Proteomic and lipidomic profiling of demyelinating lesions identifies fatty acids as modulators in lesion recovery.

After demyelinating injury of the central nervous system, resolution of the mounting acute inflammation is crucial for the initiation of a regenerative response. Here, we aim to identify fatty acids and lipid mediators that govern the balance of inflammatory reactions within demyelinating lesions. Using lipidomics, we identify bioactive lipids in the resolution phase of inflammation with markedly elevated levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Using fat-1 transgenic mice, which convert n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids, we find that reduction of the n-6/n-3 ratio decreases the phagocytic infiltrate. In addition, we observe accelerated decline of microglia/macrophages and enhanced generation of oligodendrocytes in aged mice when n-3 fatty acids are shuttled to the brain. Thus, n-3 fatty acids enhance lesion recovery and may, therefore, provide the basis for pro-regenerative medicines of demyelinating diseases in the central nervous system.

Assessment of a novel, smartglass-based control device for electrically powered wheelchairs.

BACKGROUND: A variety of conditions can lead to reduced ambulation and the need of an electrically powered wheelchair (EPW). Some people are limited in their ability to use any of the available control devices for EPWs. OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and maneuverability of a new smartglass-based head control device (Munevo DRIVE©). METHODS: Participants drove four indoor test courses with their own control device (or with a hand joystick in case of pedestrians) and with the new smartglass control device. A penalty was added for every driving error and the time of the best attempt was compared between control devices. Minimal driving errors were measured as a secondary outcome. In addition, participants filled in questionnaires to assess their subjective impressions. RESULTS: Nine EPW users and five non-disabled persons were tested in this single center pilot trial. As anticipated, participants were slower using the smartglass-based control device (in median 25.0%). Notably though, the minimal amount of driving errors was equal between groups. One adverse event occurred (collision with consecutive swelling of the ankle). CONCLUSIONS: Smartglass control enables safe maneuverability for people with various diseases.Implications for rehabilitationMunevo DRIVE© is a novel, smartglass-based, head control device for electrically powered wheelchairs.Smartglass control is slower as hand joystick control but enables safe maneuverability.Smartglass control is an alternative for people with impaired or lost upper limb function, for example, those currently using chin joysticks or similar devices.

Plasma lipidomics of monozygotic twins discordant for multiple sclerosis.

Blood biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS) can provide a better understanding of pathophysiology and enable disease monitoring. Here, we performed quantitative shotgun lipidomics on the plasma of a unique cohort of 73 monozygotic twins discordant for MS. We analyzed 243 lipid species, evaluated lipid features such as fatty acyl chain length and number of acyl chain double bonds, and detected phospholipids that were significantly altered in the plasma of co-twins with MS compared to their non-affected siblings. Strikingly, changes were most prominent in ether phosphatidylethanolamines and ether phosphatidylcholines, suggesting a role for altered lipid signaling in the disease.

Cell-Type- and Brain-Region-Resolved Mouse Brain Lipidome.

Gene and protein expression data provide useful resources for understanding brain function, but little is known about the lipid composition of the brain. Here, we perform quantitative shotgun lipidomics, which enables a cell-type-resolved assessment of the mouse brain lipid composition. We quantify around 700 lipid species and evaluate lipid features including fatty acyl chain length, hydroxylation, and number of acyl chain double bonds, thereby identifying cell-type- and brain-region-specific lipid profiles in adult mice, as well as in aged mice, in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice, in a model of Alzheimer's disease, and in mice fed different diets. We also integrate lipid with protein expression profiles to predict lipid pathways enriched in specific cell types, such as fatty acid ß-oxidation in astrocytes and sphingolipid metabolism in microglia. This resource complements existing brain atlases of gene and protein expression and may be useful for understanding the role of lipids in brain function.

Downregulation of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Promotes the Switch from Tangential to Radial Migration in the OB.

Neuroblast migration is a highly orchestrated process that ensures the proper integration of newborn neurons into complex neuronal circuits. In the postnatal rodent brain, neuroblasts migrate long distances from the subependymal zone of the lateral ventricles to the olfactory bulb (OB) within the rostral migratory stream (RMS). They first migrate tangentially in close contact to each other and later radially as single cells until they reach their final destination in the OB. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that interacts with cell-surface receptors to exert different cellular responses. Although well studied in other systems and a target for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, little is known about S1P in the postnatal brain. Here, we report that the S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) is expressed in neuroblasts migrating in the RMS. Using in vivo and in vitro gain- and loss-of-function approaches in both wild-type and transgenic mice, we found that the activation of S1P1 by its natural ligand S1P, acting as a paracrine signal, contributes to maintain neuroblasts attached to each other while they migrate in chains within the RMS. Once in the OB, neuroblasts cease to express S1P1, which results in cell detachment and initiation of radial migration, likely via downregulation of NCAM1 and ß1 integrin. Our results reveal a novel physiological function for S1P1 in the postnatal brain, directing the path followed by newborn neurons in the neurogenic niche. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The function of each neuron is highly determined by the position it occupies within a neuronal circuit. Frequently, newborn neurons must travel long distances from their birthplace to their predetermined final location and, to do so, they use different modes of migration. In this study, we identify the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1P1) as one of the key players that govern the switch from tangential to radial migration of postnatally generated neuroblasts in the olfactory bulb. Of interest is the evidence that the ligand, S1P, is provided by nearby astrocytes. Finally, we also propose adhesion molecules that act downstream of S1P1 and initiate the transition from tangential chain migration to individual radial migration outside of the stream.