Biology subjects

Stepankova, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Stepankova, K..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Chondroitin 4-sulphate depletion enhances synaptic plasticity and memory in aging

Perineuronal nets (PNNs), specialised extracellular matrix structures enriched in chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), are key regulators of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Aging is characterised by a shift in chondroitin sulphate composition toward increased chondroitin-4-sulfation (C4S) and reduced C6S, a pattern associated with declining cognitive flexibility. Here, we investigated how selective reduction of C4S affects PNN structure, PV-interneuron connectivity, and cognitive performance across the lifespan. Conditional deletion of the C4-sulfotransferase Chst11 markedly reduced C4S levels and diminished dendritic PNN complexity while preserving somatic PNN structure. This partial destabilisation of PNNs increased excitatory synaptic input onto PV interneurons in both young and aged mice, without major alterations in basal hippocampal transmission or long-term potentiation. Behaviourally, Chst11 knockout mice showed robust and persistent protection against age-related cognitive decline. Working memory performance remained stable across aging, short-term spatial memory was enhanced from early adulthood onward, and object recognition memory was significantly prolonged at all retention delays, even in old age. Sociability and social novelty preference were also preserved longer in aging knockouts compared with controls. These improvements occurred despite an overall preservation of PNN architecture, indicating that modifying sulphation rather than removing CSPGs is sufficient to enhance plasticity. Our findings demonstrate that reducing C4S through Chst11 deletion confers long-lasting enhancements in cognitive function and mitigates aging-related decline. Targeting CS-GAG sulphation patterns may therefore represent a promising strategy for maintaining cognitive resilience and restoring plasticity in aging or neurodegenerative conditions.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP downregulates tenascin-C in neurons and astrocytes and reduces AAV-mediated gene expression in DRG neurons

Functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is hindered by the limited ability of axons to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Overcoming this barrier is critical for achieving effective recovery. Axonal regeneration depends on the activation of intracellular processes like transcription factor induction, protein and lipid trafficking, and cytoskeletal remodelling. Targeting these pathways offers a promising approach for promoting neuronal repair. This study examined the combined therapeutic effects of dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), which primes neurons for growth, and integrin 9 overexpression, which supports axonal extension. Using in vitro models with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and astrocytes, as well as an in vivo SCI model, we evaluated the potential of this approach. In vitro, the combination of db-cAMP and integrin 9 significantly enhanced neuronal growth. However, in vivo results were less consistent, with db-cAMP affecting AAV-mediated transcription and the expression of tenascin C (TnC) in neurons and astrocytes. These findings highlight the potential of modulating intracellular signalling and integrin activation but underscore the challenges posed by the complexity of the in vivo environment. Further studies are necessary to unravel these mechanisms and refine therapeutic strategies for effective SCI recovery. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=136 SRC="FIGDIR/small/653846v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (29K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1473630org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@36a8beorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@80593corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@6285e3_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Alpha 9 integrin expression enables reconstruction of the spinal cord sensory pathway.

Full recovery from spinal cord injury can only occur if the axon pathways connecting the brain and spinal cord regenerate and restore motor and sensory connections. Neither sensory nor motor axons can regenerate spontaneously in the spinal cord in mammals. This failure is partly due to the lack of suitable adhesion molecules on the sensory axons that allows them to interact with the environment of the damaged spinal cord. In this rat study, an integrin adhesion molecule along with its activator was expressed in sensory neurons using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. Expression of these adhesion molecules allowed sensory axons to regenerate through the spinal cord injury and all the way back to the brainstem, restoring the sensory pathway. Treated animals regained touch sensation and sensory behaviours. The integrin ligands in the injured spinal cord are tenascin-C and osteopontin, but adult PNS and CNS neurons lack receptors to them. Sensory neurons were transduced with 9 integrin, which combines with endogenous {beta}1 as 9{beta}1 (which is a tenascin/osteopontin receptor) together with the integrin activator kindlin-1. Regeneration from sensory neurons transduced with 9integrin and kindlin-1 was examined after C4 and after T10 dorsal column lesions with C6,7 and L4.5 sensory ganglia injected with AAV1 vectors. In animals treated with 9 integrin and kindlin-1, sensory axons regenerated through tenascin-C-expressing connective tissue strands and bridges across the lesion and then re-entered the CNS tissue. Many axons regenerated rostrally to the level of the medulla. Regenerated axons were particularly visible at the border between white and grey matter in the dorsal cord. Stimulation of the median/sciatic nerve caused many neurons rostral to the injury to activate and express cFos. VGLUT1/2 staining indicated newly formed functional synapses above the lesion. Behavioural recovery was seen in heat, mechanical sensation and tape removal tests. Many axons regenerated from the thoracic lesions to the brainstem, a distance of 4-5 cm, equivalent to the length of 1 or 2 spinal segments in humans.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Oral administration of 4-methylumbelliferone reduces glial scar and promotes anatomical plasticity

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are up-regulated at the glial scar inhibiting neuroregeneration. Under normal physiological condition, CSPGs interact with hyaluronan (HA) and other extracellular matrix on neuronal surface forming a macromolecular structure called perineuronal nets (PNNs) which regulate neuroplasticity. 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) has been used previously to down-regulate HA synthesis but not been tested in SCI. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of 4-MU, an inhibitor of HA, in a chronic contusion model of SCI in rats. At a dose of 1.2 g/kg/day of 4-MU, we observed not only the reduction of HA in the uninjured spinal cords after 60 days of 4-MU administration, but also a down-regulation of CS glycosaminoglycans (CS-GAGs). In order to assess the effect of 4-MU in chronic SCI, rats with T8 spinal contusion injury were fed with 4-MU or placebo for 8 weeks in combination with daily treadmill rehabilitation for 16 weeks to promote neuroplasticity. 4-MU treatment promoted significant sprouting of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) positive fibres into ventral horns and reduced the HA synthesis by astrocytes around the lesion site. While 4-MU reduced astrogliosis in chronic stage of SCI, the current dose was not sufficient to down-regulate the increased production of CS-GAGs or behavioural performance. Together, these data suggest that oral treatment with 4-MU is able to induce anatomical plasticity but further adjustment on the dosage will be required to benefit functional recovery after SCI.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

4-methylumbelliferone enhances neuroplasticity in the central nervous system: potential oral treatment for SCI

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialised extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that act as key plasticity regulators to the central nervous system. Removal of PNNs using chondroitinase ABC injections restores plasticity, however, there are limitations to its application to due to its enzymatic nature. Here, we explore the use of a small molecule 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) as an alternative non-invasive strategy to reversibly remove PNNs and enhance plasticity. Oral administration of 4-MU for 10 days successfully and dynamically removed PNNs in vitro. While 4-MU, preferentially downregulated hyaluronan in the spinal cord, a down-regulation of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans is also observed in the cortex. Long term administration for 8-weeks administration revealed a partial removal of PNNs, and that injury-induced mechanisms promoting cortical structural plasticity are linked to endogenous modulation of ECM molecules. 4-MU is a new tool to unravel the limits of normal and pathological PNN-mediated plasticity.

neuroscience↗