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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00064-9. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Stepanichev MY, Mamedova DI, Gulyaeva NV. Hippocampus under Pressure: Molecular Mechanisms of Development of Cognitive Impairments in SHR Rats. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:711-725. [PMID: 38831507 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Data from clinical trials and animal experiments demonstrate relationship between chronic hypertension and development of cognitive impairments. Here, we review structural and biochemical alterations in the hippocampus of SHR rats with genetic hypertension, which are used as a model of essential hypertension and vascular dementia. In addition to hypertension, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system observed in SHR rats already at an early age may be a key factor of changes in the hippocampus at the structural and molecular levels. Global changes at the body level, such as hypertension and neurohumoral dysfunction, are associated with the development of vascular pathology and impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Changes in multiple biochemical glucocorticoid-dependent processes in the hippocampus, including dysfunction of steroid hormones receptors, impairments of neurotransmitter systems, BDNF deficiency, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are accompanied by the structural alterations, such as cellular signs of neuroinflammation micro- and astrogliosis, impairments of neurogenesis in the subgranular neurogenic zone, and neurodegenerative processes at the level of synapses, axons, and dendrites up to the death of neurons. The consequence of this is dysfunction of hippocampus, a key structure of the limbic system necessary for cognitive functions. Taking into account the available results at various levels starting from the body and brain structure (hippocampus) levels to molecular one, we can confirm translational validity of SHR rats for modeling mechanisms of vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Yu Stepanichev
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia.
| | - Diana I Mamedova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Natalia V Gulyaeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
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Xu YR, Talukder M, Li CX, Zhao YX, Zhang C, Ge J, Li JL. Nano-selenium alleviates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in cerebrum via inhibiting gap junction protein connexin 43 phosphorylation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1163-1174. [PMID: 37860879 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) as a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal is reported to affect the nervous system. Selenium (Se) has been shown to have antagonistic effects against heavy metal toxicity. In addition, it shows potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible mechanism of brain injury after high Cd exposure and the mitigation of Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) against Cd-induced brain injury. In this study, the Cd-treated group showed a decrease in the number of neurons in brain tissue, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the formation of autophagosomes. Nano-Se intervention restored Cd-caused alterations in neuronal morphology, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial structure, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Furthermore, we found that some differentially expressed genes were involved in cell junction and molecular functions. Subsequently, we selected eleven (11) related differentially expressed genes for verification. The qRT-PCR results revealed the same trend of results as determined by RNA-Seq. Our findings also showed that Nano-Se supplementation alleviated Cx43 phosphorylation induced by Cd exposure. Based on immunofluorescence colocalization it was demonstrated that higher expression of GFAP and lower expressions of Cx43 were restored by Nano-Se supplementation. In conclusion, the data presented in this study establish a direct association between the phosphorylation of Cx43 and the occurrence of autophagy and neuroinflammation. However, it is noteworthy that the introduction of Nano-Se supplementation has been observed to mitigate these alterations. These results elucidate the relieving effect of Nano-Se on Cd exposure-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Milton Talukder
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Xin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
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Shiadeh SMJ, Goretta F, Svedin P, Jansson T, Mallard C, Ardalan M. Long-term impact of maternal obesity on the gliovascular unit and ephrin signaling in the hippocampus of adult offspring. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38308309 PMCID: PMC10837922 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03030-w] [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] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk of developing mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Experimental studies have reported structural changes in the brain such as the gliovascular unit as well as activation of neuroinflammatory cells as a part of neuroinflammation processing in aged offspring of obese mothers. However, the molecular mechanisms linking maternal obesity to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes are not well established. The ephrin system plays a major role in a variety of cellular processes including cell-cell interaction, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation. Therefore, in this study we determined the impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on cortical, hippocampal development, vasculature and ephrin-A3/EphA4-signaling, in the adult offspring in mice. METHODS Maternal obesity was induced in mice by a high fat/high sugar Western type of diet (HF/HS). We collected brain tissue (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) from 6-month-old offspring of obese and lean (control) dams. Hippocampal volume, cortical thickness, myelination of white matter, density of astrocytes and microglia in relation to their activity were analyzed using 3-D stereological quantification. mRNA expression of ephrin-A3, EphA4 and synaptic markers were measured by qPCR in the brain tissue. Moreover, expression of gap junction protein connexin-43, lipocalin-2, and vascular CD31/Aquaporin 4 were determined in the hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Volume of hippocampus and cortical thickness were significantly smaller, and myelination impaired, while mRNA levels of hippocampal EphA4 and post-synaptic density (PSD) 95 were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the offspring of obese dams as compared to offspring of controls. Further analysis of the hippocampal gliovascular unit indicated higher coverage of capillaries by astrocytic end-feet, expression of connexin-43 and lipocalin-2 in endothelial cells in the offspring of obese dams. In addition, offspring of obese dams demonstrated activation of microglia together with higher density of cells, while astrocyte cell density was lower. CONCLUSION Maternal obesity affects brain size, impairs myelination, disrupts the hippocampal gliovascular unit and decreases the mRNA expression of EphA4 and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of adult offspring. These results indicate that the vasculature-glia cross-talk may be an important mediator of altered synaptic plasticity, which could be a link between maternal obesity and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fanny Goretta
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Rodriguez D, Church KA, Smith CT, Vanegas D, Cardona SM, Muzzio IA, Nash KR, Cardona AE. Therapeutic Delivery of Soluble Fractalkine Ameliorates Vascular Dysfunction in the Diabetic Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1727. [PMID: 38339005 PMCID: PMC10855319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR)-associated vision loss is a devastating disease affecting the working-age population. Retinal pathology is due to leakage of serum components into retinal tissues, activation of resident phagocytes (microglia), and vascular and neuronal damage. While short-term interventions are available, they do not revert visual function or halt disease progression. The impact of microglial inflammatory responses on the neurovascular unit remains unknown. In this study, we characterized microglia-vascular interactions in an experimental model of DR. Early diabetes presents activated retinal microglia, vascular permeability, and vascular abnormalities coupled with vascular tortuosity and diminished astrocyte and endothelial cell-associated tight-junction (TJ) and gap-junction (GJ) proteins. Microglia exclusively bind to the neuronal-derived chemokine fractalkine (FKN) via the CX3CR1 receptor to ameliorate microglial activation. Using neuron-specific recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs), we therapeutically overexpressed soluble (sFKN) or membrane-bound (mFKN) FKN using intra-vitreal delivery at the onset of diabetes. This study highlights the neuroprotective role of rAAV-sFKN, reducing microglial activation, vascular tortuosity, fibrin(ogen) deposition, and astrogliosis and supporting the maintenance of the GJ connexin-43 (Cx43) and TJ zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) molecules. The results also show that microglia-vascular interactions influence the vascular width upon administration of rAAV-sFKN and rAAV-mFKN. Administration of rAAV-sFKN improved visual function without affecting peripheral immune responses. These findings suggest that overexpression of rAAV-sFKN can mitigate vascular abnormalities by promoting glia-neural signaling. sFKN gene therapy is a promising translational approach to reverse vision loss driven by vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Kaira A. Church
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Chelsea T. Smith
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Difernando Vanegas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Sandra M. Cardona
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
| | - Isabel A. Muzzio
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Kevin R. Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Astrid E. Cardona
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (D.R.); (K.A.C.); (C.T.S.); (D.V.); (S.M.C.)
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Schiera G, Di Liegro CM, Schirò G, Sorbello G, Di Liegro I. Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Cells 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38247841 PMCID: PMC10813980 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB's integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB's properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sorbello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
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7
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Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
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8
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Jazaeri SZ, Taghizadeh G, Babaei JF, Goudarzi S, Saadatmand P, Joghataei MT, Khanahmadi Z. Aquaporin 4 beyond a water channel; participation in motor, sensory, cognitive and psychological performances, a comprehensive review. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114353. [PMID: 37714320 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is a protein highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) as well as various other organs, whose different sites of action indicate its importance in various functions. AQP4 has a variety of essential roles beyond water homeostasis. In this article, we have for the first time summarized different roles of AQP4 in motor and sensory functions, besides cognitive and psychological performances, and most importantly, possible physiological mechanisms by which AQP4 can exert its effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AQP4 participates in pathology of different neurological disorders, various effects depending on the disease type. Since neurological diseases involve a spectrum of dysfunctions and due to the difficulty of obtaining a treatment that can simultaneously affect these deficits, it is therefore suggested that future studies consider the role of this protein in different functional impairments related to neurological disorders simultaneously or separately by targeting AQP4 expression and/or polarity modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Zohreh Jazaeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Fahanik Babaei
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Goudarzi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Saadatmand
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Zohreh Khanahmadi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Services, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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9
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Phillips CM, Johnson AM, Stamatovic SM, Keep RF, Andjelkovic AV. 20 kDa isoform of connexin-43 augments spatial reorganization of the brain endothelial junctional complex and lesion leakage in cerebral cavernous malformation type-3. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 186:106277. [PMID: 37652184 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106277] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation type-3 (CCM3) is a type of brain vascular malformation caused by mutations in programmed cell death protein-10 (PDCD10). It is characterized by early life occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke and profound blood-brain barrier defects. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for microvascular hyperpermeability and lesion progression in CCM3 are still largely unknown. The current study examined brain endothelial barrier structural defects formed in the absence of CCM3 in vivo and in vitro that may lead to CCM3 lesion leakage. We found significant upregulation of a 20 kDa isoform of connexin 43 (GJA1-20 k) in brain endothelial cells (BEC) in both non-leaky and leaky lesions, as well as in an in vitro CCM3 knockdown model (CCM3KD-BEC). Morphological, biochemical, FRET, and FRAP analyses of CCM3KD-BEC found GJA1-20 k regulates full-length GJA1 biogenesis, prompting uncontrolled gap junction growth. Furthermore, by binding to a tight junction scaffolding protein, ZO-1, GJA1-20 k interferes with Cx43/ZO-1 interactions and gap junction/tight junction crosstalk, promoting ZO-1 dissociation from tight junction complexes and diminishing claudin-5/ZO-1 interaction. As a consequence, the tight junction complex is destabilized, allowing "replacement" of tight junctions with gap junctions leading to increased brain endothelial barrier permeability. Modifying cellular levels of GJA1-20 k rescued brain endothelial barrier integrity re-establishing the spatial organization of gap and tight junctional complexes. This study highlights generation of potential defects at the CCM3-affected brain endothelial barrier which may underlie prolonged vascular leakiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Phillips
- Neuroscience Graduate program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anuska V Andjelkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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10
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Lana D, Branca JJV, Delfino G, Giovannini MG, Casamenti F, Nardiello P, Bucciantini M, Stefani M, Zach P, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Nosi D. Morphofunctional Investigation in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Non-Reactive Astrocytes Are Involved in Aβ Load and Reactive Astrocytes in Plaque Build-Up. Cells 2023; 12:2258. [PMID: 37759482 PMCID: PMC10526848 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182258] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The term neuroinflammation defines the reactions of astrocytes and microglia to alterations in homeostasis in the diseased central nervous system (CNS), the exacerbation of which contributes to the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Local environmental conditions, such as the presence of proinflammatory molecules, mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and local cell-cell interactions, are determinants of glial cell phenotypes. In AD, the load of the cytotoxic/proinflammatory amyloid β (Aβ) peptide is a microenvironmental component increasingly growing in the CNS, imposing time-evolving challenges on resident cells. This study aimed to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of the effects produced by this process on astrocytes and microglia, either directly or by interfering in their interactions. Ex vivo confocal analyses of hippocampal sections from the mouse model TgCRND8 at different ages have shown that overproduction of Aβ peptide induced early and time-persistent disassembly of functional astroglial syncytium and promoted a senile phenotype of reactive microglia, hindering Aβ clearance. In the late stages of the disease, these patterns were altered in the presence of Aβ-plaques, surrounded by typically reactive astrocytes and microglia. Morphofunctional characterization of peri-plaque gliosis revealed a direct contribution of astrocytes in plaque buildup that might result in shielding Aβ-peptide cytotoxicity and, as a side effect, in exacerbating neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (D.L.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (S.Z.-O.)
| | - Giovanni Delfino
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (D.L.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Fiorella Casamenti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pamela Nardiello
- General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Monica Bucciantini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimo Stefani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Petr Zach
- Department of Anatomy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Sandra Zecchi-Orlandini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (S.Z.-O.)
| | - Daniele Nosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (S.Z.-O.)
- DMSC Imaging Platform, 50134 Florence, Italy
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11
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Chu H, Dong J, Tang Y, Huang C, Guo Q. Connexin 43 Promotes Neurogenesis via Regulating Aquaporin-4 after Cerebral Ischemia. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:349-361. [PMID: 37074591 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to test the effects of connexin43 (Cx43) on ischemic neurogenesis and examined whether it was dependent on aquaporin-4 (AQP4). We detected the expression of Cx43 and AQP4 in the ipsilateral subventricular zone (SVZ) and peri-infarct cortex after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Also, we examined neurogenesis in the above regions via co-labeling of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)/neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) and BrdU/doublecortin (DCX). The effects of Cx43 and AQP4 were investigated by using two transgenic animals: heterozygous Cx43 (Cx43±) mice and AQP4 knockout (AQP4-/-) mice, and connexin mimetic peptide (CMP), a selective Cx43 blocker. We demonstrated AQP4 and Cx43 were co-expressed in the astrocytes after MCAO and the expression was highly increased in ipsilateral SVZ and peri-infarct cortex. Cx43± mice had larger infarction volumes and worse neurological function. Both BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/DCX co-labeled cells in the two regions were reduced in Cx43± and AQP4-/- mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting Cx43 and AQP4 participated in neurogenesis of neural stem cells. Moreover, CMP decreased AQP4 expression and inhibited neurogenesis in WT mice, while the latter failed to be observed in AQP4-/- mice. Besides, higher levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were detected in the SVZ and peri-infarct cortex of AQP4-/- and Cx43± mice than those in WT mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that Cx43 elicits neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia through promoting neurogenesis in the SVZ to regenerate the injured neurons, which is AQP4 dependent and associated with down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heling Chu
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Internal Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuping Tang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 12 Mid. Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Chuyi Huang
- Health Management Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Qihao Guo
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, 200233, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Que M, Li Y, Wang X, Zhan G, Luo X, Zhou Z. Role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation: accomplices, resisters, or bystanders? Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1188306. [PMID: 37435045 PMCID: PMC10330732 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1188306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep plays an essential role in all studied animals with a nervous system. However, sleep deprivation leads to various pathological changes and neurobehavioral problems. Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain and are involved in various important functions, including neurotransmitter and ion homeostasis, synaptic and neuronal modulation, and blood-brain barrier maintenance; furthermore, they are associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, pain, and mood disorders. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly being recognized as vital contributors to the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, both locally and in specific neural circuits. In this review, we begin by describing the role of astrocytes in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms, focusing on: (i) neuronal activity; (ii) metabolism; (iii) the glymphatic system; (iv) neuroinflammation; and (v) astrocyte-microglia cross-talk. Moreover, we review the role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation comorbidities and sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Finally, we discuss potential interventions targeting astrocytes to prevent or treat sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Pursuing these questions would pave the way for a deeper understanding of the cellular and neural mechanisms underlying sleep deprivation-comorbid brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Que
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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13
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Voronkov DN, Stavrovskaya AV, Potapov IA, Guschina AS, Olshanskiy AS. Glial Reaction in a Neuroinflammatory Model of Parkinson's Disease. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 174:693-698. [PMID: 37043065 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Sixty and 90 days after unilateral intranigral injection of LPS to Wistar rats (10 μg), activation of microglia, neuronal death, and formation of synuclein-positive inclusions were observed in the substantia nigra, but not in dopaminergic neurons. Astrocytes were characterized by increased expression of gliofibrillary protein GFAP, vimentin, complement protein C3, aquaporin-4, and connexin-43. At later stages, GFAP expression decreased, but the distribution of aquaporin-4 and connexin-43 remained disordered, and neuronal degeneration deteriorated. Thus, reactive changes in astrocytes after LPS administration can cause long-term disturbances of the neurogliovascular coupling. The observed functional and morphological alterations in the astroglia can be the cause of progressive disturbances in the substantia nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - I A Potapov
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
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14
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Feng XF, Li MC, Lin ZY, Li MZ, Lu Y, Zhuang YM, Lei JF, Wang L, Zhao H. Tetramethylpyrazine promotes stroke recovery by inducing the restoration of neurovascular unit and transformation of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1125412. [PMID: 37051111 PMCID: PMC10083399 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1125412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) as an active ingredient extracted from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. has been proved to penetrate blood-brain barrier (BBB) and show neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia. However, whether TMP could regulate astrocytic reactivity to facilitate neurovascular restoration in the subacute ischemic stroke needs to be urgently verified. In this research, permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) model was conducted and TMP (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administrated to rats once daily for 2 weeks. Neurological function was evaluated by motor deficit score (MDS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was implemented to analyze tissue injury and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was applied to exhibit vascular signals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to detect the neurovascular unit (NVU) ultrastructure. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was utilized to evaluate cerebral histopathological lesions. The neurogenesis, angiogenesis, A1/A2 reactivity, aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and connexin 43 (Cx43) of astrocytes were observed with immunofluorescent staining. Then FGF2/PI3K/AKT signals were measured by western blot. Findings revealed TMP ameliorated neurological functional recovery, preserved NVU integrity, and enhanced endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis of rats with subacute ischemia. Shifting A1 to A2 reactivity, suppressing excessive AQP4 and Cx43 expression of astrocytes, and activating FGF2/PI3K/AKT pathway might be potential mechanisms of promoting neurovascular restoration with TMP after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-feng Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-cong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-yue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Man-zhong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-ming Zhuang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-feng Lei
- Medical Imaging Laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Zhao
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15
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Wu X, Li L, Zhou B, Wang J, Shao W. Connexin 43 regulates astrocyte dysfunction and cognitive deficits in early life stress-treated mice. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1207-1214. [PMID: 36939885 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress such as maternal separation (MS), is a major risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Connexin 43 (CX43), the main type of connexins expressed in astrocytes, has been indicated to participate in depression disorders. Nevertheless, the role of CX43 in MS-induced cognitive impairment and astrocyte dysfunction is unclear. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed to MS to mimic early life stress. Adeno-associated virus carrying CX43 was inoculated into mice for CX43 overexpression. Sucrose preference test, forced swim test and Morris water maze were performed for evaluating depression-like behaviors and spatial learning and memory of mice in adulthood. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to detect CX43 mRNA expression in mouse brain. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used for measuring expression levels of astrocytic markers in murine hippocampal dentate gyrus. The results showed that overexpressing CX43 attenuated MS exposure-induced depression-like behaviors and decrease in spatial learning and memory in mice. Upregulating CX43 alleviated MS exposure-induced downregulation of astrocytic markers. Collectively, CX43 overexpression attenuates cognitive deficits and astrocyte dysfunction in mice exposed to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Bingling Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China.
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16
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
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17
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Gotoh M, Miyamoto Y, Ikeshima-Kataoka H. Astrocytic Neuroimmunological Roles Interacting with Microglial Cells in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021599. [PMID: 36675113 PMCID: PMC9865248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both astrocytic and microglial functions have been extensively investigated in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative diseases. For astrocytes, not only various sub-types were identified but phagocytic activity was also clarified recently and is making dramatic progress. In this review paper, we mostly focus on the functional role of astrocytes in the extracellular matrix and on interactions between reactive astrocytes and reactive microglia in normal states and in neurodegenerative diseases, because the authors feel it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms among activated glial cells in the pathology of neurological diseases in order to pave the way for drug discovery. Finally, we will review cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA), a naturally occurring phospholipid mediator that induces a variety of biological activities in the brain both in vivo and in vitro. We propose that cPA may serve as a novel therapeutic molecule for the treatment of brain injury and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Gotoh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, 2-11-1, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
- Institute for Human Life Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Yasunori Miyamoto
- Institute for Human Life Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ikeshima-Kataoka
- Department of Biology, Keio University, 4-1-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Correspondence:
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18
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Hasegawa H, Kondo M. Astrocytic Responses to Binge Alcohol Intake in the Mouse Hindbrain. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1194-1202. [PMID: 37661398 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00140] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol is the most commonly used toxic chemical in human cultures. Ethanol predominantly damages the brain causing various neurological disorders. Astrocytes are important cellular targets of ethanol in the brain and are involved in alcoholic symptoms. Recent studies have revealed the diversity of astrocyte populations in the brain. However, it is unclear how the different astrocyte populations respond to an excess of ethanol. Here we examined the effect of binge ethanol levels on astrocytes in the mouse brainstem and cerebellum. Ethanol administration for four consecutive days increased the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive signals in the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve (stTN) and reticular nucleus (RN). Another astrocyte marker, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), was also increased in the stTN with a pattern similar to that of GFAP. However, in the RN, the immunoreactive signals of AQP4 were different from that of GFAP and were not changed by ethanol administration. In the cerebellum, GFAP-positive signals were found in all four astrocytic populations, and those in the Bergmann glia were selectively eliminated by ethanol administration. We next examined the effect of estradiol on the ethanol-induced changes in astrocytic immunoreactive signals. The administration of estradiol alone increased the AQP4-immunoreactivity in the stTN with a pattern similar to that of ethanol, whereas the co-administration of estradiol and ethanol suppressed the intensity of the AQP4-positive signals. Thus, binge levels of ethanol intake selectively affect astrocyte populations in the brainstem and cerebellum. Sex hormones can affect the ethanol-induced neurotoxicity via modulation of astrocyte reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Kondo
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University
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19
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Sedovy MW, Leng X, Leaf MR, Iqbal F, Payne LB, Chappell JC, Johnstone SR. Connexin 43 across the Vasculature: Gap Junctions and Beyond. J Vasc Res 2022; 60:101-113. [PMID: 36513042 PMCID: PMC11073551 DOI: 10.1159/000527469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is essential to the function of the vasculature. Cx43 proteins form gap junctions that allow for the exchange of ions and molecules between vascular cells to facilitate cell-to-cell signaling and coordinate vasomotor activity. Cx43 also has intracellular signaling functions that influence vascular cell proliferation and migration. Cx43 is expressed in all vascular cell types, although its expression and function vary by vessel size and location. This includes expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC), endothelial cells (EC), and pericytes. Cx43 is thought to coordinate homocellular signaling within EC and vSMC. Cx43 gap junctions also function as conduits between different cell types (heterocellular signaling), between EC and vSMC at the myoendothelial junction, and between pericyte and EC in capillaries. Alterations in Cx43 expression, localization, and post-translational modification have been identified in vascular disease states, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of Cx43 localization and function in healthy and diseased blood vessels across all vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan W. Sedovy
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, And Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Melissa R. Leaf
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Farwah Iqbal
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Laura Beth Payne
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - John C. Chappell
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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20
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GJA1/CX43 High Expression Levels in the Cervical Spinal Cord of ALS Patients Correlate to Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammatory Profile. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092246. [PMID: 36140348 PMCID: PMC9496195 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092246] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motoneurons (MNs) with a fatal outcome. The typical degeneration of cortico-spinal, spinal, and bulbar MNs, observed in post-mortem biopsies, is associated with the activation of neuroimmune cells. GJA1, a member of the connexins (Cxs) gene family, encodes for connexin 43 (Cx43), a core gap junctions (GJs)- and hemichannels (HCs)-forming protein, involved in cell death, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, Cx43 expression was found to play a role in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we used microarray and RNA-seq datasets from the NCBI of the spinal cord of control (NDC) and ALS patients, which were stratified according to the GJA1 gene expression. Genes that positively or negatively correlated to GJA1 expression were used to perform a genomic deconvolution analysis (GDA) using neuroimmune signatures. Expression analysis revealed a significantly higher GJA1 expression in the MNs of ALS patients as compared to NDC. Gene deconvolution analysis revealed that positively correlated genes were associated with microglia activation, whereas negatively correlated genes were associated with neuronal activation profiles. Moreover, gene ontology analysis, performed on genes characterizing either microglia or neuronal signature, indicated immune activation or neurogenesis as main biological processes. Finally, using a synthetic analysis of drugs able to revert the GJA1 transcriptomic signatures, we found a specific drug profile for ALS patients with high GJA1 expression levels, composed of amlodipine, sertraline, and prednisolone. In conclusion, our exploratory study suggests GJA1 as a new neuro-immunological gene correlated to microglial cellular profile in the spinal cord of ALS patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of drugs able to revert typical GJA1/CX43 signature in ALS patients
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21
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Liu Z, Wang Y, Ding Y, Wang H, Zhang J, Wang H. CXCL7 aggravates the pathological manifestations of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder by enhancing the inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages and microglia. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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22
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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23
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De Bock M, De Smet MA, Verwaerde S, Tahiri H, Schumacher S, Van Haver V, Witschas K, Steinhäuser C, Rouach N, Vandenbroucke RE, Leybaert L. Targeting gliovascular connexins prevents inflammatory blood-brain barrier leakage and astrogliosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:135263. [PMID: 35881483 PMCID: PMC9462469 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is formed by capillary endothelial cells expressing Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43, and is joined by closely apposed astrocytes expressing Cx43 and Cx30. We investigated whether connexin-targeting peptides could limit barrier leakage triggered by LPS-induced systemic inflammation in mice. Intraperitoneal LPS increased endothelial and astrocytic Cx43 expression, elevated TNFα, IL1β, IFNγ and IL6 in plasma and IL6 in the brain, and induced barrier leakage recorded over 24h. Barrier leakage was largely prevented by global Cx43 knockdown and Cx43/Cx30 double-knockout in astrocytes, slightly diminished by endothelial Cx43 knockout and not protected by global Cx30 knockout. Intravenous administration of Gap27 or Tat-Gap19 just before LPS also prevented barrier leakage, and intravenous BAPTA-AM to chelate intracellular calcium was equally effective. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated LPS-induced Cx43 hemichannel opening in endothelial cells, which was suppressed by Gap27, Gap19 and BAPTA. LPS additionally triggered astrogliosis that was prevented by intravenous Tat-Gap19 or BAPTA-AM. Cortically applied Tat-Gap19 or BAPTA-AM to primarily target astrocytes, also strongly diminished barrier leakage. In vivo dye uptake and in vitro patch-clamp showed Cx43 hemichannel opening in astrocytes that was induced by IL6 in a calcium-dependent manner. We conclude that targeting endothelial and astrocytic connexins is a powerful approach to limit barrier failure and astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke De Bock
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Aj De Smet
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Verwaerde
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanane Tahiri
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steffi Schumacher
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valérie Van Haver
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Nathalie Rouach
- Center for Interdisiplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Paris, France
| | | | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Burboa PC, Puebla M, Gaete PS, Durán WN, Lillo MA. Connexin and Pannexin Large-Pore Channels in Microcirculation and Neurovascular Coupling Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137303. [PMID: 35806312 PMCID: PMC9266979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137303] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation homeostasis depends on several channels permeable to ions and/or small molecules that facilitate the regulation of the vasomotor tone, hyperpermeability, the blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular coupling function. Connexin (Cxs) and Pannexin (Panxs) large-pore channel proteins are implicated in several aspects of vascular physiology. The permeation of ions (i.e., Ca2+) and key metabolites (ATP, prostaglandins, D-serine, etc.) through Cxs (i.e., gap junction channels or hemichannels) and Panxs proteins plays a vital role in intercellular communication and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation or genetic pathologies associated with these channels promote deleterious tissue consequences. This review provides an overview of current knowledge concerning the physiological role of these large-pore molecule channels in microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and in the neurovascular coupling function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pía C. Burboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Mariela Puebla
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Pablo S. Gaete
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Walter N. Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Wang T, Chen Y, Zou Y, Pang Y, He X, Chen Y, Liu Y, Feng W, Zhang Y, Li Q, Shi J, Ding F, Marshall C, Gao J, Xiao M. Locomotor Hyperactivity in the Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease-like Pathology of APP/PS1 Mice: Associated with Impaired Polarization of Astrocyte Aquaporin 4. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1504-1522. [PMID: 36186142 PMCID: PMC9466968 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-cognitive behavioral and psychological symptoms often occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and mouse models, although the exact neuropathological mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report hyperactivity with significant inter-individual variability in 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Pathological analysis revealed that intraneuronal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), c-Fos expression in glutamatergic neurons and activation of astrocytes were more evident in the frontal motor cortex of hyperactive APP/PS1 mice, compared to those with normal activity. Moreover, the hyperactive phenotype was associated with mislocalization of perivascular aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and glymphatic transport impairment. Deletion of the AQP4 gene increased hyperactivity, intraneuronal Aβ load and glutamatergic neuron activation, but did not influence working memory or anxiety-like behaviors of 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Together, these results demonstrate that AQP4 mislocalization or deficiency leads to increased intraneuronal Aβ load and neuronal hyperactivity in the motor cortex, which in turn causes locomotor over-activity during the early pathophysiology of APP/PS1 mice. Therefore, improving AQP4 mediated glymphatic clearance may offer a new strategy for early intervention of hyperactivity in the prodromal phase of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Ying Zou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yingting Pang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xiaoxin He
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yali Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yun Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Weixi Feng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Qian Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Jingping Shi
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Fengfei Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Charles Marshall
- College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, Hazard, KY 41701, USA
| | - Junying Gao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Ming Xiao (E-mail: ) or Dr. Junying Gao (), Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Brain Institute, the Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Ming Xiao (E-mail: ) or Dr. Junying Gao (), Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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