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Liu L, Luo L, Wei JA, Xu X, So KF, Zhang L. Treadmill Exercise Reshapes Cortical Astrocytic and Neuronal Activity to Improve Motor Learning Deficits Under Chronic Alcohol Exposure. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01226-x. [PMID: 38807019 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol abuse induces various neurological disorders including motor learning deficits, possibly by affecting neuronal and astrocytic activity. Physical exercise is one effective approach to remediate synaptic loss and motor deficits as shown by our previous works. In this study, we unrevealed the role of exercise training in the recovery of cortical neuronal and astrocytic functions. Using a chronic alcohol injection mouse model, we found the hyperreactivity of astrocytes along with dendritic spine loss plus lower neuronal activity in the primary motor cortex. Persistent treadmill exercise training, on the other hand, improved neural spine formation and inhibited reactive astrocytes, alleviating motor learning deficits induced by alcohol exposure. These data collectively support the potency of endurance exercise in the rehabilitation of motor functions under alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lanzhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ji-An Wei
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xintong Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266113, China.
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266113, China.
- Center for Exercise and Brain Science, School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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2
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Di Bella DJ, Domínguez-Iturza N, Brown JR, Arlotta P. Making Ramón y Cajal proud: Development of cell identity and diversity in the cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00282-4. [PMID: 38754415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Since the beautiful images of Santiago Ramón y Cajal provided a first glimpse into the immense diversity and complexity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, neuroscience has been challenged and inspired to understand how these diverse cells are generated and how they interact with each other to orchestrate the development of this remarkable tissue. Some fundamental questions drive the field's quest to understand cortical development: what are the mechanistic principles that govern the emergence of neuronal diversity? How do extrinsic and intrinsic signals integrate with physical forces and activity to shape cell identity? How do the diverse populations of neurons and glia influence each other during development to guarantee proper integration and function? The advent of powerful new technologies to profile and perturb cortical development at unprecedented resolution and across a variety of modalities has offered a new opportunity to integrate past knowledge with brand new data. Here, we review some of this progress using cortical excitatory projection neurons as a system to draw out general principles of cell diversification and the role of cell-cell interactions during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nuria Domínguez-Iturza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Juliana R Brown
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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3
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Huang J, Song C, Liu Y, Zhang T, Wang T, Liu X, Yu L. Epigenetic regulation by KDM5A mediates the effects of prenatal PM 2.5 exposure on hippocampal development and synaptic integrity through the Shh signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 276:116311. [PMID: 38615639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal environmental exposure could be an essential health risk factor associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the impact of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on offspring cognition remain unclear. In our recent study using a PM2.5 exposed pregnant mouse model, we observed significant synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampi of the offspring. Concurrently, the epigenetic regulator of KDM5A and the Shh signaling pathway exhibited decreased activities. Significantly, changes in hippocampal KDM5A and Shh levels directly correlated with PM2.5 exposure intensity. Subsequent experiments revealed a marked reduction in the expression of Shh signaling and related synaptic proteins when KDM5A was silenced in cells. Notably, the effects of KDM5A deficiency were reversed significantly with the supplementation of a Shh activator. Furthermore, our findings indicate that Shh activation significantly attenuates PM2.5-induced synaptic impairments in hippocampal neurons. We further demonstrated that EGR1, a transcriptional inhibitor, plays a direct role in KDM5A's regulation of the Shh pathway under conditions of PM2.5 exposure. Our results suggest that the KDM5A's inhibitory regulation on the Shh pathway through the EGR1 gene is a crucial epigenetic mechanism underlying the synaptic dysfunction in hippocampal neurons caused by maternal PM2.5 exposure. This emphasizes the role of epigenetic regulations in neurodevelopmental disorders caused by environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Chao Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yongping Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Tianliang Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinqi Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Li Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Experimental Center for Medical Research, Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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Feng Z, Fang C, Ma Y, Chang J. Obesity-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction: phenotypes and mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:110. [PMID: 38678254 PMCID: PMC11056074 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03104-9] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a burgeoning global health issue, is increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on the central nervous system, particularly concerning the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This manuscript delves into the intricate relationship between obesity and BBB dysfunction, elucidating the underlying phenotypes and molecular mechanisms. We commence with an overview of the BBB's critical role in maintaining cerebral homeostasis and the pathological alterations induced by obesity. By employing a comprehensive literature review, we examine the structural and functional modifications of the BBB in the context of obesity, including increased permeability, altered transport mechanisms, and inflammatory responses. The manuscript highlights how obesity-induced systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation contribute to BBB disruption, thereby predisposing individuals to various neurological disorders. We further explore the potential pathways, such as oxidative stress and endothelial cell dysfunction, that mediate these changes. Our discussion culminates in the summary of current findings and the identification of knowledge gaps, paving the way for future research directions. This review underscores the significance of understanding BBB dysfunction in obesity, not only for its implications in neurodegenerative diseases but also for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinzhong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xueyuan Ave 1068, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Junlei Chang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xueyuan Ave 1068, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Gau YTA, Hsu ET, Cha RJ, Pak RW, Looger LL, Kang JU, Bergles DE. Multicore fiber optic imaging reveals that astrocyte calcium activity in the mouse cerebral cortex is modulated by internal motivational state. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3039. [PMID: 38589390 PMCID: PMC11002016 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47345-x] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a direct target of neuromodulators and can influence neuronal activity on broad spatial and temporal scales in response to a rise in cytosolic calcium. However, our knowledge about how astrocytes are recruited during different animal behaviors remains limited. To measure astrocyte activity calcium in vivo during normative behaviors, we utilize a high-resolution, long working distance multicore fiber optic imaging system that allows visualization of individual astrocyte calcium transients in the cerebral cortex of freely moving mice. We define the spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte calcium changes during diverse behaviors, ranging from sleep-wake cycles to the exploration of novel objects, showing that their activity is more variable and less synchronous than apparent in head-immobilized imaging conditions. In accordance with their molecular diversity, individual astrocytes often exhibit distinct thresholds and activity patterns during explorative behaviors, allowing temporal encoding across the astrocyte network. Astrocyte calcium events were induced by noradrenergic and cholinergic systems and modulated by internal state. The distinct activity patterns exhibited by astrocytes provides a means to vary their neuromodulatory influence in different behavioral contexts and internal states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tian A Gau
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eric T Hsu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard J Cha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca W Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Loren L Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin U Kang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Saito K, Shigetomi E, Shinozaki Y, Kobayashi K, Parajuli B, Kubota Y, Sakai K, Miyakawa M, Horiuchi H, Nabekura J, Koizumi S. Microglia sense astrocyte dysfunction and prevent disease progression in an Alexander disease model. Brain 2024; 147:698-716. [PMID: 37955589 PMCID: PMC10834242 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is an intractable neurodegenerative disorder caused by GFAP mutations. It is a primary astrocyte disease with a pathological hallmark of Rosenthal fibres within astrocytes. AxD astrocytes show several abnormal phenotypes. Our previous study showed that AxD astrocytes in model mice exhibit aberrant Ca2+ signals that induce AxD aetiology. Here, we show that microglia have unique phenotypes with morphological and functional alterations, which are related to the pathogenesis of AxD. Immunohistochemical studies of 60TM mice (AxD model) showed that AxD microglia exhibited highly ramified morphology. Functional changes in microglia were assessed by Ca2+ imaging using hippocampal brain slices from Iba1-GCaMP6-60TM mice and two-photon microscopy. We found that AxD microglia showed aberrant Ca2+ signals, with high frequency Ca2+ signals in both the processes and cell bodies. These microglial Ca2+ signals were inhibited by pharmacological blockade or genetic knockdown of P2Y12 receptors but not by tetrodotoxin, indicating that these signals are independent of neuronal activity but dependent on extracellular ATP from non-neuronal cells. Our single-cell RNA sequencing data showed that the expression level of Entpd2, an astrocyte-specific gene encoding the ATP-degrading enzyme NTPDase2, was lower in AxD astrocytes than in wild-type astrocytes. In situ ATP imaging using the adeno-associated virus vector GfaABC1D ATP1.0 showed that exogenously applied ATP was present longer in 60TM mice than in wild-type mice. Thus, the increased ATP level caused by the decrease in its metabolizing enzyme in astrocytes could be responsible for the enhancement of microglial Ca2+ signals. To determine whether these P2Y12 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signals in AxD microglia play a significant role in the pathological mechanism, a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, clopidogrel, was administered. Clopidogrel significantly exacerbated pathological markers in AxD model mice and attenuated the morphological features of microglia, suggesting that microglia play a protective role against AxD pathology via P2Y12 receptors. Taken together, we demonstrated that microglia sense AxD astrocyte dysfunction via P2Y12 receptors as an increase in extracellular ATP and alter their morphology and Ca2+ signalling, thereby protecting against AxD pathology. Although AxD is a primary astrocyte disease, our study may facilitate understanding of the role of microglia as a disease modifier, which may contribute to the clinical diversity of AxD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kenji Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Bijay Parajuli
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yuto Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kent Sakai
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Miho Miyakawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Horiuchi
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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Ma Y, Sun W, Bai J, Gao F, Ma H, Liu H, Hu J, Xu C, Zhang X, Liu Z, Yuan T, Sun C, Huang Y, Wang R. Targeting blood brain barrier-Remote ischemic conditioning alleviates cognitive impairment in female APP/PS1 rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14613. [PMID: 38379185 PMCID: PMC10879645 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14613] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant global health concern, and it is crucial that we find effective methods to prevent or slow down AD progression. Recent studies have highlighted the essential role of blood vessels in clearing Aβ, a protein that contributes to AD. Scientists are exploring blood biomarkers as a potential tool for future AD diagnosis. One promising method that may help prevent AD is remote ischemic conditioning (RIC). RIC involves using sub-lethal ischemic-reperfusion cycles on limbs. However, a comprehensive understanding of how RIC can prevent AD and its long-term effectiveness is still lacking. Further research is essential to fully comprehend the potential benefits of RIC in preventing AD. METHODS Female wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 transgenic rats, aged 12 months, underwent ovariectomy and were subsequently assigned to WT, APP/PS1, and APP/PS1 + RIC groups. RIC was conducted five times a week for 4 weeks. The rats' depressive and cognitive behaviors were evaluated using force swimming, open-field tests, novel objective recognition, elevated plus maze, and Barnes maze tests. Evaluation of the neurovascular unit (NVU), synapses, vasculature, astrocytes, and microglia was conducted using immunofluorescence staining (IF), Western blot (WB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the cerebro-vasculature was examined using micro-CT, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using Speckle Doppler. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was determined by measuring the Evans blue leakage. Finally, Aβ levels in the rat frontal cortex were measured using WB, ELISA, or IF staining. RESULTS RIC enhanced memory-related protein expression and rescued depressive-like behavior and cognitive decline in APP/PS1 transgenic rats. Additionally, the intervention protected NVU in the rat frontal cortex, as evidenced by (1) increased expression of TJ (tight junction) proteins, pericyte marker PDGFRβ, and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), as well as decreased VCAM1; (2) mitigation of ultrastructure impairment in neuron, cerebral vascular, and astrocyte; (3) upregulation of A2 astrocyte phenotype markers and downregulation of A1 phenotype markers, indicating a shift toward a healthier phenotype. Correspondingly, RIC intervention alleviated neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the decreased Iba1 level, a microglia marker. Meanwhile, RIC intervention elevated CBF in frontal cortex of the rats. Notably, RIC intervention effectively suppressed Aβ toxicity, as demonstrated by the enhancement of α-secretase and attenuation of β-secretase (BACE1) and γ- secretase and Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-40 levels as well. CONCLUSION Chronic RIC intervention exerts vascular and neuroprotective roles, suggesting that RIC could be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the BBB and NVU during AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Ma
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Wuxiang Sun
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Jing Bai
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Fujia Gao
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Haoran Ma
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Huiyu Liu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Jiewei Hu
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Chao Xu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Zixuan Liu
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Tao Yuan
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Chenxu Sun
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
| | - Ruimin Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Base of GeriatricSchool of Public Health of North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
- School of Basic Medical ScienceNorth China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanHebeiChina
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Czyżewski W, Mazurek M, Sakwa L, Szymoniuk M, Pham J, Pasierb B, Litak J, Czyżewska E, Turek M, Piotrowski B, Torres K, Rola R. Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38247839 PMCID: PMC10813911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020148] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association, Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jennifer Pham
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Czyżewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, 26-617 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Turek
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Bartłomiej Piotrowski
- Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Radosław Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
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Bear RM, Caspary T. Uncovering cilia function in glial development. Ann Hum Genet 2024; 88:27-44. [PMID: 37427745 PMCID: PMC10776815 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12519] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia play critical roles in regulating signaling pathways that underlie several developmental processes. In the nervous system, cilia are known to regulate signals that guide neuron development. Cilia dysregulation is implicated in neurological diseases, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Cilia research has predominantly focused on neurons and has overlooked the diverse population of glial cells in the brain. Glial cells play essential roles during neurodevelopment, and their dysfunction contributes to neurological disease; however, the relationship between cilia function and glial development is understudied. Here we review the state of the field and highlight the glial cell types where cilia are found and the ciliary functions that are linked to glial development. This work uncovers the importance of cilia in glial development and raises outstanding questions for the field. We are poised to make progress in understanding the function of glial cilia in human development and their contribution to neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Bear
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Suite 301, Atlanta GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
| | - Tamara Caspary
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Suite 301, Atlanta GA 30322
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10
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Ling R, Wang Y, Zheng W, Min C, Chen M, Xia D, Li X. Effects of different types of neonatal pain on somatosensory and cognitive development in male juvenile rats. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3309. [PMID: 37968885 PMCID: PMC10726798 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature infants are inevitably exposed to painful events, including repetitive procedures, inflammation, or mixed stimulation that may induce long-term behavioral outcomes. Here, we set up three neonatal painful models to investigate their long-term effect on somatosensation and cognition. METHODS Three types of neonatal pain models in rat were set up. Rat pups were randomly assigned to four groups. The needling pain (NP) group received repetitive needle pricks on the paws from the day of birth (PD0) to postnatal day 7 (PD7) to mimic the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The inflammatory pain (IP) group received the injection of carrageenan into the left hindpaw at PD3 to induce IP in peripheral tissues. The mixed pain group received a combination of the NP and IP (NIP). The control (CON) group was untreated. We performed behavioral and biochemical testing of juvenile rats (PD21-PD26). RESULTS The NIP group showed a longer hypersensitivity than the NP group, when given a secondary inflammatory stimulation. NP led to insensitivity to anxiety-causing stimuli and impairment of fear memory both aggravated by NIP. NP reduced the expression of synapse-related molecules (GluN1/PSD95/GFAP) in the medial prefrontal cortex, and NIP exacerbated this decrease. The corticosterone secretion in the NIP group increased after the behavioral task, compared with those in other three groups. CONCLUSION A combination of NP with inflammation occurring in the neonatal period might aggravate the adverse effects of each on somatosensory and cognitive development of rats, the mechanism of which might be associated with the increase of corticosterone secretion and the dysregulation of synaptic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ling
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Yueshu Wang
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Wen Zheng
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Cuiting Min
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Mengying Chen
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Dongqing Xia
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Child Health CareChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP. R. China
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11
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Yuan WQ, Huang WP, Jiang YC, Xu H, Duan CS, Chen NH, Liu YJ, Fu XM. The function of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3932-3961. [PMID: 37831013 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16160] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have countless links with neurons. Previously, astrocytes were only considered a scaffold of neurons; in fact, astrocytes perform a variety of functions, including providing support for neuronal structures and energy metabolism, offering isolation and protection and influencing the formation, function and elimination of synapses. Because of these functions, astrocytes play an critical role in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The regulation of the secretiory factors, receptors, channels and pathways of astrocytes can effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of CNS diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease. The expression of aquaporin 4 in AS is directly related to NMO and indirectly involved in the clearance of Aβ and tau proteins in AD. Connexin 43 has a bidirectional effect on glutamate diffusion at different stages of stroke. Interestingly, astrocytes reduce the occurrence of PD through multiple effects such as secretion of related factors, mitochondrial autophagy and aquaporin 4. Therefore, this review is focused on the structure and function of astrocytes and the correlation between astrocytes and CNS diseases and drug treatment to explore the new functions of astrocytes with the astrocytes as the target. This, in turn, would provide a reference for the development of new drugs to protect neurons and promote the recovery of nerve function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qin Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Chao Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chong-Shen Duan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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12
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Baldwin KT, Murai KK, Khakh BS. Astrocyte morphology. Trends Cell Biol 2023:S0962-8924(23)00204-0. [PMID: 38180380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are predominant glial cells that tile the central nervous system (CNS). A cardinal feature of astrocytes is their complex and visually enchanting morphology, referred to as bushy, spongy, and star-like. A central precept of this review is that such complex morphological shapes evolved to allow astrocytes to contact and signal with diverse cells at a range of distances in order to sample, regulate, and contribute to the extracellular milieu, and thus participate widely in cell-cell signaling during physiology and disease. The recent use of improved imaging methods and cell-specific molecular evaluations has revealed new information on the structural organization and molecular underpinnings of astrocyte morphology, the mechanisms of astrocyte morphogenesis, and the contributions to disease states of reduced morphology. These insights have reignited interest in astrocyte morphological complexity as a cornerstone of fundamental glial biology and as a critical substrate for multicellular spatial and physiological interactions in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA.
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13
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Xie Y, Reid CM, Granados AA, Garcia MT, Dale-Huang F, Hanson SM, Mancia W, Liu J, Adam M, Mosto O, Pisco AO, Alvarez-Buylla A, Harwell CC. Developmental origin and local signals cooperate to determine septal astrocyte identity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561428. [PMID: 37873089 PMCID: PMC10592657 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Miguel Turrero Garcia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fiona Dale-Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sarah M. Hanson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Walter Mancia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jonathan Liu
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Manal Adam
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Olivia Mosto
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Arturo Alvarez-Buylla
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Corey C. Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Lead contact
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14
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Martinez-Lozada Z, Todd FW, Schober AL, Krizman E, Robinson MB, Murai KK. Cooperative and competitive regulation of the astrocytic transcriptome by neurons and endothelial cells: Impact on astrocyte maturation. J Neurochem 2023; 167:52-75. [PMID: 37525469 PMCID: PMC10543513 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15908] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in central nervous system (CNS) health and disease. During development, immature astrocytes show complex interactions with neurons, endothelial cells, and other glial cell types. Our work and that of others have shown that these interactions are important for astrocytic maturation. However, whether and how these cells work together to control this process remains poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that cooperative interactions of astrocytes with neurons and endothelial cells promote astrocytic maturation. Astrocytes were cultured alone, with neurons, endothelial cells, or a combination of both. This was followed by astrocyte sorting, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis to detect transcriptional changes. Across culture configurations, 7302 genes were differentially expressed by 4 or more fold and organized into 8 groups that demonstrate cooperative and antagonist effects of neurons and endothelia on astrocytes. We also discovered that neurons and endothelial cells caused splicing of 200 and 781 mRNAs, respectively. Changes in gene expression were validated using quantitative PCR, western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence analysis. We found that the transcriptomic data from the three-culture configurations correlated with protein expression of three representative targets (FAM107A, GAT3, and GLT1) in vivo. Alternative splicing results also correlated with cortical tissue isoform representation of a target (Fibronectin 1) at different developmental stages. By comparing our results to published transcriptomes of immature and mature astrocytes, we found that neurons or endothelia shift the astrocytic transcriptome toward a mature state and that the presence of both cell types has a greater effect on maturation than either cell alone. These results increase our understanding of cellular interactions/pathways that contribute to astrocytic maturation. They also provide insight into how alterations to neurons and/or endothelial cells may alter astrocytes with implications for astrocytic changes in CNS disorders and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zila Martinez-Lozada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Farmer W. Todd
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Alexandra L. Schober
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Keith K. Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
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15
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Wang G, Tang X, Zhao F, Qin X, Wang F, Yang D, Zhu H, Chen X. Total saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim promote neurological recovery in model rats with post-stroke cognitive impairment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255560. [PMID: 37745057 PMCID: PMC10513410 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Total saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim (TSTT), a bioactive component of local natural herbs in the Enshi area, China, have been demonstrated to have functions of restoring cognitive capacity and promoting axonal regeneration post-stroke, but the mechanism of this process remains unclear. The hippocampus is a critical tissue for controlling learning and memory capacity, and the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway plays a major role in the patterning and synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neural circuits. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether TSTT could restore learning and cognitive functions by modulating the Shh pathway in rats with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The ischemia model was established by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and the model rats were administered using TSTT (100 mg/kg) or donepezil hydrochloride as the positive control (daily 0.45 mg/kg, DON) for 4 weeks after the operation. As assessed by the Morris water maze test, the cognitive function of PSCI rats was significantly improved upon TSTT treatment. Meanwhile, the cerebral infarct volume reduced with TSTT, as shown by HE and TTC staining, and the number of Nissl bodies and dendritic spine density were significantly increased, as shown by Nissl and Golgi staining. In addition, TSTT upregulated PSD-95, SYN, and GAP-43, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis, as evidenced by increased Bcl-2 levels along with decreased Bax and caspase-3 expression. TSTT could also significantly upregulate Shh, Ptch1, Smo, and Gli1 proteins, indicating the activation of the Shh signaling pathway. Therefore, TSTT can protect PSCI rats by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting neuronal synaptic remodeling. The Shh pathway is also involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Xiane Tang
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Xiaoli Qin
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Fengjie Wang
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Xianbing Chen
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
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16
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Tan R, Hong R, Sui C, Yang D, Tian H, Zhu T, Yang Y. The role and potential therapeutic targets of astrocytes in central nervous system demyelinating diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1233762. [PMID: 37720543 PMCID: PMC10502347 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1233762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play vital roles in the central nervous system, contributing significantly to both its normal functioning and pathological conditions. While their involvement in various diseases is increasingly recognized, their exact role in demyelinating lesions remains uncertain. Astrocytes have the potential to influence demyelination positively or negatively. They can produce and release inflammatory molecules that modulate the activation and movement of other immune cells. Moreover, they can aid in the clearance of myelin debris through phagocytosis and facilitate the recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, thereby promoting axonal remyelination. However, excessive or prolonged astrocyte phagocytosis can exacerbate demyelination and lead to neurological impairments. This review provides an overview of the involvement of astrocytes in various demyelinating diseases, emphasizing the underlying mechanisms that contribute to demyelination. Additionally, we discuss the interactions between oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells and astrocytes as therapeutic options to support myelin regeneration. Furthermore, we explore the role of astrocytes in repairing synaptic dysfunction, which is also a crucial pathological process in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiao Sui
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Dianxu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengli Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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17
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Yang S, Ma J, Zhang H, Chen L, Li Y, Pan M, Zhu H, Liang J, He D, Li S, Li XJ, Guo X. Mutant HTT does not affect glial development but impairs myelination in the early disease stage. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1238306. [PMID: 37539389 PMCID: PMC10394243 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1238306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by expanded CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT) and is characterized by late-onset neurodegeneration that primarily affects the striatum. Several studies have shown that mutant HTT can also affect neuronal development, contributing to the late-onset neurodegeneration. However, it is currently unclear whether mutant HTT impairs the development of glial cells, which is important for understanding whether mutant HTT affects glial cells during early brain development. Methods Using HD knock-in mice that express full-length mutant HTT with a 140 glutamine repeat at the endogenous level, we analyzed the numbers of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes from postnatal day 1 to 3 months of age via Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. We also performed electron microscopy, RNAseq analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR. Results The numbers of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were not significantly altered in postnatal HD KI mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Consistently, glial protein expression levels were not significantly different between HD KI and WT mice. However, at 3 months of age, myelin protein expression was reduced in HD KI mice, as evidenced by Western blotting and immunocytochemical results. Electron microscopy revealed a slight but significant reduction in myelin thickness of axons in the HD KI mouse brain at 3 months of age. RNAseq analysis did not show significant reductions in myelin-related genes in postnatal HD KI mice. Conclusion These data suggest that cytoplasmic mutant HTT, rather than nuclear mutant HTT, mediates myelination defects in the early stages of the disease without impacting the differentiation and maturation of glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiangyu Guo
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jiang Li, ; Xiangyu Guo
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18
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Stogsdill JA, Harwell CC, Goldman SA. Astrocytes as master modulators of neural networks: Synaptic functions and disease-associated dysfunction of astrocytes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1525:41-60. [PMID: 37219367 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system and are essential to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of neural circuits. Astrocytes are heterogeneous, with their diversity rooted in developmental programs modulated by the local brain environment. Astrocytes play integral roles in regulating and coordinating neural activity extending far beyond their metabolic support of neurons and other brain cell phenotypes. Both gray and white matter astrocytes occupy critical functional niches capable of modulating brain physiology on time scales slower than synaptic activity but faster than those adaptive responses requiring a structural change or adaptive myelination. Given their many associations and functional roles, it is not surprising that astrocytic dysfunction has been causally implicated in a broad set of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries concerning the contributions of astrocytes to the function of neural networks, with a dual focus on the contribution of astrocytes to synaptic development and maturation, and on their role in supporting myelin integrity, and hence conduction and its regulation. We then address the emerging roles of astrocytic dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and on potential strategies for targeting these cells for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corey C Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Gau YTA, Hsu E, Cha J, Pak RW, Looger LL, Kang JU, Bergles DE. Multicore fiber optic imaging reveals that astrocyte calcium activity in the cerebral cortex is modulated by internal motivational state. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541390. [PMID: 37292710 PMCID: PMC10245653 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a direct target of neuromodulators and can influence neuronal activity on broad spatial and temporal scales through their close proximity to synapses. However, our knowledge about how astrocytes are functionally recruited during different animal behaviors and their diverse effects on the CNS remains limited. To enable measurement of astrocyte activity patterns in vivo during normative behaviors, we developed a high-resolution, long working distance, multi-core fiber optic imaging platform that allows visualization of cortical astrocyte calcium transients through a cranial window in freely moving mice. Using this platform, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocytes during diverse behaviors, ranging from circadian fluctuations to novelty exploration, showing that astrocyte activity patterns are more variable and less synchronous than apparent in head-immobilized imaging conditions. Although the activity of astrocytes in visual cortex was highly synchronized during quiescence to arousal transitions, individual astrocytes often exhibited distinct thresholds and activity patterns during explorative behaviors, in accordance with their molecular diversity, allowing temporal sequencing across the astrocyte network. Imaging astrocyte activity during self-initiated behaviors revealed that noradrenergic and cholinergic systems act synergistically to recruit astrocytes during state transitions associated with arousal and attention, which was profoundly modulated by internal state. The distinct activity patterns exhibited by astrocytes in the cerebral cortex may provide a means to vary their neuromodulatory influence in response to different behaviors and internal states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tian A. Gau
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Eric Hsu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Jaepyeong Cha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
| | - Rebecca W. Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Loren L. Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jin U. Kang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Dwight E. Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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20
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Khaspekov LG, Frumkina LE. Molecular Mechanisms of Astrocyte Involvement in Synaptogenesis and Brain Synaptic Plasticity. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:502-514. [PMID: 37080936 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923040065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform a wide range of important functions in the brain. As structural and functional components of synapses, astrocytes secrete various factors (proteins, lipids, small molecules, etc.) that bind to neuronal receptor and contribute to synaptogenesis and regulation of synaptic contacts. Astrocytic factors play a key role in the formation of neural networks undergoing short- and long-term synaptic morphological and functional rearrangements essential in the memory formation and behavior. The review summarizes the data on the molecular mechanisms mediating the involvement of astrocyte-secreted factors in synaptogenesis in the brain and provides up-to-date information on the role of astrocytes and astrocytic synaptogenic factors in the long-term plastic rearrangements of synaptic contacts.
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21
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Farizatto KLG, Baldwin KT. Astrocyte-synapse interactions during brain development. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 80:102704. [PMID: 36913751 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons is essential for proper brain development. Astrocytes, a major glial cell type, are morphologically complex cells that directly interact with neuronal synapses to regulate synapse formation, maturation, and function. Astrocyte-secreted factors bind neuronal receptors to induce synaptogenesis with regional and circuit-level precision. Cell adhesion molecules mediate the direct contact between astrocytes and neurons, which is required for both synaptogenesis and astrocyte morphogenesis. Neuron-derived signals also shape astrocyte development, function, and molecular identity. This review highlights recent findings on the topic of astrocyte-synapse interactions, and discusses the importance of these interactions for synapse and astrocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L G Farizatto
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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22
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Astrocyte heterogeneity and interactions with local neural circuits. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:93-106. [PMID: 36748397 PMCID: PMC10011406 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are ubiquitous within the central nervous system (CNS). These cells possess many individual processes which extend out into the neuropil, where they interact with a variety of other cell types, including neurons at synapses. Astrocytes are now known to be active players in all aspects of the synaptic life cycle, including synapse formation and elimination, synapse maturation, maintenance of synaptic homeostasis and modulation of synaptic transmission. Traditionally, astrocytes have been studied as a homogeneous group of cells. However, recent studies have uncovered a surprising degree of heterogeneity in their development and function, suggesting that astrocytes may be matched to neurons to support local circuits. Hence, a better understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity and its implications are needed to understand brain function.
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23
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Liu Y, Shen X, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Cepeda C, Wang Y, Duan S, Tong X. Interactions of glial cells with neuronal synapses, from astrocytes to microglia and oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Glia 2023; 71:1383-1401. [PMID: 36799296 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian brain is a complex organ comprising neurons, glia, and more than 1 × 1014 synapses. Neurons are a heterogeneous group of electrically active cells, which form the framework of the complex circuitry of the brain. However, glial cells, which are primarily divided into astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes (OLs), and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), constitute approximately half of all neural cells in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and mainly provide nutrition and tropic support to neurons in the brain. In the last two decades, the concept of "tripartite synapses" has drawn great attention, which emphasizes that astrocytes are an integral part of the synapse and regulate neuronal activity in a feedback manner after receiving neuronal signals. Since then, synaptic modulation by glial cells has been extensively studied and substantially revised. In this review, we summarize the latest significant findings on how glial cells, in particular, microglia and OL lineage cells, impact and remodel the structure and function of synapses in the brain. Our review highlights the cellular and molecular aspects of neuron-glia crosstalk and provides additional information on how aberrant synaptic communication between neurons and glia may contribute to neural pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Shen
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Zheng
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Duan
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Tong
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
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24
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Gao X, Wang Z, Du L. Glial Cells and Itch: Possible Targets for Novel Antipruritic Therapies. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:331-339. [PMID: 36655585 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells, which are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system, play essential roles in brain development, homeostasis, and diseases. Glial cells have attracted attention because of their active involvement in many neurological disorders. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the roles of glial cells in the pathogenesis of itch. Mechanistically, central and peripheral glial cells modulate acute and chronic pruritus via different mechanisms. In this review, we present the current knowledge about the involvement of glial cells in the modulation of itch processing and the mechanism of glial cell activation under itch stimuli. Targeting glial cells may provide novel approaches for itch therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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25
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Anastasaki C, Gao Y, Gutmann DH. Neurons as stromal drivers of nervous system cancer formation and progression. Dev Cell 2023; 58:81-93. [PMID: 36693322 PMCID: PMC9883043 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Similar to their pivotal roles in nervous system development, neurons have emerged as critical regulators of cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression. Focusing on nervous system tumors, we describe the normal relationships between neurons and other cell types relevant to normal nerve function, and discuss how disruptions of these interactions promote tumor evolution, focusing on electrical (gap junctions) and chemical (synaptic) coupling, as well as the establishment of new paracrine relationships. We also review how neuron-tumor communication contributes to some of the complications of cancer, including neuropathy, chemobrain, seizures, and pain. Finally, we consider the implications of cancer neuroscience in establishing risk for tumor penetrance and in the design of future anti-tumoral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yunqing Gao
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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26
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Douceau S, Deutsch Guerrero T, Ferent J. Establishing Hedgehog Gradients during Neural Development. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020225. [PMID: 36672161 PMCID: PMC9856818 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A morphogen is a signaling molecule that induces specific cellular responses depending on its local concentration. The concept of morphogenic gradients has been a central paradigm of developmental biology for decades. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is one of the most important morphogens that displays pleiotropic functions during embryonic development, ranging from neuronal patterning to axon guidance. It is commonly accepted that Shh is distributed in a gradient in several tissues from different origins during development; however, how these gradients are formed and maintained at the cellular and molecular levels is still the center of a great deal of research. In this review, we first explored all of the different sources of Shh during the development of the nervous system. Then, we detailed how these sources can distribute Shh in the surrounding tissues via a variety of mechanisms. Finally, we addressed how disrupting Shh distribution and gradients can induce severe neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Although the concept of gradient has been central in the field of neurodevelopment since the fifties, we also describe how contemporary leading-edge techniques, such as organoids, can revisit this classical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Douceau
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Tanya Deutsch Guerrero
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Julien Ferent
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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27
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Gudkov SV, Burmistrov DE, Kondakova EV, Sarimov RM, Yarkov RS, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. An emerging role of astrocytes in aging/neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis with consequences on sleep and sleep disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101775. [PMID: 36334910 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system has changed dramatically over the last decade. The accumulating findings indicate that glial cells are involved not only in the maintenance of metabolic and ionic homeostasis and in the implementation of trophic functions but also in cognitive functions and information processing in the brain. Currently, there are some controversies regarding the role of astrocytes in complex processes such as aging of the nervous system and the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Many findings confirm the important functional role of astrocytes in age-related brain changes, including sleep disturbance and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and particularly Alzheimer's disease. Until recent years, neurobiological research has focused mainly on neuron-glial interactions, in which individual astrocytes locally modulate neuronal activity and communication between neurons. The review considers the role of astrocytes in the physiology of sleep and as an important "player" in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the features of the astrocytic network reorganization during aging are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy E Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena V Kondakova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Ruslan M Sarimov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Roman S Yarkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Maria V Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
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28
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Homeostasis of carbohydrates and reactive oxygen species is critically changed in the brain of middle-aged mice: molecular mechanisms and functional reasons. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 3:100077. [PMID: 37082254 PMCID: PMC10074963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is an organ that consumes a lot of energy. In the brain, energy is required for synaptic transmission, numerous biosynthetic processes and axonal transport in neurons, and for many supportive functions of glial cells. The main source of energy in the brain is glucose and to a lesser extent lactate and ketone bodies. ATP is formed at glucose catabolism via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) within mitochondria being the main source of ATP. With age, brain's energy metabolism is disturbed, involving a decrease in glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. The latter is accompanied by intensified generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ETC leading to oxidative stress. Recently, we have found that crucial changes in energy metabolism and intensity of oxidative stress in the mouse brain occur in middle age with minor progression in old age. In this review, we analyze the metabolic changes and functional causes that lead to these changes in the aging brain.
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29
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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30
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Baldwin KT. Molecular diversity of astrocytes. Science 2022; 378:475-476. [DOI: 10.1126/science.ade9249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The tissue environment influences astrocyte form and function in health and disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T. Baldwin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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31
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Schober AL, Wicki-Stordeur LE, Murai KK, Swayne LA. Foundations and implications of astrocyte heterogeneity during brain development and disease. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:692-703. [PMID: 35879116 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play crucial roles in regulating brain circuit formation and physiology. Recent technological advances have revealed unprecedented levels of astrocyte diversity encompassing molecular, morphological, and functional differences. This diversification is initiated during embryonic specification events and (in rodents) continues into the early postnatal period where it overlaps with peak synapse development and circuit refinement. In fact, several lines of evidence suggest astrocyte diversity both influences and is a consequence of molecular crosstalk among developing astrocytes and other cell types, notably neurons and their synapses. Neurological disease states exhibit additional layers of astrocyte heterogeneity, which could help shed light on these cells' key pathological roles. This review highlights recent advances in clarifying astrocyte heterogeneity and molecular/cellular crosstalk and identifies key outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Schober
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Keith K Murai
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quantitative Life Sciences Graduate Program, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Leigh Anne Swayne
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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