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Eisen A, Nedergaard M, Gray E, Kiernan MC. The glymphatic system and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102571. [PMID: 38266701 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102571] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The glymphatic system and the meningeal lymphatic vessels provide a pathway for transport of solutes and clearance of toxic material from the brain. Of specific relevance to ALS, this is applicable for TDP-43 and glutamate, both major elements in disease pathogenesis. Flow is propelled by arterial pulsation, respiration, posture, as well as the positioning and proportion of aquaporin-4 channels (AQP4). Non-REM slow wave sleep is the is key to glymphatic drainage which discontinues during wakefulness. In Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, sleep impairment is known to predate the development of characteristic clinical features by several years and is associated with progressive accumulation of toxic proteinaceous products. While sleep issues are well described in ALS, consideration of preclinical sleep impairment or the potential of a failing glymphatic system in ALS has rarely been considered. Here we review how the glymphatic system may impact ALS. Preclinical sleep impairment as an unrecognized major risk factor for ALS is considered, while potential therapeutic options to improve glymphatic flow are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Department of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical School and Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma Gray
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
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Yang K, Liu Y, Zhang M. The Diverse Roles of Reactive Astrocytes in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:158. [PMID: 38391732 PMCID: PMC10886687 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020158] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes displaying reactive phenotypes are characterized by their ability to remodel morphologically, molecularly, and functionally in response to pathological stimuli. This process results in the loss of their typical astrocyte functions and the acquisition of neurotoxic or neuroprotective roles. A growing body of research indicates that these reactive astrocytes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), involving calcium homeostasis imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal lipid and lactate metabolism, glutamate excitotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the characteristics of reactive astrocytes, their role in the pathogenesis of ALS, and recent advancements in astrocyte-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqin Yang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Rodríguez JJ, Zallo F, Gardenal E, Cabot J, Busquets X. Entorhinal cortex astrocytic atrophy in human frontotemporal dementia. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02763-x. [PMID: 38308043 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02763-x] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of Fronto Temporal Dementia (FTD) remains poorly understood, specifically the role of astroglia. Our aim was to explore the hypothesis of astrocytic alterations as a component for FTD pathophysiology. We performed an in-depth tri-dimensional (3-D) anatomical and morphometric study of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive and glutamine synthetase (GS)-positive astrocytes in the human entorhinal cortex (EC) of FTD patients. The studies at this level in the different types of human dementia are scarce. We observed a prominent astrocyte atrophy of GFAP-positive astrocytes and co-expressing GFAP/GS astrocytes, characterised by a decrease in area and volume, whilst minor changes in GS-positive astrocytes in FTD compared to non-dementia controls (ND) samples. This study evidences the importance of astrocyte atrophy and dysfunction in human EC. We hypothesise that FTD is not only a neuropathological disease, but also a gliopathological disease having a major relevance in the understanding the astrocyte role in FTD pathological processes and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rodríguez
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain.
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain.
| | - F Zallo
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - E Gardenal
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - J Cabot
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - X Busquets
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
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Kipp M. How to Use the Cuprizone Model to Study De- and Remyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1445. [PMID: 38338724 PMCID: PMC10855335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031445] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system whose cause is still largely unknown. Oligodendrocyte degeneration results in demyelination of axons, which can eventually be repaired by a mechanism called remyelination. Prevention of demyelination and the pharmacological support of remyelination are two promising strategies to ameliorate disease progression in MS patients. The cuprizone model is commonly employed to investigate oligodendrocyte degeneration mechanisms or to explore remyelination pathways. During the last decades, several different protocols have been applied, and all have their pros and cons. This article intends to offer guidance for conducting pre-clinical trials using the cuprizone model in mice, focusing on discovering new treatment approaches to prevent oligodendrocyte degeneration or enhance remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kipp
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute of Anatomy, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Kipp M. Astrocytes: Lessons Learned from the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16420. [PMID: 38003609 PMCID: PMC10671869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216420] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, exhibit distinct myelin abnormalities at both the molecular and histological levels. These aberrations are closely linked to dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and alterations in myelin structure, which may be pivotal factors contributing to the disconnection of brain regions and the resulting characteristic clinical impairments observed in these conditions. Astrocytes, which significantly outnumber neurons in the central nervous system by a five-to-one ratio, play indispensable roles in the development, maintenance, and overall well-being of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Consequently, they emerge as potential key players in the onset and progression of a myriad of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, targeting astrocytes represents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in such disorders. To gain deeper insights into the functions of astrocytes in the context of myelin-related disorders, it is imperative to employ appropriate in vivo models that faithfully recapitulate specific aspects of complex human diseases in a reliable and reproducible manner. One such model is the cuprizone model, wherein metabolic dysfunction in oligodendrocytes initiates an early response involving microglia and astrocyte activation, culminating in multifocal demyelination. Remarkably, following the cessation of cuprizone intoxication, a spontaneous process of endogenous remyelination occurs. In this review article, we provide a historical overview of studies investigating the responses and putative functions of astrocytes in the cuprizone model. Following that, we list previously published works that illuminate various aspects of the biology and function of astrocytes in this multiple sclerosis model. Some of the studies are discussed in more detail in the context of astrocyte biology and pathology. Our objective is twofold: to provide an invaluable overview of this burgeoning field, and, more importantly, to inspire fellow researchers to embark on experimental investigations to elucidate the multifaceted functions of this pivotal glial cell subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Stansberry WM, Pierchala BA. Neurotrophic factors in the physiology of motor neurons and their role in the pathobiology and therapeutic approach to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1238453. [PMID: 37692101 PMCID: PMC10483118 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1238453] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the neurotrophins and their potent survival and trophic effects led to great enthusiasm about their therapeutic potential to rescue dying neurons in neurodegenerative diseases. The further discovery that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) had potent survival-promoting activity on motor neurons led to the proposal for their use in motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review we synthesize the literature pertaining to the role of NGF, BDNF, CNTF and GDNF on the development and physiology of spinal motor neurons, as well as the preclinical studies that evaluated their potential for the treatment of ALS. Results from the clinical trials of these molecules will also be described and, with the aid of decades of hindsight, we will discuss what can reasonably be concluded and how this information can inform future clinical development of neurotrophic factors for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley M. Stansberry
- The Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Brian A. Pierchala
- The Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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