1
|
Chen S, He B, Zhou G, Xu Y, Wu L, Xie Y, Li Y, Chen S, Huang J, Wu H, Xiao Z. Berberine enhances L1 expression and axonal remyelination in rats after brachial plexus root avulsion. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01792. [PMID: 32770668 PMCID: PMC7559605 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Enhanced remyelination of the regenerated axons results in functional re-innervation and improved functional motor recovery after brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA). The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM, L1) regulates myelination and promotes regeneration after acute injury in the nervous system. Berberine (BBR) can exert neuroprotective roles against the lesion. Herein, we investigated whether berberine (BBR) can affect the expression of L1 and enhance the axonal remyelination in rats following BPRA. METHODS The surgical procedures were performed to build the rat brachial plexus avulsion and re-implantation model, and then, the rats were treated with BBR. After the rehabilitation for 12 weeks, the musculocutaneous nerves were collected for quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and histochemical and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS We observed that, BBR treatment ameliorated the abnormal musculocutaneous nerve fibers morphology, up-regulated the L1 expression, increased the myelination-related genes, decreased the differentiated-associated genes, and up-regulated the phosphorylation of ERK. CONCLUSION These results suggest that BBR may enhance L1 expression and promote axonal remyelination after spinal root avulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangxi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Bing He
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Guijuan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yan Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yangzhi Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Leiyang People's Hospital, Leiyang, China
| | - Yihui Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuangqin Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jianghua Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Heng Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zijian Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sahu S, Zhang Z, Li R, Hu J, Shen H, Loers G, Shen Y, Schachner M. A Small Organic Compound Mimicking the L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Zebrafish. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:859-878. [PMID: 28070857 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tacrine is a small organic compound that was discovered to mimic the functions of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 by promoting the cognate functions of L1 in vitro, such as neuronal survival, neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, and myelination. Based on studies indicating that L1 enhances functional recovery in different central and peripheral nervous system disease paradigms of rodents, it deemed interesting to investigate the beneficial role of tacrine in the attractive zebrafish animal model, by evaluating functional recovery after spinal cord injury. To this aim, larval and adult zebrafish were exposed to tacrine treatment after spinal cord injury and monitored for locomotor recovery and axonal regrowth. Tacrine promoted the rapid recovery of locomotor activities in both larval and adult zebrafish, enhanced regrowth of severed axons and myelination, and reduced astrogliosis in the spinal cords. Tacrine treatment upregulated the expression of L1.1 (a homolog of the mammalian recognition molecule L1) and enhanced the L1.1-mediated intracellular signaling cascades in the injured spinal cords. These observations lead to the hope that, in combination with other therapeutic approaches, this old drug may become a useful reagent to ameliorate the deficits resulting from acute and chronic injuries of the mammalian nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Sahu
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Junkai Hu
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Huifan Shen
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Yanqin Shen
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, 1800 Li Hu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08554, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ballinger EC, Ananth M, Talmage DA, Role LW. Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Circuits and Signaling in Cognition and Cognitive Decline. Neuron 2017; 91:1199-1218. [PMID: 27657448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent work continues to place cholinergic circuits at center stage for normal executive and mnemonic functioning and provides compelling evidence that the loss of cholinergic signaling and cognitive decline are inextricably linked. This Review focuses on the last few years of studies on the mechanisms by which cholinergic signaling contributes to circuit activity related to cognition. We attempt to identify areas of controversy, as well as consensus, on what is and is not yet known about how cholinergic signaling in the CNS contributes to normal cognitive processes. In addition, we delineate the findings from recent work on the extent to which dysfunction of cholinergic circuits contributes to cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Ballinger
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Mala Ananth
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - David A Talmage
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, CNS Disorders Center, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Lorna W Role
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Neurosciences Institute, CNS Disorders Center, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kataria H, Lutz D, Chaudhary H, Schachner M, Loers G. Small Molecule Agonists of Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 Mimic L1 Functions In Vivo. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:4461-83. [PMID: 26253722 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9352-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lack of permissive mechanisms and abundance of inhibitory molecules in the lesioned central nervous system of adult mammals contribute to the failure of functional recovery after injury, leading to severe disabilities in motor functions and pain. Peripheral nerve injury impairs motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, particularly in cases where nerve gaps are large and chronic nerve injury ensues. Previous studies have indicated that the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 constitutes a viable target to promote regeneration after acute injury. We screened libraries of known drugs for small molecule agonists of L1 and evaluated the effect of hit compounds in cell-based assays in vitro and in mice after femoral nerve and spinal cord injuries in vivo. We identified eight small molecule L1 agonists and showed in cell-based assays that they stimulate neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and neurite outgrowth and enhance Schwann cell proliferation and migration and myelination of neurons in an L1-dependent manner. In a femoral nerve injury mouse model, enhanced functional regeneration and remyelination after application of the L1 agonists were observed. In a spinal cord injury mouse model, L1 agonists improved recovery of motor functions, being paralleled by enhanced remyelination, neuronal survival, and monoaminergic innervation, reduced astrogliosis, and activation of microglia. Together, these findings suggest that application of small organic compounds that bind to L1 and stimulate the beneficial homophilic L1 functions may prove to be a valuable addition to treatments of nervous system injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Kataria
- Institut für Biosynthese Neuraler Strukturen, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum-Hamburg Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Lutz
- Institut für Biosynthese Neuraler Strukturen, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum-Hamburg Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harshita Chaudhary
- Institut für Biosynthese Neuraler Strukturen, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum-Hamburg Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin Ling Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China.
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Institut für Biosynthese Neuraler Strukturen, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum-Hamburg Eppendorf, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone prevents GABAergic neuronal loss and improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurosci 2014; 34:6736-45. [PMID: 24828629 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5075-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), appropriate excitatory-inhibitory balance required for memory formation is impaired. Our objective was to elucidate deficits in the inhibitory GABAergic system in the TgCRND8 mouse model of AD to establish a link between GABAergic dysfunction and cognitive function. We sought to determine whether the neuroprotective peptide α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) attenuates GABAergic loss and thus improves cognition. TgCRND8 mice with established β-amyloid peptide pathology and nontransgenic littermates were treated with either α-MSH or vehicle via daily intraperitoneal injections for 28 d. TgCRND8 mice exhibited spatial memory deficits and altered anxiety that were rescued after α-MSH treatment. The expression of GABAergic marker glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and the number of GABAergic GAD67+ interneurons expressing neuropeptide Y and somatostatin are reduced in the hippocampus in vehicle-treated TgCRND8 mice. In the septohippocampal pathway, GABAergic deficits are observed before cholinergic deficits, suggesting that GABAergic loss may underlie behavior deficits in vehicle-treated TgCRND8 mice. α-MSH preserves GAD67 expression and prevents loss of the somatostatin-expressing subtype of GABAergic GAD67+ inhibitory interneurons. Without decreasing β-amyloid peptide load in the brain, α-MSH improves spatial memory in TgCRND8 mice and prevents alterations in anxiety. α-MSH modulated the excitatory-inhibitory balance in the brain by restoring GABAergic inhibition and, as a result, improved cognition in TgCRND8 mice.
Collapse
|
6
|
Guseva D, Loers G, Schachner M. Function-triggering antibodies to the adhesion molecule L1 enhance recovery after injury of the adult mouse femoral nerve. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112984. [PMID: 25393007 PMCID: PMC4231121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
L1 is among the few adhesion molecules that favors repair after trauma in the adult central nervous system of vertebrates by promoting neuritogenesis and neuronal survival, among other beneficial features. In the peripheral nervous system, L1 is up-regulated in Schwann cells and regrowing axons after nerve damage, but the functional consequences of this expression remain unclear. Our previous study of L1-deficient mice in a femoral nerve injury model showed an unexpected improved functional recovery, attenuated motoneuronal cell death, and enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, being attributed to the persistent synthesis of neurotrophic factors. On the other hand, transgenic mice over-expressing L1 in neurons led to improved remyelination, but not improved functional recovery. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the monoclonal L1 antibody 557 that triggers beneficial L1 functions in vitro would trigger these also in femoral nerve repair. We analyzed femoral nerve regeneration in C57BL/6J mice that received this antibody in a hydrogel filled conduit connecting the cut and sutured nerve before its bifurcation, leading to short-term release of antibody by diffusion. Video-based quantitative analysis of motor functions showed improved recovery when compared to mice treated with conduits containing PBS in the hydrogel scaffold, as a vehicle control. This improved recovery was associated with attenuated motoneuron loss, remyelination and improved precision of preferential motor reinnervation. We suggest that function-triggering L1 antibodies applied to the lesion site at the time of injury over a limited time period will not only be beneficial in peripheral, but also central nervous system regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Guseva
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pischedda F, Szczurkowska J, Cirnaru MD, Giesert F, Vezzoli E, Ueffing M, Sala C, Francolini M, Hauck SM, Cancedda L, Piccoli G. A cell surface biotinylation assay to reveal membrane-associated neuronal cues: Negr1 regulates dendritic arborization. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 13:733-48. [PMID: 24382801 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.031716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex and still not comprehensively resolved panel of transmembrane proteins regulates the outgrowth and the subsequent morphological and functional development of neuronal processes. In order to gain a more detailed description of these events at the molecular level, we have developed a cell surface biotinylation assay to isolate, detect, and quantify neuronal membrane proteins. When we applied our assay to investigate neuron maturation in vitro, we identified 439 differentially expressed proteins, including 20 members of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Among these candidates, we focused on Negr1, a poorly described cell adhesion molecule. We demonstrated that Negr1 controls the development of neurite arborization in vitro and in vivo. Given the tight correlation existing among synaptic cell adhesion molecules, neuron maturation, and a number of neurological disorders, our assay results are a useful tool that can be used to support the understanding of the molecular bases of physiological and pathological brain function.
Collapse
|
8
|
Djogo N, Jakovcevski I, Müller C, Lee HJ, Xu JC, Jakovcevski M, Kügler S, Loers G, Schachner M. Adhesion molecule L1 binds to amyloid beta and reduces Alzheimer's disease pathology in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 56:104-15. [PMID: 23639788 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of elderly dementia. In an effort to contribute to the potential of molecular approaches to reduce degenerative processes we have tested the possibility that the neural adhesion molecule L1 ameliorates some characteristic cellular and molecular parameters associated with the disease in a mouse model of AD. Three-month-old mice overexpressing mutated forms of amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 under the control of a neuron-specific promoter received an injection of adeno-associated virus encoding the neuronal isoform of full-length L1 (AAV-L1) or, as negative control, green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP) into the hippocampus and occipital cortex. Four months after virus injection, the mice were analyzed for histological and biochemical parameters of AD. AAV-L1 injection decreased the Aβ plaque load, levels of Aβ42, Aβ42/40 ratio and astrogliosis compared with AAV-GFP controls. AAV-L1 injected mice also had increased densities of inhibitory synaptic terminals on pyramidal cells in the hippocampus when compared with AAV-GFP controls. Numbers of microglial cells/macrophages were similar in both groups, but numbers of microglial cells/macrophages per plaque were increased in AAV-L1 injected mice. To probe for a molecular mechanism that may underlie these effects, we analyzed whether L1 would directly and specifically interact with Aβ. In a label-free binding assay, concentration dependent binding of the extracellular domain of L1, but not of the close homolog of L1 to Aβ40 and Aβ42 was seen, with the fibronectin type III homologous repeats 1-3 of L1 mediating this effect. Aggregation of Aβ42 in vitro was reduced in the presence of the extracellular domain of L1. The combined observations indicate that L1, when overexpressed in neurons and glia, reduces several histopathological hallmarks of AD in mice, possibly by reduction of Aβ aggregation. L1 thus appears to be a candidate molecule to ameliorate the pathology of AD, when applied in therapeutically viable treatment schemes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Djogo
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smythies J, Edelstein L. Transsynaptic modality codes in the brain: possible involvement of synchronized spike timing, microRNAs, exosomes and epigenetic processes. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 6:126. [PMID: 23316146 PMCID: PMC3539687 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2012.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper surveys two different mechanisms by which a presynaptic cell can modulate the structure and function of the postsynaptic cell. We first present the evidence that this occurs, and then discuss two mechanisms that could bring this about. The first hypothesis relates to the long lasting effects that the spike patterns of presynaptic axons may exert by modulating activity-inducible programs in postsynaptic cells. The second hypothesis is based on recently obtained evidence that, the afferent neuron at the neuromuscular junction buds off exosomes at its synapse and carries a cargo of Wg and Evi, which are large molecular transsynaptic signaling agents (LMTSAs). Further evidence indicates that many types of neurons bud off exosomes containing payloads of various lipids, proteins, and types of RNA. The evidence suggests that they are transmitted across the synapse and are taken up by the postsynaptic structure either by perisynaptic or exosynaptic mechanisms, thus mediating the transfer of information between neurons. To date, the molecular hypothesis has been limited to local interactions within the synapse of concern. In this paper, we explore the possibility that this represents a mechanism for information transfer involving the postsynaptic neuron as a whole. This entails a review of the known functions of these molecules in neuronal physiology, together with an estimate of the possible types of information they could carry and how they might affect neurocomputations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Smythies
- Center for Brain and Cognition, University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA, SA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Overexpression of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter increased acetylcholine release in the hippocampus. Neuroscience 2012; 218:1-11. [PMID: 22641085 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus is involved in cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Strategies to enhance septohippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission may therefore be of therapeutic value to limit cognitive decline during cholinergic dysfunction. In addition to current strategies being developed, such as the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, enhancing acetylcholine (ACh) release may be critical for optimal cholinergic neurotransmission. Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) activity limits the rate of formation of the readily releasable ACh pool. As such, we sought to determine the influence of increased VAChT expression on the septohippocampal cholinergic system. To do this, we used the B6.eGFPChAT congenic mouse, which we show contains multiple gene copies of VAChT. In this transgenic mouse, the increased VAChT gene copy number led to an increase in VAChT gene expression in the septum and a corresponding enhancement of VAChT protein in the hippocampal formation. VAChT overexpression enhanced the release of ACh from ex vivo hippocampal slices. From these findings, we conclude that VAChT overexpression is sufficient to enhance ACh release in the hippocampal formation. It remains to be established whether, in cases of cholinergic deficits, increasing VAChT expression would re-establish adequate levels of cholinergic neurotransmission, thereby providing a valid therapeutic target.
Collapse
|