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Cantando I, Centofanti C, D’Alessandro G, Limatola C, Bezzi P. Metabolic dynamics in astrocytes and microglia during post-natal development and their implications for autism spectrum disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354259. [PMID: 38419654 PMCID: PMC10899402 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by elusive underlying mechanisms. Recent attention has focused on the involvement of astrocytes and microglia in ASD pathology. These glial cells play pivotal roles in maintaining neuronal homeostasis, including the regulation of metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between ASD and inborn errors of metabolism. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the functions of microglia and astrocytes in ASD is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This review aims to provide a summary of the metabolism of astrocytes and microglia during post-natal development and the evidence of disrupted metabolic pathways in ASD, with particular emphasis on those potentially important for the regulation of neuronal post-natal maturation by astrocytes and microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Cantando
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristiana Centofanti
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppina D’Alessandro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed Via Atinese 18, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed Via Atinese 18, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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2
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Xiong Z, Wang H, Qu Y, Peng S, He Y, Yang Q, Xu X, Lv D, Liu Y, Xie C, Zhang X. The mitochondria in schizophrenia with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: From pathogenesis to therapeutic promise of targeted natural drugs. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 127:110831. [PMID: 37451595 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex multi-factor neurological disorder that caused an array of severe indelible consequences to the individuals and society. Additionally, anti-schizophrenic drugs are unsuitable for treating negative symptoms and have more significant side effects and drug resistance. For better treatment and prevention, we consider exploring the pathogenesis of schizophrenia from other perspectives. A growing body of evidence of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) suggested that the occurrence and progression of schizophrenia are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. So combing through the literature of 22q11DS published from 2000 to 2023, this paper reviews the mechanism of schizophrenia based on mitochondrial dysfunction, and it focuses on the natural drugs targeting mitochondria to enhance mitochondrial function, which are potential to improve the current treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongxiang Xiong
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Heting Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yutian Qu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihan Peng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchi He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingyan Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - De Lv
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunguang Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
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Ferrucci L, Cantando I, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Bezzi P. Microglia at the Tripartite Synapse during Postnatal Development: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:2827. [PMID: 38132147 PMCID: PMC10742295 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the fundamental structures of neural circuits that control brain functions and behavioral and cognitive processes. Synapses undergo formation, maturation, and elimination mainly during postnatal development via a complex interplay with neighboring astrocytes and microglia that, by shaping neural connectivity, may have a crucial role in the strengthening and weakening of synaptic functions, that is, the functional plasticity of synapses. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have unveiled the roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse formation, maturation, and elimination as well as in regulating synaptic function. Over the past 15 years, the mechanisms underlying the microglia- and astrocytes-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity have been thoroughly studied, and researchers have reported that the disruption of these glial cells in early postnatal development may underlie the cause of synaptic dysfunction that leads to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Iva Cantando
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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Ren D, Luo B, Chen P, Yu L, Xiong M, Fu Z, Zhou T, Chen WB, Fei E. DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 2 (DGCR2), a schizophrenia risk gene, regulates dendritic spine development through cell adhesion. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:134. [PMID: 37480133 PMCID: PMC10362570 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01081-9] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendritic spines are the sites of excitatory synapses on pyramidal neurons, and their development is crucial for neural circuits and brain functions. The spine shape, size, or number alterations are associated with neurological disorders, including schizophrenia. DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 2 (DGCR2) is one of the deleted genes within the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), which is a high risk for developing schizophrenia. DGCR2 expression was reduced in schizophrenics. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of DGCR2 in schizophrenia or 22q11DS is still unclear. RESULTS Here, we report that DGCR2 expression was increased during the neurodevelopmental period and enriched in the postsynaptic densities (PSDs). DGCR2-deficient hippocampal neurons formed fewer spines. In agreement, glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity were decreased in the hippocampus of DGCR2-deficient mice. Further molecular studies showed that the extracellular domain (ECD) of DGCR2 is responsible for its transcellular interaction with cell adhesion molecule Neurexin1 (NRXN1) and spine development. Consequently, abnormal behaviors, like anxiety, were observed in DGCR2-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that DGCR2 is a novel cell adhesion molecule required for spine development and synaptic plasticity, and its deficiency induces abnormal behaviors in mice. This study provides a potential pathophysiological mechanism of DGCR2 in 22q11DS and related mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Lulu Yu
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Mingtao Xiong
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Wen-Bing Chen
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Erkang Fei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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D'Antoni C, Mautone L, Sanchini C, Tondo L, Grassmann G, Cidonio G, Bezzi P, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S. Unlocking Neural Function with 3D In Vitro Models: A Technical Review of Self-Assembled, Guided, and Bioprinted Brain Organoids and Their Applications in the Study of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10762. [PMID: 37445940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complexities of the human brain and its associated disorders poses a significant challenge in neuroscience. Traditional research methods have limitations in replicating its intricacies, necessitating the development of in vitro models that can simulate its structure and function. Three-dimensional in vitro models, including organoids, cerebral organoids, bioprinted brain models, and functionalized brain organoids, offer promising platforms for studying human brain development, physiology, and disease. These models accurately replicate key aspects of human brain anatomy, gene expression, and cellular behavior, enabling drug discovery and toxicology studies while providing insights into human-specific phenomena not easily studied in animal models. The use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized the generation of 3D brain structures, with various techniques developed to generate specific brain regions. These advancements facilitate the study of brain structure development and function, overcoming previous limitations due to the scarcity of human brain samples. This technical review provides an overview of current 3D in vitro models of the human cortex, their development, characterization, and limitations, and explores the state of the art and future directions in the field, with a specific focus on their applications in studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara D'Antoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Tondo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Grassmann
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., 00165 Rome, Italy
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Yao Y, Han W. Proline Metabolism in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Cells 2022; 45:781-788. [PMID: 36324271 PMCID: PMC9676987 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Proline plays a multifaceted role in protein synthesis, redox balance, cell fate regulation, brain development, and other cellular and physiological processes. Here, we focus our review on proline metabolism in neurons, highlighting the role of dysregulated proline metabolism in neuronal dysfunction and consequently neurological and psychiatric disorders. We will discuss the association between genetic and protein function of enzymes in the proline pathway and the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders. We will conclude with a potential mechanism of proline metabolism in neuronal function and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Yao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Weiping Han
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667
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Al-Absi AR, Thambiappa SK, Khan AR, Glerup S, Sanchez C, Landau AM, Nyengaard JR. Df(h22q11)/+ mouse model exhibits reduced binding levels of GABA A receptors and structural and functional dysregulation in the inhibitory and excitatory networks of hippocampus. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 122:103769. [PMID: 35988854 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103769] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The 22q11.2 hemizygous deletion confers high risk for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. Inhibitory signaling, largely regulated through GABAA receptors, is suggested to serve a multitude of brain functions that are disrupted in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We investigated the putative deficit of GABAA receptors and the potential substrates contributing to the inhibitory and excitatory dysregulations in hippocampal networks of the Df(h22q11)/+ mouse model of the 22q11.2 hemizygous deletion. The Df(h22q11)/+ mice exhibited impairments in several hippocampus-related functional domains, represented by impaired spatial memory and sensory gating functions. Autoradiography using the [3H]muscimol tracer revealed a significant reduction in GABAA receptor binding in the CA1 and CA3 subregions, together with a loss of GAD67+ interneurons in CA1 of Df(h22q11)/+ mice. Furthermore, electrophysiology recordings exhibited significantly higher neuronal activity in CA3, in response to the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, as compared with wild type mice. Density and volume of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons were reduced and Sholl analysis also showed a reduction in the complexity of basal dendritic tree in CA1 and CA3 subregions of Df(h22q11)/+ mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that hemizygous deletion in the 22q11.2 locus leads to dysregulations in the inhibitory circuits, involving reduced binding levels of GABAA receptors, in addition to functional and structural modulations of the excitatory networks of hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-Rahman Al-Absi
- Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Sakeerthi Kethees Thambiappa
- Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Ahmad Raza Khan
- Centre of Biomedical Research (CBMR), SGPGIMS Campus, Lucknow, India.
| | - Simon Glerup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Connie Sanchez
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Anne M Landau
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
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