Notch-1 signaling regulates microglia activation via NF-κB pathway after hypoxic exposure in vivo and in vitro

Notch signaling in astrocytes mediates their morphological response to an inflammatory challenge

In the nervous system, Notch pathway has a prominent role in the control of neuronal morphology and in the determination of the astrocyte fate. However, the role of Notch in morphological astrocyte plasticity is unknown. Here, we have explored the role of Notch activity on the morphological reactivity of primary astrocytes in response to LPS, an inflammatory stimulus. We found that LPS induces reactive astrocyte morphology by the inhibition of Notch signaling via NFκB activation and Jagged upregulation. In contrast, IGF-1, an anti-inflammatory molecule, inhibits LPS-induced reactive astrocyte morphological phenotype by enhancing Notch signaling through the inhibition of NFκB and the activation of MAPK. Therefore, Notch signaling pathway emerges as a mediator of the regulation of astrocyte morphology by inflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli.

Inhibition of Notch1 Signaling Alleviates Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation Through Modulating Retinal Microglia Polarization

Microglial cells are resident immune cells and play an important role in various cerebral and retinal inflammatory diseases. Notch1 signaling is involved in the microglia polarization and the control of cerebral inflammatory reactions. However, its role in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of Notch1 signaling on retinal microglia polarization and inflammation in the cultured retinal microglial cells and EIU rat model. We found that Notch1 signaling blockade with N-[N-(3, 5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alany1-S-phenyglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) shifted retinal microglia phenotype from pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype (COX2⁺ and iNOS⁺) to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype (Arg-1⁺) and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, DAPT treatment contributed to prevent retinal ganglion cells from apoptosis, reduce the intraocular infiltrating cells, and attenuate the impairment of retinal function. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibition of Notch1 signaling could alleviate the inflammatory response in EIU rat mainly through regulating the polarization of retinal microglia. Therefore, Notch1 signaling might be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases.

TRAF6-p38/JNK-ATF2 axis promotes microglial inflammatory activation

Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), a member of the alkaline-leucine zipper family, is widely expressed in various tissues, and reportedly involved in inflammatory responses to various irritates, but its role in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and biological function of ATF2 in CNS inflammation. Utilizing the LPS-induced neuroinflammation model on mice, we first found ATF2 up-regulation and its co-localization with microglia in inflamed mice brain. In vitro, we revealed an increased expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear accumulation of ATF2 in LPS-treated BV2 microglia cells. Inhibiting ATF2 significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-treated microglia, and alleviated neuronal apoptosis induced by the conditioned medium of activated microglia. Knocking down TRAF6, an important adaptor of the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, suppressed the LPS-induced ATF2 expression and phosphorylation, accompanied by the decreased p38/JNK phosphorylation, in microglia. Blocking p38 or JNK signaling pathway by the specific inhibitors reversed the TRAF6-overexpression mediated ATF2 activation. Taken together, our data first proved the pro-inflammatory function of ATF2 in microglia, and suggested that the TRAF6-JNK/p38-ATF2 axis might promote microglial inflammatory activation and thus aggravate neuronal injury in brain, which might become a potential therapeutic target for CNS diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate the early brain injury of subarachnoid hemorrhage partly by suppression of Notch1-dependent neuroinflammation: involvement of Botch

BACKGROUND

Activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been regarded as an underlying key player in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI). The therapeutic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation has been demonstrated in several brain injury models and is thought to involve modulation of the inflammatory response. The present study investigated the salutary effects of BMSCs on EBI after SAH and the potential mechanism mediated by Notch1 signaling pathway inhibition.

METHODS

The Sprague-Dawley rats SAH model was induced by endovascular perforation method. BMSCs (3 × 106 cells) were transplanted intravenously into rats, and N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), a Notch1 activation inhibitor, and Notch1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were injected intracerebroventricularly. The effects of BMSCs on EBI were assayed by neurological score, brain water content (BWC), blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, magnetic resonance imaging, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Fluoro-Jade C staining. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze various proteins and transcript levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

BMSCs treatment mitigated the neurobehavioral dysfunction, BWC and BBB disruption associated with EBI after SAH, reduced ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 and cluster of differentiation 68 staining and interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression in the left hemisphere but concurrently increased IL-10 expression. DAPT or Notch1 siRNA administration reduced Notch1 signaling pathway activation following SAH, ameliorated neurobehavioral impairments, and BBB disruption; increased BWC and neuronal degeneration; and inhibited activation of microglia and production of pro-inflammatory factors. The augmentation of Notch1 signal pathway agents and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB after SAH were suppressed by BMSCs but the levels of Botch were upregulated in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Botch knockdown in BMSCs abrogated the protective effects of BMSCs treatment on EBI and the suppressive effects of BMSCs on Notch1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

BMSCs treatment alleviated neurobehavioral impairments and the inflammatory response in EBI after SAH; these effects may be attributed to Botch upregulation in brain tissue, which subsequently inhibited the Notch1 signaling pathway.

Role of Prenatal Hypoxia in Brain Development, Cognitive Functions, and Neurodegeneration

This review focuses on the role of prenatal hypoxia in the development of brain functions in the postnatal period and subsequent increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders in later life. Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal hypoxia in critical periods of brain formation results in significant changes in development of cognitive functions at various stages of postnatal life which correlate with morphological changes in brain structures involved in learning and memory. Prenatal hypoxia also leads to a decrease in brain adaptive potential and plasticity due to the disturbance in the process of formation of new contacts between cells and propagation of neuronal stimuli, especially in the cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, prenatal hypoxia has a significant impact on expression and processing of a variety of genes involved in normal brain function and their epigenetic regulation. This results in changes in the patterns of mRNA and protein expression and their post-translational modifications, including protein misfolding and clearance. Among proteins affected by prenatal hypoxia are a key enzyme of the cholinergic system-acetylcholinesterase, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP), both of which have important roles in brain function. Disruption of their expression and metabolism caused by prenatal hypoxia can also result, apart from early cognitive dysfunctions, in development of neurodegeneration in later life. Another group of enzymes affected by prenatal hypoxia are peptidases involved in catabolism of neuropeptides, including amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The decrease in the activity of neprilysin and other amyloid-degrading enzymes observed after prenatal hypoxia could result over the years in an Aβ clearance deficit and accumulation of its toxic species which cause neuronal cell death and development of neurodegeneration. Applying various approaches to restore expression of neuronal genes disrupted by prenatal hypoxia during postnatal development opens an avenue for therapeutic compensation of cognitive dysfunctions and prevention of Aβ accumulation in the aging brain and the model of prenatal hypoxia in rodents can be used as a reliable tool for assessment of their efficacy.

An Aqueous Extract of Herbal Medicine ALWPs Enhances Cognitive Performance and Inhibits LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation via FAK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Recent studies have shown that Liuwei Dihuang pills (LWPs) can positively affect learning, memory and neurogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood. In the present study, we developed ALWPs, a mixture of Antler and LWPs, and investigated whether ALWPs can affect neuroinflammatory responses. We found that ALWPs (500 mg/ml) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β mRNA levels in BV2 microglial cells but not primary astrocytes. ALWPs significantly reduced LPS-induced cell-surface levels of TLR4 to alter neuroinflammation. An examination of the molecular mechanisms by which ALWPs regulate the LPS-induced proinflammatory response revealed that ALWPs significantly downregulated LPS-induced levels of FAK phosphorylation, suggesting that ALWPs modulate FAK signaling to alter LPS-induced IL-1β levels. In addition, treatment with ALWPs followed by LPS resulted in decreased levels of the transcription factor NF-κB in the nucleus compared with LPS alone. Moreover, ALWPs significantly suppressed LPS-induced BV2 microglial cell migration. To examine whether ALWPs modulate learning and memory in vivo, wild-type C57BL/6J mice were orally administered ALWPs (200 mg/kg) or PBS daily for 3 days, intraperitoneally injected (i.p.) with LPS (250 μg/kg) or PBS, and assessed in Y maze and NOR tests. We observed that oral administration of ALWPs to LPS-injected wild-type C57BL/6J mice significantly rescued short- and long-term memory. More importantly, oral administration of ALWPs to LPS-injected wild-type C57BL/6J mice significantly reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus and cortex. Taken together, our results suggest that ALWPs can suppress neuroinflammation-associated cognitive deficits and that ALWPs have potential as a drug for neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Effects of sevoflurane preconditioning on microglia/macrophage dynamics and phagocytosis profile against cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM

The effects of sevoflurane on microglia/macrophages, promoting or suppressing their activation, remains controversy. We aimed to determine whether sevoflurane preconditioning can protect brain via changing microglia/macrophage dynamics and phagocytosis profile after ischemia.

METHODS

The impact of sevoflurane preconditioning was evaluated on microglia/macrophage migration, phagocytosis and proliferation altogether from day 1 to day 7 after transient middle cerebral arterial occlusion (tMCAO) in rats.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane preconditioning was identified to accelerate microglia/macrophage migrating to and invasion in the ischemic core from day 1 to day 5 after damage. Significant accumulation of amoeboid and phagocytic microglia/macrophages was observed in sevoflurane group from day 3 to day 5 after ischemia injury. In addition, sevoflurane pretreatment also promoted the proliferation of microglia/macrophage (Iba1+ /Ki67+ ) dramatically in ischemic core on day 3 postinsult.

CONCLUSIONS

Our current study has identified the impact of sevoflurane preconditioning on microglia/macrophage dynamics, including its migration, phagocytosis, and proliferation at early stage after brain ischemia and reperfusion. Sevoflurane might enhance microglia/macrophage activation and promote brain repair. These results could help to approach more relevant microglia/macrophage cell-based strategy for human stroke therapy.

Notch Signaling Regulates Microglial Activation and Inflammatory Reactions in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

The inflammatory response mediated by microglia in the central nervous system is closely related to epilepsy. Notch signaling plays an important role in the microglial activation during hypoxia. This study aimed to investigate whether Notch signaling is involved in microglial activation and subsequent inflammation-related neuronal injury during the process of epileptogenesis in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. By using western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence labeling, we found that the expression of Notch signaling increased after status epilepticus and that a γ-secretase inhibitor could significantly inhibit the upregulation of Notch signaling, the activation of microglia, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Likewise, the neuronal apoptosis and loss in the hippocampus after SE were attenuated by the γ-secretase inhibitor. These results suggest that Notch signaling plays a key role in neuroinflammation and inflammation-related neuronal damage in epilepsy, and γ-secretase inhibitors may become a novel prospective therapeutic agent for epilepsy.

Chronic Hippocampal Expression of Notch Intracellular Domain Induces Vascular Thickening, Reduces Glucose Availability, and Exacerbates Spatial Memory Deficits in a Rat Model of Early Alzheimer

The specific roles of Notch in progressive adulthood neurodegenerative disorders have begun to be unraveled in recent years. A number of independent studies have shown significant increases of Notch expression in brains from patients at later stages of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the impact of Notch canonical signaling activation in the pathophysiology of AD is still elusive. To further investigate this issue, 2-month-old wild-type (WT) and hemizygous McGill-R-Thy1-APP rats (Tg(+/-)) were injected in CA1 with lentiviral particles (LVP) expressing the transcriptionally active fragment of Notch, known as Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD), (LVP-NICD), or control lentivirus particles (LVP-C). The Tg(+/-) rat model captures presymptomatic aspects of the AD pathology, including intraneuronal amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and early cognitive deficits. Seven months after LVP administration, Morris water maze test was performed, and brains isolated for biochemical and histological analysis. Our results showed a learning impairment and a worsening of spatial memory in LVP-NICD- as compared to LVP-C-injected Tg(+/-) rats. In addition, immuno histochemistry, ELISA multiplex, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and ¹H-NMR spectrometry of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicated that chronic expression of NICD promoted hippocampal vessel thickening with accumulation of Aβ in brain microvasculature, alteration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and a decrease of CSF glucose levels. These findings suggest that, in the presence of early Aβ pathology, expression of NICD may contribute to the development of microvascular abnormalities, altering glucose transport at the BBB with impact on early decline of spatial learning and memory.

Notch signaling and neuronal death in stroke

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and death, with the outcome largely determined by the amount of hypoxia-related neuronal death in the affected brain regions. Cerebral ischemia and hypoxia activate the Notch1 signaling pathway and four prominent interacting pathways (NF-κB, p53, HIF-1α and Pin1) that converge on a conserved DNA-associated nuclear multi-protein complex, which controls the expression of genes that can determine the fate of neurons. When neurons experience a moderate level of ischemic insult, the nuclear multi-protein complex up-regulates adaptive stress response genes encoding proteins that promote neuronal survival, but when ischemia is more severe the nuclear multi-protein complex induces genes encoding proteins that trigger and execute a neuronal death program. We propose that the nuclear multi-protein transcriptional complex is a molecular mediator of neuronal hormesis and a target for therapeutic intervention in stroke.

Sumoylation of Notch1 represses its target gene expression during cell stress

The Notch signaling pathway is a key regulator of stem cells during development, and its deregulated activity is linked to developmental defects and cancer. Transcriptional activation of Notch target genes requires cleavage of the Notch receptor in response to ligand binding, production of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD1), NICD1 migration into the nucleus, and assembly of a transcriptional complex. Post-translational modifications of Notch regulate its trafficking, turnover, and transcriptional activity. Here, we show that NICD1 is modified by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) in a stress-inducible manner. Sumoylation occurs in the nucleus where NICD1 is sumoylated in the RBPJ-associated molecule (RAM) domain. Although stress and sumoylation enhance nuclear localization of NICD1, its transcriptional activity is attenuated. Molecular modeling indicates that sumoylation can occur within the DNA-bound ternary transcriptional complex, consisting of NICD1, the transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless (CSL), and the co-activator Mastermind-like (MAML) without its disruption. Mechanistically, sumoylation of NICD1 facilitates the recruitment of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) to the Notch transcriptional complex to suppress Notch target gene expression. Stress-induced sumoylation decreases the NICD1-mediated induction of Notch target genes, which was abrogated by expressing a sumoylation-defected mutant in cells and in the developing central nervous system of the chick in vivo. Our findings of the stress-inducible sumoylation of NICD1 reveal a novel context-dependent regulatory mechanism of Notch target gene expression.

Microglia: Housekeeper of the Central Nervous System

Microglia, of myeloid origin, play fundamental roles in the control of immune responses and the maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. These cells, just like peripheral macrophages, may be activated into M1 pro-inflammatory or M2 anti-inflammatory phenotypes by appropriate stimuli. Microglia do not respond in isolation, but form part of complex networks of cells influencing each other. This review addresses the complex interaction of microglia with each cell type in the brain: neurons, astrocytes, cerebrovascular endothelial cells, and oligodendrocytes. We also highlight the participation of microglia in the maintenance of homeostasis in the brain, and their roles in the development and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Curcumin suppresses Notch‑1 signaling: Improvements in fatty liver and insulin resistance in rats

Curcumin is a well‑known phenolic substance and has many pharmacological effects associated with metabolism. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this process have yet to be determined. The Notch pathway is a signal transduction pathway involved in energy metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin administration on glucose‑lipid metabolism in rats subjected to a high fat diet, and investigate changes in Notch‑1 signaling. Sprague‑Dawley rats (n=40) were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats/group): Control diet group, high fat diet group, high fat diet plus curcumin low dose group and high fat diet plus curcumin high dose group. Following 8 weeks of treatment with curcumin (100 mg/kg in the low dose group and 200 mg/kg in the high dose group), serum metabolic markers and hepatic gene expression patterns were investigated. No differences in body weight following 8 weeks of curcumin administration (P>0.05) were observed; however, curcumin treatment did reduce visceral fat levels (peri‑epididymal and peri‑renal), and decreased cholesterol, triglyceride and low‑density lipoprotein levels in serum compared with the high fat diet rats that did not receive curcumin (P<0.05, P<0.01). An oral glucose tolerance test and an intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test revealed that insulin resistance was reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and tissue section analysis revealed that hepatosteatosis was attenuated following treatment with curcumin. Furthermore, the protein expression of Notch‑1 and its downstream target Hes‑1 were suppressed. These effects were also in parallel with an upregulation of fatty acid oxidation‑associated gene expression, including peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor (PPAR)‑α, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and PPAR‑γ (P<0.05). In addition, curcumin administration led to a downregulation in the expression of lipogenic genes, including sterol regulatory element‑binding protein, fatty acid synthase and acetyl‑CoA carboxylase (P<0.05). The expression of inflammation‑associated genes, including nuclear factor‑κB, tumor necrosis factor‑α and prostaglandin‑endoperoxide synthase 2 were also suppressed. The results of the present study suggest that the hepatic Notch‑1 pathway can be suppressed via curcumin treatment, which may ameliorate fatty liver and insulin resistance in rats subjected to a high fat diet.

Molecular Mechanisms Modulating the Phenotype of Macrophages and Microglia

Macrophages and microglia play crucial roles during central nervous system development, homeostasis and acute events such as infection or injury. The diverse functions of tissue macrophages and microglia are mirrored by equally diverse phenotypes. A model of inflammatory/M1 versus a resolution phase/M2 macrophages has been widely used. However, the complexity of macrophage function can only be achieved by the existence of varied, plastic and tridimensional macrophage phenotypes. Understanding how tissue macrophages integrate environmental signals via molecular programs to define pathogen/injury inflammatory responses provides an opportunity to better understand the multilayered nature of macrophages, as well as target and modulate cellular programs to control excessive inflammation. This is particularly important in MS and other neuroinflammatory diseases, where chronic inflammatory macrophage and microglial responses may contribute to pathology. Here, we perform a comprehensive review of our current understanding of how molecular pathways modulate tissue macrophage phenotype, covering both classic pathways and the emerging role of microRNAs, receptor-tyrosine kinases and metabolism in macrophage phenotype. In addition, we discuss pathway parallels in microglia, novel markers helpful in the identification of peripheral macrophages versus microglia and markers linked to their phenotype.

Juglanin ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammation in animal models of Parkinson's disease and cell culture via inactivating TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neuro-degenerative disorder, and novel therapeutic targets are required for the treatment of PD. Juglanin is a natural compound extracted from the crude Polygonum aviculare, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. In our study, PD in mice was induced by systemic LPS treatment as evidenced by enhanced α-synuclein and reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which were reversed by juglanin treatment. Moreover, juglanin administration attenuated LPS-caused behavioral and memory impairments and reduced LPS-induced enhancement of neuro-degenerative markers, including amyloid β (Aβ) and p-Tau. Additionally, juglanin ameliorated synaptic functionality through promoting the expression of synaptic markers, such as SYP, PSD-95 and SNAP-25. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in brain regulates neuroinflammation, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, LPS induced neuroinflammation through the acceleration of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), via activating TLR4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in hippocampus of mice and microglia cells. Juglanin significantly reduced LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and blocked TLR4/NF-κB pathway. We also found that LPS-induced astrocytes (AST) activity was prevented by juglanin through down-regulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Iba1 in vivo and in vitro. Together, our results indicated that juglanin ameliorated neuroinflammation-related memory impairment, and neurodegeneration through impeding TLR4/NF-κB, indicating its potential for PD prevention.

Canonical NFκB signaling in myeloid cells is required for the glioblastoma growth

Tumor development and therapeutic resistance are linked with tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration in tumors via chemokine axis. Chemokine expression, which determines the pro or anti-inflammatory status of myeloid cells, are partly regulated by the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Here, we identified that conditional deletion of canonical NF-κB signaling (p65) in myeloid cells inhibited syngeneic glioblastoma (GBM) through decreased CD45 infiltration in tumors, as characterized by decreased TAMs (CD206+) and MDSCs (Gr1+ CD11b+), increased dendritic cells (CD86+) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) in the p65 knockout (KO) mice. Proinflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, MCP1, MIP1α, and TNFα) and myeloid differentiation factor (Endoglin) were increased in myeloid cells from p65 KO tumor, which demonstrated an influence on CD8+T cell proliferation. In contrast, p65KO athymic chimeric mice with human GBM, failed to inhibit tumor growth, confirming the contribution of T cells in an immune competent model. The analysis of human datasets and GBM tumors revealed higher expression of p65 in GBM-associated CD68+ macrophages compared to neighboring stroma. Thus, canonical NF-κB signaling has an anti-inflammatory role and is required for macrophage polarization, immune suppression, and GBM growth. Combining an NF-κB inhibitor with standard therapy could improve antitumor immunity in GBM.

Production of proinflammatory mediators in activated microglia is synergistically regulated by Notch-1, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β) and NF-κB/p65 signalling

Microglia activation and associated inflammatory response are involved in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases. We have reported that Notch-1 and NF-κB/p65 signalling pathways operate in synergy in regulating the production of proinflammatory mediators in activated microglia. In the latter, there is also evidence by others that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) mediates the release of proinflammatory cytokines but the interrelationships between the three signalling pathways have not been fully clarified. This is an important issue as activated microglia are potential therapeutic target for amelioration of microglia mediated neuroinflammation. Here we show that blocking of Notch-1 with N-[(3,5-Difluorophenyl) acetyl]-L-alanyl-2-phenylglycine-1,1-dimethylethyl ester (DAPT) in LPS activated BV-2 microglia not only suppressed Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and Hes-1 protein expression, but also that of GSK-3β. Conversely, blocking of the latter with lithium chloride (LiCl) decreased NICD expression in a dose-dependent manner; moreover, Hes-1 immunofluorescence was attenuated. Along with this, the protein expression level of p-GSK-3β and p-AKT protein expression was significantly increased. Furthermore, DAPT and LiCl decreased production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, Cox2 and MCP-1; however, IL-10 expression was increased notably in LiCl treated cells. The effects of DAPT and LiCl on changes of the above-mentioned biomarkers were confirmed by immunofluorescence in both BV-2 and primary microglia. Additionally, NF-κB/p65 immunofluorescence was attenuated by DAPT and LiCl; as opposed to this, IκBα protein expression was increased. Taken together, it is suggested that Notch-1, NF-κB/p65 and GSK-3β operate in synergy to inhibit microglia activation. This may be effected via increased expression of phospho-GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β), phospho-protein kinase B (PKB) (p-AKT) and IκBα. It is concluded that the three signalling pathways are functionally interlinked in regulating microglia activation.

Biology of Microglia in the Developing Brain

Microglia exist in different morphological forms in the developing brain. They show a small cell body with scanty cytoplasm with many branching processes in the grey matter of the developing brain. However, in the white matter such as the corpus callosum where the unmyelinated axons are loosely organized, they appear in an amoeboid form having a round cell body endowed with copious cytoplasm rich in organelles. The amoeboid cells eventually transform into ramified microglia in the second postnatal week when the tissue becomes more compact with the onset of myelination. Microglia serve as immunocompetent macrophages that act as neuropathology sensors to detect and respond swiftly to subtle changes in the brain tissues in pathological conditions. Microglial functions are broadly considered as protective in the normal brain development as they phagocytose dead cells and sculpt neuronal connections by pruning excess axons and synapses. They also secrete a number of trophic factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-β among many others that are involved in neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival. On the other hand, microglial cells when activated produce a plethora of molecules such as proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide that are implicated in the pathogenesis of many pathological conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, and perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Although many studies have investigated the origin and functions of the microglia in the developing brain, in-depth in vivo studies along with analysis of their transcriptome and epigenetic changes need to be undertaken to elucidate their full potential be it protective or neurotoxic. This would lead to a better understanding of their roles in the healthy and diseased developing brain and advancement of therapeutic strategies to target microglia-mediated neurotoxicity.

Effects of the Notch signalling pathway on hyperoxia-induced immature brain damage in newborn mice

Hyperoxia exposure can cause dramatic release of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to neuronal apoptosis and inducing white matter damage in newborn mouse brains. Some studies indicated that the Notch activation was provoked during inflammation and might regulate adaptive and innate immune responses. Moreover, the pathway also regulated oligodendrocyte maturation which was disrupted in neonatal mice after hyperoxia exposure. This study sought to investigate whether the Notch signalling activation contributed to immature brain damage after hyperoxia exposure. Cellular changes in the white matter (WM) of neonatal wild-type mice exposed to 80% oxygen from postnatal day 3 (P3) to day 5 (P5) were determined. Moreover, in order to further confirm the relationship between the Notch signalling pathway and hyperoxia-induced periventricular white matter injury, mice were pre-treated with a γ-secretase inhibitor (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester, DAPT), which inhibits activation of the Notch pathway before exposure to hyperoxia. The results suggested that expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) increased in P12 mice subjected to hyperoxia after DAPT pretreatment. Moreover, hyperoxia could cause mature oligodendrocytes (MBP+) counts decreased with an obvious inverse increase in OPCs (NG2+) after hyperoxia on P12, DAPT pretreatment significantly ameliorated disruption of oligodendrocytes maturation induced by hyperoxia. Our results also demonstrated that DAPT could reduce memory impairment induced by hyperoxia exposure. Taken together, these results suggest that hyperoxia exposure induces both brain damage in the developing brain and behavioural abnormalities through the Notch signalling activation. And modulation of γ-secretase, selectively interfering with the Notch signalling pathway, could improve adverse outcomes induced by hyperoxia.

Neonatal Hypoxia Ischaemia: Mechanisms, Models, and Therapeutic Challenges

Neonatal hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) is the most common cause of death and disability in human neonates, and is often associated with persistent motor, sensory, and cognitive impairment. Improved intensive care technology has increased survival without preventing neurological disorder, increasing morbidity throughout the adult population. Early preventative or neuroprotective interventions have the potential to rescue brain development in neonates, yet only one therapeutic intervention is currently licensed for use in developed countries. Recent investigations of the transient cortical layer known as subplate, especially regarding subplate's secretory role, opens up a novel set of potential molecular modulators of neonatal HI injury. This review examines the biological mechanisms of human neonatal HI, discusses evidence for the relevance of subplate-secreted molecules to this condition, and evaluates available animal models. Neuroserpin, a neuronally released neuroprotective factor, is discussed as a case study for developing new potential pharmacological interventions for use post-ischaemic injury.

Hypertonic saline attenuates expression of Notch signaling and proinflammatory mediators in activated microglia in experimentally induced cerebral ischemia and hypoxic BV-2 microglia

Background

Ischemic stroke is a major disease that threatens human health in ageing population. Increasing evidence has shown that neuroinflammatory mediators play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia injury. Notch signaling is recognized as the cell fate signaling but recent evidence indicates that it may be involved in the inflammatory response in activated microglia in cerebral ischemia. Previous report in our group demonstrated hypertonic saline (HS) could reduce the release of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in activated microglia, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have remained uncertain. This study was aimed to explore whether HS would partake in regulating production of proinflammatory mediators through Notch signaling.

Results

HS markedly attenuated the expression of Notch-1, NICD, RBP-JK and Hes-1 in activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Remarkably, HS also reduced the expression of iNOS in vivo, while the in vitro levels of inflammatory mediators Phos-NF-κB, iNOS and ROS were reduced by HS as well.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that HS may suppress of inflammatory mediators following ischemia/hypoxic through the Notch signaling which operates synergistically with NF-κB pathway in activated microglia. Our study has provided the morphological and biochemical evidence that HS can attenuate inflammation reaction and can be neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia, thus supporting the use of hypertonic saline by clinicians in patients with an ischemia stroke.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-017-0351-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnostic and Predictive Levels of Calcium-binding Protein A8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6 in Sepsis-associated Encephalopathy: A Prospective Observational Study

Background:

Despite its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is still poorly understood. The aim of this prospective and observational study was to investigate the clinical significance of calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) in serum and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in diagnosing SAE and predicting its prognosis.

Methods:

Data of septic patients were collected within 24 h after Intensive Care Unit admission from July 2014 to March 2015. Healthy medical personnel served as the control group. SAE was defined as cerebral dysfunction in the presence of sepsis that fulfilled the exclusion criteria. The biochemical indicators, Glasgow Coma Scale, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score II, TRAF6 in PBMC, serum S100A8, S100β, and neuron-specific enolase were evaluated in SAE patients afresh. TRAF6 and S100A8 were also measured in the control group.

Results:

Of the 57 enrolled patients, 29 were diagnosed with SAE. The S100A8 and TRAF6 concentrations in SAE patients were both significantly higher than that in no-encephalopathy (NE) patients, and higher in NE than that in controls (3.74 ± 3.13 vs. 1.08 ± 0.75 vs. 0.37 ± 0.14 ng/ml, P < 0.01; 3.18 ± 1.55 vs. 1.02 ± 0.63 vs. 0.47 ± 0.10, P < 0.01). S100A8 levels of 1.93 ng/ml were diagnostic of SAE with 92.90% specificity and 69.00% sensitivity in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–0.95). TRAF6-relative levels of 1.44 were diagnostic of SAE with 85.70% specificity and 86.20% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–0.99). In addition, S100A8 levels of 2.41 ng/ml predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 90.00% specificity and 73.70% sensitivity in the ROC curve, and the area under the curve was 0.88. TRAF6 relative levels of 2.94 predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 80.00% specificity and 68.40% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.77. Compared with TRAF6, the specificity of serum S100A8 in diagnosing SAE and predicting mortality was higher, although the sensitivity was low. In contrast, the TRAF6 had higher sensitivity for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Peripheral blood levels of S100A8 and TRAF6 in SAE patients were elevated and might be related to the severity of SAE and predict the outcome of SAE. The efficacy and specificity of S100A8 for SAE diagnosis were superior, despite its weak sensitivity. S100A8 might be a better biomarker for diagnosis of SAE and predicting prognosis.

Aberrant activation of Notch signaling in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: clinicopathological features and therapeutic potential for cancer stem cell-like properties

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the roles of Notch signaling in cholangiocarcinoma (CC). The expression of hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes-1) has not been investigated yet in resected specimens of CC. Notch signaling has been reported to be related to cancer stem cell (CSC) like properties in some malignancies. Our aim is to investigate the participation of Notch signaling in resected specimens of extrahepatic CC (EHCC) and to evaluate the efficacy of CC cells with CSC-like properties by Notch signaling blockade.

METHODS

First, the expression of Notch1, 2, 3, 4 and Hes-1 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 132 resected EHCC specimens. The clinicopathological characteristics in the expression of Notch receptors and Hes-1 were investigated. Second, GSI IX, which is a γ-secretase-inhibitor, was used for Notch signaling blockade in the following experiment. Alterations of the subpopulation of CD24⁺CD44⁺ cells, which are surface markers of CSCs in EHCC, after exposure with GSI IX, gemcitabine (GEM), and the combination of GSI IX plus GEM were assessed by flow cytometry using the human CC cell lines, RBE, HuCCT1 and TFK-1. Also, anchorage-independent growth and mice tumorigenicity in the cells recovered by regular culture media after GSI IX exposure were assessed.

RESULTS

Notch1, 2, 3, 4 and Hes-1 in the resected EHCC specimens were expressed in 50.0, 56.1, 42.4, 6.1, and 81.8 % of the total cohort, respectively. Notch1 and 3 expressions were associated with poorer histological differentiation (P = 0.008 and 0.053). The patients with the expression of at least any one of Notch1-3 receptors, who were in 80.3 % of the total, exhibited poorer survival (P = 0.050). Similarly, the expression of Hes-1 tended to show poor survival (P = 0.093). In all of the examined CC cell lines, GSI IX treatment significantly diminished the subpopulation of CD24⁺CD44⁺ cells. Although GEM monotherapy relatively increased the subpopulation of CD24⁺CD44⁺ cells in all lines, GSI IX plus GEM attenuated it. Anchorage-independent growth and mice tumorigenicity were inhibited in GSI IX-pretreated cells in RBE and TFK-1 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aberrant Notch signaling is involved with EHCC. Inhibition of Notch signaling is a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting cells with CSC-like properties.

Pharmacological approaches to intervention in hypomyelinating and demyelinating white matter pathology

White matter disease afflicts both developing and mature central nervous systems. Both cell intrinsic and extrinsic dysregulation result in profound changes in cell survival, axonal metabolism and functional performance. Experimental models of developmental white matter (WM) injury and demyelination have not only delineated mechanisms of signaling and inflammation, but have also paved the way for the discovery of pharmacological approaches to intervention. These reagents have been shown to enhance protection of the mature oligodendrocyte cell, accelerate progenitor cell recruitment and/or differentiation, or attenuate pathological stimuli arising from the inflammatory response to injury. Here we highlight reports of studies in the CNS in which compounds, namely peptides, hormones, and small molecule agonists/antagonists, have been used in experimental animal models of demyelination and neonatal brain injury that affect aspects of excitotoxicity, oligodendrocyte development and survival, and progenitor cell function, and which have been demonstrated to attenuate damage and improve WM protection in experimental models of injury. The molecular targets of these agents include growth factor and neurotransmitter receptors, morphogens and their signaling components, nuclear receptors, as well as the processes of iron transport and actin binding. By surveying the current evidence in non-immune targets of both the immature and mature WM, we aim to better understand pharmacological approaches modulating endogenous oligodendroglia that show potential for success in the contexts of developmental and adult WM pathology. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Oligodendrocytes in Health and Disease'.

Integration of transcriptomic and genomic data suggests candidate mechanisms for APOE4-mediated pathogenic action in Alzheimer's disease

Among the genetic factors known to increase the risk of late onset Alzheimer’s diseases (AD), the presence of the apolipoproteine e4 (APOE4) allele has been recognized as the one with the strongest effect. However, despite decades of research, the pathogenic role of APOE4 in Alzheimer’s disease has not been clearly elucidated yet. In order to investigate the pathogenic action of APOE4, we applied a systems biology approach to the analysis of transcriptomic and genomic data of APOE44 vs. APOE33 allele carriers affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Network analysis combined with a novel technique for biomarker computation allowed the identification of an alteration in aging-associated processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic pathways, indicating that APOE4 possibly accelerates pathological processes physiologically induced by aging. Subsequent integration with genomic data indicates that the Notch pathway could be the nodal molecular mechanism altered in APOE44 allele carriers with Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, PSEN1 and APP, genes whose mutation are known to be linked to early onset Alzheimer’s disease, are closely linked to this pathway. In conclusion, APOE4 role on inflammation and oxidation through the Notch signaling pathway could be crucial in elucidating the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease.

Notch signaling in cerebrovascular diseases (Review)

The Notch signaling pathway is a crucial regulator of numerous fundamental cellular processes. Increasing evidence suggests that Notch signaling is involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus in the progress of cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, Notch signaling in cerebrovascular diseases is associated with apoptosis, angiogenesis and the function of blood-brain barrier. Despite the contradictory results obtained to date as to whether Notch signaling is harmful or beneficial, the regulation of Notch signaling may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Growth hormone treatment of premature ovarian failure in a mouse model via stimulation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition affecting 1% of women in the general population, causing amenorrhea, hypergonadotropism and hypoestrogenism before the age of 40. Currently, POF cannot be reversed and, although treatments are available, there is an urgent need for improved treatment strategies. Growth hormone (GH) is a pleiotropic hormone that affects a broad spectrum of physiological functions, from carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to the immune response. GH has previously been used to treat POF in non-transgenic preclinical trials, but the biochemical mechanism underlying these effects are unclear. In the present study, a mouse model of POF was generated using cyclophosphamide. Treatment of POF mice with recombinant mouse growth hormone (rmGH) was revealed to markedly reduce POF histopathology in ovarian tissue, relieve ovarian granulosa cell injury, reduce the number of atretic follicles and significantly increase the number of mature oocytes. Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that plasma estradiol levels increased and plasma follicle stimulating hormone levels decreased with time in a group of mice treated with a medium dose of rmGH (0.8 mg/kg) when compared with the POF model group (P<0.05). In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated elevated levels of Notch-1 signaling pathway factors (Notch1, CBF1, and HES1) in wild-type mice and those treated with medium and high doses of rmGH, but not in those treated with low doses of rmGH. In conclusion, GH may promote ovarian tissue repair, estrogen release and oocyte maturation via activation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway in ovarian tissue.

Functions and mechanisms of microglia/macrophages in neuroinflammation and neurogenesis after stroke

Microglia/macrophages are the major immune cells involved in the defence against brain damage. Their morphology and functional changes are correlated with the release of danger signals induced by stroke. These cells are normally responsible for clearing away dead neural cells and restoring neuronal functions. However, when excessively activated by the damage-associated molecular patterns following stroke, they can produce a large number of proinflammatory cytokines that can disrupt neural cells and the blood-brain barrier and influence neurogenesis. These effects indicate the important roles of microglia/macrophages in the pathophysiological processes of stroke. However, the modifiable and adaptable nature of microglia/macrophages may also be beneficial for brain repair and not just result in damage. These distinct roles may be attributed to the different microglia/macrophage phenotypes because the M1 population is mainly destructive, while the M2 population is neuroprotective. Additionally, different gene expression signature changes in microglia/macrophages have been found in diverse inflammatory milieus. These biofunctional features enable dual roles for microglia/macrophages in brain damage and repair. Currently, it is thought that the proper inflammatory milieu may provide a suitable microenvironment for neurogenesis; however, detailed mechanisms underlying the inflammatory responses that initiate or inhibit neurogenesis remain unknown. This review summarizes recent progress concerning the mechanisms involved in brain damage, repair and regeneration related to microglia/macrophage activation and phenotype transition after stroke. We also argue that future translational studies should be targeting multiple key regulating molecules to improve brain repair, which should be accompanied by the concept of a "therapeutic time window" for sequential therapies.

Scutellarin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Cerebral Ischemia

The cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases in the central nervous system that causes progressive disability or even death. In this connection, the inflammatory response mediated by the activated microglia is believed to play a central role in this pathogenesis. In the event of brain injury, activated microglia can clear the cellular debris and invading pathogens, release neurotrophic factors, etc., but in chronic activation microglia may cause neuronal death through the release of excessive inflammatory mediators. Therefore, suppression of microglial over-reaction and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is deemed to be a therapeutic strategy of choice for cerebral ischemic damage. In the search for potential herbal extracts that are endowed with the property in suppressing the microglial activation and amelioration of neuroinflammation, attention has recently been drawn to scutellarin, a Chinese herbal extract. Here, we review the roles of activated microglia and the effects of scutellarin on activated microglia in pathological conditions especially in ischemic stroke. We have further extended the investigation with special reference to the effects of scutellarin on Notch signaling, one of the several signaling pathways known to be involved in microglial activation. Furthermore, in light of our recent experimental evidence that activated microglia can regulate astrogliosis, an interglial "cross-talk" that was amplified by scutellarin, it is suggested that in designing of a more effective therapeutic strategy for clinical management of cerebral ischemia both glial types should be considered collectively.

Scutellarin regulates microglia-mediated TNC1 astrocytic reaction and astrogliosis in cerebral ischemia in the adult rats

BACKGROUND

Scutellarin, an anti-inflammatory agent, effectively suppressed microglia activation in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Robust microglia activation, acute in onset, was followed by astrogliosis. This study was aimed to determine if scutellarin would also affect the reactive astrocytes that play an important role in tissue repair. Expression of GFAP and Notch-1 and its members: Notch receptor intracellular domain (NICD), and transcription factor hairy and enhancer of split-1 (HES-1), together with nestin and proinflammatory mediators was assessed by immunofluorescence staining in TNC1 astrocytes treated, respectively, with BV-2 conditioned medium (CM) and CM + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (CM + L) serving as the controls, and conditioned medium derived from LPS-activated BV-2 cells pretreated with scutellarin (CM + SL). Study of the above biomarkers was then extended to reactive astrocytes in scutellarin injected MCAO rats.

RESULTS

TNC1 astrocytes remained relatively unreactive in terms of expression of different biomarkers to direct scutellarin treatment when compared with the control cells. In comparison to cells in the control medium (CM, CM + L), they responded vigorously to CM + SL as evidenced by the enhanced protein expression of GFAP, Notch-1, NICD and HES-1 coupled with that of nestin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS by Western and immunofluorescence analysis. Electron microscopy showed marked hypertrophy and cell expansion of TNC1 astrocytes bearing many filamentous processes indicative of enhanced astrocyte reaction when treated with CM + SL. In MCAO rats, scutellarin also augmented the expression of the above markers in reactive astrocytes; moreover, astrocytes were evidently hypertrophic.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that scutellarin regulates astrogliosis; more importantly, it is microglia-mediated as demonstrated in vitro. Increased expression of Notch signaling in synchrony with nestin may be linked to proliferation and "de-differentiation" of reactive astrocytes; the significance of enhanced TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS expression in reactive astrocytes by scutellarin may be neuroprotective but this remains speculative.

Dual transcriptome sequencing reveals resistance of TLR4 ligand-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages to inflammation mediated by the BET inhibitor JQ1

Persistent macrophage activation is associated with the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes, cytokines and chemokines, which may initiate or amplify inflammatory disorders. A novel synthetic BET inhibitor, JQ1, was proven to exert immunosuppressive activities in macrophages. However, a genome-wide search for JQ1 molecular targets has not been undertaken. The present study aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory function and underlying genes that are targeted by JQ1 in LPS-stimulated primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using global transcriptomic RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. Among the annotated genes, transcriptional sequencing of BMDMs that were treated with JQ1 revealed a selective effect on LPS-induced gene expression in which the induction of cytokines/chemokines, interferon-stimulated genes, and prominent (transcription factors) TFs was suppressed. Additionally, we found that JQ1 reduced the expression of previously unidentified genes that are important in inflammation. Importantly, these inflammatory genes were not affected by JQ1 treatment alone. Furthermore, we confirmed that JQ1 reduced cytokines/chemokines in the supernatants of LPS treated BMDMs. Moreover, the biological pathways and gene ontology of the differentially expressed genes were determined in the JQ1 treatment of BMDMs. These unprecedented results suggest that the BET inhibitor JQ1 is a candidate for the prevention or therapeutic treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway attenuates sympathetic hyperinnervation together with the augmentation of M2 macrophages in rats post-myocardial infarction

Inflammation-dominated sympathetic sprouting adjacent to the necrotic region following myocardial infarction (MI) has been implicated in the etiology of arrhythmias resulting in sudden cardiac death; however, the mechanisms responsible remain to be elucidated. Although being a key immune mediator, the role of Notch has yet to be explored. We investigated whether Notch regulates macrophage responses to inflammation and affects cardiac sympathetic reinnervation in rats undergoing MI. MI was induced by coronary artery ligation. A high level of Notch intracellular domain was observed in the macrophages that infiltrated the infarct area at 3 days post-MI. The administration of the Notch inhibitor N-N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine-t-butyl ester (DAPT) (intravenously 30 min before MI and then daily until death) decreased the number of macrophages and significantly increased the M2 macrophage activation profile in the early stages and attenuated the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF). Eventually, NGF-induced sympathetic hyperinnervation was blunted, as assessed by the immunofluorescence of tyrosine hydroxylase. At 7 days post-MI, the arrhythmia score of programmed electric stimulation in the vehicle-treated infarcted rats was higher than that in rats treated with DAPT. Further deterioration in cardiac function and decreases in the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were also detected. In vitro studies revealed that LPS/IFN-γ upregulated the surface expression of NGF in M1 macrophages in a Notch-dependent manner. We concluded that Notch inhibition during the acute inflammatory response phase is associated with the downregulation of NGF, probably through a macrophage-dependent pathway, thus preventing the process of sympathetic hyperinnervation.

Alternatively activated microglia and macrophages in the central nervous system

Macrophages are important players in the fight against viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. From a resting state they may undertake two activation pathways, the classical known as M1, or the alternative known as M2. M1 markers are mostly mediators of pro-inflammatory responses whereas M2 markers emerge for resolution and cleanup. Microglia exerts in the central nervous system (CNS) a function similar to that of macrophages in the periphery. Microglia activation and proliferation occurs in almost any single pathology affecting the CNS. Often microglia activation has been considered detrimental and drugs able to stop microglia activation were considered for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Cumulative evidence shows that microglia may undergo the alternative activation pathway, express M2-type markers and contribute to neuroprotection. This review focuses on details about the role of M2 microglia and in the approaches available for its identification. Approaches to drive the M2 phenotype and data on its potential in CNS diseases are also reviewed.

Systems approach to the study of brain damage in the very preterm newborn

Background: A systems approach to the study of brain damage in very preterm newborns has been lacking.

Methods: In this perspective piece, we offer encephalopathy of prematurity as an example of the complexity and interrelatedness of brain-damaging molecular processes that can be initiated inflammatory phenomena.

Results: Using three transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Notch-1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2), we show the inter-connectedness of signaling pathways activated by some antecedents of encephalopathy of prematurity.

Conclusions: We hope that as biomarkers of exposures and processes leading to brain damage in the most immature newborns become more readily available, those who apply a systems approach to the study of neuroscience can be persuaded to study the pathogenesis of brain disorders in the very preterm newborn.

Dual RNA sequencing reveals the expression of unique transcriptomic signatures in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 microglial cells

Microglial cells become rapidly activated through interactions with pathogens, and the persistent activation of these cells is associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have investigated the transcriptomic signatures in microglia or macrophages using microarray technologies. However, this method has numerous restrictions, such as spatial biases, uneven probe properties, low sensitivity, and dependency on the probes spotted. To overcome this limitation and identify novel transcribed genes in response to LPS, we used RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to determine the novel transcriptomic signatures in BV-2 microglial cells. Sequencing assessment and quality evaluation showed that approximately 263 and 319 genes (≥ 1.5 log₂-fold), such as cytokines and chemokines, were strongly induced after 2 and 4 h, respectively, and the induction of several genes with unknown immunological functions was also observed. Importantly, we observed that previously unidentified transcription factors (TFs) (irf1, irf7, and irf9), histone demethylases (kdm4a) and DNA methyltransferases (dnmt3l) were significantly and selectively expressed in BV-2 microglial cells. The gene expression levels, transcription start sites (TSS), isoforms, and differential promoter usage revealed a complex pattern of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation upon infection with LPS. In addition, gene ontology, molecular networks and pathway analyses identified the top significantly regulated functional classification, canonical pathways and network functions at each activation status. Moreover, we further analyzed differentially expressed genes to identify transcription factor (TF) motifs (−950 to +50 bp of the 5’ upstream promoters) and epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, we confirmed that the expressions of key inflammatory genes as well as pro-inflammatory mediators in the supernatants were significantly induced in LPS treated primary microglial cells. This transcriptomic analysis is the first to show a comparison of the family-wide differential expression of most known immune genes and also reveal transcription evidence of multiple gene families in BV-2 microglial cells. Collectively, these findings reveal unique transcriptomic signatures in BV-2 microglial cells required for homeostasis and effective immune responses.

Scutellarin regulates the Notch pathway and affects the migration and morphological transformation of activated microglia in experimentally induced cerebral ischemia in rats and in activated BV-2 microglia

Background

Activated microglial cells release an excess of inflammatory mediators after an ischemic stroke. We reported previously that scutellarin effectively suppressed the inflammatory response induced by activated microglia in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO); however, the mechanism via which scutellarin exerts its effects on microglial activation has not been explored. This study aimed to elucidate if scutellarin can regulate the Notch pathway that is linked to microglia activation in MCAO rat, and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia. Along with this, we also investigated some characteristic behavioral responses of activated microglia.

Methods

Expression of various members of the Notch pathway, including Notch-1, intracellular Notch receptor domain (NICD), recombining binding protein suppressor of hairless (RBP-JK) and transcription factor hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) in activated microglia was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot after experimental MCAO and in vitro LPS activation. The effect of scutellarin on migration of microglia was determined by the transwell chamber assay as well as expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). The morphological change of microglia induced by scutellarin was detected by F-actin staining and electron microscopy.

Results

Scutellarin markedly attenuated the expression of NF-κB, Notch-1, NICD, RBP-JK and Hes-1 both in vivo and in activated microglia. It decreased the expression of MCP-1 and microglial migration, but increased the ability of microglia adhesion. Scutellarin also altered the phenotype of microglia by causing rearrangement or reorganization of its cytoskeleton.

Conclusions

The results suggest that scutellarin regulates the activation of microglia via the Notch pathway and concurrently induces morphological and functional changes in activated microglia.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-014-0226-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Edaravone and Scutellarin in activated microglia in experimentally induced ischemia injury in rats and in BV-2 microglia

Background

In response to cerebral ischemia, activated microglia release excessive inflammatory mediators which contribute to neuronal damage. Therefore, inhibition of microglial over-activation could be a therapeutic strategy to alleviate various microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. This study was aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellarin and Edaravone given either singly, or in combination in activated microglia in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, respectively.

Results

In vivo, both Edaravone and Scutellarin markedly reduced the infarct cerebral tissue area with the latter drug being more effective with the dosage used; furthermore, when used in combination the reduction was more substantial. Remarkably, a greater diminution in distribution of activated microglia was observed with the combined drug treatment which also attenuated the immunoexpression of TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS to a greater extent as compared to the drugs given separately. In vitro, both drugs suppressed upregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, NO and ROS in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Furthermore, Edaravone and Scutellarin in combination cumulatively diminished the expression levels of the inflammatory mediators being most pronounced for TNF-α as evidenced by Western blot.

Conclusion

The results suggest that Edaravone and Scutellarin effectively suppressed the inflammatory responses in activated microglia, with Scutellarin being more efficacious within the dosage range used. Moreover, when both drugs were used in combination, the infarct tissue area was reduced more extensively; also, microglia-mediated inflammatory mediators notably TNF-α expression was decreased cumulatively.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-014-0125-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Emerging roles of the γ-secretase-notch axis in inflammation

γ-Secretase is a distinct proteolytic complex required for the activation of many transmembrane proteins. The cleavage of substrates by γ-secretase plays diverse biological roles in producing essential products for the organism. More than 90 transmembrane proteins have been reported to be substrates of γ-secretase. Two of the most widely known and studied of these substrates are the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the Notch receptor, which are precursors for the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and the Notch intracellular domain (NICD), respectively. The wide spectrum of γ-secretase substrates has made analyses of the pathology of γ-secretase-related diseases and underlying mechanisms challenging. Inflammation is an important aspect of disease pathology that requires an in-depth analysis. γ-Secretase may contribute to disease development or progression by directly increasing and regulating production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review summarizes recent evidence for a role of γ-secretase in inflammatory diseases, and discusses the potential use of γ-secretase inhibitors as an effective future treatment option.

Shutdown of achaete-scute homolog-1 expression by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-A2/B1 in hypoxia

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor hASH1, encoded by the ASCL1 gene, plays an important role in neurogenesis and tumor development. Recent findings indicate that local oxygen tension is a critical determinant for the progression of neuroblastomas. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxygen-dependent expression of hASH1 in neuroblastoma cells. Exposure of human neuroblastoma-derived Kelly cells to 1% O2 significantly decreased ASCL1 mRNA and hASH1 protein levels. Using reporter gene assays, we show that the response of hASH1 to hypoxia is mediated mainly by post-transcriptional inhibition via the ASCL1 mRNA 5'- and 3'-UTRs, whereas additional inhibition of the ASCL1 promoter was observed under prolonged hypoxia. By RNA pulldown experiments followed by MALDI/TOF-MS analysis, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-A2/B1 and hnRNP-R as interactors binding directly to the ASCL1 mRNA 5'- and 3'-UTRs and influencing its expression. We further demonstrate that hnRNP-A2/B1 is a key positive regulator of ASCL1, findings that were also confirmed by analysis of a large compilation of gene expression data. Our data suggest that a prominent down-regulation of hnRNP-A2/B1 during hypoxia is associated with the post-transcriptional suppression of hASH1 synthesis. This novel post-transcriptional mechanism for regulating hASH1 levels will have important implications in neural cell fate development and disease.

Calpain: a molecule to induce AIF-mediated necroptosis in RGC-5 following elevated hydrostatic pressure

BACKGROUND

RIP3 (Receptor-interacting protein 3) pathway was mainly described as the molecular mechanism of necroptosis (programmed necrosis). But recently, non-RIP3 pathways were found to mediate necroptosis. We deliberate to investigate the effect of calpain, a molecule to induce necroptosis as reported (Cell Death Differ 19:245-256, 2012), in RGC-5 following elevated hydrostatic pressure.

RESULTS

First, we identified the existence of necroptosis of RGC-5 after insult by using necrostatin-1 (Nec-1, necroptosis inhibitor) detected by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot were used to detect the expression of calpain. Western blot analysis was carried out to describe the truncated AIF (tAIF) expression with or without pretreatment of ALLN (calpain activity inhibitor). Following elevated hydrostatic pressure, necroptotic cells pretreated with or without ALLN was stained by Annexin V/PI, The activity of calpain was also examined to confirm the inhibition effect of ALLN. The results showed that after cell injury there was an upregulation of calpain expression. Upon adding ALLN, the calpain activity was inhibited, and tAIF production was reduced upon injury along with the decreased number of necroptosis cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that calpain may induce necroptosis via tAIF-modulation in RGC-5 following elevated hydrostatic pressure.

Hypoxia Induces autophagic cell death through hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in microglia

As phagocytic cells of central nervous system, excessive activation or cell death of microglia is involved in a lot of nervous system injury and degenerative disease, such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that hypoxia upregulates HIF-1α expression leading to cell death of microglia. However, the exact mechanism of cell death induced by hypoxia in microglia is not clear. In the current study, we showed that hypoxia induced cell death and autophagy in microglia. The suppression of autophagy using either pharmacologic inhibitors (3-methyladenine, bafilomycin A1) or RNA interference in essential autophagy genes (BECN1 and ATG5) decreased the cell death induced by hypoxia in microglia cells. Moreover, the suppression of HIF-1α using either pharmacologic inhibitors (3-MA, Baf A1) or RNA interference decreased the microglia death and autophagy in vitro. Taken together, these data indicate that hypoxia contributes to autophagic cell death of microglia through HIF-1α, and provide novel therapeutic interventions for cerebral hypoxic diseases associated with microglia activation.

Prevention of cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

This hypothesis states that cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are all caused by an exaggerated central nervous system inflammatory response to a prenatal insult. This prenatal insult may be one or more episodes of ischemia-reperfusion, an infectious disease of the mother or the fetus, or other causes of maternal inflammation such as allergy or autoimmune disease. The resultant fetal inflammatory hyper-response injures susceptible neurons in the developing white matter of the brain in specific areas at specific gestational ages. The exaggerated neuroinflammatory response is theorized to occur between about 19 and 34 post-conception weeks for CP, about 32 and 40 weeks for ADHD, and about 36 and 48 weeks (i.e. 2 months after delivery) for ASD. The exaggerated inflammatory response is hypothesized to occur because present diets limit intake of effective antioxidants and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids while increasing intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidation products of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) limit neuroinflammation while oxidation products of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid exacerbate inflammation. Preventative treatment should begin in all pregnant women during the first trimester and should include both DHA and an effective antioxidant for prevention of neuroinflammation. The suggested antioxidant would be N-acetylcysteine, though melatonin could be chosen instead. Combined DHA and NAC therapy is theorized to decrease the incidence of the three disorders by more than 75%.