Microglial function, INPP5D/SHIP1 signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation: implications for Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Recent genetic studies on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have brought microglia under the spotlight, as loci associated with AD risk are enriched in genes expressed in microglia. Several of these genes have been recognized for their central roles in microglial functions. Increasing evidence suggests that SHIP1, the protein encoded by the AD-associated gene INPP5D, is an important regulator of microglial phagocytosis and immune response. A recent study from our group identified SHIP1 as a negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human iPSC-derived microglial cells (iMGs). In addition, we found evidence for a connection between SHIP1 activity and inflammasome activation in the AD brain. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that induces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of innate immune responses against pathogens and endogenous damage signals. Previously published studies have suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in AD and contributes to AD-related pathology. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the context of AD-related inflammation. We then review the known intracellular functions of SHIP1, including its role in phosphoinositide signaling, interactions with microglial phagocytic receptors such as TREM2 and evidence for its intersection with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Through rigorous examination of the intricate connections between microglial signaling pathways across several experimental systems and postmortem analyses, the field will be better equipped to tailor newly emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

Infectious viruses and neurodegenerative diseases: The mitochondrial defect hypothesis

“…110 Mitochondrial defects have proven to be an influential pathway in the activation of microglia. On the basis of previous studies on the interaction between microglial SASP and neuroinflammation, 21,[111][112][113] we further hypothesise that microglia activation is essentially a process of induced cellular senescence, where mitochondria are a key regulator of the associated senescence phenotypes. Notably, the accumulation of impaired mitochondria should lead to an increase in their fusion with lysosomes, but in practice mitochondrial clearance rate is low during the course of neurodegenerative diseases, 23 and JIANG ET AL.…”

Bayesian genome-wide TWAS with reference transcriptomic data of brain and blood tissues identified 141 risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease dementia

“…Shared risk genes between these biomarkers and AD have also been reported by previous studies. For example, gene BCL3 and INPP5D were reported with pleiotropy effects on AD and inflammation biomarkers [ 64 , 65 ]. Further biological experiments are still needed to understand the roles of these TWAS risk genes in the biological mechanism of AD.…”

Microglial apolipoprotein E particles contribute to neuronal senescence and synaptotoxicity

“… 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 Microglia, as the resident brain macrophage, are the primary immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS). 13 , 14 , 15 Physiologically, microglia play an essential role in maintaining normal neuronal functions in the CNS by modulating synaptic activity and eliminating toxic waste. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 Activated microglia display a variety of phenotypes and interact with tau and amyloid-β pathology, contributing in different ways to either promote or inhibit the development of AD.…”