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Dong W, Liu S, Li S, Wang Z. Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2444-2455. [PMID: 38526281 PMCID: PMC11090434 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390965] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease. The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease, which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. However, ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos, which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy. Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons, without the need for intermediate proliferation states, thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation. Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed. This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy, including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research. The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming. These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shangang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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2
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Man JHK, Breur M, van Gelder CAGH, Marcon G, Maderna E, Giaccone G, Altelaar M, van der Knaap MS, Bugiani M. Region-specific and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:102-115. [PMID: 38763075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity and its relation to aging in the normal human brain remain poorly understood. We here analyzed astrocytes in gray and white matter brain tissues obtained from donors ranging in age between the neonatal period to over 100 years. We show that astrocytes are differently distributed with higher density in the white matter. This regional difference in cellular density becomes less prominent with age. Additionally, we confirm the presence of morphologically distinct astrocytes, with gray matter astrocytes being morphologically more complex. Notably, gray matter astrocytes morphologically change with age, while white matter astrocytes remain relatively consistent in morphology. Using regional mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we did, however, identify astrocyte specific proteins with regional differences in abundance, reflecting variation in cellular density or expression level. Importantly, the expression of some astrocyte specific proteins region-dependently decreases with age. Taken together, we provide insights into region- and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie H K Man
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A G H van Gelder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gabriella Marcon
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; DAME, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maderna
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Ojalvo-Sanz AC, Pernia-Solanilla C, López-Mascaraque L. Spatial organization of astrocyte clones: The role of developmental progenitor timing. Glia 2024; 72:1290-1303. [PMID: 38506330 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24529] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes represent a diverse and morphologically complex group of glial cells critical for shaping and maintaining nervous system homeostasis, as well as responding to injuries. Understanding the origins of astroglial heterogeneity, originated from a limited number of progenitors, has been the focus of many studies. Most of these investigations have centered on protoplasmic and pial astrocytes, while the clonal relationship of fibrous astrocytes or juxtavascular astrocytes has remained relatively unexplored. In this study, we sought to elucidate the morphological diversity and clonal distribution of astrocytes across adult cortical layers, with particular emphasis on their ontogenetic origins. Using the StarTrack lineage tracing tool, we explored the characteristics of adult astroglial clones derived from single and specific progenitors at various embryonic stages. Our results revealed a heterogeneous spatial distribution of astroglial clones, characterized by variations in location, clonal size, and rostro-caudal dispersion. While a considerable proportion of clones were confined within specific cortical layers, others displayed sibling cells crossing layer boundaries. Notably, we observed a correlation between clone location and developmental stage at earlier embryonic stages, although this relationship diminished in later stages. Fibrous astrocyte clones were exclusively confined to the corpus callosum. In contrast, protoplasmic or juxtavascular clones were located in either the upper or lower cortical layers, with certain clones displayed sibling cells distributed across both regions. Our findings underscore the developmental origins and spatial distribution of astroglial clones within cortical layers, providing new insights into the interplay between their morphology, clonal sizes, and progenitor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Ojalvo-Sanz
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Department, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura López-Mascaraque
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Department, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Lv Y, Yao J, Wang Y, Bai G, Lin C, Tu C. Co-exposure to fluoride and sulfur dioxide induces abnormal enamel mineralization in rats via the FGF9-mediated MAPK signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118527. [PMID: 38387489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118527] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Fluoride (F) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) contamination is recognized as a public health concern worldwide. Our previous research has shown that Co-exposure to F and SO2 can cause abnormal enamel mineralization. Ameloblastin (AMBN) plays a crucial role in the process of enamel mineralization. However, the process by which simultaneous exposure to F and SO2 influences enamel formation by regulating AMBN expression still needs to be understood. This study aimed to establish in vivo and in vitro models of F-SO2 Co-exposure and investigate the relationship between AMBN and abnormal enamel mineralization. By overexpressing/knocking out the Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (FGF9) gene, we investigated the impact of FGF9-mediated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling on AMBN synthesis to elucidate the mechanism underlying the induction of abnormal enamel mineralization by F-SO2 Co-exposure in rats. The results showed that F-SO2 exposure damaged the structure of rat enamel and ameloblasts. When exposed to F or SO2, gradual increases in the protein expression of FGF9 and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-P38) were observed. Conversely, the protein levels of AMBN, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) were decreased. AMBN expression was significantly correlated with FGF9, p-ERK, and p-JNK expression in ameloblasts. Interestingly, FGF9 overexpression reduced the levels of p-ERK and p-JNK, worsening the inhibitory effect of F-SO2 on AMBN. Conversely, FGF9 knockout increased the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, partially reversing the F-SO2-induced downregulation of AMBN. Taken together, these findings strongly demonstrate that FGF9 plays a critical role in F-SO2-induced abnormal enamel mineralization by regulating AMBN synthesis through the JNK and ERK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lv
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Infrastructure Construction Department, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Guohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Changhu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Chenglong Tu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Endemic and Ethnic Regional Diseases Co-constructed By the Province and Ministry, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Theparambil SM, Begum G, Rose CR. pH regulating mechanisms of astrocytes: A critical component in physiology and disease of the brain. Cell Calcium 2024; 120:102882. [PMID: 38631162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Strict homeostatic control of pH in both intra- and extracellular compartments of the brain is fundamentally important, primarily due to the profound impact of free protons ([H+]) on neuronal activity and overall brain function. Astrocytes, crucial players in the homeostasis of various ions in the brain, actively regulate their intracellular [H+] (pHi) through multiple membrane transporters and carbonic anhydrases. The activation of astroglial pHi regulating mechanisms also leads to corresponding alterations in the acid-base status of the extracellular fluid. Notably, astrocyte pH regulators are modulated by various neuronal signals, suggesting their pivotal role in regulating brain acid-base balance in both health and disease. This review presents the mechanisms involved in pH regulation in astrocytes and discusses their potential impact on extracellular pH under physiological conditions and in brain disorders. Targeting astrocytic pH regulatory mechanisms represents a promising therapeutic approach for modulating brain acid-base balance in diseases, offering a potential critical contribution to neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefeeq M Theparambil
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Gulnaz Begum
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Li Y, Luo Y, Zhu P, Liang X, Li J, Dou X, Liu L, Qin L, Zhou M, Deng Y, Jiang L, Wang S, Yang W, Tang J, Tang Y. Running exercise improves astrocyte loss, morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of CUS-induced depression model mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 239:173750. [PMID: 38494007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173750] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the antidepressant effects of running exercise have been widely reported, further research is still needed to determine the structural bases for these effects. Astrocyte processes physically contact many synapses and directly regulate the numbers of synapses, but it remains unclear whether running exercise can modulate astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of the mice with depressive-like behavior. Male C57BL/6 J mice underwent four weeks of running exercise after four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) were used to assess anhedonia in mice. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins. Immunofluorescence and 3D reconstruction were used to quantify the density and morphology of astrocytes, and astrocyte-contacted synapses in each hippocampal subregion. Four weeks of running exercise alleviated depressive-like symptoms in mice. The expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins in the hippocampus; astrocyte process lengths, process numbers, and dendritic arborization; and the number of astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions were significantly decreased in the mice with depressive-like behavior, and running exercise successfully reserved these changes. Running exercise improved the decreases in astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions of the mice with depressive-like behavior, suggesting that the physical interactions between astrocytes and synapses can be increased by running exercise, which might be an important structural basis for the antidepressant effects of running exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Peilin Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xin Liang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Dou
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yuhui Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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7
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Ayala DA, Matarazzo A, Seaberg BL, Patel M, Tijerina E, Matthews C, Bizi G, Brown A, Ta A, Rimer M, Srinivasan R. Heterogeneous brain region-specific responses to astrocytic mitochondrial DNA damage in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596517. [PMID: 38853966 PMCID: PMC11160752 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes use Ca 2+ signals to regulate multiple aspects of normal and pathological brain function. Astrocytes display context-specific diversity in their functions, and in their response to noxious stimuli between brain regions. Indeed, astrocytic mitochondria have emerged as key players in governing astrocytic functional heterogeneity, given their ability to dynamically adapt their morphology to regional demands on their ATP generation and Ca 2+ buffering functions. Although there is reciprocal regulation between mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial Ca 2+ signaling in astrocytes, the extent of this regulation into the rich diversity of astrocytes in different brain regions remains largely unexplored. Brain-wide, experimentally induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) loss in astrocytes showed that mtDNA integrity is critical for proper astrocyte function, however, few insights into possible diverse responses to this noxious stimulus from astrocytes in different brain areas were reported in these experiments. To selectively damage mtDNA in astrocytes in a brain-region-specific manner, we developed a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based tool, Mito-PstI, which expresses the restriction enzyme PstI, specifically in astrocytic mitochondria. Here, we applied Mito-PstI to two distinct brain regions, the dorsolateral striatum, and the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and we show that Mito-PstI can induce astrocytic mtDNA loss in vivo , but with remarkable brain-region-dependent differences on mitochondrial dynamics, spontaneous Ca 2+ fluxes and astrocytic as well as microglial reactivity. Thus, AAV-Mito-PstI is a novel tool to explore the relationship between astrocytic mitochondrial network dynamics and astrocytic mitochondrial Ca 2+ signaling in a brain-region-selective manner.
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Cullen PF, Gammerdinger WJ, Ho Sui SJ, Mazumder AG, Sun D. Transcriptional profiling of retinal astrocytes identifies a specific marker and points to functional specialization. Glia 2024. [PMID: 38785355 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24571] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is an increasingly prominent research topic, and studies in the brain have demonstrated substantial variation in astrocyte form and function, both between and within regions. In contrast, retinal astrocytes are not well understood and remain incompletely characterized. Along with optic nerve astrocytes, they are responsible for supporting retinal ganglion cell axons and an improved understanding of their role is required. We have used a combination of microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation to isolate ribosome-associated mRNA from retinal astrocytes and investigate their transcriptome, which we also compared to astrocyte populations in the optic nerve. Astrocytes from these regions are transcriptionally distinct, and we identified retina-specific astrocyte genes and pathways. Moreover, although they share much of the "classical" gene expression patterns of astrocytes, we uncovered unexpected variation, including in genes related to core astrocyte functions. We additionally identified the transcription factor Pax8 as a highly specific marker of retinal astrocytes and demonstrated that these astrocytes populate not only the retinal surface, but also the prelaminar region at the optic nerve head. These findings are likely to contribute to a revised understanding of the role of astrocytes in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William J Gammerdinger
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shannan J Ho Sui
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arpan Guha Mazumder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Xu C, Mei Y, Yang R, Luo Q, Zhang J, Kou X, Hu J, Wang Y, Li Y, Chen R, Zhang Z, Yao Y, Sima J. Edaravone Dexborneol mitigates pathology in animal and cell culture models of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting neuroinflammation and neuronal necroptosis. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:55. [PMID: 38678262 PMCID: PMC11056062 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01230-8] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease with limited disease-modifying treatments. Drug repositioning strategy has now emerged as a promising approach for anti-AD drug discovery. Using 5×FAD mice and Aβ-treated neurons in culture, we tested the efficacy of Y-2, a compounded drug containing the antioxidant Edaravone (Eda), a pyrazolone and (+)-Borneol, an anti-inflammatory diterpenoid from cinnamon, approved for use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. RESULTS We examined effects of Y-2 versus Eda alone by i.p. administered in 8-week-old 5×FAD mice (females) for 4 months by comparing cognitive function, Aβ pathologies, neuronal necroptosis and neuroinflammation. Using primary neurons and astrocytes, as well as neuronal and astrocytic cell lines, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms of Y-2 by examining neuronal injury, astrocyte-mediated inflammation and necroptosis. Here, we find that Y-2 improves cognitive function in AD mice. Histopathological data show that Y-2, better than Eda alone, markedly ameliorates Aβ pathologies including Aβ burden, astrogliosis/microgliosis, and Tau phosphorylation. In addition, Y-2 reduces Aβ-induced neuronal injury including neurite damage, mitochondrial impairment, reactive oxygen species production and NAD+ depletion. Notably, Y-2 inhibits astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation and attenuates TNF-α-triggered neuronal necroptosis in cell cultures and AD mice. RNA-seq further demonstrates that Y-2, compared to Eda, indeed upregulates anti-inflammation pathways in astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings infer that Y-2, better than Eda alone, mitigates AD pathology and may provide a potential drug candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yilan Mei
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ruihan Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qiudan Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jienian Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaolin Kou
- Department of Pharmacology, NeuroDawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211199, China
| | - Jianfeng Hu
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, NeuroDawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211199, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yue Li
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, NeuroDawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211199, China
| | - Zhengping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, NeuroDawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 211199, China.
| | - Yuyuan Yao
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jian Sima
- Laboratory of Aging Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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10
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Zapata-Acevedo JF, Mantilla-Galindo A, Vargas-Sánchez K, González-Reyes RE. Blood-brain barrier biomarkers. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:1-88. [PMID: 38797540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.004] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the exchange of molecules and cells between the brain parenchyma and the peripheral blood. The BBB is mainly composed of endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. The integrity of this structure is essential for maintaining brain and spinal cord homeostasis and protection from injury or disease. However, in various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, the BBB can become compromised thus allowing passage of molecules and cells in and out of the central nervous system parenchyma. These agents, however, can serve as biomarkers of BBB permeability and neuronal damage, and provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the BBB and changes due to aging, and summarize current knowledge on biomarkers of BBB disruption and neurodegeneration, including permeability, cellular, molecular and imaging biomarkers. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing a biomarker toolkit that can reliably assess the BBB in physiologic and pathophysiologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Zapata-Acevedo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Mantilla-Galindo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Vargas-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencia Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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11
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Imraish A, Abu Thiab T, Alsalem M, Dahbour S, khleif H, Abu-Irmaileh B, Qasem R, El-Salem K. The neuroprotective effect of human primary astrocytes in multiple sclerosis: In vitro model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300203. [PMID: 38564643 PMCID: PMC10987000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300203] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies highlighted the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammatory diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, interacting closely with other CNS components but also with the immune cells. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining human astrocytes, their role in these pathologies is still unclear. In this study we develop an astrocyte in vitro model to evaluate their role in multiple sclerosis after being treated with CSF isolated from both healthy and MS diagnosed patients. Gene expression and ELISA assays reveal that several pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, were significantly downregulated in astrocytes treated with MS-CSF. In contrast, neurotrophic survival, and growth factors, and GFAP, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF, were markedly elevated upon the same treatment. In summary, this study supports the notion of the astrocyte involvement in MS. The results reveal the neuroprotective role of astrocyte in MS pathogenicity by suppressing excessive inflammation and increasing the expression of tropic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Imraish
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tuqa Abu Thiab
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alsalem
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Saeed Dahbour
- Department of Neurology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba khleif
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Raneen Qasem
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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12
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Zimmer TS, Orr AL, Orr AG. Astrocytes in selective vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:289-302. [PMID: 38521710 PMCID: PMC11006581 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.008] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Selective vulnerability of specific brain regions and cell populations is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Mechanisms of selective vulnerability involve neuronal heterogeneity, functional specializations, and differential sensitivities to stressors and pathogenic factors. In this review we discuss the growing body of literature suggesting that, like neurons, astrocytes are heterogeneous and specialized, respond to and integrate diverse inputs, and induce selective effects on brain function. In disease, astrocytes undergo specific, context-dependent changes that promote different pathogenic trajectories and functional outcomes. We propose that astrocytes contribute to selective vulnerability through maladaptive transitions to context-divergent phenotypes that impair specific brain regions and functions. Further studies on the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in disease may provide new therapeutic approaches to enhance resilience against neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam L Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Xia Y, Ding L, Zhang C, Xu Q, Shi M, Gao T, Zhou FQ, Deng DYB. Inflammatory Factor IL1α Induces Aberrant Astrocyte Proliferation in Spinal Cord Injury Through the Grin2c/Ca 2+/CaMK2b Pathway. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:421-438. [PMID: 37864744 PMCID: PMC11003951 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating traumas, and the aberrant proliferation of astrocytes usually causes neurological deficits. However, the mechanism underlying astrocyte over-proliferation after SCI is unclear. Grin2c (glutamate ionotropic receptor type 2c) plays an essential role in cell proliferation. Our bioinformatic analysis indicated that Grin2c and Ca2+ transport functions were inhibited in astrocytes after SCI. Suppression of Grin2c stimulated astrocyte proliferation by inhibiting the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2b (CaMK2b) pathway in vitro. By screening different inflammatory factors, interleukin 1α (IL1α) was further found to inhibit Grin2c/Ca2+/CaMK2b and enhance astrocyte proliferation in an oxidative damage model. Blockade of IL1α using neutralizing antibody resulted in increased Grin2c expression and the inhibition of astrocyte proliferation post-SCI. Overall, this study suggests that IL1α promotes astrocyte proliferation by suppressing the Grin2c/Ca2+/CaMK2b pathway after SCI, revealing a novel pathological mechanism of astrocyte proliferation, and may provide potential targets for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Changlin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Tianshun Gao
- Big Data Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - David Y B Deng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Orthopaedic and Neurological Repair Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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14
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McCallum S, Suresh KB, Islam T, Saustad AW, Shelest O, Patil A, Lee D, Kwon B, Yenokian I, Kawaguchi R, Beveridge CH, Manchandra P, Randolph CE, Meares GP, Dutta R, Plummer J, Knott SRV, Chopra G, Burda JE. Lesion-remote astrocytes govern microglia-mediated white matter repair. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585251. [PMID: 38558977 PMCID: PMC10979953 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Spared regions of the damaged central nervous system undergo dynamic remodeling and exhibit a remarkable potential for therapeutic exploitation. Here, lesion-remote astrocytes (LRAs), which interact with viable neurons, glia and neural circuitry, undergo reactive transformations whose molecular and functional properties are poorly understood. Using multiple transcriptional profiling methods, we interrogated LRAs from spared regions of mouse spinal cord following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We show that LRAs acquire a spectrum of molecularly distinct, neuroanatomically restricted reactivity states that evolve after SCI. We identify transcriptionally unique reactive LRAs in degenerating white matter that direct the specification and function of local microglia that clear lipid-rich myelin debris to promote tissue repair. Fueling this LRA functional adaptation is Ccn1 , which encodes for a secreted matricellular protein. Loss of astrocyte CCN1 leads to excessive, aberrant activation of local microglia with (i) abnormal molecular specification, (ii) dysfunctional myelin debris processing, and (iii) impaired lipid metabolism, culminating in blunted debris clearance and attenuated neurological recovery from SCI. Ccn1 -expressing white matter astrocytes are specifically induced by local myelin damage and generated in diverse demyelinating disorders in mouse and human, pointing to their fundamental, evolutionarily conserved role in white matter repair. Our findings show that LRAs assume regionally divergent reactivity states with functional adaptations that are induced by local context-specific triggers and influence disorder outcome. Astrocytes tile the central nervous system (CNS) where they serve vital roles that uphold healthy nervous system function, including regulation of synapse development, buffering of neurotransmitters and ions, and provision of metabolic substrates 1 . In response to diverse CNS insults, astrocytes exhibit disorder-context specific transformations that are collectively referred to as reactivity 2-5 . The characteristics of regionally and molecularly distinct reactivity states are incompletely understood. The mechanisms through which distinct reactivity states arise, how they evolve or resolve over time, and their consequences for local cell function and CNS disorder progression remain enigmatic. Immediately adjacent to CNS lesions, border-forming astrocytes (BFAs) undergo transcriptional reprogramming and proliferation to form a neuroprotective barrier that restricts inflammation and supports axon regeneration 6-9 . Beyond the lesion, spared but dynamic regions of the injured CNS exhibit varying degrees of synaptic circuit remodeling and progressive cellular responses to secondary damage that have profound consequences for neural repair and recovery 10,11 . Throughout these cytoarchitecturally intact, but injury-reactive regions, lesion-remote astrocytes (LRAs) intermingle with neurons and glia, undergo little to no proliferation, and exhibit varying degrees of cellular hypertrophy 7,12,13 . The molecular and functional properties of LRAs remain grossly undefined. Therapeutically harnessing spared regions of the injured CNS will require a clearer understanding of the accompanying cellular and molecular landscape. Here, we leveraged integrative transcriptional profiling methodologies to identify multiple spatiotemporally resolved, molecularly distinct states of LRA reactivity within the injured spinal cord. Computational modeling of LRA-mediated heterotypic cell interactions, astrocyte-specific conditional gene deletion, and multiple mouse models of acute and chronic CNS white matter degeneration were used to interrogate a newly identified white matter degeneration-reactive astrocyte subtype. We define how this reactivity state is induced and its role in governing the molecular and functional specification of local microglia that clear myelin debris from the degenerating white matter to promote repair.
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15
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Tan Q, Zhang C, Rao X, Wan W, Lin W, Huang S, Ying J, Lin Y, Hua F. The interaction of lipocalin-2 and astrocytes in neuroinflammation: mechanisms and therapeutic application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358719. [PMID: 38533497 PMCID: PMC10963420 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358719] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common pathological process in various neurological disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others. It involves the activation of glial cells, particularly astrocytes, and the release of inflammatory mediators. Lipocalin-2 (Lcn-2) is a secretory protein mainly secreted by activated astrocytes, which can affect neuroinflammation through various pathways. It can also act as a pro-inflammatory factor by modulating astrocyte activation and polarization through different signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, and JAK-STAT, amplifying the inflammatory response and aggravating neural injury. Consequently, Lcn-2 and astrocytes may be potential therapeutic targets for neuroinflammation and related diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role mechanisms, interactions, and therapeutic implications of Lcn-2 and astrocytes in neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiuqin Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shupeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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16
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Li M, Liu Z, Wu Y, Zheng N, Liu X, Cai A, Zheng D, Zhu J, Wu J, Xu L, Li X, Zhu LQ, Manyande A, Xu F, Wang J. In vivo imaging of astrocytes in the whole brain with engineered AAVs and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:545-552. [PMID: 35484244 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes constitute a major part of the central nervous system and the delineation of their activity patterns is conducive to a better understanding of brain network dynamics. This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method in order to monitor the brain-wide or region-specific astrocytes in live animals. Adeno-associated virus (AAVs) vectors carrying the human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter driving the EGFP-AQP1 (Aquaporin-1, an MRI reporter) fusion gene were employed. The following steps were included: constructing recombinant AAV vectors for astrocyte-specific expression, detecting MRI reporters in cell culture, brain regions, or whole brain following cell transduction, stereotactic injection, or tail vein injection. The astrocytes were detected by both fluorescent imaging and Diffusion-weighted MRI. The novel AAV mutation (Site-directed mutagenesis of surface-exposed tyrosine (Y) residues on the AAV5 capsid) significantly increased fluorescence intensity (p < 0.01) compared with the AAV5 wild type. Transduction of the rAAV2/5 carrying AQP1 induced the titer-dependent changes in MRI contrast in cell cultures (p < 0.05) and caudate-putamen (CPu) in the brain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the MRI revealed a good brain-wide alignment between AQP1 levels and ADC signals, which increased over time in most of the transduced brain regions. In addition, the rAAV2/PHP.eB serotype efficiently introduced AOP1 expression in the whole brain via tail vein injection. This study provides an MRI-based approach to detect dynamic changes in astrocytes in live animals. The novel in vivo tool could help us to understand the complexity of neuronal and glial networks in different pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Aoling Cai
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Danhao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Jinpiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China
| | - Xihai Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University of West London, Middlesex, TW8 9GA, UK
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, 430071, Wuhan, PR of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China.
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17
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Ling E, Nemesh J, Goldman M, Kamitaki N, Reed N, Handsaker RE, Genovese G, Vogelgsang JS, Gerges S, Kashin S, Ghosh S, Esposito JM, Morris K, Meyer D, Lutservitz A, Mullally CD, Wysoker A, Spina L, Neumann A, Hogan M, Ichihara K, Berretta S, McCarroll SA. A concerted neuron-astrocyte program declines in ageing and schizophrenia. Nature 2024; 627:604-611. [PMID: 38448582 PMCID: PMC10954558 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Human brains vary across people and over time; such variation is not yet understood in cellular terms. Here we describe a relationship between people's cortical neurons and cortical astrocytes. We used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyse the prefrontal cortex of 191 human donors aged 22-97 years, including healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia. Latent-factor analysis of these data revealed that, in people whose cortical neurons more strongly expressed genes encoding synaptic components, cortical astrocytes more strongly expressed distinct genes with synaptic functions and genes for synthesizing cholesterol, an astrocyte-supplied component of synaptic membranes. We call this relationship the synaptic neuron and astrocyte program (SNAP). In schizophrenia and ageing-two conditions that involve declines in cognitive flexibility and plasticity1,2-cells divested from SNAP: astrocytes, glutamatergic (excitatory) neurons and GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons all showed reduced SNAP expression to corresponding degrees. The distinct astrocytic and neuronal components of SNAP both involved genes in which genetic risk factors for schizophrenia were strongly concentrated. SNAP, which varies quantitatively even among healthy people of similar age, may underlie many aspects of normal human interindividual differences and may be an important point of convergence for multiple kinds of pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Ling
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - James Nemesh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nolan Kamitaki
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nora Reed
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert E Handsaker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulio Genovese
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Vogelgsang
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sherif Gerges
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seva Kashin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sulagna Ghosh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Meyer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa Lutservitz
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher D Mullally
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alec Wysoker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liv Spina
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Neumann
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marina Hogan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiku Ichihara
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Steven A McCarroll
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Soto JS, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. In vivo identification of astrocyte and neuron subproteomes by proximity-dependent biotinylation. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:896-927. [PMID: 38062165 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00923-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises diverse and morphologically complex cells. To understand the molecular basis of their physiology, it is crucial to assess proteins expressed within intact cells. Commonly used methods utilize cell dissociation and sorting to isolate specific cell types such as neurons and astrocytes, the major CNS cells. Proteins purified from isolated cells are identified by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. However, dissociation and cell-sorting methods lead to near total loss of cellular morphology, thereby losing proteins from key relevant subcompartments such as processes, end feet, dendrites and axons. Here we provide a systematic protocol for cell- and subcompartment-specific labeling and identification of proteins found within intact astrocytes and neurons in vivo. This protocol utilizes the proximity-dependent biotinylation system BioID2, selectively expressed in either astrocytes or neurons, to label proximal proteins in a cell-specific manner. BioID2 is targeted genetically to assess the subproteomes of subcellular compartments such as the plasma membrane and sites of cell-cell contacts. We describe in detail the expression methods (variable timing), stereotaxic surgeries for expression (1-2 d and then 3 weeks), in vivo protein labeling (7 d), protein isolation (2-3 d), protein identification methods (2-3 d) and data analysis (1 week). The protocol can be applied to any area of the CNS in mouse models of physiological processes and for disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn S Soto
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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19
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Ollivier M, Soto JS, Linker KE, Moye SL, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Jones AE, Divakaruni AS, Kawaguchi R, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. Crym-positive striatal astrocytes gate perseverative behaviour. Nature 2024; 627:358-366. [PMID: 38418885 PMCID: PMC10937394 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are heterogeneous glial cells of the central nervous system1-3. However, the physiological relevance of astrocyte diversity for neural circuits and behaviour remains unclear. Here we show that a specific population of astrocytes in the central striatum expresses μ-crystallin (encoded by Crym in mice and CRYM in humans) that is associated with several human diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders4-7. In adult mice, reducing the levels of μ-crystallin in striatal astrocytes through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of Crym resulted in perseverative behaviours, increased fast synaptic excitation in medium spiny neurons and dysfunctional excitatory-inhibitory synaptic balance. Increased perseveration stemmed from the loss of astrocyte-gated control of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals of orbitofrontal cortex-striatum projections. We found that perseveration could be remedied using presynaptic inhibitory chemogenetics8, and that this treatment also corrected the synaptic deficits. Together, our findings reveal converging molecular, synaptic, circuit and behavioural mechanisms by which a molecularly defined and allocated population of striatal astrocytes gates perseveration phenotypes that accompany neuropsychiatric disorders9-12. Our data show that Crym-positive striatal astrocytes have key biological functions within the central nervous system, and uncover astrocyte-neuron interaction mechanisms that could be targeted in treatments for perseveration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ollivier
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joselyn S Soto
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kay E Linker
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Jones
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ajit S Divakaruni
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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20
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Liddell JR, Hilton JBW, Kysenius K, Billings JL, Nikseresht S, McInnes LE, Hare DJ, Paul B, Mercer SW, Belaidi AA, Ayton S, Roberts BR, Beckman JS, McLean CA, White AR, Donnelly PS, Bush AI, Crouch PJ. Microglial ferroptotic stress causes non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:14. [PMID: 38317225 PMCID: PMC10840184 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00691-8] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterised by lipid peroxidation as the terminal endpoint and a requirement for iron. Although it protects against cancer and infection, ferroptosis is also implicated in causing neuronal death in degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The precise role for ferroptosis in causing neuronal death is yet to be fully resolved. METHODS To elucidate the role of ferroptosis in neuronal death we utilised co-culture and conditioned medium transfer experiments involving microglia, astrocytes and neurones. We ratified clinical significance of our cell culture findings via assessment of human CNS tissue from cases of the fatal, paralysing neurodegenerative condition of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We utilised the SOD1G37R mouse model of ALS and a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor to verify pharmacological significance in vivo. RESULTS We found that sublethal ferroptotic stress selectively affecting microglia triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Central to this cascade is the conversion of astrocytes to a neurotoxic state. We show that spinal cord tissue from human cases of ALS exhibits a signature of ferroptosis that encompasses atomic, molecular and biochemical features. Further, we show the molecular correlation between ferroptosis and neurotoxic astrocytes evident in human ALS-affected spinal cord is recapitulated in the SOD1G37R mouse model where treatment with a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor, CuII(atsm), ameliorated these markers and was neuroprotective. CONCLUSIONS By showing that microglia responding to sublethal ferroptotic stress culminates in non-cell autonomous neuronal death, our results implicate microglial ferroptotic stress as a rectifiable cause of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disease. As ferroptosis is currently primarily regarded as an intrinsic cell death phenomenon, these results introduce an entirely new pathophysiological role for ferroptosis in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - James B W Hilton
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica L Billings
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sara Nikseresht
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dominic J Hare
- Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Bence Paul
- School of Earth Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen W Mercer
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdel A Belaidi
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3005, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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21
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Zheng XX, Zhang CF, Li LQ, Ye JR, Ren SY, Zhang Z, He X, Chu SF, Chen NH. Improvement of astrocytic gap junction involves the anti-depressive effect of celecoxib through inhibition of NF-κB. Brain Res Bull 2024; 207:110871. [PMID: 38211740 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, has been shown to exhibit anti-depressive effects in clinical trials. However, the direct mechanism underlying its effect on neuroinflammation remains unclear. Neuroinflammatory reaction from astrocytes leads to depression, and our previous study found that gap junction disorder between astrocytes aggravated neuroinflammatory reaction in depressed mice. OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of celecoxib's effects on astrocytic gap junctions during the central nervous inflammation-induced depression. MATERIALS & METHODS Stereotaxic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to establish a model of major depressive disorder (MDD). Celecoxib was administrated into PFC 15 min after LPS injection. The depressive performance was tested by tail suspension test and forced swimming test, and the levels of proinflammation cytokines were determined at mRNA and protein levels. Resting-state functional connection (rsFC) was employed to assess changes in the default mode network (DMN). Additionally, astrocytic gap junctions were also determined by lucifer yellow (LY) diffusion and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was measured by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS LPS injection induced significant depressive performance, which was ameliorated by celecoxib treatment. Celecoxib also improved rsFC in the DMN. Furthermore, celecoxib improved astrocytic gap junctions as evidenced by increased LY diffusion, shortened gap junction width, and normalized levels of phosphorylated Cx43. Celecoxib also blocked the phosphorylation of p65, and inhibition of p65 abolished the improvement of Cx43. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION Anti-depressive effects of celecoxib are mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) and the subsequent improvement of astrocytic gap junction function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xi Zheng
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangDong Pharmaceutical University, GuangZhou 510006, China
| | - Cheng-Feng Zhang
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangDong Pharmaceutical University, GuangZhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Qing Li
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangDong Pharmaceutical University, GuangZhou 510006, China
| | - Jun-Rui Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Si-Yu Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xin He
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangDong Pharmaceutical University, GuangZhou 510006, China
| | - Shi-Feng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, GuangDong Pharmaceutical University, GuangZhou 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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22
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Dewa KI, Arimura N, Kakegawa W, Itoh M, Adachi T, Miyashita S, Inoue YU, Hizawa K, Hori K, Honjoya N, Yagishita H, Taya S, Miyazaki T, Usui C, Tatsumoto S, Tsuzuki A, Uetake H, Sakai K, Yamakawa K, Sasaki T, Nagai J, Kawaguchi Y, Sone M, Inoue T, Go Y, Ichinohe N, Kaibuchi K, Watanabe M, Koizumi S, Yuzaki M, Hoshino M. Neuronal DSCAM regulates the peri-synaptic localization of GLAST in Bergmann glia for functional synapse formation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:458. [PMID: 38302444 PMCID: PMC10834496 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, astrocytes enable appropriate synapse function through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft; however, it remains unclear how astrocytic glutamate transporters function at peri-synaptic contact. Here, we report that Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) in Purkinje cells controls synapse formation and function in the developing cerebellum. Dscam-mutant mice show defects in CF synapse translocation as is observed in loss of function mutations in the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLAST expressed in Bergmann glia. These mice show impaired glutamate clearance and the delocalization of GLAST away from the cleft of parallel fibre (PF) synapse. GLAST complexes with the extracellular domain of DSCAM. Riluzole, as an activator of GLAST-mediated uptake, rescues the proximal impairment in CF synapse formation in Purkinje cell-selective Dscam-deficient mice. DSCAM is required for motor learning, but not gross motor coordination. In conclusion, the intercellular association of synaptic and astrocyte proteins is important for synapse formation and function in neural transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Dewa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nariko Arimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan.
| | - Wataru Kakegawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toma Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Yukiko U Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kento Hizawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Kei Hori
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Natsumi Honjoya
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Haruya Yagishita
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Taya
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Division of Behavioural Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Taisuke Miyazaki
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Chika Usui
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shoji Tatsumoto
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Akiko Tsuzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Uetake
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Saitama, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sakai
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Jun Nagai
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Kawaguchi
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masaki Sone
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Saitama, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Go
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
- Department of System Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
- Graduate School of Information Science, University of Hyogo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ichinohe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712-0805, USA
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
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23
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Kim J, Yoo ID, Lim J, Moon JS. Pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:95-99. [PMID: 38172603 PMCID: PMC10834520 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are involved in various processes in the central nervous system (CNS). As the most abundant cell type in the CNS, astrocytes play an essential role in neuronal maintenance and support, synaptic activity, neuronal metabolism, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment. The transformation of astrocytes is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Since astrocytes have functional diversity and morphological and physiological heterogeneity in the CNS, AD-related astrocytes might show various pathological phenotypes during AD. Astrocytes developing pathological phenotypes could contribute to AD progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in the context of AD, highlighting recent findings in human and mouse AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhyung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Ik Dong Yoo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Jaejoon Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University, Yatap-dong 59, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Seok Moon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
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24
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Khan SS, Jaimon E, Lin YE, Nikoloff J, Tonelli F, Alessi DR, Pfeffer SR. Loss of primary cilia and dopaminergic neuroprotection in pathogenic LRRK2-driven and idiopathic Parkinson's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575737. [PMID: 38293195 PMCID: PMC10827083 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Activating LRRK2 mutations cause Parkinson's disease. Previously, we showed that cholinergic interneurons and astrocytes but not medium spiny neurons of the dorsal striatum lose primary cilia in LRRK2 mutant mice. Single nucleus RNA sequencing shows that cilia loss in cholinergic interneurons correlates with higher LRRK2 expression and decreased glial derived neurotrophic factor transcription. Nevertheless, much higher LRRK2 expression is seen in medium spiny neurons that have normal cilia in mice and humans. In parallel with decreased striatal dopaminergic neurite density, LRRK2 G2019S neurons show increased autism-linked CNTN5 adhesion protein expression; glial cells show significant loss of ferritin heavy chain. Human striatal tissue from LRRK2 pathway mutation carriers and idiopathic Parkinson's disease show similar cilia loss in cholinergic interneurons and astrocytes and overall loss of such neurons. These data strongly suggest that loss of cilia in specific striatal cell types decreases neuroprotection for dopamine neurons in mice and human Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad S. Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
- Current address: Departments of Cell Biology & Physiology and Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Ebsy Jaimon
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
| | - Yu-En Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
| | - Jonas Nikoloff
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
| | - Francesca Tonelli
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Dario R. Alessi
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne R. Pfeffer
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, United States
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25
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Giusti V, Kaur G, Giusto E, Civiero L. Brain clearance of protein aggregates: a close-up on astrocytes. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:5. [PMID: 38229094 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and accumulation defines a prevailing feature of many neurodegenerative disorders, finally resulting in the formation of toxic intra- and extracellular aggregates. Intracellular aggregates can enter the extracellular space and be subsequently transferred among different cell types, thus spreading between connected brain districts.Although microglia perform a predominant role in the removal of extracellular aggregated proteins, mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes actively contribute to the clearing process. However, the molecular mechanisms used by astrocytes to remove misfolded proteins are still largely unknown.Here we first provide a brief overview of the progressive transition from soluble monomers to insoluble fibrils that characterizes amyloid proteins, referring to α-Synuclein and Tau as archetypical examples. We then highlight the mechanisms at the basis of astrocyte-mediated clearance with a focus on their potential ability to recognize, collect, internalize and digest extracellular protein aggregates. Finally, we explore the potential of targeting astrocyte-mediated clearance as a future therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by protein misfolding and accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gurkirat Kaur
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Civiero
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
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26
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Kwon W, Choi DJ, Yu K, Williamson MR, Murali S, Ko Y, Woo J, Deneen B. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Cerebellar Astrocytes across Developmental Stages and Brain Regions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1021. [PMID: 38256095 PMCID: PMC10816327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system, and they play a crucial role in normal brain function. While gliogenesis and glial differentiation occur during perinatal cerebellar development, the processes that occur during early postnatal development remain obscure. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of postnatal cerebellar astrocytes at postnatal days 1, 7, 14, and 28 (P1, P7, P14, and P28), identifying temporal-specific gene signatures at each specific time point. Comparing these profiles with region-specific astrocyte differentially expressed genes (DEGs) published for the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb revealed cerebellar-specific gene signature across these developmental timepoints. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of cerebellar astrocyte gene signatures with gene lists from pediatric brain tumors of cerebellar origin, including ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Notably, genes downregulated at P14, such as Kif11 and HMGB2, exhibited significant enrichment across all pediatric brain tumor groups, suggesting the importance of astrocytic gene repression during cerebellar development to these tumor subtypes. Collectively, our studies describe gene expression patterns during cerebellar astrocyte development, with potential implications for pediatric tumors originating in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wookbong Kwon
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dong-Joo Choi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kwanha Yu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael R. Williamson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjana Murali
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yeunjung Ko
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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27
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Sočan V, Dolinar K, Kržan M. Cortical and Striatal Astrocytes of Neonatal Rats Display Distinct Molecular and Pharmacological Characteristics of Dopamine Uptake. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:911. [PMID: 38255983 PMCID: PMC10815805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020911] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are crucial in the regulation of neurotransmitter homeostasis, and while their involvement in the dopamine (DA) tripartite synapse is acknowledged, it necessitates a more comprehensive investigation. In the present study, experiments were conducted on primary astrocyte cultures from the striatum and cortex of neonatal rats. The pharmacological intricacies of DA uptake, including dependence on time, temperature, and concentration, were investigated using radiolabelled [3H]-DA. The mRNA expression of transporters DAT, NET, PMAT, and OCTs was evaluated by qPCR. Notably, astrocytes from both brain regions exhibited prominent mRNA expression of NET and PMAT, with comparatively lower expression of DAT and OCTs. The inhibition of DA uptake by the DAT inhibitor, GBR12909, and NET inhibitors, desipramine and nortriptyline, impeded DA uptake in striatal astrocytes more than in cortical astrocytes. The mRNA expression of NET and PMAT was significantly upregulated in cortical astrocytes in response to the DA receptor agonist apomorphine, while only the mRNA expression of NET exhibited changes in striatal astrocytes. Haloperidol, a DA receptor antagonist, and L-DOPA, a DA precursor, did not induce significant alterations in transporter mRNA expression. These findings underscore the intricate and region-specific mechanisms governing DA uptake in astrocytes, emphasizing the need for continued exploration to unravel the nuanced dynamics of astrocytic involvement in the DA tripartite synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Sočan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Klemen Dolinar
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Mojca Kržan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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28
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Ling E, Nemesh J, Goldman M, Kamitaki N, Reed N, Handsaker RE, Genovese G, Vogelgsang JS, Gerges S, Kashin S, Ghosh S, Esposito JM, French K, Meyer D, Lutservitz A, Mullally CD, Wysoker A, Spina L, Neumann A, Hogan M, Ichihara K, Berretta S, McCarroll SA. Concerted neuron-astrocyte gene expression declines in aging and schizophrenia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574148. [PMID: 38260461 PMCID: PMC10802483 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Human brains vary across people and over time; such variation is not yet understood in cellular terms. Here we describe a striking relationship between people's cortical neurons and cortical astrocytes. We used single-nucleus RNA-seq to analyze the prefrontal cortex of 191 human donors ages 22-97 years, including healthy individuals and persons with schizophrenia. Latent-factor analysis of these data revealed that in persons whose cortical neurons more strongly expressed genes for synaptic components, cortical astrocytes more strongly expressed distinct genes with synaptic functions and genes for synthesizing cholesterol, an astrocyte-supplied component of synaptic membranes. We call this relationship the Synaptic Neuron-and-Astrocyte Program (SNAP). In schizophrenia and aging - two conditions that involve declines in cognitive flexibility and plasticity 1,2 - cells had divested from SNAP: astrocytes, glutamatergic (excitatory) neurons, and GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons all reduced SNAP expression to corresponding degrees. The distinct astrocytic and neuronal components of SNAP both involved genes in which genetic risk factors for schizophrenia were strongly concentrated. SNAP, which varies quantitatively even among healthy persons of similar age, may underlie many aspects of normal human interindividual differences and be an important point of convergence for multiple kinds of pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Ling
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James Nemesh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melissa Goldman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nolan Kamitaki
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nora Reed
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert E. Handsaker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giulio Genovese
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan S. Vogelgsang
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sherif Gerges
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Seva Kashin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sulagna Ghosh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Meyer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alyssa Lutservitz
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher D. Mullally
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alec Wysoker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Liv Spina
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anna Neumann
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Hogan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kiku Ichihara
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steven A. McCarroll
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Serrano-Martínez I, Pedreño M, Castillo-González J, Ferraz-de-Paula V, Vargas-Rodríguez P, Forte-Lago I, Caro M, Campos-Salinas J, Villadiego J, Peñalver P, Morales JC, Delgado M, González-Rey E. Cortistatin as a Novel Multimodal Therapy for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:694. [PMID: 38255772 PMCID: PMC10815070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020694] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex disorder characterized by the impairment of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. PD has duplicated its global burden in the last few years, becoming the leading neurological disability worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop innovative approaches that target multifactorial underlying causes to potentially prevent or limit disease progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammatory responses may play a pivotal role in the neurodegenerative processes that occur during the development of PD. Cortistatin is a neuropeptide that has shown potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects in preclinical models of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders. The goal of this study was to explore the therapeutic potential of cortistatin in a well-established preclinical mouse model of PD induced by acute exposure to the neurotoxin 1-methil-4-phenyl1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We observed that treatment with cortistatin mitigated the MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and their connections to the striatum. Consequently, cortistatin administration improved the locomotor activity of animals intoxicated with MPTP. In addition, cortistatin diminished the presence and activation of glial cells in the affected brain regions of MPTP-treated mice, reduced the production of immune mediators, and promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors in the striatum. In an in vitro model of PD, treatment with cortistatin also demonstrated a reduction in the cell death of dopaminergic neurons that were exposed to the neurotoxin. Taken together, these findings suggest that cortistatin could emerge as a promising new therapeutic agent that combines anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties to regulate the progression of PD at multiple levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Serrano-Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Marta Pedreño
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Julia Castillo-González
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Viviane Ferraz-de-Paula
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Pablo Vargas-Rodríguez
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Irene Forte-Lago
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Marta Caro
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Jenny Campos-Salinas
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Javier Villadiego
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Peñalver
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.P.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Juan Carlos Morales
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.P.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Mario Delgado
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Elena González-Rey
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.S.-M.); (M.P.); (J.C.-G.); (V.F.-d.-P.); (P.V.-R.); (I.F.-L.); (M.C.); (J.C.-S.); (M.D.)
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30
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Kapate N, Liao R, Sodemann RL, Stinson T, Prakash S, Kumbhojkar N, Suja VC, Wang LLW, Flanz M, Rajeev R, Villafuerte D, Shaha S, Janes M, Park KS, Dunne M, Golemb B, Hone A, Adebowale K, Clegg J, Slate A, McGuone D, Costine-Bartell B, Mitragotri S. Backpack-mediated anti-inflammatory macrophage cell therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgad434. [PMID: 38187808 PMCID: PMC10768983 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a debilitating disease with no current therapies outside of acute clinical management. While acute, controlled inflammation is important for debris clearance and regeneration after injury, chronic, rampant inflammation plays a significant adverse role in the pathophysiology of secondary brain injury. Immune cell therapies hold unique therapeutic potential for inflammation modulation, due to their active sensing and migration abilities. Macrophages are particularly suited for this task, given the role of macrophages and microglia in the dysregulated inflammatory response after TBI. However, maintaining adoptively transferred macrophages in an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing phenotype against the proinflammatory TBI milieu is essential. To achieve this, we developed discoidal microparticles, termed backpacks, encapsulating anti-inflammatory interleukin-4, and dexamethasone for ex vivo macrophage attachment. Backpacks durably adhered to the surface of macrophages without internalization and maintained an anti-inflammatory phenotype of the carrier macrophage through 7 days in vitro. Backpack-macrophage therapy was scaled up and safely infused into piglets in a cortical impact TBI model. Backpack-macrophages migrated to the brain lesion site and reduced proinflammatory activation of microglia in the lesion penumbra of the rostral gyrus of the cortex and decreased serum concentrations of proinflammatory biomarkers. These immunomodulatory effects elicited a 56% decrease in lesion volume. The results reported here demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, a potential use of a cell therapy intervention for a large animal model of TBI and highlight the potential of macrophage-based therapy. Further investigation is required to elucidate the neuroprotection mechanisms associated with anti-inflammatory macrophage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kapate
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rick Liao
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Ryan Luke Sodemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tawny Stinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Supriya Prakash
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Ninad Kumbhojkar
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Vineeth Chandran Suja
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Lily Li-Wen Wang
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mikayla Flanz
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Rohan Rajeev
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Dania Villafuerte
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Suyog Shaha
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Morgan Janes
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Michael Dunne
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Bryan Golemb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alexander Hone
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kolade Adebowale
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - John Clegg
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
| | - Andrea Slate
- Center of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Declan McGuone
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Beth Costine-Bartell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02134, USA
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31
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Liu S, Yang S, Zhu X, Li X, Zhang X, Zhou X, Cheng H, Huo FQ, Mao Q, Liang L. Spinal apolipoprotein E is involved in inflammatory pain via regulating lipid metabolism and glial activation in the spinal dorsal horn. Biol Direct 2023; 18:85. [PMID: 38071369 PMCID: PMC10710718 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00444-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammation and nerve injury promote astrocyte activation, which regulates the development and resolution of pain, in the spinal dorsal horn. APOE regulates lipid metabolism and is predominantly expressed in the astrocytes. However, the effect of astrocytic APOE and lipid metabolism on spinal cellular function is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spinal Apoe on spinal cellular functions using the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain mouse model. METHODS After intraplantar injection of CFA, we assessed pain behaviors in C57BL6 and Apoe knockout (Apoe-/-) mice using von Frey and Hargreaves' tests and analyzed dorsal horn samples (L4-5) using western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS The Apoe levels were markedly upregulated at 2 h and on days 1 and 3 post-CFA treatment. Apoe was exclusively expressed in the astrocytes. Apoe-/- mice exhibited decreased pain on day 1, but not at 2 h, post-CFA treatment. Apoe-/- mice also showed decreased spinal neuron excitability and paw edema on day 1 post-CFA treatment. Global transcriptomic analysis of the dorsal horn on day 1 post-CFA treatment revealed that the differentially expressed mRNAs in Apoe-/- mice were associated with lipid metabolism and the immune system. Astrocyte activation was impaired in Apoe-/- mice on day 1 post-CFA treatment. The intrathecal injection of Apoe antisense oligonucleotide mitigated CFA-induced pain hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Apoe deficiency altered lipid metabolism in astrocytes, exerting regulatory effects on immune response, astrocyte activation, and neuronal activity and consequently disrupting the maintenance of inflammatory pain after peripheral inflammation. Targeting APOE is a potential anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingli Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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32
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Taylor KR, Monje M. Neuron-oligodendroglial interactions in health and malignant disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:733-746. [PMID: 37857838 PMCID: PMC10859969 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00744-3] [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] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Experience sculpts brain structure and function. Activity-dependent modulation of the myelinated infrastructure of the nervous system has emerged as a dimension of adaptive change during childhood development and in adulthood. Myelination is a richly dynamic process, with neuronal activity regulating oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation, oligodendrogenesis and myelin structural changes in some axonal subtypes and in some regions of the nervous system. This myelin plasticity and consequent changes to conduction velocity and circuit dynamics can powerfully influence neurological functions, including learning and memory. Conversely, disruption of the mechanisms mediating adaptive myelination can contribute to cognitive impairment. The robust effects of neuronal activity on normal oligodendroglial precursor cells, a putative cellular origin for many forms of glioma, indicates that dysregulated or 'hijacked' mechanisms of myelin plasticity could similarly promote growth in this devastating group of brain cancers. Indeed, neuronal activity promotes the pathogenesis of many forms of glioma in preclinical models through activity-regulated paracrine factors and direct neuron-to-glioma synapses. This synaptic integration of glioma into neural circuits is central to tumour growth and invasion. Thus, not only do neuron-oligodendroglial interactions modulate neural circuit structure and function in the healthy brain, but neuron-glioma interactions also have important roles in the pathogenesis of glial malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Taylor
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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33
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Gleichman AJ, Kawaguchi R, Sofroniew MV, Carmichael ST. A toolbox of astrocyte-specific, serotype-independent adeno-associated viral vectors using microRNA targeting sequences. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7426. [PMID: 37973910 PMCID: PMC10654773 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42746-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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, one of the most prevalent cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), are critically involved in neural function. Genetically manipulating astrocytes is an essential tool in understanding and affecting their roles. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) enable rapid genetic manipulation; however, astrocyte specificity of AAVs can be limited, with high off-target expression in neurons and sparsely in endothelial cells. Here, we report the development of a cassette of four copies of six miRNA targeting sequences (4x6T) which triggers transgene degradation specifically in neurons and endothelial cells. In combination with the GfaABC1D promoter, 4x6T increases astrocytic specificity of Cre with a viral reporter from <50% to >99% in multiple serotypes in mice, and confers astrocyte specificity in multiple recombinases and reporters. We also present empty vectors to add 4x6T to other cargo, independently and in Cre/Dre-dependent forms. This toolbox of AAVs allows rapid manipulation of astrocytes throughout the CNS, is compatible with different AAV serotypes, and demonstrates the efficacy of using multiplexed miRNA targeting sequences to decrease expression in multiple off-target cell populations simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Gleichman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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34
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Barnett D, Bohmbach K, Grelot V, Charlet A, Dallérac G, Ju YH, Nagai J, Orr AG. Astrocytes as Drivers and Disruptors of Behavior: New Advances in Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7463-7471. [PMID: 37940585 PMCID: PMC10634555 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1376-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging as key regulators of cognitive function and behavior. This review highlights some of the latest advances in the understanding of astrocyte roles in different behavioral domains across lifespan and in disease. We address specific molecular and circuit mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate behavior, discuss their functional diversity and versatility, and highlight emerging astrocyte-targeted treatment strategies that might alleviate behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in pathologic conditions. Converging evidence across different model systems and manipulations is revealing that astrocytes regulate behavioral processes in a precise and context-dependent manner. Improved understanding of these astrocytic functions may generate new therapeutic strategies for various conditions with cognitive and behavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barnett
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| | - Kirsten Bohmbach
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Grelot
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Paris-Saclay University, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neurosciences, Paris, 91400, France
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jun Nagai
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
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35
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Murphy-Royal C, Ching S, Papouin T. A conceptual framework for astrocyte function. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1848-1856. [PMID: 37857773 PMCID: PMC10990637 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The participation of astrocytes in brain computation was hypothesized in 1992, coinciding with the discovery that these cells display a form of intracellular Ca2+ signaling sensitive to neuroactive molecules. This finding fostered conceptual leaps crystalized around the idea that astrocytes, once thought to be passive, participate actively in brain signaling and outputs. A multitude of disparate roles of astrocytes has since emerged, but their meaningful integration has been muddied by the lack of consensus and models of how we conceive the functional position of these cells in brain circuitry. In this Perspective, we propose an intuitive, data-driven and transferable conceptual framework we coin 'contextual guidance'. It describes astrocytes as 'contextual gates' that shape neural circuitry in an adaptive, state-dependent fashion. This paradigm provides fresh perspectives on principles of astrocyte signaling and its relevance to brain function, which could spur new experimental avenues, including in computational space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Murphy-Royal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) & Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - ShiNung Ching
- Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas Papouin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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36
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Han H, Weng Y, Liang H, Yi C, Lin K, Wu H, Xiao J, Han C. Persistent neuroinflammation of the right insular cortex in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a proton MRS study. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3059-3066. [PMID: 37442888 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06680-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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was to use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to compare the levels of five neurometabolites in the right and left insular cortexes of subjects in three groups: JIA-active, JIA-inactive, and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Two inflammation markers and five psychometric scores were determined. 1H-MRS was used to measure the levels of total N-acetylaspartate (NAA), total choline (Cho), myo-inositol (mI), and glutamate (Glu), and the complex of glutamine and glutamate (Glx) relative to total creatine (tCr) in the right and left insular cortexes of participants. RESULTS Intra-group comparisons indicated that each group had higher levels of NAA/tCr, Glu/tCr, Glx/tCr, and mI/tCr in the right insula, and higher levels of Cho/tCr in the left insula. Inter-group comparisons of the right insula indicated that the JIA-active and JIA-inactive groups had higher levels of Cho/tCr than the HC group, but none of the other inter-group differences were statistically significant. The score of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDCD) had an inverse correlation with the level of Cho/tCr in the right insular cortex of patients in the JIA-inactive group. CONCLUSIONS Relative to the HC group, the right insular cortex of subjects in the JIA-active and the JIA-inactive groups had greater levels of Cho/tCr, suggesting increased inflammation in this region. The Cho/tCr level in the right insular cortex had an inverse correlation with SDCD score in the JIA-inactive group. Key Points • Healthy controls and JIA patients had higher levels of tNAA/tCr, Glu/tCr, Glx/tCr, and mI/tCr in the right insula, and higher levels of Cho/tCr in the left insula. • A greater level of Cho/tCr in the right insula of JIA-active and JIA-inactive patients indicated neuroinflammation in this region. • The Cho/tCr level in the right insular cortex had an inverse correlation with SDCD score in the JIA-inactive group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Han
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yifei Weng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyan Liang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cuili Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kezhao Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiammen, 361003, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jihong Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Chengkun Han
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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37
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Baldwin KT, Murai KK, Khakh BS. Astrocyte morphology. Trends Cell Biol 2023:S0962-8924(23)00204-0. [PMID: 38180380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are predominant glial cells that tile the central nervous system (CNS). A cardinal feature of astrocytes is their complex and visually enchanting morphology, referred to as bushy, spongy, and star-like. A central precept of this review is that such complex morphological shapes evolved to allow astrocytes to contact and signal with diverse cells at a range of distances in order to sample, regulate, and contribute to the extracellular milieu, and thus participate widely in cell-cell signaling during physiology and disease. The recent use of improved imaging methods and cell-specific molecular evaluations has revealed new information on the structural organization and molecular underpinnings of astrocyte morphology, the mechanisms of astrocyte morphogenesis, and the contributions to disease states of reduced morphology. These insights have reignited interest in astrocyte morphological complexity as a cornerstone of fundamental glial biology and as a critical substrate for multicellular spatial and physiological interactions in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA.
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38
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Lia A, Di Spiezio A, Vitalini L, Tore M, Puja G, Losi G. Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Glioblastoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2038. [PMID: 37895420 PMCID: PMC10608464 DOI: 10.3390/life13102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Alessandro Di Spiezio
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
- Neuroscience Institute (CNR-IN), Padova Section, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vitalini
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Manuela Tore
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Puja
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Losi
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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40
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Sámano C, Mazzone GL. The role of astrocytes response triggered by hyperglycaemia during spinal cord injury. Arch Physiol Biochem 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37798949 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2023.2264538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This manuscript aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological, molecular, and cellular mechanisms triggered by reactive astrocytes (RA) in the context of spinal cord injury (SCI), with a particular focus on cases involving hyperglycaemia.Methods: The compilation of articles related to astrocyte responses in neuropathological conditions, with a specific emphasis on those related to SCI and hyperglycaemia, was conducted by searching through databases including Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed.Results and Conclusions: This article explores the dual role of astrocytes in both neurophysiological and neurodegenerative conditions within the central nervous system (CNS). In the aftermath of SCI and hyperglycaemia, astrocytes undergo a transformation into RA, adopting a distinct phenotype. While there are currently no approved therapies for SCI, various therapeutic strategies have been proposed to alleviate the detrimental effects of RAs following SCI and hyperglycemia. These strategies show promising potential in the treatment of SCI and its likely comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sámano
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Ciudad de México, México
| | - G L Mazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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41
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Bychkov ML, Isaev AB, Andreev-Andrievskiy AA, Petrov K, Paramonov AS, Kirpichnikov MP, Lyukmanova EN. Aβ1-42 Accumulation Accompanies Changed Expression of Ly6/uPAR Proteins, Dysregulation of the Cholinergic System, and Degeneration of Astrocytes in the Cerebellum of Mouse Model of Early Alzheimer Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14852. [PMID: 37834299 PMCID: PMC10573428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914852] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of oligomeric toxic forms of β-amyloid (Aβ1-42) and dysfunction of the cholinergic system in the different brain regions. However, the exact mechanisms of AD pathogenesis and the role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the disease progression remain unclear. Here, we revealed a decreased expression of a number of the Ly6/uPAR proteins targeting nAChRs in the cerebellum of 2xTg-AD mice (model of early AD) in comparison with non-transgenic mice both at mRNA and protein levels. We showed that co-localization of one of them, - neuromodulator Lynx1, with α7-nAChR was diminished in the vicinity of cerebellar astrocytes of 2xTg-AD mice, while Aβ1-42 co-localization with this receptor present was increased. Moreover, the expression of anti-inflammatory transcription factor KLF4 regulating transcription of the Ly6/uPAR genes was decreased in the cerebellum of 2xTg-AD mice, while expression of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was increased. Based on these data together with observed astrocyte degeneration in the cerebellum of 2xTg-AD mice, we suggest the mechanism by which expression of the Ly6/uPAR proteins upon Aβ pathology results in dysregulation of the cholinergic system and particularly of α7-nAChR function in the cerebellum. This leads to enhanced neuroinflammation and cerebellar astrocyte degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim L. Bychkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.B.I.); (A.S.P.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Aizek B. Isaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.B.I.); (A.S.P.); (M.P.K.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, State University, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Alexander A. Andreev-Andrievskiy
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University «Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology», Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute for Biomedical Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Petrov
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Arbuzov Str., 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia;
| | - Alexander S. Paramonov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.B.I.); (A.S.P.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.B.I.); (A.S.P.); (M.P.K.)
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University «Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology», Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina N. Lyukmanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.B.I.); (A.S.P.); (M.P.K.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, State University, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University «Molecular Technologies of the Living Systems and Synthetic Biology», Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
- Biological Department, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Frazel PW, Labib D, Fisher T, Brosh R, Pirjanian N, Marchildon A, Boeke JD, Fossati V, Liddelow SA. Longitudinal scRNA-seq analysis in mouse and human informs optimization of rapid mouse astrocyte differentiation protocols. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1726-1738. [PMID: 37697111 PMCID: PMC10763608 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Macroglia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) are required for normal development and function of the central nervous system, yet many questions remain about their emergence during the development of the brain and spinal cord. Here we used single-cell/single-nucleus RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq/snRNA-seq) to analyze over 298,000 cells and nuclei during macroglia differentiation from mouse embryonic and human-induced pluripotent stem cells. We computationally identify candidate genes involved in the fate specification of glia in both species and report heterogeneous expression of astrocyte surface markers across differentiating cells. We then used our transcriptomic data to optimize a previous mouse astrocyte differentiation protocol, decreasing the overall protocol length and complexity. Finally, we used multi-omic, dual single-nuclei (sn)RNA-seq/snATAC-seq analysis to uncover potential genomic regulatory sites mediating glial differentiation. These datasets will enable future optimization of glial differentiation protocols and provide insight into human glial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Frazel
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - David Labib
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Theodore Fisher
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ran Brosh
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nicolette Pirjanian
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Anne Marchildon
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Fossati
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
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De Picker LJ, Morrens M, Branchi I, Haarman BCM, Terada T, Kang MS, Boche D, Tremblay ME, Leroy C, Bottlaender M, Ottoy J. TSPO PET brain inflammation imaging: A transdiagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis of 156 case-control studies. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:415-431. [PMID: 37543251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is increasingly recognized as a molecular target for PET imaging of inflammatory responses in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the reported sensitivity and specificity of TSPO PET to identify brain inflammatory processes appears to vary greatly across disorders, disease stages, and applied quantification methods. To advance TSPO PET as a potential biomarker to evaluate brain inflammation and anti-inflammatory therapies, a better understanding of its applicability across disorders is needed. We conducted a transdiagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis of all in vivo human TSPO PET imaging case-control studies in the CNS. Specifically, we investigated the direction, strength, and heterogeneity associated with the TSPO PET signal across disorders in pre-specified brain regions, and explored the demographic and methodological sources of heterogeneity. METHODS We searched for English peer-reviewed articles that reported in vivo human case-control TSPO PET differences. We extracted the demographic details, TSPO PET outcomes, and technical variables of the PET procedure. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied to estimate case-control standardized mean differences (SMD) of the TSPO PET signal in the lobar/whole-brain cortical grey matter (cGM), thalamus, and cortico-limbic circuitry between different illness categories. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic and explored using subgroup and meta-regression analyses for radioligand generation, PET quantification method, age, sex, and publication year. Significance was set at the False Discovery Rate (FDR)-corrected P < 0.05. RESULTS 156 individual case-control studies were included in the systematic review, incorporating data for 2381 healthy controls and 2626 patients. 139 studies documented meta-analysable data and were grouped into 11 illness categories. Across all the illness categories, we observed a significantly higher TSPO PET signal in cases compared to controls for the cGM (n = 121 studies, SMD = 0.358, PFDR < 0.001, I2 = 68%), with a significant difference between the illness categories (P = 0.004). cGM increases were only significant for Alzheimer's disease (SMD = 0.693, PFDR < 0.001, I2 = 64%) and other neurodegenerative disorders (SMD = 0.929, PFDR < 0.001, I2 = 73%). Cortico-limbic increases (n = 97 studies, SMD = 0.541, P < 0.001, I2 = 67%) were most prominent for Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, other neurodegenerative disorders, mood disorders and multiple sclerosis. Thalamic involvement (n = 79 studies, SMD = 0.393, P < 0.001, I2 = 71%) was observed for Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain and functional disorders (all PFDR < 0.05). Main outcomes for systemic immunological disorders, viral infections, substance use disorders, schizophrenia and traumatic brain injury were not significant. We identified multiple sources of between-study variance to the TSPO PET signal including a strong transdiagnostic effect of the quantification method (explaining 25% of between-study variance; VT-based SMD = 0.000 versus reference tissue-based studies SMD = 0.630; F = 20.49, df = 1;103, P < 0.001), patient age (9% of variance), and radioligand generation (5% of variance). CONCLUSION This study is the first overarching transdiagnostic meta-analysis of case-control TSPO PET findings in humans across several brain regions. We observed robust increases in the TSPO signal for specific types of disorders, which were widespread or focal depending on illness category. We also found a large and transdiagnostic horizontal (positive) shift of the effect estimates of reference tissue-based compared to VT-based studies. Our results can support future studies to optimize experimental design and power calculations, by taking into account the type of disorder, brain region-of-interest, radioligand, and quantification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia J De Picker
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Campus Duffel, Duffel, Belgium.
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Campus Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Igor Branchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Bartholomeus C M Haarman
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tatsuhiro Terada
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Min Su Kang
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Delphine Boche
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, BC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Claire Leroy
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CNRS, CEA, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale Multimodale Paris-Saclay (BioMaps), Orsay, France
| | - Michel Bottlaender
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CNRS, CEA, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale Multimodale Paris-Saclay (BioMaps), Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UNIACT, Neurospin, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Julie Ottoy
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lago-Baldaia I, Cooper M, Seroka A, Trivedi C, Powell GT, Wilson SW, Ackerman SD, Fernandes VM. A Drosophila glial cell atlas reveals a mismatch between transcriptional and morphological diversity. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002328. [PMID: 37862379 PMCID: PMC10619882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphology is a defining feature of neuronal identity. Like neurons, glia display diverse morphologies, both across and within glial classes, but are also known to be morphologically plastic. Here, we explored the relationship between glial morphology and transcriptional signature using the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS), where glia are categorised into 5 main classes (outer and inner surface glia, cortex glia, ensheathing glia, and astrocytes), which show within-class morphological diversity. We analysed and validated single-cell RNA sequencing data of Drosophila glia in 2 well-characterised tissues from distinct developmental stages, containing distinct circuit types: the embryonic ventral nerve cord (VNC) (motor) and the adult optic lobes (sensory). Our analysis identified a new morphologically and transcriptionally distinct surface glial population in the VNC. However, many glial morphological categories could not be distinguished transcriptionally, and indeed, embryonic and adult astrocytes were transcriptionally analogous despite differences in developmental stage and circuit type. While we did detect extensive within-class transcriptomic diversity for optic lobe glia, this could be explained entirely by glial residence in the most superficial neuropil (lamina) and an associated enrichment for immune-related gene expression. In summary, we generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of glia in Drosophila, and our extensive in vivo validation revealed that glia exhibit more diversity at the morphological level than was detectable at the transcriptional level. This atlas will serve as a resource for the community to probe glial diversity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lago-Baldaia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maia Cooper
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Austin Seroka
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth T. Powell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Brain Immunology and Glia Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Vilaiwan M. Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Jurcau A, Andronie-Cioara FL, Nistor-Cseppento DC, Pascalau N, Rus M, Vasca E, Jurcau MC. The Involvement of Neuroinflammation in the Onset and Progression of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14582. [PMID: 37834030 PMCID: PMC10573049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease exhibiting the fastest growth in incidence in recent years. As with most neurodegenerative diseases, the pathophysiology is incompletely elucidated, but compelling evidence implicates inflammation, both in the central nervous system and in the periphery, in the initiation and progression of the disease, although it is not yet clear what triggers this inflammatory response and where it begins. Gut dysbiosis seems to be a likely candidate for the initiation of the systemic inflammation. The therapies in current use provide only symptomatic relief, but do not interfere with the disease progression. Nonetheless, animal models have shown promising results with therapies that target various vicious neuroinflammatory cascades. Translating these therapeutic strategies into clinical trials is still in its infancy, and a series of issues, such as the exact timing, identifying biomarkers able to identify Parkinson's disease in early and pre-symptomatic stages, or the proper indications of genetic testing in the population at large, will need to be settled in future guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.J.); (D.C.N.-C.)
| | - Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.J.); (D.C.N.-C.)
| | - Delia Carmen Nistor-Cseppento
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.J.); (D.C.N.-C.)
| | - Nicoleta Pascalau
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.J.); (D.C.N.-C.)
| | - Marius Rus
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Elisabeta Vasca
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine “Vasile Goldis” Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
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Cullen PF, Mazumder AG, Sun D, Flanagan JG. Rapid isolation of intact retinal astrocytes: a novel approach. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:154. [PMID: 37749651 PMCID: PMC10521529 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01641-7] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a major category of glial support cell in the central nervous system and play a variety of essential roles in both health and disease. As our understanding of the diverse functions of these cells improves, the extent of heterogeneity between astrocyte populations has emerged as a key area of research. Retinal astrocytes, which form the direct cellular environment of retinal ganglion cells somas and axons, undergo a reactive response in both human glaucoma and animal models of the disease, yet their contributions to its pathology and progression remain relatively unknown. This gap in knowledge is largely a function of inadequate isolation techniques, driven in part by the sparseness of these cells and their similarities with the more abundant retinal Müller cells. Here, we present a novel method of isolating retinal astrocytes and enriching their RNA, tested in both normal and ocular hypertensive mice, a common model of experimental glaucoma. Our approach combines a novel enzyme assisted microdissection of retinal astrocytes with selective ribosome immunoprecipitation using the Ribotag method. Our microdissection method is rapid and preserves astrocyte morphology, resulting in a brief post-mortem interval and minimizing loss of RNA from distal regions of these cells. Both microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation require a minimum of specialized equipment or reagents, and by using them in conjunction we are able to achieve > 100-fold enrichment of astrocyte RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Arpan G Mazumder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - John G Flanagan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Chiotis K, Johansson C, Rodriguez-Vieitez E, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Graff C, Nordberg A. Tracking reactive astrogliosis in autosomal dominant and sporadic Alzheimer's disease with multi-modal PET and plasma GFAP. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:60. [PMID: 37697307 PMCID: PMC10496408 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00647-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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma assays for the detection of Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes are receiving ever increasing interest. The concentration of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been suggested as a potential marker of astrocytes or recently, amyloid-β burden, although this hypothesis remains unproven. We compared plasma GFAP levels with the astrocyte tracer 11C-Deuterium-L-Deprenyl (11C-DED) in a multi-modal PET design in participants with sporadic and Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Twenty-four individuals from families with known Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease mutations (mutation carriers = 10; non-carriers = 14) and fifteen patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease were included. The individuals underwent PET imaging with 11C-DED, 11C-PIB and 18F-FDG, as markers of reactive astrogliosis, amyloid-β deposition, and glucose metabolism, respectively, and plasma sampling for measuring GFAP concentrations. Twenty-one participants from the Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease group underwent follow-up plasma sampling and ten of these participants underwent follow-up PET imaging. RESULTS In mutation carriers, plasma GFAP levels and 11C-PIB binding increased, while 11C-DED binding and 18F-FDG uptake significantly decreased across the estimated years to symptom onset. Cross-sectionally, plasma GFAP demonstrated a negative correlation with 11C-DED binding in both mutation carriers and patients with sporadic disease. Plasma GFAP indicated cross-sectionally a significant positive correlation with 11C-PIB binding and a significant negative correlation with 18F-FDG in the whole sample. The longitudinal levels of 11C-DED binding showed a significant negative correlation with longitudinal plasma GFAP concentrations over the follow-up interval. CONCLUSIONS Plasma GFAP concentration and astrocyte 11C-DED brain binding levels followed divergent trajectories and may reflect different underlying processes. The strong negative association between plasma GFAP and 11C-DED binding in Autosomal Dominant and sporadic Alzheimer's disease brains may indicate that if both are markers of reactive astrogliosis, they may detect different states or subtypes of astrogliosis. Increased 11C-DED brain binding seems to be an earlier phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease progression than increased plasma GFAP concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Chiotis
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Johansson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Rodriguez-Vieitez
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Caroline Graff
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit for Hereditary Dementia, Karolinska University Hospital-Solna, Solna, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Grabarczyk M, Ksiazek-Winiarek D, Glabinski A, Szpakowski P. Dietary Polyphenols Decrease Chemokine Release by Human Primary Astrocytes Responding to Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2294. [PMID: 37765263 PMCID: PMC10537369 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092294] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are considered to be the dominant cell fraction of the central nervous system. They play a supportive and protective role towards neurons, and regulate inflammatory processes; they thus make suitable targets for drugs and supplements, such as polyphenolic compounds. However, due to their wide range, knowledge of their anti-inflammatory potential remains relatively incomplete. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether myricetin and chrysin are able to decrease chemokine release in reactive astrocytes. To assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of polyphenols, human primary astrocytes were cultured in the presence of a reactive and neurotoxic astrocyte-inducing cytokine mixture (TNF-α, IL-1a, C1q), either alone or in the presence of myricetin or chrysin. The examined polyphenols were able to modify the secretion of chemokines by human cortical astrocytes, especially CCL5 (chrysin), CCL1 (myricetin) and CCL2 (both), while cell viability was not affected. Surprisingly, the compounds did not demonstrate any antioxidant properties in the astrocyte cultures.
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Keuthan CJ, Schaub JA, Wei M, Fang W, Quillen S, Kimball E, Johnson TV, Ji H, Zack DJ, Quigley HA. Regional Gene Expression in the Retina, Optic Nerve Head, and Optic Nerve of Mice with Optic Nerve Crush and Experimental Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13719. [PMID: 37762022 PMCID: PMC10531004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813719] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A major risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy is the level of intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to retinal ganglion cell axon injury and cell death. The optic nerve has a rostral unmyelinated portion at the optic nerve head followed by a caudal myelinated region. The unmyelinated region is differentially susceptible to IOP-induced damage in rodent models and human glaucoma. While several studies have analyzed gene expression changes in the mouse optic nerve following optic nerve injury, few were designed to consider the regional gene expression differences that exist between these distinct areas. We performed bulk RNA-sequencing on the retina and separately micro-dissected unmyelinated and myelinated optic nerve regions from naïve C57BL/6 mice, mice after optic nerve crush, and mice with microbead-induced experimental glaucoma (total = 36). Gene expression patterns in the naïve unmyelinated optic nerve showed significant enrichment of the Wnt, Hippo, PI3K-Akt, and transforming growth factor β pathways, as well as extracellular matrix-receptor and cell membrane signaling pathways, compared to the myelinated optic nerve and retina. Gene expression changes induced by both injuries were more extensive in the myelinated optic nerve than the unmyelinated region, and greater after nerve crush than glaucoma. Changes present three and fourteen days after injury largely subsided by six weeks. Gene markers of reactive astrocytes did not consistently differ between injury states. Overall, the transcriptomic phenotype of the mouse unmyelinated optic nerve was significantly different from immediately adjacent tissues, likely dominated by expression in astrocytes, whose junctional complexes are inherently important in responding to IOP elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J. Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Julie A. Schaub
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Meihan Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Weixiang Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarah Quillen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Elizabeth Kimball
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Thomas V. Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Harry A. Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
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Lana D, Magni G, Landucci E, Wenk GL, Pellegrini-Giampietro DE, Giovannini MG. Phenomic Microglia Diversity as a Druggable Target in the Hippocampus in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13668. [PMID: 37761971 PMCID: PMC10531074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813668] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenomics, the complexity of microglia phenotypes and their related functions compels the continuous study of microglia in disease animal models to find druggable targets for neurodegenerative disorders. Activation of microglia was long considered detrimental for neuron survival, but more recently it has become apparent that the real scenario of microglia morphofunctional diversity is far more complex. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the alterations in microglia phenomics in the hippocampus of animal models of normal brain aging, acute neuroinflammation, ischemia, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD. Microglia undergo phenomic changes consisting of transcriptional, functional, and morphological changes that transform them into cells with different properties and functions. The classical subdivision of microglia into M1 and M2, two different, all-or-nothing states is too simplistic, and does not correspond to the variety of phenotypes recently discovered in the brain. We will discuss the phenomic modifications of microglia focusing not only on the differences in microglia reactivity in the diverse models of neurodegenerative disorders, but also among different areas of the brain. For instance, in contiguous and highly interconnected regions of the rat hippocampus, microglia show a differential, finely regulated, and region-specific reactivity, demonstrating that microglia responses are not uniform, but vary significantly from area to area in response to insults. It is of great interest to verify whether the differences in microglia reactivity may explain the differential susceptibility of different brain areas to insults, and particularly the higher sensitivity of CA1 pyramidal neurons to inflammatory stimuli. Understanding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of microglia phenomics in health and disease is of paramount importance to find new druggable targets for the development of novel microglia-targeted therapies in different CNS disorders. This will allow interventions in three different ways: (i) by suppressing the pro-inflammatory properties of microglia to limit the deleterious effect of their activation; (ii) by modulating microglia phenotypic change to favor anti-inflammatory properties; (iii) by influencing microglia priming early in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Giada Magni
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, National Research Council (IFAC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Elisa Landucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Gary L. Wenk
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Domenico Edoardo Pellegrini-Giampietro
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
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