Dynamic changes of CD44 expression from progenitors to subpopulations of astrocytes and neurons in developing cerebellum

Expanded Phenotype of the Cln6nclf Mouse Model

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorders caused by mutations in 14 different genes. CLN6 disease manifests as variant late-infantile NCL (vLINCL) or as an adult variant. In childhood, symptoms include speech delay, vision loss, cognitive and motor decline, seizures, and early death. An in-depth characterization of a naturally occurring Cln6 mutant mouse (Cln6nclf) is presented, with implications for translational research. The expanded phenotype provides data showing early death, vision loss, and motor deficits in male and female Cln6nclf mice. Diminished visual acuity in Cln6nclf mice was noted at 28 weeks of age, but the pathological loss of retinal layers began as early as 2 weeks or postnatal day 14 (P14). Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL staining in the Cln6nclf mouse brain at P8 and in the retina at P12. A peak in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was established as a normal developmental phenomenon in the wild-type and Cln6nclf mouse brain cerebellum and the CA2-CA3 regions of the hippocampus at P8. In Cln6nclf mice, GFAP levels were elevated at P12 in the cerebellum and hippocampus. In the retina, a developmental peak in gliosis was absent, with increased astrogliosis noted at P6 and P8 in female and male Cln6nclf mice, respectively. This highlights the lack of a sex-dependent response in wild-type mice. These novel data position the Cln6nclf mouse model as a useful tool for screening potential therapeutics for human CLN6 disease.

Cancer stem cells in meningiomas: novel insights and therapeutic implications

Meningiomas (MGs), which arise from meningothelial cells of the dura mater, represent a significant proportion of primary tumours of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite advances in treatment, the management of malignant meningioma (MMG) remains challenging due to diagnostic, surgical, and resection limitations. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation within tumours capable of self-renewal and differentiation, are highlighted as key markers of tumour growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Identifying additional CSC-related markers enhances the precision of malignancy evaluations, enabling advancements in personalised medicine. The review discusses key CSC biomarkers that are associated with high levels of expression, aggressive tumour behaviour, and poor outcomes. Recent molecular research has identified CSC-related biomarkers, including Oct-4, Sox2, NANOG, and CD133, which help maintain cellular renewal, proliferation, and drug resistance in MGs. This study highlights new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient prognosis with more durable tumour regression. The use of combination therapies, such as hydroxyurea alongside diltiazem, suggests more efficient and effective MG management compared to monotherapy. Signalling pathways such as NOTCH and hedgehog also offer additional avenues for therapeutic development. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also been employed to create meningioma models, uncovering pathways related to cell growth and proliferation. Since the efficacy of traditional therapies is limited in most cases due to resistance mechanisms in CSCs, further studies on the biology of CSCs are warranted to develop therapeutic interventions that are likely to be effective in MG. Consequently, improved diagnostic approaches may lead to personalised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Defining neuronal responses to the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii

A select group of pathogens infect neurons in the brain. Prior dogma held that neurons were "defenseless" against infecting microbes, but many studies suggest that neurons can mount anti-microbial defenses. However, a knowledge gap in understanding how neurons respond in vitro and in vivo to different classes of micro-organisms remains. To address this gap, we compared a transcriptional dataset derived from primary neuron cultures (PNCs) infected with the neurotropic intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii with a dataset derived from neurons injected with T. gondii protein in vivo . These curated responses were then compared to the transcriptional responses of PNCs infected with the single stranded RNA viruses West Nile Virus (WNV) or Zika Virus (ZKV). These analyses highlighted a conserved response to infection associated with chemokines ( Cxcl10, Ccl2 ) and cytokines (interferon signaling). However, T. gondii had diminished IFN-α signaling in vitro compared to the viral datasets and was uniquely associated with a decrease in neuron-specific genes ( Snap25 , Slc17a7 , Prkcg ). These data underscore that neurons participate in infection-induced neuroinflammation and illustrate that neurons possess both pathogen-specific and pathogen-conserved responses.

Importance

Though neurons are commonly the target of pathogens that infect the CNS, few datasets assess the neuronal response to infection. This paucity of data is likely because neurons are perceived to have diminished immune capabilities. However, to understand the role of neurons in neuroinflammation and their immune capabilities, their responses must be investigated. Here we analyzed publicly accessible, neuron-specific datasets to compare neuron responses to a eukaryotic pathogen versus two Orthoflaviviruses. A better understanding of neuron responses to different infections will allow us to develop methods for inhibiting pathways that lead to neuron dysfunction, enhancing those that limit pathogen survival, and mitigating infection-induced damage to the CNS.

Dysregulation of REST and its target genes impacts the fate of neural progenitor cells in down syndrome

Increasing shreds of evidence suggest that neurogenic-to-gliogenic shift may be critical to the abnormal neurodevelopment observed in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). REST, the Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription factor, regulates the differentiation and development of neural cells. Downregulation of REST may lead to defects in post-differentiation neuronal morphology in the brain of the DS fetal. This study aims to elucidate the role of REST in DS-derived NPCs using bioinformatics analyses and laboratory validations. We identified and validated vital REST-targeted DEGs: CD44, TGFB1, FN1, ITGB1, and COL1A1. Interestingly, these genes are involved in neurogenesis and gliogenesis in DS-derived NPCs. Furthermore, we identified nuclear REST loss and the neuroblast marker, DCX, was downregulated in DS human trisomic induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived NPCs, whereas the glioblast marker, NFIA, was upregulated. Our findings indicate that the loss of REST is critical in the neurogenic-to-gliogenic shift observed in DS-derived NPCs. REST and its target genes may collectively regulate the NPC phenotype.

Protein expression of CD44 in patients with meningioma tumors: association with clinicopathological parameters and survival

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas are a molecularly ill-defined heterogeneous group of indolent intracranial tumors. Though, WHO grade 1 tumors are histologically benign, sometimes they transform into malignant and may be recurrent which remains always challenging to clinicians. Therefore, the current study sought to discover the clinical relevance of CD44 in meningioma patients.

METHOD

Protein expression of CD44 was investigated using immunohistochemistry in a total of 70 meningioma patients. Immunoscore performed using modified H-score, CD44 expression correlated with clinicopathological parameters and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis was analyzed. The data was evaluated using SPSS statistical software and P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

The membranous and cytoplasmic protein expression of CD44 was noted in meningioma tumors. Based on H-score, the weak (0-190 score) and strong (191-300 score) immunoreactivity was observed in 62.9% and 37.1% of patients, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between strong CD44 expression and WHO grade 2/3 tumors (χ2 = 33.551, r = + 0.692, P = 0.0001), and with the presence of brain invasion (χ2 = 19.521, r = + 0.528, P = 0.001). In Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis for PFS and OS, apart from WHO grade of tumors (PFS; log-rank = 12.309, P = 0.0001, OS; log-rank = 17.830, P = 0.0001) and brain invasion status (PFS; log-rank = 11.941, P = 0.001, OS; log-rank = 13.554, P = 0.0001) CD44 expression (PFS; log-rank = 14.942, P = 0.0001, OS; log-rank = 20.986, P = 0.0001) remained significant prognostic factor for PFS and OS. In multivariate survival analysis, at step 1, only CD44 remained independent prognosticator for PFS (HR = 11.014, 95% CI = 2.256-23.602, P = 0.001) and OS (HR = 8.553, 95% CI = 2.831-25.847, P = 0.0001). In relation to treatment offered, patients with strong CD44 expression and if treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy showed a high incidence of death (log-rank = 13.402, P = 0.0001) as compared to patients treated with surgery only. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves also confirmed a good efficacy of CD44 as a prognosticator for disease outcome (PFS; P = 0.0001, OS; P = 0001).

CONCLUSION

Our overall findings addressed that a study of CD44 protein expression would be beneficiated to meningioma patients from unnecessary overtreatment and drug-induced toxicity. Also, CD44 could be one of the promising biomarkers that might differentiate high-risk meningioma patients for better treatment management.

Efficient derivation of functional astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)

Astrocytes are specialized glial cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) with remarkably high abundance, morphological and functional diversity. Astrocytes maintain neural metabolic support, synapse regulation, blood-brain barrier integrity and immunological homeostasis through intricate interactions with other cells, including neurons, microglia, pericytes and lymphocytes. Due to their extensive intercellular crosstalks, astrocytes are also implicated in the pathogenesis of CNS disorders, such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Despite the critical importance of astrocytes in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation are recognized, the lack of suitable in vitro systems limits their availability for modeling human brain pathologies. Here, we report the time-efficient, reproducible generation of astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Our hiPSC-derived astrocytes expressed characteristic astrocyte markers, such as GFAP, S100b, ALDH1L1 and AQP4. Furthermore, hiPSC-derived astrocytes displayed spontaneous calcium transients and responded to inflammatory stimuli by the secretion of type A1 and type A2 astrocyte-related cytokines.

Cytoplasmic vacuolization and ectopic formation of perineuronal nets are characteristic pathologies of cytomegalic neurons in tuberous sclerosis

Cytomegalic neurons, characterized by increased size and a hyperactive mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), are pathognomonic for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). To model these neurons, we recently generated a murine Tsc1 conditional knockout model in which Tsc1 deletion in late embryonic radial glia results in neuronal hypertrophy of a subset of isocortical pyramidal neurons. In the current study, we compared the cellular pathology of these cytomegalic neurons to those of the enlarged neurons in human cortical tubers. Neurons from the mice showed unique features, such as cytoplasmic vacuoles associated with Golgi complexes and the ectopic formation of perineuronal nets (PNNs), a feature of inhibitory neurons, rarely present in excitatory cortical neurons. The membranes of these vacuoles were enriched for the plasma membrane proteins CD44, KCC2, and Na+/K+ ATPase, suggesting deficits in Golgi membrane trafficking. These aberrant features in the mouse appeared only after the onset of seizures, probably due to the prolonged seizure activity in the context of constitutive mTORC1 activation. Similar PNNs and cytoplasmic vacuoles were present in the cytomegalic neurons of human cortical tubers. Our findings reveal novel pathological features of Golgi complexes and PNNs in the cytomegalic neurons in TSC.

Potential protein biomarkers in saliva for detection of frailty syndrome by targeted proteomics

Frailty is a physiological geriatric syndrome, caused by immunosenescence, inflammation and alterations at the protein level leading to metabolic and microbiota changes. Currently, this syndrome is evaluated clinically with the Frailty-VIG index. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the potential suitability of saliva as a non-invasive proximal biological fluid for the characterisation and identification of possible protein-level biomarkers in frailty syndrome. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural population of older Spanish adults using the SMR proteomics technique. A differential protein profile of eight potential and surrogate proteins (CYTC, CYTD, CYTS, CYTB, MIF, ALBU, CD44 and B2MG) was detected in saliva, all of which correlated with factors characterising frailty syndrome, such as vascular ageing (arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease), obesity, mood problems, global cognitive impairment, changes in gait and hand pressure strength. The proteins CYTD (r = 0.415, p = 0.013) and CYTC (r = 0.280, p = 0.026), which were detected differentially in the protein profile, were associated with the Frailty-VIG index. All analysed proteins are associated not only with the clinical symptoms of frailty syndrome, but also with an acute inflammatory response, endothelial cell proliferation and the complement system, among others.

Derivatization of Hyaluronan to Target Neuroblastoma and Neuroglioma Expressing CD44

Therapeutics for actively targeting over-expressed receptors are of great interest because the majority of diseased tissues originate from normal cells and do not possess a unique receptor from which they can be differentiated. One such receptor is CD44, which has been shown to be highly overexpressed in many breast cancers and other types of cancer cells. While CD44 has been documented to express low levels in normal adult neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, this receptor may be overexpressed by neuroblastoma and neuroglioma. If differential expression exists between normal and cancerous cells, hyaluronan (HA) could be a useful carrier that targets carcinomas. Thus, HA was conjugated with resveratrol (HA-R), and its efficacy was tested on cortical-neuroblastoma hybrid, neuroblastoma, and neuroglioma cells. Confocal and flow cytometry showed these cells express CD44 and are able to bind and uptake HA-R. The toxicity of HA-R correlated well with CD44 expression in this study. Therefore, conjugating resveratrol and other chemotherapeutics to HA could minimize the side effects for normal cells within the brain and nervous system and could be a viable strategy for developing targeted therapies.

SRGN amplifies microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and exacerbates ischemic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Microglia is the major contributor of post-stroke neuroinflammation cascade and the crucial cellular target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Currently, the endogenous mechanism underlying microglial activation following ischemic stroke remains elusive. Serglycin (SRGN) is a proteoglycan expressed in immune cells. Up to now, the role of SRGN on microglial activation and ischemic stroke is largely unexplored.

METHODS

Srgn knockout (KO), Cd44-KO and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to mimic ischemic stroke. Exogenous SRGN supplementation was achieved by stereotactic injection of recombinant mouse SRGN (rSRGN). Cerebral infarction was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Neurological functions were evaluated by the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and grip strength. Microglial activation was detected by Iba1 immunostaining, morphological analysis and cytokines' production. Neuronal death was examined by MAP2 immunostaining and FJB staining.

RESULTS

The expression of SRGN and its receptor CD44 was significantly elevated in the ischemic mouse brains, especially in microglia. In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced SRGN upregulation in microglia in vitro. rSRGN worsened ischemic brain injury in mice and amplified post-stroke neuroinflammation, while gene knockout of Srgn exerted reverse impacts. rSRGN promoted microglial proinflammatory activation both in vivo and in vitro, whereas Srgn-deficiency alleviated microglia-mediated inflammatory response. Moreover, the genetic deletion of Cd44 partially rescued rSRGN-induced excessed neuroinflammation and ischemic brain injury in mice. Mechanistically, SRGN boosted the activation of NF-κB signal, and increased glycolysis in microglia.

CONCLUSION

SRGN acts as a novel therapeutic target in microglia-boosted proinflammatory response following ischemic stroke.

Extracellular matrix-induced signaling pathways in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial component of the stem cell microenvironment, or stem-cell niches, and contributes to the regulation of cell behavior and fate. Accumulating evidence indicates that different types of stem cells possess a large variety of molecules responsible for interactions with the ECM, mediating specific epigenetic rearrangements and corresponding changes in transcriptome profile. Signals from the ECM are crucial at all stages of ontogenesis, including embryonic and postnatal development, as well as tissue renewal and repair. The ECM could regulate stem cell transition from a quiescent state to readiness to perceive the signals of differentiation induction (competence) and the transition between different stages of differentiation (commitment). Currently, to unveil the complex networks of cellular signaling from the ECM, multiple approaches including screening methods, the analysis of the cell matrixome, and the creation of predictive networks of protein-protein interactions based on experimental data are used. In this review, we consider the existing evidence regarded the contribution of ECM-induced intracellular signaling pathways into the regulation of stem cell differentiation focusing on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as well-studied type of postnatal stem cells totally depended on signals from ECM. Furthermore, we propose a system biology-based approach for the prediction of ECM-mediated signal transduction pathways in target cells. Video Abstract.

Two different isoforms of osteopontin modulate myelination and axonal integrity

Abnormal myelination underlies the pathology of white matter diseases such as preterm white matter injury and multiple sclerosis. Osteopontin (OPN) has been suggested to play a role in myelination. Murine OPN mRNA is translated into a secreted isoform (sOPN) or an intracellular isoform (iOPN). Whether there is an isoform-specific involvement of OPN in myelination is unknown. Here we generated mouse models that either lacked both OPN isoforms in all cells (OPN-KO) or lacked sOPN systemically but expressed iOPN specifically in oligodendrocytes (OLs-iOPN-KI). Transcriptome analysis of isolated oligodendrocytes from the neonatal brain showed that genes and pathways related to increase of myelination and altered cell cycle control were enriched in the absence of the two OPN isoforms in OPN-KO mice compared to control mice. Accordingly, adult OPN-KO mice showed an increased axonal myelination, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy imaging, and increased expression of myelin-related proteins. In contrast, neonatal oligodendrocytes from OLs-iOPN-KI mice compared to control mice showed differential regulation of genes and pathways related to the increase of cell adhesion, motility, and vasculature development, and the decrease of axonal/neuronal development. OLs-iOPN-KI mice showed abnormal myelin formation in the early phase of myelination in young mice and signs of axonal degeneration in adulthood. These results suggest an OPN isoform-specific involvement, and a possible interplay between the isoforms, in myelination, and axonal integrity. Thus, the two isoforms of OPN need to be separately considered in therapeutic strategies targeting OPN in white matter injury and diseases.

Astrocytic CD44 Deficiency Reduces the Severity of Kainate-Induced Epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, yet we still lack a successful treatment for all epileptic patients. Most of the available drugs modulate neuronal activity. Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, may constitute alternative drug targets. A robust expansion of astrocytic cell bodies and processes occurs after seizures. Highly expressed in astrocytes, CD44 adhesion protein is upregulated during injury and is suggested to be one of the most important proteins associated with epilepsy. It connects the astrocytic cytoskeleton to hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix, influencing both structural and functional aspects of brain plasticity.

METHODS

Herein, we used transgenic mice with an astrocyte CD44 knockout to evaluate the impact of the hippocampal CD44 absence on the development of epileptogenesis and ultrastructural changes at the tripartite synapse.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that local, virally-induced CD44 deficiency in hippocampal astrocytes reduces reactive astrogliosis and decreases the progression of kainic acid-induced epileptogenesis. We also observed that CD44 deficiency resulted in structural changes evident in a higher dendritic spine number along with a lower percentage of astrocyte-synapse contacts, and decreased post-synaptic density size in the hippocampal molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study indicates that CD44 signaling may be important for astrocytic coverage of synapses in the hippocampus and that alterations of astrocytes translate to functional changes in the pathology of epilepsy.

Neuropathology of classic myotonic dystrophy type 1 is characterized by both early initiation of primary age-related tauopathy of the hippocampus and unique 3-repeat tauopathy of the brainstem

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited autosomal-dominant condition that induces altered splicing of transcripts, including MAPT, leading to a distinctive abnormal deposition of tau protein in the CNS. We characterized the tau isoforms of abnormal depositions in the brains of 4 patients with classic DM1 by immunohistochemistry using isoform-specific antibodies. All patients, including those of presenile age, showed numerous neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of both 3-repeat and 4-repeat tau in the limbic area and mild involvement in the cerebral cortex. Amyloid-β deposition was only seen in 1 senile case while cortical tauopathy in all other cases was consistent with primary age-related tauopathy (PART). In the putamen and globus pallidus, only a few tau deposits were observed. Tau deposits in the brainstem frequently showed a DM1-specific pattern with 3-repeat tau dominant NFTs. Additionally, tau-positive astrocytes morphologically similar to tufted astrocytes and astrocytic plaques were occasionally observed in the brainstem; however, they were predominantly composed of 3-repeat tau. Thus, the classic DM1 showed both early onset of PART-like pathology in the limbic areas as a progeroid syndrome of DM1 and an abnormal splicing event in the brainstem leading to 3-repeat tau dominant accumulation with both neuronal and astrocytic involvement.

Novel evaluation of the expression patterns CD44 and MMP9 proteins in intracranial meningiomas and their relationship to the overall survival

Background

Meningiomas are common primary brain neoplasms. CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein receptor that is involved in matrix-mediated cell signaling and cell–matrix adhesion. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays important role in angiogenesis and tumor invasion. The expression of CD44 protein membranous and cytoplasmic (CD44M and CD44C) has been reported in several tumors (such as lobular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, sinonasal melanoma, and lymphoma) except CNS tumors.

Methods

This study addressed the expression of CD44M and CD44C and MMP9 proteins in intracranial meningiomas and their relationship to overall survival. The expression patterns of CD44M&C and MMP-9 proteins were examined in 32 cases of benign meningiomas, 12 cases of atypical meningiomas, and 6 cases of anaplastic meningiomas using immunohistochemical staining methods.

Results

There was more evidence of CD44M expression in atypical and anaplastic meningioma (p =  < 0.001). Interestingly, Spearman correlation analyses revealed significant positive correlation between CD44M and MMP9 protein (r = 0.572, p =  < 0.001) in spite of the negative correlation between MMP9 and CD44 score (r = − 0.035 p = 0.405). There was a significant association between Ki67 protein expression and the grade of meningiomas (p < 0.001) and gender (p = 0.026). There was a significant correlation between overall survival (OS) and age, gender, tumor grade, and Ki-67.

Conclusions

Extensive CD44M expression in high-grade meningioma may reflect a tendency toward more invasive power of meningioma cells into surrounding structures (dura, bone, and brain).CD44M/MMP-9 axis presented by this study is open for future investigations.

Astrocyte Activation Markers

Astrocytes are the most common type of glial cells that provide homeostasis and protection of the central nervous system. Important specific characteristic of astrocytes is manifestation of morphological heterogeneity, which is directly dependent on localization in a particular area of the brain. Astrocytes can integrate into neural networks and keep neurons active in various areas of the brain. Moreover, astrocytes express a variety of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters, which underlie their peculiar metabolic activity, and, hence, determine plasticity of the central nervous system during development and aging. Such complex structural and functional organization of astrocytes requires the use of modern methods for their identification and analysis. Considering the important fact that determining the most appropriate marker for polymorphic and multiple subgroups of astrocytes is of decisive importance for studying their multifunctionality, this review presents markers, modern imaging techniques, and identification of astrocytes, which comprise a valuable resource for studying structural and functional properties of astrocytes, as well as facilitate better understanding of the extent to which astrocytes contribute to neuronal activity.

CD44 In Sarcomas: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives

It is widely accepted that the tumor microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix, plays an essential role in the development of tumors through the interaction with specific protein-membrane receptors. One of the most relevant proteins in this context is the transmembrane protein CD44. The role of CD44 in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis has been well established in many cancers, although a comprehensive review concerning its role in sarcomas has not been published. CD44 is overexpressed in most sarcomas and several in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown a direct effect on tumor progression, dissemination, and drug resistance. Moreover, CD44 has been revealed as a useful marker for prognostic and diagnostic (CD44v6 isoform) in osteosarcoma. Besides, some innovative treatments such as HA-functionalized liposomes therapy have become an excellent CD44-mediated intracellular delivery system for osteosarcoma. Unfortunately, the reduced number of studies deciphering the prognostic/diagnostic value of CD44 in other sarcoma subgroups, neither than osteosarcoma, in addition to the low number of patients involved in those studies, have produced inconclusive results. In this review, we have gone through the information available on the role of CD44 in the development, maintenance, and progression of sarcomas, analyzing their implications at the prognostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic levels. Moreover, we illustrate how research involving the specific role of CD44 in the different sarcoma subgroups could suppose a chance to advance towards a more innovative perspective for novel therapies and future clinical trials.

TNF-α up-regulates Nanog by activating NF-κB pathway to induce primary rat spinal cord astrocytes dedifferentiation

AIMS

Astrocytes re-acquire stem cell potential upon inflammation, thereby becoming a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine. Nanog is an essential transcription factor to maintain the characteristics of stem cells. We aimed to investigate the role of Nanog in astrocyte dedifferentiation.

MAIN METHODS

TNF-α was used to induce the dedifferentiation of primary rat spinal cord astrocytes. The expression of immature markers CD44 and Musashi-1 was detected by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The Nanog gene is knocked down by small interference RNA. Nanog expression was measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. BAY 11-7082 was used to suppress NF-κB signals in astrocytes. NF-κB signaling was evaluated by Western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that TNF-α promoted the re-expression of CD44 and Musashi-1 in astrocytes. Dedifferentiated astrocytes could be induced to differentiate into oligodendrocyte lineage cells indicating that the astrocytes had pluripotency. In addition, TNF-α treatment activated NF-κB signaling pathway and up-regulated Nanog. Knockdown of Nanog reversed the increase of CD44 and Musashi-1 induced by TNF-α without affecting the activation of NF-κB signaling. Importantly, blocking NF-κB signaling by BAY 11-7082 inhibited the expression of immature markers suggesting that TNF-α induces dedifferentiation of astrocytes through the NF-κB signaling pathway. BAY 11-7082 could also inhibit the expression of Nanog, which indicated that Nanog was regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings indicate that activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway through TNF-α leads to astrocytes dedifferentiation via Nanog. These results expand our understanding of the mechanism of astrocytes dedifferentiation.

Microglia control glutamatergic synapses in the adult mouse hippocampus

Microglia cells are active players in regulating synaptic development and plasticity in the brain. However, how they influence the normal functioning of synapses is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the effects of pharmacological microglia depletion, achieved by administration of PLX5622, on hippocampal CA3‐CA1 synapses of adult wild type mice. Following microglial depletion, we observed a reduction of spontaneous and evoked glutamatergic activity associated with a decrease of dendritic spine density. We also observed the appearance of immature synaptic features and higher levels of plasticity. Microglia depleted mice showed a deficit in the acquisition of the Novel Object Recognition task. These events were accompanied by hippocampal astrogliosis, although in the absence ofneuroinflammatory condition. PLX‐induced synaptic changes were absent in Cx3cr1^−/− mice, highlighting the role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in microglia control of synaptic functioning. Remarkably, microglia repopulation after PLX5622 withdrawal was associated with the recovery of hippocampal synapses and learning functions. Altogether, these data demonstrate that microglia contribute to normal synaptic functioning in the adult brain and that their removal induces reversible changes in organization and activity of glutamatergic synapses.

Deletion of Jdp2 enhances Slc7a11 expression in Atoh-1 positive cerebellum granule cell progenitors in vivo

Background

The cerebellum is the sensitive region of the brain to developmental abnormalities related to the effects of oxidative stresses. Abnormal cerebellar lobe formation, found in Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2)-knockout (KO) mice, is related to increased antioxidant formation and a reduction in apoptotic cell death in granule cell progenitors (GCPs). Here, we aim that Jdp2 plays a critical role of cerebellar development which is affected by the ROS regulation and redox control.

Objective

Jdp2-promoter-Cre transgenic mouse displayed a positive signal in the cerebellum, especially within granule cells. Jdp2-KO mice exhibited impaired development of the cerebellum compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The antioxidation controlled gene, such as cystine-glutamate transporter Slc7a11, might be critical to regulate the redox homeostasis and the development of the cerebellum.

Methods

We generated the Jdp2-promoter-Cre mice and Jdp2-KO mice to examine the levels of Slc7a11, ROS levels and the expressions of antioxidation related genes were examined in the mouse cerebellum using the immunohistochemistry.

Results

The cerebellum of Jdp2-KO mice displayed expression of the cystine-glutamate transporter Slc7a11, within the internal granule layer at postnatal day 6; in contrast, the WT cerebellum mainly displayed Sla7a11 expression in the external granule layer. Moreover, development of the cerebellar lobes in Jdp2-KO mice was altered compared with WT mice. Expression of Slc7a11, Nrf2, and p21^Cip1 was higher in the cerebellum of Jdp2-KO mice than in WT mice.

Conclusion

Jdp2 is a critical regulator of Slc7a11 transporter during the antioxidation response, which might control the growth, apoptosis, and differentiation of GCPs in the cerebellar lobes. These observations are consistent with our previous study in vitro.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02424-4.

The role of hyaluronan in myelination and remyelination after white matter injury

Hyaluronan is one of the major components of the neural extracellular matrix (ECM) and provides structural support in physiological conditions. Altered hyaluronan regulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter injury (WMI), such as perinatal WMI, multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early research reported diverse central nervous system (CNS) insults led to accumulated high-molecular-weight (HMW) hyaluronan in hypomyelinating/demyelinating lesions. Furthermore, recent findings have shown an elevated production of hyaluronan fragments in WMI, possibly resulting from HMW hyaluronan degradation. Subsequent in vitro studies identified bioactive hyaluronan fragments with a specific molecular weight (around 2x10⁵ Da) regulating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) maturation and myelination/remyelination in WMI. However, it is unclear about the effective hyaluronidases in generating bioactive hyaluronan fragments. Several hyaluronidases are proposed recently. Although PH20 is shown to block OPCs maturation by generating bioactive hyaluronan fragments in vitro, it seems unlikely to play a primary role in WMI with negligible expression levels in vivo. The role of other hyaluronidases on OPCs maturation and myelination/remyelination is still unknown. Other than hyaluronidases, CD44 and Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) are also implicated in HMW hyaluronan degradation in WMI. Moreover, recent studies elucidated bioactive hyaluronan fragments interact with TLR4, initiating signaling cascades to mediate myelin basic protein (MBP) transcription. Identifying key factors in hyaluronan actions may provide novel therapeutic targets to promote OPCs maturation and myelination/remyelination in WMI.

NF-κB and TNF Affect the Astrocytic Differentiation from Neural Stem Cells

The NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial during development and inflammatory processes. We have previously shown that NF-κB activation induces dedifferentiation of astrocytes into neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Here, we provide evidence  that the NF-κB pathway plays also a fundamental role during the differentiation of NPCs into astrocytes. First, we show that the NF-κB pathway is essential to initiate astrocytic differentiation as its early inhibition induces NPC apoptosis and impedes their differentiation. Second, we demonstrate that persistent NF-κB activation affects NPC-derived astrocyte differentiation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-treated NPCs show NF-κB activation, maintain their multipotential and proliferation properties, display persistent expression of immature markers and inhibit astrocyte markers. Third, we analyze the effect of  NF-κB activation on the main known astrocytic differentiation pathways, such as NOTCH and JAK-STAT. Our findings suggest that the NF-κB pathway plays a dual fundamental role during NPC differentiation into astrocytes: it promotes astrocyte specification, but its persistent activation impedes their differentiation.

Molecular similarity between the mechanisms of epithelial fusion and fetal wound healing during the closure of the caudal neural tube in mouse embryos

BACKGROUND

Neural tube (NT) closure is a complex developmental process that takes place in the early stages of embryogenesis and that is a key step in neurulation. In mammals, the process by which the neural plate generates the NT requires organized cell movements and tissue folding, and it terminates with the fusion of the apposed ends of the neural folds.

RESULTS

Here we describe how almost identical cellular and molecular machinery is used to fuse the spinal neural folds as that involved in the repair of epithelial injury in the same area of the embryo. For both natural and wound activated closure of caudal neural tissue, hyaluronic acid and platelet-derived growth factor signaling appear to be crucial for the final fusion step.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be no general wound healing machinery for all tissues but rather, a tissue-specific epithelial fusion machinery that embryos activate when necessary after abnormal epithelial opening.

Neuregulin-1 converts reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells via upregulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway to repair spinal cord injury

Axonal demyelination is a consistent pathological characteristic of Spinal cord injury (SCI). Promoting differentiation of oligodendrocytes is of importance for remyelination. Conversion of reactive astrocytes with stem cell potential to oligodendrocytes is proposed as an innovative strategy for SCI repair. Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) plays an essential role in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Therefore, it's a potential treatment for demyelination in SCI that using Nrg1 to drive reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells. In this study, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was used to induce dedifferentiation of primary rat spinal cord astrocytes into reactive astrocytes and Nrg1 was used to induce astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that astrocytes treated with TNF-α expressed immaturity markers CD44 and Musashi1 at mRNA and protein levels, indicating that TNF-α induced the stem cell state of astrocytes. Nrg1 induced reactive astrocytes to express oligodendrocyte markers PDGFR-α and O4 at mRNA and protein levels, indicating that Nrg1 directly converts reactive astrocytes toward oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Moreover, upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling activation in response to Nrg1 was observed. In rats with SCI, intrathecal treatment with Nrg1 converted reactive astrocytes to oligodendrocyte lineage cells, inhibited astrogliosis, promoted remyelination, protected axons and eventually improved BBB score. All the biological effects of Nrg1 were significantly reversed by the co-administration of Nrg1 and ErbB inhibitor, suggesting that Nrg1 functioned through the receptor ErbB. Our findings indicate that Nrg1 is sufficient to trans-differentiate reactive astrocytes to oligodendrocytes via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and repair SCI. Delivery of Nrg1 for the remyelination processes could be a promising strategy for spinal cord repair.

Novel C1q receptor-mediated signaling controls neural stem cell behavior and neurorepair

C1q plays a key role as a recognition molecule in the immune system, driving autocatalytic complement cascade activation and acting as an opsonin. We have previously reported a non-immune role of complement C1q modulating the migration and fate of human neural stem cells (hNSC); however, the mechanism underlying these effects has not yet been identified. Here, we show for the first time that C1q acts as a functional hNSC ligand, inducing intracellular signaling to control cell behavior. Using an unbiased screening strategy, we identified five transmembrane C1q signaling/receptor candidates in hNSC (CD44, GPR62, BAI1, c-MET, and ADCY5). We further investigated the interaction between C1q and CD44 , demonstrating that CD44 mediates C1q induced hNSC signaling and chemotaxis in vitro, and hNSC migration and functional repair in vivo after spinal cord injury. These results reveal a receptor-mediated mechanism for C1q modulation of NSC behavior and show that modification of C1q receptor expression can expand the therapeutic window for hNSC transplantation.

Diverse Roles for Hyaluronan and Hyaluronan Receptors in the Developing and Adult Nervous System

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a vital role in the extracellular matrix of neural tissues. Originally thought to hydrate tissues and provide mechanical support, it is now clear that HA is also a complex signaling molecule that can regulate cell processes in the developing and adult nervous systems. Signaling properties are determined by molecular weight, bound proteins, and signal transduction through specific receptors. HA signaling regulates processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and process extension in a variety of cell types including neural stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte progenitors. The synthesis and catabolism of HA and the expression of HA receptors are altered in disease and influence neuroinflammation and disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the roles of HA, its synthesis and breakdown, as well as receptor expression in neurodevelopment, nervous system function and disease.

Effects of advanced age upon astrocyte-specific responses to acute traumatic brain injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Older-age individuals are at the highest risk for disability from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Astrocytes are the most numerous glia in the brain, necessary for brain function, yet there is little known about unique responses of astrocytes in the aged-brain following TBI.

METHODS

Our approach examined astrocytes in young adult, 4-month-old, versus aged, 18-month-old mice, at 1, 3, and 7 days post-TBI. We selected these time points to span the critical period in the transition from acute injury to presumably irreversible tissue damage and disability. Two approaches were used to define the astrocyte contribution to TBI by age interaction: (1) tissue histology and morphological phenotyping, and (2) transcriptomics on enriched astrocytes from the injured brain.

RESULTS

Aging was found to have a profound effect on the TBI-induced loss of astrocyte function needed for maintaining water transport and edema-namely, aquaporin-4. The aged brain also demonstrated a progressive exacerbation of astrogliosis as a function of time after injury. Moreover, clasmatodendrosis, an underrecognized astrogliopathy, was found to be significantly increased in the aged brain, but not in the young brain. As a function of TBI, we observed a transitory refraction in the number of these astrocytes, which rebounded by 7 days post-injury in the aged brain. Transcriptomic data demonstrated disproportionate changes in genes attributed to reactive astrocytes, inflammatory response, complement pathway, and synaptic support in aged mice following TBI compared to young mice. Additionally, our data highlight that TBI did not evoke a clear alignment with the previously defined "A1/A2" dichotomy of reactive astrogliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings point toward a progressive phenotype of aged astrocytes following TBI that we hypothesize to be maladaptive, shedding new insights into potentially modifiable astrocyte-specific mechanisms that may underlie increased fragility of the aged brain to trauma.

Jdp2-deficient granule cell progenitors in the cerebellum are resistant to ROS-mediated apoptosis through xCT/Slc7a11 activation

The Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) is expressed predominantly in granule cell progenitors (GCPs) in the cerebellum, as was shown in Jdp2-promoter-Cre transgenic mice. Cerebellum of Jdp2-knockout (KO) mice contains lower number of Atoh-1 positive GCPs than WT. Primary cultures of GCPs from Jdp2-KO mice at postnatal day 5 were more resistant to apoptosis than GCPs from wild-type mice. In Jdp2-KO GCPs, the levels of both the glutamate‒cystine exchanger Sc7a11 and glutathione were increased; by contrast, the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was decreased; these changes confer resistance to ROS-mediated apoptosis. In the absence of Jdp2, a complex of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21^Cip1) and Nrf2 bound to antioxidant response elements of the Slc7a11 promoter and provide redox control to block ROS-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that an interplay between Jdp2, Nrf2, and p21^Cip1 regulates the GCP apoptosis, which is one of critical events for normal development of the cerebellum.

CD44 expression in stem cells and niche microglia/macrophages following ischemic stroke

Background

CD44, an adhesion molecule in the hyaluronate receptor family, plays diverse and important roles in multiple cell types and organs. Increasing evidence is mounting for CD44 expression in various types of stem cells and niche cells surrounding stem cells. However, the precise phenotypes of CD44⁺ cells in the brain under pathologic conditions, such as after ischemic stroke, remain unclear.

Methods

In the present study, using a mouse model for cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, we examined the localization and traits of CD44⁺ cells.

Results

In sham-mice operations, CD44 was rarely observed in the cortex of MCA regions. Following ischemic stroke, CD44⁺ cells emerged in ischemic areas of the MCA cortex during the acute phase. Although CD44 at ischemic areas was, in part, expressed in stem cells, it was also expressed in hematopoietic lineages, including activated microglia/macrophages, surrounding the stem cells. CD44 expression in microglia/macrophages persisted through the chronic phase following ischemic stroke.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that CD44 is expressed in stem cells and cells in the niches surrounding them, including inflammatory cells, suggesting that CD44 may play an important role in reparative processes within ischemic areas under neuroinflammatory conditions; in particular, strokes.

Cost-Effective Cosmetic-Grade Hyaluronan Hydrogels for ReNcell VM Human Neural Stem Cell Culture

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide polymer frequently used as a starting material to fabricate hydrogels, especially for recapitulating the brain's extracellular matrix (ECM) for in vitro neural stem cell (NSC) cultures. Here, we report the successful synthesis of a methacrylated HA (MeHA) polymer from an inexpensive cosmetic-grade hyaluronan starting material. The MeHA polymers synthesized from cosmetic-grade HA yielded similar chemical purity to those from pharmaceutical/research-grade HA reported in the literature. Crosslinked MeHA (x-MeHA) hydrogels were formed using radical polymerization which resulted in mechanical properties matching previously reported mechanical property ranges for enhanced neuronal differentiation of NSCs. We assessed cellular adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and stiffness-dependent neuronal differentiation properties of ReNcell VM human neural stem cells (hNSCs) and compared our results to studies reported in the literature (that utilized non-human and human pluripotent cell-derived NSCs).

Targeting Antitumoral Proteins to Breast Cancer by Local Administration of Functional Inclusion Bodies

Two structurally and functionally unrelated proteins, namely Omomyc and p31, are engineered as CD44-targeted inclusion bodies produced in recombinant bacteria. In this unusual particulate form, both types of protein materials selectively penetrate and kill CD44+ tumor cells in culture, and upon local administration, promote destruction of tumoral tissue in orthotropic mouse models of human breast cancer. These findings support the concept of bacterial inclusion bodies as versatile protein materials suitable for application in chronic diseases that, like cancer, can benefit from a local slow release of therapeutic proteins.

Genetic variant in SLC1A2 is associated with elevated anterior cingulate cortex glutamate and lifetime history of rapid cycling

Glutamatergic dysregulation is implicated in the neurobiology of mood disorders. This study investigated the relationship between the anterior cingulate cortex (AC) glutamate, as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from four genes (GLUL, SLC1A3, SLC1A2, and SLC1A7) that regulate the extracellular glutamate in 26 depressed patients with major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 15) and bipolar disorder (BD; n = 11). Two SNPs (rs3812778 and rs3829280), in perfect linkage disequilibrium, in the 3' untranslated region of the EAAT2 gene SLC1A2, were associated with AC glutamate, with minor allele carriers having significantly higher glutamate levels (p < 0.001) in comparison with common allele homozygotes. In silico analysis revealed an association of minor allele carriers of rs3812778/rs382920 with an upregulation of the astrocytic marker CD44 localized downstream of SLC1A2 on chromosome 11. Finally, we tested the disease relevance of these SNPs in a large group of depressed patients [MDD (n = 458); BD (n = 1473)] and found that minor allele carriers had a significantly higher risk for rapid cycling (p = 0.006). Further work is encouraged to delineate the functional impact of excitatory amino acid transporter genetic variation on CD44 associated physiology and glutamatergic neurotransmission, specifically glutamate-glutamine cycling, and its contribution to subphenotypes of mood disorders.

Peptide-modified, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels as a 3D culture platform for neural stem/progenitor cell engineering

Neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC)-based therapies have shown exciting potential for regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) and NS/PC cultures represent an important resource for disease modeling and drug screening. However, significant challenges limiting clinical translation remain, such as generating large numbers of cells required for model cultures or transplantation, maintaining physiologically representative phenotypes ex vivo and directing NS/PC differentiation into specific fates. Here, we report that culture of human NS/PCs in 3D, hyaluronic acid (HA)-rich biomaterial microenvironments increased differentiation toward oligodendrocytes and neurons over 2D cultures on laminin-coated glass. Moreover, NS/PCs in 3D culture exhibited a significant reduction in differentiation into reactive astrocytes. Many NS/PC-derived neurons in 3D, HA-based hydrogels expressed synaptophysin, indicating synapse formation, and displayed electrophysiological characteristics of immature neurons. While inclusion of integrin-binding, RGD peptides into hydrogels resulted in a modest increase in numbers of viable NS/PCs, no combination of laminin-derived, adhesive peptides affected differentiation outcomes. Notably, 3D cultures of differentiating NS/PCs were maintained for at least 70 days in medium with minimal growth factor supplementation. In sum, results demonstrate the use of 3D, HA-based biomaterials for long-term expansion and differentiation of NS/PCs toward oligodendroglial and neuronal fates, while inhibiting astroglial fates. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 704-718, 2019.

Tumour stem cells in schwannoma: A review

Schwannoma is a peripheral nerve tumour, accounting for 5% of benign soft tissue tumours, with vestibular schwannoma comprising 6% of all intracranial tumours. The tumour stem cell concept is rapidly gaining traction underscoring the understanding of tumourigenesis. It proposes a small subpopulation of primitive cells as the origin of the tumour and these cells account for treatment resistance, local recurrence and distant metastasis in malignant tumours. This review outlines the stem cell markers used to identify and characterise stem cells and progenitor cells in tumours and examines current evidence of the presence of tumour stem cells in schwannoma.

Neural stem cell differentiation into mature neurons: Mechanisms of regulation and biotechnological applications

The abilities of stem cells to self-renew and form different mature cells expand the possibilities of applications in cell-based therapies such as tissue recomposition in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to stem cells found in the embryo, various adult organs and tissues have niches of stem cells in an undifferentiated state. In the central nervous system of adult mammals, neurogenesis occurs in two regions: the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. The generation of the different neural lines originates in adult neural stem cells that can self-renew or differentiate into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or neurons in response to specific stimuli. The regulation of the fate of neural stem cells is a finely controlled process relying on a complex regulatory network that extends from the epigenetic to the translational level and involves extracellular matrix components. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying how the process of neurogenesis is induced, regulated, and maintained will provide elues for development of novel for strategies for neurodegenerative therapies. In this review, we focus on describing the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the neuronal differentiation process by transcription factors, microRNAs, and extracellular matrix components.

The Pluripotent Stem-Cell Marker Alkaline Phosphatase is Highly Expressed in Refractory Glioblastoma with DNA Hypomethylation

Background

Hypomethylation of genomic DNA induces stem-cell properties in cancer cells and contributes to the treatment resistance of various malignancies.

Objective

To examine the correlation between the methylation status of stem-cell-related genes and the treatment outcomes in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

The genome-wide DNA methylation status was determined using HumanMethylation450 BeadChips, and the methylation status was compared between a group of patients with good prognosis (survival > 4 yr) and a group with poor prognosis (survival < 1 yr). Immunohistochemistry for proteins translated from hypomethylated genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), CD133, and CD44, was performed in 70 GBMs and 60 oligodendroglial tumors.

Results

The genomic DNA in refractory GBM was more hypomethylated than in GBM from patients with relatively long survival (P = .0111). Stem-cell-related genes including ALPL, CD133, and CD44 were also significantly hypomethylated. A validation study using immunohistochemistry showed that DNA hypomethylation was strongly correlated with high protein expression of ALPL, CD133, and CD44. GBM patients with short survival showed high expression of these stem-cell markers. Multivariate analysis confirmed that co-expression of ALPL + CD133 or ALPL + CD44 was a strong predictor of short survival. Anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors without isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation were significantly correlated with high ALPL expression and poor survival.

Conclusion

Accumulation of stem-cell properties due to aberrant DNA hypomethylation is associated with the refractory nature of GBM.

Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans as Drivers of Neural Progenitors Derived From Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Due to their relative ease of isolation and their high ex vivo and in vitro expansive potential, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an attractive candidate for therapeutic applications in the treatment of brain injury and neurological diseases. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a family of ubiquitous proteins involved in a number of vital cellular processes including proliferation and stem cell lineage differentiation.

Methods: Following the determination that hMSCs maintain neural potential throughout extended in vitro expansion, we examined the role of HSPGs in mediating the neural potential of hMSCs. hMSCs cultured in basal conditions (undifferentiated monolayer cultures) were found to co-express neural markers and HSPGs throughout expansion with modulation of the in vitro niche through the addition of exogenous HS influencing cellular HSPG and neural marker expression.

Results: Conversion of hMSCs into hMSC Induced Neurospheres (hMSC IN) identified distinctly localized HSPG staining within the spheres along with altered gene expression of HSPG core protein and biosynthetic enzymes when compared to undifferentiated hMSCs.

Conclusion: Comparison of markers of pluripotency, neural self-renewal and neural lineage specification between hMSC IN, hMSC and human neural stem cell (hNSC H9) cultures suggest that in vitro generated hMSC IN may represent an intermediary neurogenic cell type, similar to a common neural progenitor cell. In addition, this data demonstrates HSPGs and their biosynthesis machinery, are associated with hMSC IN formation. The identification of specific HSPGs driving hMSC lineage-specification will likely provide new markers to allow better use of hMSCs in therapeutic applications and improve our understanding of human neurogenesis.

Distinct roles for hyaluronan in neural stem cell niches and perineuronal nets

Adult neurogenesis in mammals is a tightly regulated process where neural stem cells (NSCs), especially in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, proliferate and differentiate into new neurons that form new circuits or integrate into old circuits involved in episodic memory, pattern discrimination, and emotional responses. Recent evidence suggests that changes in the hyaluronan (HA)-based extracellular matrix of the SGZ may regulate neurogenesis by controlling NSC proliferation and early steps in neuronal differentiation. These studies raise the intriguing possibility that perturbations in this matrix, including HA accumulation with aging, could impact adult neurogenesis and cognitive functions, and that alterations to this matrix could be beneficial following insults to the central nervous system that impact hippocampal functions.

Migratory potential of transplanted glial progenitors as critical factor for successful translation of glia replacement therapy: The gap between mice and men

Neurological disorders are a major threat to public health. Stem cell-based regenerative medicine is now a promising experimental paradigm for its treatment, as shown in pre-clinical animal studies. Initial attempts have been on the replacement of neuronal cells only, but glial progenitors (GPs) are now becoming strong alternative cellular therapeutic candidates to replace oligodendrocytes and astrocytes as knowledge accumulates about their important emerging role in various disease processes. There are many examples of successful therapeutic outcomes for transplanted GPs in small animal models, but clinical translation has proved to be challenging due to the 1,000-fold larger volume of the human brain compared to mice. Human GPs transplanted into the mouse brain migrate extensively and can induce global cell replacement, but a similar extent of migration in the human brain would only allow for local rather than global cell replacement. We review here the mechanisms that govern cell migration, which could potentially be exploited to enhance the migratory properties of GPs through cell engineering pre-transplantation. We furthermore discuss the (dis)advantages of the various cell delivery routes that are available, with particular emphasis on intra-arterial injection as the most suitable route for achieving global cell distribution in the larger brain. Now that therapeutic success has proven to be feasible in small animal models, future efforts will need to be directed to enhance global cell delivery and migration to make bench-to-bedside translation a reality.

Temporal Changes in Transcription Factor Expression Associated with the Differentiation State of Cerebellar Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells During Development

During central nervous development, multi-potent neural stem/progenitor cells located in the ventricular/subventricular zones are temporally regulated to mostly produce neurons during early developmental stages and to produce glia during later developmental stages. After birth, the rodent cerebellum undergoes further dramatic development. It is also known that neural stem/progenitor cells are present in the white matter (WM) of the postnatal cerebellum until around P10, although the fate of these cells has yet to be determined. In the present study, it was revealed that primary neurospheres generated from cerebellar neural stem/progenitor cells at postnatal day 3 (P3) mainly differentiated into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In contrast, primary neurospheres generated from cerebellar neural stem/progenitor cells at P8 almost exclusively differentiated into astrocytes, but not oligodendrocytes. These results suggest that the differentiation potential of primary neurospheres changes depending on the timing of neural stem/progenitor cell isolation from the cerebellum. To identify the candidate transcription factors involved in regulating this temporal change, we utilized DNA microarray analysis to compare global gene-expression profiles of primary neurospheres generated from neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from either P3 or P8 cerebellum. The expression of zfp711, zfp618, barx1 and hoxb3 was higher in neurospheres generated from P3 cerebellum than from P8 by real-time quantitative PCR. Several precursor cells were found to express zfp618, barx1 or hoxb3 in the WM of the cerebellum at P3, but these transcription factors were absent from the WM of the P8 cerebellum.

CD44 Expression in Meningioma and its Correlation with Proliferation Indices

INTRODUCTION

CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule assumed to be related to tumour invasion and metastatic ability and is expressed in variety of tumours including meningiomas.

AIM

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in variable grades and variants of eningioma and to correlate the results with Ki-67 proliferation index and available clinicopathologic variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 meningioma cases were studied for immunohistochemical expression of CD44 and Ki-67 and correlated with different clinicopathologic variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

CD44 was markedly expressed in high grade (II and III) meningioma (81.8%) compared to grade I (18.2%) and that was statistically significant (p<0.001). Ki-67 proliferation activity was significantly correlated with meningioma grade (p<0.001) and brain invasiveness (p=0.033). Moreover, statistically positive correlation (p=0.01) was reported between CD44 and Ki-67 proliferative activity. No statistically significant correlation was detected between CD44 or Ki-67 expression and patients' age, sex, and tumour recurrence rate (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that CD44 is a marker of aggressiveness in meningioma as it was significantly highly expressed in grade II and III meningioma and was, positively correlated with higher Ki-67 proliferation indices. Therefore, researches should be carried out to identify the role of CD44 targeted therapy in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas as done in other tumours e.g., breast cancer.

CD44 Transmembrane Receptor and Hyaluronan Regulate Adult Hippocampal Neural Stem Cell Quiescence and Differentiation

Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) is involved in learning and memory throughout life but declines with aging. Mice lacking the CD44 transmembrane receptor for the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) demonstrate a number of neurological disturbances including hippocampal memory deficits, implicating CD44 in the processes underlying hippocampal memory encoding, storage, or retrieval. Here, we found that HA and CD44 play important roles in regulating adult neurogenesis, and we provide evidence that HA contributes to age-related reductions in neural stem cell (NSC) expansion and differentiation in the hippocampus. CD44-expressing NSCs isolated from the mouse SGZ are self-renewing and capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Mice lacking CD44 demonstrate increases in NSC proliferation in the SGZ. This increased proliferation is also observed in NSCs grown in vitro, suggesting that CD44 functions to regulate NSC proliferation in a cell-autonomous manner. HA is synthesized by NSCs and increases in the SGZ with aging. Treating wild type but not CD44-null NSCs with HA inhibits NSC proliferation. HA digestion in wild type NSC cultures or in the SGZ induces increased NSC proliferation, and CD44-null as well as HA-disrupted wild type NSCs demonstrate delayed neuronal differentiation. HA therefore signals through CD44 to regulate NSC quiescence and differentiation, and HA accumulation in the SGZ may contribute to reductions in neurogenesis that are linked to age-related decline in spatial memory.

Injectable uncrosslinked biomimetic hydrogels as candidate scaffolds for neural stem cell delivery

Mammalian central nervous system has a limited ability for self-repair under diseased or injury conditions. Repair strategies focused on exogenously delivering autologous neural stem cells (NSCs) to replace lost neuronal populations and axonal pathways in situ, and promote endogenous repair mechanisms are gaining traction. Successful outcomes are contingent on selecting an appropriate delivery vehicle for injecting cells that promotes cell retention and survival, elicits differentiation to desired lineages, and enhances axonal outgrowth upon integration into the host tissue. Hydrogels made of varying compositions of collagen, laminin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) were developed, with no external crosslinking agents, to mimic the native extracellular matrix composition. The physical (porosity, pore-size, gel integrity, swelling ratio, and enzymatic degradation), mechanical (viscosity, storage and loss moduli, Young's modulus, creep, and stress-relaxation), and biological (cell survival, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and integrin expression) characteristics of these hydrogels were assessed. These hydrogels exhibited excellent injectability, retained gel integrity, and matched the mechanical moduli of native brain tissue, possibly due to natural collagen fibril polymerization and physical-crosslinking between HA molecules and collagen fibrils. Depending on the composition, these hydrogels promoted cell survival, neural differentiation, and neurite outgrowth, as evident from immunostaining and western blots. These cellular outcomes were facilitated by cellular binding via α₆ , β₁ , and CD44 surface integrins to these hydrogels. Results attest to the utility of uncrosslinked, ECM-mimicking hydrogels to deliver NSCs for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 790-805, 2017.

Hyaluronic acid-laminin hydrogels increase neural stem cell transplant retention and migratory response to SDF-1α

The chemokine SDF-1α plays a critical role in mediating stem cell response to injury and disease and has specifically been shown to mobilize neural progenitor/stem cells (NPSCs) towards sites of neural injury. Current neural transplant paradigms within the brain suffer from low rates of retention and engraftment after injury. Therefore, increasing transplant sensitivity to injury-induced SDF-1α represents a method for increasing neural transplant efficacy. Previously, we have reported on a hyaluronic acid-laminin based hydrogel (HA-Lm gel) that increases NPSC expression of SDF-1α receptor, CXCR4, and subsequently, NPSC chemotactic migration towards a source of SDF-1α in vitro. The study presented here investigates the capacity of the HA-Lm gel to promote NPSC response to exogenous SDF-1α in vivo. We observed the HA-Lm gel to significantly increase NPSC transplant retention and migration in response to SDF-1α in a manner critically dependent on signaling via the SDF-1α-CXCR4 axis. This work lays the foundation for development of a more effective cell therapy for neural injury, but also has broader implications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine given the essential roles of SDF-1α across injury and disease states.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-stimulated Gene-6 (TSG-6) Is Constitutively Expressed in Adult Central Nervous System (CNS) and Associated with Astrocyte-mediated Glial Scar Formation following Spinal Cord Injury

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) binds to hyaluronan and can reorganize/stabilize its structure, also enhancing the binding of this glycosaminoglycan to its cell surface receptor, CD44. TSG-6 is rapidly up-regulated in response to inflammatory cytokines protecting tissues from the damaging effects of inflammation. Despite TSG-6 treatment having been shown to improve outcomes in an experimental model of traumatic brain injury, TSG-6 expression has not been extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS). We hereby analyzed the expression profile of TSG-6 in the developing CNS and following injury. We show that TSG-6 is expressed in the rat CNS by GFAP(+) and CD44(+) astrocytes, solely in the mature brain and spinal cord, and is not present during the development of the CNS. TSG-6(-/-) mice present a reduced number of GFAP(+) astrocytes when compared with the littermate TSG-6(+/-) mice. TSG-6 expression is drastically up-regulated after injury, and the TSG-6 protein is present within the glial scar, potentially coordinating and stabilizing the formation of this hyaluronan-rich matrix. This study shows that TSG-6 is expressed in the CNS, suggesting a role for TSG-6 in astrocyte activation and tissue repair. We hypothesize that within this context TSG-6 could participate in the formation of the glial scar and confer anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are required to elucidate the therapeutic potential of targeting TSG-6 after CNS injury to promote its protective effects while reducing the inhibitory properties of the glial scar in axon regeneration.

Cancer Stem Cell Hierarchy in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive tumor that typically exhibits treatment failure with high mortality rates, is associated with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor. CSCs possess the ability for perpetual self-renewal and proliferation, producing downstream progenitor cells that drive tumor growth. Studies of many cancer types have identified CSCs using specific markers, but it is still unclear as to where in the stem cell hierarchy these markers fall. This is compounded further by the presence of multiple GBM and glioblastoma cancer stem cell subtypes, making investigation and establishment of a universal treatment difficult. This review examines the current knowledge on the CSC markers SALL4, OCT-4, SOX2, STAT3, NANOG, c-Myc, KLF4, CD133, CD44, nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, specifically focusing on their use and validity in GBM research and how they may be utilized for investigations into GBM's cancer biology.

The CD44 ligand hyaluronic acid is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of suicide attempters and is associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability

BACKGROUND

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the brain. CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule that binds to HA in the ECM and is present on astrocytes, microglia and certain neurons. Cell adhesion molecules have been reported to be involved in anxiety and mood disorders. CD44 levels are decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of depressed individuals, and the CD44 gene has been identified in brain GWAS studies as a possible risk gene for suicidal behavior.

METHOD

We measured the CSF levels of HA and the soluble CD44 (sCD44) in suicide attempters (n=94) and in healthy controls (n=45) using ELISA and electrochemiluminescence assays. We also investigated other proteins known to interact with CD44, such as osteopontin and the matrix metalloproteinases MMP1, MMP3 and MMP9.

RESULTS

The suicide attempters had higher CSF levels of HA (p=.003) and MMP9 (p=.004). The CSF levels of HA correlated with BBB-permeability (rho=0.410, p<.001) and MMP9 correlated with sCD44 levels (rho=0.260, p=.005).

LIMITATIONS

Other relevant biological contributors to suicidal behavior is not addressed in parallel to the specific role of CD44-HA signaling. The gender distribution of the patients from whom CSF was analyzed was uneven.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased BBB-permeability and HA levels might be a results of increased neuroinflammation and can play a role in the pathobiology of suicidal behavior. The CD44 signaling pathway might be considered a novel target for intervention in mood disorders.

Immunohistochemical markers of neural progenitor cells in the early embryonic human cerebral cortex

The development of the human central nervous system represents a delicate moment of embryogenesis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of multiple immunohistochemical markers in the stem/progenitor cells in the human cerebral cortex during the early phases of development. To this end, samples from cerebral cortex were obtained from 4 human embryos of 11 weeks of gestation. Each sample was formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded and immunostained with several markers including GFAP, WT1, Nestin, Vimentin, CD117, S100B, Sox2, PAX2, PAX5, Tβ4, Neurofilament, CD44, CD133, Synaptophysin and Cyclin D1. Our study shows the ability of the different immunohistochemical markers to evidence different zones of the developing human cerebral cortex, allowing the identification of the multiple stages of differentiation of neuronal and glial precursors. Three important markers of radial glial cells are evidenced in this early gestational age: Vimentin, Nestin and WT1. Sox2 was expressed by the stem/progenitor cells of the ventricular zone, whereas the postmitotic neurons of the cortical plate were immunostained by PAX2 and NSE. Future studies are needed to test other important stem/progenitor cells markers and to better analyze differences in the immunohistochemical expression of these markers during gestation.

Inflammation Promotes a Conversion of Astrocytes into Neural Progenitor Cells via NF-κB Activation

Brain inflammation, a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases, is a complex series of events, which can be detrimental and even lead to neuronal death. Nonetheless, several studies suggest that inflammatory signals are also positively influencing neural cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. Recently, correlative studies suggested that astrocytes are able to dedifferentiate upon injury and may thereby re-acquire neural stem cell (NSC) potential. However, the mechanism underlying this dedifferentiation process upon injury remains unclear. Here, we report that during the early response of reactive gliosis, inflammation induces a conversion of mature astrocytes into neural progenitors. A TNF treatment induces the decrease of specific astrocyte markers, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or genes related to glycogen metabolism, while a subset of these cells re-expresses immaturity markers, such as CD44, Musashi-1, and Oct4. Thus, TNF treatment results in the appearance of cells that exhibit a neural progenitor phenotype and are able to proliferate and differentiate into neurons and/or astrocytes. This dedifferentiation process is maintained as long as TNF is present in the culture medium. In addition, we highlight a role for Oct4 in this process, since the TNF-induced dedifferentiation can be prevented by inhibiting Oct4 expression. Our results show that activation of the NF-κB pathway through TNF plays an important role in the dedifferentiation of astrocytes via the re-expression of Oct4. These findings indicate that the first step of reactive gliosis is in fact a dedifferentiation process of resident astrocytes mediated by the NF-κB pathway.