Astrocytes expressing Vitamin D‐activating enzyme identify Parkinson’s disease

• DOI: 10.1111/cns.13801
• Publication Date: 2022-02-15T09:52:38Z
• Authors: Samanta Mazzetti; Michela Barichella; Federica Giampietro; Angelica Giana; Alessandra M Calo...; Alida Amadeo; Nicola Palazzi; Alessandro Comincini; Giorgio Giaccone; Manuela Bramerio; Serena Caronni; Viviana Cereda; Emanuele Cereda; Graziella Cappell...; Chiara Rolando; Gianni Pezzoli
• Keywords: CYP24A1; Lewy body; Synuclein

Astrocytes are involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) where they could contribute to α-Synuclein pathology but also neuroprotection via clearance. The molecular signature underlying their dual role is still elusive. Given that vitamin D has been recently suggested be protective neurodegeneration, the aim of our study was investigate astrocyte and neuron pathway alterations correlation with aggregates (ie, oligomers fibrils) human brain obtained from PD patients.The expression components CYP27B1, CYP24A1, VDR examined brains patients (Braak stage 6; n = 9) control subjects (n 4). We exploited proximity ligation assay identified toxic astrocytes.We found D-activating enzyme CYP27B1 a subpopulation astrocytes exclusively patients. positive display neuroprotective features as sequester associated Lewy body negative neurons.The presence distinguishes suggests contribution protect neurons ameliorate neuropathological traits.