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Benevides ES, Thakre PP, Rana S, Sunshine MD, Jensen VN, Oweiss K, Fuller DD. Chemogenetic stimulation of phrenic motor output and diaphragm activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.589188. [PMID: 38659846 PMCID: PMC11042184 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Impaired diaphragm activation contributes to morbidity and mortality in many neurodegenerative diseases and neurologic injuries. We conducted experiments to determine if expression of an excitatory DREADD (designer receptors exclusively activation by designer drugs) in the mid-cervical spinal cord would enable respiratory-related activation of phrenic motoneurons to increase diaphragm activation. Wild type (C57/bl6) and ChAT-Cre mice received bilateral intraspinal (C4) injections of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding the hM3D(Gq) excitatory DREADD. In wild type mice, this produced non-specific DREADD expression throughout the mid-cervical ventral horn. In ChAT-Cre mice, a Cre-dependent viral construct was used to drive DREADD expression in C4 ventral horn motoneurons, targeting the phrenic motoneuron pool. Diaphragm EMG was recorded during spontaneous breathing at 6-8 weeks post-AAV delivery. The selective DREADD ligand JHU37160 (J60) caused a bilateral, sustained (>1 hr) increase in inspiratory EMG bursting in both groups; the relative increase was greater in ChAT-Cre mice. Additional experiments in a ChAT-Cre rat model were conducted to determine if spinal DREADD activation could increase inspiratory tidal volume (VT) during spontaneous breathing without anesthesia. Three to four months after intraspinal (C4) injection of AAV driving Cre-dependent hM3D(Gq) expression, intravenous J60 resulted in a sustained (>30 min) increase in VT assessed using whole-body plethysmography. Subsequently, direct nerve recordings confirmed that J60 evoked a >50% increase in inspiratory phrenic output. The data show that mid-cervical spinal DREADD expression targeting the phrenic motoneuron pool enables ligand-induced, sustained increases in the neural drive to the diaphragm. Further development of this technology may enable application to clinical conditions associated with impaired diaphragm activation and hypoventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Benevides
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - Prajwal P Thakre
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - Sabhya Rana
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - Michael D Sunshine
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - Victoria N Jensen
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - Karim Oweiss
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
| | - David D Fuller
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32601
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El Hajj R, Al Sagheer T, Ballout N. Optogenetics in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, controlling the brain with light: A systematic review. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25321. [PMID: 38588013 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojine El Hajj
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tareq Al Sagheer
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nissrine Ballout
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Osuna-Ramos JF, Camberos-Barraza J, Torres-Mondragón LE, Rábago-Monzón ÁR, Camacho-Zamora A, Valdez-Flores MA, Angulo-Rojo CE, Guadrón-Llanos AM, Picos-Cárdenas VJ, Calderón-Zamora L, Magaña-Gómez JA, Norzagaray-Valenzuela CD, Cárdenas-Torres FI, De la Herrán-Arita AK. Interplay between the Glymphatic System and the Endocannabinoid System: Implications for Brain Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17458. [PMID: 38139290 PMCID: PMC10743431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417458] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate mechanisms governing brain health and function have long been subjects of extensive investigation. Recent research has shed light on two pivotal systems, the glymphatic system and the endocannabinoid system, and their profound role within the central nervous system. The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste clearance system within the brain that facilitates the efficient removal of toxic waste products and metabolites from the central nervous system. It relies on the unique properties of the brain's extracellular space and is primarily driven by cerebrospinal fluid and glial cells. Conversely, the endocannabinoid system, a multifaceted signaling network, is intricately involved in diverse physiological processes and has been associated with modulating synaptic plasticity, nociception, affective states, appetite regulation, and immune responses. This scientific review delves into the intricate interconnections between these two systems, exploring their combined influence on brain health and disease. By elucidating the synergistic effects of glymphatic function and endocannabinoid signaling, this review aims to deepen our understanding of their implications for neurological disorders, immune responses, and cognitive well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Osuna-Ramos
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Josué Camberos-Barraza
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Doctorado en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Laura E. Torres-Mondragón
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Maestría en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Ángel R. Rábago-Monzón
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Doctorado en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Javier A. Magaña-Gómez
- Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Gastronomy, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
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Song J, Dikwella N, Sinske D, Roselli F, Knöll B. SRF deletion results in earlier disease onset in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167694. [PMID: 37339001 PMCID: PMC10445689 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in neuronal activity modulate the vulnerability of motoneurons (MNs) in neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). So far, the molecular basis of neuronal activity's impact in ALS is poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the impact of deleting the neuronal activity-stimulated transcription factor (TF) serum response factor (SRF) in MNs of SOD1G93A mice. SRF was present in vulnerable MMP9+ MNs. Ablation of SRF in MNs induced an earlier disease onset starting around 7-8 weeks after birth, as revealed by enhanced weight loss and decreased motor ability. This earlier disease onset in SRF-depleted MNs was accompanied by a mild elevation of neuroinflammation and neuromuscular synapse degeneration, whereas overall MN numbers and mortality were unaffected. In SRF-deficient mice, MNs showed impaired induction of autophagy-encoding genes, suggesting a potentially new SRF function in transcriptional regulation of autophagy. Complementary, constitutively active SRF-VP16 enhanced autophagy-encoding gene transcription and autophagy progression in cells. Furthermore, SRF-VP16 decreased ALS-associated aggregate induction. Chemogenetic modulation of neuronal activity uncovered SRF as having important TF-mediating activity-dependent effects, which might be beneficial to reduce ALS disease burden. Thus, our data identify SRF as a gene regulator connecting neuronal activity with the cellular autophagy program initiated in degenerating MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Song
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry and
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Natalie Dikwella
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry and
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases-Ulm (DZNE-Ulm), Ulm, Germany
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Yilmazer-Hanke D, Ouali Alami N, Fang L, Klotz S, Kovacs GG, Pankratz H, Weis J, Katona I, Scheuerle A, Streit WJ, Del Tredici K. Differential Glial Chitotriosidase 1 and Chitinase 3-like Protein 1 Expression in the Human Primary Visual Cortex and Cerebellum after Global Hypoxia-Ischemia. Neuroscience 2022; 506:91-113. [PMID: 36332693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Here, we studied the neuroinflammation- and ischemia-related glial markers chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1, alias YKL-40) in the human striate cortex and cerebellum at different time points after global hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Both regions differ considerably in their glial cell population but are supplied by the posterior circulation. CHIT1 and CHI3L1 expression was compared to changes in microglial (IBA1, CD68), astrocytic (GFAP, S100β), and neuronal markers (H&E, neurofilament heavy chain, NfH; calretinin, CALR) using immunohistochemistry and multiple-label immunofluorescence. Initial striatal cortical and cerebellar Purkinje cell damage, detectable already 1/2 d after HIBI, led to delayed neuronal death, whereas loss of cerebellar NfH-positive stellate and CALR-positive granule cells was variable. During the first week post-HIBI, a transient reduction of IBA1-positive microglia was observed in both regions, and fragmented/clasmatodendritic cerebellar Bergmann glia appeared. In long-term survivors, both brain regions displayed high densities of activated IBA1-positive cells and CD68-positive macrophages, which showed CHIT1 co-localization in the striate cortex. Furthermore, enlarged GFAP- and S100β-positive astroglia emerged in both regions around 9-10 d post-HIBI, i.e., along with clearance of dead neurons from the neuropil, although GFAP-/S100β-positive gemistocytic astrocytes that co-expressed CHI3L1 were found only in the striate cortex. Thus, only GFAP-/S100β-positive astrocytes in the striate cortex, but not cerebellar Bergmann glia, differentiated into CHI3L1-positive gemistocytes. CHIT1 was co-expressed almost entirely in macrophages in the striate cortex and not cerebellum of long-term survivors, thereby indicating that CHIT1 and CHI3L1 could be valuable biomarkers for monitoring the outcome of global HIBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Yilmazer-Hanke
- Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology, School of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Najwa Ouali Alami
- Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology, School of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lubin Fang
- Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology, School of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sigried Klotz
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Pankratz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Istvan Katona
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Scheuerle
- Department of Pathology, Section Neuropathology, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Wolfgang J Streit
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, FL, USA
| | - Kelly Del Tredici
- Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neurology, School of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Monsour M, Garbuzova-Davis S, Borlongan CV. Patching Up the Permeability: The Role of Stem Cells in Lessening Neurovascular Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:1196-1209. [PMID: 36181767 PMCID: PMC9801306 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating disease with poor prognosis. The pathophysiology of ALS is commonly debated, with theories involving inflammation, glutamate excitotoxity, oxidative stress, mitochondria malfunction, neurofilament accumulation, inadequate nutrients or growth factors, and changes in glial support predominating. These underlying pathological mechanisms, however, act together to weaken the blood brain barrier and blood spinal cord barrier, collectively considered as the blood central nervous system barrier (BCNSB). Altering the impermeability of the BCNSB impairs the neurovascular unit, or interdependent relationship between the brain and advances the concept that ALS is has a significant neurovascular component contributing to its degenerative presentation. This unique categorization of ALS opens a variety of treatment options targeting the reestablishment of BCNSB integrity. This review will critically assess the evidence implicating the significant neurovascular components of ALS pathophysiology, while also offering an in-depth discussion regarding the use of stem cells to repair these pathological changes within the neurovascular unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Monsour
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Corresponding author: Cesar V. Borlongan, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Collins JM, Atkinson RAK, Matthews LM, Murray IC, Perry SE, King AE. Sarm1 knockout modifies biomarkers of neurodegeneration and spinal cord circuitry but not disease progression in the mSOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 172:105821. [PMID: 35863521 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the loss of motor neuron axon integrity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are unclear. SARM1 has been identified as a genetic risk variant in sporadic ALS, and the SARM1 protein is a key mediator of axon degeneration. To investigate the role of SARM1 in ALS-associated axon degeneration, we knocked out Sarm1 (Sarm1KO) in mSOD1G93ATg (mSOD1) mice. Animals were monitored for ALS disease onset and severity, with motor function assessed at pre-symptomatic and late-stage disease and lumbar spinal cord and sciatic nerve harvested for immunohistochemistry at endpoint (20 weeks). Serum was collected monthly to assess protein concentrations of biomarkers linked to axon degeneration (neurofilament light (NFL) and tau), and astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), using single molecule array (Simoa®) technology. Overall, loss of Sarm1 in mSOD1 mice did not slow or delay symptom onset, failed to improve functional declines, and failed to protect motor neurons. Serum NFL levels in mSOD1 mice increased between 8 -12 and 16-20 weeks of age, with the later increase significantly reduced by loss of SARM1. Similarly, loss of SARM1 significantly reduced an increase in serum GFAP between 16 and 20 weeks of age in mSOD1 mice, indicating protection of both global axon degeneration and astrogliosis. In the spinal cord, Sarm1 deletion protected against loss of excitatory VGluT2-positive puncta and attenuated astrogliosis in mSOD1 mice. In the sciatic nerve, absence of SARM1 in mSOD1 mice restored the average area of phosphorylated neurofilament reactivity towards WT levels. Together these data suggest that Sarm1KO in mSOD1 mice is not sufficient to ameliorate functional decline or motor neuron loss but does alter serum biomarker levels and provide protection to axons and glutamatergic synapses. This indicates that treatments targeting SARM1 could warrant further investigation in ALS, potentially as part of a combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Rachel A K Atkinson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Lyzette M Matthews
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Isabella C Murray
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Sharn E Perry
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 143, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia.
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Yoshikawa M, Aizawa S, Oppenheim RW, Milligan C. Neurovascular unit pathology is observed very early in disease progression in the mutant SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114084. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mirian A, Moszczynski A, Soleimani S, Aubert I, Zinman L, Abrahao A. Breached Barriers: A Scoping Review of Blood-Central Nervous System Barrier Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:851563. [PMID: 35431812 PMCID: PMC9009245 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.851563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent studies have implicated changes in the blood-central nervous system barriers (BCNSB) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the current evidence for BCNSB structure and functional abnormalities in ALS studies and propose how BCNSB pathology may impact therapeutic development. Methods A literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science, from inception to November 2021 and limited to entries in English language. Simplified search strategy included the terms ALS/motor neuron disease and [BCNSB or blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB)]. Henceforth, BCNSB is used as a term that is inclusive of the BBB and BSCB. Four independent reviewers conducted a title and abstract screening, hand-searched the reference lists of review papers, and performed a full text review of eligible studies. Included studies were original peer-reviewed full text publications, evaluating the structure and function of the BCNSB in preclinical models of ALS, clinical ALS, or postmortem human ALS tissue. There was no restriction on study design. The four reviewers independently extracted the data. Results The search retrieved 2,221 non-duplicated articles and 48 original studies were included in the synthesis. There was evidence that the integrity of the BCNSB is disrupted throughout the course of the disease in rodent models, beginning prior to symptom onset and detectable neurodegeneration. Increased permeability, pharmacoresistance with upregulated efflux transporters, and morphological changes in the supporting cells of the BCNSB, including pericytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells were observed in animal models. BCNSB abnormalities were also demonstrated in postmortem studies of ALS patients. Therapeutic interventions targeting BCNSB dysfunction were associated with improved motor neuron survival in animal models of ALS. Conclusion BCNSB structural and functional abnormalities are likely implicated in ALS pathophysiology and may occur upstream to neurodegeneration. Promising therapeutic strategies targeting BCNSB dysfunction have been tested in animals and can be translated into ALS clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ario Mirian
- Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Serena Soleimani
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Agessandro Abrahao
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Chemogenetics as a neuromodulatory approach to treating neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. Mol Ther 2022; 30:990-1005. [PMID: 34861415 PMCID: PMC8899595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetics enables precise, non-invasive, and reversible modulation of neural activity via the activation of engineered receptors that are pharmacologically selective to endogenous or exogenous ligands. With recent advances in therapeutic gene delivery, chemogenetics is poised to support novel interventions against neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. To evaluate its translational potential, we performed a scoping review of applications of chemogenetics that led to the reversal of molecular and behavioral deficits in studies relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. In this review, we present these findings and discuss the potential and challenges for using chemogenetics as a precision medicine-based neuromodulation strategy.
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Bączyk M, Manuel M, Roselli F, Zytnicki D. From Physiological Properties to Selective Vulnerability of Motor Units in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 28:375-394. [PMID: 36066833 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07167-6_15] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinal alpha-motoneurons are classified in several types depending on the contractile properties of the innervated muscle fibers. This diversity is further displayed in different levels of vulnerability of distinct motor units to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We summarize recent data suggesting that, contrary to the excitotoxicity hypothesis, the most vulnerable motor units are hypoexcitable and experience a reduction in their firing prior to symptoms onset in ALS. We suggest that a dysregulation of activity-dependent transcriptional programs in these motoneurons alter crucial cellular functions such as mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, axonal sprouting capability and re-innervation of neuromuscular junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marin Manuel
- SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- SPPIN - Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Abstract
The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) has been long thought of as a functional equivalent to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), restricting blood flow into the spinal cord. The spinal cord is supported by various disc tissues that provide agility and has different local immune responses compared to the brain. Though physiologically, structural components of the BSCB and BBB share many similarities, the clinical landscape significantly differs. Thus, it is crucial to understand the composition of BSCB and also to establish the cause–effect relationship with aberrations and spinal cord dysfunctions. Here, we provide a descriptive analysis of the anatomy, current techniques to assess the impairment of BSCB, associated risk factors and impact of spinal disorders such as spinal cord injury (SCI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral nerve injury (PNI), ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cavernous malformations (SCM) and cancer on BSCB dysfunction. Along with diagnostic and mechanistic analyses, we also provide an up-to-date account of available therapeutic options for BSCB repair. We emphasize the need to address BSCB as an individual entity and direct future research towards it.
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Li Z, Zhang J, Halbgebauer S, Chandrasekar A, Rehman R, Ludolph A, Boeckers T, Huber-Lang M, Otto M, Roselli F, Heuvel FO. Differential effect of ethanol intoxication on peripheral markers of cerebral injury in murine blunt traumatic brain injury. BURNS & TRAUMA 2021; 9:tkab027. [PMID: 34604393 PMCID: PMC8484207 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Blood-based biomarkers have proven to be a reliable measure of the severity and outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in both murine models and patients. In particular, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), neurofilament light (NFL) and S100 beta (S100B) have been investigated in the clinical setting post-injury. Ethanol intoxication (EI) remains a significant comorbidity in TBI, with 30–40% of patients having a positive blood alcohol concentration post-TBI. The effect of ethanol on blood-based biomarkers for the prognosis and diagnosis of TBI remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of EI on NSE, NFL and S100B and their correlation with blood–brain barrier integrity in a murine model of TBI. Methods We used ultra-sensitive single-molecule array technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods to measure NFL, NSE, S100B and claudin-5 concentrations in plasma 3 hours post-TBI. Results We showed that NFL, NSE and S100B were increased at 3 hours post-TBI. Interestingly, ethanol blood concentrations showed an inverse correlation with NSE but not with NFL or S100B. Claudin-5 levels were increased post-injury but no difference was detected compared to ethanol pretreatment. The increase in claudin-5 post-TBI was correlated with NFL but not with NSE or S100B. Conclusions Ethanol induces an effect on biomarker release in the bloodstream that is different from TBI not influenced by alcohol. This could be the basis of investigations into humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Li
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Halbgebauer
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Akila Chandrasekar
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rida Rehman
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Boeckers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital, ZBMF - Helmhotzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Florian Olde Heuvel
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, ZBMF - Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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14
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Van Den Herrewegen Y, Sanderson TM, Sahu S, De Bundel D, Bortolotto ZA, Smolders I. Side-by-side comparison of the effects of Gq- and Gi-DREADD-mediated astrocyte modulation on intracellular calcium dynamics and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1. Mol Brain 2021; 14:144. [PMID: 34544455 PMCID: PMC8451082 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes express a plethora of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are crucial for shaping synaptic activity. Upon GPCR activation, astrocytes can respond with transient variations in intracellular Ca2+. In addition, Ca2+-dependent and/or Ca2+-independent release of gliotransmitters can occur, allowing them to engage in bidirectional neuron-astrocyte communication. The development of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) has facilitated many new discoveries on the roles of astrocytes in both physiological and pathological conditions. They are an excellent tool, as they can target endogenous GPCR-mediated intracellular signal transduction pathways specifically in astrocytes. With increasing interest and accumulating research on this topic, several discrepancies on astrocytic Ca2+ signalling and astrocyte-mediated effects on synaptic plasticity have emerged, preventing a clear-cut consensus about the downstream effects of DREADDs in astrocytes. In the present study, we performed a side-by-side evaluation of the effects of bath application of the DREADD agonist, clozapine-N-oxide (10 µM), on Gq- and Gi-DREADD activation in mouse CA1 hippocampal astrocytes. In doing so, we aimed to avoid confounding factors, such as differences in experimental procedures, and to directly compare the actions of both DREADDs on astrocytic intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and synaptic plasticity in acute hippocampal slices. We used an adeno-associated viral vector approach to transduce dorsal hippocampi of male, 8-week-old C57BL6/J mice, to drive expression of either the Gq-DREADD or Gi-DREADD in CA1 astrocytes. A viral vector lacking the DREADD construct was used to generate controls. Here, we show that agonism of Gq-DREADDs, but not Gi-DREADDs, induced consistent increases in spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ events. Moreover, we demonstrate that both Gq-DREADD as well as Gi-DREADD-mediated activation of CA1 astrocytes induces long-lasting synaptic potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 Schaffer collateral pathway in the absence of a high frequency stimulus. Moreover, we report for the first time that astrocytic Gi-DREADD activation is sufficient to elicit de novo potentiation. Our data demonstrate that activation of either Gq or Gi pathways drives synaptic potentiation through Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent mechanisms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Van Den Herrewegen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas M Sanderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Tankard's Cl, University Walk, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK
| | - Surajit Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zuner A Bortolotto
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Tankard's Cl, University Walk, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Rehman R, Tar L, Olamide AJ, Li Z, Kassubek J, Böckers T, Weishaupt J, Ludolph A, Wiesner D, Roselli F. Acute TBK1/IKK-ε Inhibition Enhances the Generation of Disease-Associated Microglia-Like Phenotype Upon Cortical Stab-Wound Injury. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:684171. [PMID: 34326766 PMCID: PMC8313992 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.684171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury has a poorer prognosis in elderly patients, possibly because of the enhanced inflammatory response characteristic of advanced age, known as “inflammaging.” Recently, reduced activation of the TANK-Binding-Kinase 1 (Tbk1) pathway has been linked to age-associated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Here we investigated how the blockade of Tbk1 and of the closely related IKK-ε by the small molecule Amlexanox could modify the microglial and immune response to cortical stab-wound injury in mice. We demonstrated that Tbk1/IKK-ε inhibition resulted in a massive expansion of microglial cells characterized by the TMEM119+/CD11c+ phenotype, expressing high levels of CD68 and CD317, and with the upregulation of Cst7a, Prgn and Ccl4 and the decrease in the expression levels of Tmem119 itself and P2yr12, thus a profile close to Disease-Associated Microglia (DAM, a subset of reactive microglia abundant in Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions). Furthermore, Tbk1/IKK-ε inhibition increased the infiltration of CD3+ lymphocytes, CD169+ macrophages and CD11c+/CD169+ cells. The enhanced immune response was associated with increased expression of Il-33, Ifn-g, Il-17, and Il-19. This upsurge in the response to the stab wound was associated with the expanded astroglial scars and increased deposition of chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycans at 7 days post injury. Thus, Tbk1/IKK-ε blockade results in a massive expansion of microglial cells with a phenotype resembling DAM and with the substantial enhancement of neuroinflammatory responses. In this context, the induction of DAM is associated with a detrimental outcome such as larger injury-related glial scars. Thus, the Tbk1/IKK-ε pathway is critical to repress neuroinflammation upon stab-wound injury and Tbk1/IKK-ε inhibitors may provide an innovative approach to investigate the consequences of DAM induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rida Rehman
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lilla Tar
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Adeyemi Jubril Olamide
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Master in Translational and Molecular Neuroscience, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zhenghui Li
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Kaifeng Central Hospital, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Böckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Diana Wiesner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)-Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Neurozentrum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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