scholarly journals Glia-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Marchetti ◽  
Loredana Leggio ◽  
Francesca L’Episcopo ◽  
Silvia Vivarelli ◽  
Cataldo Tirolo ◽  
...  

Glial cells are fundamental players in the central nervous system (CNS) development and homeostasis, both in health and disease states. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), a dysfunctional glia-neuron crosstalk represents a common final pathway contributing to the chronic and progressive death of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Notably, glial cells communicating with each other by an array of molecules, can acquire a “beneficial” or “destructive” phenotype, thereby enhancing neuronal death/vulnerability and/or exerting critical neuroprotective and neuroreparative functions, with mechanisms that are actively investigated. An important way of delivering messenger molecules within this glia-neuron cross-talk consists in the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are nano-sized membranous particles able to convey a wide range of molecular cargoes in a controlled way, depending on the specific donor cell and the microenvironmental milieu. Given the dual role of glia in PD, glia-derived EVs may deliver molecules carrying various messages for the vulnerable/dysfunctional DAergic neurons. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art of glial-neuron interactions and glia-derived EVs in PD. Also, EVs have the ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), thus acting both within the CNS and outside, in the periphery. In these regards, this review discloses the emerging applications of EVs, with a special focus on glia-derived EVs as potential carriers of new biomarkers and nanotherapeutics for PD.

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsin H.K. Roshan ◽  
Amos Tambo ◽  
Nikolai P. Pace

Parkinson’s disease [PD] is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting 1% of the population over the age of 55. The underlying neuropathology seen in PD is characterised by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta with the presence of Lewy bodies. The Lewy bodies are composed of aggregates of α-synuclein. The motor manifestations of PD include a resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity. Currently there is no cure for PD and motor symptoms are treated with a number of drugs including levodopa [L-dopa]. These drugs do not delay progression of the disease and often provide only temporary relief. Their use is often accompanied by severe adverse effects. Emerging evidence from bothin vivoandin vitrostudies suggests that caffeine may reduce parkinsonian motor symptoms by antagonising the adenosine A2Areceptor, which is predominately expressed in the basal ganglia. It is hypothesised that caffeine may increase the excitatory activity in local areas by inhibiting the astrocytic inflammatory processes but evidence remains inconclusive. In addition, the co-administration of caffeine with currently available PD drugs helps to reduce drug tolerance, suggesting that caffeine may be used as an adjuvant in treating PD. In conclusion, caffeine may have a wide range of therapeutic effects which are yet to be explored, and therefore warrants further investigation in randomized clinical trials.


Author(s):  
Meritxell Pons-Espinal ◽  
Lucas Blasco-Agell ◽  
Antonella Consiglio

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable age-linked neurodegenerative disease with characteristic movement impairments that are caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-containing neurons (DAn) within the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been suggested that misfolded protein aggregates together with neuroinflammation and glial reactivity, may impact nerve cell function, leading to neurodegeneration and diseases, such as PD. However, not many studies have been able to examine the role of human glial cells in the pathogenesis of PD. With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, it is now possible to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotency and to generate viable human patient-specific DA neurons and glial cells, providing a tremendous opportunity for dissecting cellular and molecular pathological mechanisms occurring at early stages of PD. This reviews will report on recent work using human iPSC and 3D brain organoid models showing that iPSC technology can be used to recapitulate PD-relevant disease-associated phenotypes, including protein aggregation, cell death or loss of neurite complexity and deficient autophagic vacuoles clearance and focus on the recent co-culture systems that are revealing new insights into the complex interactions that occur between different brain cell types during neurodegeneration. Consequently, such advances are the key to improve our understanding of PD pathology and generate potential targets for new therapies aimed at curing PD patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina N. MacMahon Copas ◽  
Sarah F. McComish ◽  
Jean M. Fletcher ◽  
Maeve A. Caldwell

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterised by the motor symptoms of bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremor and non-motor symptoms of sleep disturbances, constipation, and depression. Pathological hallmarks include neuroinflammation, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein proteins as intra-cytoplasmic Lewy bodies and neurites. Microglia and astrocytes are essential to maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS), including providing protection through the process of gliosis. However, dysregulation of glial cells results in disruption of homeostasis leading to a chronic pro-inflammatory, deleterious environment, implicated in numerous CNS diseases. Recent evidence has demonstrated a role for peripheral immune cells, in particular T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of PD. These cells infiltrate the CNS, and accumulate in the substantia nigra, where they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulate surrounding immune cells, and induce dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Indeed, a greater understanding of the integrated network of communication that exists between glial cells and peripheral immune cells may increase our understanding of disease pathogenesis and hence provide novel therapeutic approaches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Quiroz-Baez ◽  
Karina Hernández-Ortega ◽  
Eduardo Martínez-Martínez

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, EVs have the capacity to modify the physiology of neuronal circuits by transferring proteins, RNA, lipids, and metabolites. The proteomic characterization of EVs (exosomes and microvesicles) from preclinical models and patient samples has the potential to reveal new proteins and molecular networks that affect the normal physiology prior to the appearance of traditional biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Noteworthy, many of the genetic risks associated to the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease affect the crosstalk between mitochondria, endosomes, and lysosomes. Recent research has focused on determining the role of endolysosomal trafficking in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Proteomic studies indicate an alteration of biogenesis and molecular content of EVs as a result of endolysosomal and autophagic dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the status of EV proteomic characterization and their usefulness in discovering new biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the challenges related to the failure to follow a standard isolation protocol and their implementation for a clinical setting, the analysis of EV proteomes has revealed the presence of key proteins with post-translational modifications that can be measured in peripheral fluids.


2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyo Geun Kim ◽  
Mi Sun Ju ◽  
Jin Sup Shim ◽  
Min Cheol Kim ◽  
Sang-Hun Lee ◽  
...  

Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, is characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to the striatum (ST), and involves oxidative stress. Mulberry fruit fromMorus albaL. (Moraceae) is commonly eaten, and has long been used in traditional oriental medicine. It contains well-known antioxidant agents such as anthocyanins. The present study examined the protective effects of 70 % ethanol extract of mulberry fruit (ME) against neurotoxicity inin vitroandin vivoPD models. In SH-SY5Y cells stressed with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), ME significantly protected the cells from neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Other assays demonstrated that the protective effect of ME was mediated by its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, regulating reactive oxygen species and NO generation, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, mitochondrial membrane depolarisation and caspase-3 activation. In mesencephalic primary cells stressed with 6-OHDA or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), pre-treatment with ME also protected dopamine neurons, showing a wide range of effective concentrations in MPP+-induced toxicity. In the sub-acute mouse PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), ME showed a preventative effect against PD-like symptoms (bradykinesia) in the behavioural test and prevented MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage in an immunocytochemical analysis of the SNpc and ST. These results indicate that ME has neuroprotective effects inin vitroandin vivoPD models, and that it may be useful in preventing or treating PD.


2016 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 1439-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
WALESKA B. MARTINS ◽  
SHEYLA A. RODRIGUES ◽  
HATAMY K. SILVA ◽  
CAMILA G. DANTAS ◽  
WALDECY DE LUCCA JÚNIOR ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) is a cosmopolitan species with a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. We investigated the effects of P. oleracea extracts in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease, a debilitating disorder without effective treatments. Chemical profiles of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of whole plant were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and the antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazila method. Male Wistar rats received intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine and were treated with vehicle or extracts (oral, 200 and 400 mg/kg) daily for two weeks. The behavioral open field test was conducted at days 1 and 15. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed 4 weeks after surgery to quantify tyrosine-hydroxylase cell counts in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Extracts presented antioxidant activity in concentrations above 300 µg/kg. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of Levodopa, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and polysaccharides. Both extracts improved motor recovery 15 days after lesion and protected from tyrosine-hydroxylase cell loss after 4 weeks, but these effects were more evident for the aqueous extract. Because the dopamine precursor is present, in addition to antioxidant compounds and neuroprotective effects, P. oleracea can be considered as potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Najim Uddin ◽  
Mohammad Injamul Hoq ◽  
Israt Jahan ◽  
Shafayet Ahmed Siddiqui ◽  
Chayan Dhar Clinton ◽  
...  

: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the leading phytochemicals, which is abundantly found in Nigella sativa L. seeds. TQ exhibited various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumoral in several pre-clinical studies. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term neurodegenerative disease with movement difficulties, and the common feature of neurodegeneration in PD patients is caused by dopaminergic neural damage in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The neuroprotective activity of TQ has been studied in various neurological disorders. TQ-mediated neuroprotection against PD yet to be reported in a single frame; therefore, this review is intended to narrate the potentiality of TQ in the therapy of PD. TQ has been shown to protect against neurotoxins via amelioration of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, thereby protects neurodegeneration in PD models. TQ could be an emerging therapeutic intervention in PD management, but mechanistic studies have been remained to be investigated to clarify its neuroprotective role.


Immuno ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Johannes Burtscher ◽  
Grégoire P. Millet

Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Differentiating characteristics of PD include the central role of α-synuclein in the aggregation pathology, a distinct vulnerability of the striato-nigral system with the related motor symptoms, as well as specific mitochondrial deficits. Which molecular alterations cause neurodegeneration and drive PD pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we summarize evidence of the involvement of three interdependent factors in PD and suggest that their interplay is likely a trigger and/or aggravator of PD-related neurodegeneration: hypoxia, acidification and inflammation. We aim to integrate the existing knowledge on the well-established role of inflammation and immunity, the emerging interest in the contribution of hypoxic insults and the rather neglected effects of brain acidification in PD pathogenesis. Their tight association as an important aspect of the disease merits detailed investigation. Consequences of related injuries are discussed in the context of aging and the interaction of different brain cell types, in particular with regard to potential consequences on the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. A special focus is put on the identification of current knowledge gaps and we emphasize the importance of related insights from other research fields, such as cancer research and immunometabolism, for neurodegeneration research. The highlighted interplay of hypoxia, acidification and inflammation is likely also of relevance for other neurodegenerative diseases, despite disease-specific biochemical and metabolic alterations.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 791
Author(s):  
Wolfgang P. Ruf ◽  
Axel Freischmidt ◽  
Veselin Grozdanov ◽  
Valerie Roth ◽  
Sarah J. Brockmann ◽  
...  

Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are a contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases. Although altered miRNA profiles in serum or plasma have been reported for several neurodegenerative diseases, little is known about the interaction between dysregulated miRNAs and their protein binding partners. We found significant alterations of the miRNA abundance pattern in serum and in isolated serum-derived extracellular vesicles of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. The differential expression of miRNA in PD patients was more robust in serum than in isolated extracellular vesicles and could separate PD patients from healthy controls in an unsupervised approach to a high degree. We identified a novel protein interaction partner for the strongly dysregulated hsa-mir-4745-5p. Our study provides further evidence for the involvement of miRNAs and HNF4a in PD. The demonstration that miRNA-protein binding might mediate the pathologic effects of HNF4a both by direct binding to it and by binding to proteins regulated by it suggests a complex role for miRNAs in pathology beyond the dysregulation of transcription.


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