1
|
Eteleeb AM, Novotny BC, Tarraga CS, Sohn C, Dhungel E, Brase L, Nallapu A, Buss J, Farias F, Bergmann K, Bradley J, Norton J, Gentsch J, Wang F, Davis AA, Morris JC, Karch CM, Perrin RJ, Benitez BA, Harari O. Brain high-throughput multi-omics data reveal molecular heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002607. [PMID: 38687811 PMCID: PMC11086901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Unbiased data-driven omic approaches are revealing the molecular heterogeneity of Alzheimer disease. Here, we used machine learning approaches to integrate high-throughput transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic profiles with clinical and neuropathological data from multiple human AD cohorts. We discovered 4 unique multimodal molecular profiles, one of them showing signs of poor cognitive function, a faster pace of disease progression, shorter survival with the disease, severe neurodegeneration and astrogliosis, and reduced levels of metabolomic profiles. We found this molecular profile to be present in multiple affected cortical regions associated with higher Braak tau scores and significant dysregulation of synapse-related genes, endocytosis, phagosome, and mTOR signaling pathways altered in AD early and late stages. AD cross-omics data integration with transcriptomic data from an SNCA mouse model revealed an overlapping signature. Furthermore, we leveraged single-nuclei RNA-seq data to identify distinct cell-types that most likely mediate molecular profiles. Lastly, we identified that the multimodal clusters uncovered cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers poised to monitor AD progression and possibly cognition. Our cross-omics analyses provide novel critical molecular insights into AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah M. Eteleeb
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brenna C. Novotny
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Carolina Soriano Tarraga
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Christopher Sohn
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Eliza Dhungel
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Logan Brase
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Aasritha Nallapu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jared Buss
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fabiana Farias
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kristy Bergmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joseph Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joanne Norton
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jen Gentsch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fengxian Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Albert A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - John C. Morris
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Celeste M. Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Perrin
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bruno A. Benitez
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oscar Harari
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Asghari K, Niknam Z, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Chodari L. Cellular junction dynamics and Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:273. [PMID: 38302794 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09242-w] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of not only the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction but also significant alterations in cellular junctions in AD pathogenesis. In this review article, we explore the role of the BBB and cellular junctions in AD pathology, with a specific focus on the hippocampus. The BBB acts as a crucial protective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating molecular transport. Preservation of BBB integrity relies on various junctions, including gap junctions formed by connexins, tight junctions composed of proteins such as claudins, occludin, and ZO-1, as well as adherence junctions involving molecules like vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, Nectins, and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Abnormalities in these junctions and junctional components contribute to impaired neuronal signaling and increased cerebrovascular permeability, which are closely associated with AD advancement. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms governing BBB and cellular junction dysfunctions within the context of AD, this review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of AD and identifies potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Asghari
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Falahatdoost S, Prawer YDJ, Peng D, Chambers A, Zhan H, Pope L, Stacey A, Ahnood A, Al Hashem HN, De León SE, Garrett DJ, Fox K, Clark MB, Ibbotson MR, Prawer S, Tong W. Control of Neuronal Survival and Development Using Conductive Diamond. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:4361-4374. [PMID: 38232177 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14680] [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: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the control of neuronal survival and development using nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (N-UNCD). We highlight the role of N-UNCD in regulating neuronal activity via near-infrared illumination, demonstrating the generation of stable photocurrents that enhance neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth and foster a more active, synchronized neuronal network. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing reveals that diamond substrates improve cellular-substrate interaction by upregulating extracellular matrix and gap junction-related genes. Our findings underscore the potential of conductive diamond as a robust and biocompatible platform for noninvasive and effective neural tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Falahatdoost
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Yair D J Prawer
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Danli Peng
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andre Chambers
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Hualin Zhan
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Leon Pope
- School of Engineering, STEM College, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Alastair Stacey
- School of Science, STEM College, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Arman Ahnood
- School of Engineering, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Hassan N Al Hashem
- School of Engineering, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Sorel E De León
- School of Engineering, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - David J Garrett
- School of Engineering, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Kate Fox
- School of Engineering, The RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Michael B Clark
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michael R Ibbotson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Steven Prawer
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Wei Tong
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu JY, Cho SJ, Descant K, Li PH, Shapson-Coe A, Januszewski M, Berger DR, Meyer C, Casingal C, Huda A, Liu J, Ghashghaei T, Brenman M, Jiang M, Scarborough J, Pope A, Jain V, Stein JL, Guo J, Yasuda R, Lichtman JW, Anton ES. Mapping of neuronal and glial primary cilia contactome and connectome in the human cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024; 112:41-55.e3. [PMID: 37898123 PMCID: PMC10841524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia act as antenna receivers of environmental signals and enable effective neuronal or glial responses. Disruption of their function is associated with circuit disorders. To understand the signals these cilia receive, we comprehensively mapped cilia's contacts within the human cortical connectome using serial-section EM reconstruction of a 1 mm3 cortical volume, spanning the entire cortical thickness. We mapped the "contactome" of cilia emerging from neurons and astrocytes in every cortical layer. Depending on the layer and cell type, cilia make distinct patterns of contact. Primary cilia display cell-type- and layer-specific variations in size, shape, and microtubule axoneme core, which may affect their signaling competencies. Neuronal cilia are intrinsic components of a subset of cortical synapses and thus a part of the connectome. This diversity in the structure, contactome, and connectome of primary cilia endows each neuron or glial cell with a unique barcode of access to the surrounding neural circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yao Wu
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Su-Ji Cho
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine Descant
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Peter H Li
- Google Research, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Alexander Shapson-Coe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Daniel R Berger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Cailyn Meyer
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cristine Casingal
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ariba Huda
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tina Ghashghaei
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mikayla Brenman
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michelle Jiang
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joseph Scarborough
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Art Pope
- Google Research, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Viren Jain
- Google Research, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiami Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ryohei Yasuda
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Jeff W Lichtman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - E S Anton
- UNC Neuroscience Center and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ismail FS, Faustmann PM, Förster E, Corvace F, Faustmann TJ. Tiagabine and zonisamide differentially regulate the glial properties in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3253-3267. [PMID: 37231170 PMCID: PMC10567966 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to the role of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and limited studies of antiseizure medication (ASM) effects on glial cells, we studied tiagabine (TGB) and zonisamide (ZNS) in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Different concentrations of ZNS (10, 20, 40, 100 µg/ml) or TGB (1, 10, 20, 50 µg/ml) were added to primary rat astrocytes co-cultures with 5-10% (M5, physiological conditions) or 30-40% (M30, pathological inflammatory conditions) microglia for 24 h, aiming to study glial viability, microglial activation, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and gap-junctional coupling. ZNS led to the reduction of glial viability by only 100 µg/ml under physiological conditions. By contrast, TGB revealed toxic effects with a significant, concentration-dependent reduction of glial viability under physiological and pathological conditions. After the incubation of M30 co-cultures with 20 µg/ml TGB, the microglial activation was significantly decreased and resting microglia slightly increased, suggesting possible anti-inflammatory features of TGB under inflammatory conditions. Otherwise, ZNS caused no significant changes of microglial phenotypes. The gap-junctional coupling was significantly decreased after the incubation of M5 co-cultures with 20 and 50 µg/ml TGB, which can be related to its anti-epileptic activity under noninflammatory conditions. A significant decrease of Cx43 expression and cell-cell coupling was found after the incubation of M30 co-cultures with 10 µg/ml ZNS, suggesting additional anti-seizure effects of ZNS with the disruption of glial gap-junctional communication under inflammatory conditions. TGB and ZNS differentially regulated the glial properties. Developing novel ASMs targeting glial cells may have future potential as an "add-on" therapy to classical ASMs targeting neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eckart Förster
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Franco Corvace
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Timo Jendrik Faustmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abla KK, Mehanna MM. Lipid-based nanocarriers challenging the ocular biological barriers: Current paradigm and future perspectives. J Control Release 2023; 362:70-96. [PMID: 37591463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Eye is the most specialized and sensory body organ and treating eye diseases efficiently is necessary. Despite various attempts, the design of a consummate ophthalmic drug delivery system remains unsolved because of anatomical and physiological barriers that hinder drug transport into the desired ocular tissues. It is important to advance new platforms to manage ocular disorders, whether they exist in the anterior or posterior cavities. Nanotechnology has piqued the interest of formulation scientists because of its capability to augment ocular bioavailability, control drug release, and minimize inefficacious drug absorption, with special attention to lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNs) because of their cellular safety profiles. LBNs have greatly improved medication availability at the targeted ocular site in the required concentration while causing minimal adverse effects on the eye tissues. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms by which lipid-based nanocarriers can bypass different ocular barriers are still unclear and have not been discussed. Thus, to bridge this gap, the current work aims to highlight the applications of LBNs in the ocular drug delivery exploring the different ocular barriers and the mechanisms viz. adhesion, fusion, endocytosis, and lipid exchange, through which these platforms can overcome the barrier characteristics challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar K Abla
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammed M Mehanna
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gutiérrez R. Gap Junctions in the Brain: Hardwired but Functionally Versatile. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:554-568. [PMID: 36125001 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221120804] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions between neurons of the brain are thought to be present in only certain cell types, and they mostly connect dendrites, somata, and axons. Synapses with gap junctions serve bidirectional metabolic and electrical coupling between connected neuronal compartments. Although plasticity of electrical synapses has been described, recent evidence of the presence of silent, but activatable, gap junctions suggests that electrical nodes in a neuronal circuit can be added or suppressed by changes in the synaptic microenvironment. This opens the possibility of reconfiguration of neuronal ensembles in response to activity. Moreover, the coexistence of gap junctions in a glutamatergic synapse may add electric and metabolic coupling to a neuronal aggregate and may serve to constitute primed ensembles within a higher-order neural network. The interaction of chemical with electrical synapses should be further explored to find, especially, emerging properties of neuronal ensembles. It will be worth to reexamine in a new light the "functional" implications of the "anatomic" concepts: "continuity" and "contiguity," which were championed by Golgi and Ramón y Cajal, respectively. In any case, exploring the versatility of the gap junctions will likely enrich the heuristic aspects of the neural and network postulates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bustamante-Barrientos FA, Luque-Campos N, Araya MJ, Lara-Barba E, de Solminihac J, Pradenas C, Molina L, Herrera-Luna Y, Utreras-Mendoza Y, Elizondo-Vega R, Vega-Letter AM, Luz-Crawford P. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders: Potential therapeutic application of mitochondrial transfer to central nervous system-residing cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:613. [PMID: 37689642 PMCID: PMC10493034 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is reiteratively involved in the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Current in vitro and in vivo approaches support that mitochondrial dysfunction is branded by several molecular and cellular defects, whose impact at different levels including the calcium and iron homeostasis, energetic balance and/or oxidative stress, makes it difficult to resolve them collectively given their multifactorial nature. Mitochondrial transfer offers an overall solution since it contains the replacement of damage mitochondria by healthy units. Therefore, this review provides an introducing view on the structure and energy-related functions of mitochondria as well as their dynamics. In turn, we summarize current knowledge on how these features are deregulated in different neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson´s disease, and Huntington's disease. Finally, we analyzed current advances in mitochondrial transfer between diverse cell types that actively participate in neurodegenerative processes, and how they might be projected toward developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Bustamante-Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Noymar Luque-Campos
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Jesús Araya
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eliana Lara-Barba
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera de Solminihac
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Pradenas
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Molina
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Yeimi Herrera-Luna
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Roberto Elizondo-Vega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ana María Vega-Letter
- Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Patricia Luz-Crawford
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Mons. Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Z, Zhou J, Wani KA, Yu T, Ronan EA, Piggott BJ, Liu J, Xu XZS. A C. elegans neuron both promotes and suppresses motor behavior to fine tune motor output. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1228980. [PMID: 37680582 PMCID: PMC10482346 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1228980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
How neural circuits drive behavior is a central question in neuroscience. Proper execution of motor behavior requires precise coordination of many neurons. Within a motor circuit, individual neurons tend to play discrete roles by promoting or suppressing motor output. How exactly neurons function in specific roles to fine tune motor output is not well understood. In C. elegans, the interneuron RIM plays important yet complex roles in locomotion behavior. Here, we show that RIM both promotes and suppresses distinct features of locomotion behavior to fine tune motor output. This dual function is achieved via the excitation and inhibition of the same motor circuit by electrical and chemical neurotransmission, respectively. Additionally, this bi-directional regulation contributes to motor adaptation in animals placed in novel environments. Our findings reveal that individual neurons within a neural circuit may act in opposing ways to regulate circuit dynamics to fine tune behavioral output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jiejun Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Khursheed A Wani
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Teng Yu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Elizabeth A Ronan
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Beverly J Piggott
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, International Research Center for Sensory Biology and Technology of MOST, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - X Z Shawn Xu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krigers A, Moser P, Fritsch H, Demetz M, Kerschbaumer J, Brawanski KR, Thomé C, Freyschlag CF. The relationship between connexin-43 expression and Ki67 in non-glial central nervous system tumors. Int J Biol Markers 2023; 38:46-52. [PMID: 36726335 DOI: 10.1177/03936155221143138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced intercellular communication is a known oncogenic factor. In the central nervous system, Connexin-43 (Cx43) forms this junctional networking. Moreover, it correlates with the proliferation rate, and thus behavior, of gliomas. We assessed the expression of Cx43 and its relationship to Ki67 in other common central nervous system tumors. METHODS The expression of Cx43 and Ki67 were assessed in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples of human brain metastases, meningiomas, and neurinomas using immunohistochemistry. Neurinomas and meningiomas were jointly evaluated due to similar non-malignant behavior. RESULTS A total of 14 metastases of different extracerebral carcinomas, 6 meningiomas, and 10 neurinomas were evaluated. Five (36%) metastases and 5 (31%) meningiomas/neurinomas showed minor expression, whereas 6 (43%) metastases and 2 (13%) meningiomas/neurinomas showed no Cx43 expression at all. In 3 (21%) metastases and 9 (56%) meningiomas/neurinomas, moderate or strong expression of Cx43 was identified. The higher expression of Cx43 in meningiomas and neurinomas directly correlated with Ki67, r = 0.53 (P = 0.034). For metastases no significant correlation was found. Mitotic index in meningiomas/neurinomas correlated with Ki67 expression, r = 0.74 (P < 0.001), but did not show statistically significant correlation with Cx43 expression in these tumors. CONCLUSIONS The expression of Cx43 as a marker of cell-to-cell networking exposed a significant correlation with the Ki67-defined proliferation index in case of primary central nervous system neuroectodermal neoplasms. However, it does not seem to play a comparable role in metastases with extracerebral origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandrs Krigers
- Department of Neurosurgery, 27280Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patrizia Moser
- Department of Neuropathology, 31445University Hospital of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helga Fritsch
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, 31445Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Demetz
- Department of Neurosurgery, 27280Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Kerschbaumer
- Department of Neurosurgery, 27280Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Claudius Thomé
- Department of Neurosurgery, 27280Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bierman-Duquette RD, Safarians G, Huang J, Rajput B, Chen JY, Wang ZZ, Seidlits SK. Engineering Tissues of the Central Nervous System: Interfacing Conductive Biomaterials with Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101577. [PMID: 34808031 PMCID: PMC8986557 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Conductive biomaterials provide an important control for engineering neural tissues, where electrical stimulation can potentially direct neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) maturation into functional neuronal networks. It is anticipated that stem cell-based therapies to repair damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissues and ex vivo, "tissue chip" models of the CNS and its pathologies will each benefit from the development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and conductive biomaterials. Here, technological advances in conductive biomaterials are reviewed over the past two decades that may facilitate the development of engineered tissues with integrated physiological and electrical functionalities. First, one briefly introduces NS/PCs of the CNS. Then, the significance of incorporating microenvironmental cues, to which NS/PCs are naturally programmed to respond, into biomaterial scaffolds is discussed with a focus on electrical cues. Next, practical design considerations for conductive biomaterials are discussed followed by a review of studies evaluating how conductive biomaterials can be engineered to control NS/PC behavior by mimicking specific functionalities in the CNS microenvironment. Finally, steps researchers can take to move NS/PC-interfacing, conductive materials closer to clinical translation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gevick Safarians
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Joyce Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Bushra Rajput
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jessica Y. Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ze Zhong Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Recurrence-Based Synchronization Analysis of Weakly Coupled Bursting Neurons Under External ELF Fields. ENTROPY 2022; 24:e24020235. [PMID: 35205531 PMCID: PMC8871468 DOI: 10.3390/e24020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the response characteristics of a two-dimensional neuron model exposed to an externally applied extremely low frequency (ELF) sinusoidal electric field and the synchronization of neurons weakly coupled with gap junction. We find, by numerical simulations, that neurons can exhibit different spiking patterns, which are well observed in the structure of the recurrence plot (RP). We further study the synchronization between weakly coupled neurons in chaotic regimes under the influence of a weak ELF electric field. In general, detecting the phases of chaotic spiky signals is not easy by using standard methods. Recurrence analysis provides a reliable tool for defining phases even for noncoherent regimes or spiky signals. Recurrence-based synchronization analysis reveals that, even in the range of weak coupling, phase synchronization of the coupled neurons occurs and, by adding an ELF electric field, this synchronization increases depending on the amplitude of the externally applied ELF electric field. We further suggest a novel measure for RP-based phase synchronization analysis, which better takes into account the probabilities of recurrences.
Collapse
|
14
|
Cliff CL, Williams BM, Chadjichristos CE, Mouritzen U, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin 43: A Target for the Treatment of Inflammation in Secondary Complications of the Kidney and Eye in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:600. [PMID: 35054783 PMCID: PMC8776095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of increasing prevalence, diabetes is characterised by elevated blood glucose and chronic inflammation that precedes the onset of multiple secondary complications, including those of the kidney and the eye. As the leading cause of end stage renal disease and blindness in the working population, more than ever is there a demand to develop clinical interventions which can both delay and prevent disease progression. Connexins are membrane bound proteins that can form pores (hemichannels) in the cell membrane. Gated by cellular stress and injury, they open under pathophysiological conditions and in doing so release 'danger signals' including adenosine triphosphate into the extracellular environment. Linked to sterile inflammation via activation of the nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, targeting aberrant hemichannel activity and the release of these danger signals has met with favourable outcomes in multiple models of disease, including secondary complications of diabetes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on those studies which document a role for aberrant connexin hemichannel activity in the pathogenesis of both diabetic eye and kidney disease, ahead of evaluating the efficacy of blocking connexin-43 specific hemichannels in these target tissues on tissue health and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsy L. Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Bethany M. Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Christos E. Chadjichristos
- National Institutes for Health and Medical Research, UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France;
| | - Ulrik Mouritzen
- Ciana Therapeutics, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Paul E. Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Claire E. Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jindal S, Chockalingam S, Ghosh SS, Packirisamy G. Connexin and gap junctions: perspectives from biology to nanotechnology based therapeutics. Transl Res 2021; 235:144-167. [PMID: 33582245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concept of gap junctions and their role in intercellular communication has been known for around 50 years. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fundamental biology of connexins in mediating gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and their role in various cellular processes including pathological conditions. However, this understanding has not led to development of advanced therapeutics utilizing GJIC. Inadequacies in strategies that target specific connexin protein in the affected tissue, with minimal or no collateral damage, are the primary reason for the lack of development of efficient therapeutic models. Herein, nanotechnology has a role to play, giving plenty of scope to circumvent these problems and develop more efficient connexin based therapeutics. AsODN, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides; BMPs, bone morphogenetic proteins; BMSCs, bone marrow stem cells; BG, bioglass; Cx, Connexin; CxRE, connexin-responsive elements; CoCr NPs, cobalt-chromium nanoparticles; cGAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate; cAMP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate; ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acids; FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1; FRAP, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching; 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil; GJ, gap junction; GJIC, gap junctional intercellular communication; HGPRTase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; HSV-TK, herpes virus thymidine kinase; HSA, human serum albumin; HA, hyaluronic acid; HDAC, histone deacetylase; IRI, ischemia reperfusion injury; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-8, interleukin-8; IONPs, iron-oxide nanoparticles; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; LAMP, local activation of molecular fluorescent probe; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; MI, myocardial infarction; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; NO, nitric oxide; PKC, protein kinase C; QDs, quantum dots; ROI, region of interest; RGO, reduced graphene oxide; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TGF-β1, transforming growth factor-β1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; UCN, upconversion nanoparticles; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, we discuss briefly the role of connexins and gap junctions in various physiological and pathological processes, with special emphasis on cancer. We further discuss the application of nanotechnology and tissue engineering in developing treatments for various connexin based disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shlok Jindal
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - S Chockalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gopinath Packirisamy
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen J, Li LF, Hu XR, Wei F, Ma S. Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Elucidating the Molecular Basis Forthe Pharmacologic Effects of Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza spp.). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:590477. [PMID: 33995004 PMCID: PMC8114075 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.590477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its numerous pharmacologic effects. However, the mechanisms of action of the chemical constituents of licorice and their structure–function relationships are not fully understood. To address these points, we analyzed the chemical compounds in licorice listed in the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Integrated database. Target proteins of the compounds were predicted using Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of TCM v2.0. Information on the pharmacologic effects of licorice was obtained from the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and disease-related genes that have been linked to these effects were identified from the Encyclopedia of TCM database. Pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database were carried out for target proteins, and pharmacologic networks were constructed based on drug target–disease-related gene and protein–protein interactions. A total of 451 compounds were analyzed, of which 211 were from the medicinal parts of the licorice plant. The 241 putative targets of 106 bioactive compounds in licorice comprised 52 flavonoids, 47 triterpenoids, and seven coumarins. Four distinct pharmacologic effects of licorice were defined: 61 major hubs were the putative targets of 23 compounds in heat-clearing and detoxifying effects; 68 were targets of six compounds in spleen-invigorating and qi-replenishing effects; 28 were targets of six compounds in phlegm-expulsion and cough-suppressant effects; 25 compounds were targets of six compounds in spasm-relieving and analgesic effects. The major bioactive compounds of licorice were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory properties of liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid and isoliquiritin apioside were demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, kaempferol, and kumatakenin were the main active flavonoids, and 18α- and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were the main active triterpenoids of licorice. The former were associated with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, whereas the latter were implicated in the other three pharmacologic effects. Thus, the compounds in licorice have distinct pharmacologic effects according to their chemical structure. These results provide a reference for investigating the potential of licorice in treatment of various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Fu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Hu
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| | - Shuangcheng Ma
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Control of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ethnic Medicine (ICCTMEM), National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Expression of Connexins 37, 43 and 45 in Developing Human Spinal Cord and Ganglia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249356. [PMID: 33302507 PMCID: PMC7770599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct intercellular communication via gap junctions has an important role in the development of the nervous system, ranging from cell migration and neuronal differentiation to the formation of neuronal activity patterns. This study characterized and compared the specific spatio-temporal expression patterns of connexins (Cxs) 37, 43 and 45 during early human developmental stages (since the 5th until the 10th developmental week) in the spinal cord (SC) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) using double immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. We found the expression of all three investigated Cxs during early human development in all the areas of interest, in the SC, DRG, developing paravertebral ganglia of the sympathetic trunk, notochord and all three meningeal layers, with predominant expression of Cx37. Comparing the expression of different Cxs between distinct developmental periods, we did not find significant differences. Specific spatio-temporal pattern of Cxs expression might reflect their relevance in the development of all areas of interest via cellular interconnectivity and synchronization during the late embryonic and early fetal period of human development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dere D, Zlomuzica A, Dere E. Channels to consciousness: a possible role of gap junctions in consciousness. Rev Neurosci 2020; 32:/j/revneuro.ahead-of-print/revneuro-2020-0012/revneuro-2020-0012.xml. [PMID: 32853172 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurophysiological basis of consciousness is still unknown and one of the most challenging questions in the field of neuroscience and related disciplines. We propose that consciousness is characterized by the maintenance of mental representations of internal and external stimuli for the execution of cognitive operations. Consciousness cannot exist without working memory, and it is likely that consciousness and working memory share the same neural substrates. Here, we present a novel psychological and neurophysiological framework that explains the role of consciousness for cognition, adaptive behavior, and everyday life. A hypothetical architecture of consciousness is presented that is organized as a system of operation and storage units named platforms that are controlled by a consciousness center (central executive/online platform). Platforms maintain mental representations or contents, are entrusted with different executive functions, and operate at different levels of consciousness. The model includes conscious-mode central executive/online and mental time travel platforms and semiconscious steady-state and preconscious standby platforms. Mental representations or contents are represented by neural circuits and their support cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and become conscious when neural circuits reverberate, that is, fire sequentially and continuously with relative synchronicity. Reverberatory activity in neural circuits may be initiated and maintained by pacemaker cells/neural circuit pulsars, enhanced electronic coupling via gap junctions, and unapposed hemichannel opening. The central executive/online platform controls which mental representations or contents should become conscious by recruiting pacemaker cells/neural network pulsars, the opening of hemichannels, and promoting enhanced neural circuit coupling via gap junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Faculty of Psychology, Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Bochum, Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martin EA, Lasseigne AM, Miller AC. Understanding the Molecular and Cell Biological Mechanisms of Electrical Synapse Formation. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:12. [PMID: 32372919 PMCID: PMC7179694 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we will describe the recent advances made towards understanding the molecular and cell biological mechanisms of electrical synapse formation. New evidence indicates that electrical synapses, which are gap junctions between neurons, can have complex molecular compositions including protein asymmetries across joined cells, diverse morphological arrangements, and overlooked similarities with other junctions, all of which indicate new potential roles in neurodevelopmental disease. Aquatic organisms, and in particular the vertebrate zebrafish, have proven to be excellent models for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of electrical synapse formation. Zebrafish will serve as our main exemplar throughout this review and will be compared with other model organisms. We highlight the known cell biological processes that build neuronal gap junctions and compare these with the assemblies of adherens junctions, tight junctions, non-neuronal gap junctions, and chemical synapses to explore the unknown frontiers remaining in our understanding of the critical and ubiquitous electrical synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Anne Martin
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Abagael M Lasseigne
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Adam C Miller
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shull G, Haffner C, Huttner WB, Kodandaramaiah SB, Taverna E. Robotic platform for microinjection into single cells in brain tissue. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47880. [PMID: 31469223 PMCID: PMC6776899 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201947880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microinjection into single cells in brain tissue is a powerful technique to study and manipulate neural stem cells. However, such microinjection requires expertise and is a low-throughput process. We developed the "Autoinjector", a robot that utilizes images from a microscope to guide a microinjection needle into tissue to deliver femtoliter volumes of liquids into single cells. The Autoinjector enables microinjection of hundreds of cells within a single organotypic slice, resulting in an overall yield that is an order of magnitude greater than manual microinjection. The Autoinjector successfully targets both apical progenitors (APs) and newborn neurons in the embryonic mouse and human fetal telencephalon. We used the Autoinjector to systematically study gap-junctional communication between neural progenitors in the embryonic mouse telencephalon and found that apical contact is a characteristic feature of the cells that are part of a gap junction-coupled cluster. The throughput and versatility of the Autoinjector will render microinjection an accessible high-performance single-cell manipulation technique and will provide a powerful new platform for performing single-cell analyses in tissue for bioengineering and biophysics applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Shull
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christiane Haffner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Suhasa B Kodandaramaiah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, USA
| | - Elena Taverna
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wu L, Dong A, Dong L, Wang SQ, Li Y. PARIS, an optogenetic method for functionally mapping gap junctions. eLife 2019; 8:43366. [PMID: 30638447 PMCID: PMC6396999 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication via gap junctions regulates a wide range of physiological processes by enabling the direct intercellular electrical and chemical coupling. However, the in vivo distribution and function of gap junctions remain poorly understood, partly due to the lack of non-invasive tools with both cell-type specificity and high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we developed PARIS (pairing actuators and receivers to optically isolate gap junctions), a new fully genetically encoded tool for measuring the cell-specific gap junctional coupling (GJC). PARIS successfully enabled monitoring of GJC in several cultured cell lines under physiologically relevant conditions and in distinct genetically defined neurons in Drosophila brain, with ~10 s temporal resolution and sub-cellular spatial resolution. These results demonstrate that PARIS is a robust, highly sensitive tool for mapping functional gap junctions and study their regulation in both health and disease. For the tissues and organs of our bodies to work properly, the cells within them need to communicate with each other. One important part of cellular communication is the movement of signals – usually small molecules or ions – directly from one cell to another. This happens via structures called gap junctions, a type of sealed ‘channel’ that connects two cells. Gap junctions are found throughout the body, but investigating their precise roles in health and disease has been difficult. This is due to problems with the tools available to detect and monitor gap junctions. Some are simply harmful to cells, while others cannot be restricted to specific cell populations within a tissue. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to study gap junctions in the brain, where it is important to understand the connectivity patterns between distinct types of nerve cells. Wu et al. wanted to develop a new, non-harmful method to track gap junctions in distinct groups of cells within living tissues. To do this, Wu et al. devised PARIS, a two-part, genetically encoded system. The first part comprises a light-sensitive molecular ‘pump’, which can only be turned on by shining a laser onto the cell of interest. When the pump is active, it transports hydrogen ions out of the cell. The second part of the system is a fluorescent sensor, present inside ‘receiving’ cells, which responds to the outcoming hydrogen ions (small enough to pass through gap junctions). If an illuminated ‘signaling’ cell is connected via gap junctions to cells containing the fluorescent sensor, they will light up within seconds, but other cells not connected through gap junctions will not. The researchers first tested PARIS in cultured human and rat cells that had been genetically engineered to produce both components of the system. The experiments confirmed that PARIS could both detect networks of gap junctions in healthy cells and reveal when these networks had been disrupted, for instance by drugs or genetic mutations. Experiments using fruit flies demonstrated that PARIS was stable in living tissue and could also map the gap junctions connecting specific groups of nerve cells. PARIS is a valuable addition to the toolbox available to study cell communication. In the future, it could help increase our understanding of diseases characterized by defective gap junctions, such as seizures, cardiac irregularities, and even some cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Dong
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|