1
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Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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2
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Barut EN, Engin S, Yasar YK, Sezen SF. Riluzole, a neuroprotective agent, preserves erectile function following bilateral cavernous nerve injury in male rats. Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:275-282. [PMID: 36788353 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent complication in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. The underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined and the effective therapy has been limited. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of riluzole and the role of PKC β and excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) mediating this effect in a rat model of bilateral cavernous injury (BCNI). A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, BCNI (at 7, 15 days post-injury) and BCNI treated with riluzole (8 mg/kg/day) groups. Erectile function was measured as maximum intracavernosal pressure (mICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total ICP/MAP. Changes in protein expressions of phospho (p)-PKC β IIser660 and EAATs were analysed in penis and major pelvic ganglion with western blotting. BCNI decreased erectile function at 7 and 15 days post-injury (mICP/MAP at 4 V: 0.45 ± 0.06 vs 0.84 ± 0.07; 0.34 ± 0.04 vs 0.77 ± 0.04 respectively; p < 0.001) whereas riluzole treatment (for 15 days) preserved erectile function (mICP/MAP at 4 V: 0.62 ± 0.03 vs 0.34 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). The decline in the expression of p-PKC β IIser660 was observed in penis at 7 and 15 days post-injury (p = 0.0003, p = 0.0033), which was prevented by riluzole treatment for 15 days (p = 0.0464). While expressions of EAAT-1 and EAAT-2 decreased in major pelvic ganglion following BCNI (p = 0.0428, p = 0.002), riluzole treatment for 15 days prevented the decrease only in EAAT-2 expression (p = 0.0456). Riluzole improved erectile function via possibly interacting with PKC β II and glutamatergic pathways, as a potential therapeutic candidate for erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Nur Barut
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Trabzon, Türkiye.
| | - Seckin Engin
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Trabzon, Türkiye
| | - Yesim Kaya Yasar
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Trabzon, Türkiye
- Karadeniz Technical University, Drug and Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center, Trabzon, Türkiye
| | - Sena F Sezen
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Trabzon, Türkiye
- Karadeniz Technical University, Drug and Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center, Trabzon, Türkiye
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3
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Chen J, Ma B, Yang Y, Wang B, Hao J, Zhou X. Disulfidptosis decoded: a journey through cell death mysteries, regulatory networks, disease paradigms and future directions. Biomark Res 2024; 12:45. [PMID: 38685115 PMCID: PMC11059647 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00593-x] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell death is an important part of the life cycle, serving as a foundation for both the orderly development and the maintenance of physiological equilibrium within organisms. This process is fundamental, as it eliminates senescent, impaired, or aberrant cells while also promoting tissue regeneration and immunological responses. A novel paradigm of programmed cell death, known as disulfidptosis, has recently emerged in the scientific circle. Disulfidptosis is defined as the accumulation of cystine by cancer cells with high expression of the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) during glucose starvation. This accumulation causes extensive disulfide linkages between F-actins, resulting in their contraction and subsequent detachment from the cellular membrane, triggering cellular death. The RAC1-WRC axis is involved in this phenomenon. Disulfidptosis sparked growing interest due to its potential applications in a variety of pathologies, particularly oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic anomalies. Nonetheless, the complexities of its regulatory pathways remain elusive, and its precise molecular targets have yet to be definitively identified. This manuscript aims to meticulously dissect the historical evolution, molecular underpinnings, regulatory frameworks, and potential implications of disulfidptosis in various disease contexts, illuminating its promise as a groundbreaking therapeutic pathway and target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Boyuan Ma
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yubiao Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Bitao Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Jian Hao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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4
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Fontana ACK, Poli AN, Gour J, Srikanth YV, Anastasi N, Ashok D, Khatiwada A, Reeb KL, Cheng MH, Bahar I, Rawls SM, Salvino JM. Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships for Glutamate Transporter Allosteric Modulators. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6119-6143. [PMID: 38626917 PMCID: PMC11056993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01909] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are essential CNS proteins that regulate glutamate levels. Excess glutamate release and alteration in EAAT expression are associated with several CNS disorders. Previously, we identified positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of EAAT2, the main CNS transporter, and have demonstrated their neuroprotective properties in vitro. Herein, we report on the structure-activity relationships (SAR) for the analogs identified from virtual screening and from our medicinal chemistry campaign. This work identified several selective EAAT2 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) such as compounds 4 (DA-023) and 40 (NA-014) from a library of analogs inspired by GT949, an early generation compound. This series also provides nonselective EAAT PAMs, EAAT inhibitors, and inactive compounds that may be useful for elucidating the mechanism of EAAT allosteric modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia C. K. Fontana
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University
College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Adi N.R. Poli
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jitendra Gour
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Yellamelli V.V. Srikanth
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nicholas Anastasi
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Devipriya Ashok
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Apeksha Khatiwada
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University
College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Katelyn L. Reeb
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University
College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Mary Hongying Cheng
- Laufer
Center for Physical & Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Department
of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, College of Arts & Sciences and
School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
- Laufer
Center for Physical & Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Center
for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140United States
| | - Joseph M. Salvino
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis (MCO) Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- The
Wistar
Cancer Center Molecular Screening, The Wistar
Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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5
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van Veggel L, Mocking TA, Sijben HJ, Liu R, Gorostiola González M, Dilweg MA, Royakkers J, Li A, Kumar V, Dong YY, Bullock A, Sauer DB, Diliën H, van Westen GJ, Schreiber R, Heitman LH, Vanmierlo T. Still in Search for an EAAT Activator: GT949 Does Not Activate EAAT2, nor EAAT3 in Impedance and Radioligand Uptake Assays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1424-1431. [PMID: 38478848 PMCID: PMC10995951 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00731] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are important regulators of amino acid transport and in particular glutamate. Recently, more interest has arisen in these transporters in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. This calls for ways to modulate these targets to drive glutamate transport, EAAT2 and EAAT3 in particular. Several inhibitors (competitive and noncompetitive) exist to block glutamate transport; however, activators remain scarce. Recently, GT949 was proposed as a selective activator of EAAT2, as tested in a radioligand uptake assay. In the presented research, we aimed to validate the use of GT949 to activate EAAT2-driven glutamate transport by applying an innovative, impedance-based, whole-cell assay (xCELLigence). A broad range of GT949 concentrations in a variety of cellular environments were tested in this assay. As expected, no activation of EAAT3 could be detected. Yet, surprisingly, no biological activation of GT949 on EAAT2 could be observed in this assay either. To validate whether the impedance-based assay was not suited to pick up increased glutamate uptake or if the compound might not induce activation in this setup, we performed radioligand uptake assays. Two setups were utilized; a novel method compared to previously published research, and in a reproducible fashion copying the methods used in the existing literature. Nonetheless, activation of neither EAAT2 nor EAAT3 could be observed in these assays. Furthermore, no evidence of GT949 binding or stabilization of purified EAAT2 could be observed in a thermal shift assay. To conclude, based on experimental evidence in the present study GT949 requires specific assay conditions, which are difficult to reproduce, and the compound cannot simply be classified as an activator of EAAT2 based on the presented evidence. Hence, further research is required to develop the tools needed to identify new EAAT modulators and use their potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve van Veggel
- Department
of Neuroscience, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of
Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department
of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division of Translational Neuroscience,
European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health
and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University
MS Center (UMSC), 3900 Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
| | - Tamara A.M. Mocking
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert J. Sijben
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rongfang Liu
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Gorostiola González
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Majlen A. Dilweg
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Royakkers
- Sensor
Engineering
Department, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Li
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Yin Yao Dong
- Nuffield
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular
Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Alex Bullock
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - David B. Sauer
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN Oxford, U.K.
| | - Hanne Diliën
- Sensor
Engineering
Department, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J.P. van Westen
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy Schreiber
- Section
of Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty
of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht
University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Leiden
Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Drug Discovery
and Safety, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
- Oncode
Institute, Einsteinweg
55, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department
of Neuroscience, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of
Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department
of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division of Translational Neuroscience,
European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health
and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University
MS Center (UMSC), 3900 Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
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6
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Sinha JK, Trisal A, Ghosh S, Gupta S, Singh KK, Han SS, Mahapatra M, Abomughaid MM, Abomughayedh AM, Almutary AG, Iqbal D, Bhaskar R, Mishra PC, Jha SK, Jha NK, Singh AK. Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102211. [PMID: 38307424 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102211] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their potential as therapeutic agents. These compounds, which act as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, have been recognized for their ability to enhance neural plasticity through the activation of the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. However, the implications of these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, have not been fully explored. In recent years, studies have revealed the modulatory and beneficial effects of psychedelics in the context of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related dementia, which lacks a definitive cure. Psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin have shown potential in mitigating the effects of this debilitating disease. These compounds not only target neurotransmitter imbalances but also act at the molecular level to modulate signalling pathways in AD, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling pathway and the subsequent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and other autophagy regulators. Therefore, the controlled and dose-dependent administration of psychedelics represents a novel therapeutic intervention worth exploring and considering for the development of drugs for the treatment of AD-related dementia. In this article, we critically examined the literature that sheds light on the therapeutic possibilities and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia. While this emerging field of research holds great promise, further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Ultimately, the integration of psychedelics into the current treatment paradigm may provide a transformative approach for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anchal Trisal
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Shampa Ghosh
- GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna Kumar Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411057, India
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Abomughayedh
- Pharmacy Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah 51418, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Prabhu Chandra Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
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7
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Zhang Q, Li F, Li T, Lin J, Jian J, Zhang Y, Chen X, Liu T, Gou S, Zhang Y, Liu X, Ji Y, Wang X, Li Q. Nomo1 deficiency causes autism-like behavior in zebrafish. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:570-592. [PMID: 38253686 PMCID: PMC10897165 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00036-y] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders often exhibit a combination of clinical symptoms such as autism, epilepsy, or schizophrenia, complicating diagnosis and development of therapeutic strategies. Functional studies of novel genes associated with co-morbidities can provide clues to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and interventions. NOMO1 is one of the candidate genes located at 16p13.11, a hotspot of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we generate nomo1-/- zebrafish to get further insight into the function of NOMO1. Nomo1 mutants show abnormal brain and neuronal development and activation of apoptosis and inflammation-related pathways in the brain. Adult Nomo1-deficient zebrafish exhibit multiple neuropsychiatric behaviors such as hyperactive locomotor activity, social deficits, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. The Habenular nucleus and the pineal gland in the telencephalon are affected, and the melatonin level of nomo1-/- is reduced. Melatonin treatment restores locomotor activity, reduces repetitive stereotypic behaviors, and rescues the noninfectious brain inflammatory responses caused by nomo1 deficiency. These results suggest melatonin supplementation as a potential therapeutic regimen for neuropsychiatric disorders caused by NOMO1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Lin
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Jian
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinglan Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglan Gou
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuyun Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxia Ji
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 210013, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Khananshvili D. Neuronal and astrocyte NCX isoform/splice variants: How do they participate in Na + and Ca 2+ signalling? Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102818. [PMID: 37918135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102818] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 gene isoforms and their splice variants are characteristically expressed in different regions of the brain. The tissue-specific splice variants of NCX1-3 isoforms show specific expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes, whereas the relevant NCX isoform/splice variants exhibit diverse allosteric modes of Na+- and Ca2+-dependent regulation. In general, overexpression of NCX1-3 genes leads to neuroprotective effects, whereas their ablation gains the opposite results. At this end, the partial contributions of NCX isoform/splice variants to neuroprotective effects remain unresolved. The glutamate-dependent Na+ entry generates Na+ transients (in response to neuronal cell activities), whereas the Na+-driven Ca2+ entry (through the reverse NCX mode) raises Ca2+ transients. This special mode of signal coupling translates Na+ transients into the Ca2+ signals while being a part of synaptic neurotransmission. This mechanism is of general interest since disease-related conditions (ischemia, metabolic stress, and stroke among many others) trigger Na+ and Ca2+ overload with deadly outcomes of downstream apoptosis and excitotoxicity. The recently discovered mechanisms of NCX allosteric regulation indicate that some NCX variants might play a critical role in the dynamic coupling of Na+-driven Ca2+ entry. In contrast, the others are less important or even could be dangerous under altered conditions (e.g., metabolic stress). This working hypothesis can be tested by applying advanced experimental approaches and highly focused computational simulations. This may allow the development of structure-based blockers/activators that can selectively modulate predefined NCX variants to lessen the life-threatening outcomes of excitotoxicity, ischemia, apoptosis, metabolic deprivation, brain injury, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khananshvili
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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9
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Cha H, Choi JH, Jeon H, Kim JH, Kim M, Kim SJ, Park W, Lim JS, Lee E, Ahn JS, Kim JH, Hong SH, Park JE, Jung JH, Yoo HJ, Lee S. Aquaporin-4 Deficiency is Associated with Cognitive Impairment and Alterations in astrocyte-neuron Lactate Shuttle. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6212-6226. [PMID: 37436602 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03475-9] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment refers to notable declines in cognitive abilities including memory, language, and emotional stability leading to the inability to accomplish essential activities of daily living. Astrocytes play an important role in cognitive function, and homeostasis of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) system is essential for maintaining cognitive functions. Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) is a water channel expressed in astrocytes and has been shown to be associated with various brain disorders, but the direct relationship between learning, memory, and AQP-4 is unclear. We examined the relationship between AQP-4 and cognitive functions related to learning and memory. Mice with genetic deletion of AQP-4 showed significant behavioral and emotional changes including hyperactivity and instability, and impaired cognitive functions such as spatial learning and memory retention. 18 F-FDG PET imaging showed significant metabolic changes in the brains of AQP-4 knockout mice such as reductions in glucose absorption. Such metabolic changes in the brain seemed to be the direct results of changes in the expression of metabolite transporters, as the mRNA levels of multiple glucose and lactate transporters in astrocytes and neurons were significantly decreased in the cortex and hippocampus of AQP-4 knockout mice. Indeed, AQP-4 knockout mice showed significantly higher accumulation of both glucose and lactate in their brains compared with wild-type mice. Our results show that the deficiency of AQP-4 can cause problems in the metabolic function of astrocytes and lead to cognitive impairment, and that the deficiency of AQP4 in astrocyte endfeet can cause abnormalities in the ANLS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeuk Cha
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Center, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanwool Jeon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Moinay Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jung Kim
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhyoung Park
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyeup Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Center, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sung Ahn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Ho Hong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neuroradiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hwa Jung
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungjoo Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Center, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Kim J, Ryu B, Bang J, Kim CY, Park JH. Postnatal exposure to trimethyltin chloride induces retinal developmental neurotoxicity in mice via glutamate and its transporter related changes. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108395. [PMID: 37164060 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108395] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to toxic substances during postnatal period is one of the major factors causing retinal developmental defects. The developmental toxicity of trimethyltin chloride (TMT), a byproduct of an organotin compound widely used in agriculture and industrial fields, has been reported; however, the effect on the mammalian retina during postnatal development and the mechanism have not been elucidated to date. We exposed 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg of TMT to neonatal ICR mice (1:1 ratio of male and female) up to postnatal day 14 and performed analysis of the retina: histopathology, apoptosis, electrophysiological function, glutamate concentration, gene expression, and fluorescence immunostaining. Exposure to TMT caused delayed eye opening, eye growth defect and thinning of retinal layer. In addition, apoptosis occurred in the retina along with b-wave and spiking activity changes in the micro-electroretinogram. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the concentration of glutamate, upregulation of astrocyte-related genes, and increased expression of glial excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1 and 2. Conversely, EAAT 3, 4, and 5, mainly located in the neurons, were decreased. Our results are the first to prove postnatal retinal developmental neurotoxicity of TMT at the mammalian model and analyze the molecular, functional as well as morphological aspects to elucidate possible mechanisms: glutamate toxicity with EAAT expression changes. These mechanisms may suggest not only a strategy to treat but also a clue to prevent postnatal retina developmental toxicity of toxic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyeong Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Junpil Bang
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Petroccione MA, D'Brant LY, Affinnih N, Wehrle PH, Todd GC, Zahid S, Chesbro HE, Tschang IL, Scimemi A. Neuronal glutamate transporters control reciprocal inhibition and gain modulation in D1 medium spiny neurons. eLife 2023; 12:e81830. [PMID: 37435808 PMCID: PMC10411972 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81830] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the function of glutamate transporters has broad implications for explaining how neurons integrate information and relay it through complex neuronal circuits. Most of what is currently known about glutamate transporters, specifically their ability to maintain glutamate homeostasis and limit glutamate diffusion away from the synaptic cleft, is based on studies of glial glutamate transporters. By contrast, little is known about the functional implications of neuronal glutamate transporters. The neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1 is widely expressed throughout the brain, particularly in the striatum, the primary input nucleus of the basal ganglia, a region implicated with movement execution and reward. Here, we show that EAAC1 limits synaptic excitation onto a population of striatal medium spiny neurons identified for their expression of D1 dopamine receptors (D1-MSNs). In these cells, EAAC1 also contributes to strengthen lateral inhibition from other D1-MSNs. Together, these effects contribute to reduce the gain of the input-output relationship and increase the offset at increasing levels of synaptic inhibition in D1-MSNs. By reducing the sensitivity and dynamic range of action potential firing in D1-MSNs, EAAC1 limits the propensity of mice to rapidly switch between behaviors associated with different reward probabilities. Together, these findings shed light on some important molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated with behavior flexibility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shergil Zahid
- SUNY Albany, Department of BiologyAlbanyUnited States
| | | | - Ian L Tschang
- SUNY Albany, Department of BiologyAlbanyUnited States
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12
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Bhatnagar A, Parmar V, Barbieri N, Bearoff F, Elefant F, Kortagere S. Novel EAAT2 activators improve motor and cognitive impairment in a transgenic model of Huntington's disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1176777. [PMID: 37351153 PMCID: PMC10282606 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1176777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glutamate excitotoxicity is causal in striatal neurodegeneration underlying motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits in Huntington's disease (HD). Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), the predominant glutamate transporter accounting for >90% of glutamate transport, plays a key role in preventing excitotoxicity by clearing excess glutamate from the intrasynaptic cleft. Accordingly, EAAT2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for prevention of neuronal excitotoxicity underlying HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Methods We have previously designed novel EAAT2 positive allosteric modulator GT951, GTS467, and GTS551, with low nanomolar efficacy in glutamate uptake and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, we test the neuroprotective abilities of these novel EAAT2 activators in vivo using the robust Drosophila HD transgenic model expressing human huntingtin gene with expanded repeats (Htt128Q). Results All three compounds significantly restored motor function impaired under HD pathology over a wide dose range. Additionally, treatment with all three compounds significantly improved HD-associated olfactory associative learning and short-term memory defects, while GT951 and GTS551 also improved middle-term memory in low-performing group. Similarly, treatment with GT951 and GTS551 partially protected against early mortality observed in our HD model. Further, treatment with all three EAAT2 activators induced epigenetic expression of EAAT2 Drosophila homolog and several cognition-associated genes. Conclusion Together, these results highlight the efficacy of GT951, GTS467 and GTS551 in treating motor and cognitive impairments under HD pathology and support their development for treatment of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Bhatnagar
- Department of Biology, Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Visha Parmar
- Department of Biology, Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicholas Barbieri
- Department of Biology, Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Frank Bearoff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Felice Elefant
- Department of Biology, Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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13
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Li N, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Deng Y. An integrated multi-level analysis reveals learning-memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction in the rat model exposure to austere environment. J Proteomics 2023; 279:104887. [PMID: 36966970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Austere environment existing in tank, submarine and vessel has many risk factors including high temperature and humidity, confinement, noise, hypoxia, and high level of carbon dioxide, which may cause depression and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. We attempt to investigate the effects of austere environment (AE) on emotion and cognitive function in a rodent model. After 21 days of AE stress, the rats exhibit depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment. Compared with control group, the glucose metabolic level of the hippocampus is significantly decreased using whole-brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and the density of dendritic spines of the hippocampus is remarkably reduced in AE group. Then, we employ a label-free quantitative proteomics strategy to investigate the differentially abundant proteins in rats' hippocampus. It is striking that the differentially abundant proteins annotated by KEGG enrich in oxidative phosphorylation pathway, synaptic vesicle cycle pathway and glutamatergic synapses pathway. The synaptic vesicle transport related proteins (Syntaxin-1A, Synaptogyrin-1 and SV-2) are down-regulated, resulting in the accumulation of intracellular glutamate. Furthermore, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde is increased while the activity of superoxide dismutase and complex I and IV of mitochondria is decreased, indicating that oxidative damage to hippocampal synapses is associated with the cognitive decline. The results of this study offer direct evidence, for the first time, that austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction in a rodent model via behavioral assessments, PET imaging, label-free proteomics, and oxidative stress tests. SIGNIFICANCE: The incidence of depression and cognitive decline in military occupations (for example, tanker and submariner) is significantly higher than that of global population. In the present study, we first established novel model to simulate the coexisting risk factors in the austere environment. The results of this study offer the direct evidences, for the first time, that the austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits by altering plasticity of the synaptic transmission in a rodent model via proteomic strategy, PET imaging, oxidative stress and behavioral assessments. These findings provide valuable information to better understand the mechanisms of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuomin Li
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yongqian Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yulin Deng
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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14
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Brown NK, Roche JK, Farmer CB, Roberts RC. Evidence for upregulation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the substantia nigra in Schizophrenia: a postmortem ultrastructural study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:561-573. [PMID: 36735096 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02593-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that psychotic symptoms originate from dysregulation of dopaminergic activity, which may be controlled by upstream innervation. We hypothesized that we would find anatomical evidence for the hyperexcitability seen in the SN. We examined and quantified synaptic morphology, which correlates with function, in the postmortem substantia nigra (SN) from 15 schizophrenia and 12 normal subjects. Synapses were counted using stereological techniques and classified based on the morphology of the post-synaptic density (PSD) and the presence or absence of a presynaptic density. The density and proportion of excitatory synapses was higher in the schizophrenia group than in controls, while the proportion (but not density) of inhibitory synapses was lower. We also detected in the schizophrenia group an increase in density of synapses with a PSD of intermediate thickness, which may represent excitatory synapses. The density of synapses with presynaptic densities was similar in both groups. The density of synapses with mixed morphologies was higher in the schizophrenia group than in controls. The human SN contains atypical synaptic morphology. We found an excess amount and proportion of excitatory synapses in the SN in schizophrenia that could result in hyperactivity and drive the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. The sources of afferent excitatory inputs to the SN arise from the subthalamic nucleus, the pedunculopontine nucleus, and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), areas that could be the source of excess excitation. Synapses with mixed morphologies may represent inputs from the VTA, which release multiple transmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center 835C, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Joy K Roche
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center 835C, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Charlene B Farmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center 835C, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rosalinda C Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sparks Center 835C, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Chakraborty P, Dey A, Gopalakrishnan AV, Swati K, Ojha S, Prakash A, Kumar D, Ambasta RK, Jha NK, Jha SK, Dewanjee S. Glutamatergic neurotransmission: A potential pharmacotherapeutic target for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 85:101838. [PMID: 36610558 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, glutamate is regarded to be the primary excitatory neurotransmitter due to its widespread distribution and wide range of metabolic functions. Glutamate plays key roles in regulating neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and neuron survival in the brain. Ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, neurotransmitters, neurotensin, neurosteroids, and others co-ordinately formulate a complex glutamatergic network in the brain that maintains optimal excitatory neurotransmission. Cognitive activities are potentially synchronized by the glutamatergic activities in the brain via restoring synaptic plasticity. Dysfunctional glutamate receptors and other glutamatergic components are responsible for the aberrant glutamatergic activity in the brain that cause cognitive impairments, loss of synaptic plasticity, and neuronal damage. Thus, controlling the brain's glutamatergic transmission and modifying glutamate receptor function could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive disorders. Certain drugs that regulate glutamate receptor activities have shown therapeutic promise in improving cognitive functions in preclinical and clinical studies. However, several issues regarding precise functional information of glutamatergic activity are yet to be comprehensively understood. The present article discusses the scope of developing glutamatergic systems as prospective pharmacotherapeutic targets to treat cognitive disorders. Special attention has been given to recent developments, challenges, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Chakraborty
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Kumari Swati
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anand Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
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16
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Fontana IC, Souza DG, Souza DO, Gee A, Zimmer ER, Bongarzone S. A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective on Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2330-2346. [PMID: 36787643 PMCID: PMC9969404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) plays a key role in the clearance and recycling of glutamate - the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. EAAT2 loss/dysfunction triggers a cascade of neurodegenerative events, comprising glutamatergic excitotoxicity and neuronal death. Nevertheless, our current knowledge regarding EAAT2 in neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is restricted to post-mortem analysis of brain tissue and experimental models. Thus, detecting EAAT2 in the living human brain might be crucial to improve diagnosis/therapy for ALS and AD. This perspective article describes the role of EAAT2 in physio/pathological processes and provides a structure-activity relationship of EAAT2-binders, bringing two perspectives: therapy (activators) and diagnosis (molecular imaging tools).
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor C Fontana
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16 - Neo floor seventh, 141 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Débora G Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diogo O Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antony Gee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Sarmento Leite 500, sala, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry (PPGBioq), and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PPGFT), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Sarmento Leite 500, sala, 305 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Salvatore Bongarzone
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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17
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Ge X, Zheng M, Hu M, Fang X, Geng D, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang J, Guan L, Zheng P, Xie Y, Pan W, Zhou M, Zhou L, Tang R, Zheng K, Yu Y, Huang XF. Butyrate ameliorates quinolinic acid-induced cognitive decline in obesity models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:154612. [PMID: 36787221 PMCID: PMC9927952 DOI: 10.1172/jci154612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer's disease. Low-grade inflammation is common in obesity, but the mechanism between inflammation and cognitive impairment in obesity is unclear. Accumulative evidence shows that quinolinic acid (QA), a neuroinflammatory neurotoxin, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes. We investigated the role of QA in obesity-induced cognitive impairment and the beneficial effect of butyrate in counteracting impairments of cognition, neural morphology, and signaling. We show that in human obesity, there was a negative relationship between serum QA levels and cognitive function and decreased cortical gray matter. Diet-induced obese mice had increased QA levels in the cortex associated with cognitive impairment. At single-cell resolution, we confirmed that QA impaired neurons, altered the dendritic spine's intracellular signal, and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Using Caenorhabditis elegans models, QA induced dopaminergic and glutamatergic neuron lesions. Importantly, the gut microbiota metabolite butyrate was able to counteract those alterations, including cognitive impairment, neuronal spine loss, and BDNF reduction in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Finally, we show that butyrate prevented QA-induced BDNF reductions by epigenetic enhancement of H3K18ac at BDNF promoters. These findings suggest that increased QA is associated with cognitive decline in obesity and that butyrate alleviates neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxuan Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minmin Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoli Fang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deqin Geng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Guan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuanyi Xie
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Menglu Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Limian Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Electroacupuncture Alleviates 46-Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid-Induced Visceral Pain via the Glutamatergic Pathway in the Prefrontal Cortex. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:4463063. [PMID: 36713031 PMCID: PMC9879690 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4463063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Visceral pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) greatly diminishes the quality of life in affected patients. Yet, the mechanism of how IBD causes visceral pain is currently not fully understood. Previous studies have suggested that the central nervous system (CNS) and gut-brain axis (GBA) play an important role in IBD-inducing visceral pain. As one of the treatments for IBD, electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat various types of pain and gastrointestinal diseases in clinical practice. However, whether EA relieves the visceral pain of IBD through the gut-brain axis has not been confirmed. To verify the relationship between visceral pain and CNS, the following experiments were conducted. 1H-NMR analysis was performed on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) tissue obtained from IBD rat models to determine the link between the metabolites and their role in EA treatment against visceral pain. Western blot assay was employed for detecting the contents of glutamate transporter excitatory amino acid transporters 2 (EAAT2) and the glutamate receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) to verify whether EA treatment can alleviate neurotoxic symptoms induced by abnormal increases of glutamate. Study results showed that the glutamate content was significantly increased in the PFC of TNBS-induced IBD rats. This change was reversed after EA treatment. This process was associated with increased EAAT2 expression and decreased expression of NMDA receptors in the PFC. In addition, an increase in intestinal glutamic-metabolizing bacteria was observed. In conclusion, this study suggests that EA treatment can relieve visceral pain by reducing glutamine toxicity in the PFC, and serves an alternative clinical utility.
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19
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Cuellar-Santoyo AO, Ruiz-Rodríguez VM, Mares-Barbosa TB, Patrón-Soberano A, Howe AG, Portales-Pérez DP, Miquelajáuregui Graf A, Estrada-Sánchez AM. Revealing the contribution of astrocytes to glutamatergic neuronal transmission. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 16:1037641. [PMID: 36744061 PMCID: PMC9893894 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1037641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on glutamatergic neurotransmission has focused mainly on the function of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, leaving astrocytes with a secondary role only to ensure successful neurotransmission. However, recent evidence indicates that astrocytes contribute actively and even regulate neuronal transmission at different levels. This review establishes a framework by comparing glutamatergic components between neurons and astrocytes to examine how astrocytes modulate or otherwise influence neuronal transmission. We have included the most recent findings about the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission, allowing us to understand the complex network of neuron-astrocyte interactions. However, despite the knowledge of synaptic modulation by astrocytes, their contribution to specific physiological and pathological conditions remains to be elucidated. A full understanding of the astrocyte's role in neuronal processing could open fruitful new frontiers in the development of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ares Orlando Cuellar-Santoyo
- División de Biología Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Victor Manuel Ruiz-Rodríguez
- División de Biología Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Teresa Belem Mares-Barbosa
- División de Biología Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico,Translational and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Araceli Patrón-Soberano
- División de Biología Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Andrew G. Howe
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory, HRL Laboratories, LLC, Malibu, CA, United States
| | - Diana Patricia Portales-Pérez
- Translational and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Ana María Estrada-Sánchez
- División de Biología Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico,*Correspondence: Ana María Estrada-Sánchez
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20
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Alijanpour S, Miryounesi M, Ghafouri-Fard S. The role of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1-16. [PMID: 36173507 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) have important roles in the uptake of glutamate and termination of glutamatergic transmission. Up to now, five EAAT isoforms (EAAT1-5) have been identified in mammals. The main focus of this review is EAAT2. This protein has an important role in the pathoetiology of epilepsy. De novo dominant mutations, as well as inherited recessive mutation in this gene, have been associated with epilepsy. Moreover, dysregulation of this protein is implicated in a range of neurological diseases, namely amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. In this review, we summarize the role of EAAT2 in epilepsy and other neurological disorders, then provide an overview of the therapeutic modulation of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Alijanpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miryounesi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Asah S, Alganem K, McCullumsmith RE, O'Donovan SM. A bioinformatic inquiry of the EAAT2 interactome in postmortem and neuropsychiatric datasets. Schizophr Res 2022; 249:38-46. [PMID: 32197935 PMCID: PMC7494586 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Altered expression and localization of the glutamate transporter EAAT2 is found in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric (major depression, MDD) and neurological disorders (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS). However, the EAAT2 interactome, the network of proteins that physically or functionally interact with EAAT2 to support its activity, has yet to be characterized in severe mental illness. We compiled a list of "core" EAAT2 interacting proteins. Using Kaleidoscope, an R-shiny application, we data mined publically available postmortem transcriptome datasets to determine whether components of the EAAT2 interactome are differentially expressed in schizophrenia and, using Reactome, identify which interactome-associated biological pathways are altered. Overall, these "look up" studies highlight region-specific, primarily frontal cortex (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex), changes in the EAAT2 interactome and implicate altered metabolism pathways in schizophrenia. Pathway analyses also suggest that perturbation of components of the EAAT2 interactome in animal models of antipsychotic administration impact metabolism. Similar changes in metabolism pathways are seen in ALS, in addition to altered expression of many components of the EAAT2 interactome. However, although EAAT2 expression is altered in a postmortem MDD dataset, few other components of the EAAT2 interactome are changed. Thus, "look up" studies suggest region- and disease-relevant biological pathways related to the EAAT2 interactome that implicate glutamate reuptake perturbations in schizophrenia, while providing a useful tool to exploit "omics" datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Asah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Khaled Alganem
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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22
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McCullumsmith RE, Rowland LM. Postmortem, in silico, and clinical studies focused on perturbations of glutamate neurobiology in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2022; 249:1-3. [PMID: 36088176 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA; Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA.
| | - Laura M Rowland
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Zhang X, Wolfinger A, Wu X, Alnafisah R, Imami A, Hamoud AR, Lundh A, Parpura V, McCullumsmith RE, Shukla R, O’Donovan SM. Gene Enrichment Analysis of Astrocyte Subtypes in Psychiatric Disorders and Psychotropic Medication Datasets. Cells 2022; 11:3315. [PMID: 36291180 PMCID: PMC9600295 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have many important functions in the brain, but their roles in psychiatric disorders and their responses to psychotropic medications are still being elucidated. Here, we used gene enrichment analysis to assess the relationships between different astrocyte subtypes, psychiatric diseases, and psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers). We also carried out qPCR analyses and "look-up" studies to assess the chronic effects of these drugs on astrocyte marker gene expression. Our bioinformatic analysis identified gene enrichment of different astrocyte subtypes in psychiatric disorders. The highest level of enrichment was found in schizophrenia, supporting a role for astrocytes in this disorder. We also found differential enrichment of astrocyte subtypes associated with specific biological processes, highlighting the complex responses of astrocytes under pathological conditions. Enrichment of protein phosphorylation in astrocytes and disease was confirmed by biochemical analysis. Analysis of LINCS chemical perturbagen gene signatures also found that kinase inhibitors were highly discordant with astrocyte-SCZ associated gene signatures. However, we found that common gene enrichment of different psychotropic medications and astrocyte subtypes was limited. These results were confirmed by "look-up" studies and qPCR analysis, which also reported little effect of psychotropic medications on common astrocyte marker gene expression, suggesting that astrocytes are not a primary target of these medications. Conversely, antipsychotic medication does affect astrocyte gene marker expression in postmortem schizophrenia brain tissue, supporting specific astrocyte responses in different pathological conditions. Overall, this study provides a unique view of astrocyte subtypes and the effect of medications on astrocytes in disease, which will contribute to our understanding of their role in psychiatric disorders and offers insights into targeting astrocytes therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alyssa Wolfinger
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Rawan Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ali Imami
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-rizaq Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Anna Lundh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert E. McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Promedica Neurosciences Institute, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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24
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Ablation of the Presynaptic Protein Mover Impairs Learning Performance and Decreases Anxiety Behavior in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911159. [PMID: 36232453 PMCID: PMC9569738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presynaptic protein Mover/TPRGL/SVAP30 is absent in Drosophila and C. elegans and differentially expressed in synapses in the rodent brain, suggesting that it confers specific functions to subtypes of presynaptic terminals. In order to investigate how the absence of this protein affects behavior and learning, Mover knockout mice (KO) were subjected to a series of established learning tests. To determine possible behavioral and cognitive alterations, male and female 8-week-old KO and C57Bl/6J wildtype (WT) control mice were tested in a battery of memory and anxiety tests. Testing included the cross maze, novel object recognition test (NOR), the Morris water maze (MWM), the elevated plus maze (EPM), and the open field test (OF). Mover KO mice showed impaired recognition memory in the NOR test, and decreased anxiety behavior in the OF and the EPM. Mover KO did not lead to changes in working memory in the cross maze or spatial reference memory in the MWM. However, a detailed analysis of the swimming strategies demonstrated allocentric-specific memory deficits in male KO mice. Our data indicate that Mover appears to control synaptic properties associated with specific forms of memory formation and behavior, suggesting that it has a modulatory role in synaptic transmission.
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25
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Zhang LY, Kim AY, Cheer JF. Regulation of glutamate homeostasis in the nucleus accumbens by astrocytic CB1 receptors and its role in cocaine-motivated behaviors. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 3:100022. [PMID: 36419922 PMCID: PMC9681119 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) orchestrate brain reward circuitry and are prevalent neurobiological targets for endocannabinoids and cannabis in the mammalian brain. Decades of histological and electrophysiological studies have established CB1R as presynaptic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that inhibit neurotransmitter release through retrograde signaling mechanisms. Recent seminal work demonstrates CB1R expression on astrocytes and the pivotal function of glial cells in endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of neuron-astrocyte signaling. Here, we review key facets of CB1R-mediated astroglia regulation of synaptic glutamate transmission in the nucleus accumbens with a specific emphasis on cocaine-directed behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Andrew Y. Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Joseph F. Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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26
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Imbriani P, Martella G, Bonsi P, Pisani A. Oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105851. [PMID: 36007757 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder involving a complex interplay between a variety of genetic and environmental factors. In this scenario, mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress are widely accepted as crucial neuropathogenic mechanisms, as also evidenced by the identification of PD-associated genes that are directly involved in mitochondrial function. The concept of mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to that of synaptic dysfunction. Indeed, compelling evidence supports the role of mitochondria in synaptic transmission and plasticity, although many aspects have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we will provide a brief overview of the most relevant evidence obtained in different neurotoxin-based and genetic rodent models of PD, focusing on mitochondrial impairment and synaptopathy, an early central event preceding overt nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. The identification of early deficits occurring in PD pathogenesis is crucial in view of the development of potential disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Imbriani
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
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27
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Leng B, Sun H, Li M, Zhao J, Liu X, Yao R, Shen T, Li Z, Zhang J. Blood neuroexosomal excitatory amino acid transporter-2 is associated with cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease with RBD. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:952368. [PMID: 36081890 PMCID: PMC9445359 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.952368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) predicts cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients without dementia. However, underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Accumulating studies suggest glutamatergic system dysregulation is associated. Objective To examine the effect of RBD on the rate of cognitive decline in PD patients and investigate whether plasma levels of the neuroexosomal vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGLUT-1) and excitatory amino acid transporter-2 (EAAT-2) are altered in PD patients with RBD. Methods This study included 157 newly diagnosed cognitive normal PD patients and 70 healthy controls (HCs). Based on one-night polysomnography recordings, the PD subjects were divided into PD with and without RBD (PD-RBD and PD-nRBD) groups. All participants received a complete clinical and neuropsychological evaluation at baseline. Plasma levels of neuroexosomal VGLUT-1 and EAAT-2 were measured by ELISA kits. After a 3-year follow-up, we evaluated baseline plasma levels of neuroexosomal glutamate transporters in each group as a predictor of cognitive decline using MoCA score changes over 3 years in regression models. Results Plasma levels of neuron-derived exosomal EAAT-2 and VGLUT-1 were significantly lower in PD patients than in HCs. Plasma levels of neuroexosomal EAAT-2 were significantly lower in PD-RBD than PD-nRBD group at baseline. At the 3-year follow-up, PD-RBD patients presented greater cognitive decline. Lower baseline blood neuroexosomal EAAT-2 predicted cognitive decline over 3 years in PD-RBD patients (β = 0.064, P = 0.003). Conclusion These findings indicate that blood neuroexosomal EAAT-2 is associated with cognitive decline in PD with RBD.
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28
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Bauminger H, Gaisler-Salomon I. Beyond NMDA Receptors: Homeostasis at the Glutamate Tripartite Synapse and Its Contributions to Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8617. [PMID: 35955750 PMCID: PMC9368772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are core symptoms of schizophrenia but remain poorly addressed by dopamine-based antipsychotic medications. Glutamate abnormalities are implicated in schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits. While the role of the NMDA receptor has been extensively studied, less attention was given to other components that control glutamate homeostasis. Glutamate dynamics at the tripartite synapse include presynaptic and postsynaptic components and are tightly regulated by neuron-astrocyte crosstalk. Here, we delineate the role of glutamate homeostasis at the tripartite synapse in schizophrenia-related cognitive dysfunction. We focus on cognitive domains that can be readily measured in humans and rodents, i.e., working memory, recognition memory, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. We describe tasks used to measure cognitive function in these domains in humans and rodents, and the relevance of glutamate alterations in these domains. Next, we delve into glutamate tripartite synaptic components and summarize findings that implicate the relevance of these components to specific cognitive domains. These collective findings indicate that neuron-astrocyte crosstalk at the tripartite synapse is essential for cognition, and that pre- and postsynaptic components play a critical role in maintaining glutamate homeostasis and cognitive well-being. The contribution of these components to cognitive function should be considered in order to better understand the role played by glutamate signaling in cognition and develop efficient pharmacological treatment avenues for schizophrenia treatment-resistant symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Bauminger
- School of Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Inna Gaisler-Salomon
- School of Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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29
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Raja A, Shekhar N, Singh H, Prakash A, Medhi B. In-silico discovery of dual active molecule to restore synaptic wiring against autism spectrum disorder via HDAC2 and H3R inhibition. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268139. [PMID: 35877665 PMCID: PMC9312418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) are essential epigenetic regulators; their molecular and pharmacological roles in medically critical diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer are being studied globally. HDAC2’s differential expression in the central nervous system makes it an appealing therapeutic target for chronic neurological diseases like autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we identified H3R inhibitor molecules that are computationally effective at binding to the HDAC2 metal-coordinated binding site. The study highlights the importance of pitolisant in screening the potential H3R inhibitors by using a hybrid workflow of ligand and receptor-based drug discovery. The screened lead compounds with PubChem SIDs 103179850, 103185945, and 103362074 show viable binding with HDAC2 in silico. The importance of ligand contacts with the Zn2+ ion in the HDAC2 catalytic site is also discussed and investigated for a significant role in enzyme inhibition. The proposed H3R inhibitors 103179850, 103185945, and 103362074 are estimated as dual-active molecules to block the HDAC2-mediated deacetylation of the EAAT2 gene (SLC1A2) and H3R-mediated synaptic transmission irregularity and are, therefore, open for experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Raja
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Ajay Prakash
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
- * E-mail:
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de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Austin MC, De Simone G, Barone A. Rational and Translational Implications of D-Amino Acids for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: From Neurobiology to the Clinics. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070909. [PMID: 35883465 PMCID: PMC9312470 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia has been conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with synaptic alterations and aberrant cortical–subcortical connections. Antipsychotics are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment and nearly all share the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, whereas glutamatergic abnormalities are not targeted by the presently available therapies. D-amino acids, acting as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulators, have emerged in the last few years as a potential augmentation strategy in those cases of schizophrenia that do not respond well to antipsychotics, a condition defined as treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), affecting almost 30–40% of patients, and characterized by serious cognitive deficits and functional impairment. In the present systematic review, we address with a direct and reverse translational perspective the efficacy of D-amino acids, including D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, in poor responders. The impact of these molecules on the synaptic architecture is also considered in the light of dendritic spine changes reported in schizophrenia and antipsychotics’ effect on postsynaptic density proteins. Moreover, we describe compounds targeting D-amino acid oxidase and D-aspartate oxidase enzymes. Finally, other drugs acting at NMDAR and proxy of D-amino acids function, such as D-cycloserine, sarcosine, and glycine, are considered in the light of the clinical burden of TRS, together with other emerging molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7463673 or +39-081-7463884 or +39-3662745592; Fax: +39-081-7462644
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark C. Austin
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Program, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Annarita Barone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
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Zhang Z, Chen H, Geng Z, Yu Z, Li H, Dong Y, Zhang H, Huang Z, Jiang J, Zhao Y. Structural basis of ligand binding modes of human EAAT2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3329. [PMID: 35680945 PMCID: PMC9184463 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) mediate the uptake of excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and maintain its low concentrations in the synaptic cleft for avoiding neuronal cytotoxicity. Dysfunction of EAATs can lead to many psychiatric diseases. Here we report cryo-EM structures of human EAAT2 in an inward-facing conformation, in the presence of substrate glutamate or selective inhibitor WAY-213613. The glutamate is coordinated by extensive hydrogen bonds and further stabilized by HP2. The inhibitor WAY-213613 occupies a similar binding pocket to that of the substrate glutamate. Upon association with the WAY-213613, the HP2 undergoes a substantial conformational change, and in turn stabilizes the inhibitor binding by forming hydrophobic interactions. Electrophysiological experiments elucidate that the unique S441 plays pivotal roles in the binding of hEAAT2 with glutamate or WAY-213613, and the I464-L467-V468 cluster acts as a key structural determinant for the selective inhibition of this transporter by WAY-213613.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglai Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huiwen Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.,National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ze Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhuoya Yu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hang Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanli Dong
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China. .,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Juquan Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Yan Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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32
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Starovoytova IA, Dominova IN. An in vitro Study of the Effect of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide on Transcription Levels of SLC Family Transporter Genes in Microglia. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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33
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Uezato A, Jitoku D, Shimazu D, Yamamoto N, Kurumaji A, Iwayama Y, Toyota T, Yoshikawa T, Haroutunian V, Bentea E, Meller J, Sullivan CR, Meador-Woodruff JH, McCullumsmith RE, Nishikawa T. Differential genetic associations and expression of PAPST1/SLC35B2 in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:913-924. [PMID: 35501530 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02503-7] [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: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lithium's inhibitory effect on enzymes involved in sulfation process, such as inhibition of 3'(2')-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate (PAP) phosphatase, is a possible mechanism of its therapeutic effect for bipolar disorder (BD). 3'-Phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) is translocated from cytosol to Golgi lumen by PAPS transporter 1 (PAPST1/SLC35B2), where it acts as a sulfa donor. Since SLC35B2 was previously recognized as a molecule that facilitates the release of D-serine, a co-agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor, altered function of SLC35B2 might be associated with the pathophysiology of BD and schizophrenia (SCZ). We performed genetic association analyses of the SLC35B2 gene using Japanese cohorts with 366 BD cases and 370 controls and 2012 SCZ cases and 2170 controls. We then investigated expression of SLC35B2 mRNA in postmortem brains by QPCR using a Caucasian cohort with 33 BD and 34 SCZ cases and 34 controls and by in situ hybridization using a Caucasian cohort with 37 SCZ and 29 controls. We found significant associations between three SNPs (rs575034, rs1875324, and rs3832441) and BD, and significantly reduced SLC35B2 mRNA expression in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of BD. Moreover, we observed normalized SLC35B2 mRNA expression in BD subgroups who were medicated with lithium. While there was a significant association of SLC35B2 with SCZ (SNP rs2233437), its expression was not changed in SCZ. These findings indicate that SLC35B2 might be differentially involved in the pathophysiology of BD and SCZ by influencing the sulfation process and/or glutamate system in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Uezato
- School of Health and Welfare, International University of Health and Welfare, Tochigi, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Jitoku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dai Shimazu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Musashishinjo-Kokorono Clinic, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Basic Medical Research, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Akeo Kurumaji
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Shimousa-Nakayama Mental Clinic, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory for Bioinformatics Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory for Molecular Pathology of Psychiatric Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Office of the Center Director, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eduard Bentea
- Neurosciences TA Biology, UCB BioPharma SPRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Jarek Meller
- Departments of Environmental Health, Electrical Engineering and Computing Systems and Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - James H Meador-Woodruff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Promedica, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Toru Nishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and Pharmacological Research Center, Showa University, 1-5-8, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
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Henkel ND, Wu X, O'Donovan SM, Devine EA, Jiron JM, Rowland LM, Sarnyai Z, Ramsey AJ, Wen Z, Hahn MK, McCullumsmith RE. Schizophrenia: a disorder of broken brain bioenergetics. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2393-2404. [PMID: 35264726 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A substantial and diverse body of literature suggests that the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is related to deficits of bioenergetic function. While antipsychotics are an effective therapy for the management of positive psychotic symptoms, they are not efficacious for the complete schizophrenia symptom profile, such as the negative and cognitive symptoms. In this review, we discuss the relationship between dysfunction of various metabolic pathways across different brain regions in relation to schizophrenia. We contend that several bioenergetic subprocesses are affected across the brain and such deficits are a core feature of the illness. We provide an overview of central perturbations of insulin signaling, glycolysis, pentose-phosphate pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in schizophrenia. Importantly, we discuss pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions that target these pathways and how such interventions may be exploited to improve the symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Henkel
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA.
| | - Xiajoun Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sinead M O'Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Emily A Devine
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Jessica M Jiron
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Laura M Rowland
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zoltan Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy J Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret K Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
- Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA
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Glycation modulates glutamatergic signaling and exacerbates Parkinson's disease-like phenotypes. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:51. [PMID: 35468899 PMCID: PMC9038780 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a central player in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies due to its accumulation in typical protein aggregates in the brain. However, it is still unclear how it contributes to neurodegeneration. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Interestingly, a common molecular alteration among these disorders is the age-associated increase in protein glycation. We hypothesized that glycation-induced neuronal dysfunction is a contributing factor in synucleinopathies. Here, we dissected the impact of methylglyoxal (MGO, a glycating agent) in mice overexpressing aSyn in the brain. We found that MGO-glycation potentiates motor, cognitive, olfactory, and colonic dysfunction in aSyn transgenic (Thy1-aSyn) mice that received a single dose of MGO via intracerebroventricular injection. aSyn accumulates in the midbrain, striatum, and prefrontal cortex, and protein glycation is increased in the cerebellum and midbrain. SWATH mass spectrometry analysis, used to quantify changes in the brain proteome, revealed that MGO mainly increase glutamatergic-associated proteins in the midbrain (NMDA, AMPA, glutaminase, VGLUT and EAAT1), but not in the prefrontal cortex, where it mainly affects the electron transport chain. The glycated proteins in the midbrain of MGO-injected Thy1-aSyn mice strongly correlate with PD and dopaminergic pathways. Overall, we demonstrated that MGO-induced glycation accelerates PD-like sensorimotor and cognitive alterations and suggest that the increase of glutamatergic signaling may underly these events. Our study sheds new light into the enhanced vulnerability of the midbrain in PD-related synaptic dysfunction and suggests that glycation suppressors and anti-glutamatergic drugs may hold promise as disease-modifying therapies for synucleinopathies.
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Machine Learning algorithm unveils glutamatergic alterations in the post-mortem schizophrenia brain. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:8. [PMID: 35217646 PMCID: PMC8881508 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disorder of synaptic plasticity and aberrant connectivity in which a major dysfunction in glutamate synapse has been suggested. However, a multi-level approach tackling diverse clusters of interacting molecules of the glutamate signaling in schizophrenia is still lacking. We investigated in the post-mortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and hippocampus of schizophrenia patients and non-psychiatric controls, the levels of neuroactive d- and l-amino acids (l-glutamate, d-serine, glycine, l-aspartate, d-aspartate) by HPLC. Moreover, by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting we analyzed, respectively, the mRNA and protein levels of pre- and post-synaptic key molecules involved in the glutamatergic synapse functioning, including glutamate receptors (NMDA, AMPA, metabotropic), their interacting scaffolding proteins (PSD-95, Homer1b/c), plasma membrane and vesicular glutamate transporters (EAAT1, EAAT2, VGluT1, VGluT2), enzymes involved either in glutamate-dependent GABA neurotransmitter synthesis (GAD65 and 67), or in post-synaptic NMDA receptor-mediated signaling (CAMKIIα) and the pre-synaptic marker Synapsin-1. Univariable analyses revealed that none of the investigated molecules was differently represented in the post-mortem DLPFC and hippocampus of schizophrenia patients, compared with controls. Nonetheless, multivariable hypothesis-driven analyses revealed that the presence of schizophrenia was significantly affected by variations in neuroactive amino acid levels and glutamate-related synaptic elements. Furthermore, a Machine Learning hypothesis-free unveiled other discriminative clusters of molecules, one in the DLPFC and another in the hippocampus. Overall, while confirming a key role of glutamatergic synapse in the molecular pathophysiology of schizophrenia, we reported molecular signatures encompassing elements of the glutamate synapse able to discriminate patients with schizophrenia and normal individuals.
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Lacaille H, Vacher CM, Penn AA. Preterm Birth Alters the Maturation of the GABAergic System in the Human Prefrontal Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:827370. [PMID: 35185465 PMCID: PMC8852329 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.827370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems during frontal lobe development have been hypothesized to play a key role in neurodevelopmental disorders seen in children born very preterm or at/with low birth weight, but the associated cellular changes have not yet been identified. Here we studied the molecular development of the GABAergic system specifically in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region that has been implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The maturation state of the GABAergic system in this region was assessed in human post-mortem brain samples, from term infants ranging in age from 0 to 8 months (n = 17 male, 9 female). Gene expression was measured for 47 GABAergic genes and used to calculate a maturation index. This maturation index was significantly more dynamic in male than female infants. To evaluate the impact of premature birth on the GABAergic system development, samples from 1-month-old term (n = 9 male, 4 female) and 1-month corrected-age very preterm (n = 8 male, 6 female) infants, were compared using the same gene list and methodology. The maturation index for the GABAergic system was significantly lower (−50%, p < 0.05) in male preterm infants, with major alterations in genes linked to GABAergic function in astrocytes, suggesting astrocytic GABAergic developmental changes as a new cellular mechanism underlying preterm brain injury.
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Hori T, Takamori S. Physiological Perspectives on Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation of Vesicular Glutamate Transport: Lessons From Calyx of Held Synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:811892. [PMID: 35095427 PMCID: PMC8793065 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.811892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, into presynaptic synaptic vesicles (SVs) depends upon three vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Since VGLUTs are driven by a proton electrochemical gradient across the SV membrane generated by vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases), the rate of glutamate transport into SVs, as well as the amount of glutamate in SVs at equilibrium, are influenced by activities of both VGLUTs and V-ATPase. Despite emerging evidence that suggests various factors influencing glutamate transport by VGLUTs in vitro, little has been reported in physiological or pathological contexts to date. Historically, this was partially due to a lack of appropriate methods to monitor glutamate loading into SVs in living synapses. Furthermore, whether or not glutamate refilling of SVs can be rate-limiting for synaptic transmission is not well understood, primarily due to a lack of knowledge concerning the time required for vesicle reuse and refilling during repetitive stimulation. In this review, we first introduce a unique electrophysiological method to monitor glutamate refilling by VGLUTs in a giant model synapse from the calyx of Held in rodent brainstem slices, and we discuss the advantages and limitations of the method. We then introduce the current understanding of factors that potentially alter the amount and rate of glutamate refilling of SVs in this synapse, and discuss open questions from physiological viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hori
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tetsuya Hori Shigeo Takamori
| | - Shigeo Takamori
- Laboratory of Neural Membrane Biology, Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tetsuya Hori Shigeo Takamori
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Hernández-Melchor D, Ramírez-Martínez L, Cid L, Palafox-Gómez C, López-Bayghen E, Ortega A. EAAT1-dependent slc1a3 Transcriptional Control depends on the Substrate Translocation Process. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221116574. [PMID: 35903937 PMCID: PMC9340397 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221116574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, is removed from the synaptic cleft by a family of sodium-dependent transporters expressed in neurons and glial cells. The bulk of glutamate uptake activity occurs in glial cells through the sodium-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter (EAAT1/GLAST) and glutamate transporter 1 (EAAT2/GLT-1). EAAT1/GLAST is the predominant transporter within the cerebellum. It is highly enriched in Bergmann glial cells that span the cerebellar cortex and wrap the most abundant glutamatergic synapses in the central nervous system, the synapse formed by the parallel fibers and the Purkinje cells. In the past years, it has become evident that Bergmann glial cells are involved in glutamatergic transmission. Glutamate transporters are tightly regulated due to their essential role in tripartite synapses. Glutamate regulates EAAT1/GLAST function and gene expression in a receptor-dependent and receptor-independent manner. Through the use of the non-metabolizable EAAT1/GLAST ligand, D-Aspartate, and the well-established chick cerebellar Bergmann glia primary culture, in this contribution, we demonstrate that EAAT1/GLAST down-regulates its expression and function at the transcriptional level through the activation of a signaling pathway that includes the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), the Ca2+/diacylglycerol dependent protein kinase PKC and the nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). These results favor the notion of an activity-dependent fine-tuning of glutamate recycling and its synaptic transactions through glial cells. Summary statement EAAT1/GLAST down-regulates its expression and function at the transcriptional level by activating a signaling pathway that includes PI3K, PKC and NF-κB, favoring the notion of an activity-dependent fine-tuning of glutamate recycling and its synaptic transactions through glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinorah Hernández-Melchor
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
- Science, Technology and Society Program. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Leticia Ramírez-Martínez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Luis Cid
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Cecilia Palafox-Gómez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Esther López-Bayghen
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, México
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Rapid Regulation of Glutamate Transport: Where Do We Go from Here? Neurochem Res 2022; 47:61-84. [PMID: 33893911 PMCID: PMC8542062 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). A family of five Na+-dependent transporters maintain low levels of extracellular glutamate and shape excitatory signaling. Shortly after the research group of the person being honored in this special issue (Dr. Baruch Kanner) cloned one of these transporters, his group and several others showed that their activity can be acutely (within minutes to hours) regulated. Since this time, several different signals and post-translational modifications have been implicated in the regulation of these transporters. In this review, we will provide a brief introduction to the distribution and function of this family of glutamate transporters. This will be followed by a discussion of the signals that rapidly control the activity and/or localization of these transporters, including protein kinase C, ubiquitination, glutamate transporter substrates, nitrosylation, and palmitoylation. We also include the results of our attempts to define the role of palmitoylation in the regulation of GLT-1 in crude synaptosomes. In some cases, the mechanisms have been fairly well-defined, but in others, the mechanisms are not understood. In several cases, contradictory phenomena have been observed by more than one group; we describe these studies with the goal of identifying the opportunities for advancing the field. Abnormal glutamatergic signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Although recent studies have begun to link regulation of glutamate transporters to the pathogenesis of these disorders, it will be difficult to determine how regulation influences signaling or pathophysiology of glutamate without a better understanding of the mechanisms involved.
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41
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Nguyen YTK, Ha HTT, Nguyen TH, Nguyen LN. The role of SLC transporters for brain health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:20. [PMID: 34971415 PMCID: PMC11071821 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The brain exchanges nutrients and small molecules with blood via the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approximately 20% energy intake for the body is consumed by the brain. Glucose is known for its critical roles for energy production and provides substrates for biogenesis in neurons. The brain takes up glucose via glucose transporters GLUT1 and 3, which are expressed in several neural cell types. The brain is also equipped with various transport systems for acquiring amino acids, lactate, ketone bodies, lipids, and cofactors for neuronal functions. Unraveling the mechanisms by which the brain takes up and metabolizes these nutrients will be key in understanding the nutritional requirements in the brain. This could also offer opportunities for therapeutic interventions in several neurological disorders. For instance, emerging evidence suggests a critical role of lactate as an alternative energy source for neurons. Neuronal cells express monocarboxylic transporters to acquire lactate. As such, treatment of GLUT1-deficient patients with ketogenic diets to provide the brain with alternative sources of energy has been shown to improve the health of the patients. Many transporters are present in the brain, but only a small number has been characterized. In this review, we will discuss about the roles of solute carrier (SLC) transporters at the blood brain barrier (BBB) and neural cells, in transport of nutrients and metabolites in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen T K Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Hoa T T Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Tra H Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Long N Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
- SLING/Immunology Program, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
- Immunology Translational and Cardiovascular Disease Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
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Astrocytes in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Review of Postmortem Evidence. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:153-172. [PMID: 34888835 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) include microglia, oligodendrocytes and the most diverse type, astrocytes. Clinical and experimental evidence suggest critical roles for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of CNS disease. Here, we summarize the extensive morphological heterogeneity and physiological properties of different astrocyte subtypes. We review postmortem studies, discussing astrocyte-related changes found in the brain in subjects diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric disorders schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Finally, we discuss the potential effects of psychotropic medication on these findings. In summary, postmortem studies highlight that the morphology of astrocytes and the expression of functionally important astrocyte markers are altered in the brain in neuropsychiatric disorders and may play a role in the pathophysiology of these serious mental illnesses.
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Stachowicz K, Bobula B, Kusek M, Lenda T, Tokarski K. Evidence for the interaction of COX-2 with mGluR5 in the regulation of EAAT1 and EAAT3 protein levels in the mouse hippocampus. The influence of oxidative stress mechanisms. Brain Res 2021; 1771:147660. [PMID: 34529964 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since we found that inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with concomitant application of a metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) antagonist (MTEP) down-regulates mGluR7 in the hippocampus (HC) and changes behavior of mice, our team decided to investigate the mechanism responsible for the observed changes. The amino acid glutamate (Glu) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glu uptake is regulated by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT). There are five transporters with documented expression in neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS). EAATs, maintain the correct transmission of the Glu signal and prevent its toxic accumulation by removing Glu from the synapse. It has been documented that the toxic level of Glu is one of the main causes of mental and cognitive abnormalities. Given the above mechanisms involved in the functioning of the Glu synapse, we hypothesized modification of Glu uptake, involving EAATs as the cause of the observed changes. This study investigated the level of selected EAATs in the HC after chronic treatment with mGluR5 antagonist MTEP, NS398, and their combination using Western blot. Concomitant MTEP treatment with NS398 or a single administration of the above causes changes in LTP and modulation of EAAT levels in mouse HC. As EAATs are cellular markers of oxidative stress mechanisms, the E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was performed. The modified Barnes maze test (MBM) revealed alterations in the mouse spatial learning abilities. This study reports an interaction between the mGluR5 and COX-2 in the HC, with EAAT1 and EAAT3 involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stachowicz
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Bartosz Bobula
- Department of Physiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kusek
- Department of Physiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Lenda
- Department of Neuro- and Psychopharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tokarski
- Department of Physiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Magdy S, Gamal M, Samir NF, Rashed L, Emad Aboulhoda B, Mohammed HS, Sharawy N. IκB kinase inhibition remodeled connexins, pannexin-1, and excitatory amino-acid transporters expressions to promote neuroprotection of galantamine and morphine. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7516-7532. [PMID: 33855721 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory pathway and disruption in glutamate homeostasis join at the level of the glia, resulting in various neurological disorders. In vitro studies have provided evidence that membrane proteins connexions (Cxs) are involved in glutamate release, meanwhile, excitatory amino-acid transporters (EAATs) are crucial for glutamate reuptake (clearance). Moreover, pannexin-1 (Panx-1) activation is more detrimental to neurons. Their expression patterns during inflammation and the impacts of IκB kinase (IKK) inhibition, morphine, and galantamine on the inflammatory-associated glutamate imbalance remain elusive. To investigate this, rats were injected with saline or lipopolysaccharide. Thereafter, vehicles, morphine, galantamine, and BAY-117082 were administered in different groups of animals. Subsequently, electroencephalography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and histopathological examinations were carried out and various indicators of inflammation and glutamate level were determined. Parallel analysis of Cxs, Panx-1, and EAAts in the brain was performed. Our findings strengthen the concept that unregulated expressions of Cxs, Panx-1, and EAATs contribute to glutamate accumulation and neuronal cell loss. Nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) pathway can significantly contribute to glutamate homeostasis via modulating Cxs, Panx-1, and EAATs expressions. BAY-117082, via inhibition of IkK, promoted the anti-inflammatory effects of morphine as well as galantamine. We concluded that NF-κB is an important component of reshaping the expressions of Cxs, panx-1, and EAATs and the development of glutamate-induced neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Magdy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Gamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nancy F Samir
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laila Rashed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Basma Emad Aboulhoda
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haitham S Mohammed
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nivin Sharawy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Zhang X, Alnafisah RS, Hamoud ARA, Shukla R, Wen Z, McCullumsmith RE, O'Donovan SM. Role of Astrocytes in Major Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2715-2730. [PMID: 33411227 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the primary homeostatic cells of the central nervous system, essential for normal neuronal development and function, metabolism and response to injury and inflammation. Here, we review postmortem studies examining changes in astrocytes in subjects diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric disorders schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BPD). We discuss the astrocyte-related changes described in the brain in these disorders and the potential effects of psychotropic medication on these findings. Finally, we describe emerging tools that can be used to study the role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rawan S Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-Rizaq A Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.,Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sinead M O'Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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Ohno Y, Kunisawa N, Shimizu S. Emerging Roles of Astrocyte Kir4.1 Channels in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910236. [PMID: 34638578 PMCID: PMC8508600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes mediate spatial potassium (K+) buffering, a clearance mechanism for excessive extracellular K+, in tripartite synapses. In addition to K+ homeostasis, astrocytic Kir4.1 channels also play an essential role in regulating extracellular glutamate levels via coupling with glutamate transporters. Moreover, Kir4.1 channels act as novel modulators of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in astrocytes. Specifically, inhibition of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels elevates extracellular K+ and glutamate levels at synapses and facilitates BDNF expression in astrocytes. These changes elevate neural excitability, which may facilitate synaptic plasticity and connectivity. In this article, we summarize the functions and pharmacological features of Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes and highlight the importance of these channels in the treatment of brain diseases. Although further validation in animal models and human patients is required, astrocytic Kir4.1 channel could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depressive disorders and epilepsy.
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Jara CP, de Andrade Berti B, Mendes NF, Engel DF, Zanesco AM, Pereira de Souza GF, de Medeiros Bezerra R, de Toledo Bagatin J, Maria-Engler SS, Morari J, Velander WH, Velloso LA, Araújo EP. Glutamic acid promotes hair growth in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15453. [PMID: 34326383 PMCID: PMC8322389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94816-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamic acid is the main excitatory neurotransmitter acting both in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Abnormal distribution of glutamic acid receptors occurs in skin hyperproliferative conditions such as psoriasis and skin regeneration; however, the biological function of glutamic acid in the skin remains unclear. Using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico approaches, we showed that exogenous glutamic acid promotes hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation. Topical application of glutamic acid decreased the expression of genes related to apoptosis in the skin, whereas glutamic acid increased cell viability and proliferation in human keratinocyte cultures. In addition, we identified the keratinocyte glutamic acid excitotoxic concentration, providing evidence for the existence of a novel skin signalling pathway mediated by a neurotransmitter that controls keratinocyte and hair follicle proliferation. Thus, glutamic acid emerges as a component of the peripheral nervous system that acts to control cell growth in the skin. These results raise the perspective of the pharmacological and nutritional use of glutamic acid to treat skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Poblete Jara
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil.
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA.
| | - Beatriz de Andrade Berti
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Natália Ferreira Mendes
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daiane Fátima Engel
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ariane Maria Zanesco
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Freitas Pereira de Souza
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Renan de Medeiros Bezerra
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Julia de Toledo Bagatin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joseane Morari
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - William H Velander
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Lício A Velloso
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Eliana Pereira Araújo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Tessalia Vieira de Camargo St., 126, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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48
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Babaei P. NMDA and AMPA receptors dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174310. [PMID: 34265291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by cognitive dysfunction and synaptic failure. The current therapeutic approaches are mainly focused on symptomatic treatment and possess limited effectiveness in addressing the pathophysiology of AD. It is known that neurodegeneration is negatively correlated with synaptic plasticity. This negative correlation highlights glutamatergic neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors and (AMPA) receptors as a critical mediator of synaptic plasticity. Despite this favorable role, extensive extracellular glutamate concentration induces excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration. NMDA receptors containing GluN2A subunits are located at synaptic sites, implicated in the protective pathways. In comparison, GluN2B containing receptors are located mainly at extrasynaptic sites and increase neuronal vulnerability. AMPA receptors are consistently endocytosed and recycled back to the membrane. An increase in the rate of endocytosis has been implicated as a part of AD pathophysiology through inducing long-term depression (LTD) and synaptic disintegration. In the present review, we focused on the mechanisms of glutamatergic system dysregulation in AD, particularly on its interaction with amyloid-beta. We concluded that assigning a specific role to an individual subtype of either NMDA receptors or AMPA receptors might be an oversimplification as they are not static receptors. Therefore, any imbalance between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors and a reduced number of surface AMPA receptors will lead to synaptopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Babaei
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Cellular &Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Hiraoka Y, Sugiyama K, Nagaoka D, Tsutsui-Kimura I, Tanaka KF, Tanaka K. Mice with reduced glutamate transporter GLT1 expression exhibit behaviors related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 567:161-165. [PMID: 34166912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder in children. Although animal models and human brain imaging studies indicate a significant role for glutamatergic dysfunction in ADHD, there is no direct evidence that glutamatergic dysfunction is sufficient to induce ADHD-like symptoms. The glial glutamate transporter GLT1 plays a critical role in glutamatergic neurotransmission. We report here the generation of mice expressing only 20% of normal levels of the GLT1. Unlike conventional GLT1 knockout mice, these mice survive to adulthood and exhibit ADHD-like phenotypes, including hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired memory. These findings indicate that glutamatergic dysfunction due to GLT1 deficiency, a mechanism distinct from the dopaminergic deficit hypothesis of ADHD, underlies ADHD-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hiraoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iku Tsutsui-Kimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; The Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
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50
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Chang CY, Luo DZ, Pei JC, Kuo MC, Hsieh YC, Lai WS. Not Just a Bystander: The Emerging Role of Astrocytes and Research Tools in Studying Cognitive Dysfunctions in Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105343. [PMID: 34069523 PMCID: PMC8160762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is one of the core symptoms in schizophrenia, and it is predictive of functional outcomes and therefore useful for treatment targets. Rather than improving cognitive deficits, currently available antipsychotics mainly focus on positive symptoms, targeting dopaminergic/serotoninergic neurons and receptors in the brain. Apart from investigating the neural mechanisms underlying schizophrenia, emerging evidence indicates the importance of glial cells in brain structure development and their involvement in cognitive functions. Although the etiopathology of astrocytes in schizophrenia remains unclear, accumulated evidence reveals that alterations in gene expression and astrocyte products have been reported in schizophrenic patients. To further investigate the role of astrocytes in schizophrenia, we highlighted recent progress in the investigation of the effect of astrocytes on abnormalities in glutamate transmission and impairments in the blood–brain barrier. Recent advances in animal models and behavioral methods were introduced to examine schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. We also highlighted several experimental tools that further elucidate the role of astrocytes. Instead of focusing on schizophrenia as a neuron-specific disorder, an additional astrocytic perspective provides novel and promising insight into its causal mechanisms and treatment. The involvement of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other brain disorders is worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Da-Zhong Luo
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Ju-Chun Pei
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Ming-Che Kuo
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Wen-Sung Lai
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (D.-Z.L.); (J.-C.P.); (Y.-C.H.)
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-3366-3112; Fax: +886-2-3362-9909
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