Article
Cell Biology
Louis-Philippe Croteau, Michael L. Risner, Lauren K. Wareham, Nolan R. McGrady, Xitiz Chamling, Donald J. Zack, David J. Calkins
Summary: Cell replacement therapies using human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem-derived retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs) hold promise in achieving functional recovery in neurodegenerative optic neuropathies diseases. However, previous transplantation studies have shown limited success in terms of cell survival and integration in the host retina. In this study, a transplantation assay involving hRGCs and mouse retina explants was designed to overcome physical barriers and evaluate strategies for optimizing integration of donor cells. Results showed that supplementing cultures with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and forskolin improved hRGC integrity, neurite outgrowth, and invasion of mouse explants.
Article
Neurosciences
Stephanie Crater, Surendra Maharjan, Yi Qi, Qi Zhao, Gary Cofer, James C. Cook, G. Allan Johnson, Nian Wang
Summary: Diffusion MRI has been widely used to study tissue microstructure and structural connectivity. This study focuses on acquiring high quality dMRI datasets of mouse brains and investigating the effects of three important parameters on the resulting connectome.
Article
Cell Biology
Lucia Buccarello, Jessica Dragotto, Kambiz Hassanzadeh, Rita Maccarone, Massimo Corbo, Marco Feligioni
Summary: The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) is a common pathological feature in retinopathies associated with optic nerve damage, leading to visual impairment and blindness. Despite efforts to understand the molecular and cellular changes in retinal degeneration, effective therapies are still lacking. In this study, enucleated eyeballs with optic nerve cut showed retinal and optic nerve degeneration after 24 hours in PBS, with significant RGC loss and dysfunctions in apoptotic pathways observed. The antioxidant compound curcumin was shown to prevent these alterations and preserve RGC survival, suggesting it as a potential treatment for retinal cell death.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Elodie Reboussin, Juliette Buffault, Francoise Brignole-Baudouin, Annabelle Reaux-Le Goazigo, Luisa Riancho, Celine Olmiere, Jose-Alain Sahel, Stephane Melik Parsadaniantz, Christophe Baudouin
Summary: This study demonstrated the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of MSCs on RGCs in an ex vivo neuroretina explant model. However, co-culture with MSCs led to explant edema and the formation of an epiretinal membrane-like phenotype. The use of MSC secretome may offer the beneficial effects of MSCs without their potential adverse effects through paracrine signaling.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kambiz Hassanzadeh, Zakaria Vahabzadeh, Lucia Bucarello, Jessica Dragotto, Massimo Corbo, Rita Maccarone, Marco Feligioni
Summary: Curcuma extract has been found to protect the retina from degeneration through its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. It can prevent cell loss and modulate the activation of signaling pathways. The inhibition of protein SUMOylation might be one of the mechanisms behind its cytoprotective effect.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhuhong Zhang, Laien Zhao, Yuanyuan Ma, Jia Liu, Yanmei Huang, Xiaoxuan Fu, Shengjun Peng, Xiaojie Wang, Yun Yang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Wanru Ding, Jinguo Yu, Yanping Zhu, Hua Yan, Shubin Yang
Summary: The 15-nm silica nanoparticles induce size-dependent retinal toxicity, with glial cell activation and ROS generation contributing to this toxicity.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Irene E. Whitney, Salwan Butrus, Michael A. Dyer, Fred Rieke, Joshua R. Sanes, Karthik Shekhar
Summary: High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing was used to identify gene modules related to the development and connectivity of retinal ganglion cells. Visual activity was found to be important for the maturation and maintenance of retinal ganglion cell types.
Article
Cell Biology
Jennifer H. Pham, Gretchen A. Johnson, Rajiv S. Rangan, Charles E. Amankwa, Suchismita Acharya, Dorota L. Stankowska
Summary: This study evaluated the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of the compound SA-2 in retinal ganglion cell degeneration models. The results showed that SA-2 reduced apoptosis and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in rat and human RGCs, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing neurodegeneration in glaucomatous RGCs.
Article
Cell Biology
Jamie Beros, Jennifer Rodger, Alan R. Harvey
Summary: Research shows that in rats, the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) primarily occurs in early-born cells, with their survival dependent on target-derived BDNF. Late-born RGC survival may be influenced by additional factors.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
You-Ren Wu, Tomoyo Hashiguchi, Junki Sho, Shih-Hwa Chiou, Masayo Takahashi, Michiko Mandai
Summary: The study shows the potential for therapeutic use of pluripotent cell-derived RGCs by grafting the cells in healthy conditions and with an appropriate technical approach. Transplanted mESC-derived RGCs survived and extended neurites into the host retina, forming presumptive synapses with host bipolar cells. The ratio of integrated THY1-EGFP(+) neurites in the host IPL was higher in RGC-injured mice compared to healthy controls.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khaled Elmasry, Mohamed Moustafa, Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
Summary: This article describes a detailed protocol for isolating and culturing retinal explants for an extended period, providing a reliable tool for studying changes in retinal vasculature and neuroglial cells. The retinal explant culture can mimic retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khaled Elmasry, Mohamed Moustafa, Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
Summary: Retinal explant culture is an effective method for studying the interactions between retinal cells and diseases. By controlling biochemical parameters and being independent of the vascular system, retinal explants provide a reliable tool for screening novel pharmacological interventions.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hin Ting Wan, Lok Yi Cheung, Ting Fung Chan, Marco Li, Keng Po Lai, Chris Kong Chu Wong
Summary: Considerable human data have shown that exposure to PFOS is correlated with the risk of metabolic diseases, but the underlying effects are not clearly understood. This study investigated the impact of PFOS treatment on pancreatic beta-cell functions, revealing inhibitory effects on insulin secretion and disruptions in energy metabolism pathways.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Vittorio Porciatti, Tsung-Han Chou
Summary: This study introduces a framework to identify progressive and potentially reversible stages of RGC dysfunction leading to cell death in mouse models of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. Mathematical equations are provided to describe state-transitions and modifiable parameters that can be used for hypothesis testing and fitting experimental PERG data. PERG dynamics are also utilized to differentiate phenotypic and altered RGC response dynamics, assess susceptibility to stressors, and evaluate reversible dysfunction with pharmacological treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacky M. K. Kwong, Joseph Caprioli, Ying H. Sze, Feng J. Yu, King K. Li, Chi H. To, Thomas C. Lam
Summary: Retinal proteins associated with primary and secondary RGC degeneration were investigated using SWATH label-free and target-based mass spectrometry. Different proteomic profiles were found in response to localized optic nerve injury, indicating potential roles in RGC loss and cell death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Teissier, Corentin Le Magueresse, Jimmy Olusakin, Belmira L. S. Andrade da Costa, Angela M. De Stasi, Alberto Bacci, Yuka Imamura Kawasawa, Vidita A. Vaidya, Patricia Gaspar
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2020)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Anne Teissier, Patricia Gaspar
M S-MEDECINE SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Jimmy Olusakin, Imane Moutkine, Sylvie Dumas, Evgeni Ponimaskin, Eleni Paizanis, Mariano Soiza-Reilly, Patricia Gaspar
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Oriol Ros, Sarah Baudet, Yvrick Zagar, Karine Loulier, Fiona Roche, Sandrine Couvet, Alain Aghaie, Melody Atkins, Alice Louail, Christine Petit, Christine Metin, Yves Mechulam, Xavier Nicol
Article
Neurosciences
Reha S. Erzurumlu, Patricia Gaspar
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aude Muzerelle, Mariano Soiza-Reilly, Cornelia Hainer, Pierre-Louis Ruet, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Michael Bader, Natalia Alenina, Sophie Scotto-Lomassese, Patricia Gaspar
Summary: The study found that a deficiency in serotonin can lead to nursing problems in mother mice, affecting the growth and development of offspring. This defect primarily manifests in nursing and pup retrieval, influenced by serotonin supply. These findings may be related to reduced maternal/infant interactions observed in human depression.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sarah Goethals, Martijn C. Sierksma, Xavier Nicol, Annabelle Reaux-Le Goazigo, Romain Brette
Summary: The study measured the axial current produced by the axon initial segment of mouse retinal ganglion cells, finding it to be large, requiring high sodium channel conductance density, and covarying with cell capacitance to depolarize the cell by approximately 30mV. During sustained depolarization, the current attenuated but broadened temporally to preserve somatic depolarization. This suggests that the properties of the initial segment are adjusted to ensure reliable backpropagation of the axonal action potential.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Coralie Fassier, Xavier Nicol
Summary: Research on the developmental mechanisms of retinal axon connectivity in the brain has revealed competitive mechanisms between axons from each retina, as well as cooperative interactions between axons from the same eye. This suggests that both competition and cooperation play roles in the formation of the binocular map in mammals.
FRONTIERS IN NEURAL CIRCUITS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Thomas Topilko, Silvina L. Diaz, Catarina M. Pacheco, Florine Verny, Charly Rousseau, Christoph Kirst, Charlotte Deleuze, Patricia Gaspar, Nicolas Renier
Summary: Research shows that behavioral adaptations, such as nesting, are crucial for reproductive fitness during pregnancy in mammals. A study on mice revealed that the construction of nests strongly activates peptidergic neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus of pregnant mice. These neurons were found to modulate arousal before sleep to promote nesting, and facilitate the behavioral effects of progesterone on preparatory nesting by regulating a wide range of downstream targets.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ferran Gomez-Castro, Stefania Zappettini, Jessica C. Pressey, Carla G. Silva, Marion Russeau, Nicolas Gervasi, Marta Figueiredo, Claire Montmasson, Marianne Renner, Paula M. Canas, Francisco Q. Goncalves, Sofia Alcada-Morais, Eszter Szabo, Ricardo J. Rodrigues, Paula Agostinho, Angelo R. Tome, Ghislaine Caillol, Olivier Thoumine, Xavier Nicol, Christophe Leterrier, Rafael Lujan, Shiva K. Tyagarajan, Rodrigo A. Cunha, Monique Esclapez, Christophe Bernard, Sabine Levi
Summary: The research demonstrates that activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors is essential for stabilizing GABAergic synapses during neural circuit development. The synergistic action of GABAAR- and A(2A)R-dependent signaling pathways leads to the production of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. The stabilization of pre- and postsynaptic GABAergic elements involves the interaction between gephyrin and the synaptogenic membrane protein Slitrk3.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Polina Kameneva, Victoria Melnikova, Maria Eleni Kastriti, Anastasia Kurtova, Emil Kryukov, Aliia Murtazina, Louis Faure, Irina Poverennaya, Artem Artemov, Tatiana S. Kalinina, Nikita Kudryashov, Michael Bader, Jan Skoda, Petr Chlapek, Lucie Curylova, Lukas Sourada, Jakub Neradil, Marketa Tesarova, Massimo Pasqualetti, Patricia Gaspar, Vasily D. Yakushov, Boris Sheftel, Tomas Zikmund, Jozef Kaiser, Kaj Fried, Natalia Alenina, Elena E. Voronezhskaya, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Adrenal glands regulate stress response by releasing catecholamines, and the local release of serotonin during adrenal development could affect the number of adrenal cells, thus impacting neuroblastoma development and stress-related maternal effects on offspring.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Melody Atkins, Xavier Nicol, Coralie Fassier
Summary: The establishment of neuronal connectivity relies on the microtubule cytoskeleton, which plays multiple roles in providing support, transport, and signaling for neuronal growth. The precise regulation of microtubule functions is crucial for neuronal wiring and connectivity refinement, and defects in this regulation can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review summarizes recent studies on how microtubule composition, post-translational modifications, and associated proteins influence axon guidance and pruning to build functional neuronal circuits. It also highlights the importance of the tubulin code and molecular links between microtubule regulation and guidance signals in wiring the nervous system.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Oriol Ros, Xavier Nicol
Summary: Understanding axonal behaviors during neuronal connectivity has been a challenge. In vitro systems were developed to observe and measure axon guidance behaviors and test the impact of molecules or cellular extracts. These in vitro assays have evolved with contributions from the Bonhoeffer lab and have been confirmed by in vivo approaches.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Baudet, Yvrick Zagar, Fiona Roche, Claudia Gomez-Bravo, Sandrine Couvet, Johann Becret, Morgane Belle, Juliette Vougny, Sinthuya Uthayasuthan, Oriol Ros, Xavier Nicol
Summary: The study demonstrates that different axon guidance cues induce distinct intracellular signals, including cAMP, cGMP, and Ca2+, confined to separate cellular nanodomains. It challenges the traditional view that axon repellents and attractants share the same set of cellular messenger signals by showing that two repellent cues, ephrin-A5 and Slit1, activate spatially segregated signals. These findings reveal the importance of subcellular-specific second messenger crosstalk in controlling axonal morphology changes and pathfinding decisions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alice Louail, Ahlem Assali, Xavier Nicol
Summary: A protocol for specifically electroporating the ventro-temporal retina is described, allowing manipulation of ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting neurons in the same region. This procedure can be adapted to target other retinal quadrants.