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Astroglial toxicity promotes synaptic degeneration in the thalamocortical circuit in frontotemporal dementia with GRN mutations
- Source :
- Journal of Clinical Investigation. March 15, 2023, Vol. 133 Issue 6
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Mutations in the human progranulin (GRN) gene are a leading cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While previous studies implicate aberrant microglial activation as a disease-driving factor in neurodegeneration in the thalamocortical circuit in [Grn.sup.-/-] mice, the exact mechanism for neurodegeneration in FTLD-GRN remains unclear. By performing comparative single-cell transcriptomics in the thalamus and frontal cortex of [Grn.sup.-/-] mice and patients with FTLD-GRN, we have uncovered a highly conserved astroglial pathology characterized by upregulation of gap junction protein GJA1, water channel AQP4, and lipid-binding protein APOE, and downregulation of glutamate transporter SLC1A2 that promoted profound synaptic degeneration across the two species. This astroglial toxicity could be recapitulated in mouse astrocyte-neuron cocultures and by transplanting induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes to cortical organoids, where progranulin-deficient astrocytes promoted synaptic degeneration, neuronal stress, and TDP-43 proteinopathy. Together, these results reveal a previously unappreciated astroglial pathology as a potential key mechanism in neurodegeneration in FTLD-GRN.<br />Introduction Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in patients under 65 years of age. The clinical manifestations of FTD include progressive behavioral changes and deterioration in language skills [...]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00219738
- Volume :
- 133
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Journal of Clinical Investigation
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.742801759
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI164919