Neurogenin promotes neurogenesis and inhibits glial differentiation by independent mechanisms

The mechanisms by which neural stem cells give rise to neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes are beginning to be elucidated. However, it is not known how the specification of one cell lineage results in the suppression of alternative fates. We find that in addition to inducing neurogenesis, the bHLH transcription factor neurogenin (Ngn1) inhibits the differentiation of neural stem cells into astrocytes. While Ngn1 promotes neurogenesis by functioning as a transcriptional activator, Ngn1 inhibits astrocyte differentiation by sequestering the CBP-Smad1 transcription complex away from astrocyte differentiation genes, and by inhibiting the activation of STAT transcription factors that are necessary for gliogenesis. Thus, two distinct mechanisms are involved in the activation and suppression of gene expression during cell-fate specification by neurogenin.

Conditional deletion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the postnatal brain leads to obesity and hyperactivity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been associated previously with the regulation of food intake. To help elucidate the role of this neurotrophin in weight regulation, we have generated conditional mutants in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been eliminated from the brain after birth through the use of the cre-loxP recombination system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor conditional mutants were hyperactive after exposure to stressors and had higher levels of anxiety when evaluated in the light/dark exploration test. They also had mature onset obesity characterized by a dramatic 80-150% increase in body weight, increased linear growth, and elevated serum levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, and cholesterol. In addition, the mutants had an abnormal starvation response and elevated basal levels of POMC, an anorexigenic factor and the precursor for alpha-MSH. Our results demonstrate that brain derived neurotrophic factor has an essential maintenance function in the regulation of anxiety-related behavior and in food intake through central mediators in both the basal and fasted state.

A novel role for ursodeoxycholic acid in inhibiting apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial membrane perturbation

The hydrophilic bile salt ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) protects against the membrane-damaging effects associated with hydrophobic bile acids. This study was undertaken to (a) determine if UDCA inhibits apoptosis from deoxycholic acid (DCA), as well as from ethanol, TGF-beta1, Fas ligand, and okadaic acid; and to (b) determine whether mitochondrial membrane perturbation is modulated by UDCA. DCA induced significant hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo and in isolated hepatocytes determined by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling assay and nuclear staining, respectively (P < 0.001). Apoptosis in isolated rat hepatocytes increased 12-fold after incubation with 0.5% ethanol (P < 0.001). HuH-7 cells exhibited increased apoptosis with 1 nM TGF-beta1 (P < 0. 001) or DCA at >/= 100 microM (P < 0.001), as did Hep G2 cells after incubation with anti-Fas antibody (P < 0.001). Finally, incubation with okadaic acid induced significant apoptosis in HuH-7, Saos-2, Cos-7, and HeLa cells. Coadministration of UDCA with each of the apoptosis-inducing agents was associated with a 50-100% inhibition of apoptotic changes (P < 0.001) in all the cell types. Also, UDCA reduced the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT) in isolated mitochondria associated with both DCA and phenylarsine oxide by > 40 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.001). FACS(R) analysis revealed that the apoptosis-inducing agents decreased the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species production (P < 0.05). Coadministration of UDCA was associated with significant prevention of mitochondrial membrane alterations in all cell types. The results suggest that UDCA plays a central role in modulating the apoptotic threshold in both hepatocytes and nonliver cells, and inhibition of MPT is at least one pathway by which UDCA protects against apoptosis.

Current insights into the regulation of programmed cell death by NF-kappaB

The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors have emerged as major regulators of programmed cell death (PCD) whether via apoptosis or necrosis. In this context, NF-kappaB's activity has important ramifications for normal tissue development, homoeostasis and the physiological functions of various cell systems including the immune, hepatic, epidermal and nervous systems. However, improper regulation of PCD by NF-kappaB can have severe pathologic consequences, ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer, where its activity often precludes effective therapy. Although NF-kappaB generally protects cells by inducing the expression genes encoding antiapoptotic and antioxidizing proteins, its role in apoptosis and necrosis can vary markedly in different cell contexts, and NF-kappaB can sensitize cells to death-inducing stimuli in some instances. This article describes our current knowledge of the role of NF-kappaB in apoptosis and necrosis, and focuses on the many advances since we last reviewed this rapidly evolving topic in Oncogene 3 years ago. There has been substantial progress in understanding NF-kappaB's mode of action in apoptosis and necrosis and the mechanisms that regulate its anti- vs proapoptotic activities. These recent developments shed new light on the role of NF-kappaB in many disease conditions including tumor development, tumor progression and anticancer treatment.

Exercise impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasticity by engaging mechanisms of epigenetic regulation

We have evaluated the possibility that the action of voluntary exercise on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule important for rat hippocampal learning, could involve mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. We focused the studies on the Bdnf promoter IV, as this region is highly responsive to neuronal activity. We have found that exercise stimulates DNA demethylation in Bdnf promoter IV, and elevates levels of activated methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, as well as BDNF mRNA and protein in the rat hippocampus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that exercise increases acetylation of histone H3, and protein assessment showed that exercise elevates the ratio of acetylated :total for histone H3 but had no effects on histone H4 levels. Exercise also reduces levels of the histone deacetylase 5 mRNA and protein implicated in the regulation of the Bdnf gene [N.M. Tsankova et al. (2006)Nat. Neurosci., 9, 519-525], but did not affect histone deacetylase 9. Exercise elevated the phosphorylated forms of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and cAMP response element binding protein, implicated in the pathways by which neural activity influences the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, i.e. Bdnf. These results showing the influence of exercise on the remodeling of chromatin containing the Bdnf gene emphasize the importance of exercise on the control of gene transcription in the context of brain function and plasticity. Reported information about the impact of a behavior, inherently involved in the daily human routine, on the epigenome opens exciting new directions and therapeutic opportunities in the war against neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Ursodeoxycholic acid prevents cytochrome c release in apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial membrane depolarization and channel formation

The hydrophilic bile salt ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis. In this paper, we further characterize the mechanism by which UDCA inhibits apoptosis induced by deoxycholic acid, okadaic acid and transforming growth factor beta1 in primary rat hepatocytes. Our data indicate that coincubation of cells with UDCA and each of the apoptosis-inducing agents was associated with an approximately 80% inhibition of nuclear fragmentation (P<0.001). Moreover, UDCA prevented mitochondrial release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm by 70 - 75% (P<0.001), thereby, inhibiting subsequent activation of DEVD-specific caspases and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Each of the apoptosis-inducing agents decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increased mitochondrial-associated Bax protein levels. Coincubation with UDCA was associated with significant inhibition of these mitochondrial membrane alterations. The results suggest that the mechanism by which UDCA inhibits apoptosis involves an interplay of events in which both depolarization and channel-forming activity of the mitochondrial membrane are inhibited.

Symptom clusters in cancer patients: a review of the literature

Cancer patients often experience multiple symptoms, and those symptoms can independently predict changes in patient function, treatment failures, and post-therapeutic outcomes. Symptom clusters are defined as two or more concurrent symptoms that are related and may or may not have a common cause. The purpose of the present study was to review, in cancer patients, common symptom clusters and their predictors.

Using medline, embase, Cochrane Central, and cinahl, we conducted a literature search on symptom clusters in cancer patients. Studies that investigated predetermined clusters were not included. We identified seven individual studies and one group of five studies validating the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. These studies had been published between 1997 and 2006. Two of the seven individual studies and the group of five studies that had validated the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory included patients with any cancer type; three studies included breast cancer patients only; and two studies included lung cancer patients only.

A gastrointestinal cluster consisting of nausea and vomiting was the single cluster common to two of the studies. The severity of this cluster increased when patients were treated with chemotherapy. No common clusters were found in the lung and breast cancer patient populations. However, breast cancer patients experienced more symptom cluster involvement while undergoing chemotherapy. We noted methodology disparities among the papers with regard to assessment tools used, statistical analyses, and populations.

Research on symptom clusters is still in an early stage. Multiple symptoms clearly affect prognosis, quality of life, and functional status. The study of symptom clusters is important for its implications regarding patient management, and a consensus on appropriate research methodology is vital.

Methylprednisolone inhibition of TNF-alpha expression and NF-kB activation after spinal cord injury in rats

Post-traumatic inflammatory reaction has been implicated in the secondary injury after SCI. TNF-alpha is a key inflammatory mediator, which plays a pathogenetic role in cell death in inflammatory disorders and traumatic brain injury. TNF-alpha exerts its effector actions, at least partially, through the activation of a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, NF-kB, which in turn upregulates such genes as iNOS, cytokines, adhesive molecules, and others. Consistent with a post-traumatic inflammatory reaction after SCI, we noted an increase in TNF-alpha expression by Western blotting (4.5-fold increase at 1 day after SCI, P<0.01) and immunohistochemistry in a rat SCI model. Post-traumatic TNF-alpha expression was accompanied by an increase in NF-kB binding activity in nuclear proteins isolated from the injured cord (3.9-fold increase, P<0.01). MP is the only drug proven effective in improving neurological function in patients with acute SCI. The mechanism of action of MP is not fully understood, but is thought to be related to its antioxidant effects. MP is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, which has been recently shown to inhibit NF-kB binding activity. MP (30 mg/kg, i.v.) given immediately after SCI reduced TNF-alpha expression by 55% (P<0.01) and NF-kB binding activity. These findings suggest that post-traumatic inflammatory activity that is mediated by the TNF-alpha-NF-kB cascade can be suppressed by MP.

Association of proinflammatory cytokines and chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients: a multi-centered, prospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines play an intermediary role in postchemotherapy cognitive impairment. This is one of the largest multicentered, cohort studies conducted in Singapore to evaluate the prevalence and proinflammatory biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-receiving breast cancer patients (stages I-III) were recruited. Proinflammatory plasma cytokines concentrations [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α] were evaluated at 3 time points (before chemotherapy, 6 and 12 weeks after chemotherapy initiation). The FACT-Cog (version 3) was utilized to evaluate patients' self-perceived cognitive disturbances and a computerized neuropsychological assessment (Headminder) was administered to evaluate patients' memory, attention, response speed and processing speed. Changes of cognition throughout chemotherapy treatment were compared against the baseline. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to test the relationships of clinical variables and cytokine concentrations on self-perceived cognitive disturbances and each objective cognitive domain.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included (age 50.5 ± 8.4 years; 81.8% Chinese; mean duration of education = 10.8 ± 3.3 years). Higher plasma IL-1β was associated with poorer response speed performance (estimate: -0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.34 to -0.03; P = 0.023), and a higher concentration of IL-4 was associated with better response speed performance (P = 0.022). Higher concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were associated with more severe self-perceived cognitive disturbances (P = 0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Patients with higher concentrations of IL-4 also reported less severe cognitive disturbances (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

While elevated concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β were observed in patients with poorer response speed performance and perceived cognitive disturbances, IL-4 may be protective against chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. This study is important because cytokines would potentially be mechanistic mediators of chemotherapy-associated cognitive changes.

Targeted disruption of NDST-1 gene leads to pulmonary hypoplasia and neonatal respiratory distress in mice

In order to address the biological function of GlcNAc N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase-1 (NDST-1), we disrupted the NDST-1 gene by homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells. The NDST-1 null mice developed respiratory distress and atelectasis that subsequently caused neonatal death. Morphological examination revealed type II pneumocyte immaturity, which was characterized by an increased glycogen content and a reduced number of lamellar bodies and microvilli. Biochemical analysis further indicated that both total phospholipids and disaturated phosphatidylcholine were reduced in the mutant lung. Our data revealed that NDST-1 was essential for the maturation of type II pneumocytes and its inactivation led to a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase (DLK) activates p46SAPK and p38mapk but not ERK2

Because the catalytic domain of dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase (DLK) bears sequence similarity to members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase subfamily, this protein kinase was investigated for its ability to activate MAP kinase pathways. When transiently transfected and overexpressed in either COS 7 cells or NIH3T3 cells, wild type DLK potently activated p46(SAPK) (SAPK/JNK) but had no detectable effect in activating p42/44(MAPK). DLK also activated p38(mapk) when overexpressed in NIH3T3 cells. A catalytically inactive point mutant of DLK had no effect in these experiments. Consistent with its specificity in activating SAPK, DLK activated Elk-1 but not Sap1a-mediated transcription. In NIH3T3 cells, activation of SAPK by v-Src was markedly attenuated by coexpression of K185A, a catalytically inactive mutant of DLK, suggesting that this mutant could function in a dominant negative fashion in a pathway that leads from v-Src to SAPKs. In a series of co-transfection experiments, activation of p46(SAPK) by DLK was not inhibited by dominant negative mutants of Rac1 and Cdc42Hs, PAK65-R, or PAK65-A, but was attenuated by MEKK1(K432M). DLK(K185A) did not inhibit the ability of constitutively active MEKK1 to activate SAPK. Moreover, K185A significantly inhibited the activation of SAPK by constitutively active V-12 Rac1 and V-12 Cdc42Hs. These results suggest that DLK lies distal to Rac1 and/or Cdc42Hs but proximal to MEKK1 in a pathway leading from v-Src to SAPKs activation.

Independence of the chaperone activity of protein disulfide isomerase from its thioredoxin-like active site

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) alkylated at thiols of the thioredoxin-like -CHC- active sites is devoid of isomerase activity, but its chaperone-like activity to increase the reactivation yield and prevent the aggregation of guanidine hydrochloride-denatured D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase upon dilution is unimpaired. A peptide of 28 amino acids markedly inhibits both the enzyme and the chaperone activities of PDI. The above results indicate that the -CGHC- active site is necessary for the isomerase activity but not required for the chaperone activity of PDI, whereas the peptide binding site is essential for both activities.

Dependence of developing group Ia afferents on neurotrophin-3

At birth, group Ia proprioceptive afferents and muscle spindles, whose formation is Ia afferent-dependent, are absent in mice carrying a deletion in the gene for neurotrophin-3 (NT-3-/-). Whether Ia afferents contact myotubes, resulting in the formation of spindles which subsequently degenerate, or whether Ia afferents and spindles never form was examined in NT-3-/- mice at embryonic days (E) 10.5-18.5 by light and electron microscopy. Three sets of data indicate that Ia neurons do not develop and spindles do not form in NT-3-deficient mice. First, peripheral projections of Ia afferents did not innervate hindlimbs of NT-3-/- mice, as reflected by a deficiency of nerve fibers in limb peripheral nerves and an absence of afferent nerve-muscle contacts and spindles in the soleus muscle at E13.5-E18.5. Second, central projections of Ia afferents did not innervate the spinal cord in the absence of NT-3, as shown by an atrophy of the dorsal spinal roots and absence of afferent projections from limb musculature to spinal motor neurons at E13.5 or E15.5. Lastly, the lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) at E10.5-E14.5, the stages of development that precede or coincide with the innervation of the spinal cord and hindlimbs by Ia afferents, were 20-64% smaller in mutant than in wild-type mice, presumably because the cell bodies of Ia neurons were absent in embryos lacking NT-3. The failure of Ia neurons to differentiate and/or survive and Ia afferent projections to form in early fetal mice lacking NT-3 suggests that NT-3 may regulate neuronal numbers by mechanisms operating prior to neurite outgrowth to target innervation fields. Thus, developing Ia neurons may be dependent on NT-3 intrinsic to the DRGs before they reach a stage of potential dependence on NT-3 retrogradely derived from skeletal muscles or spinal motor neurons.

Decreased functional connectivity between the amygdala and the left ventral prefrontal cortex in treatment-naive patients with major depressive disorder: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND

Convergent studies provide support for abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala, the key components of the neural system that subserves emotional processing in major depressive disorder (MDD). We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine potential amygdala-PFC functional connectivity abnormalities in treatment-naive subjects with MDD.

METHODS

Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 28 individuals with MDD and 30 healthy control (HC) subjects. Amygdala-PFC functional connectivity was compared between the MDD and HC groups.

RESULTS

Decreased functional connectivity to the left ventral PFC (VPFC) from the left and right amygdala was observed in the MDD group, compared with the HC group (p < 0.05, corrected).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment-naive subjects with MDD showed decreased functional connectivity from the amygdala to the VPFC, especially to the left VPFC. This suggests that these connections may play an important role in the neuropathophysiology of MDD at its onset.

Effects of cerebral ischemia in mice lacking DNA methyltransferase 1 in post-mitotic neurons

DNA methylation is important for controlling gene expression and is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1) an enzyme abundant in brain. We recently demonstrated that mice expressing reduced levels of Dnmt1 are protected from cerebral ischemia. Here, we used the cre/loxP system to produce conditional mutants that lack Dnmt 1 in postmitotic neurons of the postnatal brain. We demonstrate that animals heterozygous for the conditional allele (Dnmt11lox/+) have significantly smaller infarcts following 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion compared to their wildtype litters. Surprisingly, mice with a deletion of Dnmt1 in post-mitotic neurons (Dnmt11lox/c) were not protected. In conclusion, we demonstrate that reduced levels of Dnmt1, but not its absence, in post-mitotic neurons protect from ischemic brain injury.

In vivo single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy in the differentiation of high-grade gliomas and solitary metastases

AIM

To determine whether single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) could be used to differentiate gliomas from metastases on the basis of differences in metabolite levels in the different involved regions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients (age range from 32 to 62 years, with a median age of 46.7 years) with a solitary brain tumour (14 gliomas, eight metastases) underwent conventional, gadolinium-DTPA enhanced T1-weighted images, and 1HMRS before surgical resection. Spectra from the enhancing tumour, the peritumoural region, and normal brain were obtained from 1HMRS. A point resolved spectroscopy sequence was required for 1HMRS. The metabolites in the spectra include: N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (CHO), creatine compounds (CR), myo-inositol (MI), lactate (LAC), glutamate and glutamine (Glu-n). Relative concentrations of metabolites were related to the peak area, and expressed with reference to CR. Student's t-test was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in relative metabolic ratios between high-grade gliomas and metastases. Meanwhile, 16 of all 22 patients were re-examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 6 months of surgical resection. Recurrence was present in three patients (two gliomas, one metastasis).

RESULTS

Of the 14 patients with gliomas, the peaks of NAA were reduced in three cases; the peaks of LAC, which were elevated, appeared as typical double-peaks in the peritumoural region in nine cases; the peaks of Glu-n, which were also elevated, had a zigzag appearance in seven cases. The peaks of MI were increased in the tumoural region in eight cases, and CHO levels were elevated in all 14 cases. Of the eight patients with metastases, Glu-n peaks in the tumoural region in three cases and CHO peaks in the tumoural region in four cases were elevated, respectively, while the peaks of CR were reduced in three cases, and the peaks of NAA were markedly reduced in four cases within the enhancing tumoural region. Elevated CHO levels (CHO-to-CR ratio was 4.98:1.46, 2.65:0.32) in both the tumoural and peritumoural regions of gliomas but not in the metastases (CHO-to-CR ratio was 1.37:0.92, 1.22:0.38), and elevated MI levels were present (MI-to-CR ratio was 1.67:0.35) within the enhancing foci of gliomas but not in the metastases (MI-to-CR ratio was 0.89:0.31). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). Elevated Glu-n and lipid levels were present in all three patients with recurrences.

CONCLUSION

1HMRS is a useful method in the distinction of these two kinds of tumours. It may also may provide useful prognostic information.

A novel class of inhibitors for steroid 5alpha-reductase: synthesis and evaluation of umbelliferone derivatives

A series of umbelliferone derivatives was prepared and their 5alpha-reductase type 1 inhibitory activities were evaluated in cell culture systems. Our studies have identified a new series of potent 5alpha-reductase type 1 inhibitors and provided the basis for further development for the treatment of human endocrine disorders associated with overproduction of DHT by 5alpha-reductase type 1. The preliminary structure-activity relationship was described to elucidate the essential structural requirements.

Knocking the NT4 gene into the BDNF locus rescues BDNF deficient mice and reveals distinct NT4 and BDNF activities

To directly compare biological activities of the neurotrophins NT4 and BDNF in vivo, we replaced the BDNF coding sequence with the NT4 sequence in mice (Bdnfnt4-ki). Mice expressing NT4 in place of BDNF were viable, in contrast with BDNF null mutants, which die shortly after birth. Although the Bdnfnt4-ki/nt4-ki and wild-type Bdnf+/+ alleles yielded similar levels of NT4 and BDNF proteins, NT4 supported more sensory neurons than BDNF and promoted functional synapse formation in cultured hippocampal neurons. Homozygous Bdnfnt4-ki/nt4-ki mice showed reduced body weight, infertility and skin lesions, suggesting unique biological activities of NT4 in vivo. The distinct activities of NT4 and BDNF may result partly from differential activation of the TrkB receptor and its down-stream signals.

Aberrant stabilization of c-Myc protein in some lymphoblastic leukemias

Overexpression of the c-Myc oncoprotein is observed in a large number of hematopoietic malignancies, and transgenic animal models have revealed a potent role for c-Myc in the generation of leukemias and lymphomas. However, the reason for high c-Myc protein levels in most cases is unknown. We examined whether aberrant protein stabilization could be a mechanism of c-Myc overexpression in leukemia cell lines and in primary bone marrow samples from pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. We found that c-Myc protein half-life was prolonged in the majority of leukemia cell lines and bone marrow samples tested. There were no mutations in the c-myc gene in any of the leukemia cell lines that could account for increased c-Myc stability. However, abnormal phosphorylation at two conserved sites, Threonine 58 and Serine 62, was observed in leukemia cell lines with stabilized c-Myc. Moreover, stabilized c-Myc from the ALL cell lines showed decreased affinity for glycogen synthase kinase3beta, the kinase that phosphorylates c-Myc at Threonine 58 and facilitates its degradation. These findings reveal that deregulation of the c-Myc degradation pathway controlled by Serine 62 and Threonine 58 phosphorylation is a novel mechanism for increased expression of a potent oncoprotein known to be involved in hematopoietic malignancies.

Characterization of dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase, a mixed lineage kinase present in synaptic terminals whose phosphorylation state is regulated by membrane depolarization via calcineurin

The biochemistry and regulation of dual leucine zipper bearing kinase (DLK), a member of the mixed lineage kinase or MLK subfamily of protein kinases, was examined in the nervous system. DLK transcript expression in the nervous system was predominantly neuronal. DLK protein was present in synaptic terminals where it was associated with both plasma membrane and cytosol fractions. Within these two fractions, DLK had differing characteristics. Cytosolic DLK existed in both a phosphorylated and dephosphorylated state; DLK associated with plasma membrane existed in the dephosphorylated state only. On nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, cytosolic DLK migrated at 130 kDa, while membrane associated DLK migrated with an apparent Mr >/= 260,000. Similarly, DLK transiently expressed in COS 7 cells autophosphorylated in vivo and migrated at approximately 260 kDa when separated by nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In cotransfection experiments, FLAG-tagged DLK or a FLAG-tagged truncated DLK mutant (F-Delta520) was coimmunoprecipitated with Myc-tagged DLK and formed complexes under nonreducing conditions consistent with the conclusion that DLK formed covalently associated homodimers in overexpressing COS 7 cells. In aggregating neuronal-glial cultures, depolarization of plasma membrane lead to dephosphorylation of DLK. Treatment of aggregates with 5 nM or 200 nM okadaic acid lead to a shift in electrophoretic mobility consistent with phosphorylation of DLK. Treatment with cyclosporin A, a specific inhibitor of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin), had no effect on DLK phosphorylation under basal conditions. However, cyclosporin A completely inhibited DLK dephosphorylation upon membrane depolarization.

Ischemic brain damage in mice after selectively modifying BDNF or NT4 gene expression

The neurotrophins and the tyrosine kinase (Trk) B receptor may play a protective role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. In this study, the authors investigated whether reducing endogenous expression of TrkB-binding neurotrophins modifies the susceptibility to ischemic injury after 1-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 23 hours of reperfusion in a filament middle cerebral artery occlusion model. Mice lacking both alleles for neurotrophin-4 (nt4-/-) or deficient in a single allele for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf+/-) exhibited larger cerebral infarcts compared to wild-type inbred 129/SVjae mice (68% and 91%, respectively, compared to controls). Moreover, lesions were larger (21%) in nt4-/- mice after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Hence, expression of both NT4 and BDNF, and by inference the TrkB receptor, confers resistance to ischemic injury.