scholarly journals Shedding light on the role of CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia

Author(s):  
Katarzyna Chamera ◽  
Magdalena Szuster-Głuszczak ◽  
Agnieszka Basta-Kaim

AbstractSchizophrenia has a complex and heterogeneous molecular and clinical picture. Over the years of research on this disease, many factors have been suggested to contribute to its pathogenesis. Recently, the inflammatory processes have gained particular interest in the context of schizophrenia due to the increasing evidence from epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies. Within the immunological component, special attention has been brought to chemokines and their receptors. Among them, CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), which belongs to the family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, and its cognate ligand (CX3CL1) constitute a unique system in the central nervous system. In the view of regulation of the brain homeostasis through immune response, as well as control of microglia reactivity, the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 system may represent an attractive target for further research and schizophrenia treatment. In the review, we described the general characteristics of the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 axis and the involvement of this signaling pathway in the physiological processes whose disruptions are reported to participate in mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. Furthermore, based on the available clinical and experimental data, we presented a guide to understanding the implication of the CX3CL1–CX3CR1 dysfunctions in the course of schizophrenia.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Trojan ◽  
Natalia Bryniarska ◽  
Monika Leśkiewicz ◽  
Magdalena Regulska ◽  
Katarzyna Chamera ◽  
...  

: Chronic inflammatory processes within the central nervous system (CNS) are in part responsible for the development of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. These processes are associated with, among other things, the increased and disturbed activation of microglia and the elevated production of proinflammatory factors. Recent studies indicated that the disruption of the process of resolution of inflammation (RoI) may be the cause of CNS disorders. It is shown that the RoI is regulated by endogenous molecules called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which interact with specific membrane receptors. Some SPMs activate formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), which belong to the family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors take part not only in the proinflammatory response but also in the resolution of the inflammation process. Therefore, the activation of FPRs might have complex consequences. : This review discusses the potential role of FPRs, and in particular the role of FPR2 subtype, in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions and their involvement in processes underlying neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders as well as ischemia, the pathogenesis of which involves the dysfunction of inflammatory processes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2358
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Giovannini ◽  
Daniele Lana ◽  
Chiara Traini ◽  
Maria Giuliana Vannucchi

The microbiota–gut system can be thought of as a single unit that interacts with the brain via the “two-way” microbiota–gut–brain axis. Through this axis, a constant interplay mediated by the several products originating from the microbiota guarantees the physiological development and shaping of the gut and the brain. In the present review will be described the modalities through which the microbiota and gut control each other, and the main microbiota products conditioning both local and brain homeostasis. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer disease, will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of the major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed, focusing on Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Lattanzi ◽  
Cinzia Severini ◽  
Daniela Maftei ◽  
Luciano Saso ◽  
Aldo Badiani

The prokineticin (PK) family, prokineticin 1 and Bv8/prokineticin 2 (PROK2), initially discovered as regulators of gastrointestinal motility, interacts with two G protein-coupled receptors, PKR1 and PKR2, regulating important biological functions such as circadian rhythms, metabolism, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, muscle contractility, hematopoiesis, immune response, reproduction and pain perception. PROK2 and PK receptors, in particular PKR2, are widespread distributed in the central nervous system, in both neurons and glial cells. The PROK2 expression levels can be increased by a series of pathological insults, such as hypoxia, reactive oxygen species, beta amyloid and excitotoxic glutamate. This suggests that the PK system, participating in different cellular processes that cause neuronal death, can be a key mediator in neurological/neurodegenerative diseases. While many PROK2/PKRs effects in physiological processes have been documented, their role in neuropathological conditions is not fully clarified, since PROK2 can have a double function in the mechanisms underlying to neurodegeneration or neuroprotection. Here, we briefly outline the latest findings on the modulation of PROK2 and its cognate receptors following different pathological insults, providing information about their opposite neurotoxic and neuroprotective role in different pathological conditions.


Author(s):  
Lorenzo Ceccarelli ◽  
Laura Marchetti ◽  
Chiara Giacomelli ◽  
Claudia Martini

Microglia are the major component of the innate immune system in the central nervous system. They promote the maintenance of brain homeostasis as well as support inflammatory processes that are often related to pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. Depending on the stimulus received, microglia cells dynamically change their phenotype releasing specific soluble factors and largely modify the cargo of their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite the mechanisms at the basis of microglia actions have not been completely clarified, the recognized functions exerted by their EVs in patho-physiological conditions represent the proof of the crucial role of these organelles in tuning cell-to-cell communication, promoting either protective or harmful effects. Consistently, in vitro cell models to better elucidate microglia EV production and mechanisms of their release have been increased in the last years. In this review, the main microglial cellular models that have been developed and validated will be described and discussed, with particular focus on those used to produce and derive EVs. The advantages and disadvantages of their use will be evidenced too. Finally, given the wide interest in applying EVs in diagnosis and therapy too, the heterogeneity of available models for producing microglia EVs is here underlined, to prompt a cross-check or comparison among them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Sagheddu ◽  
Larissa Helena Torres ◽  
Tania Marcourakis ◽  
Marco Pistis

The family of lipid neuromodulators has been rapidly growing, as the use of different -omics techniques led to the discovery of a large number of naturally occurring N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and N-acyl amino acids belonging to the complex lipid signaling system termed endocannabinoidome. These molecules exert a variety of biological activities in the central nervous system, as they modulate physiological processes in neurons and glial cells and are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Their effects on dopamine cells have attracted attention, as dysfunctions of dopamine systems characterize a range of psychiatric disorders, i.e., schizophrenia and substance use disorders (SUD). While canonical endocannabinoids are known to regulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs impinging on dopamine cells and modulate several dopamine-mediated behaviors, such as reward and addiction, the effects of other lipid neuromodulators are far less clear. Here, we review the emerging role of endocannabinoid-like neuromodulators in dopamine signaling, with a focus on non-cannabinoid N-acylethanolamines and their receptors. Mounting evidence suggests that these neuromodulators contribute to modulate synaptic transmission in dopamine regions and might represent a target for novel medications in alcohol and nicotine use disorder.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quirijn P. Verhoog ◽  
Linda Holtman ◽  
Eleonora Aronica ◽  
Erwin A. van Vliet

Astrocytes are key homeostatic regulators in the central nervous system and play important roles in physiology. After brain damage caused by e.g., status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury, or stroke, astrocytes may adopt a reactive phenotype. This process of reactive astrogliosis is important to restore brain homeostasis. However, persistent reactive astrogliosis can be detrimental for the brain and contributes to the development of epilepsy. In this review, we will focus on physiological functions of astrocytes in the normal brain as well as pathophysiological functions in the epileptogenic brain, with a focus on acquired epilepsy. We will discuss the role of astrocyte-related processes in epileptogenesis, including reactive astrogliosis, disturbances in energy supply and metabolism, gliotransmission, and extracellular ion concentrations, as well as blood-brain barrier dysfunction and dysregulation of blood flow. Since dysfunction of astrocytes can contribute to epilepsy, we will also discuss their role as potential targets for new therapeutic strategies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bożena Adamczyk ◽  
Monika Adamczyk-Sowa

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by an inflammatory process and demyelination. The etiology of the disease is still not fully understood. Therefore, finding new etiological factors is of such crucial importance. It is suspected that the development of MS may be affected by oxidative stress (OS). In the acute phase OS initiates inflammatory processes and in the chronic phase it sustains neurodegeneration. Redox processes in MS are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of axonal bioenergetics, iron accumulation in the brain, impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance, and OS memory. The present paper is a review of the current literature about the role of OS in MS and it focuses on all major aspects. The article explains the mechanisms of OS, reports unique biomarkers with regard to their clinical significance, and presents a poorly understood relationship between OS and neurodegeneration. It also provides novel methods of treatment, including the use of antioxidants and the role of antioxidants in neuroprotection. Furthermore, adding new drugs in the treatment of relapse may be useful. The article considers the significance of OS in the current treatment of MS patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonghui Hu ◽  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Rumin Zhang ◽  
Wenping Sun ◽  
Xiaoyu Chen

The apelin receptor (APJ) is a member of the family A of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and is involved in range of physiological and pathological functions, including fluid homeostasis, anxiety, and depression, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. APJ was classically described as a monomeric transmembrane receptor that forms a ternary complex together with its ligand and associated G proteins. More recently, increasing evidence indicates that APJ may interact with other GPCRs to form heterodimers, which may selectively modulate distinct intracellular signal transduction pathways. Besides, the apelin/APJ system plays important roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of several organs, including regulation of blood pressure, cardiac contractility, angiogenesis, metabolic balance, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, or inflammation. Additionally, the apelin/APJ system is widely expressed in the central nervous system, especially in neurons and oligodendrocytes. This article reviews the role of apelin/APJ in energy metabolism and water homeostasis. Compared with the traditional diuretics, apelin exerts a positive inotropic effect on the heart, while increases water excretion. Therefore, drugs targeting apelin/APJ system undoubtedly provide more therapeutic options for patients with congestive heart failure accompanied with hyponatremia. To provide more precise guidance for the development of clinical drugs, further in-depth studies are warranted on the metabolism and signaling pathways associated with apelin/APJ system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Guo ◽  
Lingling Zhu

Given combined efforts of neuroscience and immunology, increasing evidence has revealed the critical roles of the immune system in regulating homeostasis and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia have long been considered as the only immune cell type in parenchyma, while at the interface between CNS and the peripheral (meninges, choroid plexus, and perivascular space), embryonically originated border-associated macrophages (BAMs) and multiple surveilling leukocytes capable of migrating into and out of the brain have been identified to function in the healthy brain. Hypoxia-induced neuroinflammation is the key pathological procedure that can be detected in healthy people at high altitude or in various neurodegenerative diseases, during which a very thin line between a beneficial response of the peripheral immune system in maintaining brain homeostasis and a pathological role in exacerbating neuroinflammation has been revealed. Here, we are going to focus on the role of the peripheral immune system and its crosstalk with CNS in the healthy brain and especially in hypobaric or ischemic hypoxia-associated neuroinflammation.


2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 616
Author(s):  
Md Afroz Ahmad ◽  
Ozaifa Kareem ◽  
Mohammad Khushtar ◽  
Md Akbar ◽  
Md Rafiul Haque ◽  
...  

Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that is considered a major factor contributing to cognitive decline that reduces independent function. Pathophysiological pathways are not well defined for neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia; however, published evidence has shown the role of numerous inflammatory processes in the brain contributing toward their pathology. Microglia of the central nervous system (CNS) are the principal components of the brain’s immune defence system and can detect harmful or external pathogens. When stimulated, the cells trigger neuroinflammatory responses by releasing proinflammatory chemokines, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitrogen species in order to preserve the cell’s microenvironment. These proinflammatory markers include cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα chemokines such as CCR3 and CCL2 and CCR5. Microglial cells may produce a prolonged inflammatory response that, in some circumstances, is indicated in the promotion of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review is focused on the involvement of microglial cell activation throughout neurodegenerative conditions and the link between neuroinflammatory processes and dementia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document