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Correlating DWI MRI With Pathologic and Other Features of Jakob-Creutzfeldt Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2009; 23:82-87. [DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e31818323ef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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52
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Notch1 signaling in pyramidal neurons regulates synaptic connectivity and experience-dependent modifications of acuity in the visual cortex. J Neurosci 2008; 28:10794-802. [PMID: 18945887 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1348-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
How the visual cortex responds to specific stimuli is strongly influenced by visual experience during development. Monocular deprivation, for example, changes the likelihood of neurons in the visual cortex to respond to input from the deprived eye and reduces its visual acuity. Because these functional changes are accompanied by extensive reorganization of neurite morphology and dendritic spine turnover, genes regulating neuronal morphology are likely to be involved in visual plasticity. In recent years, Notch1 has been shown to mediate contact inhibition of neurite outgrowth in postmitotic neurons and implicated in the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases of the CNS. Here, we provide the first evidence for the involvement of neuronal Notch1 signaling in synaptic morphology and plasticity in the visual cortex. By making use of the Cre/Lox system, we expressed an active form of Notch1 in cortical pyramidal neurons several weeks after birth. We show that neuronal Notch1 signals reduce dendritic spine and filopodia densities in a cell-autonomous manner and limit long-term potentiation in the visual cortex. After monocular deprivation, these effects of Notch1 activity predominantly affect responses to visual stimuli with higher spatial frequencies. This results in an enhanced effect of monocular deprivation on visual acuity.
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53
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Godsave SF, Wille H, Kujala P, Latawiec D, DeArmond SJ, Serban A, Prusiner SB, Peters PJ. Cryo-immunogold electron microscopy for prions: toward identification of a conversion site. J Neurosci 2008; 28:12489-99. [PMID: 19020041 PMCID: PMC2796247 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4474-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are caused by accumulation of an abnormally folded isoform (PrP(Sc)) of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). The subcellular distribution of PrP(Sc) and the site of its formation in brain are still unclear. We performed quantitative cryo-immunogold electron microscopy on hippocampal sections from mice infected with the Rocky Mountain Laboratory strain of prions. Two antibodies were used: R2, which recognizes both PrP(C) and PrP(Sc); and F4-31, which only detects PrP(C) in undenatured sections. At a late subclinical stage of prion infection, both PrP(C) and PrP(Sc) were detected principally on neuronal plasma membranes and on vesicles resembling early endocytic or recycling vesicles in the neuropil. The R2 labeling was approximately six times higher in the infected than the uninfected hippocampus and gold clusters were only evident in infected tissue. The biggest increase in labeling density (24-fold) was found on the early/recycling endosome-like vesicles of small-diameter neurites, suggesting these as possible sites of conversion. Trypsin digestion of infected hippocampal sections resulted in a reduction in R2 labeling of >85%, which suggests that a high proportion of PrP(Sc) may be oligomeric, protease-sensitive PrP(Sc).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan F. Godsave
- Section of Tumor Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Holger Wille
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and
- Departments of Neurology and
| | - Pekka Kujala
- Section of Tumor Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diane Latawiec
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and
- Departments of Neurology and
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and
- Departments of Neurology and
- Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Ana Serban
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and
| | | | - Peter J. Peters
- Section of Tumor Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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A gamma-secretase inhibitor and quinacrine reduce prions and prevent dendritic degeneration in murine brains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:10595-600. [PMID: 18647832 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0803671105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In prion-infected mice, both the Notch-1 intracellular domain transcription factor (NICD) and the disease-causing prion protein (PrP(Sc)) increase in the brain preceding dendritic atrophy and loss. Because the drug LY411575 inhibits the gamma-secretase-catalyzed cleavage of Notch-1 that produces NICD, we asked whether this gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) might prevent dendritic degeneration in mice with scrapie. At 50 d postinoculation with Rocky Mountain Laboratory (RML) prions, mice were given GSI orally for 43-60 d. Because we did not expect GSI to produce a reduction of PrP(Sc) levels in brain, we added quinacrine (Qa) to the treatment regimen. Qa inhibits PrP(Sc) formation in cultured cells. The combination of GSI and Qa reduced PrP(Sc) by approximately 95% in the neocortex and hippocampus but only approximately 50% in the thalamus at the site of prion inoculation. The GSI plus Qa combination prevented dendritic atrophy and loss, but GSI alone did not. Even though GSI reduced NICD levels to a greater extent than GSI plus Qa, it was unable to prevent dendritic degeneration. Whether a balance between NICD and dendrite growth-stimulating factors was achieved with GSI plus Qa but not GSI alone remains to be determined. Although the combination of GSI and Qa diminished PrP(Sc) in the brains of RML-infected mice, GSI toxicity prevented us from being able to assess the effect the GSI plus Qa combination on incubation times. Whether less toxic GSIs can be used in place of LY411575 to prolong survival remains to be determined.
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55
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Crozet C, Beranger F, Lehmann S. Cellular pathogenesis in prion diseases. Vet Res 2008; 39:44. [DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2008021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Kovacs GG, Budka H. Prion diseases: from protein to cell pathology. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2008; 172:555-65. [PMID: 18245809 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.070442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are fatal neurodegenerative conditions in humans and animals that originate spontaneously, genetically or by infection. Conformational change of the normal (cellular) form of prion protein (PrP c) to a pathological, disease-associated form (PrP TSE) is considered central to pathogenesis and formation of the infectious agent or prion. Neuronal damage is central to clinical manifestation of prion diseases but poorly understood. In this review, we analyze the major pathogenetic pathways that lead to tissue pathology in different forms of disease. Neuropathogenesis of prion diseases evolves in complex ways on several front lines, most but not all of which exist also in other neurodegenerative as well as infectious diseases. Whereas intracellular accumulation of PrP forms might significantly impair cell function and lead to cytopathology, mere extracellular deposition of PrP TSE is questionable as a direct cytotoxic factor. Tissue damage may result from several parallel, interacting, or subsequent pathways. Future studies should clarify the trigger(s) and sequence of these processes and whether, and which, one is dominating or decisive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, AKH 4J, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, POB 48, 1097 Vienna, Austria
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57
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Fournier JG. Cellular prion protein electron microscopy: attempts/limits and clues to a synaptic trait. Implications in neurodegeneration process. Cell Tissue Res 2008; 332:1-11. [PMID: 18236081 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-007-0565-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2007] [Accepted: 11/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are caused by an infectious agent constituted by a rogue protein called prion (PrP Sc) of neuronal origin (PrP c) and are exemplified by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. Considerable efforts have been made to understand the cerebral damage caused by these diseases but a clear comprehensive view cannot be achieved without defining the neurophysiological function of PrP c. This lack of information is in part attributable to our ignorance of the precise localization of PrP c in the brain neuronal cell. One relevant option to explore this aspect is to undertake PrP immunohistochemistry at the electron-microscopy level, knowing that this challenge raises major technical constraints. In describing the attempts and restrictions of the various approaches used, we review here the efforts that have been invested in this particular field of prionology. The common result emerging from these contributions is that the synapse could be the site at which PrP c exerts its critical activity. This location suggests, in the perspective of synaptic regulation, that PrP c can be assigned multiple biological functions and supports the novel concept that prion-like changes are involved in long-term memory formation. The synaptic trait of PrP c and PrP Sc suggests that synapse loss is the key event in neuronal death. Interestingly, synaptic alterations are also considered to be predominant in the pathophysiological mechanism in Alzheimer, Parkinson and Huntington diseases. All these brain disorders, characterized by the formation of a specific amyloid protein of synaptic origin, can be classified under the heading of amyloidogenic synaptopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Guy Fournier
- SEPIA/DSV/DRM/CEA, 18 Route Panorama, 92260, Fontenay aux Roses, France.
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58
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Fuhrmann M, Mitteregger G, Kretzschmar H, Herms J. Dendritic pathology in prion disease starts at the synaptic spine. J Neurosci 2007; 27:6224-33. [PMID: 17553995 PMCID: PMC6672160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5062-06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spine loss represents a common hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms, especially the relationship between spine elimination and neuritic destruction. We imaged cortical dendrites throughout a neurodegenerative disease using scrapie in mice as a model. Two-photon in vivo imaging over 2 months revealed a linear decrease of spine density. Interestingly, only persistent spines (lifetime > or = 8 d) disappeared, whereas the density of transient spines (lifetime < or = 4 d) was unaffected. Before spine loss, dendritic varicosities emerged preferentially at sites where spines protrude from the dendrite. These results implicate that the location where the spine protrudes from the dendrite may be particularly vulnerable and that dendritic varicosities may actually cause spine loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fuhrmann
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerda Mitteregger
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Kretzschmar
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- Center of Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
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59
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Hooper C, Chapple JP, Lovestone S, Killick R. The Notch-1 intracellular domain is found in sub-nuclear bodies in SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas and in primary cortical neurons. Neurosci Lett 2007; 415:135-9. [PMID: 17300869 PMCID: PMC1885995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Notch signalling affects most aspects of development, not least the determination of neural stem cell fate. Here, we describe the presence of the Notch-1 intracellular domain (N1(ICD)) in sub-nuclear bodies in SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas and in primary rat cortical neurons as well as several other mammalian cell lines. We also demonstrate that these N1(ICD)-positive sub-nuclear bodies are distinct from premyelocytic leukaemia (PML) and SC35 bodies. Furthermore, using Notch deletion constructs we determined that a region C-terminal of amino acid 2094 is involved in targeting the N1(ICD) into sub-nuclear bodies. These findings have ramifications for nuclear architecture and gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Richard Killick
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 207 848 0090; fax: +44 207 708 0017.
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60
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Legname G, Nguyen HOB, Peretz D, Cohen FE, DeArmond SJ, Prusiner SB. Continuum of prion protein structures enciphers a multitude of prion isolate-specified phenotypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:19105-10. [PMID: 17142317 PMCID: PMC1748184 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0608970103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
On passaging synthetic prions, two isolates emerged with incubation times differing by nearly 100 days. Using conformational-stability assays, we determined the guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn.HCl) concentration required to denature 50% of disease-causing prion protein (PrP(Sc)) molecules, denoted as the [Gdn.HCl](1/2) value. For the two prion isolates enciphering shorter and longer incubation times, [Gdn.HCl](1/2) values of 2.9 and 3.7 M, respectively, were found. Intrigued by this result, we measured the conformational stabilities of 30 prion isolates from synthetic and naturally occurring sources that had been passaged in mice. When the incubation times were plotted as a function of the [Gdn.HCl](1/2) values, a linear relationship was found with a correlation coefficient of 0.93. These findings demonstrate that (i) less stable prions replicate more rapidly than do stable prions, and (ii) a continuum of PrP(Sc) structural states enciphers a multitude of incubation-time phenotypes. Our data argue that cellular machinery must exist for propagating a large number of different PrP(Sc) conformers, each of which enciphers a distinct biological phenotype as reflected by a specific incubation time. The biophysical explanation for the unprecedented plasticity of PrP(Sc) remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Legname
- *Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology
| | | | - David Peretz
- *Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology
| | - Fred E. Cohen
- *Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
| | | | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- *Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology
- **Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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61
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Liao YF, Wang BJ, Hsu WM, Lee H, Liao CY, Wu SY, Cheng HT, Hu MK. Unnatural amino acid-substituted (hydroxyethyl)urea peptidomimetics inhibit gamma-secretase and promote the neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. Mol Pharmacol 2006; 71:588-601. [PMID: 17105873 DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.024299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-secretase, exhibiting characteristics of aspartyl protease, mediates the intramembranous proteolysis of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch, and it is considered to be a prime pharmacological target in the development of therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To identify compounds that block gamma-secretase-mediated proteolysis, we used a highly sensitive cell-based reporter gene assay for gamma-secretase in which Gal4/VP16-tagged C99-APP was expressed as the immediate substrate of gamma-secretase, and Gal4/VP16-tagged APP intracellular domain released by the gamma-secretase cleavage then activated the expression of the Gal4-driven luciferase reporter gene. Using this reporter assay, we demonstrated that the newly synthesized (hydroxyethyl)urea peptidomimetics, which contain unnatural amino acid moieties at positions P1' and/or P3', can effectively inhibit gamma-secretase activity and significantly reduce Abeta production. The gamma-secretase-dependent S3 cleavage of Notch was also consistently blocked by these (hydroxyethyl)ureas as evidenced by the decreased generation of the Notch intracellular domain, a prerequisite for the activation of Notch signaling. The inhibition of Notch signaling by active Jia compounds efficiently promotes the neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, intervening in tumorigenesis and the malignancy of neuroblastomas. Our results suggest that (hydroxyethyl)urea peptidomimetics containing unnatural amino acid substitutions could represent a novel class of gamma-secretase inhibitors with enhanced stability, providing the basis for the further development of effective therapeutics for AD and neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Feng Liao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Rm 238, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd. Sec. 2, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
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62
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Pietri M, Caprini A, Mouillet-Richard S, Pradines E, Ermonval M, Grassi J, Kellermann O, Schneider B. Overstimulation of PrPC signaling pathways by prion peptide 106-126 causes oxidative injury of bioaminergic neuronal cells. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:28470-9. [PMID: 16864581 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m602774200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, also called prion diseases, are characterized by neuronal loss linked to the accumulation of PrP(Sc), a pathologic variant of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). Although the molecular and cellular bases of PrP(Sc)-induced neuropathogenesis are not yet fully understood, increasing evidence supports the view that PrP(Sc) accumulation interferes with PrP(C) normal function(s) in neurons. In the present work, we exploit the properties of PrP-(106-126), a synthetic peptide encompassing residues 106-126 of PrP, to investigate into the mechanisms sustaining prion-associated neuronal damage. This peptide shares many physicochemical properties with PrP(Sc) and is neurotoxic in vitro and in vivo. We examined the impact of PrP-(106-126) exposure on 1C11 neuroepithelial cells, their neuronal progenies, and GT1-7 hypothalamic cells. This peptide triggers reactive oxygen species overflow, mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and SAPK (p38 and JNK1/2) sustained activation, and apoptotic signals in 1C11-derived serotonergic and noradrenergic neuronal cells, while having no effect on 1C11 precursor and GT1-7 cells. The neurotoxic action of PrP-(106-126) relies on cell surface expression of PrP(C), recruitment of a PrP(C)-Caveolin-Fyn signaling platform, and overstimulation of NADPH-oxidase activity. Altogether, these findings provide actual evidence that PrP-(106-126)-induced neuronal injury is caused by an amplification of PrP(C)-associated signaling responses, which notably promotes oxidative stress conditions. Distorsion of PrP(C) signaling in neuronal cells could hence represent a causal event in transmissible spongiform encephalopathy pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathéa Pietri
- Différenciation Cellulaire et Prions, CNRS FRE2937, Institut André Lwoff, 7 rue Guy Môquet, 94801 Villejuif Cedex, France
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63
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Arumugam TV, Chan SL, Jo DG, Yilmaz G, Tang SC, Cheng A, Gleichmann M, Okun E, Dixit VD, Chigurupati S, Mughal MR, Ouyang X, Miele L, Magnus T, Poosala S, Granger DN, Mattson MP. Gamma secretase-mediated Notch signaling worsens brain damage and functional outcome in ischemic stroke. Nat Med 2006; 12:621-3. [PMID: 16680150 DOI: 10.1038/nm1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mice transgenic for antisense Notch and normal mice treated with inhibitors of the Notch-activating enzyme gamma-secretase showed reduced damage to brain cells and improved functional outcome in a model of focal ischemic stroke. Notch endangers neurons by modulating pathways that increase their vulnerability to apoptosis, and by activating microglial cells and stimulating the infiltration of proinflammatory leukocytes. These findings suggest that Notch signaling may be a therapeutic target for treatment of stroke and related neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiruma V Arumugam
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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64
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Treiber C. Prion 2005: Between Fundamentals and Society's Needs. SCIENCE OF AGING KNOWLEDGE ENVIRONMENT : SAGE KE 2006; 2006:pe4. [PMID: 16436784 DOI: 10.1126/sageke.2006.4.pe4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases for the most part affect individuals older than 60 years of age and share features with other diseases characterized by protein deposits in the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The international conference "Prion 2005: Between Fundamentals and Society's Needs," organized by the German Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Research Platform, aimed to integrate and coordinate the research efforts of participants to better achieve prevention, treatment, control, and management of prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and fatal familial insomnia in humans. Several main topics were discussed, such as the molecular characteristics of prion strains, the cell biology of cellular and pathogenic forms of the prion proteins, the pathogenesis of the diseases they cause, emerging problems, and promising approaches for therapy and new diagnostic tools. The presentations at the Prion 2005 conference provided new insights in both basic and applied research, which will have broad implications for society's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Treiber
- Freie Universitaet Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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65
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Lovell MA, Markesbery WR. Ectopic Expression of Musashi-1 in Alzheimer Disease and Pick Disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2005; 64:675-80. [PMID: 16106215 DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000173891.17176.5b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of proteins in filamentous cytoplasmic inclusions is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease (AD) and Pick disease (PD). Musashi-1 (Msi-1), an RNA-binding protein associated with neural progenitor cells, has been shown by others to increase the accumulation of tau isoforms in intracellular inclusions in frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. We investigated the expression of Msi-1 in the hippocampus of AD, PD, and aged normal control subjects using immunohistochemistry. Comparison of immediately adjacent serial sections stained using the modified Bielschowsky method and immunostained for Msi-1 showed that Msi-1 was present in 83 +/- 6% of neurofibrillary tangle bearing neurons in AD and 94 +/- 14% of Pick bodies in PD specimens. Aged control hippocampus demonstrated virtually no Msi-1 immunostaining. The presence of Msi-1 in a significant percentage of neurons containing cytoplasmic inclusions in 2 different neurodegenerative diseases suggests that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Lovell
- Department of Chemistry, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
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