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Gan C, Li W, Xu J, Pang L, Tang L, Yu S, Li A, Ge H, Huang R, Cheng H. Advances in the study of the molecular biological mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3275-3299. [PMID: 37693137 PMCID: PMC10492106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for head and neck cancers, but it often leads to radiation-induced brain injury. Patients with radiation-induced brain injury have a poorer quality of life, and no effective treatments are available. The pathogenesis of this condition is unknown. This review summarizes the molecular biological mechanism of radiation-induced brain injury and provides research directions for future studies. The molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury are diverse and complex. Radiation-induced chronic neuroinflammation, destruction of the blood-brain barrier, oxidative stress, neuronal damage, and physiopathological responses caused by specific exosome secretion lead to radiation-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Han Ge
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityShenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Astrocytic Gap Junctions Contribute to Aberrant Neuronal Synchronization in a Mouse Model of MeCP2 Duplication Syndrome. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:591-606. [PMID: 35147909 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal synchronous neuronal activity has been widely detected by brain imaging of autistic patients, but its underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. Compared with wild-type mice, our in vivo two-photon imaging showed that transgenic (Tg1) mice over-expressing human autism risk gene MeCP2 exhibited higher neuronal synchrony in the young but lower synchrony in the adult stage. Whole-cell recording of neuronal pairs in brain slices revealed that higher neuronal synchrony in young postnatal Tg1 mice was attributed mainly to more prevalent giant slow inward currents (SICs). Both in vivo and slice imaging further demonstrated more dynamic activity and higher synchrony in astrocytes from young Tg1 mice. Blocking astrocytic gap junctions markedly decreased the generation of SICs and overall cell synchrony in the Tg1 brain. Furthermore, the expression level of Cx43 protein and the coupling efficiency of astrocyte gap junctions remained unchanged in Tg1 mice. Thus, astrocytic gap junctions facilitate but do not act as a direct trigger for the abnormal neuronal synchrony in young Tg1 mice, revealing the potential role of the astrocyte network in the pathogenesis of MeCP2 duplication syndrome.
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O'Donovan B, Neugornet A, Neogi R, Xia M, Ortinski P. Cocaine experience induces functional adaptations in astrocytes: Implications for synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13042. [PMID: 33864336 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have become established as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the brain. Accumulating literature demonstrates that cocaine self-administration in rodent models induces structural changes within astrocytes that may influence their interaction with the surrounding neurons. Here, we provide evidence that cocaine impacts astrocytes at the functional level and alters neuronal sensitivity to astrocyte-derived glutamate. We report that a 14-day period of short access to cocaine (2 h/day) decreases spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ transients and precipitates changes in astrocyte network activity in the nucleus accumbens shell. This is accompanied by increased prevalence of slow inward currents, a physiological marker of neuronal activation by astrocytic glutamate, in a subset of medium spiny neurons. Within, but not outside, of this subset, we observe an increase in duration and frequency of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic events. Additionally, we find that the link between synaptic NMDA receptor plasticity and neuron sensitivity to astrocytic glutamate is maintained independent of drug exposure and is observed in both cocaine and saline control animals. Imaging analyses of neuronal Ca2+ activity show no effect of cocaine self-administration on individual cells or on neuronal network activity in brain slices. Therefore, our data indicate that cocaine self-administration promotes astrocyte-specific functional changes that can be linked to increased glutamate-mediated coupling with principal neurons in the nucleus accumbens. Such coupling may be spatially restricted as it does not result in a broad impact on network structure of local neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette O'Donovan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Austin Neugornet
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Richik Neogi
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Mengfan Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Pavel Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
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Akther S, Hirase H. Assessment of astrocytes as a mediator of memory and learning in rodents. Glia 2021; 70:1484-1505. [PMID: 34582594 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classical view of astrocytes is that they provide supportive functions for neurons, transporting metabolites and maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular milieu. This view is gradually changing with the advent of molecular genetics and optical methods allowing interrogation of selected cell types in live experimental animals. An emerging view that astrocytes additionally act as a mediator of synaptic plasticity and contribute to learning processes has gained in vitro and in vivo experimental support. Here we focus on the literature published in the past two decades to review the roles of astrocytes in brain plasticity in rodents, whereby the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are considered to be comparable to those in humans. We outline established inputs and outputs of astrocytes and discuss how manipulations of astrocytes have impacted the behavior in various learning paradigms. Multiple studies suggest that the contribution of astrocytes has a considerably longer time course than neuronal activation, indicating metabolic roles of astrocytes. We advocate that exploring upstream and downstream mechanisms of astrocytic activation will further provide insight into brain plasticity and memory/learning impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Akther
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wang LL, Xu D, Luo Y, Li X, Gu Y, Wang L. Homeostatic Regulation of Astrocytes by Visual Experience in the Developing Primary Visual Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:970-986. [PMID: 34398233 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During postnatal development, sensory experience shapes the organization and function of cortical circuits. Previous studies focusing on experience-dependent plasticity of neurons have revealed a variety of mechanisms underlying cortical circuit rewiring. Emerging evidence shows that astrocytes play important roles in shaping cortical circuits through extensive interactions with different types of neurons and other glia cells. However, it remains unclear how astrocytes respond to sensory experience during postnatal development. In the present study, we profiled the maturation of astrocytes in the primary visual cortex (V1) at different postnatal stages. We then investigated the anatomical and physiological changes of astrocytes in V1 induced by multiple types of visual experience within 4 postnatal weeks. Compared with monocular deprivation during the critical period, binocular deprivation showed stronger impact on reactive astrocytes in V1. Moreover, long-term binocular deprivation significantly reduced the density of reactive astrocytes in layer 2/3 of V1 while strengthening gap junction couplings between astrocytes at the same time. Therefore, our data demonstrated that cortical astrocytes could undergo homeostatic plasticity in response to long-term changes of sensory inputs. The plasticity of astrocytes may interact with the plasticity of neurons to cooperatively shape cortical circuit refinement during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Liang Wang
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yujian Luo
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lang Wang
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Restoring glutamate homeostasis in the nucleus accumbens via endocannabinoid-mimetic drug prevents relapse to cocaine seeking behavior in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:970-981. [PMID: 33514875 PMCID: PMC8115336 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-00955-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Impaired glutamate homeostasis is a key characteristic of the neurobiology of drug addiction in rodent models and contributes to the vulnerability to relapse to drug seeking. Although disrupted astrocytic and presynaptic regulation of glutamate release has been considered to constitute with impaired glutamate homeostasis in rodent model of drug relapse, the involvement of endocannabinoids (eCBs) in this neurobiological process has remained largely unknown. Here, using cocaine self-administration in rats, we investigated the role of endocannabinoids in impaired glutamate homeostasis in the core of nucleus accumbens (NAcore), which was indicated by augmentation of spontaneous synaptic glutamate release, downregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 (mGluR2/3), and mGluR5-mediated astrocytic glutamate release. We found that the endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), rather than 2-arachidonoylglycerol elicited glutamate release through presynaptic transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and astrocytic cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1Rs) in the NAcore of saline-yoked rats. In rats with a history of cocaine self-administration and extinction training, AEA failed to alter synaptic glutamate release in the NAcore, whereas CB1R-mediated astrocytic glutamate release by AEA remained functional. In order to induce increased astrocytic glutamate release via exogenous AEA, (R)-methanandamide (methAEA, a metabolically stable form of AEA) was chronically infused in the NAcore via osmotic pumps during extinction training. Restoration of mGluR2/3 function and mGluR5-mediated astrocytic glutamate release was observed after chronic methAEA infusion. Additionally, priming or cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking was inhibited in methAEA-infused rats. These results demonstrate that enhancing endocannabinoid signaling is a potential pathway to restore glutamate homeostasis and may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing cocaine relapse.
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Kozachkov L, Michmizos KP. Sequence Learning in Associative Neuronal-Astrocytic Networks. Brain Inform 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59277-6_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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He Z, Gao Y, Lieu L, Afrin S, Cao J, Michael NJ, Dong Y, Sun J, Guo H, Williams KW. Direct and indirect effects of liraglutide on hypothalamic POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons - Implications for energy balance and glucose control. Mol Metab 2019; 28:120-134. [PMID: 31446151 PMCID: PMC6822260 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, liraglutide, stimulates insulin secretion and efficiently suppresses food intake to reduce body weight. As such, liraglutide is growing in popularity in the treatment of diabetes and chronic weight management. Within the brain, liraglutide has been shown to alter the activity of hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons. Moreover, the acute activities of POMC and NPY neurons have been directly linked to feeding behavior, body weight, and glucose metabolism. Despite the increased usage of liraglutide and other GLP-1 analogues as diabetic and obesity interventions, the cellular mechanisms by which liraglutide alters the activity of metabolically relevant neuronal populations are poorly understood. Methods In order to resolve this issue, we utilized neuron-specific transgenic mouse models to identify POMC and NPY neurons for patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments. Results We found that liraglutide directly activated arcuate POMC neurons via TrpC5 channels, sharing a similar mechanistic pathway to the adipose-derived peptide leptin. Liraglutide also indirectly increases excitatory tone to POMC neurons. In contrast, liraglutide inhibited NPY/AgRP neurons through post-synaptic GABAA receptors and enhanced activity of pre-synaptic GABAergic neurons, which required both TrpC5 subunits and K-ATP channels. In support of an additive role of leptin and liraglutide in suppressing food intake, leptin potentiated the acute effects of liraglutide to activate POMC neurons. TrpC5 subunits in POMC neurons were also required for the intact pharmacological effects of liraglutide on food intake and body weight. Thus, the current study adds to recent work from our group and others, which highlight potential mechanisms to amplify the effects of GLP-1 agonists in vivo. Moreover, these data highlight multiple sites of action (both pre- and post-synaptic) for GLP-1 agonists on this circuit. Conclusions Taken together, our results identify critical molecular mechanisms linking GLP-1 analogues in arcuate POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons with metabolism. Liraglutide directly activates arcuate POMC neurons, while also increasing pre-synaptic excitatory inputs to POMC neurons. Leptin potentiates the acute effects of liraglutide to activate POMC neurons. Liraglutide indirectly inhibits arcuate NPY/AgRP neurons via presynaptic TrpC 5 subunits and KATP channels. TrpC5 subunits in POMC neurons are required for the intact pharmacological effects of liraglutide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyan He
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China; Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yong Gao
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Linh Lieu
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jianhong Cao
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Natalie J Michael
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yanbin Dong
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; Pi-wei Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hongbo Guo
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Kevin W Williams
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Focal adhesion molecules regulate astrocyte morphology and glutamate transporters to suppress seizure-like behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:11316-11321. [PMID: 30327343 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800830115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important regulators of neural circuit function and behavior in the healthy and diseased nervous system. We screened for molecules in Drosophila astrocytes that modulate neuronal hyperexcitability and identified multiple components of focal adhesion complexes (FAs). Depletion of astrocytic Tensin, β-integrin, Talin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), or matrix metalloproteinase 1 (Mmp1), resulted in enhanced behavioral recovery from genetic or pharmacologically induced seizure. Overexpression of Mmp1, predicted to activate FA signaling, led to a reciprocal enhancement of seizure severity. Blockade of FA-signaling molecules in astrocytes at basal levels of CNS excitability resulted in reduced astrocytic coverage of the synaptic neuropil and expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT1. However, induction of hyperexcitability after depletion of FA-signaling components resulted in enhanced astrocyte coverage and an approximately twofold increase in EAAT1 levels. Our work identifies FA-signaling molecules as important regulators of astrocyte outgrowth and EAAT1 expression under normal physiological conditions. Paradoxically, in the context of hyperexcitability, this pathway negatively regulates astrocytic process outgrowth and EAAT1 expression, and their blockade leading to enhanced recovery from seizure.
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Cvetkovic C, Basu N, Krencik R. Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30176009 DOI: 10.3791/58034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A barrier to our understanding of how various cell types and signals contribute to synaptic circuit function is the lack of relevant models for studying the human brain. One emerging technology to address this issue is the use of three dimensional (3D) neural cell cultures, termed 'organoids' or 'spheroids', for long term preservation of intercellular interactions including extracellular adhesion molecules. However, these culture systems are time consuming and not systematically generated. Here, we detail a method to rapidly and consistently produce 3D cocultures of neurons and astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells. First, pre-differentiated astrocytes and neuronal progenitors are dissociated and counted. Next, cells are combined in sphere-forming dishes with a Rho-Kinase inhibitor and at specific ratios to produce spheres of reproducible size. After several weeks of culture as floating spheres, cocultures ('asteroids') are finally sectioned for immunostaining or plated upon multielectrode arrays to measure synaptic density and strength. In general, it is expected that this protocol will yield 3D neural spheres that display mature cell-type restricted markers, form functional synapses, and exhibit spontaneous synaptic network burst activity. Together, this system permits drug screening and investigations into mechanisms of disease in a more suitable model compared to monolayer cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cvetkovic
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute
| | - Nupur Basu
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute;
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Pál B. Involvement of extrasynaptic glutamate in physiological and pathophysiological changes of neuronal excitability. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2917-2949. [PMID: 29766217 PMCID: PMC11105518 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2837-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, as the majority of neurons use glutamate as neurotransmitter. It is also well known that this neurotransmitter is not restricted to synaptic clefts, but found in the extrasynaptic regions as ambient glutamate. Extrasynaptic glutamate originates from spillover of synaptic release, as well as from astrocytes and microglia. Its concentration is magnitudes lower than in the synaptic cleft, but receptors responding to it have higher affinity for it. Extrasynaptic glutamate receptors can be found in neuronal somatodendritic location, on astroglia, oligodendrocytes or microglia. Activation of them leads to changes of neuronal excitability with different amplitude and kinetics. Extrasynaptic glutamate is taken up by neurons and astrocytes mostly via EAAT transporters, and astrocytes, in turn metabolize it to glutamine. Extrasynaptic glutamate is involved in several physiological phenomena of the central nervous system. It regulates neuronal excitability and synaptic strength by involving astroglia; contributing to learning and memory formation, neurosecretory and neuromodulatory mechanisms, as well as sleep homeostasis.The extrasynaptic glutamatergic system is affected in several brain pathologies related to excitotoxicity, neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation. Being present in dementias, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases or tumor invasion in a seemingly uniform way, the system possibly provides a common component of their pathogenesis. Although parts of the system are extensively discussed by several recent reviews, in this review I attempt to summarize physiological actions of the extrasynaptic glutamate on neuronal excitability and provide a brief insight to its pathology for basic understanding of the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Pál
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, Debrecen, 4012, Hungary.
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Verstraelen P, Van Dyck M, Verschuuren M, Kashikar ND, Nuydens R, Timmermans JP, De Vos WH. Image-Based Profiling of Synaptic Connectivity in Primary Neuronal Cell Culture. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:389. [PMID: 29997468 PMCID: PMC6028601 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders display a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Yet, at the cellular level, virtually all these diseases converge into a common phenotype of dysregulated synaptic connectivity. In dementia, synapse dysfunction precedes neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment by several years, making the synapse a crucial entry point for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Whereas high-resolution imaging and biochemical fractionations yield detailed insight into the molecular composition of the synapse, standardized assays are required to quickly gauge synaptic connectivity across large populations of cells under a variety of experimental conditions. Such screening capabilities have now become widely accessible with the advent of high-throughput, high-content microscopy. In this review, we discuss how microscopy-based approaches can be used to extract quantitative information about synaptic connectivity in primary neurons with deep coverage. We elaborate on microscopic readouts that may serve as a proxy for morphofunctional connectivity and we critically analyze their merits and limitations. Finally, we allude to the potential of alternative culture paradigms and integrative approaches to enable comprehensive profiling of synaptic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Verstraelen
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van Dyck
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Janssen Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cell Systems and Imaging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Uncoupling DAPK1 from NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit exerts rapid antidepressant-like effects. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:597-608. [PMID: 28439098 PMCID: PMC5822462 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several preclinical studies have reported the rapid antidepressant effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) couples GluN2B subunits at extrasynaptic sites to regulate NMDAR channel conductance. In the present study, we found that chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced extracellular glutamate accumulation, accompanied by an increase in the DAPK1-NMDAR interaction, the high expression of DAPK1 and phosphorylated GluN2B at Ser1303, a decrease in phosphorylated DAPK1 at Ser308 and synaptic protein deficits in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CUS also enhanced GluN2B-mediated NMDA currents and extrasynaptic responses that were induced by bursts of high-frequency stimulation, which may be associated with the loss of astrocytes and low expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). The blockade of GLT-1 in the mPFC was sufficient to induce depressive-like behavior and cause similar molecular changes. Selective GluN2B antagonist, DAPK1 knockdown by adeno-associated virus-mediated short-hairpin RNA or a pharmacological inhibitor, and the uncoupling of DAPK1 from the NMDAR GluN2B subunit produced rapid antidepressant-like effects and reversed CUS-induced alterations in the mPFC. The inhibition of DAPK1 and its interaction with GluN2B subunit in the mPFC also rescued CUS-induced depressive-like behavior 7 days after treatment. A selective GluN2B antagonist did not have rewarding effects in the conditioned place preference paradigm. Altogether, our findings suggest that the DAPK1 interaction with the NMDAR GluN2B subunit acts as a critical component in the pathophysiology of depression and is a potential target for new antidepressant treatments.
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Zheng JY, Sun J, Ji CM, Shen L, Chen ZJ, Xie P, Sun YZ, Yu RT. Selective deletion of apolipoprotein E in astrocytes ameliorates the spatial learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1) mice by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/STAT3 signaling. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 54:112-132. [PMID: 28366226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes and apolipoprotein E (apoE) play critical roles in cognitive function, not only under physiological conditions but also in some pathological situations, particularly in the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The regulatory mechanisms underlying the effect of apoE, derived from astrocytes, on cognitive deficits during AD pathology development are unclear. In this study, we generated amyloid precursor protein/apoE knockout (APP/apoEKO) and APP/glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-apoEKO mice (the AD mice model used in this study was based on the APP-familial Alzheimer disease overexpression) to investigate the role of apoE, derived from astrocytes, in AD pathology and cognitive function. To explore the mechanism, we investigated the amyloidogenic process related transforming growth factor β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (TGF-β/Smad2/STAT3) signaling pathway and further confirmed by administering TGF-β-overexpression adeno-associated virus (specific to astrocytes) to APP/GFAP-apoEKO mice and TGF-β-inhibition adeno-associated virus (specific to astrocytes) to APP/WT mice. Whole body deletion of apoE significantly ameliorated the spatial learning and memory impairment, reduced amyloid β-protein production and inhibited astrogliosis in APP/apoEKO mice, as well as specific deletion apoE in astrocytes in APP/GFAP-apoEKO mice. Moreover, amyloid β-protein accumulation was increased due to promotion of amyloidogenesis of APP, and astrogliosis was upregulated by activation of TGF-β/Smad2/STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, the overexpression of TGF-β in astrocytes in APP/GFAP-apoEKO mice abrogated the effects of apoE knockout. In contrast, repression of TGF-β in astrocytes of APP/WT mice exerted a therapeutic effect similar to apoE knockout. These data suggested that apoE derived from astrocytes contributes to the risk of AD through TGF-β/Smad2/STAT3 signaling activation. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of apoE, derived from astrocytes, in AD and suggest it to be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yu Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huai'an Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Mei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Zhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ru-Tong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China; Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
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15
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Kovács A, Pál B. Astrocyte-Dependent Slow Inward Currents (SICs) Participate in Neuromodulatory Mechanisms in the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN). Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:16. [PMID: 28203147 PMCID: PMC5285330 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Slow inward currents (SICs) are known as excitatory events of neurons caused by astrocytic glutamate release and consequential activation of neuronal extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. In the present article we investigate the role of these astrocyte-dependent excitatory events on a cholinergic nucleus of the reticular activating system (RAS), the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). It is well known about this and other elements of the RAS, that they do not only give rise to neuromodulatory innervation of several areas, but also targets neuromodulatory actions from other members of the RAS or factors providing the homeostatic drive for sleep. Using slice electrophysiology, optogenetics and morphological reconstruction, we revealed that SICs are present in a population of PPN neurons. The frequency of SICs recorded on PPN neurons was higher when the soma of the given neuron was close to an astrocytic soma. SICs do not appear simultaneously on neighboring neurons, thus it is unlikely that they synchronize neuronal activity in this structure. Occurrence of SICs is regulated by cannabinoid, muscarinic and serotonergic neuromodulatory mechanisms. In most cases, SICs occurred independently from tonic neuronal currents. SICs were affected by different neuromodulatory agents in a rather uniform way: if control SIC activity was low, the applied drugs increased it, but if SIC activity was increased in control, the same drugs lowered it. SICs of PPN neurons possibly represent a mechanism which elicits network-independent spikes on certain PPN neurons; forming an alternative, astrocyte-dependent pathway of neuromodulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pál
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen Debrecen, Hungary
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16
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Mechanisms of radiotherapy-associated cognitive disability in patients with brain tumours. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 13:52-64. [PMID: 27982041 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Standard treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumours includes high-dose megavoltage-range radiation to the cranial vault. About half of patients survive >6 months, and many attain long-term control or cure. However, 50-90% of survivors exhibit disabling cognitive dysfunction. The radiation-associated cognitive syndrome is poorly understood and has no effective prevention or long-term treatment. Attention has primarily focused on mechanisms of disability that appear at 6 months to 1 year after radiotherapy. However, recent studies show that CNS alterations and dysfunction develop much earlier following radiation exposure. This finding has prompted the hypothesis that subtle early forms of radiation-induced CNS damage could drive chronic pathophysiological processes that lead to permanent cognitive decline. This Review presents evidence of acute radiation-triggered CNS inflammation, injury to neuronal lineages, accessory cells and their progenitors, and loss of supporting structure integrity. Moreover, injury-related processes initiated soon after irradiation could synergistically alter the signalling microenvironment in progenitor cell niches in the brain and the hippocampus, which is a structure critical to memory and cognition. Progenitor cell niche degradation could cause progressive neuronal loss and cognitive disability. The concluding discussion addresses future directions and potential early treatments that might reverse degenerative processes before they can cause permanent cognitive disability.
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17
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Krencik R, van Asperen JV, Ullian EM. Human astrocytes are distinct contributors to the complexity of synaptic function. Brain Res Bull 2016; 129:66-73. [PMID: 27570101 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cellular components of synaptic circuits have been adjusted for increased human brain size, neural cell density, energy consumption and developmental duration. How does the human brain make these accommodations? There is evidence that astrocytes are one of the most divergent neural cell types in primate brain evolution and it is now becoming clear that they have critical roles in controlling synaptic development, function and plasticity. Yet, we still do not know how the precise developmental appearance of these cells and subsequent astrocyte-derived signals modulate diverse neuronal circuit subtypes. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the influence of glial factors on synaptic maturation and focus on unique features of human astrocytes including their potential roles in regenerative and translational medicine. Human astrocyte distinctiveness may be a major contributor to high level neuronal processing of the human brain and act in novel ways during various neuropathies ranging from autism spectrum disorders, viral infection, injury and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Krencik
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Neuroscience Program, University of California San Francisco, United States.
| | - Jessy V van Asperen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Neuroscience Program, University of California San Francisco, United States
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Neuroscience Program, University of California San Francisco, United States
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