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Zhang AY, Elias E, Manners MT. Sex-dependent astrocyte reactivity: Unveiling chronic stress-induced morphological changes across multiple brain regions. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106610. [PMID: 39032799 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106610] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major precursor to various neuropsychiatric disorders and is linked with increased inflammation in the brain. However, the bidirectional association between inflammation and chronic stress has yet to be fully understood. Astrocytes are one of the key inflammatory regulators in the brain, and the morphological change in reactive astrocytes serves as an important indicator of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the sex-specific astrocyte response to chronic stress or systemic inflammation in key brain regions associated with mood disorders. We conducted the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) paradigm to model chronic stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to model systemic inflammation. To evaluate stress-induced morphological changes in astrocyte complexity, we measured GFAP fluorescent intensity for astrocyte expression, branch bifurcation by quantifying branch points and terminal points, branch arborization by conducting Sholl analysis, and calculated the ramification index. Our analysis indicated that chronic stress-induced morphological changes in astrocytes in all brain regions investigated. The effects of chronic stress were region and sex specific. Notably, females had greater stress or inflammation-induced astrocyte activation in the hypothalamus (HYPO), CA1, CA3, and amygdala (AMY) than males. These findings indicate that chronic stress induces astrocyte activation that may drive sex and region-specific effects in females, potentially contributing to sex-dependent mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Y Zhang
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Elias Elias
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Melissa T Manners
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
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2
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Cullen PF, Gammerdinger WJ, Sui SJH, Mazumder AG, Sun D. Transcriptional profiling of retinal astrocytes identifies a specific marker and points to functional specialization. Glia 2024; 72:1604-1628. [PMID: 38785355 PMCID: PMC11262981 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24571] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is an increasingly prominent research topic, and studies in the brain have demonstrated substantial variation in astrocyte form and function, both between and within regions. In contrast, retinal astrocytes are not well understood and remain incompletely characterized. Along with optic nerve astrocytes, they are responsible for supporting retinal ganglion cell axons and an improved understanding of their role is required. We have used a combination of microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation to isolate ribosome-associated mRNA from retinal astrocytes and investigate their transcriptome, which we also compared to astrocyte populations in the optic nerve. Astrocytes from these regions are transcriptionally distinct, and we identified retina-specific astrocyte genes and pathways. Moreover, although they share much of the "classical" gene expression patterns of astrocytes, we uncovered unexpected variation, including in genes related to core astrocyte functions. We additionally identified the transcription factor Pax8 as a highly specific marker of retinal astrocytes and demonstrated that these astrocytes populate not only the retinal surface, but also the prelaminar region at the optic nerve head. These findings are likely to contribute to a revised understanding of the role of astrocytes in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - William J Gammerdinger
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shannan J Ho Sui
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arpan G Mazumder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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3
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Renz P, Steinfort M, Haesler V, Tscherrig V, Huang EJ, Chavali M, Liddelow S, Rowitch DH, Surbek D, Schoeberlein A, Brosius Lutz A. Neuroinflammatory reactive astrocyte formation correlates with adverse outcomes in perinatal white matter injury. Glia 2024; 72:1663-1673. [PMID: 38924630 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal white matter injury (WMI) is the leading cause of long-term neurological morbidity in infants born preterm. Neuroinflammation during a critical window of early brain development plays a key role in WMI disease pathogenesis. The mechanisms linking inflammation with the long-term myelination failure that characterizes WMI, however, remain unknown. Here, we investigate the role of astrocyte reactivity in WMI. In an experimental mouse model of WMI, we demonstrate that WMI disease outcomes are improved in mutant mice lacking secretion of inflammatory molecules TNF-α, IL-1α, and C1q known, in addition to other roles, to induce the formation of a neuroinflammatory reactive astrocyte substate. We show that astrocytes express molecular signatures of the neuroinflammatory reactive astrocyte substate in both our WMI mouse model and human tissue affected by WMI, and that this gene expression pattern is dampened in injured mutant mice. Our data provide evidence that a neuroinflammatory reactive astrocyte substate correlates with adverse WMI disease outcomes, thus highlighting the need for further investigation of these cells as potential causal players in WMI pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Renz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marel Steinfort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Haesler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vera Tscherrig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eric J Huang
- Department of Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Manideep Chavali
- Department of Pediatrics and Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA
| | - Shane Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David H Rowitch
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regeneration Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Newborn Brain Research Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Paediatrics and Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Surbek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreina Schoeberlein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amanda Brosius Lutz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Naveed M, Smedlund K, Zhou QG, Cai W, Hill JW. Astrocyte involvement in metabolic regulation and disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00220-0. [PMID: 39214743 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the predominant glial cell type in the mammalian brain, influence a wide variety of brain parameters including neuronal energy metabolism. Exciting recent studies have shown that obesity and diabetes can impact on astrocyte function. We review evidence that dysregulation of astrocytic lipid metabolism and glucose sensing contributes to dysregulation of whole-body energy balance, thermoregulation, and insulin sensitivity. In addition, we consider the overlooked topic of the sex-specific roles of astrocytes and their response to hormonal fluctuations that provide insights into sex differences in metabolic regulation. Finally, we provide an update on potential ways to manipulate astrocyte function, including genetic targeting, optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques, transplantation, and tailored exosome-based therapies, which may lead to improved treatments for metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Kathryn Smedlund
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Qi-Gang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weikang Cai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA; Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
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Li JT, Jin SY, Hu J, Xu RX, Xu JN, Li ZM, Wang ML, Fu YW, Liao SH, Li XW, Chen YH, Gao TM, Yang JM. Astrocytes in the Ventral Hippocampus Bidirectionally Regulate Innate and Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Male Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400354. [PMID: 39120568 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms of anxiety disorders, the most common mental illness, remain incompletely characterized. The ventral hippocampus (vHPC) is critical for the expression of anxiety. However, current studies primarily focus on vHPC neurons, leaving the role for vHPC astrocytes in anxiety largely unexplored. Here, genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP6m and in vivo fiber photometry calcium imaging are used to label vHPC astrocytes and monitor their activity, respectively, genetic and chemogenetic approaches to inhibit and activate vHPC astrocytes, respectively, patch-clamp recordings to measure glutamate currents, and behavioral assays to assess anxiety-like behaviors. It is found that vHPC astrocytic activity is increased in anxiogenic environments and by 3-d subacute restraint stress (SRS), a well-validated mouse model of anxiety disorders. Genetic inhibition of vHPC astrocytes exerts anxiolytic effects on both innate and SRS-induced anxiety-related behaviors, whereas hM3Dq-mediated chemogenetic or SRS-induced activation of vHPC astrocytes enhances anxiety-like behaviors, which are reversed by intra-vHPC application of the ionotropic glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists. Furthermore, intra-vHPC or systemic application of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine, a U.S. FDA-approved drug for Alzheimer's disease, fully rescues SRS-induced anxiety-like behaviors. The findings highlight vHPC astrocytes as critical regulators of stress and anxiety and as potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Shi-Yang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ru-Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jun-Nan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zi-Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Meng-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yi-Wen Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Shi-Han Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
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6
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Wang C, Yang X, Gao T, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Li X, Yang Y, Yi T, Wang Y, Mi W. Astroglial morphological changes in periaqueductal grey in different pain and itch mice models. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115075. [PMID: 38815698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115075] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a well-established pivotal role in the descending pain modulatory circuit. The objective of this study was to investigate morphological changes in the astroglia in models that are commonly used in pain and itch studies. METHODS Five different mouse models of pain, as well as two models of chronic itch, were established using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), spared nerve injury (SNI), bone cancer pain (BCP), cisplatin (CIS), and paclitaxel (PTX) for pain, and diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) and acetone and diethyl ether followed by water (AEW) for chronic itch. von Frey tests and video recordings were employed to assess pain and itching behaviors. The immunofluorescence of S100β, pSTAT3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was examined. Two- and three-dimensional studies were used to evaluate changes in astrocyte morphology. RESULTS Significant scratching was caused by DCP and AEW, whereas the administration of CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, and PTX produced clear mechanical allodynia. The expression of GFAP in the lPAG/vlPAG was upregulated in CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, PTX, and DCP mice but decreased in AEW mice. According to Sholl analysis, CFA, SNI, PTX, and BCP mice showed substantially higher astrocyte intersections in the vlPAG, whereas CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, and DCP mice presented longer peak lengths. In three-dimensional analysis, CFA, SNI, PTX, and DCP mice showed increased astrocyte surface areas, while CIS and AEW mice showed both reduced surface areas and/or volumes of astrocytes. CONCLUSION The findings showed that different pain and itching conditions have different astrocyte morphologies, and these variations in morphological changes help to explain the pathophysiology of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an 271016, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianchi Gao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuyu Zhao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yayue Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaochen Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yachen Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ting Yi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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7
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Man JHK, Breur M, van Gelder CAGH, Marcon G, Maderna E, Giaccone G, Altelaar M, van der Knaap MS, Bugiani M. Region-specific and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:102-115. [PMID: 38763075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity and its relation to aging in the normal human brain remain poorly understood. We here analyzed astrocytes in gray and white matter brain tissues obtained from donors ranging in age between the neonatal period to over 100 years. We show that astrocytes are differently distributed with higher density in the white matter. This regional difference in cellular density becomes less prominent with age. Additionally, we confirm the presence of morphologically distinct astrocytes, with gray matter astrocytes being morphologically more complex. Notably, gray matter astrocytes morphologically change with age, while white matter astrocytes remain relatively consistent in morphology. Using regional mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we did, however, identify astrocyte specific proteins with regional differences in abundance, reflecting variation in cellular density or expression level. Importantly, the expression of some astrocyte specific proteins region-dependently decreases with age. Taken together, we provide insights into region- and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie H K Man
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A G H van Gelder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gabriella Marcon
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; DAME, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maderna
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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8
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Lu CL, Ren J, Cao X. An Astroglial Basis of Major Depressive Disorder: Molecular, Cellular, and Circuit Features. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01484-7. [PMID: 39084500 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a common psychiatric disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Astrocytes play a role in the maintenance of the function of the central nervous system, both physiologically and pathologically. Accumulated evidence indicates that the astrocyte is an important contributor to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder including blood-brain barrier integrity, gap junctions, gliotransmission, glutamate homeostasis, and energy metabolism. Here, we comprehensively summarize an astroglial basis for major depressive disorder based on molecular, cellular, and circuit properties, suggesting that astrocytes appear to be highly sensitive to stress and are likely to be uniquely positioned to integrate peripheral and central stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Lin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ren
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Martin CG, Bent JS, Hill T, Topalidou I, Singhvi A. Epithelial UNC-23 limits mechanical stress to maintain glia-neuron architecture in C. elegans. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1668-1688.e7. [PMID: 38670103 PMCID: PMC11233253 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.04.005] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
For an organ to maintain correct architecture and function, its diverse cellular components must coordinate their size and shape. Although cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving homotypic cell-cell coordination are known, it is unclear how cell shape is regulated across heterotypic cells. We find that epithelial cells maintain the shape of neighboring sense-organ glia-neuron units in adult Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Hsp co-chaperone UNC-23/BAG2 prevents epithelial cell shape from deforming, and its loss causes head epithelia to stretch aberrantly during animal movement. In the sense-organ glia, amphid sheath (AMsh), this causes progressive fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-dependent disruption of the glial apical cytoskeleton. Resultant glial cell shape alteration causes concomitant shape change in glia-associated neuron endings. Epithelial UNC-23 maintenance of glia-neuron shape is specific both spatially, within a defined anatomical zone, and temporally, in a developmentally critical period. As all molecular components uncovered are broadly conserved across central and peripheral nervous systems, we posit that epithelia may similarly regulate glia-neuron architecture cross-species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia G Martin
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James S Bent
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tyler Hill
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Irini Topalidou
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Aakanksha Singhvi
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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10
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Zhou X, Xiao Q, Liu Y, Chen S, Xu X, Zhang Z, Hong Y, Shao J, Chen Y, Chen Y, Wang L, Yang F, Tu J. Astrocyte-mediated regulation of BLA WFS1 neurons alleviates risk-assessment deficits in DISC1-N mice. Neuron 2024; 112:2197-2217.e7. [PMID: 38642554 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.03.028] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Assessing and responding to threats is vital in everyday life. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses involve impaired risk assessment, affecting patients, families, and society. The brain processes behind these behaviors are not well understood. We developed a transgenic mouse model (disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 [DISC1]-N) with a disrupted avoidance response in risky settings. Our study utilized single-nucleus RNA sequencing and path-clamp coupling with real-time RT-PCR to uncover a previously undescribed group of glutamatergic neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) marked by Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) expression, whose activity is modulated by adjacent astrocytes. These neurons in DISC1-N mice exhibited diminished firing ability and impaired communication with the astrocytes. Remarkably, optogenetic activation of these astrocytes reinstated neuronal excitability via D-serine acting on BLAWFS1 neurons' NMDA receptors, leading to improved risk-assessment behavior in the DISC1-N mice. Our findings point to BLA astrocytes as a promising target for treating risk-assessment dysfunctions in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunomodulation for Neurological Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaohui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xirong Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunomodulation for Neurological Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuchuan Hong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yuewen Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jie Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunomodulation for Neurological Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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11
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Liddelow SA, Olsen ML, Sofroniew MV. Reactive Astrocytes and Emerging Roles in Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041356. [PMID: 38316554 PMCID: PMC11216178 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In addition to their many functions in the healthy central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes respond to CNS damage and disease through a process called "reactivity." Recent evidence reveals that astrocyte reactivity is a heterogeneous spectrum of potential changes that occur in a context-specific manner. These changes are determined by diverse signaling events and vary not only with the nature and severity of different CNS insults but also with location in the CNS, genetic predispositions, age, and potentially also with "molecular memory" of previous reactivity events. Astrocyte reactivity can be associated with both essential beneficial functions as well as with harmful effects. The available information is rapidly expanding and much has been learned about molecular diversity of astrocyte reactivity. Emerging functional associations point toward central roles for astrocyte reactivity in determining the outcome in CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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12
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Baldwin KT, Murai KK, Khakh BS. Astrocyte morphology. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:547-565. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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Inutsuka A, Hattori A, Yoshida M, Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Cerebellar damage with inflammation upregulates oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann Glia. Mol Brain 2024; 17:41. [PMID: 38943193 PMCID: PMC11214225 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01114-5] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum plays an important role in cognitive and social functioning. Childhood damage in the cerebellum increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Cerebellar inflammation induces social avoidance in mice. Oxytocin regulates social relationship and expression pattern of the oxytocin receptor in the brain is related to social behaviors. However, the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum remain controversial. Here, we report that the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum are highly variable among knock-in transgenic lines. We used Oxtr-Cre knock-in mice combined with a fluorescent reporter line and found that oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann glia was more variable than that in Purkinje cells. We found that physical damage with inflammation induced the selective upregulation of the oxytocin receptor in Bergmann glia. Our findings indicate high variability in oxytocin receptor expression in the cerebellum and suggest that the oxytocin receptor can affect neural processing in pathological conditions, such as inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Inutsuka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
| | - Aisa Hattori
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Masahide Yoshida
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
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14
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Mallick K, Paul S, Banerjee S, Banerjee S. Lipid Droplets and Neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 2024; 549:13-23. [PMID: 38718916 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Energy metabolism in the brain has been considered one of the critical research areas of neuroscience for ages. One of the most vital parts of brain metabolism cascades is lipid metabolism, and fatty acid plays a crucial role in this process. The fatty acid breakdown process in mitochondria undergoes through a conserved pathway known as β-oxidation where acetyl-CoA and shorter fatty acid chains are produced along with a significant amount of energy molecule. Further, the complete breakdown of fatty acids occurs when they enter the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Cells store energy as neutral lipids in organelles known as Lipid Droplets (LDs) to prepare for variations in the availability of nutrients. Fatty acids are liberated by lipid droplets and are transported to various cellular compartments for membrane biogenesis or as an energy source. Current research shows that LDs are important in inflammation, metabolic illness, and cellular communication. Lipid droplet biology in peripheral organs like the liver and heart has been well investigated, while the brain's LDs have received less attention. Recently, there has been increased awareness of the existence and role of these dynamic organelles in the central nervous system, mainly connected to neurodegeneration. In this review, we discussed the role of beta-oxidation and lipid droplet formation in the oxidative phosphorylation process, which directly affects neurodegeneration through various pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keya Mallick
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India.
| | - Shuchismita Paul
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India.
| | - Sayani Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India.
| | - Sugato Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India.
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15
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Jong Huat T, Camats-Perna J, Newcombe EA, Onraet T, Campbell D, Sucic JT, Martini A, Forner S, Mirzaei M, Poon W, LaFerla FM, Medeiros R. The impact of astrocytic NF-κB on healthy and Alzheimer's disease brains. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14305. [PMID: 38906984 PMCID: PMC11192733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65248-1] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a role in healthy cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The transcriptional factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) drives astrocyte diversity, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. By combining studies in human brains and animal models and selectively manipulating NF-κB function in astrocytes, we deepened the understanding of the role of astrocytic NF-κB in brain health and AD. In silico analysis of bulk and cell-specific transcriptomic data revealed the association of NF-κB and astrocytes in AD. Confocal studies validated the higher level of p50 NF-κB and phosphorylated-p65 NF-κB in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+-astrocytes in AD versus non-AD subjects. In the healthy mouse brain, chronic activation of astrocytic NF-κB disturbed the proteomic milieu, causing a loss of mitochondrial-associated proteins and the rise of inflammatory-related proteins. Sustained NF-κB signaling also led to microglial reactivity, production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and buildup of senescence-related protein p16INK4A in neurons. However, in an AD mouse model, NF-κB inhibition accelerated β-amyloid and tau accumulation. Molecular biology studies revealed that astrocytic NF-κB activation drives the increase in GFAP and inflammatory proteins and aquaporin-4, a glymphatic system protein that assists in mitigating AD. Our investigation uncovered fundamental mechanisms by which NF-κB enables astrocytes' neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tee Jong Huat
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Stem Cell Ageing and Regenerative Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Judith Camats-Perna
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Estella A Newcombe
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tessa Onraet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Campbell
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josiah T Sucic
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alessandra Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Stefânia Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Clinical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne Poon
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medeiros
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA.
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16
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Al-Musawi I, Dennis BH, Clowry GJ, LeBeau FEN. Evidence for prodromal changes in neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus in young alpha-synuclein (A30P) transgenic mice. FRONTIERS IN DEMENTIA 2024; 3:1404841. [PMID: 39081599 PMCID: PMC11285622 DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2024.1404841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Neuronal hyperexcitability and neuroinflammation are thought to occur at early stages in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation, notably activation of microglia, has been identified as a potential prodromal marker of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Using a transgenic mouse model of DLB that over-expresses human mutant (A30P) alpha-synuclein (hα-syn) we have investigated whether early neuroinflammation is evident in the hippocampus in young pre-symptomatic animals. Methods Previous studies have shown early hyperexcitability in the hippocampal CA3 region in male A30P mice at 2-4 months of age, therefore, in the current study we have immunostained this region for markers of neuronal activity (c-Fos), reactive astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), microglia (ionizing calcium binding adapter protein 1, Iba-1) and reactive microglia (inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS). Results We found an interesting biphasic change in the expression of c-Fos in A30P mice with high expression at 1 month, consistent with early onset of hyperexcitability, but lower expression from 2-4 months in male A30P mice compared to wild-type (WT) controls, possibly indicating chronic hyperexcitability. Neuroinflammation was indicated by significant increases in the % area of GFAP and the number of Iba-1+ cells that expressed iNOS immunoreactivity in the CA3 region in 2-4 months A30P male mice compared to WT controls. A similar increase in % area of GFAP was observed in female A30P mice, however, the Iba-1 count was not different between female WT and A30P mice. In WT mice aged 2-4 months only 4.6% of Iba-1+ cells co-expressed iNOS. In contrast, in age matched A30P mice 87% of cells co-expressed Iba-1 and iNOS. Although there was no difference in GFAP immunoreactivity at 1 month, Iba-1/iNOS co-expression was also increased in a cohort of 1 month old A30P mice. Discussion Abnormal hα-syn expression in A30P mice caused early changes in network excitability, as indicated by c-Fos expression, and neuroinflammation which might contribute to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fiona E. N. LeBeau
- Biosciences Institute and Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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17
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Song LJ, Sui RX, Wang J, Miao Q, He Y, Yin JJ, An J, Ding ZB, Han QX, Wang Q, Yu JZ, Xiao BG, Ma CG. Targeting the differentiation of astrocytes by Bilobalide in the treatment of Parkinson's disease model. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:274-291. [PMID: 36037147 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, is multifactorial but not fully unknown. Until now, no drug has been proven to have neuroprotective or neuroregenerative effects in patients with PD. Objectives: To observe the therapeutic potential of Bilobalide (BB), a constituent of ginkgo biloba, in MPTP-induced PD model, and explore its possible mechanisms of action. Material and Methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: healthy group, MPTP group and MPTP + BB group. PD-related phenotypes were induced by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP into male C57BL/6 mice, and BB (40 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally given for 7 consecutive days at the end of modeling. The injection of saline was set up as the control in a similar manner. Results: BB induced M2 polarization of microglia, accompanied by inhibition of neuroinflammation in the brain. Simultaneously, BB promoted the expression of BDNF in astrocytes and neurons, and expression of GDNF in neurons. Most interestingly, BB enhanced the formation of GFAP+ astrocytes expressing nestin, Brn2 and Ki67, as well as the transformation of GFAP+ astrocytes expressing tyrosine hydroxylase around subventricular zone, providing experimental evidence that BB could promote the conversion of astrocytes into TH+ dopamine neurons in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: These results suggest the natural product BB may utilize multiple pathways to modify degenerative process of TH+ neurons, revealing an exciting opportunity for novel neuroprotective therapeutics. However, its multi-target and important mechanisms need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruo-Xuan Sui
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Department of Neurology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qiang Miao
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan He
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun-Jun Yin
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun An
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Ding
- The Department of Neurology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing-Xian Han
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- The NO. 1 Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- The Department of Neurology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- The NO. 1 Affiliated Hospital/Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
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18
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Lee KS, Yoon SH, Hwang I, Ma JH, Yang E, Kim RH, Kim E, Yu JW. Hyperglycemia enhances brain susceptibility to lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation via astrocyte reprogramming. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:137. [PMID: 38802820 PMCID: PMC11131277 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03136-1] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia has been shown to modulate the immune response of peripheral immune cells and organs, but the impact of hyperglycemia on neuroinflammation within the brain remains elusive. In the present study, we provide evidences that streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic condition in mice drives a phenotypic switch of brain astrocytes to a proinflammatory state, and increases brain vulnerability to mild peripheral inflammation. In particular, we found that hyperglycemia led to a significant increase in the astrocyte proliferation as determined by flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses of mouse brain. The increased astrocyte proliferation by hyperglycemia was reduced by Glut1 inhibitor BAY-876. Transcriptomic analysis of isolated astrocytes from Aldh1l1CreERT2;tdTomato mice revealed that peripheral STZ injection induced astrocyte reprogramming into proliferative, and proinflammatory phenotype. Additionally, STZ-induced hyperglycemic condition significantly enhanced the infiltration of circulating myeloid cells into the brain and the disruption of blood-brain barrier in response to mild lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Systemic hyperglycemia did not alter the intensity and sensitivity of peripheral inflammation in mice to LPS challenge, but increased the inflammatory potential of brain microglia. In line with findings from mouse experiments, a high-glucose environment intensified the LPS-triggered production of proinflammatory molecules in primary astrocyte cultures. Furthermore, hyperglycemic mice exhibited a significant impairment in cognitive function after mild LPS administration compared to normoglycemic mice as determined by novel object recognition and Y-maze tasks. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperglycemia directly induces astrocyte reprogramming towards a proliferative and proinflammatory phenotype, which potentiates mild LPS-triggered inflammation within brain parenchymal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Seo Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inhwa Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Euimo Yang
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Rebekah Hyeyoon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eosu Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je-Wook Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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19
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Iwasaki R, Kohro Y, Tsuda M. A method for selective and efficient isolation of gray matter astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice. Mol Brain 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38773624 PMCID: PMC11106874 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01097-3] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates intra- and inter-regional heterogeneity of astrocytes in the brain. However, because of a lack of an efficient method for isolating astrocytes from the spinal cord, little is known about how much spinal cord astrocytes are heterogeneous in adult mice. In this study, we developed a new method for isolating spinal astrocytes from adult mice using a cold-active protease from Bacillus licheniformis with an astrocyte cell surface antigen-2 (ACSA-2) antibody. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, isolated spinal ACSA-2+ cells were divided into two distinct populations, ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low. By analyzing the expression of cell-type marker genes, the ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low populations were identified as astrocytes and ependymal cells, respectively. Furthermore, ACSA-2high cells had mRNAs encoding genes that were abundantly expressed in the gray matter (GM) but not white matter astrocytes. By optimizing enzymatic isolation procedures, the yield of GM astrocytes also increased. Therefore, our newly established method enabled the selective and efficient isolation of GM astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice and may be useful for bulk- or single-cell RNA-sequencing under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Iwasaki
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Kohro
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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20
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Huber RE, Babbitt C, Peyton SR. Heterogeneity of brain extracellular matrix and astrocyte activation. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25356. [PMID: 38773875 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25356] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
From the blood brain barrier to the synaptic space, astrocytes provide structural, metabolic, ionic, and extracellular matrix (ECM) support across the brain. Astrocytes include a vast array of subtypes, their phenotypes and functions varying both regionally and temporally. Astrocytes' metabolic and regulatory functions poise them to be quick and sensitive responders to injury and disease in the brain as revealed by single cell sequencing. Far less is known about the influence of the local healthy and aging microenvironments on these astrocyte activation states. In this forward-looking review, we describe the known relationship between astrocytes and their local microenvironment, the remodeling of the microenvironment during disease and injury, and postulate how they may drive astrocyte activation. We suggest technology development to better understand the dynamic diversity of astrocyte activation states, and how basal and activation states depend on the ECM microenvironment. A deeper understanding of astrocyte response to stimuli in ECM-specific contexts (brain region, age, and sex of individual), paves the way to revolutionize how the field considers astrocyte-ECM interactions in brain injury and disease and opens routes to return astrocytes to a healthy quiescent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Huber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Courtney Babbitt
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Kampmann M. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of selective vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:351-371. [PMID: 38575768 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00806-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The selective vulnerability of specific neuronal subtypes is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. In this Review, I summarize our current understanding of the brain regions and cell types that are selectively vulnerable in different neurodegenerative diseases and describe the proposed underlying cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. I highlight how recent methodological innovations - including single-cell transcriptomics, CRISPR-based screens and human cell-based models of disease - are enabling new breakthroughs in our understanding of selective vulnerability. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms that determine selective vulnerability and resilience would shed light on the key processes that drive neurodegeneration and point to potential therapeutic strategies to protect vulnerable cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kampmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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22
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Smyllie NJ, Hastings MH, Patton AP. Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions and Circadian Timekeeping in Mammals. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241245307. [PMID: 38602223 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241245307] [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: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Almost every facet of our behavior and physiology varies predictably over the course of day and night, anticipating and adapting us to their associated opportunities and challenges. These rhythms are driven by endogenous biological clocks that, when deprived of environmental cues, can continue to oscillate within a period of approximately 1 day, hence circa-dian. Normally, retinal signals synchronize them to the cycle of light and darkness, but disruption of circadian organization, a common feature of modern lifestyles, carries considerable costs to health. Circadian timekeeping pivots around a cell-autonomous molecular clock, widely expressed across tissues. These cellular timers are in turn synchronized by the principal circadian clock of the brain: the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Intercellular signals make the SCN network a very powerful pacemaker. Previously, neurons were considered the sole SCN timekeepers, with glial cells playing supportive roles. New discoveries have revealed, however, that astrocytes are active partners in SCN network timekeeping, with their cell-autonomous clock regulating extracellular glutamate and GABA concentrations to control circadian cycles of SCN neuronal activity. Here, we introduce circadian timekeeping at the cellular and SCN network levels before focusing on the contributions of astrocytes and their mutual interaction with neurons in circadian control in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Smyllie
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Andrew P Patton
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
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23
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Andersen SL. Increasing CB2 Receptor Activity after Early Life Stress Prevents Depressive Behavior in Female Rats. Biomolecules 2024; 14:464. [PMID: 38672480 PMCID: PMC11047932 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040464] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early adversity, the loss of the inhibitory GABAergic interneuron parvalbumin, and elevated neuroinflammation are associated with depression. Individuals with a maltreatment history initiate medicinal cannabis use earlier in life than non-maltreated individuals, suggesting self-medication. Female rats underwent maternal separation (MS) between 2 and 20 days of age to model early adversity or served as colony controls. The prelimbic cortex and behavior were examined to determine whether MS alters the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which has anti-inflammatory properties. A reduction in the CB2-associated regulatory enzyme MARCH7 leading to increased NLRP3 was observed with Western immunoblots in MS females. Immunohistochemistry with stereology quantified numbers of parvalbumin-immunoreactive cells and CB2 at 25, 40, and 100 days of age, revealing that the CB2 receptor associated with PV neurons initially increases at P25 and subsequently decreases by P40 in MS animals, with no change in controls. Confocal and triple-label microscopy suggest colocalization of these CB2 receptors to microglia wrapped around the parvalbumin neuron. Depressive-like behavior in MS animals was elevated at P40 and reduced with the CB2 agonist HU-308 or a CB2-overexpressing lentivirus microinjected into the prelimbic cortex. These results suggest that increasing CB2 expression by P40 in the prelimbic cortex prevents depressive behavior in MS female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Andersen
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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24
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López-Murillo C, Hinestroza-Morales S, Henny P, Toledo J, Cardona-Gómez GP, Rivera-Gutiérrez H, Posada-Duque R. Differences in vocal brain areas and astrocytes between the house wren and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1339308. [PMID: 38601797 PMCID: PMC11004282 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1339308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The house wren shows complex song, and the rufous-tailed hummingbird has a simple song. The location of vocal brain areas supports the song's complexity; however, these still need to be studied. The astrocytic population in songbirds appears to be associated with change in vocal control nuclei; however, astrocytic distribution and morphology have not been described in these species. Consequently, we compared the distribution and volume of the vocal brain areas: HVC, RA, Area X, and LMAN, cell density, and the morphology of astrocytes in the house wren and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. Individuals of the two species were collected, and their brains were analyzed using serial Nissl- NeuN- and MAP2-stained tissue scanner imaging, followed by 3D reconstructions of the vocal areas; and GFAP and S100β astrocytes were analyzed in both species. We found that vocal areas were located close to the cerebral midline in the house wren and a more lateralized position in the rufous-tailed hummingbird. The LMAN occupied a larger volume in the rufous-tailed hummingbird, while the RA and HVC were larger in the house wren. While Area X showed higher cell density in the house wren than the rufous-tailed hummingbird, the LMAN showed a higher density in the rufous-tailed hummingbird. In the house wren, GFAP astrocytes in the same bregma where the vocal areas were located were observed at the laminar edge of the pallium (LEP) and in the vascular region, as well as in vocal motor relay regions in the pallidum and mesencephalon. In contrast, GFAP astrocytes were found in LEP, but not in the pallidum and mesencephalon in hummingbirds. Finally, when comparing GFAP astrocytes in the LEP region of both species, house wren astrocytes exhibited significantly more complex morphology than those of the rufous-tailed hummingbird. These findings suggest a difference in the location and cellular density of vocal circuits, as well as morphology of GFAP astrocytes between the house wren and the rufous-tailed hummingbird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López-Murillo
- Área de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Santiago Hinestroza-Morales
- Área de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Pablo Henny
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Toledo
- Scientific Equipment Network REDECA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria Patricia Cardona-Gómez
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Sede de Investigaciones Universitarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Héctor Rivera-Gutiérrez
- Grupo de Investigación de Ecología y Evolución de Vertebrados, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Rafael Posada-Duque
- Área de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
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25
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Fan X, Chu R, Jiang X, Ma P, Chu Y, Hua T, Yang M, Ding R, Li J, Xiang Z, Yuan H. LPAR6 Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Mediating Astrocyte Cells via ROCK2/NF-κB Signal Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04108-5. [PMID: 38509397 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04108-5] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a common type of chronic pain. Glial cells, including astrocytes (AS), are believed to play an important role in the progression of NPP. AS cells can be divided into various types based on their expression profiles, among which A1 and A2 types have clear functions. A1-type AS cells are neurotoxic, while A2-type AS cells exert neuroprotective functions. Some types of lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPAR) have been shown to play a role in NPP. However, it remains unclear how AS cells and LPAR6 affect the occurrence and progression of NPP. In this study, we established a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) to simulate NPP. It was found that the expression of LPAR6 in AS cells of the spinal dorsal horn was increased in the CCI model, and the thresholds of mechanical and thermal pain were elevated after knocking out LPAR6, indicating that LPAR6 and AS cells participated in the occurrence of NPP. The experiment involved culturing primary AS cells and knocking down LPAR6 by Lentivirus. The results showed that the NF-κB signal pathway was activated and the number of A1-type AS cells increased in the CCI model. However, LPAR6 knockdown inhibited the NF-κB signal pathway and A1-type AS cells. The results of the mRNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation test indicate an interaction between LPAR6 and ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 by Y-27632 increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds and alleviated NPP at the molecular level. The study presents evidence that LPAR6 activates the NF-κB pathway through ROCK2 and contributes to the progression of NPP by increasing A1-type AS and decreasing A2-type AS. This suggests that LPAR6 could be a potential therapeutic target for alleviating NPP. Clinical applications that are successful can offer new therapeutic options, enhance the quality of life for patients, and potentially uncover new mechanisms for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruitong Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifeng Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, No.800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongbin Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, No.800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Zhang S, Li M, Qiu Y, Wu J, Xu X, Ma Q, Zheng Z, Lu G, Deng Z, Huang H. Enhanced VEGF secretion and blood-brain barrier disruption: Radiation-mediated inhibition of astrocyte autophagy via PI3K-AKT pathway activation. Glia 2024; 72:568-587. [PMID: 38009296 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24491] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the recognized pathological basis of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI), a side effect of head and neck cancer treatments. There is currently a lack of therapeutic approaches for RBI due to the ambiguity of its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to identify these mechanisms in order to prevent RBI or provide early interventions. One crucial factor contributing to BBB disruption is the radiation-induced activation of astrocytes and oversecretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanistically, the PI3K-AKT pathway can inhibit cellular autophagy, leading to pathological cell aggregation. Moreover, it acts as an upstream pathway of VEGF. In this study, we observed the upregulation of the PI3K-AKT pathway in irradiated cultured astrocytes through bioinformatics analysis, we then validated these findings in animal brains and in vitro astrocytes following radiation exposure. Additionally, we also found the inhibition of autophagy and the oversecretion of VEGF in irradiated astrocytes. By inhibiting the PI3K-AKT pathway or promoting cellular autophagy, we observed a significant amelioration of the inhibitory effect on autophagy, leading to reductions in VEGF oversecretion and BBB disruption. In conclusion, our study suggests that radiation can inhibit autophagy and promote VEGF oversecretion by upregulating the PI3K-AKT pathway in astrocytes. Blocking the PI3K pathway can alleviate both of these effects, thereby mitigating damage to the BBB in patients undergoing radiation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingping Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuemin Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengxin Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhezhi Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Ollivier M, Soto JS, Linker KE, Moye SL, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Jones AE, Divakaruni AS, Kawaguchi R, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. Crym-positive striatal astrocytes gate perseverative behaviour. Nature 2024; 627:358-366. [PMID: 38418885 PMCID: PMC10937394 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07138-0] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are heterogeneous glial cells of the central nervous system1-3. However, the physiological relevance of astrocyte diversity for neural circuits and behaviour remains unclear. Here we show that a specific population of astrocytes in the central striatum expresses μ-crystallin (encoded by Crym in mice and CRYM in humans) that is associated with several human diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders4-7. In adult mice, reducing the levels of μ-crystallin in striatal astrocytes through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of Crym resulted in perseverative behaviours, increased fast synaptic excitation in medium spiny neurons and dysfunctional excitatory-inhibitory synaptic balance. Increased perseveration stemmed from the loss of astrocyte-gated control of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals of orbitofrontal cortex-striatum projections. We found that perseveration could be remedied using presynaptic inhibitory chemogenetics8, and that this treatment also corrected the synaptic deficits. Together, our findings reveal converging molecular, synaptic, circuit and behavioural mechanisms by which a molecularly defined and allocated population of striatal astrocytes gates perseveration phenotypes that accompany neuropsychiatric disorders9-12. Our data show that Crym-positive striatal astrocytes have key biological functions within the central nervous system, and uncover astrocyte-neuron interaction mechanisms that could be targeted in treatments for perseveration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ollivier
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joselyn S Soto
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kay E Linker
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Jones
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ajit S Divakaruni
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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28
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Soto JS, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. In vivo identification of astrocyte and neuron subproteomes by proximity-dependent biotinylation. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:896-927. [PMID: 38062165 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00923-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises diverse and morphologically complex cells. To understand the molecular basis of their physiology, it is crucial to assess proteins expressed within intact cells. Commonly used methods utilize cell dissociation and sorting to isolate specific cell types such as neurons and astrocytes, the major CNS cells. Proteins purified from isolated cells are identified by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. However, dissociation and cell-sorting methods lead to near total loss of cellular morphology, thereby losing proteins from key relevant subcompartments such as processes, end feet, dendrites and axons. Here we provide a systematic protocol for cell- and subcompartment-specific labeling and identification of proteins found within intact astrocytes and neurons in vivo. This protocol utilizes the proximity-dependent biotinylation system BioID2, selectively expressed in either astrocytes or neurons, to label proximal proteins in a cell-specific manner. BioID2 is targeted genetically to assess the subproteomes of subcellular compartments such as the plasma membrane and sites of cell-cell contacts. We describe in detail the expression methods (variable timing), stereotaxic surgeries for expression (1-2 d and then 3 weeks), in vivo protein labeling (7 d), protein isolation (2-3 d), protein identification methods (2-3 d) and data analysis (1 week). The protocol can be applied to any area of the CNS in mouse models of physiological processes and for disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn S Soto
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Shin HS, Lee SH, Moon HJ, So YH, Jang HJ, Lee KH, Ahn C, Jung EM. Prolonged stress response induced by chronic stress and corticosterone exposure causes adult neurogenesis inhibition and astrocyte loss in mouse hippocampus. Brain Res Bull 2024; 208:110903. [PMID: 38367676 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110903] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a pervasive and complex issue that contributes significantly to various mental and physical health disorders. Using the previously established chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model, which simulates human stress situations, it has been shown that chronic stress induces major depressive disorder (MDD) and memory deficiency. However, this established model is associated with several drawbacks, such as limited research reproducibility and the inability to sustain stress response. To resolve these issues, we developed a new CUS model (CUS+C) that included exogenous corticosterone exposure to induce continuous stress response. Thereafter, we evaluated the effect of this new model on brain health. Thus, we observed that the use of the CUS+C model decreased body and brain weight gain and induced an uncontrolled coat state as well as depressive-like behavior in adult mice. It also impaired learning memory function and cognitive abilities, reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis as well as the number of hippocampal astrocytes, and downregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the brains of adult mice. These findings can promote the utilization and validity of the animal stress model and provide new information for the treatment of chronic stress-induced depressive and memory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Seung Shin
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Jung Moon
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hee So
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Jung Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Ahn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Man Jung
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Xie W, Li F, Han Y, Chi X, Qin Y, Ye F, Li Z, Xiao J. Calcitonin gene-related peptide attenuated discogenic low back pain in rats possibly via inhibiting microglia activation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25906. [PMID: 38371980 PMCID: PMC10873749 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Discogenic low back pain (DLBP) is a multifactorial disease and associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. Calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) plays a critical role in pain processing, while the role in DLBP remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the anti-nociceptive role and related mechanisms of CGRP in DLBP. Here we established the DLBP rat and validated the model using histology and radiography. Minocycline, a microglial inhibitor, and CGRP were intrathecally injected and the behavioral test was performed to determine hyperalgesia. Further, BV2 microglial cells and microglial activation agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were employed for the in vitro experiment. We observed obvious lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and hyperalgesia at 12 weeks postoperation in DLBP group, with significantly activated microglia in the spinal cord. CGRP treatment significantly inhibited the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and NLRP3/caspase-1 expression induced by LPS in BV2 cells, whereas treatment with CGRP alone had little effect on BV2 cells. The intrathecal injection of CGRP into DLBP rats relieved mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, reverted the microglial activation and decreased the expression of NLRP3/caspase-1, similar to the effects produced by minocycline. Our results provide evidence that microglial activation in the spinal cord play a key role in hyperalgesia in DLBP rats. CGRP alleviates DLBP induced hyperalgesia and inhibits microglial activation in the spinal cord. Regulation of CGRP and microglial activation may provide a new strategy for ameliorating DLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiaoying Chi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhanchun Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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31
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Yang K, Liu Y, Zhang M. The Diverse Roles of Reactive Astrocytes in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:158. [PMID: 38391732 PMCID: PMC10886687 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes displaying reactive phenotypes are characterized by their ability to remodel morphologically, molecularly, and functionally in response to pathological stimuli. This process results in the loss of their typical astrocyte functions and the acquisition of neurotoxic or neuroprotective roles. A growing body of research indicates that these reactive astrocytes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), involving calcium homeostasis imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal lipid and lactate metabolism, glutamate excitotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the characteristics of reactive astrocytes, their role in the pathogenesis of ALS, and recent advancements in astrocyte-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqin Yang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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32
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Liu J, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Fu R, Hua S, Xu S. Astrocytes in ischemic stroke: Crosstalk in central nervous system and therapeutic potential. Neuropathology 2024; 44:3-20. [PMID: 37345225 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12928] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), a large group of glial cells called astrocytes play important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. Astrocytes participate in the formation of neurovascular units and interact closely with other cells of the CNS, such as microglia and neurons. Stroke is a global disease with high mortality and disability rate, most of which are ischemic stroke. Significant strides in understanding astrocytes have been made over the past few decades. Astrocytes respond strongly to ischemic stroke through a process known as activation or reactivity. Given the important role played by reactive astrocytes (RAs) in different spatial and temporal aspects of ischemic stroke, there is a growing interest in the potential therapeutic role of astrocytes. Currently, interventions targeting astrocytes, such as mediating astrocyte polarization, reducing edema, regulating glial scar formation, and reprogramming astrocytes, have been proven in modulating the progression of ischemic stroke. The aforementioned potential interventions on astrocytes and the crosstalk between astrocytes and other cells of the CNS will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jueling Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuying Guo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunsha Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Fu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengyu Hua
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shixin Xu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
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33
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Naveed M, Chao OY, Hill JW, Yang YM, Huston JP, Cao R. Circadian neurogenetics and its implications in neurophysiology, behavior, and chronomedicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105523. [PMID: 38142983 PMCID: PMC10872425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105523] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm affects multiple physiological processes, and disruption of the circadian system can be involved in a range of disease-related pathways. The genetic underpinnings of the circadian rhythm have been well-studied in model organisms. Significant progress has been made in understanding how clock genes affect the physiological functions of the nervous system. In addition, circadian timing is becoming a key factor in improving drug efficacy and reducing drug toxicity. The circadian biology of the target cell determines how the organ responds to the drug at a specific time of day, thus regulating pharmacodynamics. The current review brings together recent advances that have begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms of how the circadian clock affects neurophysiological and behavioral processes associated with human brain diseases. We start with a brief description of how the ubiquitous circadian rhythms are regulated at the genetic, cellular, and neural circuit levels, based on knowledge derived from extensive research on model organisms. We then summarize the latest findings from genetic studies of human brain disorders, focusing on the role of human clock gene variants in these diseases. Lastly, we discuss the impact of common dietary factors and medications on human circadian rhythms and advocate for a broader application of the concept of chronomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Owen Y Chao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yi-Mei Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Neurology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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34
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D bioprinting of human neural tissues with functional connectivity. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:260-274.e7. [PMID: 38306994 PMCID: PMC10883639 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009] [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] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Probing how human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable to the dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate into neurons and form functional neural circuits within and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents, and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xueyan Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sakthikumar Mathivanan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Linghai Kong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.
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35
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Kim J, Yoo ID, Lim J, Moon JS. Pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:95-99. [PMID: 38172603 PMCID: PMC10834520 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are involved in various processes in the central nervous system (CNS). As the most abundant cell type in the CNS, astrocytes play an essential role in neuronal maintenance and support, synaptic activity, neuronal metabolism, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment. The transformation of astrocytes is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Since astrocytes have functional diversity and morphological and physiological heterogeneity in the CNS, AD-related astrocytes might show various pathological phenotypes during AD. Astrocytes developing pathological phenotypes could contribute to AD progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in the context of AD, highlighting recent findings in human and mouse AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhyung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Ik Dong Yoo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Jaejoon Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University, Yatap-dong 59, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Seok Moon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
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36
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Verkerke M, Berdenis van Berlekom A, Donega V, Vonk D, Sluijs JA, Butt NF, Kistemaker L, de Witte LD, Pasterkamp RJ, Middeldorp J, Hol EM. Transcriptomic and morphological maturation of human astrocytes in cerebral organoids. Glia 2024; 72:362-374. [PMID: 37846809 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24479] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral organoids (CerOrgs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a valuable tool to study human astrocytes and their interaction with neurons and microglia. The timeline of astrocyte development and maturation in this model is currently unknown and this limits the value and applicability of the model. Therefore, we generated CerOrgs from three healthy individuals and assessed astrocyte maturation after 5, 11, 19, and 37 weeks in culture. At these four time points, the astrocyte lineage was isolated based on the expression of integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6). Based on the transcriptome of the isolated ITGA6-positive cells, astrocyte development started between 5 and 11 weeks in culture and astrocyte maturation commenced after 11 weeks in culture. After 19 weeks in culture, the ITGA6-positive astrocytes had the highest expression of human mature astrocyte genes, and the predicted functional properties were related to brain homeostasis. After 37 weeks in culture, a subpopulation of ITGA6-negative astrocytes appeared, highlighting the heterogeneity within the astrocytes. The morphology shifted from an elongated progenitor-like morphology to the typical bushy astrocyte morphology. Based on the morphological properties, predicted functional properties, and the similarities with the human mature astrocyte transcriptome, we concluded that ITGA6-positive astrocytes have developed optimally in 19-week-old CerOrgs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Verkerke
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Berdenis van Berlekom
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Donega
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy & Neurosciences, section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Vonk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline A Sluijs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nayab F Butt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lois Kistemaker
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lot D de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Neurobiology & Aging, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yan Y, Li X, Gao Y, Mathivanan S, Kong L, Tao Y, Dong Y, Li X, Bhattacharyya A, Zhao X, Zhang SC. 3D Bioprinting of Human Neural Tissues with Functional Connectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576289. [PMID: 38328181 PMCID: PMC10849546 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Probing how the human neural networks operate is hindered by the lack of reliable human neural tissues amenable for dynamic functional assessment of neural circuits. We developed a 3D bioprinting platform to assemble tissues with defined human neural cell types in a desired dimension using a commercial bioprinter. The printed neuronal progenitors differentiate to neurons and form functional neural circuits in and between tissue layers with specificity within weeks, evidenced by the cortical-to-striatal projection, spontaneous synaptic currents and synaptic response to neuronal excitation. Printed astrocyte progenitors develop into mature astrocytes with elaborated processes and form functional neuron-astrocyte networks, indicated by calcium flux and glutamate uptake in response to neuronal excitation under physiological and pathological conditions. These designed human neural tissues will likely be useful for understanding the wiring of human neural networks, modeling pathological processes, and serving as platforms for drug testing.
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38
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Kwon W, Choi DJ, Yu K, Williamson MR, Murali S, Ko Y, Woo J, Deneen B. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Cerebellar Astrocytes across Developmental Stages and Brain Regions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1021. [PMID: 38256095 PMCID: PMC10816327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021021] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system, and they play a crucial role in normal brain function. While gliogenesis and glial differentiation occur during perinatal cerebellar development, the processes that occur during early postnatal development remain obscure. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of postnatal cerebellar astrocytes at postnatal days 1, 7, 14, and 28 (P1, P7, P14, and P28), identifying temporal-specific gene signatures at each specific time point. Comparing these profiles with region-specific astrocyte differentially expressed genes (DEGs) published for the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb revealed cerebellar-specific gene signature across these developmental timepoints. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of cerebellar astrocyte gene signatures with gene lists from pediatric brain tumors of cerebellar origin, including ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Notably, genes downregulated at P14, such as Kif11 and HMGB2, exhibited significant enrichment across all pediatric brain tumor groups, suggesting the importance of astrocytic gene repression during cerebellar development to these tumor subtypes. Collectively, our studies describe gene expression patterns during cerebellar astrocyte development, with potential implications for pediatric tumors originating in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wookbong Kwon
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dong-Joo Choi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kwanha Yu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael R. Williamson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjana Murali
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yeunjung Ko
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Comas M, De Pietri Tonelli D, Berdondini L, Astiz M. Ontogeny of the circadian system: a multiscale process throughout development. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:36-46. [PMID: 38071123 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The 24 h (circadian) timing system develops in mammals during the perinatal period. It carries out the essential task of anticipating daily recurring environmental changes to identify the best time of day for each molecular, cellular, and systemic process. Although significant knowledge has been acquired about the organization and function of the adult circadian system, relatively little is known about its ontogeny. During the perinatal period, the circadian system progressively gains functionality under the influence of the early environment. This review explores current evidence on the development of the circadian clock in mammals, highlighting the multilevel complexity of the process and the importance of gaining a better understanding of its underlying biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Comas
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
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40
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Reyes C, Mokalled MH. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:213-231. [PMID: 39190077 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries cause irreversible loss of sensory and motor functions. In mammals, intrinsic and extrinsic inhibitions of neuronal regeneration obstruct neural repair after spinal cord injury. Although astrocytes have been involved in a growing list of vital homeostatic functions in the nervous system, their roles after injury have fascinated and puzzled scientists for decades. Astrocytes undergo long-lasting morphological and functional changes after injury, referred to as reactive astrogliosis. Although reactive astrogliosis is required to contain spinal cord lesions and restore the blood-spinal cord barrier, reactive astrocytes have detrimental effects that inhibit neuronal repair and remyelination. Intriguingly, elevated regenerative capacity is preserved in some non-mammalian vertebrates, where astrocyte-like glial cells display exclusively pro-regenerative effects after injury. A detailed molecular and phenotypic catalog of the continuum of astrocyte reactivity states is an essential first step toward the development of glial cell manipulations for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrina Reyes
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mayssa H Mokalled
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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Thompson A, Arano R, Saleem U, Preciado R, Munoz L, Nelson I, Ramos K, Kim Y, Li Y, Xu W. Brain-wide circuit-specific targeting of astrocytes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100653. [PMID: 38052209 PMCID: PMC10753298 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are integral components of brain circuitry. They enwrap synapses, react to neuronal activity, and regulate synaptic transmission. Astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit distinct features and functions in different circuits. Selectively targeting the astrocytes associated with a given neuronal circuit would enable elucidation of their circuit-specific functions but has been technically challenging to date. Recently, we constructed anterograde transneuronal viral vectors based on yellow fever vaccine YFV-17D. Among them, the replication-incompetent YFVΔNS1-Cre can selectively turn on reporter genes in postsynaptic neurons if the viral gene NS1 is expressed in postsynaptic neurons. Here we show that without exogenous expression of NS1 at the postsynaptic sites, locally injected YFVΔNS1-Cre selectively turns on reporter genes in astrocytes in downstream brain regions. The targeting of astrocytes can occur across the whole brain but is specific for the neuronal circuits traced. Therefore, YFVΔNS1-Cre provides a tool for selective genetic targeting of astrocytes to reveal their circuit-specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rachel Arano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Uzair Saleem
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rebecca Preciado
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lizbeth Munoz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ian Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katarina Ramos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Zhang S, Deng Z, Qiu Y, Lu G, Wu J, Huang H. FGIN-1-27 Mitigates Radiation-induced Mitochondrial Hyperfunction and Cellular Hyperactivation in Cultured Astrocytes. Neuroscience 2023; 535:23-35. [PMID: 37913861 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) poses a significant challenge in the context of radiotherapy for intracranial tumors, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. While prior investigations have underscored the role of astrocyte activation and excessive vascular endothelial growth factor production in microvascular damage associated with RBI, there remains a scarcity of studies examining the impact of radiation on astrocytes, particularly regarding organelles such as mitochondria. Thus, our study aimed to elucidate alterations in astrocyte and mitochondrial functionality following radiation exposure, with a specific focus on evaluating the potential ameliorative effects of translocator protein 18 kDa(TSPO) ligands. In this study, cultured astrocytes were subjected to X-ray irradiation, and their cellular states and mitochondrial functions were examined and compared to control cells. Our findings revealed that radiation-induced astrocytic hyperactivation, transforming them into the neurotoxic A1-type, concomitant with reduced cell proliferation. Additionally, radiation triggered mitochondrial hyperfunction, heightened the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased oxidative metabolite production. However, following treatment with FGIN-1-27, a TSPO ligand, we observed a restoration of mitochondrial function and a reduction in oxidative metabolite production. Moreover, this intervention mitigated astrocyte hyperactivity, decreased the number of A1-type astrocytes, and restored cell proliferative capacity. In conclusion, our study has unveiled additional manifestations of radiation-induced astrocyte dysfunction and validated that TSPO ligands may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate this dysfunction. It has potential clinical implications for the treatment of RBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhezhi Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuemin Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Gengxin Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junyu Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haiwei Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Han S, Kim J, Kim SH, Youn W, Kim J, Ji GY, Yang S, Park J, Lee GM, Kim Y, Choi IS. In vitro induction of in vivo-relevant stellate astrocytes in 3D brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:218-233. [PMID: 37788738 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.046] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro fabrication of 3D cell culture systems that could provide in vivo tissue-like, structural, and biochemical environments to neural cells is essential not only for fundamental studies on brain function and behavior, but also for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applicable to neural injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, for astrocytes-which actively respond to the surroundings and exhibit varied morphologies based on stimuli (e.g., stiffness and chemicals) in vitro, as well as physiological or pathological conditions in vivo-it is crucial to establish an appropriate milieu in in vitro culture platforms. Herein, we report the induction of in vivo-relevant, stellate-shaped astrocytes derived from cortices of Rattus norvegicus by constructing the 3D cell culture systems of brain-derived, decellularized extracellular matrices (bdECMs). The bdECM hydrogels were mechanically stable and soft, and the bdECM-based 3D scaffolds supplied biochemically active environments that astrocytes could interact with, leading to the development of in vivo-like stellate structures. In addition to the distinct morphology with actively elongated endfeet, the astrocytes, cultured in 3D bdECM scaffolds, would have neurosupportive characteristics, indicated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in the astrocyte-conditioned media. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing showed that the gene expression profiles of astrocytes cultured in bdECMs were significantly different from those cultured on 2D surfaces. The stellate-shaped astrocytes in the bdECMs were analyzed to have reached a more mature state, for instance, with decreased expression of genes for scaffold ECMs, actin filaments, and cell division. The results suggest that the bdECM-based 3D culture system offers an advanced platform for culturing primary cortical astrocytes and their mixtures with other neural cells, providing a brain-like, structural and biochemical milieu that promotes the maturity and in vivo-like characteristics of astrocytes in both form and gene expression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) have emerged as strong candidates for the construction of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures in vitro, owing to the potential to provide native biochemical and physical environments. In this study, we fabricated hydrogels of brain-derived dECMs (bdECMs) and cultured primary astrocytes within the bdECM hydrogels in a 3D context. The cultured astrocytes exhibited a stellate morphology distinct from conventional 2D cultures, featuring tridimensionally elongated endfeet. qRT-PCR and NGS-based transcriptomic analyses revealed gene expression patterns indicative of a more mature state, compared with the 2D culture. Moreover, astrocytes cultured in bdECMs showed neurosupportive characteristics, as demonstrated by the accelerated neurite outgrowth in astrocyte-conditioned media. We believe that the bdECM hydrogel-based culture system can serve as an in vitro model system for astrocytes and their coculture with other neural cells, holding significant potential for neural engineering and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Han
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jungnam Kim
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Su Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Wongu Youn
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Jihoo Kim
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Gil Yong Ji
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Asan 31418, South Korea
| | - Seoin Yang
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Joohyouck Park
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Gyun Min Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | | | - Insung S Choi
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea; Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
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Hao H, Hou Y, Li A, Niu L, Li S, He B, Zhang X, Song H, Cai R, Zhou Y, Yao C, Wang Y, Wang Y. HIF-1α promotes astrocytic production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor following spinal cord injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3802-3814. [PMID: 37334735 PMCID: PMC10651974 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14300] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important mediator of neuropathology in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, little is known about its inducers for production from the nerve cells, as well as the underlying regulatory mechanism. Injury-induced HIF-1α has been shown to exacerbate neuroinflammation by activating multiple downstream target molecules. It is postulated that HIF-1α is involved in the regulation of MIF following spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS SCI model of Sprague-Dawley rats was established by cord contusion at T8-T10. The dynamic changes of HIF-1α and MIF protein levels at lesion site of rat spinal cord were determined by Western blot. The specific cell types of HIF-1α and MIF expression were examined by immunostaining. Primary astrocytes were isolated from the spinal cord, cultured and stimulated with various agonist or inhibitor of HIF-1α for analysis of HIF-1α-mediated expression of MIF. Luciferase report assay was used to determine the relationship between HIF-1α and MIF. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale was used to assess the locomotor function following SCI. RESULTS The protein levels of HIF-1α and MIF at lesion site were significantly elevated by SCI. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that both HIF-1α and MIF were abundantly expressed in the astrocytes of the spinal cord. By using various agonists or inhibitors of HIF-1α, it was shown that HIF-1α sufficiently induced astrocytic production of MIF. Mechanistically, HIF-1α promoted MIF expression through interaction with MIF promoter. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity using specific inhibitor markedly reduced the protein levels of MIF at lesion site following SCI, which in turn favored for the functional recovery. CONCLUSION SCI-induced activation of HIF-1α is able to promote MIF production from astrocytes. Our results have provided new clues for SCI-induced production of DAMPs, which may be helpful for clinical treatment of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yuxuan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Aicheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Li Niu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Shaolan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Bingqiang He
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Xingyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Honghua Song
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Rixin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Chun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
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Lopez-Ortiz AO, Eyo UB. Astrocytes and microglia in the coordination of CNS development and homeostasis. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.16006. [PMID: 37985374 PMCID: PMC11102936 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16006] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Glia have emerged as important architects of central nervous system (CNS) development and maintenance. While traditionally glial contributions to CNS development and maintenance have been studied independently, there is growing evidence that either suggests or documents that glia may act in coordinated manners to effect developmental patterning and homeostatic functions in the CNS. In this review, we focus on astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the CNS, and microglia, the earliest glia to colonize the CNS highlighting research that documents either suggestive or established coordinated actions by these glial cells in various CNS processes including cell and/or debris clearance, neuronal survival and morphogenesis, synaptic maturation, and circuit function, angio-/vasculogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission. Some molecular mechanisms underlying these processes that have been identified are also described. Throughout, we categorize the available evidence as either suggestive or established interactions between microglia and astrocytes in the regulation of the respective process and raise possible avenues for further research. We conclude indicating that a better understanding of coordinated astrocyte-microglial interactions in the developing and mature brain holds promise for developing effective therapies for brain pathologies where these processes are perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aída Oryza Lopez-Ortiz
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Barnett D, Bohmbach K, Grelot V, Charlet A, Dallérac G, Ju YH, Nagai J, Orr AG. Astrocytes as Drivers and Disruptors of Behavior: New Advances in Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7463-7471. [PMID: 37940585 PMCID: PMC10634555 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1376-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging as key regulators of cognitive function and behavior. This review highlights some of the latest advances in the understanding of astrocyte roles in different behavioral domains across lifespan and in disease. We address specific molecular and circuit mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate behavior, discuss their functional diversity and versatility, and highlight emerging astrocyte-targeted treatment strategies that might alleviate behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in pathologic conditions. Converging evidence across different model systems and manipulations is revealing that astrocytes regulate behavioral processes in a precise and context-dependent manner. Improved understanding of these astrocytic functions may generate new therapeutic strategies for various conditions with cognitive and behavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barnett
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| | - Kirsten Bohmbach
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Grelot
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Paris-Saclay University, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neurosciences, Paris, 91400, France
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jun Nagai
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
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Verma H, Gangwar P, Yadav A, Yadav B, Rao R, Kaur S, Kumar P, Dhiman M, Taglialatela G, Mantha AK. Understanding the neuronal synapse and challenges associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondrion 2023; 73:19-29. [PMID: 37708950 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.09.003] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic mitochondria are crucial for maintaining synaptic activity due to their high energy requirements, substantial calcium (Ca2+) fluctuation, and neurotransmitter release at the synapse. To provide a continuous energy supply, neurons use special mechanisms to transport and distribute healthy mitochondria to the synapse while eliminating the damaged mitochondria from the synapse. Along the neuron, mitochondrial membrane potential (ψ) gradient exists and is highest in the somal region. Lower ψ in the synaptic region renders mitochondria more vulnerable to oxidative stress-mediated damage. Secondly, mitochondria become susceptible to the release of cytochrome c, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not shielded from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the histone proteins (unlike nuclear DNA), leading to activation of caspases and pronounced oxidative DNA base damage, which ultimately causes synaptic loss. Both synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic failure are crucial factors responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated Tau, the two leading players of AD, exaggerate the disease-like pathological conditions by reducing the mitochondrial trafficking, blocking the bi-directional transport at the synapse, enhancing the mitochondrial fission via activating the mitochondrial fission proteins, enhancing the swelling of mitochondria by increasing the influx of water through mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, as well as reduced ATP production by blocking the activity of complex I and complex IV. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also associated with decline in cognitive ability caused by synaptic degradation. This review summarizes the challenges associated with the synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction linked to AD and MCI and the role of phytochemicals in restoring the synaptic activity and rendering neuroprotection in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anuradha Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Bharti Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Rashmi Rao
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Chameh HM, Falby M, Movahed M, Arbabi K, Rich S, Zhang L, Lefebvre J, Tripathy SJ, De Pittà M, Valiante TA. Distinctive biophysical features of human cell-types: insights from studies of neurosurgically resected brain tissue. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1250834. [PMID: 37860223 PMCID: PMC10584155 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1250834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrophysiological characterization of live human tissue from epilepsy patients has been performed for many decades. Although initially these studies sought to understand the biophysical and synaptic changes associated with human epilepsy, recently, it has become the mainstay for exploring the distinctive biophysical and synaptic features of human cell-types. Both epochs of these human cellular electrophysiological explorations have faced criticism. Early studies revealed that cortical pyramidal neurons obtained from individuals with epilepsy appeared to function "normally" in comparison to neurons from non-epilepsy controls or neurons from other species and thus there was little to gain from the study of human neurons from epilepsy patients. On the other hand, contemporary studies are often questioned for the "normalcy" of the recorded neurons since they are derived from epilepsy patients. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the distinct biophysical features of human cortical neurons and glia obtained from tissue removed from patients with epilepsy and tumors. We then explore the concept of within cell-type diversity and its loss (i.e., "neural homogenization"). We introduce neural homogenization to help reconcile the epileptogenicity of seemingly "normal" human cortical cells and circuits. We propose that there should be continued efforts to study cortical tissue from epilepsy patients in the quest to understand what makes human cell-types "human".
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Affiliation(s)
- Homeira Moradi Chameh
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madeleine Falby
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mandana Movahed
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keon Arbabi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Scott Rich
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Liang Zhang
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jérémie Lefebvre
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shreejoy J. Tripathy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maurizio De Pittà
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Taufik A. Valiante
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Max Planck-University of Toronto Center for Neural Science and Technology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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50
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Quan W, Xu CS, Li XC, Yang C, Lan T, Wang MY, Yu DH, Tang F, Wang ZF, Li ZQ. Telmisartan inhibits microglia-induced neurotoxic A1 astrocyte conversion via PPARγ-mediated NF-κB/p65 degradation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110761. [PMID: 37544025 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110761] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are crucially involved in neuroinflammation. Activated astrocytes exhibit at least two phenotypes, A1 (neurotoxic) and A2 (neuroprotective). The A1 phenotype is the major reactive astrocyte phenotype involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Telmisartan, which is an antihypertensive agent, is a promising neuroprotective agent. This study aimed to investigate the effects of telmisartan on the phenotype of reactive astrocytes. Astrocytes were activated by culturing with the conditioned medium derived from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia. This conditioned medium induced early, transient A2 astrocyte conversion (within 24 h) and late, sustained A1 conversion (beginning at 24 h and lasting up to 7 days), with a concomitant increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]α, and IL-6) and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65. Telmisartan treatment promoted and inhibited A2 and A1 conversion, respectively. Telmisartan reduced total and phosphorylated p65 protein levels. Losartan, a specific angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) blocker, did not influence the reactive state of astrocytes. Additionally, AT1R activation by angiotensin II did not induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and A1/A2 markers, indicating that the AT1R signaling pathway is not involved in the astrocyte-mediated inflammatory response. A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist reversed the effects of telmisartan. Moreover, telmisartan-induced p65 downregulation was reversed by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. These results indicate that telmisartan suppresses activated microglia-induced neurotoxic A1 astrocyte conversion through p65 degradation. Our findings contribute towards the elucidation of the anti-inflammatory activity of telmisartan in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Quan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cheng-Shi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Chong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meng-Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dong-Hu Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ze-Fen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Brain Glioma Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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