Review
Neurosciences
Zuo Zhang, Xiaolong Li, Hongli Zhou, Jiyin Zhou
Summary: This review provides an overview of the interaction between NG2-glia and microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. It highlights the influence of these cells on each other's survival and function, and emphasizes the importance of understanding this interaction for modulating myelination and treating neurodegenerative disorders.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maryam Momayez Sefat, Pejman Mortazavi, Saeed Motesaddi Zarandi, Akram Eidi
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of PM2.5 exposure on neonatal rat cerebral tissue. The results showed significant increases in the expression of S100 and GFAP genes, as well as their associated proteins, in response to PM2.5 exposure. Pathological examination revealed severe tissue damage in the cerebral tissues of rats exposed to PM2.5. Changes in oxidative stress activity were also observed. These findings provide valuable insights for identifying therapeutic targets to reduce cerebral disorders caused by PM2.5 or other air pollutants.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Timmermann, Dario Tascio, Ronald Jabs, Anne Boehlen, Catia Domingos, Magdalena Skubal, Wenhui Huang, Frank Kirchhoff, Christian Henneberger, Andras Bilkei-Gorzo, Gerald Seifert, Christian Steinhaeuser
Summary: NG2 glia is a unique type of macroglial cells in the CNS that receive synaptic input from neurons. Dysfunction in NG2 glia has been found to improve spatial memory but has no effect on social memory. Loss of the K+ channel Kir4.1 in NG2 glia leads to enhanced synaptic depolarizations and expression of myelin basic protein in the hippocampus. Targeted deletion of the K+ channel in NG2 glia impairs long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 synapses, which can be rescued by extracellular application of a TrkB receptor agonist. These findings highlight the importance of proper NG2 glia function in brain function and behavior.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Crystal Woods, Amanda R. Flockton, Laurie E. Wallace, Catherine M. Keenan, Wendy B. Macklin, Keith A. Sharkey, Jaime Belkind-Gerson
Summary: Proteolipid protein 1 (Plp1) is highly expressed in enteric glia and plays a regulatory role in gut motility and barrier function, possibly through the Erk1/2 pathway. The absence of myelin in the enteric nervous system suggests another role for Plp1 in the gut.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Masae Furukawa, Hirobumi Tada, Resmi Raju, Jingshu Wang, Haruna Yokoi, Yoriko Ikuyo, Mitsuyoshi Yamada, Yosuke Shikama, Kenji Matsushita
Summary: Tooth loss and decreased masticatory function can impact cognitive function due to astrogliosis and aging of astrocytes in specific brain regions. Capsaicin, found in red peppers, has positive effects on brain disorders and its receptor is associated with dementia development. This study investigated the effect of capsaicin administration in aged mice with reduced masticatory function and found improved behavioral levels and astrogliosis, suggesting capsacin's usefulness in maintaining brain function in cases of poor oral function.
Article
Immunology
Andrea V. Loureiro, Lauro I. Moura-Neto, Conceicao S. Martins, Pedro I. M. Silva, Matheus B. S. Lopes, Renata F. C. Leitao, Juliana M. Coelho-Aguiar, Vivaldo Moura-Neto, Cirle A. Warren, Deiziane V. S. Costa, Gerly A. C. Brito
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Clostridioides difficile infection on the expression of Panx1 and P2X7R in intestinal tissues of mice, as well as their role in cell death and IL-6 expression induced by C. difficile toxins in enteric glial cells (EGCs).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Terry Dean, Aissia Victoria Koffi, Evan Goldstein, Javid Ghaemmaghami, Vittorio Gallo
Summary: This study reveals that the molecular circadian clock in NG2-glia regulates their proliferation, with higher Bmal1 expression associated with increased cellular proliferation. Additionally, Bmal1 expression is necessary for NG2-glia proliferation in response to neurotrauma. These findings have significant implications for cellular regeneration in brain injuries and diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Newshan Behrangi, Peter Lorenz, Markus Kipp
Summary: This study used transgenic mice to show that the GFAP promoter can drive expression of markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage in astrocytes. This finding suggests that the use of GFAP-driven transgene expression should be considered in the interpretation of co-localization studies.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ilyas M. Kabdesh, Svetlana S. Arkhipova, Yana O. Mukhamedshina, Victoria James, Albert A. Rizvanov, Yuri A. Chelyshev
Summary: NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells play an important role in neuroregeneration and synaptic plasticity, with a specific response pattern observed in spinal cord injury.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaoyan Hu, Panpan Geng, Xiaoyun Zhao, Qian Wang, Changqing Liu, Chun Guo, Wen Dong, Xinchun Jin
Summary: In this review, the critical role of NG2-glia in regulating NVU after AIS is discussed. The interactions between NG2-glia and other cells of NVU are emphasized, as well as the role of NG2-glia in oligodendrogenesis, white matter repair, and angiogenesis after AIS. Strategies to promote NG2-glia proliferation and differentiation are also reviewed, with the proposal of using DPSC-derived exosomes as a promising strategy for reducing AIS-induced injury and promoting repair.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Terry Dean, Javid Ghaemmaghami, John Corso, Vittorio Gallo
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with no targeted therapies available. The functions and mechanisms of NG2-glia, the largest population of regenerative cells in the mature cortex, are not well understood in the context of TBI. This study synthesizes results from multiple rodent models and proposes future avenues for exploring the role of NG2-glia in TBI, suggesting that targeting these cells may enhance local cellular recovery.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wen Liu, Aaron R. Rohlman, Ryan Vetreno, Fulton T. Crews
Summary: The study found that adolescent binge drinking affects adult OL markers in PFC regions, while also impacting OPC marker expression; furthermore, these effects could lead to lasting changes in PFC function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Denisa Kirdajova, Lukas Valihrach, Martin Valny, Jan Kriska, Daniela Krocianova, Sarka Benesova, Pavel Abaffy, Daniel Zucha, Ruslan Klassen, Denisa Kolenicova, Pavel Honsa, Mikael Kubista, Miroslava Anderova
Summary: NG2 glia exhibit diverse proliferation and differentiation potential in various brain disorders, with distinct changes observed in mice with eye diseases. Single-cell analysis reveals the presence of different subpopulations within NG2 glia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan D. Windster, Andrea Sacchetti, Gerben J. Schaaf, Eric M. J. Bindels, Robert M. W. Hofstra, Rene M. H. Wijnen, Cornelius E. J. Sloots, Maria M. Alves
Summary: A selective FACS protocol based on CD56/CD90/CD24 co-expression is developed to enrich and discriminate human ENS cells. Neuronal and glial selective markers are found to be co-expressed by all ENS cells, mainly driven by neuronal fragments. By applying this protocol to single-cell RNA sequencing, high-quality ENS cells are obtained for transcriptome analysis.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Julia Ganz, Elyanne M. Ratcliffe
Summary: The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and plays a crucial role in regulating GI functions. The development of the ENS is influenced by the intestinal microbiota and their interaction is important for normal development and disease pathogenesis. Mouse and zebrafish model systems have provided valuable insights into the bidirectional communication between the ENS and the microbiome.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ann-Kristin Struckmeier, Anne Radermacher, Michael Fehrenz, Tamara Bellin, Dalia Alansary, Philipp Wartenberg, Ulrich Boehm, Mathias Wagner, Anja Scheller, Jochen Hess, Julius Moratin, Christian Freudlsperger, Juergen Hoffmann, Lorenz Thurner, Klaus Roemer, Kolja Freier, Dominik Horn
Summary: IDO1-expressing immune cells, especially macrophages, are more abundant in advanced stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and are associated with reduced progression-free survival.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Pao Fang, Qing Liu, Erika Meyer, Anna Welle, Wenhui Huang, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff, Xianshu Bai
Summary: Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are uniformly distributed in the mammalian brain, but their function varies depending on their origin, location, receptor/channel expression, and age. A subset of OPCs lacking Olig2 was identified in various brain regions, most commonly in the juvenile brain and rarely in the adult brain. These cells do not proliferate and have a less complex morphology compared to OPCs that express Olig2. They prefer to remain in a precursor stage and do not differentiate into highly branched oligodendrocytes. Changes in the brain activity can stimulate the transition of OPCs with Olig2 expression to OPCs without Olig2.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing Liu, Qilin Guo, Li-Pao Fang, Honghong Yao, Anja Scheller, Frank Kirchhoff, Wenhui Huang
Summary: This study identified a specific antibody and established an immunohistochemical protocol to investigate the expression pattern of the chaperone protein sigma-1 receptor (S1R) in the mouse brain. The results showed widespread expression of S1R in different cell types, including neurons, interneurons, and glial cells. The findings also raised concerns over previously reported properties of S1R.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Marianne Lizeth Martinez-Mendoza, Cynthia Alejandra Rodriguez-Arzate, Gabriela B. Gomez-Gonzalez, Frank Kirchhoff, Ataulfo Martinez-Torres
Summary: We identified a novel group of cells in the dorsal section of the aqueduct of Sylvius, called dorsal aqueduct niche or DAN, which express glial/stem cell markers and have the potential to generate new cells. These cells resemble tanycytes of the third ventricle and may act as a niche for glial cell generation in the adult mouse brain.
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xianshu Bai, Na Zhao, Christina Koupourtidou, Li-Pao Fang, Veronika Schwarz, Laura C. Caudal, Renping Zhao, Johannes Hirrlinger, Wolfgang Walz, Shan Bian, Wenhui Huang, Jovica Ninkovic, Frank Kirchhoff, Anja Scheller
Summary: Acute brain injuries can reprogram oligodendrocytes to activate astroglial genes, leading to their conversion into astrocytes. This conversion is promoted by IL-6 derived from microglia and can be visualized in transgenic mice using imaging techniques. The plastic potential of oligodendrocytes in acute brain trauma highlights the complexity of glial scar formation.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Sanziana Godeanu, Devin Clarke, Laura Stopper, Alexandru-Florian Deftu, Aurel Popa-Wagner, Adrian Tudor Balseanu, Anja Scheller, Bogdan Catalin
Summary: This study used a semi-manual and semi-automatic method to quantify fine changes in microglia morphology in the cortex from the fifth postnatal day to 2 years of age. The results showed a fluctuating behavior of microglia morphology, with rapid cellular maturation, stable morphology in adulthood, and a convergence to an aged phenotype. Detailed analysis also revealed age-induced differences in microglia morphology, with changes in branch length and the number of terminal processes over time.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Timmermann, Dario Tascio, Ronald Jabs, Anne Boehlen, Catia Domingos, Magdalena Skubal, Wenhui Huang, Frank Kirchhoff, Christian Henneberger, Andras Bilkei-Gorzo, Gerald Seifert, Christian Steinhaeuser
Summary: NG2 glia is a unique type of macroglial cells in the CNS that receive synaptic input from neurons. Dysfunction in NG2 glia has been found to improve spatial memory but has no effect on social memory. Loss of the K+ channel Kir4.1 in NG2 glia leads to enhanced synaptic depolarizations and expression of myelin basic protein in the hippocampus. Targeted deletion of the K+ channel in NG2 glia impairs long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 synapses, which can be rescued by extracellular application of a TrkB receptor agonist. These findings highlight the importance of proper NG2 glia function in brain function and behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
Lisa A. Hassel, Franziska Froeb, Melanie Kuespert, Simone Hillgaertner, Philipp Arnold, Wenhui Huang, Frank Kirchhoff, Michael Wegner
Summary: The transcription factor Sox9 plays an important role in neuroepithelial precursors, conferring them with glial competence in the central nervous system. It is crucial for astroglial and oligodendroglial specification. Sox9 is expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) during development, but is turned off in differentiating oligodendrocytes and adult OPCs. By studying mouse models, it has been found that Sox9 enhances oligodendrogenesis during development, but its expression in adult OPCs leads to their conversion into myelinating oligodendrocytes. This suggests that increased levels of Sox9 in adult OPCs may enhance their remyelination capacity, which is important in demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ching-Hsin Lin, Anja Scheller, Yang Liu, Elmar Krause, Hsin-Fang Chang
Summary: Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells contribute to neuronal damage in inflammatory and degenerative CNS disorders, and their mechanism of cortical damage is not well understood. We developed in vitro and ex vivo models to study CD8+ T cell-neuron interactions. Our results show that under inflammatory conditions, T cells reduce migration velocity, change migratory patterns, and increase dwell time at neuronal soma and dendrites in response to added cytokines. These models provide promising platforms for studying neuron-immune cell interactions under inflammatory conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luisa Werner, Michael Gliem, Nicole Rychlik, Goran Pavic, Laura Reiche, Frank Kirchhoff, Markley Silva Oliveira Junior, Joel Gruchot, Sven G. Meuth, Patrick Kuery, Peter Goettle
Summary: Stroke leads to persistent disability due to insufficient treatment strategies. After injury, oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) compensate for myelin loss and prevent axonal loss, but the process is inefficient. Phenotypic screening identified substances that promote myelin repair. The adult organotypic coronal slice culture (OCSC) system provides a resource-efficient model to study repair after stroke.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Emeline Buttigieg, Anja Scheller, Bilal El Waly, Frank Kirchhoff, Franck Debarbieux
Summary: This review provides an overview of animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and emphasizes the importance of current imaging modalities at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. The review highlights the significance of using multimodal approaches to enhance our understanding of the disease and minimize the use of animals.