Boosting postnatal oligodendrogenesis in a mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis

Under Multiple Sclerosis pathological conditions, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) present in the brain parenchyma or derived from subventricular zone neural stem cells (SVZ-NSCs) can differentiate into oligodendrocytes (OLs), which migrate and partially remyelinate the lesioned areas. Previous data from our group demonstrated that activation of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) modulated SVZ-NSCs oligodendroglial differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo under physiological conditions. Hence, we aimed at understanding the role of A2AR in adult oligodendrogenesis derived from SVZ-NSCs in an in vivo mouse model of MS. For this, the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS was developed, and behavioural tests were performed to evaluate motor function. Cellular differentiation was assessed by immunohistochemistry assays for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) colocalization with oligodendrocytic markers in brain regions of interest. Western blot and ELISA assays were used for myelin protein levels and inflammatory cytokine quantification. Our results for EAE model characterization showed that motor impairment is proportional to the score of the disease and cellular and molecular data showed an increase in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα (n=5, p<0.01). A significant increase in NG2+BrdU+ cells in the corpus callosum (CC) of EAE mice was observed (n=3, p<0.05), hinting at the migration of OPCs from the SVZ to the CC. Ongoing studies encompass the in vivo modulation of A2AR and assessing its effect on EAE phenotype and adult oligodendrogenesis, ultimately unveiling the modulation of adult oligodendrogenesis derived from SVZ-NSCs by A2AR as a putative therapy for MS.