstrate neuroprotective benefits but most of them have not been studied in the context of astrocytes. In this review, we discuss the cell signaling pathways activated in reactive astrocytes following traumatic brain injury and we discuss some of the potential new strategies aimed to modulate astroglial responses in traumatic brain injury, especially using cell-targeted strategies with miRNAs or lncRNA, viral vectors, and repurposed drugs.

Post-traumatic epilepsy: Insights from human cortical contused tissue

Traumatic brain injury is a significant risk factor for the development of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), posing a major clinical challenge. This review discusses the critical role of GABAergic interneurons and reactive astrogliosis in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic epilepsy, integrating findings from our research group within the traumatic brain injury context with recent literature to highlight the impact of excitation-inhibition imbalance. We analyzed alterations in interneuron populations, specifically subtypes expressing the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin, and their association with an increased risk of epileptogenesis after TBI. Furthermore, we detail the role of reactive astrogliosis, elucidating how dysregulated astrocytic functions, including impaired glutamate homeostasis and aberrant calcium signaling, contribute to an environment conducive to seizure activity. Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and crystallin alpha-B in reactive astrocytes identified in contused human tissue suggests their involvement in exacerbating epileptogenic circuits. Our findings emphasize the intricate interactions between GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying post-traumatic epilepsy. By bridging our group's data with existing evidence, this review establishes a foundation for future studies aimed at validating systemic biomarkers and developing targeted therapies to prevent or mitigate epilepsy progression following TBI. These insights are essential for addressing the complexities of drug-resistant epilepsy in affected patients.

mGluR5-mediated astrocytes hyperactivity in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to neuropathic pain in male mice

Astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission in healthy and pathological conditions, but their involvement in modulating synaptic transmission in chronic pain is unknown. Our study demonstrates that astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) exhibit abnormal calcium signals and induce the release of glutamate in male mice. This leads to an elevation in extracellular glutamate concentration, activation of presynaptic kainate receptors, and an increase in synaptic transmission following neuropathic pain. We discovered that the abnormal calcium signals are caused by the reappearance of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) in astrocytes in male mice. Importantly, when we specifically inhibit the Gq pathway using iβARK and reduce the expression of mGluR5 in astrocytes through shRNA, we observe a restoration of astrocytic calcium activity, normalization of synaptic transmission and extracellular concentration of glutamate, and improvement in mechanical allodynia in male mice. Furthermore, the activation of astrocytes through chemogenetics results in an overabundance of excitatory synaptic transmission, exacerbating mechanical allodynia in mice with neuropathic pain, but not in sham-operated male mice. In summary, our findings suggest that the abnormal calcium signaling in astrocytes, mediated by mGluR5, plays a crucial role in enhancing synaptic transmission in ACC and contributing to mechanical allodynia in male mice.

Epilepsy therapy beyond neurons: unveiling astrocytes as cellular targets

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation-inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.

Astrocytic calcium signals are associated with exercise-induced fatigue in mice

Exercise-induced fatigue (EF) is characterized by a decline in maximal voluntary muscle force following prolonged physical activity, influenced by both peripheral and central factors. Central fatigue involves complex interactions within the central nervous system (CNS), where astrocytes play a crucial role. This study explores the impact of astrocytic calcium signals on EF. We used adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to express GCaMP7b in astrocytes of the dorsal striatum in mice, allowing us to monitor calcium dynamics. Our findings reveal that EF significantly increases the frequency of spontaneous astrocytic calcium signals. Utilizing genetic tools to either enhance or reduce astrocytic calcium signaling, we observed corresponding decreases and increases in exercise-induced fatigue time, respectively. Furthermore, modulation of astrocytic calcium signals influenced corticostriatal synaptic plasticity, with increased signals impairing and decreased signals ameliorating long-term depression (LTD). These results highlight the pivotal role of astrocytic calcium signaling in the regulation of exercise-induced fatigue and synaptic plasticity in the striatum.

Astrocytes and Tinnitus

Tinnitus is correlated with anomalies of neural plasticity and has been found to be affected by inflammatory status. The current theories on tinnitus, although still somewhat incomplete, are based on maladaptive plasticity mechanisms. Astrocytes play a major role in both neural responses to inflammation and plasticity regulation; moreover, they have recently been discovered to encode "context" for neuronal circuits, which is similar to the "expectation" of Bayesian brain models. Therefore, this narrative review explores the possible and likely roles of astrocytes in the neural mechanisms leading to acute and chronic tinnitus.

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.

Novel insight into astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission modulates the synaptic plasticity in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a form of glial cell-based synaptic dysfunction disease in which glial cells interact closely with neuronal synapses and perform synaptic information processing. Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are active components of the brain and are responsible for synaptic activity through the release gliotransmitters. A reduced density of astrocytes and astrocyte dysfunction have both been identified the brains of patients with MDD. Furthermore, gliotransmission, i.e., active information transfer mediated by gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons, is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD. However, the mechanism by which astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission contributes to depression remains unknown. This review therefore summarizes the alterations in astrocytes in MDD, including astrocyte marker, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression, Cx43 gap junctions, and Cx43 hemichannels, and describes the regulatory mechanisms of astrocytes involved in synaptic plasticity. Additionally, we investigate the mechanisms acting of the glutamatergic, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, and purinergic systems that modulate synaptic function and the antidepressant mechanisms of the related receptor antagonists. Further, we summarize the roles of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, d-serine, and adenosine triphosphate in depression, providing a basis for the identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for MDD.

[The role of astrocytes, circadian rhythms and light pollution in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease]

Currently, more and more importance is being attached to the interaction of brain neurons with astrocytes in order to study the pathogenesis, and in the future, to develop methods for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. In this review article, the authors attempt to demonstrate the role of astrocytes, disturbances in circadian rhythms, sleep-wake patterns, and light pollution in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Based on the analysis of literature data, possible mechanisms of synchronization and desynchronization of these processes are presented.

Activation of Gq-Coupled Receptors in Astrocytes Restores Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the current AD therapeutic developments are directed towards improving neuronal cell function or facilitating Aβ amyloid clearance from the brain. However, some recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of Gq-coupled exogenous receptors expressed in astrocytes as a possible way of restoring brain function in the AD mouse model. We evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of astrocytes on long-term potentiation, spinal morphology and behavioral readouts in 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We determined that in vivo chronic activation of astrocytes resulted in the preservation of spine density, increased mushroom spine survival, and improved performance in cognitive behavioral tests. Furthermore, chronic optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes resulted in the elevation of EAAT-2 glutamate uptake transporter expression, which could be a possible explanation for the observed in vivo neuroprotective effects. The obtained results suggest that the persistent activation of astrocytes may be considered a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.

A Review of Research on the Association between Neuron-Astrocyte Signaling Processes and Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a mental illness that has a serious negative impact on physical and mental health. The pathophysiology of depression is still unknown, and therapeutic medications have drawbacks, such as poor effectiveness, strong dependence, adverse drug withdrawal symptoms, and harmful side effects. Therefore, the primary purpose of contemporary research is to understand the exact pathophysiology of depression. The connection between astrocytes, neurons, and their interactions with depression has recently become the focus of great research interest. This review summarizes the pathological changes of neurons and astrocytes, and their interactions in depression, including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, the alterations of astrocyte-related biomarkers, and the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons. In addition to providing the subjects of this research and suggestions for the pathogenesis and treatment techniques of depression, the intention of this article is to more clearly identify links between neuronal-astrocyte signaling processes and depressive symptoms.

Endocannabinoid and Nitric Oxide-Dependent IGF-I-Mediated Synaptic Plasticity at Mice Barrel Cortex

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling plays a key role in learning and memory. IGF-I increases the spiking and induces synaptic plasticity in the mice barrel cortex (Noriega-Prieto et al., 2021), favoring the induction of the long-term potentiation (LTP) by Spike Timing-Dependent Protocols (STDP) (Noriega-Prieto et al., 2021). Here, we studied whether these IGF-I effects depend on endocannabinoids (eCBs) and nitric oxide (NO). We recorded both excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked by stimulation of the basal dendrites of layer II/III pyramidal neurons of the Barrel Cortex and analyzed the effect of IGF-I in the presence of a CB₁R antagonist, AM251, and inhibitor of the NO synthesis, L-NAME, to prevent the eCBs and the NO-mediated signaling. Interestingly, L-NAME abolished any modulatory effect of the IGF-I-induced excitatory and inhibitory transmission changes, suggesting the essential role of NO. Surprisingly, the inhibition of CB1Rs did not only block the potentiation of EPSCs but reversed to a depression, highlighting the remarkable functions of the eCB system. In conclusion, eCBs and NO play a vital role in deciding the sign of the effects induced by IGF-I in the neocortex, suggesting a neuromodulatory interplay among IGF-I, NO, and eCBs.

Astrocyte control of the entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus circuit: Relevance to cognitive processing and impairment in pathology

The entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus circuit is centrally involved in memory processing conveying to the hippocampus spatial and nonspatial context information via, respectively, medial and lateral perforant path (MPP and LPP) excitatory projections onto dentate granule cells (GCs). Here, we review work of several years from our group showing that astrocytes sense local synaptic transmission and exert in turn a presynaptic control at PP-GC synapses. Modulation of neurotransmitter release probability by astrocytes sets basal synaptic strength and dynamic range for long-term potentiation of PP-GC synapses. Intriguingly, this astrocyte control is circuit-specific, being present only at MPP-GC (not LPP-GC) synapses, which selectively express atypical presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) suitable to activation by astrocyte-released glutamate. Moreover, the astrocytic control is peculiarly dependent on the cytokine TNFα, which at constitutive levels acts as a gating factor for the astrocyte signaling. During inflammation/infection processes, increased levels of TNFα lead to uncontrolled astrocyte glutamate release, altered PP-GC circuit processing and, ultimately, impaired contextual memory performance. The TNFα-dependent pathological switch of the synaptic control from astrocytes and its deleterious consequences are observed in animal models of HIV brain infection and multiple sclerosis, conditions both known to cause cognitive disturbances in up to 50% of patients. The review also discusses open issues related to the identified astrocytic pathway: its role in contextual memory processing, potential damaging role in Alzheimer's disease, the existence of vesicular glutamate release from DG astrocytes, and the possible synaptic-like connectivity between astrocytic output sites and PP receptive sites.

Cholesterol Dysmetabolism in Alzheimer's Disease: A Starring Role for Astrocytes?

In recent decades, the impairment of cholesterol metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been intensively investigated, and it has been recognized to affect amyloid β (Aβ) production and clearance, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation and degeneration. In particular, the key role of cholesterol oxidation products, named oxysterols, has emerged. Brain cholesterol metabolism is independent from that of peripheral tissues and it must be preserved in order to guarantee cerebral functions. Among the cells that help maintain brain cholesterol homeostasis, astrocytes play a starring role since they deliver de novo synthesized cholesterol to neurons. In addition, other physiological roles of astrocytes are to modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity and support neurons providing energy. In the AD brain, astrocytes undergo significant morphological and functional changes that contribute to AD onset and development. However, the extent of this contribution and the role played by oxysterols are still unclear. Here we review the current understanding of the physiological role exerted by astrocytes in the brain and their contribution to AD pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the impact of cholesterol dysmetabolism on astrocyte functions suggesting new potential approaches to develop therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting AD development.

Three's Company: Neuroimmune activation, sex, and memory at the tripartite synapse

The neuroimmune system is required for normal cognitive functions such as learning and memory in addition to its critical role in detecting and responding to invading pathogens and injury. Understanding the functional convergence of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia at the synapse, particularly in the hippocampus, is key to understanding the nuances of such diverse roles. In the healthy brain, communication between all three cells is important for regulating neuronal activation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms, and during neuroinflammation, the activity and functions of all three cells can produce and be modulated by inflammatory cytokines. An important remaining component to this system is the conclusive evidence of sex differences in hippocampal plasticity mechanisms, hormone modulation of synaptic plasticity, functional properties of hippocampal neurons, and in neuroimmune activation. Sex as a biological variable here is necessary to consider given sex differences in the prevalence of memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Post-Traumatic Stress disorder, both of which present with neuroimmune dysregulation. To make meaningful progress towards a deeper understanding of sex biases in memory-related disease prevalence, I propose that the next chapter of psychoneuroimmune research must focus on the signal integration and transduction at the synapse between experience-dependent plasticity mechanisms, neuroimmune activation, and the influence of biological sex.

The cell biology of synapse formation

In a neural circuit, synapses transfer information rapidly between neurons and transform this information during transfer. The diverse computational properties of synapses are shaped by the interactions between pre- and postsynaptic neurons. How synapses are assembled to form a neural circuit, and how the specificity of synaptic connections is achieved, is largely unknown. Here, I posit that synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs) organize synapse formation. Diverse SAMs collaborate to achieve the astounding specificity and plasticity of synapses, with each SAM contributing different facets. In orchestrating synapse assembly, SAMs likely act as signal transduction devices. Although many candidate SAMs are known, only a few SAMs appear to have a major impact on synapse formation. Thus, a limited set of collaborating SAMs likely suffices to account for synapse formation. Strikingly, several SAMs are genetically linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting that impairments in synapse assembly are instrumental in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders.