51
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Zhu Y, Hoell P, Ahlemeyer B, Sure U, Bertalanffy H, Krieglstein J. Implication of PTEN in production of reactive oxygen species and neuronal death in in vitro models of stroke and Parkinson's disease. Neurochem Int 2006; 50:507-16. [PMID: 17169462 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2006.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2006] [Revised: 10/17/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the precise mechanism for an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under pathological conditions is not yet fully understood. We have recently demonstrated an implication of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a tumor suppressor, in ROS generation and neuronal apoptosis induced by staurosporine. These findings raised further interest whether PTEN functions as a common mediator of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative processes. To address this issue, neural cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide (MPP(+)), which mimic cerebral ischemia and Parkinson's disease, respectively. OGD for 4 h followed by 16 h of reoxygenation or incubation with MPP(+) (250 microM) for 48 h induced 33% and 45% neuronal death in rat hippocampal and in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y neurons, respectively, accompanied by a gradual increase in the intracellular level of ROS. The increase in ROS by OGD and by MPP(+) did not cause oxidative inactivation of PTEN and thus, PTEN remains constitutively active. In support, the protein level of PTEN was not reduced in both cell cultures after challenging with OGD or MPP(+). Importantly, the elevated intracellular ROS levels and the neuronal death caused by OGD or by MPP(+) toxicity were significantly inhibited when PTEN was downregulated by a specific antisense oligonucleotide or by siRNA. Because SOD2 protein level is not altered either by knockdown of PTEN nor by an inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signalling, we suggest that SOD2 do not contribute to the pathomechanism of oxidative stress induced by PTEN or by inhibiting the related Akt signalling. The present study highlights PTEN as a crucial and common mediator of ROS generation and neuronal death and suggests that PTEN could become a potential therapeutic target for interfering with neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.
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52
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Marín O, Valdeolmillos M, Moya F. Neurons in motion: same principles for different shapes? Trends Neurosci 2006; 29:655-61. [PMID: 17046074 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2006.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2006] [Revised: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The special conformation of the developing nervous system, in which progenitor zones are largely confined to the lumen of the neural tube, places neuronal migration as one of the most fundamental processes in brain development. Previous studies have shown that different neuronal types adopt distinct morphological modes of migration in the developing brain, indicating that neuronal migration might be a diverse process. Here, we review recent data on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal migration that suggest that similar signaling principles are responsible for the frequently variable morphology of different types of migrating neuron. According to this idea, the same basic molecular mechanisms found in other cell types, such as fibroblasts, might have been adapted to the special morphological needs of migrating neurons in different regions of the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Marín
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, CSIC and Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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53
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Otaegi G, Yusta-Boyo MJ, Vergaño-Vera E, Méndez-Gómez HR, Carrera AC, Abad JL, González M, de la Rosa EJ, Vicario-Abejón C, de Pablo F. Modulation of the PI 3-kinase-Akt signalling pathway by IGF-I and PTEN regulates the differentiation of neural stem/precursor cells. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:2739-48. [PMID: 16787946 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells depend on insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) for differentiation. We analysed how activation and inhibition of the PI 3-kinase-Akt signalling affects the number and differentiation of mouse olfactory bulb stem cells (OBSCs). Stimulation of the pathway with insulin and/or IGF-I, led to an increase in Akt phosphorylated on residues Ser473 and Thr308 (P-Akt(Ser473) and P-Akt(Thr308), respectively) in proliferating OBSCs, and in differentiating cells. Conversely, P-Akt(Ser473) levels decreased by 50% in the OB of embryonic day 16.5-18.5 IGF-I knockout mouse embryos. Overexpression of PTEN, a negative regulator of the PI 3-kinase pathway, caused a reduction in the basal levels of P-Akt(Ser473) and P-Akt(Thr308) and a minor reduction in IGF-I-stimulated P-Akt(Ser473). Although PTEN overexpression decreased the proportion of neurons and astrocytes in the absence of insulin/IGF-I, it did not alter the proliferation or survival of OBSCs. Accordingly, overexpression of a catalytically inactive PTEN mutant promoted OBSCs differentiation. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase by LY294002 produced strong and moderate reductions in IGF-I-stimulated P-Akt(Ser473) and P-Akt(Thr308), respectively. Consequently, LY294002 reduced the proliferation of OBSCs and the number of neurons and astrocytes, and also augmented cell death. These findings indicate that OBSC differentiation is more sensitive to lower basal levels of P-Akt than proliferation or death. By regulating P-Akt levels in opposite ways, IGF-I and PTEN contribute to the fine control of neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaizka Otaegi
- Group of Growth Factors in Vertebrate Development, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
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54
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Sasaoka T, Wada T, Tsuneki H. Lipid phosphatases as a possible therapeutic target in cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 112:799-809. [PMID: 16842857 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2006.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2006] [Accepted: 06/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) functions as a lipid kinase to produce PI(3,4,5)P(3) from PI(4,5)P(2) in vivo. PI(3,4,5)P(3) is crucial as a lipid second messenger in various metabolic effects of insulin. Lipid phosphatases, src homology 2 domain containing inositol 5'-phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) and skeletal muscle and kidney-enriched inositol phosphatase (SKIP) hydrolyze PI(3,4,5)P(3) to PI(3,4)P(2) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) hydrolyzes PI(3,4,5)P(3) to PI(4,5)P(2). SHIP2 negatively regulates insulin signaling relatively specifically via its 5'-phosphatase activity. Targeted disruption of the SHIP2 gene in mice resulted in increased insulin sensitivity and conferred protection from obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Polymorphisms in the human SHIP2 gene are associated, at least in part, with the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes. Importantly, inhibition of endogenous SHIP2 through the liver-specific expression of a dominant-negative SHIP2 improves glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in diabetic db/db mice. Overexpression of PTEN and SKIP also inhibited insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt and the uptake of glucose in cultured cells. Although a homozygous disruption of the PTEN gene in mice results in embryonic lethality, either skeletal muscle or adipose tissue-specific disruption of PTEN ameliorated glucose metabolism without formation of tumors in animal models of diabetes. The role of SKIP in glucose metabolism remains to be further clarified in vivo. Taken together, inhibition of endogenous SHIP2 in the whole body appears to be effective at improving the insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. Inhibition of PTEN in the tissues specifically targeted, including skeletal muscle and fat, may result in an amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, although caution against the formation of tumors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyasu Sasaoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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55
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Van Calenbergh F, Vantomme N, Flamen P, Demaerel P, Sciot R, Legius E, Mortelmans L, Plets C. Lhermitte-Duclos disease: 11C-methionine positron emission tomography data in 4 patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 65:293-6; discussion 296-7. [PMID: 16488255 DOI: 10.1016/j.surneu.2005.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lhermitte-Duclos disease is a cerebellar lesion, characterized by an overgrowth of cerebellar ganglion cells, which replace granular cells and Purkinje cells. Lhermitte-Duclos disease may be a manifestation of Cowden syndrome (multiple hamartoma-neoplasia syndrome). The nature of LDD, whether neoplastic, dysplastic, or hamartomatous, is still not exactly understood. Metabolic imaging of the amino acid metabolism using PET could be useful for noninvasive characterization of these lesions. METHODS To define the Meth-PET imaging characteristics of these lesions, we undertook a Meth-PET study in 4 patients with LDD after obtaining informed consent. All 4 patients had clinical signs of Cowden syndrome. In 2, the diagnosis was made with MRI; in 2, it was confirmed histologically. RESULTS Using Meth-PET, the cerebellar lesions had a high methionine uptake, except in the subtotally resected lesion. The uptake of the lesions was markedly higher than that of the contralateral normal regions. The mean L/C ratio was 2.07. CONCLUSION 11C-methionine positron emission tomography visualizes the lesion of Lhermitte-Duclos disease as a high uptake area. This amino acid hypermetabolism may be related to the slow growth of the lesions, and is an argument to suggest that patients with LDD should be followed up carefully to detect progression of the cerebellar lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Van Calenbergh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University hospital Gasthuisberg, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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56
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Chadborn NH, Ahmed AI, Holt MR, Prinjha R, Dunn GA, Jones GE, Eickholt BJ. PTEN couples Sema3A signalling to growth cone collapse. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:951-7. [PMID: 16495486 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinct changes in glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) signalling can regulate neuronal morphogenesis including the determination and maintenance of axonal identity, and are required for neurotrophin-mediated axon elongation. In addition, we have previously shown a dependency on GSK-3 activation in the semaphorin 3A (Sema3A)-mediated growth-cone-collapse response of sensory neurons. Regulation of GSK-3 activity involves the intermediate signalling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, which can be modulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the tumour suppressor PTEN. We report here the involvement of PTEN in the Sema3A-mediated growth cone collapse. Sema3A suppresses PI3K signalling concomitant with the activation of GSK-3, which depends on the phosphatase activity of PTEN. PTEN is highly enriched in the axonal compartment and the central domain of sensory growth cones during axonal extension, where it colocalises with microtubules. Following exposure to Sema3A, PTEN accumulates rapidly at the growth cone membrane suggesting a mechanism by which PTEN couples Sema3A signalling to growth cone collapse. These findings demonstrate a dependency on PTEN to regulate GSK-3 signalling in response to Sema3A and highlight the importance of subcellular distributions of PTEN to control growth cone behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil H Chadborn
- MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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57
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Ji SP, Zhang Y, Van Cleemput J, Jiang W, Liao M, Li L, Wan Q, Backstrom JR, Zhang X. Disruption of PTEN coupling with 5-HT2C receptors suppresses behavioral responses induced by drugs of abuse. Nat Med 2006; 12:324-9. [PMID: 16474401 DOI: 10.1038/nm1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Accepted: 11/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The widespread distribution of the tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) in the adult brain suggests its role in a broad range of brain functions. Here we show evidence supporting a physical interaction of PTEN with a region in the third intracellular loop (3L4F) of the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2cR, formerly 5-HT1c receptor) in cell cultures. PTEN limits agonist-induced phosphorylation of 5-HT2cR through its protein phosphatase activity. We showed the probable existence of PTEN:5-HT2cR complexes in putative dopaminergic neurons in the rat ventral tegmental area (VTA), a brain region in which virtually all abused drugs exert rewarding effects by activating its dopamine neurons. We synthesized the interfering peptide Tat-3L4F, which is able to disrupt PTEN coupling with 5-HT2cR. Systemic application of Tat-3L4F or the 5-HT2cR agonist Ro600175 suppressed the increased firing rate of VTA dopaminergic neurons induced by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Using behavioral tests, we found that Tat-3L4F or Ro600175 blocks conditioned place preference of THC or nicotine, and that Ro600175, but not Tat-3L4F, produces anxiogenic effects, penile erection, hypophagia and motor functional suppression. These results suggest a potential strategy for treating drug addiction with the Tat-3L4F peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ping Ji
- Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5E4
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58
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Zhu Y, Hoell P, Ahlemeyer B, Krieglstein J. PTEN: A crucial mediator of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Apoptosis 2006; 11:197-207. [PMID: 16502258 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-006-3714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The highly frequent mutation of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in various cancers has attracted much attention to study its role in tumorigenesis. As an important tumor suppressor, the pro-apoptotic function of PTEN has been linked to its capacity antagonizing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. However, less data are available concerning its role in neurodegeneration in which apoptotic processes are also involved. In the present study, we attempted to study the role and the underlying mechanism of PTEN in neuronal apoptosis. Using primary rat hippocampal cultures, staurosporine (STS, 100 nM) induced a time-dependent apoptosis, accompanied by a marked production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9 and 3. However, the expression of PTEN, and the levels of phospho-PTEN and phospho-Akt were not changed at all time points tested (0.5-24 h) after STS stimulation, suggesting that the protein level as well as the phosphorylation status of PTEN were not related to the procession of apoptosis. Interestingly, immunostaining revealed a punctate intracellular distribution of PTEN from 2 to 8 h after adding STS. Double labeling and Western blotting of mitochondrial fraction demonstrated a mitochondrial location and accumulation of PTEN, respectively, after challenging with STS. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the first time that PTEN was associated with Bax in the absence and the presence of STS. Of note, the STS-induced marked increase in the cellular ROS level, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 3 were inhibited in cultured hippocampal cells when PTEN was knocked down by a specific antisense. Moreover, knockdown of PTEN significantly protected hippocampal cells from apoptotic damage. These findings demonstrated that PTEN is a crucial mediator of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and thus could become a molecular target for interfering with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhu
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, D-35032, Marburg, Germany.
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59
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Robinson S, Cohen AR. Cowden disease and Lhermitte-Duclos disease: an update. Case report and review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus 2006; 20:E6. [PMID: 16459996 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2006.20.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT Cowden disease is a rare autosomal-dominant phacomatosis and cancer syndrome that is associated with Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), also called dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma. METHODS In this review the authors summarize the additions to the literature during the past 5 years, with emphasis on new case reports and advances in imaging and molecular biology. Adult-onset LDD is now considered pathognomonic for Cowden disease. Approximately 220 cases of LDD have been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with LDD is often diagnostic, and imaging studies have facilitated accurate diagnosis and contributed to the improved outcome in affected patients. Cowden disease and other rare, related disorders, such as Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba, Proteus, and Proteus- like syndromes, are often caused by mutations of the PTEN gene. CONCLUSIONS Because of the high incidence of systemic cancer in patients with Cowden disease, it is important for neurosurgeons to recognize the association between this disease and LDD and to refer affected patients for appropriate cancer screenings and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenandoah Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Research Institute, Case School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44120, USA.
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60
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Abstract
Glioma, and in particular high-grade astrocytoma termed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most common primary tumor of the brain. Primarily because of its diffuse nature, there is no effective treatment for GBM, and relatively little is known about the processes by which it develops. Therefore, in order to design novel therapies and treatments for GBM, research has recently intensified to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to GBM formation. Modeling of astrocytomas by genetic manipulation of mice suggests that deregulation of the pathways that control gliogenesis during normal brain development, such as the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into astrocytes, might contribute to GBM formation. These pathways include growth factor-induced signal transduction routes and processes that control cell cycle progression, such as the p16-CDK4-RB and the ARF-MDM2-p53 pathways. The expression of several of the components of these signaling cascades has been found altered in GBM, and recent data indicate that combinations of mutations in these pathways may contribute to GBM formation, although the exact mechanisms are still to be uncovered. Use of novel techniques including large-scale genomics and proteomics in combination with relevant mouse models will most likely provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma formation and will hopefully lead to development of treatment modalities for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hulleman
- European Institute of Oncology, Department of Experimental Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy
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61
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Sanai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, and the Developmental Stem Cell Biology Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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62
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Xiao A, Yin C, Yang C, Di Cristofano A, Pandolfi PP, Van Dyke T. Somatic induction of Pten loss in a preclinical astrocytoma model reveals major roles in disease progression and avenues for target discovery and validation. Cancer Res 2005; 65:5172-80. [PMID: 15958561 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-04-3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-grade astrocytomas are invariably deadly and minimally responsive to therapy. Pten is frequently mutated in aggressive astrocytoma but not in low-grade astrocytoma. However, the Pten astrocytoma suppression mechanisms are unknown. Here we introduced conditional null alleles of Pten (Pten(loxp/loxp)) into a genetically engineered mouse astrocytoma model [TgG(deltaZ)T121] in which the pRb family proteins are inactivated specifically in astrocytes. Pten inactivation was induced by localized somatic retroviral (MSCV)-Cre delivery. Depletion of Pten function in adult astrocytoma cells alleviated the apoptosis evoked by pRb family protein inactivation and also induced tumor cell invasion. In primary astrocytes derived from TgG(deltaZ)T121; Pten(loxp/loxp) mice, Pten deficiency resulted in a marked increase in cell invasiveness that was suppressed by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) or of PKC-zeta, specifically. Finally, focal induction of Pten deficiency in vivo promoted angiogenesis in affected brains. Thus, we show that Pten deficiency in pRb-deficient astrocytoma cells contributes to tumor progression via multiple mechanisms, including suppression of apoptosis, increased cell invasion, and angiogenesis, all of which are hallmarks of high-grade astrocytoma. These studies not only provide mechanistic insight into the role of Pten in astrocytoma suppression but also describe a valuable animal model for preclinical testing that is coupled with a primary cell-based system for target discovery and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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63
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Shah K, Hsich G, Breakefield XO. Neural precursor cells and their role in neuro-oncology. Dev Neurosci 2005; 26:118-30. [PMID: 15711055 DOI: 10.1159/000082132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2003] [Accepted: 01/07/2004] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cells (NPCs) provide a new mode for delivery of genes and proteins to brain tumors. These cells exist both in the developing and the adult nervous systems of all mammalian organisms. They have the ability to self-renew, migrate to diseased areas of the brain and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The migratory ability of NPCs and their capacity to differentiate into all neural phenotypes provides a powerful tool for the treatment of both diffuse and localized neurological disorders. NPCs have been used in transplantation to replace damaged cells and in cancer therapy to provide therapeutic proteins and vectors to eliminate malignant cells in the brain. This review focuses on the characteristics of NPCs and their experimental use in the therapy for brain tumors. Examples are provided of monitoring migration of NPCs by bioluminescence imaging in living animals and of using them to deliver the apoptotic protein, TRAIL, to kill tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Shah
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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64
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Easton RM, Cho H, Roovers K, Shineman DW, Mizrahi M, Forman MS, Lee VMY, Szabolcs M, de Jong R, Oltersdorf T, Ludwig T, Efstratiadis A, Birnbaum MJ. Role for Akt3/protein kinase Bgamma in attainment of normal brain size. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:1869-78. [PMID: 15713641 PMCID: PMC549378 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.5.1869-1878.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of Drosophila and mammals have revealed the importance of insulin signaling through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the serine/threonine kinase Akt/protein kinase B for the regulation of cell, organ, and organismal growth. In mammals, three highly conserved proteins, Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3, comprise the Akt family, of which the first two are required for normal growth and metabolism, respectively. Here we address the function of Akt3. Like Akt1, Akt3 is not required for the maintenance of normal carbohydrate metabolism but is essential for the attainment of normal organ size. However, in contrast to Akt1-/- mice, which display a proportional decrease in the sizes of all organs, Akt3-/- mice present a selective 20% decrease in brain size. Moreover, although Akt1- and Akt3-deficient brains are reduced in size to approximately the same degree, the absence of Akt1 leads to a reduction in cell number, whereas the lack of Akt3 results in smaller and fewer cells. Finally, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling is attenuated in the brains of Akt3-/- but not Akt1-/- mice, suggesting that differential regulation of this pathway contributes to an isoform-specific regulation of cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Easton
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Clinical Research Building 322, 415 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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65
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Heng BC, Cao T. Incorporating protein transduction domains (PTD) within intracellular proteins associated with the ‘stemness’ phenotype. Novel use of such recombinant ‘fusion’ proteins to overcome current limitations of applying autologous adult stem cells in regenerative medicine? Med Hypotheses 2005; 64:992-6. [PMID: 15780498 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2004.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2004] [Accepted: 11/02/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells originating from post-natal tissues hold tremendous promise in regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, there are several deficiencies of adult stem cells that would limit their application in transplantation therapy, in particular their relative scarcity, restricted multi-potency and limited proliferative capacity in vitro. A possible approach to overcome these limitations would be to genetically modulate adult stem cells to strongly express genes that are closely associated with the 'stemness' phenotype. Overwhelming safety concerns would preclude the direct application of recombinant DNA technology in genetic modulation. Moreover, constitutive expression of 'stemness' genes would prevent adult stem cells from participating in tissue/organ regeneration upon transplantation. A novel alternative would be to incorporate protein transduction domains within intracellular proteins (i.e. transcription factors) that are associated with the 'stemness' phenotype. Such recombinant fusion proteins would then have the ability to translocate across the cell membrane and be internalized within the cytosol, thereby enabling them to exert a gene-modulatory effect on the cell, without any permanent genetic alteration. This would be particularly useful for maintaining the 'stemness' of adult stem cell populations during extensive ex vivo proliferation, to generate adequate cell numbers for transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boon Chin Heng
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119074 Singapore, Singapore
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66
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Abstract
Affecting 1-3% of the population, mental retardation (MR) poses significant challenges for clinicians and scientists. Understanding the biology of MR is complicated by the extraordinary heterogeneity of genetic MR disorders. Detailed analyses of >1000 Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database entries and literature searches through September 2003 revealed 282 molecularly identified MR genes. We estimate that hundreds more MR genes remain to be identified. A novel test, in which we distributed unmapped MR disorders proportionately across the autosomes, failed to eliminate the well-known X-chromosome overrepresentation of MR genes and candidate genes. This evidence argues against ascertainment bias as the main cause of the skewed distribution. On the basis of a synthesis of clinical and laboratory data, we developed a biological functions classification scheme for MR genes. Metabolic pathways, signaling pathways, and transcription are the most common functions, but numerous other aspects of neuronal and glial biology are controlled by MR genes as well. Using protein sequence and domain-organization comparisons, we found a striking conservation of MR genes and genetic pathways across the approximately 700 million years that separate Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster. Eighty-seven percent have one or more fruit fly homologs and 76% have at least one candidate functional ortholog. We propose that D. melanogaster can be used in a systematic manner to study MR and possibly to develop bioassays for therapeutic drug discovery. We selected 42 Drosophila orthologs as most likely to reveal molecular and cellular mechanisms of nervous system development or plasticity relevant to MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Inlow
- Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721-0077, USA
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67
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Cai J, Weiss ML, Rao MS. In search of "stemness". Exp Hematol 2004; 32:585-98. [PMID: 15246154 PMCID: PMC3279197 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2004.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2004] [Revised: 03/22/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have been identified and characterized in a variety of tissues. In this review we examine possible shared properties of stem cells. We suggest that irrespective of their lineal origin, stem cells have to respond in similar ways to regulate self-renewal and differentiation and it is likely that cell-cycle control, asymmetry/differentiation controls, cellular protective and DNA repair mechanisms, and associated apoptosis/senescence signaling pathways all might be expected to be more highly regulated in stem cells, likely by similar mechanisms. We review the literature to suggest a set of candidate stemness genes that may serve as universal stem cell markers. While we predict many similarities, we also predict that differences will exist between stem cell populations and that when transdifferentiation is considered genes expected to be both similar and different need to be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Cai
- Gerontology Research Center, Stem Cell Biology Unit/Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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68
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Abstract
Brain tumors are among the most aggressive and intractable types of cancer. Recent studies indicate that brain tumor cells resemble neural stem cells in terms of phenotype, signaling, and behavior in vitro. In light of these similarities, it has been suggested that brain tumors arise from stem cells, that they co-opt stem cell strategies for self-renewal, and even that they contain "cancer stem cells" that are critical for tumor maintenance. We will examine these possibilities and discuss their implications for the understanding and treatment of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy G Oliver
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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69
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Sun L, Lee J, Fine HA. Neuronally expressed stem cell factor induces neural stem cell migration to areas of brain injury. J Clin Invest 2004; 113:1364-74. [PMID: 15124028 PMCID: PMC398428 DOI: 10.1172/jci20001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2003] [Accepted: 02/17/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) migration toward sites of damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissue may represent an adaptive response for the purpose of limiting and/or repairing damage. Little is known of the mechanisms responsible for this migratory response. We constructed a cDNA library of injured mouse forebrain using subtractive suppression hybridization (SSH) to identify genes that were selectively upregulated in the injured hemisphere. We demonstrate that stem cell factor (SCF) mRNA and protein are highly induced in neurons within the zone of injured brain. Additionally, the SCF receptor c-kit is expressed on NSPCs in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that recombinant SCF induces potent NSPC migration in vitro and in vivo through the activation of c-kit on NSPCs. These data suggest that the SCF/c-kit pathway is involved in the migration of NSPCs to sites of brain injury and that SCF may prove useful for inducing progenitor cell recruitment to specific areas of the CNS for cell-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Sun
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8200, USA
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70
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Sun L, Lee J, Fine HA. Neuronally expressed stem cell factor induces neural stem cell migration to areas of brain injury. J Clin Invest 2004. [DOI: 10.1172/jci200420001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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71
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Gangemi RMR, Perera M, Corte G. Regulatory genes controlling cell fate choice in embryonic and adult neural stem cells. J Neurochem 2004; 89:286-306. [PMID: 15056273 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2004.02310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells are the most immature progenitor cells in the nervous system and are defined by their ability to self-renew by symmetric division as well as to give rise to more mature progenitors of all neural lineages by asymmetric division (multipotentiality). The interest in neural stem cells has been growing in the past few years following the demonstration of their presence also in the adult nervous system of several mammals, including humans. This observation implies that the brain, once thought to be entirely post-mitotic, must have at least a limited capacity for self-renewal. This raises the possibility that the adult nervous system may still have the necessary plasticity to undergo repair of inborn defects and acquired injuries, if ways can be found to exploit the potential of neural stem cells (either endogenous or derived from other sources) to replace damaged or defective cells. A full understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating generation and maintenance of neural stem cells, their choice between different differentiation programmes and their migration properties is essential if these cells are to be used for therapeutic applications. Here, we summarize what is currently known of the genes and the signalling pathways involved in these mechanisms.
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72
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Li L, He F, Litofsky NS, Recht LD, Ross AH. Profiling of genes expressed by PTEN haploinsufficient neural precursor cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2004; 24:1051-61. [PMID: 14697668 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2003.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is a lipid phosphatase, and PTEN mutations are associated with gliomas, macrocephaly, and mental deficiencies. We have used PTEN +/- and PTEN +/+ mice to prepare subventricular zone (SVZ) precursor cells. Using DNA microarrays, we compared the expression profiles of PTEN +/+ and PTEN +/- cells and identified 91 differentially expressed genes in PTEN +/- precursor cells. Many of the PTEN-regulated genes are involved with signaling, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, metabolism, and transcription factors. Some of these changes are likely mediated by the transcription factor, HIF-1. We confirmed a subset of these changes by real-time PCR. In addition, we examined protein levels for two of the PTEN-up-regulated genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and doublecortin (DCX). PTEN haploinsufficiency increases immunostaining for VEGF for both cultured precursor cells and sections of the SVZ. PTEN haploinsufficiency shifted most of the DCX-positive cells from the SVZ to the olfactory bulb. These observations indicate that even a small decrease in PTEN levels results in substantial changes in gene expression and precursor cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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73
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Abstract
Abstract
Affecting 1-3% of the population, mental retardation (MR) poses significant challenges for clinicians and scientists. Understanding the biology of MR is complicated by the extraordinary heterogeneity of genetic MR disorders. Detailed analyses of >1000 Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database entries and literature searches through September 2003 revealed 282 molecularly identified MR genes. We estimate that hundreds more MR genes remain to be identified. A novel test, in which we distributed unmapped MR disorders proportionately across the autosomes, failed to eliminate the well-known X-chromosome overrepresentation of MR genes and candidate genes. This evidence argues against ascertainment bias as the main cause of the skewed distribution. On the basis of a synthesis of clinical and laboratory data, we developed a biological functions classification scheme for MR genes. Metabolic pathways, signaling pathways, and transcription are the most common functions, but numerous other aspects of neuronal and glial biology are controlled by MR genes as well. Using protein sequence and domain-organization comparisons, we found a striking conservation of MR genes and genetic pathways across the ∼700 million years that separate Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster. Eighty-seven percent have one or more fruit fly homologs and 76% have at least one candidate functional ortholog. We propose that D. melanogaster can be used in a systematic manner to study MR and possibly to develop bioassays for therapeutic drug discovery. We selected 42 Drosophila orthologs as most likely to reveal molecular and cellular mechanisms of nervous system development or plasticity relevant to MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Inlow
- Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0077
| | - Linda L Restifo
- Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0077
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0077
- Genetics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0077
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74
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Katakowski M, Zhang ZG, Chen J, Zhang R, Wang Y, Jiang H, Zhang L, Robin A, Li Y, Chopp M. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase promotes adult subventricular neuroblast migration after stroke. J Neurosci Res 2003; 74:494-501. [PMID: 14598293 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rodent adult subventricular zone (SVZ)-derived progenitor cells abandon the rostral migratory stream (RMS)/olfactory complex postmiddle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and migrate into compromised tissue, possibly playing a role in brain recovery. Using SVZ tissue explants from the adult rat, we investigated the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signal transduction pathway in the migration of SVZ cells. Stroke significantly (P <.01) increased migratory speed (198 +/- 39 microm/day) of neuroblasts out of the SVZ explants compared with the speed (99 +/- 20 microm/day) in the normal SVZ (nSVZ) explants within the first 3 days of incubation. Three-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed formation of neuroblast encompassing chain-like astrocyte structures extruding from both normal and stroke explants. Western blots showed that stroke SVZ (sSVZ) explants increased Akt phosphorylation. Treatment of sSVZ explants with the selective PI3K inhibitor LY294002 significantly (P <.01) attenuated neuroblast migration and Akt phosphorylation, whereas treatment with LY294002 did not affect the number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)- and caspase-3-immunoreactive cells, indicating that stroke-enhanced neuroblast migration is independent of cell proliferation and survival. PI3K catalyzes phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP(3)) which facilitates Akt phosphorylation. Thus, our data demonstrate that the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway mediates neuroblast migration after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Katakowski
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA
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75
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Limke TL, Rao MS. Neural Stem Cell Therapy in the Aging Brain: Pitfalls and Possibilities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 12:615-23. [PMID: 14977471 DOI: 10.1089/15258160360732641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
As aging progresses, there is a decline in the brain's capacity to produce new neurons in the two neurogenic regions, the subventricular zone surrounding the lateral ventricles and the subgranular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. The underlying cause of the declining neurogenesis is unknown, but is presumably related to age-related changes that occur during normal aging of the brain. It is exacerbated by age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Stem cell-based therapy to replace lost and/or damaged cells in the aging brain is currently the focus of intense research. The two most promising approaches involve transplantation of exogenous tissue and promoting proliferation of endogenous cells. However, age-related changes in the brain environment, including elevated oxidative stress and accumulation of protein and lipid by-products, present several unique challenges that must be addressed before cell-based therapy can be used as a viable option. Although progress has been made toward replacement of lost cells and recovery of lost function, there are fundamental issues that need to be addressed for stem cell therapy to be successful in the aging brain. In this review, we focus on recent progresses made toward understand the biology of neural stem cells in the aging brain, as well as progress toward using stem cells to replace cells lost during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobi L Limke
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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76
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Larsen M, Tremblay ML, Yamada KM. Phosphatases in cell–matrix adhesion and migration. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2003; 4:700-11. [PMID: 14506473 DOI: 10.1038/nrm1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many proteins that have been implicated in cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration are phosphorylated, which regulates their folding, enzymatic activities and protein-protein interactions. Although modulation of cell motility by kinases is well known, increasing evidence confirms that phosphatases are essential at each stage of the migration process. Phosphatases can control the formation and maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton, regulate small GTPase molecular switches, and modulate the dynamics of matrix-adhesion interaction, actin contraction, rear release and migratory directionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Larsen
- Craniofacial Developmental Biology and Regeneration Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Building 30/Room 421, 30 Convent Drive, MSC 4370, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4370, USA.
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77
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Foukas LC, Okkenhaug K. Gene-targeting reveals physiological roles and complex regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 414:13-8. [PMID: 12745249 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(03)00177-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are represented by a family of eight distinct enzymes that can be divided into three classes based on their structure and function. The class I PI3Ks are heterodimeric enzymes that are regulated by recruitment to plasma membrane following receptor activation and which control numerous cellular functions, including growth, differentiation, migration, survival, and metabolism. New light has been shed on the biological role of individual members of the class I PI3Ks and their regulatory subunits through gene-targeting experiments. In addition, these experiments have brought the complexity of how PI3K activation is regulated into focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaros C Foukas
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 91 Riding House Street, London W1W 7BS, UK
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