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Cell Death & Disease Sep 2023Hearing loss (HL) is the most common and heterogeneous disorder of the sensory system, with a large morbidity in the worldwide population. Among cells of the acoustic... (Review)
Review
Hearing loss (HL) is the most common and heterogeneous disorder of the sensory system, with a large morbidity in the worldwide population. Among cells of the acoustic nerve (VIII cranial nerve), in the cochlea are present the hair cells, the spiral ganglion neurons, the glia-like supporting cells, and the Schwann cells (SCs), which alterations have been considered cause of HL. Notably, a benign SC-derived tumor of the acoustic nerve, named vestibular schwannoma (VS), has been indicated as cause of HL. Importantly, SCs are the main glial cells ensheathing axons and forming myelin in the peripheral nerves. Following an injury, the SCs reprogram, expressing some stemness features. Despite the mechanisms and factors controlling their biological processes (i.e., proliferation, migration, differentiation, and myelination) have been largely unveiled, their role in VS and HL was poorly investigated. In this review, we enlighten some of the mechanisms at the base of SCs transformation, VS development, and progression, likely leading to HL, and we pose great attention on the environmental factors that, in principle, could contribute to HL onset or progression. Combining the biomolecular bench-side approach to the clinical bedside practice may be helpful for the diagnosis, prediction, and therapeutic approach in otology.
Topics: Humans; Neuroma, Acoustic; Hearing Loss; Deafness; Schwann Cells; Neuroglia
PubMed: 37741837
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06141-z -
Histochemistry and Cell Biology Feb 2024Peroxisomes are highly dynamic, oxidative organelles with key metabolic functions in cellular lipid metabolism, such as the β-oxidation of fatty acids and the synthesis... (Review)
Review
Peroxisomes are highly dynamic, oxidative organelles with key metabolic functions in cellular lipid metabolism, such as the β-oxidation of fatty acids and the synthesis of myelin sheath lipids, as well as the regulation of cellular redox balance. Loss of peroxisomal functions causes severe metabolic disorders in humans. Furthermore, peroxisomes also fulfil protective roles in pathogen and viral defence and immunity, highlighting their wider significance in human health and disease. This has sparked increasing interest in peroxisome biology and their physiological functions. This review presents an update and a continuation of three previous review articles addressing the unsolved mysteries of this remarkable organelle. We continue to highlight recent discoveries, advancements, and trends in peroxisome research, and address novel findings on the metabolic functions of peroxisomes, their biogenesis, protein import, membrane dynamics and division, as well as on peroxisome-organelle membrane contact sites and organelle cooperation. Furthermore, recent insights into peroxisome organisation through super-resolution microscopy are discussed. Finally, we address new roles for peroxisomes in immune and defence mechanisms and in human disorders, and for peroxisomal functions in different cell/tissue types, in particular their contribution to organ-specific pathologies.
Topics: Humans; Peroxisomes; Lipid Metabolism; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 38244103
DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02259-5 -
Post-transcriptional microRNA repression of PMP22 dose in severe Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1.Brain : a Journal of Neurology Oct 2023Copy number variation (CNV) may lead to pathological traits, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), the commonest inherited peripheral neuropathy, is due to a...
Copy number variation (CNV) may lead to pathological traits, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), the commonest inherited peripheral neuropathy, is due to a genomic duplication encompassing the dosage-sensitive PMP22 gene. MicroRNAs act as repressors on post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and in rodent models of CMT1A, overexpression of one such microRNA (miR-29a) has been shown to reduce the PMP22 transcript and protein level. Here we present genomic and functional evidence, for the first time in a human CNV-associated phenotype, of the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR)-mediated role of microRNA repression on gene expression. The proband of the family presented with an early-onset, severe sensorimotor demyelinating neuropathy and harboured a novel de novo deletion in the PMP22 3'-UTR. The deletion is predicted to include the miR-29a seed binding site and transcript analysis of dermal myelinated nerve fibres using a novel platform, revealed a marked increase in PMP22 transcript levels. Functional evidence from Schwann cell lines harbouring the wild-type and mutant 3'-UTR showed significantly increased reporter assay activity in the latter, which was not ameliorated by overexpression of a miR-29a mimic. This shows the importance of miR-29a in regulating PMP22 expression and opens an avenue for therapeutic drug development.
Topics: Humans; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; MicroRNAs; DNA Copy Number Variations; Myelin Proteins; Gene Expression
PubMed: 37337674
DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad203 -
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of... Sep 2023In the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are recognized as the progenitors responsible for the generation of oligodendrocytes, which play a... (Review)
Review
In the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are recognized as the progenitors responsible for the generation of oligodendrocytes, which play a critical role in myelination. Extensive research has shed light on the mechanisms underlying OPC proliferation and differentiation into mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. However, recent advances in the field have revealed that OPCs have multiple functions beyond their role as progenitors, exerting control over neural circuits and brain function through distinct pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of OPCs by first introducing their well-established features. Subsequently, we delve into the emerging roles of OPCs in modulating brain function in both healthy and diseased states. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which OPCs influence brain function holds great promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.
Topics: Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells; Myelin Sheath; Brain; Oligodendroglia; Central Nervous System; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 37401986
DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02837-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023A diverse array of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, exhibit distinct myelin abnormalities at... (Review)
Review
A diverse array of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, exhibit distinct myelin abnormalities at both the molecular and histological levels. These aberrations are closely linked to dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and alterations in myelin structure, which may be pivotal factors contributing to the disconnection of brain regions and the resulting characteristic clinical impairments observed in these conditions. Astrocytes, which significantly outnumber neurons in the central nervous system by a five-to-one ratio, play indispensable roles in the development, maintenance, and overall well-being of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Consequently, they emerge as potential key players in the onset and progression of a myriad of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, targeting astrocytes represents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in such disorders. To gain deeper insights into the functions of astrocytes in the context of myelin-related disorders, it is imperative to employ appropriate in vivo models that faithfully recapitulate specific aspects of complex human diseases in a reliable and reproducible manner. One such model is the cuprizone model, wherein metabolic dysfunction in oligodendrocytes initiates an early response involving microglia and astrocyte activation, culminating in multifocal demyelination. Remarkably, following the cessation of cuprizone intoxication, a spontaneous process of endogenous remyelination occurs. In this review article, we provide a historical overview of studies investigating the responses and putative functions of astrocytes in the cuprizone model. Following that, we list previously published works that illuminate various aspects of the biology and function of astrocytes in this multiple sclerosis model. Some of the studies are discussed in more detail in the context of astrocyte biology and pathology. Our objective is twofold: to provide an invaluable overview of this burgeoning field, and, more importantly, to inspire fellow researchers to embark on experimental investigations to elucidate the multifaceted functions of this pivotal glial cell subpopulation.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Cuprizone; Demyelinating Diseases; Astrocytes; Myelin Sheath; Oligodendroglia; Multiple Sclerosis; Microglia; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38003609
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216420 -
Trends in Neurosciences Aug 2023Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are non-neuronal brain cells that give rise to oligodendrocytes, glia that myelinate the axons of neurons in the brain.... (Review)
Review
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are non-neuronal brain cells that give rise to oligodendrocytes, glia that myelinate the axons of neurons in the brain. Classically known for their contributions to myelination via oligodendrogenesis, OPCs are increasingly appreciated to play diverse roles in the nervous system, ranging from blood vessel formation to antigen presentation. Here, we review emerging literature suggesting that OPCs may be essential for the establishment and remodeling of neural circuits in the developing and adult brain via mechanisms that are distinct from the production of oligodendrocytes. We discuss the specialized features of OPCs that position these cells to integrate activity-dependent and molecular cues to shape brain wiring. Finally, we place OPCs within the context of a growing field focused on understanding the importance of communication between neurons and glia in the contexts of both health and disease.
Topics: Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells; Cell Differentiation; Neurons; Axons; Oligodendroglia; Myelin Sheath
PubMed: 37286422
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.05.007