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Katchur NJ, Notterman DA. Recent insights from non-mammalian models of brain injuries: an emerging literature. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1378620. [PMID: 38566857 PMCID: PMC10985199 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1378620] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern and is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Repetitive TBIs (rTBIs), commonly observed in contact sports, military service, and intimate partner violence (IPV), pose a significant risk for long-term sequelae. To study the long-term consequences of TBI and rTBI, researchers have typically used mammalian models to recapitulate brain injury and neurodegenerative phenotypes. However, there are several limitations to these models, including: (1) lengthy observation periods, (2) high cost, (3) difficult genetic manipulations, and (4) ethical concerns regarding prolonged and repeated injury of a large number of mammals. Aquatic vertebrate model organisms, including Petromyzon marinus (sea lampreys), zebrafish (Danio rerio), and invertebrates, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and Drosophila melanogaster (Drosophila), are emerging as valuable tools for investigating the mechanisms of rTBI and tauopathy. These non-mammalian models offer unique advantages, including genetic tractability, simpler nervous systems, cost-effectiveness, and quick discovery-based approaches and high-throughput screens for therapeutics, which facilitate the study of rTBI-induced neurodegeneration and tau-related pathology. Here, we explore the use of non-vertebrate and aquatic vertebrate models to study TBI and neurodegeneration. Drosophila, in particular, provides an opportunity to explore the longitudinal effects of mild rTBI and its impact on endogenous tau, thereby offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between rTBI, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration. These models provide a platform for mechanistic studies and therapeutic interventions, ultimately advancing our understanding of the long-term consequences associated with rTBI and potential avenues for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Katchur
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Daniel A. Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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2
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Locskai LF, Alyenbaawi H, Allison WT. Antiepileptic Drugs as Potential Dementia Prophylactics Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:577-598. [PMID: 37788493 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051921-013930] [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: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Seizures and other forms of neurovolatility are emerging as druggable prodromal mechanisms that link traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the progression of later dementias. TBI neurotrauma has both acute and long-term impacts on health, and TBI is a leading risk factor for dementias, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Treatment of TBI already considers acute management of posttraumatic seizures and epilepsy, and impressive efforts have optimized regimens of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) toward that goal. Here we consider that expanding these management strategies could determine which AED regimens best prevent dementia progression in TBI patients. Challenges with this prophylactic strategy include the potential consequences of prolonged AED treatment and that a large subset of patients are refractory to available AEDs. Addressing these challenges is warranted because the management of seizure activity following TBI offers a rare opportunity to prevent the onset or progression of devastating dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo F Locskai
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Hadeel Alyenbaawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - W Ted Allison
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Gill T, Locskai LF, Burton AH, Alyenbaawi H, Wheeler T, Burton EA, Allison WT. Delivering Traumatic Brain Injury to Larval Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2707:3-22. [PMID: 37668902 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3401-1_1] [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: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
We describe a straightforward, scalable method for administering traumatic brain injury (TBI) to zebrafish larvae. The pathological outcomes appear generalizable for all TBI types, but perhaps most closely model closed-skull, diffuse lesion (blast injury) neurotrauma. The injury is delivered by dropping a weight onto the plunger of a fluid-filled syringe containing zebrafish larvae. This model is easy to implement, cost-effective, and provides a high-throughput system that induces brain injury in many larvae at once. Unique to vertebrate TBI models, this method can be used to deliver TBI without anesthetic or other metabolic agents. The methods simulate the main aspects of traumatic brain injury in humans, providing a preclinical model to study the consequences of this prevalent injury type and a way to explore early interventions that may ameliorate subsequent neurodegeneration. We also describe a convenient method for executing pressure measurements to calibrate and validate this method. When used in concert with the genetic tools readily available in zebrafish, this model of traumatic brain injury offers opportunities to examine many mechanisms and outcomes induced by traumatic brain injury. For example, genetically encoded fluorescent reporters have been implemented with this system to measure protein misfolding and neural activity via optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Gill
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Laszlo F Locskai
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander H Burton
- Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hadeel Alyenbaawi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Travis Wheeler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward A Burton
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - W Ted Allison
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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4
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Burton AH, Jiao B, Bai Q, Van Laar VS, Wheeler TB, Watkins SC, Bruchez MP, Burton EA. Full-field exposure of larval zebrafish to narrow waveband LED light sources at defined power and energy for optogenetic applications. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 401:110001. [PMID: 37914002 PMCID: PMC10843659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optogenetic approaches in transparent zebrafish models have provided numerous insights into vertebrate neurobiology. The purpose of this study was to develop methods to activate light-sensitive transgene products simultaneously throughout an entire larval zebrafish. NEW METHOD We developed a LED illumination stand and microcontroller unit to expose zebrafish larvae reproducibly to full field illumination at defined wavelength, power, and energy. RESULTS The LED stand generated a sufficiently flat illumination field to expose multiple larval zebrafish to high power light stimuli uniformly, while avoiding sample bath warming. The controller unit allowed precise automated delivery of predetermined amounts of light energy at calibrated power. We demonstrated the utility of the approach by driving photoconversion of Kaede (398 nm), photodimerization of GAVPO (450 nm), and photoactivation of dL5**/MG2I (661 nm) in neurons throughout the CNS of larval zebrafish. Observed outcomes were influenced by both total light energy and its rate of delivery, highlighting the importance of controlling these variables to obtain reproducible results. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our approach employs inexpensive LED chip arrays to deliver narrow-waveband light with a sufficiently flat illumination field to span multiple larval zebrafish simultaneously. Calibration of light power and energy are built into the workflow. CONCLUSIONS The LED illuminator and controller can be constructed from widely available materials using the drawings, instructions, and software provided. This approach will be useful for multiple optogenetic applications in zebrafish and other models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Burton
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Undergraduate Program in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Binxuan Jiao
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tsinghua University Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Bai
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Victor S Van Laar
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Travis B Wheeler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Molecular Biosensors and Imaging Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward A Burton
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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5
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Dang Y, Wang T. Research Progress on the Immune-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Posttraumatic Epilepsy. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4059-4069. [PMID: 37889439 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01429-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a severe complication arising from a traumatic brain injury caused by various violent actions on the brain. The underlying mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PTE are complex and have not been fully defined. Approximately, one-third of patients with PTE are resistant to antiepileptic therapy. Recent research evidence has shown that neuroinflammation is critical in the development of PTE. This article reviews the immune-inflammatory mechanisms regarding microglial activation, astrocyte proliferation, inflammatory signaling pathways, chronic neuroinflammation, and intestinal flora. These mechanisms offer novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of PTE and have groundbreaking implications in the prevention and treatment of PTE. Immunoinflammatory cross-talk between glial cells and gut microbiota in posttraumatic epilepsy. This graphical abstract depicts the roles of microglia and astrocytes in posttraumatic epilepsy, highlighting the influence of the gut microbiota on their function. TBI traumatic brain injury, AQP4 aquaporin-4, Kir4.1 inward rectifying K channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbin Dang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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Hickman LB, Stern JM, Silverman DHS, Salamon N, Vossel K. Clinical, imaging, and biomarker evidence of amyloid- and tau-related neurodegeneration in late-onset epilepsy of unknown etiology. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1241638. [PMID: 37830092 PMCID: PMC10565489 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests amyloid and tau-related neurodegeneration may play a role in development of late-onset epilepsy of unknown etiology (LOEU). In this article, we review recent evidence that epilepsy may be an initial manifestation of an amyloidopathy or tauopathy that precedes development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with LOEU demonstrate an increased risk of cognitive decline, and patients with AD have increased prevalence of preceding epilepsy. Moreover, investigations of LOEU that use CSF biomarkers and imaging techniques have identified preclinical neurodegeneration with evidence of amyloid and tau deposition. Overall, findings to date suggest a relationship between acquired, non-lesional late-onset epilepsy and amyloid and tau-related neurodegeneration, which supports that preclinical or prodromal AD is a distinct etiology of late-onset epilepsy. We propose criteria for assessing elevated risk of developing dementia in patients with late-onset epilepsy utilizing clinical features, available imaging techniques, and biomarker measurements. Further research is needed to validate these criteria and assess optimal treatment strategies for patients with probable epileptic preclinical AD and epileptic prodromal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Brian Hickman
- Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, UCLA Seizure Disorder Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John M. Stern
- Department of Neurology, UCLA Seizure Disorder Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel H. S. Silverman
- Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Keith Vossel
- Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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7
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Kanyo R, Lamothe SM, Urrutia A, Goodchild SJ, Allison WT, Dean R, Kurata HT. Site and Mechanism of ML252 Inhibition of Kv7 Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. FUNCTION 2023; 4:zqad021. [PMID: 37342413 PMCID: PMC10278987 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-gated potassium channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and are candidate targets for development of antiseizure medications. Drug discovery efforts have identified small molecules that modulate channel function and reveal mechanistic insights into Kv7 channel physiological roles. While Kv7 channel activators have therapeutic benefits, inhibitors are useful for understanding channel function and mechanistic validation of candidate drugs. In this study, we reveal the mechanism of a Kv7.2/Kv7.3 inhibitor, ML252. We used docking and electrophysiology to identify critical residues involved in ML252 sensitivity. Most notably, Kv7.2[W236F] or Kv7.3[W265F] mutations strongly attenuate ML252 sensitivity. This tryptophan residue in the pore is also required for sensitivity to certain activators, including retigabine and ML213. We used automated planar patch clamp electrophysiology to assess competitive interactions between ML252 and different Kv7 activator subtypes. A pore-targeted activator (ML213) weakens the inhibitory effects of ML252, whereas a distinct activator subtype (ICA-069673) that targets the voltage sensor does not prevent ML252 inhibition. Using transgenic zebrafish larvae expressing an optical reporter (CaMPARI) to measure neural activity in-vivo, we demonstrate that Kv7 inhibition by ML252 increases neuronal excitability. Consistent with in-vitro data, ML213 suppresses ML252 induced neuronal activity, while the voltage-sensor targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent ML252 actions. In summary, this study establishes a binding site and mechanism of action of ML252, classifying this poorly understood drug as a pore-targeted Kv7 channel inhibitor that binds to the same tryptophan residue as commonly used pore-targeted Kv7 activators. ML213 and ML252 likely have overlapping sites of interaction in the pore Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels, resulting in competitive interactions. In contrast, the VSD-targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent channel inhibition by ML252.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kanyo
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, 9-70 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Shawn M Lamothe
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, 9-70 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Arturo Urrutia
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
| | - Samuel J Goodchild
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
| | - W Ted Allison
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Richard Dean
- Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
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8
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D'Amora M, Galgani A, Marchese M, Tantussi F, Faraguna U, De Angelis F, Giorgi FS. Zebrafish as an Innovative Tool for Epilepsy Modeling: State of the Art and Potential Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097702. [PMID: 37175408 PMCID: PMC10177843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the potential of Zebrafish (ZF) (Danio Rerio), as a model for epilepsy research. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting both children and adults, and many aspects of this disease are still poorly understood. In vivo and in vitro models derived from rodents are the most widely used for studying both epilepsy pathophysiology and novel drug treatments. However, researchers have recently obtained several valuable insights into these two fields of investigation by studying ZF. Despite the relatively simple brain structure of these animals, researchers can collect large amounts of data in a much shorter period and at lower costs compared to classical rodent models. This is particularly useful when a large number of candidate antiseizure drugs need to be screened, and ethical issues are minimized. In ZF, seizures have been induced through a variety of chemoconvulsants, primarily pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), kainic acid (KA), and pilocarpine. Furthermore, ZF can be easily genetically modified to test specific aspects of monogenic forms of human epilepsy, as well as to discover potential convulsive phenotypes in monogenic mutants. The article reports on the state-of-the-art and potential new fields of application of ZF research, including its potential role in revealing epileptogenic mechanisms, rather than merely assessing iatrogenic acute seizure modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta D'Amora
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56125 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology-ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Nikam RM, Kecskemethy HH, Kandula VVR, Averill LW, Langhans SA, Yue X. Abusive Head Trauma Animal Models: Focus on Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4463. [PMID: 36901893 PMCID: PMC10003453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious traumatic brain injury and the leading cause of death in children younger than 2 years. The development of experimental animal models to simulate clinical AHT cases is challenging. Several animal models have been designed to mimic the pathophysiological and behavioral changes in pediatric AHT, ranging from lissencephalic rodents to gyrencephalic piglets, lambs, and non-human primates. These models can provide helpful information for AHT, but many studies utilizing them lack consistent and rigorous characterization of brain changes and have low reproducibility of the inflicted trauma. Clinical translatability of animal models is also limited due to significant structural differences between developing infant human brains and the brains of animals, and an insufficient ability to mimic the effects of long-term degenerative diseases and to model how secondary injuries impact the development of the brain in children. Nevertheless, animal models can provide clues on biochemical effectors that mediate secondary brain injury after AHT including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen toxicity, axonal damage, and neuronal death. They also allow for investigation of the interdependency of injured neurons and analysis of the cell types involved in neuronal degeneration and malfunction. This review first focuses on the clinical challenges in diagnosing AHT and describes various biomarkers in clinical AHT cases. Then typical preclinical biomarkers such as microglia and astrocytes, reactive oxygen species, and activated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in AHT are described, and the value and limitations of animal models in preclinical drug discovery for AHT are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul M. Nikam
- Diagnostic & Research PET/MR Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Heidi H. Kecskemethy
- Diagnostic & Research PET/MR Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Vinay V. R. Kandula
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Lauren W. Averill
- Diagnostic & Research PET/MR Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Sigrid A. Langhans
- Diagnostic & Research PET/MR Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Xuyi Yue
- Diagnostic & Research PET/MR Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Radiology, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
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Lam PY. Longitudinal in vivo imaging of adult Danionella cerebrum using standard confocal microscopy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:283162. [PMID: 36398624 PMCID: PMC9844135 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Danionella cerebrum is a new vertebrate model that offers an exciting opportunity to visualize dynamic biological processes in intact adult animals. Key advantages of this model include its small size, life-long optical transparency, genetic amenability and short generation time. Establishing a reliable method for longitudinal in vivo imaging of adult D. cerebrum while maintaining viability will allow in-depth image-based studies of various processes involved in development, disease onset and progression, wound healing, and aging in an intact live animal. Here, a method for both prolonged and longitudinal confocal live imaging of adult D. cerebrum using custom-designed and 3D-printed imaging chambers is described. Two transgenic D. cerebrum lines were created to test the imaging system, i.e. Tg(mpeg1:dendra2) and Tg(kdrl:mCherry-caax). The first line was used to visualize macrophages and microglia, and the second for spatial registration. By using this approach, differences in immune cell morphology and behavior during homeostasis as well as in response to a stab wound or two-photon-induced brain injury were observed in intact adult fish over the course of several days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui-Ying Lam
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 53226 Milwaukee, WI, USA,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 53226 Milwaukee, WI, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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11
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Hwang K, Vaknalli RN, Addo-Osafo K, Vicente M, Vossel K. Tauopathy and Epilepsy Comorbidities and Underlying Mechanisms. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:903973. [PMID: 35923547 PMCID: PMC9340804 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.903973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein known to bind and promote assembly of microtubules in neurons under physiological conditions. However, under pathological conditions, aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau causes neuronal toxicity, neurodegeneration, and resulting tauopathies like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinically, patients with tauopathies present with either dementia, movement disorders, or a combination of both. The deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain is also associated with epilepsy and network hyperexcitability in a variety of neurological diseases. Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic targeting of tau-based mechanisms can have anti-seizure effects. Suppressing tau phosphorylation decreases seizure activity in acquired epilepsy models while reducing or ablating tau attenuates network hyperexcitability in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy models. However, it remains unclear whether tauopathy and epilepsy comorbidities are mediated by convergent mechanisms occurring upstream of epileptogenesis and tau aggregation, by feedforward mechanisms between the two, or simply by coincident processes. In this review, we investigate the relationship between tauopathies and seizure disorders, including temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dravet syndrome, Nodding syndrome, Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC), Lafora disease, focal cortical dysplasia, and tuberous sclerosis complex. We also explore potential mechanisms implicating the role of tau kinases and phosphatases as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the promotion of co-pathology. Understanding the role of these co-pathologies could lead to new insights and therapies targeting both epileptogenic mechanisms and cognitive decline.
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12
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Navarrete C, García-Martín A, Correa-Sáez A, Prados ME, Fernández F, Pineda R, Mazzone M, Álvarez-Benito M, Calzado MA, Muñoz E. A cannabidiol aminoquinone derivative activates the PP2A/B55α/HIF pathway and shows protective effects in a murine model of traumatic brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:177. [PMID: 35810304 PMCID: PMC9270745 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a primary mechanical injury and a secondary injury associated with neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neurodegeneration. We have developed a novel cannabidiol aminoquinone derivative, VCE-004.8, which is a dual PPARγ/CB2 agonist that also activates the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway. VCE-004.8 shows potent antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities and it is now in Phase II clinical trials for systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of action of VCE-004.8 in the HIF pathway and explored its efficacy in a preclinical model of TBI. METHODS Using a phosphoproteomic approach, we investigated the effects of VCE-004.8 on prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) posttranslational modifications. The potential role of PP2A/B55α in HIF activation was analyzed using siRNA for B55α. To evaluate the angiogenic response to the treatment with VCE-004.8 we performed a Matrigel plug in vivo assay. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM), and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) tight junction protein expression were studied in brain microvascular endothelial cells. The efficacy of VCE-004.8 in vivo was evaluated in a controlled cortical impact (CCI) murine model of TBI. RESULTS Herein we provide evidence that VCE-004.8 inhibits PHD2 Ser125 phosphorylation and activates HIF through a PP2A/B55α pathway. VCE-004.8 induces angiogenesis in vivo increasing the formation of functional vessel (CD31/α-SMA) and prevents in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption ameliorating the loss of ZO-1 expression under proinflammatory conditions. In CCI model VCE-004.8 treatment ameliorates early motor deficits after TBI and attenuates cerebral edema preserving BBB integrity. Histopathological analysis revealed that VCE-004.8 treatment induces neovascularization in pericontusional area and prevented immune cell infiltration to the brain parenchyma. In addition, VCE-004.8 attenuates neuroinflammation and reduces neuronal death and apoptosis in the damaged area. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insight about the mechanism of action of VCE-004.8 regulating the PP2A/B55α/PHD2/HIF pathway. Furthermore, we show the potential efficacy for TBI treatment by preventing BBB disruption, enhancing angiogenesis, and ameliorating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alejandro Correa-Sáez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.,Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology Department, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Fernández
- FEA Radiodiagnóstico, Sección de Neurorradiología Diagnóstica. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Pineda
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.,Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology Department, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB-KULeuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Marina Álvarez-Benito
- Unidad de Radiodiagnóstico Y Cáncer de Mama, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marco A Calzado
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.,Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology Department, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, USA. .,Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Avda Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain. .,Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology Department, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain. .,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
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13
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van Vliet EA, Marchi N. Neurovascular unit dysfunction as a mechanism of seizures and epilepsy during aging. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1297-1313. [PMID: 35218208 PMCID: PMC9321014 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The term neurovascular unit (NVU) describes the structural and functional liaison between specialized brain endothelium, glial and mural cells, and neurons. Within the NVU, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is the microvascular structure regulating neuronal physiology and immune cross‐talk, and its properties adapt to brain aging. Here, we analyze a research framework where NVU dysfunction, caused by acute insults or disease progression in the aging brain, represents a converging mechanism underlying late‐onset seizures or epilepsy and neurological or neurodegenerative sequelae. Furthermore, seizure activity may accelerate brain aging by sustaining regional NVU dysfunction, and a cerebrovascular pathology may link seizures to comorbidities. Next, we focus on NVU diagnostic approaches that could be tailored to seizure conditions in the elderly. We also examine the impending disease‐modifying strategies based on the restoration of the NVU and, more in general, the homeostatic control of anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory players. We conclude with an outlook on current pre‐clinical knowledge gaps and clinical challenges pertinent to seizure onset and conditions in an aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin A van Vliet
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, dept. of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicola Marchi
- Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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14
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Ng B, Rowland HA, Wei T, Arunasalam K, Hayes EM, Koychev I, Hedegaard A, Ribe EM, Chan D, Chessell T, Ffytche D, Gunn RN, Kocagoncu E, Lawson J, Malhotra PA, Ridha BH, Rowe JB, Thomas AJ, Zamboni G, Buckley NJ, Cader ZM, Lovestone S, Wade-Martins R. Neurons derived from individual early Alzheimer's disease patients reflect their clinical vulnerability. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac267. [PMID: 36349119 PMCID: PMC9636855 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease that predict clinical outcomes remains a critically important, yet to date not fully realized, goal. Models derived from human cells offer considerable advantages over non-human models, including the potential to reflect some of the inter-individual differences that are apparent in patients. Here we report an approach using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons from people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease where we sought a match between individual disease characteristics in the cells with analogous characteristics in the people from whom they were derived. We show that the response to amyloid-β burden in life, as measured by cognitive decline and brain activity levels, varies between individuals and this vulnerability rating correlates with the individual cellular vulnerability to extrinsic amyloid-β in vitro as measured by synapse loss and function. Our findings indicate that patient-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons not only present key aspects of Alzheimer's disease pathology but also reflect key aspects of the clinical phenotypes of the same patients. Cellular models that reflect an individual's in-life clinical vulnerability thus represent a tractable method of Alzheimer's disease modelling using clinical data in combination with cellular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Ng
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Helen A Rowland
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Tina Wei
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Kanisa Arunasalam
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Emma Mee Hayes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Ivan Koychev
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Anne Hedegaard
- Present address: Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Elena M Ribe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Dennis Chan
- Present address: Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Tharani Chessell
- Neuroscience, Innovative Medicines and Early Development, AstraZeneca AKB, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Dominic Ffytche
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Roger N Gunn
- Invicro & Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ece Kocagoncu
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Paresh A Malhotra
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Basil H Ridha
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - James B Rowe
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Alan J Thomas
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Giovanna Zamboni
- Present address: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena Italy
| | - Noel J Buckley
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Zameel M Cader
- Zameel M. Cader, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building University of Oxford, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU, UK E-mail:
| | - Simon Lovestone
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Simon Lovestone Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK E-mail:
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Correspondence to: Richard Wade-Martins Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building University of Oxford, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU, UK E-mail:
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15
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Prophylactic Activation of Shh Signaling Attenuates TBI-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish by Modulating Glutamate Excitotoxicity through Eaat2a. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010032. [PMID: 35052712 PMCID: PMC8773121 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 2 million individuals experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year in the United States. Secondary injury begins within minutes after TBI, with alterations in cellular function and chemical signaling that contribute to excitotoxicity. Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are experienced in an increasing number of TBI individuals that also display resistance to traditional anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a signaling pathway that is upregulated following central nervous system damage in zebrafish and aids injury-induced regeneration. Using a modified Marmarou weight drop on adult zebrafish, we examined PTS following TBI and Shh modulation. We found that inhibiting Shh signaling by cyclopamine significantly increased PTS in TBI fish, prolonged the timeframe PTS was observed, and decreased survival across all TBI severities. Shh-inhibited TBI fish failed to respond to traditional ASMs, but were attenuated when treated with CNQX, which blocks ionotropic glutamate receptors. We found that the Smoothened agonist, purmorphamine, increased Eaat2a expression in undamaged brains compared to untreated controls, and purmorphamine treatment reduced glutamate excitotoxicity following TBI. Similarly, purmorphamine reduced PTS, edema, and cognitive deficits in TBI fish, while these pathologies were increased and/or prolonged in cyclopamine-treated TBI fish. However, the increased severity of TBI phenotypes with cyclopamine was reduced by cotreating fish with ceftriaxone, which induces Eaat2a expression. Collectively, these data suggest that Shh signaling induces Eaat2a expression and plays a role in regulating TBI-induced glutamate excitotoxicity and TBI sequelae.
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16
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Giong HK, Subramanian M, Yu K, Lee JS. Non-Rodent Genetic Animal Models for Studying Tauopathy: Review of Drosophila, Zebrafish, and C. elegans Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8465. [PMID: 34445171 PMCID: PMC8395099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathy refers to a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's disease, which correlate with the malfunction of microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) due to abnormal hyperphosphorylation, leading to the formation of intracellular aggregates in the brain. Despite extensive efforts to understand tauopathy and develop an efficient therapy, our knowledge is still far from complete. To find a solution for this group of devastating diseases, several animal models that mimic diverse disease phenotypes of tauopathy have been developed. Rodents are the dominating tauopathy models because of their similarity to humans and established disease lines, as well as experimental approaches. However, powerful genetic animal models using Drosophila, zebrafish, and C. elegans have also been developed for modeling tauopathy and have contributed to understanding the pathophysiology of tauopathy. The success of these models stems from the short lifespans, versatile genetic tools, real-time in-vivo imaging, low maintenance costs, and the capability for high-throughput screening. In this review, we summarize the main findings on mechanisms of tauopathy and discuss the current tauopathy models of these non-rodent genetic animals, highlighting their key advantages and limitations in tauopathy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Khoanh Giong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Manivannan Subramanian
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Kweon Yu
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (H.-K.G.); (M.S.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
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17
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Zebrafish Blunt-Force TBI Induces Heterogenous Injury Pathologies That Mimic Human TBI and Responds with Sonic Hedgehog-Dependent Cell Proliferation across the Neuroaxis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080861. [PMID: 34440066 PMCID: PMC8389629 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Blunt-force traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects an increasing number of people worldwide as the range of injury severity and heterogeneity of injury pathologies have been recognized. Most current damage models utilize non-regenerative organisms, less common TBI mechanisms (penetrating, chemical, blast), and are limited in scalability of injury severity. We describe a scalable blunt-force TBI model that exhibits a wide range of human clinical pathologies and allows for the study of both injury pathology/progression and mechanisms of regenerative recovery. We modified the Marmarou weight drop model for adult zebrafish, which delivers a scalable injury spanning mild, moderate, and severe phenotypes. Following injury, zebrafish display a wide range of severity-dependent, injury-induced pathologies, including seizures, blood–brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, edema, vascular injury, decreased recovery rate, neuronal cell death, sensorimotor difficulties, and cognitive deficits. Injury-induced pathologies rapidly dissipate 4–7 days post-injury as robust cell proliferation is observed across the neuroaxis. In the cerebellum, proliferating nestin:GFP-positive cells originated from the cerebellar crest by 60 h post-injury, which then infiltrated into the granule cell layer and differentiated into neurons. Shh pathway genes increased in expression shortly following injury. Injection of the Shh agonist purmorphamine in undamaged fish induced a significant proliferative response, while the proliferative response was inhibited in injured fish treated with cyclopamine, a Shh antagonist. Collectively, these data demonstrate that a scalable blunt-force TBI to adult zebrafish results in many pathologies similar to human TBI, followed by recovery, and neuronal regeneration in a Shh-dependent manner.
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18
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Medium-throughput zebrafish optogenetic platform identifies deficits in subsequent neural activity following brief early exposure to cannabidiol and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11515. [PMID: 34075141 PMCID: PMC8169761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90902-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of legislative changes and the widespread use of cannabis as a recreational and medicinal drug, delayed effects of cannabis upon brief exposure during embryonic development are of high interest as early pregnancies often go undetected. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) until the end of gastrulation (1-10 h post-fertilization) and analyzed later in development (4-5 days post-fertilization). In order to measure neural activity, we implemented Calcium-Modulated Photoactivatable Ratiometric Integrator (CaMPARI) and optimized the protocol for a 96-well format complemented by locomotor analysis. Our results revealed that neural activity was decreased by CBD more than THC. At higher doses, both cannabinoids could dramatically reduce neural activity and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the decrease was more pronounced when CBD and THC were combined. At the receptor level, CBD-mediated reduction of locomotor activity was partially prevented using cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptor inhibitors. Overall, we report that CBD toxicity occurs via two cannabinoid receptors and is synergistically enhanced by THC exposure to negatively impact neural activity late in larval development. Future studies are warranted to reveal other cannabinoids and their receptors to understand the implications of cannabis consumption on fetal development.
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19
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Ekker M. Visualizing traumatic brain injuries. eLife 2021; 10:e65676. [PMID: 33527900 PMCID: PMC7853714 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish larvae models can be used to study the link between seizures and the neurodegeneration that follows brain trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ekker
- Department of Biology, University of OttawaOttawaCanada
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