The central nervous system (CNS) requires sophisticated regulation of neuronal activity. This modulation is partly accomplished by non-neuronal cells, characterized by the presence of transmembrane gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs). This allows small molecule diffusion to guarantee neuronal synaptic activity and plasticity. Astrocytes are metabolically and functionally coupled to neurons by the uptake, binding and recycling of neurotransmitters. In addition, astrocytes release metabolites, such as glutamate, glutamine, D-serine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate, regulating synaptic activity and plasticity by pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. Uncoupling neuroglial communication leads to alterations in synaptic transmission that can be detrimental to neuronal circuit function and behavior. Therefore, understanding the pathways and mechanisms involved in this intercellular communication is fundamental for the search of new targets that can be used for several neurological disease treatments. This review will focus on molecular mechanisms mediating physiological and pathological coupling between astrocytes and neurons through GJs and HCs.

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that in response to the cell’s bio-energetic state continuously undergo structural remodeling fission and fusion processes. This mitochondrial dynamic activity has been implicated in cell cycle, autophagy and age-related diseases. Adult tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells present a therapeutic potential. However, to obtain an adequate mesenchymal stromal/stem cell number for clinical use, extensive in vitro expansion is required. Unfortunately, these cells undergo replicative senescence rapidly by mechanisms that are not well understood. Senescence has been associated with metabolic changes in the oxidative state of the cell, a process that has been also linked to mitochondrial fission and fusion events, suggesting an association between mitochondrial dynamic and senescence. In the present work, we studied the mitochondrial structural remodeling process of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells isolated from adipose tissue in vitro to determine if mitochondrial phenotypic changes are associated with mesenchymal stromal/stem cell senescence. For this purpose, mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative state of stromal/stem cell were compared between young and old cells. With increased cell passage, we observed a significant change in cell morphology that is associated with an increase in β-galactosidase activity. In addition, old cells (population doubling seven) also showed increased mitochondrial mass, augmented superoxide production, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. These changes in morphology were related to slightly levels increases in mitochondrial fusion proteins, Mitofusion 1 (MFN1) and Dynamin-realted GTPase (OPA1). Collectively, our results showed that adipose tissue-derived MSCs at population doubling seven develop a senescent phenotype that is characterized by metabolic cell changes that can lead to mitochondrial fusion.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are critical receptors in the transduction of nociceptive stimuli. The microenvironment of diverse types of cancer releases substances, including growth factors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory mediators, which modulate the activity of TRPs through the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. The modulation of TRP channels is associated with the peripheral sensitization observed in patients with cancer, which results in mild noxious sensory stimuli being perceived as hyperalgesia and allodynia. Secondary metabolites derived from plant extracts can induce the activation, blocking, and desensitization of TRP channels. Thus, these compounds could act as potential therapeutic agents, as their antinociceptive properties could be beneficial in relieving cancer-derived pain. In this review, we will summarize the role of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in pain associated with cancer and discuss molecules that have been reported to modulate these channels, focusing particularly on the mechanisms of channel activation associated with molecules released in the tumor microenvironment.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide despite efforts in early diagnosis of the disease and advances in treatment. The use of drugs that exert toxic effects on tumor cells or chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments against cancer. However, its low toxic selectivity affects both healthy cells and cancer cells. It has been reported that chemotherapeutic drugs may generate neurotoxicity that induces deleterious effects of chemotherapy in the central nervous system. In this sense, patients report decreased cognitive abilities, such as memory, learning, and some executive functions after chemotherapy. This chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) develops during treatment and persists even after chemotherapy. Here we present a review of the literature on the main neurobiological mechanisms involved in CICI using a Boolean formula following the steps of the PRISMA guidelines that were used to perform statements searches in various databases. The main mechanisms described in the literature to explain CRCI include direct and indirect mechanisms that induce neurotoxicity by chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, this review provides a general understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of CICI and the possible therapeutic targets to prevent it..

Gap junction (GJ) channels and their connexins (Cxs) are complex proteins that have essential functions in cell communication processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells express an extraordinary repertory of Cxs that are important for cell to cell communication and diffusion of metabolites, ions, neurotransmitters, and gliotransmitters. GJs and Cxs not only contribute to the normal function of the CNS but also the pathological progress of several diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, they have important roles in mediating neuroprotection by internal or external molecules. However, regulation of Cx expression by epigenetic mechanisms has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of the known mechanisms that regulate the expression of the most abundant Cxs in the central nervous system, Cx30, Cx36, and Cx43, and their role in brain cancer, CNS disorders, and neuroprotection. Initially, we focus on describing the Cx gene structure and how this is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Then, the posttranslational modifications that mediate the activity and stability of Cxs are reviewed. Finally, the role of GJs and Cxs in glioblastoma, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, and neuroprotection are analyzed with the aim of shedding light in the possibility of using Cx regulators as potential therapeutic molecules.

Major depressive disorder is a complex and multifactorial condition, increasingly linked to neuroinflammation and astrocytic dysfunction. Astrocytes, along with other glial cells, beyond their classic functions in maintaining brain homeostasis, play a crucial role in regulating neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, key processes in the pathophysiology of depression. This mini-review explores the involvement of astrocytes in depression emphasizing their mediation in neuroinflammation processes, the impact of astrocytic dysfunction on neuroplasticity, and the effect of some antidepressants on astrocyte reactivity. Recent evidence suggests that targeting astrocyte-related signaling pathways, particularly the balance between different astrocytic phenotypes, could offer promising evidence for therapeutic strategies for affective disorders. Therefore, a deeper understanding of astrocyte biology may open the way to innovative treatments aimed at mitigating depressive symptoms by impacting both neuroinflammation and imbalances in neuroplasticity.