scholarly journals Beyond the GFAP-Astrocyte Protein Markers in the Brain

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1361
Author(s):  
Agnieszka M. Jurga ◽  
Martyna Paleczna ◽  
Justyna Kadluczka ◽  
Katarzyna Z. Kuter
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Quick Response ◽  
Protein Markers ◽  
Marker Proteins ◽  
Functional Efficiency ◽  
The Brain

The idea of central nervous system as one-man band favoring neurons is long gone. Now we all are aware that neurons and neuroglia are team players and constant communication between those various cell types is essential to maintain functional efficiency and a quick response to danger. Here, we summarize and discuss known and new markers of astroglial multiple functions, their natural heterogeneity, cellular interactions, aging and disease-induced dysfunctions. This review is focused on newly reported facts regarding astrocytes, which are beyond the old stereotypes. We present an up-to-date list of marker proteins used to identify a broad spectrum of astroglial phenotypes related to the various physiological and pathological nervous system conditions. The aim of this review is to help choose markers that are well-tailored for specific needs of further experimental studies, precisely recognizing differential glial phenotypes, or for diagnostic purposes. We hope it will help to categorize the functional and structural diversity of the astroglial population and ease a clear readout of future experimental results.

scholarly journals Heterotopic ossification after central nervous system injuries: understanding of pathogenesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
I. F Gareev ◽  
O. A Beylerli ◽  
A. K Vakhitov
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Heterotopic Ossifications ◽  
The Brain

Available data on the pathogenesis, cellular interactions, role of inflammation, humoral and genetic factors in the formation of heterotopic ossifications resulting from injuries of the brain or spinal cord are presented.

scholarly journals On the role of the extracellular space on the holistic behavior of the brain

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 489-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Marcoli ◽  
Luigi F. Agnati ◽  
Francesco Benedetti ◽  
Susanna Genedani ◽  
Diego Guidolin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cellular Networks ◽  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Extracellular Space ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Molecular Network ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain

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.

scholarly journals Cerebral Apolipoprotein D Exits the Brain and Accumulates in Peripheral Tissues

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4118
Author(s):  
Frederik Desmarais ◽  
Vincent Hervé ◽  
Karl F. Bergeron ◽  
Gaétan Ravaut ◽  
Morgane Perrotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Additional Cell ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Apolipoprotein D ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
The Brain

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.

scholarly journals Plectin in the Central Nervous System and a Putative Role in Brain Astrocytes

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2353
Author(s):  
Maja Potokar ◽  
Jernej Jorgačevski
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Bidirectional Communication ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain

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.

scholarly journals Emerging Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in the Central Nervous System: Physiology, Pathology, and Therapeutic Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yadaly Gassama ◽  
Alexandre Favereaux
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
System Physiology ◽  
The Brain

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.

scholarly journals Spleen glia are a transcriptionally unique glial subtype interposed between immune cells and sympathetic axons

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawaun A. Lucas ◽  
Li Zhu ◽  
Marion S. Buckwalter
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Autonomic Nerves ◽  
White Pulp ◽  
List Type ◽  
Immune Genes ◽  
Neuroimmune Communication ◽  
The Brain

AbstractGlia are known to play important roles in the brain, the gut, and around the sciatic nerve. While the gut has its own specialized nervous system, other viscera are innervated solely by autonomic nerves. The functions of glia that accompany autonomic innervation are not well known, even though they are one of the most abundant cell types in the peripheral nervous system. Here, we focused on non-myelinating Schwann Cells in the spleen, spleen glia. The spleen is a major immune organ innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, which modulates immune function. This interaction is known as neuroimmune communication. We establish that spleen glia can be visualized using both immunohistochemistry for S100B and GFAP and with a reporter mouse. Spleen glia ensheath sympathetic axons and are localized to the lymphocyte-rich white pulp areas of the spleen. We sequenced the spleen glia transcriptome and identified genes that are likely involved in axonal ensheathment and communication with both nerves and immune cells. Spleen glia express receptors for neurotransmitters made by sympathetic axons (adrenergic, purinergic, and Neuropeptide Y), and also cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors that may communicate with immune cells in the spleen. We also established similarities and differences between spleen glia and other glial types. While all glia share many genes in common, spleen glia differentially express immune genes, including genes involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, phagocytosis, and the complement cascade. Thus, spleen glia are a unique glial type, physically and transcriptionally poised to participate in neuroimmune communication in the spleen.Table of ContentsMain PointsSpleen glia maintain tight associations with splenic nerves and come in close contact with immune cellsSpleen glia express genes required for communication with nerves and immune cellsSpleen glia are a transcriptionally unique glial type

scholarly journals Intact Drosophila Whole Brain Cellular Quantitation reveals Sexual Dimorphism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Jiao ◽  
Gard Spreemann ◽  
Evelyne Ruchti ◽  
Soumya Banerjee ◽  
Ying Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Topological Analysis ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Larval Brain ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Sophisticated Analysis

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.

scholarly journals Glial Cells Promote Myelin Formation and Elimination

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria N. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Myelin Sheaths ◽  
Local Signaling ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Vertebrate Central Nervous System

Building a functional nervous system requires the coordinated actions of many glial cells. In the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes myelinate neuronal axons to increase conduction velocity and provide trophic support. Myelination can be modified by local signaling at the axon-myelin interface, potentially adapting sheaths to support the metabolic needs and physiology of individual neurons. However, neurons and oligodendrocytes are not wholly responsible for crafting the myelination patterns seen in vivo. Other cell types of the CNS, including microglia and astrocytes, modify myelination. In this review, I cover the contributions of non-neuronal, non-oligodendroglial cells to the formation, maintenance, and pruning of myelin sheaths. I address ways that these cell types interact with the oligodendrocyte lineage throughout development to modify myelination. Additionally, I discuss mechanisms by which these cells may indirectly tune myelination by regulating neuronal activity. Understanding how glial-glial interactions regulate myelination is essential for understanding how the brain functions as a whole and for developing strategies to repair myelin in disease.

5. Reacting and thinking

2021 ◽  
pp. 76-88
Author(s):  
Jamie A. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Vast Network

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.

Passive Dendritic Trees

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christof Koch
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Quantitative Relationship ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Dendritic Morphology ◽  
Granule Cell Layer ◽  
Dendritic Trees ◽  
A Cell ◽  
The Brain

The previous chapter dealt with the solution of the cable equation in response to current pulses and steps within a single unbranched cable. However, real nerve cells possess highly branched and extended dendritic trees with quite distinct morphologies. Figure 3.1 illustrates the fantastic variety of dendritic trees found throughout the animal kingdom, ranging from neurons in the locust to human brain cells and cells from many different parts of the nervous system. Some of these cells are spatially compact, such as retinal amacrine cells, which are barely one-fifth of a millimeter across, while some cells have immense dendritic trees, such as α motoneurones in the spinal cord extending across several millimeters. Yet, in all cases, neurons are very tightly packed: in vertebrates, peak density appears to be reached in the granule cell layer of the human cerebellum with around 5 million cells per cubic millimeter (Braitenberg and Atwood, 1958) while the packing density of the cells filling the 0.25 mm3 nervous system of the housefly Musca domestica is around 1.2 million cells per cubic millimeter (Strausfeld, 1976). The dendritic arbor of some cell types encompasses a spherical volume, such as for thalamic relay cells, while other cells, such as the cerebellar Purkinje cell, fill a thin slablike volume with a width less than one-tenth of their extent. Different cell types do not appear at random in the brain but are unique to specific parts of the brain. By far the majority of excitatory cells in the cortex are the pyramidal cells. Yet even within this class, considerable diversity exists. But why this diversity of shapes? To what extent do these quite distinct dendritic architectures reflect differences in their roles in information processing and computation? What influence does the dendritic morphology have on the electrical properties of the cell, or, in other words, what is the relationship between the morphological structure of a cell and its electrical function? One of the few cases where a quantitative relationship between form and some aspect of neuronal function has been established is the retinal neurons.

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