scholarly journals Intact Drosophila Whole Brain Cellular Quantitation reveals Sexual Dimorphism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Jiao ◽  
Gard Spreemann ◽  
Evelyne Ruchti ◽  
Soumya Banerjee ◽  
Ying Shi ◽  
...  

Establishing with precision the quantity and identity of the cell types of the brain is a prerequisite for a detailed compendium of gene and protein expression in the central nervous system. Currently however, strict quantitation of cell numbers has been achieved only for the nervous system of C.elegans. Here we describe the development of a synergistic pipeline of molecular genetic, imaging, and computational technologies designed to allow high-throughput, precise quantitation with cellular resolution of reporters of gene expression in intact whole tissues with complex cellular constitutions such as the brain. We have deployed the approach to determine with exactitude the number of functional neurons and glia in the entire intact Drosophila larval brain, revealing fewer neurons and many more glial cells than previously estimated. Moreover, we discover an unexpected divergence between the sexes at this juvenile developmental stage, with female brains having significantly more neurons than males. Topological analysis of our data establishes that this sexual dimorphism extends to deeper features of brain organisation. Our methodology enables robust and accurate quantification of the number and positioning of cells within intact organs, facilitating sophisticated analysis of cellular identity, diversity, and expression characteristics.

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 489-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Marcoli ◽  
Luigi F. Agnati ◽  
Francesco Benedetti ◽  
Susanna Genedani ◽  
Diego Guidolin ◽  
...  

AbstractMultiple players are involved in the brain integrative action besides the classical neuronal and astrocyte networks. In the past, the concept of complex cellular networks has been introduced to indicate that all the cell types in the brain can play roles in its integrative action. Intercellular communication in the complex cellular networks depends not only on well-delimited communication channels (wiring transmission) but also on diffusion of signals in physically poorly delimited extracellular space pathways (volume transmission). Thus, the extracellular space and the extracellular matrix are the main players in the intercellular communication modes in the brain. Hence, the extracellular matrix is an ‘intelligent glue’ that fills the brain and, together with the extracellular space, contributes to the building-up of the complex cellular networks. In addition, the extracellular matrix is part of what has been defined as the global molecular network enmeshing the entire central nervous system, and plays important roles in synaptic contact homeostasis and plasticity. From these premises, a concept is introduced that the global molecular network, by enmeshing the central nervous system, contributes to the brain holistic behavior. Furthermore, it is suggested that plastic ‘brain compartments’ can be detected in the central nervous system based on the astrocyte three-dimensional tiling of the brain volume and on the existence of local differences in cell types and extracellular space fluid and extracellular matrix composition. The relevance of the present view for neuropsychiatry is discussed. A glossary box with terms and definitions is provided.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4118
Author(s):  
Frederik Desmarais ◽  
Vincent Hervé ◽  
Karl F. Bergeron ◽  
Gaétan Ravaut ◽  
Morgane Perrotte ◽  
...  

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a secreted lipocalin associated with neuroprotection and lipid metabolism. In rodent, the bulk of its expression occurs in the central nervous system. Despite this, ApoD has profound effects in peripheral tissues, indicating that neural ApoD may reach peripheral organs. We endeavor to determine if cerebral ApoD can reach the circulation and accumulate in peripheral tissues. Three hours was necessary for over 40% of all the radiolabeled human ApoD (hApoD), injected bilaterally, to exit the central nervous system (CNS). Once in circulation, hApoD accumulates mostly in the kidneys/urine, liver, and muscles. Accumulation specificity of hApoD in these tissues was strongly correlated with the expression of lowly glycosylated basigin (BSG, CD147). hApoD was observed to pass through bEnd.3 blood brain barrier endothelial cells monolayers. However, cyclophilin A did not impact hApoD internalization rates in bEnd.3, indicating that ApoD exit from the brain is either independent of BSG or relies on additional cell types. Overall, our data showed that ApoD can quickly and efficiently exit the CNS and reach the liver and kidneys/urine, organs linked to the recycling and excretion of lipids and toxins. This indicated that cerebral overexpression during neurodegenerative episodes may serve to evacuate neurotoxic ApoD ligands from the CNS.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2353
Author(s):  
Maja Potokar ◽  
Jernej Jorgačevski

Plectin, a high-molecular-mass cytolinker, is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, a limited amount of data about plectin in the CNS prevents us from seeing the complete picture of how plectin affects the functioning of the CNS as a whole. Yet, by analogy to its role in other tissues, it is anticipated that, in the CNS, plectin also functions as the key cytoskeleton interlinking molecule. Thus, it is likely involved in signalling processes, thereby affecting numerous fundamental functions in the brain and spinal cord. Versatile direct and indirect interactions of plectin with cytoskeletal filaments and enzymes in the cells of the CNS in normal physiological and in pathologic conditions remain to be fully addressed. Several pathologies of the CNS related to plectin have been discovered in patients with plectinopathies. However, in view of plectin as an integrator of a cohesive mesh of cellular proteins, it is important that the role of plectin is also considered in other CNS pathologies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of plectin in the CNS, focusing on plectin isoforms that have been detected in the CNS, along with its expression profile and distribution alongside diverse cytoskeleton filaments in CNS cell types. Considering that the bidirectional communication between neurons and glial cells, especially astrocytes, is crucial for proper functioning of the CNS, we place particular emphasis on the known roles of plectin in neurons, and we propose possible roles of plectin in astrocytes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yadaly Gassama ◽  
Alexandre Favereaux

Extracellular vesicles or EVs are secreted by most, if not all, eukaryote cell types and recaptured by neighboring or distant cells. Their cargo, composed of a vast diversity of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, supports the EVs’ inter-cellular communication. The role of EVs in many cellular processes is now well documented both in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we focus on the role of EVs in the central nervous system (CNS) in physiological as well as pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases or brain cancers. We also discuss the future of EVs in clinical research, in particular, their value as biomarkers as well as innovative therapeutic agents. While an increasing number of studies reveal EV research as a promising field, progress in the standardization of protocols and innovation in analysis as well as in research tools is needed to make a breakthrough in our understanding of their impact in the pathophysiology of the brain.


Author(s):  
Jamie A. Davies

This chapter assesses the nervous system. In the trunk of the body and the neck, the central nervous system (CNS) is called the spinal cord; in the head, it is called the brain. The CNS is dominated by two cell types: neurons and glia. The neurons form a vast network in which information is split, combined, and somehow processed. Examples of this processing include reflex arcs, the ‘circuitry’ that detects features such as edges in images coming from the eyes, and simple types of learning and memory. However, most other things in the brain, especially thinking and feeling, are not yet understood at all well.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1076
Author(s):  
Marietya I. S. Lauw ◽  
Calixto-Hope G. Lucas ◽  
Robert S. Ohgami ◽  
Kwun Wah Wen

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily arises in the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and vitreoretinal compartment of the eye. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNS DLBCL) because DLBCL comprises a great majority (90–95%) of PCNSL. Although rare, other types of lymphomas can be seen in the central nervous system (CNS), and familiarity with these entities will help their recognition and further workup in order to establish the diagnosis. The latter is especially important in the case of PCNSL where procurement of diagnostic specimen is often challenging and yields scant tissue. In this review, we will discuss the most common types of primary lymphomas that can be seen in the CNS with emphasis on the diagnostic histomorphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features. The differential diagnostic approach to these cases and potential pitfalls will also be discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongqiong Xiao ◽  
Xiaojuan Su ◽  
Hu Gao ◽  
Xihong Li ◽  
Yi Qu

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (Lpar1), which is found in almost all human tissues but is most abundant in the brain, can couple to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and participate in regulating cell proliferation, migration, survival, and apoptosis. Endothelial differentiation gene-2 receptor (Edg2), the protein encoded by the Lpar1 gene, is present on various cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neural stem cells (NSCs), oligodendrocytes, neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Lpar1 deletion causes neurodevelopmental disorders and CNS diseases, such as brain cancer, neuropsychiatric disorders, demyelination diseases, and neuropathic pain. Here, we summarize the possible roles and mechanisms of Lpar1/Edg2 in CNS disorders and diseases and propose that Lpar1/Edg2 might be a potential therapeutic target for CNS disorders and diseases.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2507
Author(s):  
Carla Mucignat-Caretta

The brain may be affected by a variety of tumors of different grade, which originate from different cell types at distinct locations, thus impacting on the brain structure and function [...]


Author(s):  
S.S. Spicer ◽  
B.A. Schulte

Generation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tissue antigens has yielded several (VC1.1, HNK- 1, L2, 4F4 and anti-leu 7) which recognize the unique sugar epitope, glucuronyl 3-sulfate (Glc A3- SO4). In the central nervous system, these MAbs have demonstrated Glc A3-SO4 at the surface of neurons in the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, the retina and other widespread regions of the brain.Here we describe the distribution of Glc A3-SO4 in the peripheral nervous system as determined by immunostaining with a MAb (VC 1.1) developed against antigen in the cat visual cortex. Outside the central nervous system, immunoreactivity was observed only in peripheral terminals of selected sensory nerves conducting transduction signals for touch, hearing, balance and taste. On the glassy membrane of the sinus hair in murine nasal skin, just deep to the ringwurt, VC 1.1 delineated an intensely stained, plaque-like area (Fig. 1). This previously unrecognized structure of the nasal vibrissae presumably serves as a tactile end organ and to our knowledge is not demonstrable by means other than its selective immunopositivity with VC1.1 and its appearance as a densely fibrillar area in H&E stained sections.


Author(s):  
Grazia Tagliafierro ◽  
Cristiana Crosa ◽  
Marco Canepa ◽  
Tiziano Zanin

Barnacles are very specialized Crustacea, with strongly reduced head and abdomen. Their nervous system is rather simple: the brain or supra-oesophageal ganglion (SG) is a small bilobed structure and the toracic ganglia are fused into a single ventral mass, the suboesophageal ganglion (VG). Neurosecretion was shown in barnacle nervous system by histochemical methods and numerous putative hormonal substances were extracted and tested. Recently six different types of dense-core granules were visualized in the median ocellar nerve of Balanus hameri and serotonin and FMRF-amide like substances were immunocytochemically detected in the nervous system of Balanus amphitrite. The aim of the present work is to localize and characterize at ultrastructural level, neurosecretory neuron cell bodies in the VG of Balanus amphitrite.Specimens of Balanus amphitrite were collected in the port of Genova. The central nervous system were Karnovsky fixed, osmium postfixed, ethanol dehydrated and Durcupan ACM embedded. Ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Ultrastructural observations were made on a Philips M 202 and Zeiss 109 T electron microscopy.


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