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Niebergall EB, Weekley D, Mazur A, Olszewski NA, DeSchepper KM, Radant N, Vijay AS, Risher WC. Abnormal Morphology and Synaptogenic Signaling in Astrocytes Following Prenatal Opioid Exposure. Cells 2024; 13:837. [PMID: 38786059 PMCID: PMC11119541 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100837] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a dramatic rise in the rates of children being born after in utero exposure to drugs of abuse, particularly opioids. Opioids have been shown to have detrimental effects on neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS), but the impact of prenatal opioid exposure (POE) on still-developing synaptic circuitry is largely unknown. Astrocytes exert a powerful influence on synaptic development, secreting factors to either promote or inhibit synapse formation and neuronal maturation in the developing CNS. Here, we investigated the effects of the partial µ-opioid receptor agonist buprenorphine on astrocyte synaptogenic signaling and morphological development in cortical cell culture. Acute buprenorphine treatment had no effect on the excitatory synapse number in astrocyte-free neuron cultures. In conditions where neurons shared culture media with astrocytes, buprenorphine attenuated the synaptogenic capabilities of astrocyte-secreted factors. Neurons cultured from drug-naïve mice showed no change in synapses when treated with factors secreted by astrocytes from POE mice. However, this same treatment was synaptogenic when applied to neurons from POE mice, indicating a complex neuroadaptive response in the event of impaired astrocyte signaling. In addition to promoting morphological and connectivity changes in neurons, POE exerted a strong influence on astrocyte development, disrupting their structural maturation and promoting the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), suggestive of a maladaptive stress response in the developing CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - W. Christopher Risher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (E.B.N.); (D.W.); (A.M.); (N.A.O.); (K.M.D.); (N.R.); (A.S.V.)
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Di Bella DJ, Domínguez-Iturza N, Brown JR, Arlotta P. Making Ramón y Cajal proud: Development of cell identity and diversity in the cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00282-4. [PMID: 38754415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Since the beautiful images of Santiago Ramón y Cajal provided a first glimpse into the immense diversity and complexity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, neuroscience has been challenged and inspired to understand how these diverse cells are generated and how they interact with each other to orchestrate the development of this remarkable tissue. Some fundamental questions drive the field's quest to understand cortical development: what are the mechanistic principles that govern the emergence of neuronal diversity? How do extrinsic and intrinsic signals integrate with physical forces and activity to shape cell identity? How do the diverse populations of neurons and glia influence each other during development to guarantee proper integration and function? The advent of powerful new technologies to profile and perturb cortical development at unprecedented resolution and across a variety of modalities has offered a new opportunity to integrate past knowledge with brand new data. Here, we review some of this progress using cortical excitatory projection neurons as a system to draw out general principles of cell diversification and the role of cell-cell interactions during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nuria Domínguez-Iturza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Juliana R Brown
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Pall ML. Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca 2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sci 2024; 14:454. [PMID: 38790433 PMCID: PMC11119459 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050454] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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4
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Yakovlev EV, Simkin IV, Shirokova AA, Kolotieva NA, Novikova SV, Nasyrov AD, Denisenko IR, Gursky KD, Shishkov IN, Narzaeva DE, Salmina AB, Yurchenko SO, Kryuchkov NP. Machine learning approach for recognition and morphological analysis of isolated astrocytes in phase contrast microscopy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9846. [PMID: 38684715 PMCID: PMC11059356 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59773-2] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are glycolytically active cells in the central nervous system playing a crucial role in various brain processes from homeostasis to neurotransmission. Astrocytes possess a complex branched morphology, frequently examined by fluorescent microscopy. However, staining and fixation may impact the properties of astrocytes, thereby affecting the accuracy of the experimental data of astrocytes dynamics and morphology. On the other hand, phase contrast microscopy can be used to study astrocytes morphology without affecting them, but the post-processing of the resulting low-contrast images is challenging. The main result of this work is a novel approach for recognition and morphological analysis of unstained astrocytes based on machine-learning recognition of microscopic images. We conducted a series of experiments involving the cultivation of isolated astrocytes from the rat brain cortex followed by microscopy. Using the proposed approach, we tracked the temporal evolution of the average total length of branches, branching, and area per astrocyte in our experiments. We believe that the proposed approach and the obtained experimental data will be of interest and benefit to the scientific communities in cell biology, biophysics, and machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egor V Yakovlev
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia.
| | - Ivan V Simkin
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Shirokova
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Kolotieva
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Novikova
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Artur D Nasyrov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Ilya R Denisenko
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Konstantin D Gursky
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Ivan N Shishkov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Diana E Narzaeva
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Stanislav O Yurchenko
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Nikita P Kryuchkov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia.
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Yin J, Chen HL, Grigsby-Brown A, He Y, Cotten ML, Short J, Dermady A, Lei J, Gibbs M, Cheng ES, Zhang D, Long C, Xu L, Zhong T, Abzalimov R, Haider M, Sun R, He Y, Zhou Q, Tjandra N, Yuan Q. Glia-derived secretory fatty acid binding protein Obp44a regulates lipid storage and efflux in the developing Drosophila brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588417. [PMID: 38645138 PMCID: PMC11030299 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Glia derived secretory factors play diverse roles in supporting the development, physiology, and stress responses of the central nervous system (CNS). Through transcriptomics and imaging analyses, we have identified Obp44a as one of the most abundantly produced secretory proteins from Drosophila CNS glia. Protein structure homology modeling and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments reveal Obp44a as a fatty acid binding protein (FABP) with a high affinity towards long-chain fatty acids in both native and oxidized forms. Further analyses demonstrate that Obp44a effectively infiltrates the neuropil, traffics between neuron and glia, and is secreted into hemolymph, acting as a lipid chaperone and scavenger to regulate lipid and redox homeostasis in the developing brain. In agreement with this essential role, deficiency of Obp44a leads to anatomical and behavioral deficits in adult animals and elevated oxidized lipid levels. Collectively, our findings unveil the crucial involvement of a noncanonical lipid chaperone to shuttle fatty acids within and outside the brain, as needed to maintain a healthy brain lipid environment. These findings could inspire the design of novel approaches to restore lipid homeostasis that is dysregulated in CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Hsueh-Ling Chen
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Anna Grigsby-Brown
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yi He
- Fermentation Facility, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Myriam L Cotten
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | - Jacob Short
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Aidan Dermady
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jingce Lei
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mary Gibbs
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ethan S Cheng
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Dean Zhang
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Caixia Long
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lele Xu
- Advanced Science Research Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY
- Ph.D. Program in Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Tiffany Zhong
- Neuroscience Program, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
| | - Rinat Abzalimov
- Advanced Science Research Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Mariam Haider
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Rong Sun
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Ye He
- Advanced Science Research Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY
- Ph.D. Program in Biology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Nico Tjandra
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Quan Yuan
- Dendrite Morphogenesis and Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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6
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Savage JT, Ramirez J, Christopher Risher W, Wang Y, Irala D, Eroglu C. SynBot: An open-source image analysis software for automated quantification of synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.26.546578. [PMID: 37425715 PMCID: PMC10327002 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The formation of precise numbers of neuronal connections, known as synapses, is crucial for brain function. Therefore, synaptogenesis mechanisms have been one of the main focuses of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Immunohistochemistry is a common tool for labeling and visualization of synapses. Thus, quantifying the numbers of synapses from light microscopy images enables screening the impacts of experimental manipulations on synapse development. Despite its utility, this approach is paired with low throughput image analysis methods that are challenging to learn, and results are variable between experimenters. We developed a new open-source ImageJ-based software, SynBot, to address these technical bottlenecks by automating several stages of the analysis. SynBot incorporates the advanced algorithms ilastik and SynQuant for accurate thresholding for synaptic puncta identification, and the code can easily be modified by users. The use of this software will allow for rapid and reproducible screening of synaptic phenotypes in healthy and diseased nervous systems. Motivation Light microscopy imaging of pre- and post-synaptic proteins from neurons in tissue or in vitro allows for the effective identification of synaptic structures. Previous methods for quantitative analysis of these images were time-consuming, required extensive user training, and the source code could not be easily modified. Here, we describe SynBot, a new open-source tool that automates the synapse quantification process, decreases the requirement for user training, and allows for easy modifications to the code.
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Deehan MA, Kothuis JM, Sapp E, Chase K, Ke Y, Seeley C, Iuliano M, Kim E, Kennington L, Miller R, Boudi A, Shing K, Li X, Pfister E, Anaclet C, Brodsky M, Kegel-Gleason K, Aronin N, DiFiglia M. Nacc1 Mutation in Mice Models Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Underlying Synaptic Dysfunction. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1610232024. [PMID: 38388424 PMCID: PMC10993038 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1610-23.2024] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A missense mutation in the transcription repressor Nucleus accumbens-associated 1 (NACC1) gene at c.892C>T (p.Arg298Trp) on chromosome 19 causes severe neurodevelopmental delay ( Schoch et al., 2017). To model this disorder, we engineered the first mouse model with the homologous mutation (Nacc1+/R284W ) and examined mice from E17.5 to 8 months. Both genders had delayed weight gain, epileptiform discharges and altered power spectral distribution in cortical electroencephalogram, behavioral seizures, and marked hindlimb clasping; females displayed thigmotaxis in an open field. In the cortex, NACC1 long isoform, which harbors the mutation, increased from 3 to 6 months, whereas the short isoform, which is not present in humans and lacks aaR284 in mice, rose steadily from postnatal day (P) 7. Nuclear NACC1 immunoreactivity increased in cortical pyramidal neurons and parvalbumin containing interneurons but not in nuclei of astrocytes or oligodendroglia. Glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in astrocytic processes was diminished. RNA-seq of P14 mutant mice cortex revealed over 1,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Glial transcripts were downregulated and synaptic genes upregulated. Top gene ontology terms from upregulated DEGs relate to postsynapse and ion channel function, while downregulated DEGs enriched for terms relating to metabolic function, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Levels of synaptic proteins were changed, but number and length of synaptic contacts were unaltered at 3 months. Homozygosity worsened some phenotypes including postnatal survival, weight gain delay, and increase in nuclear NACC1. This mouse model simulates a rare form of autism and will be indispensable for assessing pathophysiology and targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Deehan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Josine M Kothuis
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Kathryn Chase
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Yuting Ke
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Connor Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Maria Iuliano
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Emily Kim
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Lori Kennington
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Kai Shing
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Xueyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Edith Pfister
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95817
| | - Michael Brodsky
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Kimberly Kegel-Gleason
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129
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Verma H, Kaur S, Kaur S, Gangwar P, Dhiman M, Mantha AK. Role of Cytoskeletal Elements in Regulation of Synaptic Functions: Implications Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Phytochemicals-Based Interventions. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04053-3. [PMID: 38491338 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04053-3] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multifactorial disease, is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. AD is triggered via several factors like alteration in cytoskeletal proteins, a mutation in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the cytoskeletal elements. Owing to the major structural and functional role of cytoskeletal elements, like the organization of axon initial segmentation, dendritic spines, synaptic regulation, and delivery of cargo at the synapse; modulation of these elements plays an important role in AD pathogenesis; like Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes the microtubules, and it also causes inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation by disrupting the integrity of nuclear pore complex. One of the major cytoskeletal elements, actin and its dynamics, regulate the dendritic spine structure and functions; impairments have been documented towards learning and memory defects. The second major constituent of these cytoskeletal elements, microtubules, are necessary for the delivery of the cargo, like ion channels and receptors at the synaptic membranes, whereas actin-binding protein, i.e., Cofilin's activation form rod-like structures, is involved in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) observed in AD. Also, the glial cells rely on their cytoskeleton to maintain synaptic functionality. Thus, making cytoskeletal elements and their regulation in synaptic structure and function as an important aspect to be focused for better management and targeting AD pathology. This review advocates exploring phytochemicals and Ayurvedic plant extracts against AD by elucidating their neuroprotective mechanisms involving cytoskeletal modulation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, challenges include their limited bioavailability due to the poor solubility and the limited potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhchain Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
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Sancho L, Boisvert MM, Dawoodtabar T, Burgado J, Wang E, Allen NJ. Astrocyte CCN1 stabilizes neural circuits in the adult brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.14.585077. [PMID: 38559139 PMCID: PMC10979986 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.14.585077] [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
Neural circuits in many brain regions are refined by experience. Sensory circuits support higher plasticity at younger ages during critical periods - times of circuit refinement and maturation - and limit plasticity in adulthood for circuit stability. The mechanisms underlying these differing plasticity levels and how they serve to maintain and stabilize the properties of sensory circuits remain largely unclear. By combining a transcriptomic approach with ex vivo electrophysiology and in vivo imaging techniques, we identify that astrocytes release cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) to maintain synapse and circuit stability in the visual cortex. By overexpressing CCN1 in critical period astrocytes, we find that it promotes the maturation of inhibitory circuits and limits ocular dominance plasticity. Conversely, by knocking out astrocyte CCN1 in adults, binocular circuits are destabilized. These studies establish CCN1 as a novel astrocyte-secreted factor that stabilizes neuronal circuits. Moreover, they demonstrate that the composition and properties of sensory circuits require ongoing maintenance in adulthood, and that these maintenance cues are provided by astrocytes.
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10
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Montalant A, Kiehn O, Perrier JF. Dopamine and noradrenaline activate spinal astrocyte endfeet via D1-like receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1278-1295. [PMID: 38052454 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16205] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, respond to a wide variety of neurotransmitters binding to metabotropic receptors. Here, we investigated the intracellular calcium responses of spinal cord astrocytes to dopamine and noradrenaline, two catecholamines released by specific descending pathways. In a slice preparation from the spinal cord of neonatal mice, puff application of dopamine resulted in intracellular calcium responses that remained in the endfeet. Noradrenaline induced stronger responses that also started in the endfeet but spread to neighbouring compartments. The intracellular calcium responses were unaffected by blocking neuronal activity or inhibiting various neurotransmitter receptors, suggesting a direct effect of dopamine and noradrenaline on astrocytes. The intracellular calcium responses induced by noradrenaline and dopamine were inhibited by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. We assessed the functional consequences of these astrocytic responses by examining changes in arteriole diameter. Puff application of dopamine or noradrenaline resulted in vasoconstriction of spinal arterioles. However, blocking D1 receptors or manipulating astrocytic intracellular calcium levels did not abolish the vasoconstrictions, indicating that the observed intracellular calcium responses in astrocyte endfeet were not responsible for the vascular changes. Our findings demonstrate a compartmentalized response of spinal cord astrocytes to catecholamines and expand our understanding of astrocyte-neurotransmitter interactions and their potential roles in the physiology of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Montalant
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean-François Perrier
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100607. [PMID: 38304302 PMCID: PMC10831308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN augments maternal behaviors and promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Nylah A. Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eden V. Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin P. Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Debra A. Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
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12
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Oladapo A, Jackson T, Menolascino J, Periyasamy P. Role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:428-446. [PMID: 38336022 PMCID: PMC10911058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death process, has recently garnered significant attention due to its pivotal role in various neurological diseases. This review delves into the intricate molecular signaling pathways governing pyroptosis, encompassing both caspase-1 dependent and caspase-1 independent routes, while emphasizing the critical role played by the inflammasome machinery in initiating cell death. Notably, we explore the Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) containing protein family, the Absent in melanoma 2-like receptor family, and the Pyrin receptor family as essential activators of pyroptosis. Additionally, we comprehensively examine the Gasdermin family, renowned for their role as executioner proteins in pyroptosis. Central to our review is the interplay between pyroptosis and various central nervous system (CNS) cell types, including astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Pyroptosis emerges as a significant factor in the pathophysiology of each cell type, highlighting its far-reaching impact on neurological diseases. This review also thoroughly addresses the involvement of pyroptosis in specific neurological conditions, such as HIV infection, drug abuse-mediated pathologies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. These discussions illuminate the intricate connections between pyroptosis, chronic inflammation, and cell death in the development of these disorders. We also conducted a comparative analysis, contrasting pyroptosis with other cell death mechanisms, thereby shedding light on their unique aspects. This approach helps clarify the distinct contributions of pyroptosis to neuroinflammatory processes. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of pyroptosis in various neurological diseases, emphasizing its multifaceted molecular mechanisms within various CNS cell types. By elucidating the link between pyroptosis and chronic inflammation in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and infections, it provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for mitigating these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiola Oladapo
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Thomas Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Jueliet Menolascino
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Palsamy Periyasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
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13
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Sočan V, Dolinar K, Kržan M. Transporters involved in adult rat cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake: Kinetics, expression and pharmacological modulation. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1296-1310. [PMID: 38054361 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16202] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, glial cells in the central nervous system, perform a multitude of homeostatic functions and are in constant bidirectional communication with neuronal cells, a concept named the tripartite synapse; however, their role in the dopamine homeostasis remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to clarify the pharmacological and molecular characteristics of dopamine transport in cultured cortical astrocytes of adult rats. In addition, we were interested in the expression of mRNA of dopamine transporters as well as dopamine receptors D1 and D2 and in the effect of dopaminergic drugs on the expression of these transporters and receptors. We have found that astrocytes possess both Na+-dependent and Na+-independent transporters. Uptake of radiolabelled dopamine was time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent and was inhibited by decynium-22, a plasma membrane monoamine transporter inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants desipramine and nortriptyline, both inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter. Results of transporter mRNA expression indicate that the main transporters involved in cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake are the norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter. Both dopamine receptor subtypes were identified in cortical astrocyte cultures. Twenty-four-hour treatment of astrocyte cultures with apomorphine, a D1/D2 agonist, induced upregulation of D1 receptor, norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter, whereas the latter was downregulated by haloperidol and L-DOPA. Astrocytes take up dopamine by multiple transporters and express dopamine receptors, which are sensitive to dopaminergic drugs. The findings of this study could open a promising area of research for the fine-tuning of existing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Sočan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klemen Dolinar
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Kržan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Wang YZ, Castillon CCM, Gebis KK, Bartom ET, d'Azzo A, Contractor A, Savas JN. Notch receptor-ligand binding facilitates extracellular vesicle-mediated neuron-to-neuron communication. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113680. [PMID: 38241148 PMCID: PMC10976296 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate intercellular communication by transferring cargo between cells in a variety of tissues. However, how EVs achieve cell-type-specific intercellular communication is still largely unknown. We found that Notch1 and Notch2 proteins are expressed on the surface of neuronal EVs that have been generated in response to neuronal excitatory synaptic activity. Notch ligands bind these EVs on the neuronal plasma membrane, trigger their internalization, activate the Notch signaling pathway, and drive the expression of Notch target genes. The generation of these neuronal EVs requires the endosomal sorting complex required for transport-associated protein Alix. Adult Alix conditional knockout mice have reduced hippocampal Notch signaling activation and glutamatergic synaptic protein expression. Thus, EVs facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication via the Notch receptor-ligand system in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Charlotte C M Castillon
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kamil K Gebis
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Bartom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alessandra d'Azzo
- Department of Genetics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anis Contractor
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Savas
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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Huang H, Zhang KP, Sun KK, Yu G. Association between type 2 inflammatory diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in low-birth-weight children and adolescents. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1292071. [PMID: 38455122 PMCID: PMC10918750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1292071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of the association of certain neurodevelopmental disorder with specific type 2 inflammatory (T2) disease has been found. However, the association of various neurodevelopmental disorders with T2 diseases as a whole remains unclear in low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. Objective To evaluate the association of type 2 inflammatory (T2) diseases with intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disability (LD) in LBW children and adolescents. Methods The study sample was derived from 2005 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey sample child files. LBW children and adolescents aged 3-17 were included. History of T2 diseases (including asthma and atopic dermatitis) and four neurodevelopmental disorders were reported by adults in families. The relationship between T2 diseases and the risk of four neurodevelopmental disorders was investigated through multiple-weighted logistic regression. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, region, highest education in family and ratio of family income to the poverty threshold were adjusted as covariates for model estimation. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age stratification (3-11 and 12-17 years), sex (male and female), and race (white and non-white). Results 11,260 LBW children aged 3-17 years [mean age (SE), 9.73 (0.05) years] were included, in which 3,191 children had T2 diseases. History of T2 diseases was associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, with an OR of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.99-1.84) for ID, 1.47 (95% CI, 1.05-2.05) for ASD, 1.81 (95% CI, 1.51-2.16) for ADHD, and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.49-2.04) for LD following the adjustment of all the covariates. The correlations between T2 disorders and each of the four neurodevelopmental disorders were significantly different by sex and race (all P for interaction < 0.001), and no differences were found in age stratification (all P for interaction > 0.05). Conclusion In a nationally representative sample of children, we found a significant association of T2 diseases with ASD, ADHD, and LD, even after adjusting for demographic baseline. We also found that the association of T2 disease with neurodevelopmental disorders differed between sex and race. Further investigation is needed to evaluate causal relationships and elucidate their potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengye Huang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kelvin Pengyuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Karol Kexin Sun
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guangjun Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Big Data in Pediatric Precision Medicine, Center for Biomedical Informatics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Canonico B, Carloni S, Montanari M, Ambrogini P, Papa S, Alonso-Alconada D, Balduini W. Melatonin Modulates Cell Cycle Dynamics and Promotes Hippocampal Cell Proliferation After Ischemic Injury in Neonatal Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04013-x. [PMID: 38358438 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Promoting neural cell proliferation may represent an important strategy for enhancing brain repair after developmental brain injury. The present study aimed to assess the effects of melatonin on cell proliferation after an ischemic injury in the developing hippocampus, focusing on cell cycle dynamics. After in vivo neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), hippocampal cell cycle dynamics were assessed by flow cytometry, together with histological evaluation of dentate gyrus cellularity and proliferation. Melatonin significantly increased the number of proliferating cells in the G2/M phase as well as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin (DCX) labeling reduced by HI. In vivo BrdU labeling revealed a higher BrdU-positivity in the dentate gyrus of ischemic rats treated with melatonin, an effect followed by increased cellularity and preserved hippocampal tissue integrity. These results indicate that the protective effect of melatonin after ischemic injury in neonatal rats may rely on the modulation of cell cycle dynamics of newborn hippocampal cells and increased cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Canonico
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mariele Montanari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ambrogini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Stefano Papa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
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17
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Eleiwa NZH, Elsayed ASF, Said EN, Metwally MMM, Abd-Elhakim YM. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate alters neurobehavioral responses and oxidative status, architecture, and GFAP and BDNF signaling in juvenile rat's brain: Protective role of Coenzyme10. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114372. [PMID: 38113957 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a phthalate plasticizer, is widely spread in the environment, presenting hazards to human health and food safety. Hence, this study examined the probable preventive role of coenzyme10 (CQ10) (10 mg/kg.b.wt) against DEHP (500 mg/kg.wt) - induced neurotoxic and neurobehavioral impacts in juvenile (34 ± 1.01g and 3 weeks old) male Sprague Dawley rats in 35-days oral dosing trial. The results indicated that CQ10 significantly protected against DEHP-induced memory impairment, anxiety, depression, spatial learning disorders, and repetitive/stereotypic-like behavior. Besides, the DEHP-induced depletion in dopamine and gamma amino butyric acid levels was significantly restored by CQ10. Moreover, CQ10 significantly protected against the exhaustion of CAT, GPx, SOD, GSH, and GSH/GSSG ratio, as well as the increase in malondialdehyde, Caspas-3, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha brain content accompanying with DEHP exposure. Furthermore, CQ10 significantly protected the brain from the DEHP-induced neurodegenerative alterations. Also, the increased immunoexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, not glial fibrillary acidic protein, in the cerebral, hippocampal, and cerebellar brain tissues due to DEHP exposure was alleviated with CQ10. This study's findings provide conclusive evidence that CQ10 has the potential to be used as an efficient natural protective agent against the neurobehavioral and neurotoxic consequences of DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa Z H Eleiwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Alaa S F Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Enas N Said
- Department of Behaviour and Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Salman International University, Ras Sudr, Egypt; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Yasmina M Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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18
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Aparicio JG, Hopp H, Harutyunyan N, Stewart C, Cobrinik D, Borchert M. Aberrant gene expression yet undiminished retinal ganglion cell genesis in iPSC-derived models of optic nerve hypoplasia. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:1-15. [PMID: 37807874 PMCID: PMC10841193 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2253902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), the leading congenital cause of permanent blindness, is characterized by a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) deficit at birth. Multifactorial developmental events are hypothesized to underlie ONH and its frequently associated neurologic and endocrine abnormalities; however, environmental influences are unclear and genetic underpinnings are unexplored. This work investigates the genetic contribution to ONH RGC production and gene expression using patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs). MATERIALS AND METHODS iPSCs produced from ONH patients and controls were differentiated to ROs. RGC genesis was assessed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Flow-sorted BRN3+ cells were collected for RNA extraction for RNA-Sequencing. Differential gene expression was assessed using DESeq2 and edgeR. PANTHER was employed to identify statistically over-represented ontologies among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs of high interest to ONH were distinguished by assessing function, mutational constraint, and prior identification in ONH, autism and neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) studies. RESULTS RGC genesis and survival were similar in ONH and control ROs. Differential expression of 70 genes was identified in both DESeq2 and edgeR analyses, representing a ~ 4-fold higher percentage of DEGs than in randomized study participants. DEGs showed trends towards over-representation of validated NDD genes and ONH exome variant genes. Among the DEGs, RAPGEF4 and DMD had the greatest number of disease-relevant features. CONCLUSIONS ONH genetic background was not associated with impaired RGC genesis but was associated with DEGs exhibiting disease contribution potential. This constitutes some of the first evidence of a genetic contribution to ONH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hanno Hopp
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Narine Harutyunyan
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carly Stewart
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of
Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Borchert
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Xu H, Yu X, Xie R, Wang Y, Li C. RCOR1 improves neurobehaviors and neuron injury in rat cerebral palsy by Endothelin-1 targeting-induced Akt/GSK-3β pathway upregulation. Brain Dev 2024; 46:93-102. [PMID: 37978036 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.11.001] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RE1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) corepressor 1 (RCOR1) has been reported to orchestrate neurogenesis, while its role in cerebral palsy (CP) remains elusive. Besides, RCOR1 can interact with Endothelin-1 (EDN1), and EDN1 expression is related to brain damage. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of RCOR1/EDN1 on brain damage during the progression of CP. METHODS CP rats were established via hypoxia-ischemia insult, and injected with lentivirus-RCOR1, followed by examination of brain pathological conditions. The RCOR1 and EDN1 interaction was recognized using hTFtarget. Healthy rat cortical neuron cells received interference of RCOR1/EDN1 expression, and underwent oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment, after which phenotypic and molecular assays were conducted through the biochemical method, qRT-PCR and/or western blot. RESULTS RCOR1 was low-expressed but EDN1 was high-expressed in CP model rats and OGD/R-treated neurons. RCOR1 overexpression ameliorated rat neurobehaviors, alleviated brain pathological conditions, reduced TUNEL-positive cells, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and repressed EDN1 expression in the brains of CP model rats. In neurons, RCOR1 overexpression counteracted OGD/R-induced viability decrease, reduction of the levels of RCOR1, SOD, Bcl-2, caspase-3, p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and elevation of the levels of EDN1, ROS, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, while EDN1 overexpression did contrarily on these events. Moreover, there was a negative interplay between RCOR1 overexpression and EDN1 overexpression in OGD/R-induced neurons. CONCLUSION RCOR1 ameliorates neurobehaviors and suppresses neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress in CP through EDN1 targeting-mediated upregulation of Akt/GSK-3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Xuetao Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Rong Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Chunli Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China.
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20
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Du C, Park K, Hua Y, Liu Y, Volkow ND, Pan Y. Astrocytes modulate cerebral blood flow and neuronal response to cocaine in prefrontal cortex. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-023-02373-9. [PMID: 38238549 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine affects both cerebral blood vessels and neuronal activity in brain. Cocaine can also disrupt astrocytes, which modulate neurovascular coupling-a process that regulates cerebral hemodynamics in response to neuronal activation. However, separating neuronal and astrocytic effects from cocaine's direct vasoactive effects has been challenging, partially due to limitations of neuroimaging techniques able to differentiate vascular from neuronal and glial effects at high temporal and spatial resolutions. Here, we used a newly-developed multi-channel fluorescence and optical coherence Doppler microscope (fl-ODM) that allows for simultaneous measurements of neuronal and astrocytic activities (reflected by the intracellular calcium changes in neurons Ca2+N and astrocytes Ca2+A, respectively) alongside their vascular interactions in vivo to address this challenge. Using green and red genetically-encoded Ca2+ indicators differentially expressed in astrocytes and neurons, fl-ODM enabled concomitant imaging of large-scale astrocytic and neuronal Ca2+ fluorescence and 3D cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) in vascular networks in the mouse cortex. We assessed cocaine's effects in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and found that the CBFv changes triggered by cocaine were temporally correlated with astrocytic Ca2+A activity. Chemogenetic inhibition of astrocytes during the baseline state resulted in blood vessel dilation and CBFv increases but did not affect neuronal activity, suggesting modulation of spontaneous blood vessel's vascular tone by astrocytes. Chemogenetic inhibition of astrocytes during a cocaine challenge prevented its vasoconstricting effects alongside the CBFv decreases, but it also attenuated the neuronal Ca2+N increases triggered by cocaine. These results document a role of astrocytes both in regulating vascular tone and consequently blood flow, at baseline and for modulating the vasoconstricting and neuronal activation responses to cocaine in the PFC. Strategies to inhibit astrocytic activity could offer promise for ameliorating vascular and neuronal toxicity from cocaine misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Kichon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Yueming Hua
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Yanzuo Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20857, USA
| | - Yingtian Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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21
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Czyżewski W, Mazurek M, Sakwa L, Szymoniuk M, Pham J, Pasierb B, Litak J, Czyżewska E, Turek M, Piotrowski B, Torres K, Rola R. Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38247839 PMCID: PMC10813911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association, Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jennifer Pham
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Czyżewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, 26-617 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Turek
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Bartłomiej Piotrowski
- Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Radosław Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
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22
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An M, Raguram A, Du SW, Banskota S, Davis JR, Newby GA, Chen PZ, Palczewski K, Liu DR. Engineered virus-like particles for transient delivery of prime editor ribonucleoprotein complexes in vivo. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02078-y. [PMID: 38191664 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Prime editing enables precise installation of genomic substitutions, insertions and deletions in living systems. Efficient in vitro and in vivo delivery of prime editing components, however, remains a challenge. Here we report prime editor engineered virus-like particles (PE-eVLPs) that deliver prime editor proteins, prime editing guide RNAs and nicking single guide RNAs as transient ribonucleoprotein complexes. We systematically engineered v3 and v3b PE-eVLPs with 65- to 170-fold higher editing efficiency in human cells compared to a PE-eVLP construct based on our previously reported base editor eVLP architecture. In two mouse models of genetic blindness, single injections of v3 PE-eVLPs resulted in therapeutically relevant levels of prime editing in the retina, protein expression restoration and partial visual function rescue. Optimized PE-eVLPs support transient in vivo delivery of prime editor ribonucleoproteins, enhancing the potential safety of prime editing by reducing off-target editing and obviating the possibility of oncogenic transgene integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirui An
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuel W Du
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paul Z Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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23
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Avarlaid A, Esvald E, Koppel I, Parkman A, Zhuravskaya A, Makeyev EV, Tuvikene J, Timmusk T. An 840 kb distant upstream enhancer is a crucial regulator of catecholamine-dependent expression of the Bdnf gene in astrocytes. Glia 2024; 72:90-110. [PMID: 37632136 PMCID: PMC10952894 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24463] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a fundamental role in the developing and adult nervous system, contributing to neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of BDNF synthesis, secretion or signaling has been associated with many neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although the transcriptional regulation of the Bdnf gene has been extensively studied in neurons, less is known about the regulation and function of BDNF in non-neuronal cells. The most abundant type of non-neuronal cells in the brain, astrocytes, express BDNF in response to catecholamines. However, genetic elements responsible for this regulation have not been identified. Here, we investigated four potential Bdnf enhancer regions and based on reporter gene assays, CRISPR/Cas9 engineering and CAPTURE-3C-sequencing we conclude that a region 840 kb upstream of the Bdnf gene regulates catecholamine-dependent expression of Bdnf in rodent astrocytes. We also provide evidence that this regulation is mediated by CREB and AP1 family transcription factors. This is the first report of an enhancer coordinating the transcription of Bdnf gene in non-neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annela Avarlaid
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
| | - Eli‐Eelika Esvald
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
- Protobios LLCTallinnEstonia
| | - Indrek Koppel
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
| | - Annabel Parkman
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
| | - Anna Zhuravskaya
- Centre for Developmental NeurobiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Jürgen Tuvikene
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
- Protobios LLCTallinnEstonia
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologyTallinn University of TechnologyTallinnEstonia
- Protobios LLCTallinnEstonia
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24
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Oh HN, Kim WK. Copper pyrithione and zinc pyrithione induce cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity in neuronal/astrocytic co-cultured cells via oxidative stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23060. [PMID: 38155222 PMCID: PMC10754844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49740-8] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on copper pyrithione (CPT) and zinc pyrithione (ZPT) as antifouling agents have mainly focused on marine organisms. Even though CPT and ZPT pose a risk of human exposure, their neurotoxic effects remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, the cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity of CPT and ZPT were evaluated after the exposure of human SH-SY5Y/astrocytic co-cultured cells to them. The results showed that, in a co-culture model, CPT and ZPT induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (~ 400 nM). Exposure to CPT and ZPT suppressed all parameters in the neurite outgrowth assays, including neurite length. In particular, exposure led to neurotoxicity at concentrations with low or no cytotoxicity (~ 200 nM). It also downregulated the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment and maturation and upregulated astrocyte markers. Moreover, CPT and ZPT induced mitochondrial dysfunction and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species. Notably, N-acetylcysteine treatment showed neuroprotective effects against CPT- and ZPT-mediated toxicity. We concluded that oxidative stress was the major mechanism underlying CPT- and ZPT-induced toxicity in the co-cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Oh
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Keun Kim
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Joy MSH, Nall DL, Emon B, Lee KY, Barishman A, Ahmed M, Rahman S, Selvin PR, Saif MTA. Synapses without tension fail to fire in an in vitro network of hippocampal neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311995120. [PMID: 38113266 PMCID: PMC10756289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311995120] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the brain communicate with each other at their synapses. It has long been understood that this communication occurs through biochemical processes. Here, we reveal that mechanical tension in neurons is essential for communication. Using in vitro rat hippocampal neurons, we find that 1) neurons become tout/tensed after forming synapses resulting in a contractile neural network, and 2) without this contractility, neurons fail to fire. To measure time evolution of network contractility in 3D (not 2D) extracellular matrix, we developed an ultrasensitive force sensor with 1 nN resolution. We employed Multi-Electrode Array and iGluSnFR, a glutamate sensor, to quantify neuronal firing at the network and at the single synapse scale, respectively. When neuron contractility is relaxed, both techniques show significantly reduced firing. Firing resumes when contractility is restored. This finding highlights the essential contribution of neural contractility in fundamental brain functions and has implications for our understanding of neural physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saddam Hossain Joy
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Duncan L. Nall
- Department of Physics and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Ki Yun Lee
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Alexandra Barishman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Movviz Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Saeedur Rahman
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Paul R. Selvin
- Department of Physics and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - M. Taher A. Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
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26
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Thompson A, Arano R, Saleem U, Preciado R, Munoz L, Nelson I, Ramos K, Kim Y, Li Y, Xu W. Brain-wide circuit-specific targeting of astrocytes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100653. [PMID: 38052209 PMCID: PMC10753298 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are integral components of brain circuitry. They enwrap synapses, react to neuronal activity, and regulate synaptic transmission. Astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit distinct features and functions in different circuits. Selectively targeting the astrocytes associated with a given neuronal circuit would enable elucidation of their circuit-specific functions but has been technically challenging to date. Recently, we constructed anterograde transneuronal viral vectors based on yellow fever vaccine YFV-17D. Among them, the replication-incompetent YFVΔNS1-Cre can selectively turn on reporter genes in postsynaptic neurons if the viral gene NS1 is expressed in postsynaptic neurons. Here we show that without exogenous expression of NS1 at the postsynaptic sites, locally injected YFVΔNS1-Cre selectively turns on reporter genes in astrocytes in downstream brain regions. The targeting of astrocytes can occur across the whole brain but is specific for the neuronal circuits traced. Therefore, YFVΔNS1-Cre provides a tool for selective genetic targeting of astrocytes to reveal their circuit-specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rachel Arano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Uzair Saleem
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rebecca Preciado
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lizbeth Munoz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ian Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katarina Ramos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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27
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Brandebura AN, Asbell QN, Micael MKB, Allen NJ. Dysregulation of astrocyte-secreted pleiotrophin contributes to neuronal structural and functional deficits in Down Syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559633. [PMID: 37808668 PMCID: PMC10557700 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal dendrite patterning and synapse formation are tightly regulated during development to promote proper connectivity. Astrocyte-secreted proteins act as guidance and pro-synaptogenic factors during development, but little is known about how astrocytes may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we identify down-regulation of the astrocyte-secreted molecule pleiotrophin as a major contributor to neuronal morphological alterations in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down Syndrome. We find overlapping deficits in neuronal dendrites, spines and intracortical synapses in Ts65Dn mutant and pleiotrophin knockout mice. By targeting pleiotrophin overexpression to astrocytes in adult Ts65Dn mutant mice in vivo , we show that pleiotrophin can rescue dendrite morphology and spine density and increase excitatory synapse number. We further demonstrate functional improvements in behavior. Our findings identify pleiotrophin as a molecule that can be used in Down Syndrome to promote proper circuit connectivity, importantly at later stages of development after typical periods of circuit refinement have completed.
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28
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Li Q, Zhou B, Su M, Liao P, Lei F, Li X, Liao D, Zhang X, Jiang R. Visualization and Characterization of the Brain Regional Heterogeneity of Astrocyte-Astrocyte Structural Interactions by Using Improved Iontophoresis with Dual-Fluorescent Dyes. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1644. [PMID: 38137092 PMCID: PMC10741863 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121644] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically intricate cells and actively modulate the function of the brain. Through numerous fine processes, astrocytes come into contact with neurons, blood vessels, and other glia cells. Emerging evidence has shown that astrocytes exhibit brain regional diversity in their morphology, transcriptome, calcium signaling, and functions. However, little is known about the brain regional heterogeneity of astrocyte-astrocyte structural interaction. So far, the visualization and characterization of the morphological features of adjacent astrocytes have been difficult, and as a result, it is still well-accepted that astrocytes in the adult brain share non-overlapped territory. In contrast, employing an approach that combines viral labeling with dual-fluorescent dyes iontophoresis under brightfield and imaging using confocal microscopy allows for the efficient and specific labeling of adjacent astrocytes, enabling a comprehensive visualization of their fine processes and the degree of their territorial overlap. Our study in the hypothalamic regions of the brain revealed a marked spatial overlap among adjacent astrocytes, which differs from the conventional understanding based on more extensively studied regions, like the hippocampus. Additionally, we revealed the heterogeneity of the astrocyte-neuron ratio across brain regions and conducted an assessment of the photostability and labeling efficiency of fluorescent dyes used for labeling adjacent astrocytes. Our study provides new insights for studying the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes across the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengchan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ping Liao
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan Lei
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin Li
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daqing Liao
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruotian Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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29
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Tan CX, Bindu DS, Hardin EJ, Sakers K, Baumert R, Ramirez JJ, Savage JT, Eroglu C. δ-Catenin controls astrocyte morphogenesis via layer-specific astrocyte-neuron cadherin interactions. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202303138. [PMID: 37707499 PMCID: PMC10501387 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202303138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes control the formation of specific synaptic circuits via cell adhesion and secreted molecules. Astrocyte synaptogenic functions are dependent on the establishment of their complex morphology. However, it is unknown if distinct neuronal cues differentially regulate astrocyte morphogenesis. δ-Catenin was previously thought to be a neuron-specific protein that regulates dendrite morphology. We found δ-catenin is also highly expressed by astrocytes and required both in astrocytes and neurons for astrocyte morphogenesis. δ-Catenin is hypothesized to mediate transcellular interactions through the cadherin family of cell adhesion proteins. We used structural modeling and biochemical analyses to reveal that δ-catenin interacts with the N-cadherin juxtamembrane domain to promote N-cadherin surface expression. An autism-linked δ-catenin point mutation impaired N-cadherin cell surface expression and reduced astrocyte complexity. In the developing mouse cortex, only lower-layer cortical neurons express N-cadherin. Remarkably, when we silenced astrocytic N-cadherin throughout the cortex, only lower-layer astrocyte morphology was disrupted. These findings show that δ-catenin controls astrocyte-neuron cadherin interactions that regulate layer-specific astrocyte morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christabel Xin Tan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Evelyn J. Hardin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kristina Sakers
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Baumert
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Juan J. Ramirez
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justin T. Savage
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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30
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Yuan WQ, Huang WP, Jiang YC, Xu H, Duan CS, Chen NH, Liu YJ, Fu XM. The function of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3932-3961. [PMID: 37831013 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have countless links with neurons. Previously, astrocytes were only considered a scaffold of neurons; in fact, astrocytes perform a variety of functions, including providing support for neuronal structures and energy metabolism, offering isolation and protection and influencing the formation, function and elimination of synapses. Because of these functions, astrocytes play an critical role in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The regulation of the secretiory factors, receptors, channels and pathways of astrocytes can effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of CNS diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease. The expression of aquaporin 4 in AS is directly related to NMO and indirectly involved in the clearance of Aβ and tau proteins in AD. Connexin 43 has a bidirectional effect on glutamate diffusion at different stages of stroke. Interestingly, astrocytes reduce the occurrence of PD through multiple effects such as secretion of related factors, mitochondrial autophagy and aquaporin 4. Therefore, this review is focused on the structure and function of astrocytes and the correlation between astrocytes and CNS diseases and drug treatment to explore the new functions of astrocytes with the astrocytes as the target. This, in turn, would provide a reference for the development of new drugs to protect neurons and promote the recovery of nerve function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qin Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Chao Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chong-Shen Duan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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31
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Aimino MA, Humenik J, Parisi MJ, Duhart JC, Mosca TJ. SynLight: a bicistronic strategy for simultaneous active zone and cell labeling in the Drosophila nervous system. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad221. [PMID: 37757863 PMCID: PMC10627267 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
At synapses, chemical neurotransmission mediates the exchange of information between neurons, leading to complex movement, behaviors, and stimulus processing. The immense number and variety of neurons within the nervous system make discerning individual neuron populations difficult, necessitating the development of advanced neuronal labeling techniques. In Drosophila, Bruchpilot-Short and mCD8-GFP, which label presynaptic active zones and neuronal membranes, respectively, have been widely used to study synapse development and organization. This labeling is often achieved via the expression of 2 independent constructs by a single binary expression system, but expression can weaken when multiple transgenes are expressed by a single driver. Recent work has sought to circumvent these drawbacks by developing methods that encode multiple proteins from a single transcript. Self-cleaving peptides, specifically 2A peptides, have emerged as effective sequences for accomplishing this task. We leveraged 2A ribosomal skipping peptides to engineer a construct that produces both Bruchpilot-Short-mStraw and mCD8-GFP from the same mRNA, which we named SynLight. Using SynLight, we visualized the putative synaptic active zones and membranes of multiple classes of olfactory, visual, and motor neurons and observed the correct separation of signal, confirming that both proteins are being generated separately. Furthermore, we demonstrate proof of principle by quantifying synaptic puncta number and neurite volume in olfactory neurons and finding no difference between the synapse densities of neurons expressing SynLight or neurons expressing both transgenes separately. At the neuromuscular junction, we determined that the synaptic puncta number labeled by SynLight was comparable to the endogenous puncta labeled by antibody staining. Overall, SynLight is a versatile tool for examining synapse density in any nervous system region of interest and allows new questions to be answered about synaptic development and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Aimino
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jesse Humenik
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael J Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Duhart
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Timothy J Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) gene that is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic features, speech deficits, and sleep and breathing abnormalities. Neurologically, patients with all three disorders display microcephaly, aberrant dendritic morphology, reduced spine density, and an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and FOXG1 genes also cause similar behavioral and neurobiological defects and were referred to as congenital or variant Rett syndrome. The relatively recent realization that CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), FOXG1 syndrome, and Rett syndrome are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders with some distinctive features have resulted in separate focus being placed on each disorder with the assumption that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie their pathogenesis. However, given that many of the core symptoms and neurological features are shared, it is likely that the disorders share some critical molecular underpinnings. This review discusses the possibility that deregulation of common molecules in neurons and astrocytes plays a central role in key behavioral and neurological abnormalities in all three disorders. These include KCC2, a chloride transporter, vGlut1, a vesicular glutamate transporter, GluD1, an orphan-glutamate receptor subunit, and PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein. We propose that reduced expression or activity of KCC2, vGlut1, PSD-95, and AKT, along with increased expression of GluD1, is involved in the excitatory/inhibitory that represents a key aspect in all three disorders. In addition, astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines likely affect the expression and functioning of these molecules resulting in disease-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R D’Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
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Rurak GM, Gahelrasoul A, Aguilar-Valles A, Salmaso N. Neonatal estrogen induces male-like expression of astroglial markers of maturation and plasticity in the neocortex of female mice. Brain Res 2023; 1818:148499. [PMID: 37499732 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148499] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Astroglia play a crucial role in various aspects of neurodevelopment including building, maintaining, and modulating neuronal circuits that underly complex behaviours in the neocortex. Telencephalic regions exhibit sex differences in neuronal networks that arise early in development. Astroglia express receptors for gonadal hormones responsible for the organization of sex differences, such as estrogen, placing them in a key position to modulate sex differences in the development of neuronal networks. Astroglial cells express specific proteins related to their morphology, function, and maturation. We have previously shown that P7-P14 is a key transition period for neocortical astroglial maturation and that males reach a mature phenotype earlier than females, at P7. In this study, we investigated whether administration of perinatal estradiol to female mice is sufficient to masculinize astroglial protein and gene expression related to maturation that we previously observed at P7. We found that canonical astroglial markers like glial fibrillary acidic protein and glutamine synthetase are not affected by perinatal estrogen, but markers of astroglial maturation, Vimentin, Aldh1a1, Dio2, and the number of actively dividing astroglia are masculinized by perinatal estradiol administration. These findings suggest that sex differences in neocortical astroglial maturation are at least in-part due to the role of perinatal estrogen. Given the higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in males compared to females and the involvement of astroglia in virtually all neurodevelopmental disorders, further research is needed to determine other contributions to sex differences in neocortical astroglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Rurak
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - A Gahelrasoul
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - A Aguilar-Valles
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - N Salmaso
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Verma H, Gangwar P, Yadav A, Yadav B, Rao R, Kaur S, Kumar P, Dhiman M, Taglialatela G, Mantha AK. Understanding the neuronal synapse and challenges associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondrion 2023; 73:19-29. [PMID: 37708950 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic mitochondria are crucial for maintaining synaptic activity due to their high energy requirements, substantial calcium (Ca2+) fluctuation, and neurotransmitter release at the synapse. To provide a continuous energy supply, neurons use special mechanisms to transport and distribute healthy mitochondria to the synapse while eliminating the damaged mitochondria from the synapse. Along the neuron, mitochondrial membrane potential (ψ) gradient exists and is highest in the somal region. Lower ψ in the synaptic region renders mitochondria more vulnerable to oxidative stress-mediated damage. Secondly, mitochondria become susceptible to the release of cytochrome c, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not shielded from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the histone proteins (unlike nuclear DNA), leading to activation of caspases and pronounced oxidative DNA base damage, which ultimately causes synaptic loss. Both synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic failure are crucial factors responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated Tau, the two leading players of AD, exaggerate the disease-like pathological conditions by reducing the mitochondrial trafficking, blocking the bi-directional transport at the synapse, enhancing the mitochondrial fission via activating the mitochondrial fission proteins, enhancing the swelling of mitochondria by increasing the influx of water through mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, as well as reduced ATP production by blocking the activity of complex I and complex IV. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also associated with decline in cognitive ability caused by synaptic degradation. This review summarizes the challenges associated with the synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction linked to AD and MCI and the role of phytochemicals in restoring the synaptic activity and rendering neuroprotection in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anuradha Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Bharti Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Rashmi Rao
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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Benson CA, King JF, Kauer SD, Waxman SG, Tan AM. Increased astrocytic GLT-1 expression in tripartite synapses is associated with SCI-induced hyperreflexia. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:1358-1366. [PMID: 37877184 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00234.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is a chronic neurological complication associated with spinal cord injury (SCI), characterized by increased muscle tone and stiffness. A physiological sign of spasticity is hyperreflexia, evident by the loss of evoked rate-dependent depression (RDD) in the H-reflex. Although previous work has shown that SCI-induced astrogliosis contributes to hyperexcitability disorders, including neuropathic pain and spasticity, it is unclear how reactive astrocytes can modulate synaptic transmission within the injured spinal cord. To study astrocytes' role in post-SCI hyperreflexia, we examined glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) proteins in astrocytes and neurons, respectively, within the ventral horn (lamina IX) below the level of injury (spinal segment L4-5). The close juxtaposition of GLT-1 and PSD-95 markers is a molecular correlate of tripartite synapses and is thought to be a key element in the astrocyte-induced plasticity of neuronal synapses. Our study compared animals with and without SCI-induced hyperreflexia and spasticity and investigated potential synaptic abnormalities associated with astrocyte involvement. As expected, 4 wk after SCI, we observed a loss in evoked H-reflex RDD in hindlimb electromyogram recordings, i.e., hyperreflexia, in contrast to uninjured sham. Importantly, our main findings show a significant increase in the presence of GLT-1-PSD-95 tripartite synapses in the ventral spinal cord motor regions of animals exhibiting SCI-induced hyperreflexia. Taken together, our study suggests the involvement of astrocyte-neuron synaptic complexes in the plasticity-driven progression of chronic spasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The role of astrocytes in H-reflex hyperexcitability following SCI remains understudied. Our findings establish a relationship between GLT-1 expression, its proximity to neuronal PSD-95 in the spinal cord ventral horn, and the loss of H-reflex RDD, i.e., hyperreflexia. Our findings provide a new perspective on synaptic alterations and the development of SCI-related spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis A Benson
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Jared F King
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Sierra D Kauer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Andrew M Tan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States
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Nanclares C, Noriega-Prieto JA, Labrada-Moncada FE, Cvetanovic M, Araque A, Kofuji P. Altered calcium signaling in Bergmann glia contributes to spinocerebellar ataxia type-1 in a mouse model of SCA1. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106318. [PMID: 37802154 PMCID: PMC10624966 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion of glutamine (Q) encoding CAG repeats in the ATAXIN1 (ATXN1) gene and characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and eventual deterioration of bulbar functions. SCA1 shows severe degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and activation of Bergmann glia (BG), a type of cerebellar astroglia closely associated with PCs. Combining electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging techniques, and chemogenetic approaches, we have investigated the electrical intrinsic and synaptic properties of PCs and the physiological properties of BG in SCA1 mouse model expressing mutant ATXN1 only in PCs. PCs of SCA1 mice displayed lower spontaneous firing rate and larger slow afterhyperpolarization currents (sIAHP) than wildtype mice, whereas the properties of the synaptic inputs were unaffected. BG of SCA1 mice showed higher calcium hyperactivity and gliotransmission, manifested by higher frequency of NMDAR-mediated slow inward currents (SICs) in PC. Preventing the BG calcium hyperexcitability of SCA1 mice by loading BG with the calcium chelator BAPTA restored sIAHP and spontaneous firing rate of PCs to similar levels of wildtype mice. Moreover, mimicking the BG hyperactivity by activating BG expressing Gq-DREADDs in wildtype mice reproduced the SCA1 pathological phenotype of PCs, i.e., enhancement of sIAHP and decrease of spontaneous firing rate. These results indicate that the intrinsic electrical properties of PCs, but not their synaptic properties, were altered in SCA1 mice and that these alterations were associated with the hyperexcitability of BG. Moreover, preventing BG hyperexcitability in SCA1 mice and promoting BG hyperexcitability in wildtype mice prevented and mimicked, respectively, the pathological electrophysiological phenotype of PCs. Therefore, BG plays a relevant role in the dysfunction of the electrical intrinsic properties of PCs in SCA1 mice, suggesting that they may serve as potential targets for therapeutic approaches to treat the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Nanclares
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Xie Y, Reid CM, Granados AA, Garcia MT, Dale-Huang F, Hanson SM, Mancia W, Liu J, Adam M, Mosto O, Pisco AO, Alvarez-Buylla A, Harwell CC. Developmental origin and local signals cooperate to determine septal astrocyte identity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561428. [PMID: 37873089 PMCID: PMC10592657 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte specification during development is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the precise contribution of each remains poorly understood. Here we show that septal astrocytes from Nkx2.1 and Zic4 expressing progenitor zones are allocated into non-overlapping domains of the medial (MS) and lateral septal nuclei (LS) respectively. Astrocytes in these areas exhibit distinctive molecular and morphological features tailored to the unique cellular and synaptic circuit environment of each nucleus. Using single-nucleus (sn) RNA sequencing, we trace the developmental trajectories of cells in the septum and find that neurons and astrocytes undergo region and developmental stage-specific local cell-cell interactions. We show that expression of the classic morphogens Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) by MS and LS neurons respectively, functions to promote the molecular specification of local astrocytes in each region. Finally, using heterotopic cell transplantation, we show that both morphological and molecular specifications of septal astrocytes are highly dependent on the local microenvironment, regardless of developmental origins. Our data highlights the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors shaping astrocyte identities and illustrates the importance of the local environment in determining astrocyte functional specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Miguel Turrero Garcia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fiona Dale-Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sarah M. Hanson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Walter Mancia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jonathan Liu
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Manal Adam
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Olivia Mosto
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Arturo Alvarez-Buylla
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Corey C. Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Lead contact
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Zhuang Y, Xu X, Li H, Niu F, Yang M, Ge Q, Lu S, Deng Y, Wu H, Zhang B, Liu B. Megf10-related engulfment of excitatory postsynapses by astrocytes following severe brain injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:2873-2883. [PMID: 37081759 PMCID: PMC10493650 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14223] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate astrocyte-related phagocytosis of synapses in the ipsilateral hippocampus after traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS We performed controlled cortical impact to simulate TBI in mice. Seven days postinjury, we performed cognitive tests, synapse quantification, and examination of astrocytic phagocytosis in association with Megf10 expression. RESULTS During the subacute stage post-TBI, we found a reduction in excitatory postsynaptic materials in the ipsilateral hippocampus, which was consistent with poor performance in the cognitive test. The transcriptome data suggested that robust phagocytosis was responsible for this process. Coincidently, we identified phagocytic astrocytes containing secondary lysosomes that were wrapped around the synapses in the ipsilateral hippocampus. Moreover, a significant increase in the co-location of GFAP and PSD-95 in the CA1 region suggested astrocytic engulfment of excitatory postsynaptic proteins. After examining the reported phagocytic pathways, we found that both the transcription level and protein expression of Megf10 were elevated. Co-immunofluorescence of GFAP and Megf10 demonstrated that the expression of Megf10 was spatially upregulated in astrocytes, exclusively in the CA1 region, and was related to the astrocytic engulfment of PSD-95. CONCLUSION Our study elaborated that the Megf10-related astrocytic engulfment of PSD-95 in the CA1 region of the ipsilateral hippocampus aggravated cognitive dysfunction following severe TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojian Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System InjuryBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Fei Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System InjuryBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Mengshi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shenghua Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hongbin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Baiyun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System InjuryBeijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Nerve Injury and RepairBeijing Institute of Brain DisordersBeijingChina
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
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Napier M, Reynolds K, Scott AL. Glial-mediated dysregulation of neurodevelopment in Fragile X Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:187-215. [PMID: 37993178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly involved in a multitude of developmental processes that are known to be dysregulated in Fragile X Syndrome. Here, we examine these processes individually and review the roles astrocytes play in contributing to the pathology of this syndrome. As a growing area of interest in the field, new and exciting insight is continually emerging. Understanding these glial-mediated roles is imperative for elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms at play, not only in Fragile X Syndrome, but also other ASD-related disorders. Understanding these roles will be central to the future development of effective, clinically-relevant treatments of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Napier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - K Reynolds
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - A L Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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40
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Alhadidi QM, Bahader GA, Arvola O, Kitchen P, Shah ZA, Salman MM. Astrocytes in functional recovery following central nervous system injuries. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37702572 DOI: 10.1113/jp284197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognised as partaking in complex homeostatic mechanisms critical for regulating neuronal plasticity following central nervous system (CNS) insults. Ischaemic stroke and traumatic brain injury are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Depending on the context and type of injury, reactive astrocytes respond with diverse morphological, proliferative and functional changes collectively known as astrogliosis, which results in both pathogenic and protective effects. There is a large body of research on the negative consequences of astrogliosis following brain injuries. There is also growing interest in how astrogliosis might in some contexts be protective and help to limit the spread of the injury. However, little is known about how astrocytes contribute to the chronic functional recovery phase following traumatic and ischaemic brain insults. In this review, we explore the protective functions of astrocytes in various aspects of secondary brain injury such as oedema, inflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. We also discuss the current knowledge on astrocyte contribution to tissue regeneration, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, dendrogenesis and axogenesis. Finally, we discuss diverse astrocyte-related factors that, if selectively targeted, could form the basis of astrocyte-targeted therapeutic strategies to better address currently untreatable CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim M Alhadidi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Yarmok University College, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Ghaith A Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Oiva Arvola
- Division of Anaesthesiology, Jorvi Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Stanca S, Rossetti M, Bongioanni P. Astrocytes as Neuroimmunocytes in Alzheimer's Disease: A Biochemical Tool in the Neuron-Glia Crosstalk along the Pathogenetic Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13880. [PMID: 37762184 PMCID: PMC10531177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813880] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed at assessing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis through the investigation of the astrocytic role to transduce the load of amyloid-beta (Aβ) into neuronal death. The backbone of this review is focused on the deepening of the molecular pathways eliciting the activation of astrocytes crucial phenomena in the understanding of AD as an autoimmune pathology. The complex relations among astrocytes, Aβ and tau, together with the role played by the tripartite synapsis are discussed. A review of studies published from 1979 to 2023 on Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The selected papers focused not only on the morphological and metabolic characteristics of astrocytes, but also on the latest notions about their multifunctional involvement in AD pathogenesis. Astrocytes participate in crucial pathways, including pruning and sprouting, by which the AD neurodegeneration evolves from an aggregopathy to neuroinflammation, loss of synapses and neuronal death. A1 astrocytes stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules which have been correlated with the progression of AD cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to "hold back" the A1 polarization and, thus, to slow the worsening of the disease. AD clinical expression is the result of dysfunctional neuronal interactions, but this is only the end of a process involving a plurality of protagonists. One of these is the astrocyte, whose importance this work intends to put under the spotlight in the AD scenario, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this disease in the functional versatility of this glial population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stanca
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- NeuroCare Onlus, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Rossetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- NeuroCare Onlus, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bongioanni
- NeuroCare Onlus, 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Medical Specialties Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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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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Peris M, Benseny-Cases N, Manich G, Zerpa O, Almolda B, Perálvarez-Marín À, González B, Castellano B. Roadmap for Postnatal Brain Maturation: Changes in Gray and White Matter Composition during Development Measured by Fourier Transformed Infrared Microspectroscopy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3088-3102. [PMID: 37540627 PMCID: PMC10485886 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00237] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Key events in postnatal brain development, such as neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and myelination, shape the adult brain. These events are reflected in changes in gray and white matter (GM and WM) occurring during this period. Therefore, precise knowledge of GM and WM composition in perinatal brain development is crucial to characterizing brain formation as well as the neurodevelopmental disruption observed in diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. In this study, we combined histochemical and immunohistochemical staining with biochemical and biophysical analyses using Fourier transform infrared (IR) microspectroscopy (μFTIR) to better understand the chemical changes during postnatal developmental myelination. For this purpose, we analyzed the GM and WM in the mouse brain and cerebellum (strain C57BL/6) from postnatal day 0 (P0) to day P28 and established presumed correlations between staining and IR data. IR spectra allowed the (i) quantification of lipid and protein content through the CH2/amide I ratio, (ii) determination of chemical characteristics of lipids, such as the presence of unsaturated bonds in the carbonate chain or carbonyls from ester groups in the polar head, and (iii) determination of the protein secondary structure (α-helix and intramolecular β-sheets). The results indicate that the increase in the CH2/amide I ratio calculated from the μFTIR data correlates well with lipid histochemical staining. IR data indicated a change in the lipid composition in WM since carbonyl and unsaturated olefinic groups do not increase when lipids accumulate during myelination. Our correlation analysis between IR data and immunohistochemical staining of myelin-associated proteins revealed that myelin oligodendrocyte protein correlated well with lipid accumulation, while myelin basic protein appeared before lipid modifications, which indicated that myelin-associated proteins and lipid deposition were not synchronic. These events were related to a decrease in the intramolecular β/α protein ratio. Our results indicate that lipids and proteins in WM substantially change their composition due to primary myelination, and according to results obtained from staining, these modifications are better described by lipid histochemical staining than by immunohistochemistry against myelin-related proteins. In conclusion, μFTIR can be a useful technique to study WM during perinatal development and provide detailed information about alterations in the chemical composition related to neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Peris
- Department
of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Benseny-Cases
- Biophysics
Unit. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Manich
- Department
of Morphological Sciences, Universitat Autònoma
de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriana Zerpa
- Department
of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Almolda
- Department
of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àlex Perálvarez-Marín
- Biophysics
Unit. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta González
- Department
of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernardo Castellano
- Department
of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Park J, Chung WS. Astrocyte-dependent circuit remodeling by synapse phagocytosis. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 81:102732. [PMID: 37247606 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, synaptic pruning, the removal of unnecessary synaptic contacts, is an essential process for proper circuit maturation in neurodevelopment as well as for synaptic homeostasis in the adult stage. Dysregulation of synaptic pruning can contribute to the initiation and progression of various mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression, as well as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. In the past 15 years, pioneering works have demonstrated that different types of glial cells regulate the number of synapses by selectively eliminating them through phagocytic molecular machinery. Although a majority of findings have been focused on microglia, it is increasingly evident that astrocytes function as a critical player in activity-dependent synapse elimination in developing, adult, and diseased brains. In this review, we will discuss recent findings showing the mechanisms and physiological importance of astrocyte-mediated synapse elimination in controlling synapses and circuit homeostasis. We propose that astrocytes play dominant and non-redundant roles in eliminating synapses during the activity-dependent circuit remodeling processes that do not involve neuro-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungjoo Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Garcia-Baos A, Pastor A, Gallego-Landin I, de la Torre R, Sanz F, Valverde O. The role of PPAR-γ in memory deficits induced by prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3373-3383. [PMID: 37491462 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) show persistent cognitive disabilities, including memory deficits. However, the neurobiological substrates underlying these deficits remain unclear. Here, we show that prenatal and lactation alcohol exposure (PLAE) in mice induces FASD-like memory impairments. This is accompanied by a reduction of N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in the hippocampus specifically in a childhood-like period (at post-natal day (PD) 25). To determine their role in memory deficits, two pharmacological approaches were performed during this specific period of early life. Thus, memory performance was tested after the repeated administration (from PD25 to PD34) of: i) URB597, to increase NAEs, with GW9662, a PPAR-γ antagonist; ii) pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist. We observed that URB597 suppresses PLAE-induced memory deficits through a PPAR-γ dependent mechanism, since its effects are prevented by GW9662. Direct PPAR-γ activation, using pioglitazone, also ameliorates memory impairments. Lastly, to further investigate the region and cellular specificity, we demonstrate that an early overexpression of PPAR-γ, by means of a viral vector, in hippocampal astrocytes mitigates memory deficits induced by PLAE. Together, our data reveal that disruptions of PPAR-γ signaling during neurodevelopment contribute to PLAE-induced memory dysfunction. In turn, PPAR-γ activation during a childhood-like period is a promising therapeutic approach for memory deficits in the context of early alcohol exposure. Thus, these findings contribute to the gaining insight into the mechanisms that might underlie memory impairments in FASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Garcia-Baos
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ines Gallego-Landin
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Sanz
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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Tran H, Le L, Singh BN, Kramer J, Steward R. Tet Controls Axon Guidance in Early Brain Development through Glutamatergic Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.02.539069. [PMID: 37398066 PMCID: PMC10312521 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.02.539069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in human TET proteins have been found in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we report a new function of Tet in regulating Drosophila early brain development. We found that mutation in the Tet DNA-binding domain ( Tet AXXC ) resulted in axon guidance defects in the mushroom body (MB). Tet is required in early brain development during the outgrowth of MB β axons. Transcriptomic study shows that glutamine synthetase 2 (Gs2), a key enzyme in glutamatergic signaling, is significantly downregulated in the Tet AXXC mutant brains. CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis or RNAi knockdown of Gs2 recapitulates the Tet AXXC mutant phenotype. Surprisingly, Tet and Gs2 act in the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) to control MB axon guidance, and overexpression of Gs2 in these cells rescues the axon guidance defects of Tet AXXC . Treating Tet AXXC with the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist MPEP can rescue while treating with glutamate enhances the phenotype confirming Tet function in regulating glutamatergic signaling. Tet AXXC and the Drosophila homolog of Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein protein mutant ( Fmr1 3 ) have similar axon guidance defects and reduction in Gs2 mRNA levels. Interestingly, overexpression of Gs2 in the IPCs also rescues the Fmr1 3 phenotype, suggesting functional overlapping of the two genes. Our studies provide the first evidence that Tet can control the guidance of axons in the developing brain by modulating glutamatergic signaling and the function is mediated by its DNA-binding domain.
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Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.01.547315. [PMID: 37425737 PMCID: PMC10327175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.01.547315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. However, Park7, which encodes for the protein DJ-1 that alters astrocyte morphology, was increased by LBN across sex. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Nylah A Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Eden V Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Erin P Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
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48
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Zhang Y, Chen H, Li R, Sterling K, Song W. Amyloid β-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease: challenges, successes and future. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:248. [PMID: 37386015 PMCID: PMC10310781 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the main component of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its accumulation has been considered as the molecular driver of Alzheimer's pathogenesis and progression. Aβ has been the prime target for the development of AD therapy. However, the repeated failures of Aβ-targeted clinical trials have cast considerable doubt on the amyloid cascade hypothesis and whether the development of Alzheimer's drug has followed the correct course. However, the recent successes of Aβ targeted trials have assuaged those doubts. In this review, we discussed the evolution of the amyloid cascade hypothesis over the last 30 years and summarized its application in Alzheimer's diagnosis and modification. In particular, we extensively discussed the pitfalls, promises and important unanswered questions regarding the current anti-Aβ therapy, as well as strategies for further study and development of more feasible Aβ-targeted approaches in the optimization of AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Huaqiu Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Yim YY, Nestler EJ. Cell-Type-Specific Neuroproteomics of Synapses. Biomolecules 2023; 13:998. [PMID: 37371578 PMCID: PMC10296650 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, our knowledge of synaptic proteomes and their relationship to normal brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders has been expanding rapidly through the use of more powerful neuroproteomic approaches. However, mass spectrometry (MS)-based neuroproteomic studies of synapses still require cell-type, spatial, and temporal proteome information. With the advancement of sample preparation and MS techniques, we have just begun to identify and understand proteomes within a given cell type, subcellular compartment, and cell-type-specific synapse. Here, we review the progress and limitations of MS-based neuroproteomics of synapses in the mammalian CNS and highlight the recent applications of these approaches in studying neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder and substance use disorders. Combining neuroproteomic findings with other omics studies can generate an in-depth, comprehensive map of synaptic proteomes and possibly identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for several central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Young Yim
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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50
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Faissner A. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in the glial lineage modulates neuronal excitability. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1190240. [PMID: 37383546 PMCID: PMC10293750 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1190240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein related protein receptor 1 (LRP1), also known as CD91 or α-Macroglobulin-receptor, is a transmembrane receptor that interacts with more than 40 known ligands. It plays an important biological role as receptor of morphogens, extracellular matrix molecules, cytokines, proteases, protease inhibitors and pathogens. In the CNS, it has primarily been studied as a receptor and clearance agent of pathogenic factors such as Aβ-peptide and, lately, Tau protein that is relevant for tissue homeostasis and protection against neurodegenerative processes. Recently, it was found that LRP1 expresses the Lewis-X (Lex) carbohydrate motif and is expressed in the neural stem cell compartment. The removal of Lrp1 from the cortical radial glia compartment generates a strong phenotype with severe motor deficits, seizures and a reduced life span. The present review discusses approaches that have been taken to address the neurodevelopmental significance of LRP1 by creating novel, lineage-specific constitutive or conditional knockout mouse lines. Deficits in the stem cell compartment may be at the root of severe CNS pathologies.
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