1
|
Yang XY, Wang HQ, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Linking depression and neuroinflammation: Crosstalk between glial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2025; 995:177408. [PMID: 39984011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177408] [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: 11/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 02/23/2025]
Abstract
The inflammatory hypothesis is one of the more widely accepted pathogenesis of depression. Glia plays an important immunomodulatory role in neuroinflammation, mediating interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). Glial cell-driven neuroinflammation is not only an important pathological change in depression, but also a potential therapeutic target. This review discusses the association between depression and glial cell-induced neuroinflammation and elucidates the role of glial cell crosstalk in neuroinflammation. Firstly, we focus on the role of glial cells in neuroinflammation in depression and glial cell interactions; secondly, we categorize changes in different glial cells in animal models of depression and depressed patients, focusing on how glial cells mediate inflammatory responses and exacerbate depressive symptoms; Thirdly, we review how conventional and novel antidepressants affect the phenotype and function of glial cells, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory activity; finally, we discuss the role of the gut-brain axis in glial cell function and depression, and objectively analyze the problems that remain in current antidepressant therapy. This review aims to provide an objective analysis of how glial cell cross-talk may mediate neuroinflammation and thereby influence pathologic progression of depression. It is concluded that a novel therapeutic strategy may be to ameliorate glial cell-mediated inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ying Yang
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hui-Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiao F, Tang T, Wang B, He S, Zhang Y, Dong L, Xu B, Liu Y, Zhu P, Guo R. RACK7 Interacts with PRC2 Complex to Regulate Astrocyte Development. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2416350. [PMID: 40125808 PMCID: PMC12097129 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202416350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms plays a crucial role in brain development and disease. Emerging largely evidence suggests that Receptor for Activated C-kinase 7 (RACK7), an epigenetic reader protein, may play a role in brain development and neural developmental disease, but in vivo explorations are still lacking. Here, a Rack7 conditional knock-out mouse model is established and shows that Rack7-deficient mice exhibit overt developmental defects associated with aberrant astrocyte development. Mechanistically, it is found that RACK7 interacts with the histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase, i.e., the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) complex, to establish the genomic locations of Suppressor of Zeste 12 homolog (SUZ12) and H3K27 methylation. Deletion of Rack7 in astrocytes leads to a remarkable decrease of H3K27me3 chromatin localization genome-wide. Furthermore, RACK7 works together with H3K27me3 to prevent overactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway and other astrocyte differentiation genes are found. Collectively, this study provides new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain development regulated by RACK7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Jiao
- Center for Medical Research and InnovationShanghai Pudong HospitalFudan University Pudong Medical Centerand the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismMinistry of Science and TechnologyInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- State Key Laboratory of Eye HealthDepartment of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011China
| | - Tianxiang Tang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (Institute of Neuroscience)Chinese Academy of Sciences320 Yue Yang RoadShanghai200031China
| | - Bowen Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Shengfei He
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdong510100China
| | - Li Dong
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Bo Xu
- Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of AnimalDairy and Veterinary SciencesUtah State UniversityLoganUT84322USA
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdong510100China
| | - Rui Guo
- Center for Medical Research and InnovationShanghai Pudong HospitalFudan University Pudong Medical Centerand the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and MetabolismMinistry of Science and TechnologyInstitutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Aging and Longevity Institute & Institute of Biological ScienceZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Le AD, Fu M, Carper A, Zegarowicz E, Kumar R, Zacharias G, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity Mediated by Activity-Dependent Sonic Hedgehog Signaling. J Neurosci 2025; 45:e1336242025. [PMID: 39900499 PMCID: PMC11905353 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1336-24.2025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2025] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025] Open
Abstract
The influence of neural activity on astrocytes and their reciprocal interactions with neurons has emerged as an important modulator of synapse function. Astrocytes exhibit activity-dependent changes in gene expression, yet the molecular mechanisms by which neural activity is coupled to gene expression are not well understood. The molecular signaling pathway, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), mediates neuron-astrocyte communication and regulates the organization of cortical synapses. Here, we demonstrate that neural activity stimulates Shh signaling in cortical astrocytes and upregulates expression of Hevin and SPARC, astrocyte-derived molecules that modify synapses. Whisker stimulation in both male and female mice promotes activity-dependent Shh signaling selectively in the somatosensory, but not in the visual cortex, whereas sensory deprivation reduces Shh activity, demonstrating bidirectional regulation of the pathway by sensory experience. Selective loss of Shh signaling in astrocytes reduces expression of Hevin and SPARC and occludes activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Taken together, these data identify Shh signaling as an activity-dependent, molecular signaling pathway that regulates astrocyte gene expression and promotes astrocyte modulation of synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh Duc Le
- Departments of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Marissa Fu
- Departments of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Ashley Carper
- Departments of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | | | - Riya Kumar
- Departments of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Gloria Zacharias
- Departments of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - A Denise R Garcia
- Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schuurmans IME, Mordelt A, de Witte LD. Orchestrating the neuroglial compartment: Ontogeny and developmental interaction of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2025; 209:27-47. [PMID: 40122629 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-443-19104-6.00011-5] [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: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
Neuroglial cells serve as the master regulators of the central nervous system, making it imperative for glial development to be tightly regulated both spatially and temporally to ensure optimal brain function. In this chapter, we will discuss the origin and development of the three major glia cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in the central nervous system. While much of our understanding of neuroglia development stems from studies using animal models, we will also explore recent insights into human glial development and potential differences from rodent models. Finally, the extensive crosstalk between glia cells will be highlighted, discussing how interactions among astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, and microglial influence their respective developmental pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imke M E Schuurmans
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annika Mordelt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lot D de Witte
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lo CH, Chen S, Zhao J, Liu Z, Wang B, Wang Q, Kowal TJ, Sun Y. Defective Neurogenesis in Lowe Syndrome is Caused by Mitochondria Loss and Cilia-related Sonic Hedgehog Defects. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.11.01.621496. [PMID: 39553960 PMCID: PMC11565974 DOI: 10.1101/2024.11.01.621496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
Human brain development is a complex process that requires intricate coordination of multiple cellular and developmental events. Dysfunction of lipid metabolism can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Lowe syndrome (LS) is a recessive X-linked disorder associated with proximal tubular renal disease, congenital cataracts and glaucoma, and central nervous system developmental delays. Mutations in OCRL, which encodes an inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, lead to the development of LS. The cellular mechanism responsible for neuronal dysfunction in LS is unknown. Here we show depletion of mitochondrial DNA and decrease in mitochondrial activities result in neuronal differentiation defects. Increased astrocytes, which are secondary responders to neurodegeneration, are observed in neuronal (iN) cells differentiated from Lowe patient-derived iPSCs and an LS mouse model. Inactivation of cilia-related sonic hedgehog signaling, which organizes the pattern of cellular neuronal differentiation, is observed in an OCRL knockout, iN cells differentiated from Lowe patient-derived iPSCs, and an LS mouse model. Taken together, our findings indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction and impairment of the ciliary sonic hedgehog signaling pathway represent a novel pathogenic mechanism underlying the disrupted neuronal differentiation observed in LS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hui Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tia J. Kowal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Maternal Children Health Research Institute at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- BioX, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bear R, Sloan SA, Caspary T. Primary cilia shape postnatal astrocyte development through Sonic Hedgehog signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.10.17.618851. [PMID: 39464094 PMCID: PMC11507945 DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.17.618851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Primary cilia function as specialized signaling centers that regulate many cellular processes including neuron and glia development. Astrocytes possess cilia, but the function of cilia in astrocyte development remains largely unexplored. Critically, dysfunction of either astrocytes or cilia contributes to molecular changes observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we show that a sub-population of developing astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex are ciliated. This population corresponds to proliferating astrocytes and largely expresses the ciliary protein ARL13B. Genetic ablation of astrocyte cilia in vivo at two distinct stages of astrocyte development results in changes to Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) transcriptional targets. We show that Shh activity is decreased in immature and mature astrocytes upon loss of cilia. Furthermore, loss of cilia in immature astrocytes results in decreased astrocyte proliferation and loss of cilia in mature astrocytes causes enlarged astrocyte morphology. Together, these results indicate that astrocytes require cilia for Shh signaling throughout development and uncover functions for astrocyte cilia in regulating astrocyte proliferation and maturation. This expands our fundamental knowledge of astrocyte development and cilia function to advance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bear
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street Suite 301, Atlanta GA 30322
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
| | - Steven A. Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street Suite 301, Atlanta GA 30322
| | - Tamara Caspary
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street Suite 301, Atlanta GA 30322
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lozano Casasbuenas D, Kortebi I, Gora C, Scott EY, Gomes C, Oliveira MS, Sharma T, Daniele E, Olfat A, Gibbs R, Yuzwa SA, Gilbert EA, Küry P, Wheeler AR, Lévesque M, Faiz M. The laminar position, morphology, and gene expression profiles of cortical astrocytes are influenced by time of birth from ventricular/subventricular progenitors. Glia 2024; 72:1693-1706. [PMID: 38852127 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes that reside in superficial (SL) and deep cortical layers have distinct molecular profiles and morphologies, which may underlie specific functions. Here, we demonstrate that the production of SL and deep layer (DL) astrocyte populations from neural progenitor cells in the mouse is temporally regulated. Lineage tracking following in utero and postnatal electroporation with PiggyBac (PB) EGFP and birth dating with EdU and FlashTag, showed that apical progenitors produce astrocytes during late embryogenesis (E16.5) that are biased to the SL, while postnatally labeled (P0) astrocytes are biased to the DL. In contrast, astrocytes born during the predominantly neurogenic window (E14.5) showed a random distribution in the SL and DL. Of interest, E13.5 astrocytes birth dated at E13.5 with EdU showed a lower layer bias, while FT labeling of apical progenitors showed no bias. Finally, examination of the morphologies of "biased" E16.5- and P0-labeled astrocytes demonstrated that E16.5-labeled astrocytes exhibit different morphologies in different layers, while P0-labeled astrocytes do not. Differences based on time of birth are also observed in the molecular profiles of E16.5 versus P0-labeled astrocytes. Altogether, these results suggest that the morphological, molecular, and positional diversity of cortical astrocytes is related to their time of birth from ventricular/subventricular zone progenitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lozano Casasbuenas
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ines Kortebi
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Gora
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Erica Y Scott
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celeste Gomes
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Markley Silva Oliveira
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanvi Sharma
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emerson Daniele
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arman Olfat
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Gibbs
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott A Yuzwa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily A Gilbert
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Küry
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Lévesque
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Maryam Faiz
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Le AD, Fu M, Kumar R, Zacharias G, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte modulation of synaptic plasticity mediated by activity-dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.05.588352. [PMID: 38915525 PMCID: PMC11195099 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.588352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The influence of neural activity on astrocytes and their reciprocal interactions with neurons has emerged as an important modulator of synapse function. Astrocytes exhibit activity-dependent changes in gene expression, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they accomplish this have remained largely unknown. The molecular signaling pathway, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), mediates neuron-astrocyte communication and regulates the organization of cortical synapses. Here, we demonstrate that neural activity stimulates Shh signaling in cortical astrocytes and upregulates expression of Hevin and SPARC, astrocyte derived molecules that modify synapses. Whisker stimulation and chemogenetic activation both increase Shh activity in deep layers of the somatosensory cortex, where neuron-astrocyte Shh signaling is predominantly found. Experience-dependent Hevin and SPARC require intact Shh signaling and selective loss of pathway activity in astrocytes occludes experience-dependent structural plasticity. Taken together, these data identify Shh signaling as an activity-dependent, neuronal derived cue that stimulates astrocyte interactions with synapses and promotes synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh Duc Le
- Department of Biology, Drexel University
| | - Marissa Fu
- Department of Biology, Drexel University
| | - Riya Kumar
- Department of Biology, Drexel University
| | | | - A Denise R Garcia
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gau YTA, Hsu ET, Cha RJ, Pak RW, Looger LL, Kang JU, Bergles DE. Multicore fiber optic imaging reveals that astrocyte calcium activity in the mouse cerebral cortex is modulated by internal motivational state. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3039. [PMID: 38589390 PMCID: PMC11002016 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a direct target of neuromodulators and can influence neuronal activity on broad spatial and temporal scales in response to a rise in cytosolic calcium. However, our knowledge about how astrocytes are recruited during different animal behaviors remains limited. To measure astrocyte activity calcium in vivo during normative behaviors, we utilize a high-resolution, long working distance multicore fiber optic imaging system that allows visualization of individual astrocyte calcium transients in the cerebral cortex of freely moving mice. We define the spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte calcium changes during diverse behaviors, ranging from sleep-wake cycles to the exploration of novel objects, showing that their activity is more variable and less synchronous than apparent in head-immobilized imaging conditions. In accordance with their molecular diversity, individual astrocytes often exhibit distinct thresholds and activity patterns during explorative behaviors, allowing temporal encoding across the astrocyte network. Astrocyte calcium events were induced by noradrenergic and cholinergic systems and modulated by internal state. The distinct activity patterns exhibited by astrocytes provides a means to vary their neuromodulatory influence in different behavioral contexts and internal states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tian A Gau
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eric T Hsu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard J Cha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca W Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Loren L Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin U Kang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chalmers N, Masouti E, Beckervordersandforth R. Astrocytes in the adult dentate gyrus-balance between adult and developmental tasks. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:982-991. [PMID: 38177351 PMCID: PMC11176073 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02386-4] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, are indispensable for the integration, maintenance and survival of neurons during development and adulthood. Both life phases make specific demands on the molecular and physiological properties of astrocytes, and most research projects traditionally focus on either developmental or adult astrocyte functions. In most brain regions, the generation of brain cells and the establishment of neural circuits ends with postnatal development. However, few neurogenic niches exist in the adult brain in which new neurons and glial cells are produced lifelong, and the integration of new cells into functional circuits represent a very special form of plasticity. Consequently, in the neurogenic niche, the astrocytes must be equipped to execute both mature and developmental tasks in order to integrate newborn neurons into the circuit and yet maintain overall homeostasis without affecting the preexisting neurons. In this review, we focus on astrocytes of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and discuss specific features of the astrocytic compartment that may allow the execution of both tasks. Firstly, astrocytes of the adult DG are molecularly, morphologically and functionally diverse, and the distinct astrocytes subtypes are characterized by their localization to DG layers. This spatial separation may lead to a functional specification of astrocytes subtypes according to the neuronal structures they are embedded in, hence a division of labor. Secondly, the astrocytic compartment is not static, but steadily increasing in numbers due to lifelong astrogenesis. Interestingly, astrogenesis can adapt to environmental and behavioral stimuli, revealing an unexpected astrocyte dynamic that allows the niche to adopt to changing demands. The diversity and dynamic of astrocytes in the adult DG implicate a vital contribution to hippocampal plasticity and represent an interesting model to uncover mechanisms how astrocytes simultaneously fulfill developmental and adult tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Chalmers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evangelia Masouti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sharma K, Puranik N, Yadav D. Neural Stem Cell-based Regenerative Therapy: A New Approach to Diabetes Treatment. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:531-540. [PMID: 37183465 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230512121416] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disorder that occurs due to the loss, or impaired function of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells, which are of two types - type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D). To cure DM, the replacement of the destroyed pancreatic beta cells of islet of Langerhans is the most widely practiced treatment. For this, isolating neuronal stem cells and cultivating them as a source of renewable beta cells is a significant breakthrough in medicine. The functions, growth, and gene expression of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells and neurons are very similar in many ways. A diabetic patient's neural stem cells (obtained from the hippocampus and olfactory bulb) can be used as a replacement source of beta cells for regenerative therapy to treat diabetes. The same protocol used to create functional neurons from progenitor cells can be used to create beta cells. Recent research suggests that replacing lost pancreatic beta cells with autologous transplantation of insulin-producing neural progenitor cells may be a perfect therapeutic strategy for diabetes, allowing for a safe and normal restoration of function and a reduction in potential risks and a long-term cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Sharma
- School of Sciences in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, 474011, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Nidhi Puranik
- Department of Bio-logical Sciences, Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xie Y, Harwell CC, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte Development in the Rodent. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:51-67. [PMID: 39190071 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes have gained increasing recognition as key elements of a broad array of nervous system functions. These include essential roles in synapse formation and elimination, synaptic modulation, maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, energetic support, and neural repair after injury or disease of the nervous system. Nevertheless, our understanding of mechanisms underlying astrocyte development and maturation remains far behind that of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Early efforts to understand astrocyte development focused primarily on their specification from embryonic progenitors and the molecular mechanisms driving the switch from neuron to glial production. Considerably, less is known about postnatal stages of astrocyte development, the period during which they are predominantly generated and mature. Notably, this period is coincident with synapse formation and the emergence of nascent neural circuits. Thus, a greater understanding of astrocyte development is likely to shed new light on the formation and maturation of synapses and circuits. Here, we highlight key foundational principles of embryonic and postnatal astrocyte development, focusing largely on what is known from rodent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey C Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Denise R Garcia
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Markey KM, Saunders JC, Smuts J, von Reyn CR, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte development—More questions than answers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1063843. [PMID: 37051466 PMCID: PMC10083403 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1063843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The past 15–20 years has seen a remarkable shift in our understanding of astrocyte contributions to central nervous system (CNS) function. Astrocytes have emerged from the shadows of neuroscience and are now recognized as key elements in a broad array of CNS functions. Astrocytes comprise a substantial fraction of cells in the human CNS. Nevertheless, fundamental questions surrounding their basic biology remain poorly understood. While recent studies have revealed a diversity of essential roles in CNS function, from synapse formation and function to blood brain barrier maintenance, fundamental mechanisms of astrocyte development, including their expansion, migration, and maturation, remain to be elucidated. The coincident development of astrocytes and synapses highlights the need to better understand astrocyte development and will facilitate novel strategies for addressing neurodevelopmental and neurological dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of astrocyte development, focusing primarily on mammalian astrocytes and highlight outstanding questions that remain to be addressed. We also include an overview of Drosophila glial development, emphasizing astrocyte-like glia given their close anatomical and functional association with synapses. Drosophila offer an array of sophisticated molecular genetic tools and they remain a powerful model for elucidating fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms governing astrocyte development. Understanding the parallels and distinctions between astrocyte development in Drosophila and vertebrates will enable investigators to leverage the strengths of each model system to gain new insights into astrocyte function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Markey
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Jana Smuts
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Catherine R. von Reyn
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - A. Denise R. Garcia
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: A. Denise R. Garcia,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Costa G, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Muir EM, Vaz SH. Bridging the gap of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system: A state of the art review on central axonal regeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1003145. [PMID: 36440273 PMCID: PMC9682039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1003145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is an important field of research with relevance to all types of neuronal injuries, including neurodegenerative diseases. The glial scar is a result of the astrocyte response to CNS injury. It is made up of many components creating a complex environment in which astrocytes play various key roles. The glial scar is heterogeneous, diverse and its composition depends upon the injury type and location. The heterogeneity of the glial scar observed in different situations of CNS damage and the consequent implications for axon regeneration have not been reviewed in depth. The gap in this knowledge will be addressed in this review which will also focus on our current understanding of central axonal regeneration and the molecular mechanisms involved. The multifactorial context of CNS regeneration is discussed, and we review newly identified roles for components previously thought to solely play an inhibitory role in central regeneration: astrocytes and p75NTR and discuss their potential and relevance for deciding therapeutic interventions. The article ends with a comprehensive review of promising new therapeutic targets identified for axonal regeneration in CNS and a discussion of novel ways of looking at therapeutic interventions for several brain diseases and injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa F. Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elizabeth M. Muir
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Clavreul S, Dumas L, Loulier K. Astrocyte development in the cerebral cortex: Complexity of their origin, genesis, and maturation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:916055. [PMID: 36177355 PMCID: PMC9513187 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.916055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, astrocytes form a heterogeneous population at the morphological, molecular, functional, intra-, and inter-region levels. In the past, a few types of astrocytes have been first described based on their morphology and, thereafter, according to limited key molecular markers. With the advent of bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, the diversity of astrocytes is now progressively deciphered and its extent better appreciated. However, the origin of this diversity remains unresolved, even though many recent studies unraveled the specificities of astroglial development at both population and individual cell levels, particularly in the cerebral cortex. Despite the lack of specific markers for each astrocyte subtype, a better understanding of the cellular and molecular events underlying cortical astrocyte diversity is nevertheless within our reach thanks to the development of intersectional lineage tracing, microdissection, spatial mapping, and single-cell transcriptomic tools. Here we present a brief overview describing recent findings on the genesis and maturation of astrocytes and their key regulators during cerebral cortex development. All these studies have considerably advanced our knowledge of cortical astrogliogenesis, which relies on a more complex mode of development than their neuronal counterparts, that undeniably impact astrocyte diversity in the cerebral cortex.
Collapse
|