Tumor suppressor PALB2 maintains redox and mitochondrial homeostasis in the brain and cooperates with ATG7/autophagy to suppress neurodegeneration.

The PALB2 tumor suppressor plays key roles in DNA repair and has been implicated in redox homeostasis. Autophagy maintains mitochondrial quality, mitigates oxidative stress and suppresses neurodegeneration. Here we show that Palb2 deletion in the mouse brain leads to mild motor deficits and that co-deletion of Palb2 with the essential autophagy gene Atg7 accelerates and exacerbates neurodegeneration induced by ATG7 loss. Palb2 deletion leads to elevated DNA damage, oxidative stress and mitochondrial markers, especially in Purkinje cells, and co-deletion of Palb2 and Atg7 results in accelerated Purkinje cell loss. Further analyses suggest that the accelerated Purkinje cell loss and severe neurodegeneration in the double deletion mice are due to excessive oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, rather than DNA damage, and partially dependent on p53 activity. Our studies uncover a role of PALB2 in mitochondrial homeostasis and a cooperation between PALB2 and ATG7/autophagy in maintaining redox and mitochondrial homeostasis essential for neuronal survival.

Synaptojanin1 deficiency upregulates basal autophagosome formation in astrocytes.

Macroautophagy dysregulation is implicated in multiple neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. While autophagy pathways are heavily researched in heterologous cells and neurons, regulation of autophagy in the astrocyte, the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain, is less well understood. Missense mutations in the Synj1 gene encoding Synaptojanin1 (Synj1), a neuron-enriched lipid phosphatase, have been linked to Parkinsonism with seizures. Our previous study showed that the Synj1 haploinsufficient (Synj1+/-) mouse exhibits age-dependent autophagy impairment in multiple brain regions. Here, we used cultured astrocytes from Synj1-deficient mice to investigate its role in astrocyte autophagy. We report that Synj1 is expressed in low levels in astrocytes and represses basal autophagosome formation. We demonstrate using cellular imaging that Synj1-deficient astrocytes exhibit hyperactive autophagosome formation, represented by an increase in the size and number of GFP-microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 structures. Interestingly, Synj1 deficiency is also associated with an impairment in stress-induced autophagy clearance. We show, for the first time, that the Parkinsonism-associated R839C mutation impacts autophagy in astrocytes. The impact of this mutation on the phosphatase function of Synj1 resulted in elevated basal autophagosome formation that mimics Synj1 deletion. We found that the membrane expression of the astrocyte-specific glucose transporter GluT-1 was reduced in Synj1-deficient astrocytes. Consistently, AMP-activated protein kinase activity was elevated, suggesting altered glucose sensing in Synj1-deficient astrocytes. Expressing exogenous GluT-1 in Synj1-deficient astrocytes reversed the autophagy impairment, supporting a role for Synj1 in regulating astrocyte autophagy via disrupting glucose-sensing pathways. Thus, our work suggests a novel mechanism for Synj1-related Parkinsonism involving astrocyte dysfunction.

CHPG enhances BDNF and myelination in cuprizone-treated mice through astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptor 5.

It is well recognized that astrocytes can produce factors known to affect the myelination process. One such factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can enhance the differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells following a demyelinating lesion. Our previous work indicated that enhancing astrocyte-derived BDNF via injection of a general agonist of Group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) into the lesion increased myelin proteins in the cuprizone model of demyelination after 4 hr. To determine if this observation has potential therapeutic significance, we now use a more specific mGluR agonist, 2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG), which binds to mGluR5, to examine effects on myelination through the clinically relevant approach of a peripheral injection. In initial studies, intraperitoneal injection of CHPG resulted in an increase in myelin proteins within the lesioned corpus callosum. These effects were blocked when either BDNF or the CHPG receptor, mGluR5, was deleted from glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes or when the BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), was deleted from proteolipid protein (PLP)+ oligodendrocytes. Moreover, injection of CHPG over 2 weeks not only elevated BDNF and myelin proteins, but also enhanced myelination and reversed behavioral deficits. Interestingly, effects on myelin and myelin proteins were not seen in the control animals, indicating that a lesion is critical in eliciting effects. Taken together, the data suggest that the mGluR agonist CHPG may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating demyelinating diseases and that it works by enhancing the release of BDNF from astrocytes.

Reactive Astrocytes as Therapeutic Targets for Brain Degenerative Diseases: Roles Played by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors.

Astrocytes are well known to play critical roles in the development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, recent reports indicate that these cells are heterogeneous with respect to the molecules they express and the functions they exhibit in the quiescent or activated state. Because astrocytes also contribute to pathology, promising new results raise the possibility of manipulating specific astroglial populations for therapeutic roles. In this mini-review, we highlight the function of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), in particular mGluR3 and mGluR5, in reactive astrocytes and relate these to three degenerative CNS diseases: multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Previous studies demonstrate that effects of these receptors may be beneficial, but this varies depending on the subtype of receptor, the state of the astrocytes, and the specific disease to which they are exposed. Elucidating the role of mGluRs on astrocytes at specific times during development and disease will provide novel insights in understanding how to best use these to serve as therapeutic targets.

Astrocyte-derived BDNF supports myelin protein synthesis after cuprizone-induced demyelination.

It is well established that BDNF may enhance oligodendrocyte differentiation following a demyelinating lesion, however, the endogenous sources of BDNF that may be harnessed to reverse deficits associated with such lesions are poorly defined. Here, we investigate roles of astrocytes in synthesizing and releasing BDNF. These cells are known to express BDNF following injury in vivo. In culture, they increase BDNF synthesis and release in response to glutamate metabotropic stimulation. Following cuprizone-elicited demyelination in mice, astrocytes contain BDNF and increase levels of metabotropic receptors. The metabotropic agonist, trans-(1S,3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (ACPD), was therefore injected into the demyelinating lesion. Increases in BDNF, as well as myelin proteins, were observed. Effects of ACPD were eliminated by coinjection of trkB-Fc to locally deplete BDNF and by deletion of astrocyte-derived BDNF. The data indicate that astrocyte-derived BDNF may be a source of trophic support that can be used to reverse deficits elicited following demyelination.

Microglial Hv1 proton channel promotes cuprizone-induced demyelination through oxidative damage.

NADPH oxidase (NOX)-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in inflammatory cells including microglia plays an important role in demyelination and free radical-mediated tissue injury in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism underlying microglial ROS production and demyelination remains largely unknown. The voltage-gated proton channel, Hv1, is selectively expressed in microglia and is required for NOX-dependent ROS generation in the brain. In the present study, we sought to determine the role of microglial Hv1 proton channels in a mouse model of cuprizone-induced demyelination, a model for MS. Following cuprizone exposure, wild-type mice presented obvious demyelination, decreased myelin basic protein expression, loss of mature oligodendrocytes, and impaired motor coordination in comparison to mice on a normal chow diet. However, mice lacking Hv1 (Hv1(-/-) ) are partially protected from demyelination and motor deficits compared with those in wild-type mice. These rescued phenotypes in Hv1(-/-) mice in cuprizone-induced demyelination is accompanied by reduced ROS production, ameliorated microglial activation, increased oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (NG2) proliferation, and increased number of mature oligodendrocytes. These results demonstrate that the Hv1 proton channel is required for cuprizone-induced microglial oxidative damage and subsequent demyelination. Our study suggests that the microglial Hv1 proton channel is a unique target for controlling NOX-dependent ROS production in the pathogenesis of MS.

Levels of BDNF impact oligodendrocyte lineage cells following a cuprizone lesion.

Previous work in culture has shown that basal forebrain (BF) oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage cells respond to BDNF by increasing DNA synthesis and differentiation. Further, in the BF in vivo, reduced levels of BDNF as seen in BDNF(+/-) mice result in reduced numbers of NG2+ cells and deficits in myelin proteins throughout development and in the adult, suggesting that BDNF impacts the proliferating population of OLGs as well as differentiation in vivo. In this study, to investigate the roles BDNF may play in the repair of a demyelinating lesion, the cuprizone model was used and the corpus callosum was examined. BDNF protein levels were reduced after cuprizone treatment, suggesting that the demyelinating lesion itself elicits a decrease in BDNF. To analyze the effects of a further reduction of BDNF on OLG lineage cells following cuprizone, BDNF(+/-) mice were evaluated. These mice exhibited a blunted increase in the NG2 response at 4 and 5 weeks of cuprizone treatment. In addition, BDNF(+/-) mice exhibited decreased levels of myelin proteins during the demyelination and remyelination processes with no change in the total number of OLGs. These effects appear to be relatively specific to OLG lineage cells as comparable changes in CD11b+ microglia, GFAP+ astrocytes, and SMI32+ injured axons were not observed. These data indicate that BDNF may play a role following a demyelinating lesion by regulating the numbers of progenitors and the abilities of demyelinating and differentiating cells to express myelin proteins.

Roles of astrocytes in response to aging, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Astrocytes are traditionally recognized for their multiple roles in support of brain function. However, additional changes in these roles are evident in response to brain diseases. In this review, we highlight positive and negative effects of astrocytes in response to aging, Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. We summarize data suggesting that reactive astrocytes may perform critical functions that might be relevant to the etiology of these conditions. In particular, we relate astrocytes effects to actions on synaptic transmission, cognition, and myelination. We suggest that a better understanding of astrocyte functions and how these become altered in response to aging or disease will lead to the appreciation of these cells as useful therapeutic targets.

BDNF+/- mice exhibit deficits in oligodendrocyte lineage cells of the basal forebrain.

Previous work indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), through the trkB receptor, increases DNA synthesis in oligodendrocyte (OLG) progenitor cells (OPCs) and differentiation of postmitotic OLGs of the basal forebrain (BF). In the present studies, BDNF knockout animals were used to investigate BDNF's effects on OLG lineage cells (OLCs) in vivo. OLCs of the BF were found to express the trkB receptor, suggesting they are responsive to BDNF. Immunohistochemistry using NG2 and CC1 antibodies was utilized to examine the numbers of NG2+ OPCs and CC1+ postmitotic BF OLGs. At embryonic day 17 (E17), BDNF-/- animals display reduced NG2+ cells. This reduction was also observed in BDNF+/- mice at E17 and at postnatal day 1 (P1), P14, and adult stage, suggesting that BDNF plays a role in OPC development. BDNF+/- mice do not exhibit deficits in numbers of CC1+ OLGs. However, myelin basic protein, myelin associated glycoprotein, and proteolipid protein are reduced in BDNF+/- mice, suggesting that BDNF plays a role in differentiation. These data indicate that progenitor cells and myelin proteins may be affected in vivo by a decrease in BDNF.

Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B Expressed in Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells Functions to Promote Myelin Following a Demyelinating Lesion.

The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the corpus callosum have previously been shown to have a critical impact on oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage cells during cuprizone-elicited demyelination. In particular, BDNF+/- mice exhibit greater losses in myelin protein levels compared to wild-type mice after cuprizone. To investigate whether OLGs may directly mediate these effects of BDNF during a lesion in vivo, we used the cuprizone model of demyelination with inducible conditional male knockout mice to specifically delete the high-affinity tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor from proteolipid protein + OLGs during cuprizone-elicited demyelination and subsequent remyelination. The loss of TrkB during cuprizone-elicited demyelination results in an increased sensitivity to demyelination as demonstrated by greater deficits in myelin protein levels, greater decreases in numbers of mature OLGs, increased numbers of demyelinated axons, and decreased myelin thickness. When mice are removed from cuprizone, they exhibit a delayed recovery in myelin proteins and myelin. Our data indicate that following a demyelinating lesion, TrkB in OLGs positively regulates myelin protein expression, myelin itself, and remyelination.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor effects on oligodendrocyte progenitors of the basal forebrain are mediated through trkB and the MAP kinase pathway.

Previous work has indicated that BDNF increases the differentiation of basal forebrain (BF) oligodendrocytes (OLGs) in culture through the mediation of trkB and the MAPK pathway (Du et al. [ 2006a, b] Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 31:366-375; J. Neurosci. Res. 84:1692-1702). In the present work, effects of BDNF on BF OLG progenitor cells (OPCs) were examined. BDNF increased DNA synthesis of OPCs, as assessed by thymidine and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Effects of BDNF on DNA synthesis were mediated through the trkB receptor and not the p75 receptor, as shown by inhibitors that block neurotrophin binding to the receptors and by the phosphorylation of trkB. TrkB can activate the mitogen- activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3-K), and phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) pathways. BDNF elicited the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt, a kinase downstream of PI3K, but not PLC-gamma in OPCs. Through the use of specific inhibitors to the MAPK and PI3-K pathways, it was found that the MAPK pathway was responsible for the effect of BDNF on DNA synthesis. These data indicate that BDNF affects OPC proliferation and development through the mediation of trkB and the MAPK pathway.

Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cerebral Organoids Reveal Human Oligodendrogenesis with Dorsal and Ventral Origins.

The process of oligodendrogenesis has been relatively well delineated in the rodent brain. However, it remains unknown whether analogous developmental processes are manifested in the human brain. Here we report oligodendrogenesis in forebrain organoids, generated by using OLIG2-GFP knockin human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) reporter lines. OLIG2/GFP exhibits distinct temporal expression patterns in ventral forebrain organoids (VFOs) versus dorsal forebrain organoids (DFOs). Interestingly, oligodendrogenesis can be induced in both VFOs and DFOs after neuronal maturation. Assembling VFOs and DFOs to generate fused forebrain organoids (FFOs) promotes oligodendroglia maturation. Furthermore, dorsally derived oligodendroglial cells outcompete ventrally derived oligodendroglia and become dominant in FFOs after long-term culture. Thus, our organoid models reveal human oligodendrogenesis with ventral and dorsal origins. These models will serve to study the phenotypic and functional differences between human ventrally and dorsally derived oligodendroglia and to reveal mechanisms of diseases associated with cortical myelin defects.

Effects of behaviorally active ACTH (4-10) analogue - Semax on rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.

PURPOSE: It is well established that cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain degenerate in Alzheimer's dementia. Although recent studies were concentrated on screening molecules that might reduce the concomitant cell loss, little is known about therapeutically promising molecules. We studied the effect of Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro), a behaviorally active adrenocorticotropic hormone (4-10) analogue, on survival of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in vitro. Semax is known to stimulate learning and memory and can be successfully used for treatment of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Primary cultures of neuronal and glial cells from basal forebrain of rats were used in all experiments. The stability of Semax in cell cultures was tested by HPLC analysis. Cell survival in neuronal cultures was quantitated using immocytochemical and cytochemical analyses as well as detection of choline acetyltransferase activity. RESULTS: We have shown that Semax may approximately 1.5-1.7 fold increase survival of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in vitro. Moreover, Semax (100 nM) stimulated activity of choline acetyltransferase in dissociated basal forebrain tissue cultures. However, the numbers of GABA-ergic neurons, total neuron specific enolase neurons were not affected. In concentration from 1 nM to 10 microM, Semax did not affect proliferation of glial cells in primary cultures. CONCLUSION: Implications of these findings with respect to Alzheimer's disease remain to be clarified.

Strain differences in cuprizone induced demyelination.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe neurological disorder, characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS), and with a prevalence of greater than 2 million people worldwide. In terms of research in MS pathology, the cuprizone toxicity model is widely used. Here we investigated the contribution of genetic differences in response to cuprizone-induced demyelination in two genetically different mouse strains: CD1 and C57BL/6. RESULTS: We demonstrate that exposure to a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone resulted in less severe demyelination in the midline of the corpus callosum over the fornix in CD1 mice than C57BL/6 mice. With continuous cuprizone feeding, demyelination in CD1 mice was not prominent until after 7 weeks, in contrast to C57BL/6 mice, which showed prominent demyelination after 4 weeks of exposure. Concomitantly, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated more oligodendrocytes, as well as fewer oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, microglia and astrocytes in cuprizone treated CD1 mice. We also analyzed 4-weeks-cuprizone treated corpus callosum tissue samples and found that cuprizone treated CD1 mice showed a smaller reduction of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and a smaller increase of Iba1 and NG2. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that CD1 mice are less vulnerable to cuprizone-induced demyelination than C57BL/6 mice and thus genetic background factors appear to influence the susceptibility to cuprizone-induced demyelination.

The role of growth factors as a therapeutic approach to demyelinating disease.

A variety of growth factors are being explored as therapeutic agents relevant to the axonal and oligodendroglial deficits that occur as a result of demyelinating lesions such as are evident in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This review focuses on five such proteins that are present in the lesion site and impact oligodendrocyte regeneration. It then presents approaches that are being exploited to manipulate the lesion environment affiliated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases and suggests that the utility of these approaches can extend to demyelination. Challenges are to further understand the roles of specific growth factors on a cellular and tissue level. Emerging technologies can then be employed to optimize the use of growth factors to ameliorate the deficits associated with demyelinating degenerative diseases.

The trophic role of oligodendrocytes in the basal forebrain.

Traditionally, the primary function of oligodendrocytes (OLGs) in the CNS has been considered to be myelination. Here, we investigated whether OLGs may play a trophic role, particularly during development. Neurotrophin expression was assessed in postnatal day 7 basal forebrain (BF) OLGs, using in situ hybridization and detection of myelin basic protein. Nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNAs were revealed in OLGs in vivo and in culture. To determine whether OLGs support nearby neurons, we examined the influence of OLGs on BF cholinergic neurons. Neuronal function was enhanced by cocultured OLGs and OLG conditioned medium. Moreover, trophic effects of OLG conditioned medium were partially blocked by K252a, a trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and by neutralizing anti-BDNF or anti-NT-3 antisera, indicating that neurotrophins may mediate these effects, perhaps in concert with other signals. Our studies support a novel role for OLGs in providing local trophic support for neurons in the CNS.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor deficiency restricts proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitors following cuprizone-induced demyelination.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors that through its neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (TrkB) receptor, increases 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in culture. Roles in vivo are less well understood; however, increases in numbers of OPCs are restricted in BDNF+/- mice following cuprizone-elicited demyelination. Here, we investigate whether these blunted increases in OPCs are associated with changes in proliferation. BDNF+/+ and BDNF+/- mice were fed cuprizone-containing or control feed. To assess effects on OPC numbers, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα)+ or NG2+ cells were counted. To monitor DNA synthesis, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) was injected intraperitoneally and colocalized with PDGFRα+ cells. Alternatively, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was colocalized with PDGFRα or NG2. Labeling indices were determined in the BDNF+/+ and BDNF+/- animals. After 4 or 5 weeks of control feed, BDNF+/- mice exhibit similar numbers of OPCs compared with BDNF+/+ animals. The labeling indices for EdU and PCNA also were not significantly different, suggesting that neither the DNA synthesis phase (S phase) nor the proliferative pool size was different between genotypes. In contrast, when mice were challenged by cuprizone for 4 or 5 weeks, increases in OPCs observed in BDNF+/+ mice were reduced in the BDNF+/- mice. This difference in elevations in cell number was accompanied by decreases in EdU labeling and PCNA labeling without changes in cell death, indicating a reduction in the DNA synthesis and the proliferative pool. Therefore, levels of BDNF influence the proliferation of OPCs resulting from a demyelinating lesion.

Neurotrophin-4/5 and neurotrophin-3 are present within the human ovarian follicle but appear to have different paracrine/autocrine functions.

Neurotrophins are a family of soluble polypeptide growth factors widely recognized for their role in the mammalian nervous system. We first reported the unique presence of one neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in the follicular fluid of the human ovarian follicle. The BDNF receptor, Trk B, was identified in mouse oocytes, and BDNF accelerated first polar body extrusion in vitro. In the present study, we examined human follicular fluid and mouse immature oocytes to determine whether another Trk B ligand, neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), is present within the ovarian follicle and if so, whether it demonstrates activity similar to that of BDNF. We also examined whether a non-Trk B neurotrophin ligand, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), is present within the follicle and has a possible role in oocyte maturation. NT-4/5 and NT-3 were noted to be present in all human follicular fluid samples aspirated from follicles of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. NT-4/5, but not NT-3, significantly promoted mouse oocyte polar body extrusion. Trk C receptors were not noted to be present in mouse oocytes. This study demonstrates for the first time that NT-4/5 and NT-3 are present in the follicular fluid of the human ovary. These data suggest that NT-4/5, like BDNF, promotes oocyte nuclear maturation. In contrast, NT-3 does not promote oocyte maturation but may contribute to follicle-oocyte maturation by mechanisms not yet identified.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a novel human ovarian follicular protein.

Neurotrophins are a family of soluble polypeptide growth factors widely recognized for their roles in the mammalian nervous system. One such neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was originally described in the nervous system but has now been shown to be expressed in a variety of nonneuronal tissues including endocrine tissues. We examined the human ovarian follicle for its possible secretion of BDNF and further studied mouse oocytes to determine BDNF's possible influence upon oocyte maturation. In a series of experiments derived from human specimens from in vitro fertilization following oocyte retrieval, BDNF was detected in human follicular fluid. To define the source of BDNF, cumulus granulosa cells (the cells that immediately surround the developing oocyte) were grown in cell culture for 1-2 d. BDNF protein increased over 24 h in the culture medium. Moreover, the release of BDNF was enhanced upon stimulation with cAMP or forskolin, an activator of cAMP. In contrast, mural granulosa (cells lining the follicle), oocytes, and embryos did not release appreciable quantities of BDNF. To examine possible targets of BDNF, mouse studies were used to localize the BDNF receptor, Trk B, immunocytochemically. The receptor was present on the surface of isolated oocytes. Moreover, BDNF promoted mouse oocyte maturation in culture. These experiments demonstrate for the first time the presence and secretion of BDNF from follicular cells in the human ovary and suggest a possible role for BDNF in the regulation and modulation of oocyte maturation.

Culturing astrocytes from postnatal rats.

The use of cultures has informed us of functions and regulation of astrocytes that were previously unknown. This chapter details the methods that result in such cultures.