PI3K/Akt and CREB regulate adult neural hippocampal progenitor proliferation and differentiation

The bidirectional role of GABAA and GABAB receptors during the differentiation process of neural precursor cells of the subventricular zone

The intricate process of neuronal differentiation integrates multiple signals to induce transcriptional, morphological, and electrophysiological changes that reshape the properties of neural precursor cells during their maturation and migration process. An increasing number of neurotransmitters and biomolecules have been identified as molecular signals that trigger and guide this process. In this sense, taurine, a sulfur-containing, non-essential amino acid widely expressed in the mammal brain, modulates the neuronal differentiation process. In this study, we describe the effect of taurine acting via the ionotropic GABAA receptor and the metabotropic GABAB receptor on the neuronal differentiation and electrophysiological properties of precursor cells derived from the subventricular zone of the mouse brain. Taurine stimulates the number of neurites and favors the dendritic complexity of the neural precursor cells, accompanied by changes in the somatic input resistance and the strength of inward and outward membranal currents. At the pharmacological level, the blockade of GABAA receptors inhibits these effects, whereas the stimulation of GABAB receptors has no positive effects on the taurine-mediated differentiation process. Strikingly, the blockade of the GABAB receptor with CGP533737 stimulates neurite outgrowth, dendritic complexity, and membranal current kinetics of neural precursor cells. The effects of taurine on the differentiation process involve Ca2+ mobilization and the activation of intracellular signaling cascades since chelation of intracellular calcium with BAPTA-AM, and inhibition of the CaMKII, ERK1/2, and Src kinase inhibits the neurite outgrowth of neural precursor cells of the subventricular zone.

Neuroprotective effects of saxagliptin against radiation-induced cognitive impairment: Insights on Akt/CREB/SIRT1/BDNF signaling pathway

Radiation-induced cognitive impairment has recently fueled scientific interest with an increasing prevalence of cancer patients requiring whole brain irradiation (WBI) in their treatment algorithm. Saxagliptin (SAXA), a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, has exhibited competent neuroprotective effects against varied neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this study aimed at examining the efficacy of SAXA in alleviating WBI-induced cognitive deficits. Male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into control group, WBI group exposed to 20 Gy ϒ-radiation, SAXA group treated for three weeks with SAXA (10 mg/kg. orally, once daily), and WBI/SAXA group exposed to 20 Gy ϒ-radiation then treated with SAXA (10 mg/kg. orally, once daily). SAXA effectively reversed memory deterioration and motor dysfunction induced by 20 Gy WBI during behavioural tests and preserved normal histological architecture of the hippocampal tissues of irradiated rats. Mechanistically, SAXA inhibited WBI-induced hippocampal oxidative stress via decreasing lipid peroxidation while restoring catalase antioxidant activity. Moreover, SAXA abrogated radiation-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis through downregulating proapoptotic Bcl-2 Associated X-protein (Bax) and upregulating antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions and eventually diminishing expression of cleaved caspase 3. Furthermore, SAXA boosted hippocampal neurogenesis by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. These valuable neuroprotective capabilities of SAXA were linked to activating protein kinase B (Akt), and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) along with elevating the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1). SAXA successfully mitigated cognitive dysfunction triggered by WBI, attenuated oxidative injury, and neuronal apoptosis, and enhanced neurogenesis through switching on Akt/CREB/BDNF/SIRT-1 signaling axes. Such fruitful neurorestorative effects of SAXA provide an innovative therapeutic strategy for improving the cognitive capacity of cancer patients exposed to radiotherapy.

Unlocking new avenues for neuropsychiatric disease therapy: the emerging potential of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as promising therapeutic targets

RATIONALE

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors that regulate various physiological processes such as inflammation, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that targeting PPARs could be beneficial in treating neuropsychiatric disorders by modulating neuronal function and signaling pathways in the brain. PPAR-α, PPAR-δ, and PPAR-γ have been found to play important roles in cognitive function, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection. Dysregulation of PPARs has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The limitations and side effects of current treatments have prompted research to target PPARs as a promising novel therapeutic strategy. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of PPAR agonists and antagonists to improve symptoms associated with these disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of PPARs in neuropsychiatric disorders, their potential as therapeutic targets, and the challenges and future directions for developing PPAR-based therapies.

METHODS

An extensive literature review of various search engines like PubMed, Medline, Bentham, Scopus, and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases was carried out with the keywords "PPAR, Neuropsychiatric disorders, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major depression disorder, Autism spectrum disorder, molecular pathway".

RESULT & CONCLUSION

Although PPARs present a hopeful direction for innovative therapeutic approaches in neuropsychiatric conditions, additional research is required to address obstacles and convert this potential into clinically viable and individualized treatments.

A review of natural products and small-molecule therapeutics acting on central nervous system malignancies: Approaches for drug development, targeting pathways, clinical trials, and challenges

In 2021, the World Health Organization released the fifth edition of the central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification. This classification uses histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to group tumors into more biologically and molecularly defined entities. The prognosis of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors, has remained poor worldwide, approximately 308,102 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in the year 2020, with an estimated 251,329 deaths. The cost and time-consuming nature of studies to find new anticancer agents makes it necessary to have well-designed studies. In the present study, the pathways that can be targeted for drug development are discussed in detail. Some of the important cellular origins, signaling, and pathways involved in the efficacy of bioactive molecules against CNS tumorigenesis or progression, as well as prognosis and common approaches for treatment of different types of brain tumors, are reviewed. Moreover, different study tools, including cell lines, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial challenges, are discussed. In addition, in this article, natural products as one of the most important sources for finding new chemotherapeutics were reviewed and over 700 reported molecules with efficacy against CNS cancer cells are gathered and classified according to their structure. Based on the clinical trials that have been registered, very few of these natural or semi-synthetic derivatives have been studied in humans. The review can help researchers understand the involved mechanisms and design new goal-oriented studies for drug development against CNS malignancies.

Promoter hypomethylated PDZK1 acts as a tumorigenic gene in glioma by interacting with AKT1

Glioma is the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor and typically has a poor prognosis because of malignant proliferation and invasion. It is urgent to elucidate the mechanisms driving glioma tumorigenesis and develop novel treatments to address this deadly disease. Here, we first revealed that PDZK1 is expressed at high levels in gliomas. Promoter hypomethylation may cause high expression of PDZK1 in glioma. Knockdown of PDZK1 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, further investigations revealed that the loss of PDZK1 expression by siRNA inhibited the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Clinically, high expression of PDZK1 predicts a poorer prognosis for glioma patients than low expression of PDZK1. Overall, our study revealed that PDZK1 acts as a novel oncogene in glioma by binding to AKT1 and maintaining the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, PDZK1 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma.

Role of prolactin in the protective effect of amisulpride against 1,2-Diacetylbenzene's neurotoxicity

Exposure to organic solvents is associated with various health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases. Among these solvents, 1,2-diethylbenzene is notable for its ability to produce a toxic metabolite, 1,2-Diacetylbenzene (DAB), which can cause memory impairment. Prolactin (PRL) is theorized to protect the central nervous system. Certain antipsychotic drugs, known for increasing PRL secretion, have shown to improve cognitive performance in psychotic Alzheimer's patients. Among these, amisulpride stands out for its high efficacy, limited side effects, and high selectivity for dopamine D2 receptors. In our study, we explored the potential of amisulpride to inhibit DAB-induced neurotoxicity via PRL activation. Our results show that amisulpride enhances the PRL/JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and BDNF/ERK/CREB pathways, playing critical roles in PRL's neuroprotection pathways and memory formation. Additionally, amisulpride inhibited DAB-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that amisulpride may be a promising therapeutic intervention for DAB-induced neurotoxicity, partly through activating the PRL pathway.

Chronic mild stress-induced dysregulation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex of WKY female rats

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS) represent a valid model of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Considering that depression is more prevalent in women than in men, in the present study, female rats were used. We investigated the effect of CMS on behavior and different factors involved in neuroinflammatory processes and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of WKY female rats. The results show that unstressed WKY females exhibited hypolocomotion, decreased exploratory behavior, and an increase in the total grooming time. After exposure to CMS, WKY females displayed intensified grooming. To investigate potential neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral changes, we analyzed signaling and inflammatory pathways in the hippocampus and mPFC. The findings indicate reduced BDNF and elevated levels levels of IL-1β in both brain structures and NLRP3 in the mPFC of unstressed WKY female rats. WKY rats subjected to CMS showed a further decrease in BDNF levels and increased IL-1β and NLRP3 in these brain structures. WKY showed reduced pERK1/2 and increased pp38 levels in both brain structures, while CMS revealed a further increase of pp38 in WKY in these brain structures. Expressions of p110β and pAKT were decreased in the hippocampus and mPFC of WKY rats. The CMS further suppressed p110 and the downstream AKT phosphorylation in the hippocampus, but did not affect the p110 and pAKT in the mPFC. Our findings indicate behavioral and molecular differences in genetically vulnerable WKY female rats and in their response to CMS that may be involved in TRD.

Sex-Related and Brain Regional Differences of URB597 Effects on Modulation of MAPK/PI3K Signaling in Chronically Stressed Rats

Gender differences exist in depression incidence and antidepressant efficacy. In addition to the neurotransmission theory of depression, inflammation and disrupted signaling pathways play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Endocannabinoids offer a novel approach to treat inflammatory and emotional disorders like depression. URB597, a FAAH inhibitor, reduces endocannabinoids breakdown. In this study, URB597 effects were investigated on the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K) signaling in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The results show that CUS induces depression-like behaviors, and the URB597 exhibited antidepressant-like effects inboth sexes. URB597 reduced the CUS-induced NLRP3 and IL-1β increase in the hippocampus and mPFC of both sexes. URB597 increased the reduced pERK1/2 levels in the mPFC of both sexes and hippocampus of CUS males. URB597 also prevented the increase in p38 phosphorylation after chronic stress in the mPFC of both sexes and in the hippocampus of the females. The CUS suppressed the downstream Akt phosphorylation in the mPFC and hippocampi of both sexes. URB597 produced an up-regulation of the pAkt in the hippocampus of the CUS animals but did not affect the pAkt in the mPFC. These data demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in the neural cell signaling, and in the effects of endocannabinoids, and indicated these dimorphisms are region-specific.

The hormesis principle of neuroplasticity and neuroprotection

Animals live in habitats fraught with a range of environmental challenges to their bodies and brains. Accordingly, cells and organ systems have evolved stress-responsive signaling pathways that enable them to not only withstand environmental challenges but also to prepare for future challenges and function more efficiently. These phylogenetically conserved processes are the foundation of the hormesis principle, in which single or repeated exposures to low levels of environmental challenges improve cellular and organismal fitness and raise the probability of survival. Hormetic principles have been most intensively studied in physical exercise but apply to numerous other challenges known to improve human health (e.g., intermittent fasting, cognitive stimulation, and dietary phytochemicals). Here we review the physiological mechanisms underlying hormesis-based neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Approaching natural resilience from the lens of hormesis may reveal novel methods for optimizing brain function and lowering the burden of neurological disorders.

Rosmarinic acid alleviate CORT-induced depressive-like behavior by promoting neurogenesis and regulating BDNF/TrkB/PI3K signaling axis

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural phenolic acid compound with a variety of bioactive properties. However, the antidepressant activity and mechanism of RA remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of RA on chronic CORT injection induced depression-like behavior in mice. Male C57BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with CORT (10 mg/kg) and were orally given RA daily (10 or 20 mg/kg) for 21 consecutive days. In vitro, the HT22 cells were exposed to CORT (200 μM) with RA (12.5, 25 or 50 μM) and LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) or ANA-12 (a TrkB inhibitor) treatment. The depression-like behavior and various neurobiological changes in the mice and cell injury and levels of target proteins in vitro were subsequently assessed. Here, RA treatment decreased the expression of p-GR/GR, HSP90, FKBP51, SGK-1 in mice hippocampi. Besides, RA increased the average optical density of Nissl bodies and number of dendritic spines in CA3 region, and enhanced Brdu and DCX expression and synaptic transduction in DG region, as well as up-regulated both the BDNF/TrkB/CREB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. Moreover, RA reduced structural damage and apoptosis in HT22 cells, increased the differentiation and maturation of them. More importantly, LY294002, but not ANA-12, reversed the effect of RA on GR nuclear translocation. Taken together, RA exerted antidepressant activities by modulating the hippocampal glucocorticoid signaling and hippocampal neurogenesis, which related to the BDNF/TrkB/PI3K signaling axis regulating GR nuclear translocation, provide evidence for the application of RA as a candidate for depression.

Transcriptome analysis of divergent residual feed intake phenotypes in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of Wannan Yellow rabbits

Introduction: Feed efficiency is an important economic trait in rabbit meat production. The identification of molecular mechanisms and candidate genes for feed efficiency may improve the economic and environmental benefits of the rabbit meat industry. As an alternative to the conventional feed conversion ratio, residual feed intake (RFI) can be used as an accurate indicator of feed efficiency. Methods: RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of eight Wannan Yellow rabbits with excessively high or low RFIs (HRFI or LRFI, respectively). Thereafter, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, enrichment using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted. Results: In total, 445 DEGs were identified in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of rabbits with high and low RFIs. The significantly enriched GO terms identified in these two groups were primarily involved in energy and mitochondrial metabolism and oxidation-reduction processes. KEGG analysis identified 11 significantly enriched pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, PI3K-Akt signaling, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathways. According to GSEA, the expressions of genes and pathways related to mitochondrial function were upregulated in HRFI rabbits, whereas genes with upregulated expressions in LRFI rabbits were related to immune response and energy metabolism. Additionally, PPI network analysis revealed five potential candidate genetic markers. Conclusion: Comparative analysis of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum transcriptomes in HRFI and LRFI rabbits revealed FOS, MYC, PRKACB, ITGA2, and FN1 as potential candidate genes that affect feed efficiency in rabbits. In addition, key signaling pathways involved in oxidative phosphorylation and PI3K-Akt and ECM-receptor interaction signaling impact rabbit feed efficiency. These findings will aid in breeding programs to improve feed efficiency and optimize RFI selection of rabbits for meat production.

mTOR Inhibition via Low-Dose, Pulsed Rapamycin with Intraovarian Condensed Platelet Cytokines: An Individualized Protocol to Recover Diminished Reserve?

No major breakthroughs have entered mainstream clinical fertility practice since egg donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection decades ago, and oocyte deficits secondary to advanced age continue as the main manifestation of diminished ovarian reserve. In the meantime, several unproven IVF 'accessories' have emerged including so-called ovarian rejuvenation which entails placing fresh autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into ovarian tissue. Among cellular responses attributed to this intervention are reduced oxidative stress, slowed apoptosis and improved metabolism. Besides having an impact on the existing follicle pool, platelet growth factors might also facilitate de novo oocyte recruitment by specified gene upregulation targeting uncommitted ovarian stem cells. Given that disordered activity at the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to exacerbate or accelerate ovarian aging, PRP-discharged plasma cytokines combined with mTOR suppression by pulsed/cyclic rapamycin represents a novel fusion technique to enhance ovarian function. While beneficial effects have already been observed experimentally in oocytes and embryos with mTOR inhibition alone, this proposal is the first to discuss intraovarian platelet cytokines followed by low-dose, phased rapamycin. For refractory cases, this investigational, tailored approach could amplify or sustain ovarian capacity sufficient to permit retrieval of competent oocytes via distinct but complementary pathways-thus reducing dependency on oocyte donation.

mTOR Inhibitors Modulate the Physical Properties of 3D Spheroids Derived from H9c2 Cells

To establish an appropriate in vitro model for the local environment of cardiomyocytes, three-dimensional (3D) spheroids derived from H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were prepared, and their morphological, biophysical phase contrast and biochemical characteristics were evaluated. The 3D H9c2 spheroids were successfully obtained, the sizes of the spheroids decreased, and they became stiffer during 3-4 days. In contrast to the cell multiplication that occurs in conventional 2D planar cell cultures, the 3D H9c2 spheroids developed into a more mature form without any cell multiplication being detected. qPCR analyses of the 3D H9c2 spheroids indicated that the production of collagen4 (COL4) and fibronectin (FN), connexin43 (CX43), β-catenin, N-cadherin, STAT3, and HIF1 molecules had increased and that the production of COL6 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) molecules had decreased as compared to 2D cultured cells. In addition, treatment with rapamycin (Rapa), an mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 inhibitor, and Torin 1, an mTORC1/2 inhibitor, resulted in significantly decreased cell densities of the 2D cultured H9c2 cells, but the size and stiffness of the H9c2 cells within the 3D spheroids were reduced with the gene expressions of several of the above several factors being reduced. The metabolic responses to mTOR modulators were also different between the 2D and 3D cultures. These results suggest that as unique aspects of the local environments of the 3D spheroids, the spontaneous expression of GJ-related molecules and hypoxia within the core may be associated with their maturation, suggesting that this may become a useful in vitro model that replicates the local environment of cardiomyocytes.

Mouse nerve growth factor suppresses neuronal apoptosis in valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder rats by regulating the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and restrictive behaviors. Mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF), a neurotrophic factor, is critical for neuronal growth and survival, and the mNGF treatment is considered a promising therapy for neurodegeneration. In light of this, we aimed to evaluate the effect of mNGF on neurological function in ASD.

METHODS

An ASD rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA). Social behavior, learning, and memory of the rats were measured. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-end labeling and Nissl assays were performed to detect neuronal apoptosis and survival in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Apoptosis-related proteins and oxidative stress markers were detected.

RESULTS

mNGF improved locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, social interaction, and spatial learning and memory in VPA-induced ASD rats. In the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, mNGF suppressed neuronal apoptosis, increased the number of neurons, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels, and decreased reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels compared with the VPA group. In addition, mNGF increased the levels of Bcl-2, p-phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), and p-serine/threonine kinase (Akt), and decreased the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, while the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed these effects.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that mNGF suppressed neuronal apoptosis and ameliorated the abnormal behaviors in VPA-induced ASD rats, in part, by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Developmental expression of CREB1 and NFATC2 in pig embryos

BACKGROUND

The CREB1 gene encodes the cAMP response element binding protein 1 (CREB1), a leucine zipper transcription factor that regulates cellular gene expression in response to elevated levels of intracellular cAMP. When activated by phosphorylation, CREB1 binds to the cAMP response element (CRE) of the promoters of its target genes. CREB1 is an essential component in many physiological processes, and its function is correlated to neurodevelopment, plasticity and cell survival, and learning and memory. The NFATC2 gene codes for the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 2 protein. The NFATC2 protein is a DNA-binding protein that functions as an inducer of gene transcription during immune response.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The aim of the present study was to examine the developmental expression of porcine CREB1 and NFACT2 transcripts. The expression of CREB1 and NFACT2 mRNA was examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. For the CREB1 transcript, we found significant reduction in transcript levels in the brain stem and basal ganglia during porcine embryo development, determined from day 60 to day 115 of gestation. In contrast, a significant increase in CREB1 mRNA was detected in the lungs during embryo development. No significant changes in the NFATC2 transcript were detected in porcine brain tissue during embryo development.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential CREB1 mRNA expression was found in pig brain tissues during embryo development.

The Impact of BDNF, NTRK2, NGFR, CREB1, GSK3B, AKT, MAPK1, MTOR, PTEN, ARC, and SYN1 Genetic Polymorphisms in Antidepressant Treatment Response Phenotypes

This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic variants in neuroplasticity-related genes on antidepressant treatment phenotypes. The BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, as well as the downstream kinases Akt and ERK and the mTOR pathway, have been implicated in depression and neuroplasticity. However, clinicians still struggle with the unpredictability of antidepressant responses in depressed patients. We genotyped 26 polymorphisms in BDNF, NTRK2, NGFR, CREB1, GSK3B, AKT, MAPK1, MTOR, PTEN, ARC, and SYN1 in 80 patients with major depressive disorder treated according to the Texas Medical Algorithm for 27 months at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Porto, Portugal. Our results showed that BDNF rs6265, PTEN rs12569998, and SYN1 rs1142636 SNP were associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Additionally, MAPK1 rs6928 and GSK3B rs6438552 gene polymorphisms were associated with relapse. Moreover, we found a link between the rs6928 MAPK1 polymorphism and time to relapse. These findings suggest that the BDNF, PTEN, and SYN1 genes may play a role in the development of TRD, while MAPK1 and GSK3B may be associated with relapse. GO analysis revealed enrichment in synaptic and trans-synaptic transmission pathways and glutamate receptor activity with TRD-associated genes. Genetic variants in these genes could potentially be incorporated into predictive models of antidepressant response.

The potential mechanism of the Ruhao Dashi formula in treating acute pneumonia via network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Acute pneumonia (AP) has a high seasonal prevalence every year, which seriously threatens the lives and health of patients. Six traditional Chinese medicines in Ruhao Dashi formula (RDF) have excellent antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. RDF is commonly used in the clinical treatment of AP. However, the mechanism and target of RDF are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to evaluate the target and mechanism of RDF in the treatment of AP.

METHODS

The Herbs and Disease Gene databases were searched to identify common targets of AP and RDF. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed to identify the potential molecular mechanisms behind RDF. Molecular docking was performed to compare the binding activities of the active molecules with that of the target protein.

RESULTS

The "drug-component-common target" network contained 64 active compounds and 134 targets. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that RDF could act by regulating cell death, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hypoxic response. The PPI network and "pathway-target" network identified 31 core targets. Molecular docking revealed that the 14 active ingredients of RDF bind vigorously to the core targets.

CONCLUSION

Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, we found that RDF contains 14 active components and 31 core AP targets. These targets were linked to the development of an antiinflammatory response and could be used to develop new drugs to treat AP.

Neuroprotective effects of novel compound FMDB on cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that the sharp reduction of estrogen is one of the important reasons for the high incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in elderly women, but there is currently no such drug for treatment of AD. Our group first designed and synthesized a novel compound R-9-(4fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-10,10,-Hydrogen-6-hydrogen-benzopyran named FMDB. In this study, our aim is to investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanism of FMDB in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. 6 months old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were intragastrical administered with FMDB (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) every other day for 8 weeks. LV-ERβ-shRNA was injected bilaterally into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice to knockdown estrogen receptor β (ERβ). We found that FMDB ameliorated cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests, increased hippocampal neurogenesis and prevented hippocampal apoptotic responses in APP/PS1 mice. Importantly, FMDB activated nuclear ERβ mediated CBP/p300, CREB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and membrane ERβ mediated PI3K/Akt, CREB and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus. Our study demonstrated the contributions and mechanism of FMDB to cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. These lay the experimental foundation for the development of new anti-AD drugs.

Mineralocorticoid receptor agonist aldosterone rescues hippocampal neural stem cell proliferation defects and improves postoperative cognitive function in aged mice

OBJECTIVES

Hippocampal neurogenesis is closely related to learning and memory, and hippocampal neurogenesis disorders are involved in the development of many neurodegenerative diseases. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a vital role in regulating stress response, neuroendocrine and cognitive functions, and is involved in regulating the integrity and stability of neural networks. However, the potential role of MR in the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect and mechanism of MR activation on postoperative hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in aged mice.

METHODS

18-month-old male Kunming mice were randomly divided into Control group (C group), Surgery group (S group), Surgery+ Aldosterone group (S+Aldo group), Surgery + Wortmannin group (S+Wort group), Surgery + Aldosterone + Wortmannin group (S+Aldo+Wort group). Laparotomy was used to establish an animal model of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. After surgery, mice were intraperitoneally injected with aldosterone (100 ug/kg,150 ug/kg,200 ug/kg) and / or wortmannin (1 mg/kg); One day before the sacrifice, mice were injected intraperitoneally with BrdU (100 mg / kg / time, 3 times in total). Mice were subjected to Morris water maze and field tests at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the number of BrdU +, Nestin +, BrdU/Nestin + positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of mice at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery. Western-blot was used to detect PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway related proteins Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β expression.

RESULTS

Stress impairs the performance of aged mice in water maze and open field tests, reduces the number of BrdU/Nestin+ cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and inhibits the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β proteins in the hippocampus. Aldosterone treatment promotes P-Akt, P-GSK-3β protein expression and hippocampal neural stem cell proliferation, and improves postoperative cognitive dysfunction. However, wortmannin treatment significantly reversed these effects of aldosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

The mineralocorticoid receptor agonist aldosterone promotes the proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells and improves cognitive dysfunction in aged mice after surgery, and the mechanism may be related to activation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling.

Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor in astrocytic synaptic communication

Astrocytes are known to actively participate in synaptic communication by forming structures called tripartite synapses. These synapses consist of presynaptic axon terminals, postsynaptic dendritic spines, and astrocytic processes where astrocytes release and receive transmitters. Although the transcription factor cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) has been actively studied as an important factor for mediating synaptic activity-induced responses in neurons, its role in astrocytes is relatively unknown. Synaptic signals are known to activate various downstream pathways in astrocytes, which can activate the CREB transcription factor. Therefore, there is a need to summarize studies on astrocytic intracellular pathways that are induced by synaptic communication resulting in activation of the CREB pathway. In this review, we discuss the various neurotransmitter receptors and intracellular pathways that can induce CREB activation and CREB-induced gene regulation in astrocytes.

Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress: Signaling Mechanisms, Redox Basis for Human Diseases, and Cell Cycle Regulation

Free radicals contain one or more unpaired electrons in their valence shell, thus making them unstable, short-lived, and highly reactive species. Excessive generation of these free radicals ultimately leads to oxidative stress causing oxidation and damage to significant macromolecules in the living system and essentially disrupting signal transduction pathways and antioxidants equilibrium. At lower concentrations, ROS serves as "second messengers," influencing many physiological processes in the cell. However, higher concentrations beyond cell capacity cause oxidative stress, contributing to human pathologies such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular diseases, cataract, asthma, hypertension, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. Signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt/ mTOR, and Keap1-Nrf2- ARE modulate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress by increasing the expression of cellular antioxidant defenses, phase II detoxification enzymes, and decreased production of ROS. Free radicals such as H2O2 are indeed needed for the advancement of the cell cycle as these molecules influence DNA, proteins, and enzymes in the cell cycle pathway. In the course of cell cycle progression, the cellular redox environment becomes more oxidized, moving from the G1 phase, becoming higher in G2/M and moderate in the S phase. Signals in the form of an increase in cellular pro-oxidant levels are required, and these signals are often terminated by a rise in the amount of antioxidants and MnSOD with a decrease in the level of cyclin D1 proteins. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of cell cycle redox regulation will help in the therapy of many diseases.

Repurposing artemisinins as neuroprotective agents: a focus on the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway

Artemisinin and its derivatives, since their discovery by professor Tu Youyou in the early 1970s, have been the bedrock for the management of malaria globally. Recent works have implied that they could be used to manage other diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders mainly occur in the adult population resulting from a progressive deterioration of neuronal structures. These include Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS), among others. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a significant role in the central nervous system. It has been investigated extensively for its role in central nervous system physiological processes such as cell survival, autophagy, neuronal proliferation, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, the modulation of this pathway will be crucial in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. This review seeks to compile most of the research findings on the possible neuroprotective role of artemisinins with special emphasis on their modulatory role on the PI3k/Akt pathway. A literature survey was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the keyword artemisinins, and a total of 10,281 articles were retrieved from 1956 to 2022. Among these, 120 articles were examined using Mesh words like PI3k/Akt, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation coupled with boolean operators. Most research revealed that artemisinins could help neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the PI3k/Akt with subsequent inhibition of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. This paper illustrates that artemisinins could be repurposed as a neuroprotective agent.

The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.

Folate regulates RNA m5C modification and translation in neural stem cells

BACKGROUND

Folate is an essential B-group vitamin and a key methyl donor with important biological functions including DNA methylation regulation. Normal neurodevelopment and physiology are sensitive to the cellular folate levels. Either deficiency or excess of folate may lead to neurological disorders. Recently, folate has been linked to tRNA cytosine-5 methylation (m⁵C) and translation in mammalian mitochondria. However, the influence of folate intake on neuronal mRNA m⁵C modification and translation remains largely unknown. Here, we provide transcriptome-wide landscapes of m⁵C modification in poly(A)-enriched RNAs together with mRNA transcription and translation profiles for mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) cultured in three different concentrations of folate.

RESULTS

NSCs cultured in three different concentrations of folate showed distinct mRNA methylation profiles. Despite uncovering only a few differentially expressed genes, hundreds of differentially translated genes were identified in NSCs with folate deficiency or supplementation. The differentially translated genes induced by low folate are associated with cytoplasmic translation and mitochondrial function, while the differentially translated genes induced by high folate are associated with increased neural stem cell proliferation. Interestingly, compared to total mRNAs, polysome mRNAs contained high levels of m⁵C. Furthermore, an integrative analysis indicated a transcript-specific relationship between RNA m⁵C methylation and mRNA translation efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our study reports a transcriptome-wide influence of folate on mRNA m⁵C methylation and translation in NSCs and reveals a potential link between mRNA m⁵C methylation and mRNA translation.

Co-Expression of Adaptor Protein FAM159B with Different Markers for Neuroendocrine Cells: An Immunocytochemical and Immunohistochemical Study

Little is known about the adaptor protein FAM159B. Recently, FAM159B was shown to be particularly expressed in neuroendocrine cells and tissues, such as pancreatic islets and neuroendocrine cells of the bronchopulmonary and gastrointestinal tracts, as well as in different types of neuroendocrine tumours. To gain insights into possible interactions of FAM159B with other proteins and/or receptors, we analysed the co-expression of FAM159B and various neuroendocrine-specific markers in the cancer cell lines BON-1, PC-3, NCI-h82, OH-1, and A431 and also in human pancreatic tissues and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. The markers included prominent markers of neuroendocrine differentiation, such as chromogranin A (CgA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin (SYP), insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), serotonin (5-HT), somatostatin-14/28 (SST), and several receptors that are typically expressed by neuroendocrine cells, such as dopamine receptor 2 (D2R), somatostatin receptor (SSTR) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and regulator of G-protein signalling 9 (RGS9). FAM159B was expressed evenly throughout the cytosol in all five cancer cell lines. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical analyses revealed co-expression of FAM159B with SYP, INSM1, RGS9, D2R, SSTR2, SSTR3, SSTR4, and SSTR5 and strong overlapping co-localisation with NSE. Double-labelling and co-immunoprecipitation Western blot analyses confirmed a direct association between FAM159B and NSE. These results suggest the involvement of FAM159B in several intracellular signalling pathways and a direct or indirect influence on diverse membrane proteins and receptors.

SARS-CoV-2 RNAs are processed into 22-nt vsRNAs in Vero cells

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global pandemic, resulting in great fatalities around the world. Although the antiviral roles of RNA interference (RNAi) have been well studied in plants, nematodes and insects, the antiviral roles of RNAi in mammalians are still debating as RNAi effect is suspected to be suppressed by interferon (IFN) signaling pathways in most cell types. To determine the role of RNAi in mammalian resistance to SARS-CoV-2, we studied the profiling of host small RNAs and SARS-CoV-2 virus-derived small RNAs (vsRNAs) in the early infection stages of Vero cells, an IFN-deficient cell line. We found that host microRNAs (miRNAs) were dysregulated upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in downregulation of microRNAs playing antiviral functions and upregulation of microRNAs facilitating viral proliferations. Moreover, vsRNA peaked at 22 nt at negative strand but not the positive strand of SARS-CoV-2 and formed successive Dicer-spliced pattern at both strands. Similar characteristics of vsRNAs were observed in IFN-deficient cell lines infected with Sindbis and Zika viruses. Together, these findings indicate that host cell may deploy RNAi pathway to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection in IFN-deficient cells, informing the alternative antiviral strategies to be developed for patients or tissues with IFN deficiency.

A Bioactive and Photoresponsive Platform for Wireless Electrical Stimulation to Promote Neurogenesis

Delivering electrical signals to neural cells and tissue has attracted increasing attention in the treatment of nerve injuries. Unlike traditional wired electrical stimulation, wireless and remote light stimulation provides less invasive and longer-lasting interfaces, holding great promise in the treatment of nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as human-computer interaction. Additionally, a bioactive matrix that bridges the injured gap and induces nerve regeneration is essential for injured nerve repair. However, it is still challenging to construct a 3D biomimetic cell niche with optoelectrical responsiveness. Herein, a bioactive platform for remote and wireless optoelectrical stimulation is established by incorporating hydrophilic poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) into a biomimetic hydrogel matrix. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix is modified by varying the composition and/or the crosslinking degree to meet the needs of different application scenarios. When exposed to pulsed green light, P3HT NPs in hydrogels convert light signals into electrical signals, resulting in the generation of tens of picoampere photocurrent, which is proved to promote the growth of cortical neurons that covered by hydrogels and the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels. This work is of great significance for the design of next-generation neural electrodes and scaffolds.

Silencing of hypothalamic FGF11 prevents diet-induced obesity

Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) is a member of the intracellular fibroblast growth factor family. Here, we report the central role of FGF11 in the regulation of metabolism. Lentiviral injection of Fgf11 shRNA into the arcuate nucleus of the mouse hypothalamus decreased weight gain and fat mass, increased brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, and improved glucose and insulin intolerances under high-fat diet conditions. Fgf11 was expressed in the NPY–expressing neurons, and Fgf11 knockdown considerably decreased Npy expression and projection, leading to increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the paraventricular nucleus. Mechanistically, FGF11 regulated Npy gene expression through the glycogen synthase kinase 3–cAMP response element-binding protein pathway. Our study defines the physiological significance of hypothalamic FGF11 in the regulation of metabolism in response to overnutrition such as high-fat diet.

Histone Demethylase KDM5C Drives Prostate Cancer Progression by Promoting EMT

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. During prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the epithelial cells can undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we show that the histone demethylase KDM5C is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer. We establish that stable clones silence KDM5C in prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of KDM5C leads to a reduced migratory and invasion capacity. This is associated with changes by multiple molecular mechanisms. This signaling subsequently modifies the expression of various transcription factors like Snail, Twist, and Zeb1/2, which are also known as master regulators of EMT. Taken together, our results indicate the potential to therapeutically target KDM5C either alone or in combination with Akt/mTOR-inhibitor in prostate cancer patients by targeting the EMT signaling pathways.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) poses a major public health problem in men. Metastatic PCa is incurable, and ultimately threatens the life of many patients. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes are important for PCa progression, whereas the role of epigenetic factors in prostate carcinogenesis is insufficiently examined. The histone demethylase KDM5C exerts important roles in tumorigenesis. KDM5C has been reported to be highly expressed in various cancer cell types, particularly in primary PCa. Here, we could show that KDM5C is highly upregulated in metastatic PCa. Functionally, in KDM5C knockdown cells migratory and invasion capacity was reduced. Interestingly, modulation of KDM5C expression influences several EMT signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR), expression of EMT transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and miR-205, resulting in increased expression of E-cadherin and reduced expression of N-cadherin. Mouse xenografts of KDM5C knockdown cells showed reduced tumor growth. In addition, the Akt/mTOR pathway is one of the classic signaling pathways to mediate tumor metabolic homeostasis, which is beneficial for tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, our findings indicate that a combination of a selective KDM5C- and Akt/mTOR-inhibitor might be a new promising therapeutic strategy to reduce metastatic burden in PCa.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor promotes the migration and osteogenic differentiation of rat dental pulp stem cells via the β-catenin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Background/purpose

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) inhibitor enhances bone formation, while dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are potentially used to repair bone defects. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of AR-A014418 (AR, a specific glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor) on the migration and osteogenic differentiation of rat-derived dental pulp stem cells (rDPSCs), and further explore the underlying mechanism.

Materials and methods

rDPSCs were isolated from rats, and then cultured with different concentrations of AR with or without LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor). Then, cell viability, migration, osteogenic differentiation, and the involvement of PI3K pathway were detected by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, Alizarin Red S Staining, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, Western blot, and RT-PCR, respectively.

Results

Our present study demonstrated that AR of various concentrations (1 μM, 2.5 μM, and 5 μM) not only promoted the rDPSC proliferation and migration, but also increased calcium deposition, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and levels of osteogenic markers (RUNX2, OPN, OCN, and OSX) in rDPSCs. It was also found that the administration of AR resulted in an increase in the expression level of p-GSK3β (Ser), β-catenin, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, and a reduction in p-GSK3β (Tyr216). Furthermore, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the enhanced cell migration and osteogenic differentiation of rDPSCs induced by AR.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence that AR significantly promotes migration and osteogenic differentiation of rDPSCs by activating β-catenin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Computational identification of host genomic biomarkers highlighting their functions, pathways and regulators that influence SARS-CoV-2 infections and drug repurposing

The pandemic threat of COVID-19 has severely destroyed human life as well as the economy around the world. Although, the vaccination has reduced the outspread, but people are still suffering due to the unstable RNA sequence patterns of SARS-CoV-2 which demands supplementary drugs. To explore novel drug target proteins, in this study, a transcriptomics RNA-Seq data generated from SARS-CoV-2 infection and control samples were analyzed. We identified 109 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were utilized to identify 10 hub-genes/proteins (TLR2, USP53, GUCY1A2, SNRPD2, NEDD9, IGF2, CXCL2, KLF6, PAG1 and ZFP36) by the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of hub-DEGs revealed some important functions and signaling pathways that are significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections. The interaction network analysis identified 5 TFs proteins and 6 miRNAs as the key regulators of hub-DEGs. Considering 10 hub-proteins and 5 key TFs-proteins as drug target receptors, we performed their docking analysis with the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease-guided top listed 90 FDA approved drugs. We found Torin-2, Rapamycin, Radotinib, Ivermectin, Thiostrepton, Tacrolimus and Daclatasvir as the top ranked seven candidate drugs. We investigated their resistance performance against the already published COVID-19 causing top-ranked 11 independent and 8 protonated receptor proteins by molecular docking analysis and found their strong binding affinities, which indicates that the proposed drugs are effective against the state-of-the-arts alternatives independent receptor proteins also. Finally, we investigated the stability of top three drugs (Torin-2, Rapamycin and Radotinib) by using 100 ns MD-based MM-PBSA simulations with the two top-ranked proposed receptors (TLR2, USP53) and independent receptors (IRF7, STAT1), and observed their stable performance. Therefore, the proposed drugs might play a vital role for the treatment against different variants of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of tyrosine kinase inhibitors resistance in lung tumor cells

Lung cancer is the second most common and the leading cause of cancer related deaths globally. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are among the common therapeutic strategies in lung cancer patients, however the treatment process fails in a wide range of patients due to TKIs resistance. Given that the use of anti-cancer drugs can always have side effects on normal tissues, predicting the TKI responses can provide an efficient therapeutic strategy. Therefore, it is required to clarify the molecular mechanisms of TKIs resistance in lung cancer patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulation of various pathophysiological cellular processes. In the present review, we discussed the miRNAs that have been associated with TKIs responses in lung cancer. MiRNAs mainly exert their role on TKIs response through regulation of Tyrosine Kinase Receptors (TKRs) and down-stream signaling pathways. This review paves the way for introducing a panel of miRNAs for the prediction of TKIs responses in lung cancer patients.

The functional mechanism of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of animal models with Alzheimer's disease: crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis

The transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) alleviates neuropathology and improves cognitive deficits in animal models with Alzheimer's disease. However, the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Based on meta-analysis and comprehensive review, high-profile studies support the theory that transplanted BMMSCs activate autophagy, as evidenced by the expression levels of signal molecules such as Beclin-1, Atg5, LC3-II, and mTOR. Functional autophagy mitigates neuronal apoptosis, which is reflected by the alterations of IAPs, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and so forth. Moreover, the transplantation of BMMSCs can decrease aberrant amyloid-beta peptides as well as tau aggregates, inhibit neuroinflammation, and stimulate synaptogenesis. There is a signal crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis, which may be regulated to produce synergistic effect on the preconditioning of stem cells. Forasmuch, the therapeutic effect of transplanted BMMSCs can be enhanced by autophagy and/or apoptosis modulators.

Abnormal Development of Neural Stem Cell Niche in the Dentate Gyrus of Menkes Disease

Background and Objectives

Menkes disease (MNK) is a rare X-linked recessive disease, caused by mutations in the copper transporting ATP7A gene that is required for copper homeostasis. MNK patients experience various clinical symptoms including neurological defects that are closely related to the prognosis of MNK patients. Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) produce new neurons throughout life, and defects in DG neurogenesis are often correlated with cognitive and behavioral problems. However, neurodevelopmental defects in the DG during postnatal period in MNK have not been understood yet.

Methods and Results

Mottled-brindled (Mo^Br/y) mice (MNK mice) and littermate controls were used in this study. In vivo microCT imaging and immunohistochemistry results demonstrate that blood vasculatures in hippocampus are abnormally decreased in MNK mice. Furthermore, postnatal establishment of NSC population and their neurogenesis are severely compromised in the DG of MNK mice. In addition, in vitro analyses using hippocampal neurosphere culture followed by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting suggest that neurogenesis from MNK NSCs is also significantly compromised, corresponding to defective neurogenic gene expression in MNK derived neurons.

Conclusions

Our study is the first reports demonstrating that improper expansion of the postnatal NSC population followed by significant reduction of neurogenesis may contribute to neurodevelopmental symptoms in MNK. In conclusion, our results provide new insight into early neurodevelopmental defects in MNK and emphasize the needs for early diagnosis and new therapeutic strategies in the postnatal central nerve system damage of MNK patients.

Transcriptomic analysis and biological evaluation reveals that LMO3 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Autologous bone transplantation which is a common treatment method for bone defects needs a large quantity of bone cells. In order to develop new treatments to regenerating bone tissues, this research aimed at identifying the key genes and finding their mechanism in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) osteogenesis. GSE63754, GSE89330 and GSE72429 were downloaded to perform GO functional and KEGG pathway analyses, construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, construct a PPI network and identify hub genes. The expression level of LMO3 during the osteogenesis of hADSCs was examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Lentivirus transfection was used to knock down or overexpress LMO3, which enabled us to investigate the effect of LMO3 on osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Wortmannin were used to identify the mechanism of the LMO3/PI3K/Akt axis in regulating osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Moreover, ectopic bone formation in nude mice was used to investigate the effect of LMO3 on osteogenesis in vivo. In this study, we found the expression of LMO3 was significantly upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. LMO3 knockdown remarkably suppressed osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, while LMO3 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we discovered that the enhancing effect of LMO3 overexpression on osteogenic differentiation was related to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway with wortmannin effectively blocked the stimulation of osteogenic differentiation induced by LMO3 overexpression. In conclusion, based on transcriptomic analysis, we identified key genes involved in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. In addition, we found that LMO3 might act as a positive modulator of hADSC osteogenic differentiation by mediating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Manipulating the expression of LMO3 and its associated pathways might contribute to advances in bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of calculus bovis in cerebral ischaemic stroke using a network pharmacology approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Calculus bovis is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases given its roles in clearing away heat, detoxification and pain relief. Calculus bovis is used the treatment of cerebral ischaemia, liver and gallbladder diseases and various inflammatory conditions. However, the mechanism of action of calculus bovis in the treatment of ischaemic stroke is not well understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects of calculus bovis on neurovascular units were studied, and the mechanism of action of calculus bovis on neurovascular units was also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells were used to construct models of brain neurovascular units in vitro. The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and glucose (OGD/R) model was used to assess the effects of in vitro cultured calculus bovis on inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5, HIF-1, VEGF, PI3K, Akt, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expression was detected.

RESULTS

In vitro cultured calculus bovis protects the blood-brain barrier; repairs tight junction proteins; increases ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-5 protein expression; maintains TEER(transepithelial electrical resistance) values; repairs damaged endothelial cells; increases γ-GT activity; reduces LDH and inflammatory injury; and reduces TNF-α, LI-6, and IL-1β levels. In vitro cultured calculus bovis reduces oxidative stress damage and NO and improves SOD activity. In vitro cultured calculus bovis protects neurons through antiapoptotic activities, including reductions in the apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3, increases in Bcl-2 protein expression, and protection of brain neurovascular units through the HIF/VEGF and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the protective effect of calculus bovis on neurovascular units is achieved through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. The mechanism of action of in vitro cultured calculus bovis in ischaemic stroke involves multiple targets and signalling pathways. The PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α and VEGF pathways effectively protect neurovascular units in the brain.

A PDK-1 allosteric agonist neutralizes insulin signaling derangements and beta-amyloid toxicity in neuronal cells and in vitro

The Alzheimer's brain is affected by multiple pathophysiological processes, which include a unique, organ-specific form of insulin resistance that begins early in its course. An additional complexity arises from the four-fold risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in type 2 diabetics, however there is no definitive proof of causation. Several strategies to improve brain insulin signaling have been proposed and some have been clinically tested. We report findings on a small allosteric molecule that reverses several indices of insulin insensitivity in both cell culture and in vitro models of AD that emphasize the intracellular accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβi). PS48, a chlorophenyl pentenoic acid, is an allosteric activator of PDK-1, which is an Akt-kinase in the insulin/PI3K pathway. PS48 was active at 10 nM to 1 μM in restoring normal insulin-dependent Akt activation and in mitigating Aβi peptide toxicity. Synaptic plasticity (LTP) in prefrontal cortical slices from normal rat exposed to Aβ oligomers also benefited from PS48. During these experiments, neither overstimulation of PI3K/Akt signaling nor toxic effects on cells was observed. Another neurotoxicity model producing insulin insensitivity, utilizing palmitic acid, also responded to PS48 treatment, thus validating the target and indicating that its therapeutic potential may extend outside of β-amyloid reliance. The described in vitro and cell based-in vitro coupled enzymatic assay systems proved suitable platforms to screen a preliminary library of new analogs.

Irisin regulates thermogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of the metabolic syndrome which along with its complications is an epidemic of the 21st century. Irisin is an adipo-myokine secreted mainly by skeletal muscle and targeting, among others, adipose tissue. In brown adipose tissue it upregulates uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) which is responsible for mitochondrial non-shivering thermogenesis.

METHODS

Here we analyzed the effects of irisin on the metabolic activity of 3T3-L1 derived adipocytes through a mitochondrial flux assay. We also assessed the effects of irisin on the intracellular signaling through Western Blot. Finally, the gene expression of ucp1 and lipolytic genes was examined through RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Irisin affects mitochondrial respiration and lipolysis in a time-dependent manner through the regulation of PI3K-AKT pathway. Irisin also induces the expression of UCP1 and the regulation of NF-κB, and CREB and ERK pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our data supports the role of irisin in the induction of non-shivering thermogenesis, the regulation of energy expenditure and lipolysis in adipocytes.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Irisin may be an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

MicroRNAs in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: an overview

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) and serve as a major cause of morbidity, mortality and functional dependence especially among the elderly. Despite extensive research and development efforts, the success rate of clinical pipelines has been very limited. However, microRNAs (miRs) have been proved to be of crucial importance in regulating intracellular pathways for various pathologic conditions including those of a neurodegenerative nature. There is ample evidence of altered levels of various miRs in clinical samples of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease patients with potentially major clinical implications. In the current review, we aim to summarize the relevant literature on the role of miRs in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) as the two globally predominant neurodegenerative conditions.

Effects of Electroactive materials on nerve cell behaviors and applications in peripheral nerve repair

Peripheral nerve damage can lead to loss of function or even complete disability, which bring about a huge burden on both the patient and society. Regulating nerve cell behavior and...

Artesunate inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer by regulating the PI3K/AKT/FKHR pathway

This study characterized the effects of artesunate on thyroid cancer and partially identified its related molecular mechanism. We determined the effect of artesunate on the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells using the MTT assay, cell colony formation experiments, and western blotting, and used flow cytometry to detect the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using a wound-healing assay, Transwell chamber experiments, and western blotting, we determined the effect of artesunate on cancer cell migration. By co-cultivating artesunate with the PI3K agonist, 740Y-P, we also partially identified the molecular mechanism. Artesunate significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells, and promoted the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using co-cultivation with a PI3K agonist, we found that the inhibitory effect of artesunate on cancer cells was mainly due to suppressing the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway. By inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway, artesunate induced apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells and inhibited their proliferation and migration.

Antioxidative and Conductive Nanoparticles-Embedded Cell Niche for Neural Differentiation and Spinal Cord Injury Repair

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), the transmission of electrical signals is interrupted, and an oxidative microenvironment is generated, hindering nerve regeneration and functional recovery. The strategies of regulating oxidative pathological microenvironment while restoring endogenous electrical signal transmission hold promise for SCI treatment. However, challenges are still faced in simply fabricating bioactive scaffolds with both antioxidation and conductivity. Herein, aiming to construct an antioxidative and conductive microenvironment for nerve regeneration, the difunctional polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles were developed and incorporated into bioactive collagen/hyaluronan hydrogel. Owing to the embedded PPy in hydrogel, the encapsulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can be protected from oxidative damage, and their neuronal differentiation was promoted by the synergy between conductivity and electrical stimulation, which is proved to be related to PI3K/Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In SCI rats, the BMSC-laden difunctional hydrogel restored the transmission of bioelectric signals and inhibited secondary damage, thereby facilitating neurogenesis, resulting in prominent nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Overall, taking advantage of a difunctional nanomaterial to meet two essential requirements in SCI repair, this work provides intriguing insights into the design of biomaterials for nerve regeneration and tissue engineering.

Neuroprotective effects of novel compound Tozan on cognition, neurogenesis and apoptosis in diabetes

Background

Cognitive impairment is a serious complication of diabetes that manifests as an impairment of spatial memory and learning ability. Its pathogenesis is unclear, and effective therapeutic drugs are very limited. Our group designed and synthesized a novel compound named 3-p-tolyl-9H-xanthen-9-one (Tozan). In this study, we sought to investigate the effects and mechanism of Tozan on diabetic cognitive impairment.

Methods

Methylglyoxal (MG)-induced SH-SY5Y cells and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice were treated with Tozan. Methyl thiazolul tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used to test cytotoxicity. Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests were used to evaluate cognitive function. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were used to evaluate neurogenesis, apoptosis, and signal transduction pathway-related proteins. In addition, Lentivirus (LV)-estrogen receptor beta (ERβ)-ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) was used to knockdown the ERβ gene in SH-SY5Y cells.

Results

We found that Tozan ameliorated MG-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, improved cognitive dysfunction in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice, increased neurogenesis, and prevented apoptotic responses in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, Tozan (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg) mediated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B cAMP-response element binding protein (PI3K/Akt-CREB) signaling by activating membrane ERβ, and a high dose of Tozan (8 mg/kg) mediated CREB signaling by activating nuclear ERβ in the hippocampus. Notably, Tozan did not have an anti-apoptosis and regeneration protective role in ERβ gene knockdown cells.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates Tozan’s contributions to and role in cognition, neurogenesis, and apoptosis in diabetes, and lays an experimental foundation for the development of new anti-diabetic cognitive impairment drugs.

The PI3K/Akt signaling axis in Alzheimer's disease: a valuable target to stimulate or suppress?

Among the long list of age-related complications, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has the most dreadful impact on the quality of life due to its devastating effects on memory and cognitive abilities. Although a plausible correlation between the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling and different processes involved in neurodegeneration has been evidenced, few articles reviewed the task. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which the PI3K pathway plays pro-survival roles in normal conditions, and also to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. Responses to questions on how alterations of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway affect Tau phosphorylation and the amyloid cascade are given. In addition, we provide a general overview of the association between oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, alterations of insulin signaling, and altered autophagy with aberrant activation of this axis in the AD brain. The last section provides a special focus on the therapeutic possibility of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR modulators, either categorized as chemicals or herbals, in AD. In conclusion, determining the correct timing for the administration of the drugs seems to be one of the most important factors in the success of these agents. Also, the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis in the progression or repression of AD widely depends on the context of the cells; generally speaking, while PI3K/Akt activation in neurons and neural stem cells is favorable, its activation in microglia cells may be harmful.

Novel Balance Mechanism Participates in Stem Cell Therapy to Alleviate Neuropathology and Cognitive Impairment in Animal Models with Alzheimer's Disease

Stem cell therapy improves memory loss and cognitive deficits in animal models with Alzheimer's disease. The underlying mechanism remains to be determined, but it may involve the interaction of stem cells with hippocampal cells. The transplantation of stem cells alters the pathological state and establishes a novel balance based on multiple signaling pathways. The new balance mechanism is regulated by various autocrine and paracrine cytokines, including signal molecules that target (a) cell growth and death. Stem cell treatment stimulates neurogenesis and inhibits apoptosis, which is regulated by the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy-(b) Aβ and tau pathology. Aberrant Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles are mitigated subsequent to stem cell intervention-(c) inflammation. Neuroinflammation in the lesion is relieved, which may be related to the microglial M1/M2 polarization-(d) immunoregulation. The transplanted stem cells modulate immune cells and shape the pathophysiological roles of immune-related genes such as TREM2, CR1, and CD33-(e) synaptogenesis. The functional reconstruction of synaptic connections can be promoted by stem cell therapy through multi-level signaling, such as autophagy, microglial activity, and remyelination. The regulation of new balance mechanism provides perspective and challenge for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Neural stem cells derived from primitive mesenchymal stem cells reversed disease symptoms and promoted neurogenesis in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS affects millions of people and causes a great economic and societal burden. There is no cure for MS. We used a novel approach to investigate the therapeutic potential of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human primitive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS.

Methods

MSCs were differentiated into NSCs, labeled with PKH26, and injected into the tail vein of EAE mice. Neurobehavioral changes in the mice assessed the effect of transplanted cells on the disease process. The animals were sacrificed two weeks following cell transplantation to collect blood, lymphatic, and CNS tissues for analysis. Transplanted cells were tracked in various tissues by flow cytometry. Immune infiltrates were determined and characterized by H&E and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Levels of immune regulatory cells, Treg and Th17, were analyzed by flow cytometry. Myelination was determined by Luxol fast blue staining and immunostaining. In vivo fate of transplanted cells and expression of inflammation, astrogliosis, myelination, neural, neuroprotection, and neurogenesis markers were investigated by using immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR analysis.

Results

MSC-derived NSCs expressed specific neural markers, NESTIN, TUJ1, VIMENTIN, and PAX6. NSCs improved EAE symptoms more than MSCs when transplanted in EAE mice. Post-transplantation analyses also showed homing of MSCs and NSCs into the CNS with concomitant induction of an anti-inflammatory response, resulting in reducing immune infiltrates. NSCs also modulated Treg and Th17 cell levels in EAE mice comparable to healthy controls. Luxol fast blue staining showed significant improvement in myelination in treated mice. Further analysis showed that NSCs upregulated genes involved in myelination and neuroprotection but downregulated inflammatory and astrogliosis genes more significantly than MSCs. Importantly, NSCs differentiated into neural derivatives and promoted neurogenesis, possibly by modulating BDNF and FGF signaling pathways.

Conclusions

NSC transplantation reversed the disease process by inducing an anti-inflammatory response and promoting myelination, neuroprotection, and neurogenesis in EAE disease animals. These promising results provide a basis for clinical studies to treat MS using NSCs derived from primitive MSCs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02563-8.

Molecular mechanisms of the microRNA-132 during tumor progressions

Cancer as one of the leading causes of human deaths has always been one of the main health challenges in the world. Despite recent advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a high mortality rate among cancer patients. Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for the high ratio of cancer related deaths. Therefore, it is required to introduce novel early detection methods. Various molecular mechanisms are associated with the tumor progression and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) family that has important functions in regulation of the cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, they have higher stability in body fluids compared with mRNAs which can be introduced as non-invasive diagnostic markers in cancer patients. MiR-132 has important functions as tumor suppressor or oncogene in different cancers. In the present review, we have summarized all of the studies which have been reported the role of miR-132 during tumor progressions. We categorized the miR-132 target genes based on their cell and molecular functions. Although, it has been reported that the miR-132 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor, it has also oncogenic functions especially in pancreatic tumors. MiR-132 mainly exerts its roles during tumor progressions by regulation of the transcription factors and signaling pathways. Present review clarifies the tumor specific molecular mechanisms of miR-132 to introduce that as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic marker in various cancers.

Sex-Dependent Changes of miRNA Levels in the Hippocampus of Adrenalectomized Rats Following Acute Corticosterone Administration

We explored sex-biased effects of the primary stress glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone on the miRNA expression profile in the rat hippocampus. Adult adrenalectomized (ADX) female and male rats received a single corticosterone (10 mg/kg) or vehicle injection, and after 6 h, hippocampi were collected for miRNA, mRNA, and Western blot analyses. miRNA profiling microarrays showed a basal sex-biased miRNA profile in ADX rat hippocampi. Additionally, acute corticosterone administration triggered a sex-biased differential expression of miRNAs derived from genes located in several chromosomes and clusters on the X and 6 chromosomes. Putative promoter analysis unveiled that most corticosterone-responsive miRNA genes contained motifs for either direct or indirect glucocorticoid actions in both sexes. The evaluation of transcription factors indicated that almost 50% of miRNA genes sensitive to corticosterone in both sexes was under glucocorticoid receptor regulation. Transcription factor-miRNA regulatory network analyses identified several transcription factors that regulate, activate, or repress miRNA expression. Validated target mRNA analysis of corticosterone-responsive miRNAs showed a more complex miRNA-mRNA interaction network in males compared to females. Enrichment analysis revealed that several hippocampal-relevant pathways were affected in both sexes, such as neurogenesis and neurotrophin signaling. The evaluation of selected miRNA targets from these pathways displayed a strong sex difference in the hippocampus of ADX-vehicle rats. Corticosterone treatment did not change the levels of the miRNA targets and their corresponding tested proteins. Our data indicate that corticosterone exerts a sex-biased effect on hippocampal miRNA expression, which may engage in sculpting the basal sex differences observed at higher levels of hippocampal functioning.

Ursodeoxycholic acid shows antineoplastic effects in bile duct cancer cells via apoptosis induction; p53 activation; and EGFR-ERK, COX-2, and PI3K-AKT pathway inhibition

Unlike in normal cells, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) causes apoptosis rather than protection in cancer cells. Aim of this study was to demonstrate whether UDCA actually inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in bile duct cancer cells; the effect of UDCA on the expression of COX-2, PI3K/AKT, ERK, and EGFR; how UDCA affects cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, since these effects are not established in bile duct cancer cells. SNU-245 cells (human extrahepatic bile duct cancer cells) were cultured. MTT assays were performed to evaluate the effect of UDCA on the cell proliferation. A cell death detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a caspase-3 activity assay were used to determine apoptosis. Western blot analysis measured expression levels of various proteins. The invasiveness of the cancer cells was evaluated by invasion assay. In cultured bile duct cancer cells, UDCA suppressed cell proliferation in bile duct cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and p53 activation, blocking deoxycholic acid (DCA)-induced activated EGFR-ERK signaling and COX-2, inhibiting DCA-induced activated PI3K-AKT signaling, and suppressing the invasiveness of bile duct cancer cells. In addition, a MEK inhibitor impaired UDCA-induced apoptosis in bile duct cancer cells. UDCA has antineoplastic and apoptotic effects in bile duct cancer cells. Thus, UDCA could be a chemopreventive agent in patients with a high risk of cancer, and/or a therapeutic option that enhances other chemotherapeutics.