The Cellular Senescence Factor Extracellular HMGB1 Directly Inhibits Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Differentiation and Impairs CNS Remyelination.

HMGB1 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous protein in eukaryotic cells. HMGB1 is normally localized to the nucleus, where it acts as a chromatin associated non-histone binding protein. In contrast, extracellular HMGB1 is an alarmin released by stressed cells to act as a danger associated molecular pattern (DAMP).

Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (ADEVs): Deciphering their Influences in Aging.

Astrocytes are an abundant and dynamic glial cell exclusive to the central nervous system (CNS). In the context of injury, inflammation, and/or diseases of the nervous system, astrocyte responses, termed reactive astrogliosis, are a recognized pathological feature across a range of conditions and diseases. However, the impact of reactive astrogliosis is not uniform and varies by context and duration (time).

Extracellular matrix influences astrocytic extracellular vesicle function in wound repair.

Astrocytic injury responses are known to be influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Astrocytes are also recognized as a source of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can impact the activity and function of other astrocytes and cell types. Whether the ECM influences the function of astrocytic EVs in the context of wound recovery has not been previously studied.

TAK1 signaling activity links the mast cell cytokine response and degranulation in allergic inflammation.

Mast cells drive the inappropriate immune response characteristic of allergic inflammatory disorders via release of pro-inflammatory mediators in response to environmental cues detected by the IgE-FcεRI complex. The role of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a participant in related signaling in other contexts, remains unknown in allergy. We detect novel activation of TAK1 at Ser412 in response to IgE-mediated activation under SCF-c-kit potentiation in a mast cell-driven response characteristic of allergic inflammation, which is potently blocked by TAK1 inhibitor 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (OZ).

The Effects of IL-1β on Astrocytes are Conveyed by Extracellular Vesicles and Influenced by Age.

The aging brain is associated with significant pathophysiological changes reflected in changes in astrocyte function. In this study, we hypothesized that the response of astrocytes to mechanical and inflammatory stimulation would differ with long-term culture. We report that naïve short-term cultured (young) and long-term cultured astrocytes (aged) exhibit similar recovery to a scratch wound assay.