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Weiss BE, Kraner SD, Artiushin IA, Norris CM. Elevated calcineurin activity in primary astrocytes leads to the dephosphorylation of connexin 43 in conjunction with increased membrane permeability. Neuroreport 2024; 35:673-678. [PMID: 38813906 PMCID: PMC11279532 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CN) is observed in reactive astrocytes associated with neuroinflammation and progressive degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. Apart from key transcription factors (e.g. nuclear factor of activated t cells and nuclear factor-κB) very few other CN-dependent pathways have been studied in astrocytes. The hemichannel protein, connexin 43 (Cx43) is found at high levels in astrocytes and contains a CN-sensitive Ser residue near its carboxy terminus. CN-dependent dephosphorylation of Cx43 has been reported in primary astrocytes treated with injurious stimuli, but much remains unknown about CN/Cx43 interactions in the context of neuroinflammation and disease. Western blots were used to assess total Cx43 and dephosphorylated Cx43 subtypes in rat embryonic primary astrocytes treated with a hyperactive CN fragment (ΔCN, via adenovirus), or with a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail. Under similar treatment conditions, an ethidium bromide (EtBr) uptake assay was used to assess membrane permeability. Effects of ΔCN and cytokines were tested in the presence or absence of the CN inhibitor, cyclosporin A. A connexin inhibitor, carbenoxolone was also used in EtBr assays to assess the involvement of connexins in membrane permeability. Treatment with ΔCN or cytokines increased dephosphorylated Cx43 levels in conjunction with increased membrane permeability (elevated EtBr uptake). Effects of ΔCN or cytokine treatment were blocked by cyclosporine A. Treatment-induced changes in EtBr uptake were also inhibited by carbenoxolone. The results suggest that Cx43 hemichannels could be an important mechanism through which astrocytic CN disrupts neurologic function associated with neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine E. Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
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2
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Kraner SD, Sompol P, Prateeptrang S, Promkan M, Hongthong S, Thongsopha N, Nelson PT, Norris CM. Development of a monoclonal antibody specific for a calpain-generated ∆48 kDa calcineurin fragment, a marker of distressed astrocytes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110012. [PMID: 37984591 PMCID: PMC10841921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase. In healthy tissue, CN exists mainly as a full-length (∼60 kDa) highly-regulated protein phosphatase involved in essential cellular functions. However, in diseased or injured tissue, CN is proteolytically converted to a constitutively active fragment that has been causatively-linked to numerous pathophysiologic processes. These calpain-cleaved CN fragments (∆CN) appear at high levels in human brain at early stages of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). NEW METHOD We developed a monoclonal antibody to ∆CN, using an immunizing peptide corresponding to the C-terminal end of the ∆CN fragment. RESULTS We obtained a mouse monoclonal antibody, designated 26A6, that selectively detects ∆CN in Western analysis of calpain-cleaved recombinant human CN. Using this antibody, we screened both pathological and normal human brain sections provided by the University of Kentucky's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. 26A6 showed low reactivity towards normal brain tissue, but detected astrocytes both surrounding AD amyloid plaques and throughout AD brain tissue. In brain tissue with infarcts, there was considerable concentration of 26A6-positive astrocytes within/around infarcts, suggesting a link with anoxic/ischemia pathways. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The results obtained with the new monoclonal are similar to those obtained with a polyclonal we had previously developed. However, the monoclonal is an abundant tool available to the dementia research community. CONCLUSIONS The new monoclonal 26A6 antibody is highly selective for the ∆CN proteolytic fragment and labels a subset of astrocytes, and could be a useful tool for marking insidious brain pathology and identifying novel astrocyte phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Siriyagon Prateeptrang
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Moltira Promkan
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suthida Hongthong
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Napasorn Thongsopha
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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3
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Mackiewicz J, Lisek M, Boczek T. Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281882. [PMID: 38077352 PMCID: PMC10701682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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4
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Wang J, Soliman AM, Norlin J, Barreda DR, Stafford JL. Expression analysis of Carassius auratus-leukocyte-immune-type receptors (CaLITRs) during goldfish kidney macrophage development and in activated kidney leukocyte cultures. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:171-189. [PMID: 36806761 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Carassius auratus leukocyte immune-type receptors (CaLITRs) were recently discovered immunoregulatory receptors in goldfish that have diverse immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) ectodomains and intracellular signaling motifs. Genomic analysis shows that CaLITR-types are also located as distinct gene clusters across multiple goldfish chromosomes. For example, CaLITR1 (unplaced) is a functionally ambiguous receptor having two Ig-like domains, a transmembrane domain (TM), and a short cytoplasmic tail (CYT) devoid of any recognizable signaling motifs. CaLITR2 (Chr47) is a putative inhibitory receptor containing four Ig-like domains, a TM, and a long CYT with an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM). A putative activating receptor-type, CaLITR3 (Chr3), has four Ig-like domains, a TM, and a short CYT containing a positively charged histidine residue and CaLITR4 (ChrLG28B) is a receptor with putative multifunctional signaling potential as well as five Ig-like domains, a TM, and a long tyrosine-motif containing CYT region. The variable genomic locations of the CaLITRs suggest that they are likely under the influence of different cis- and/or trans-regulatory elements. To better understand the transcriptional activities of select CaLITRs from variable genomic regions, we used an RT-qPCR-based approach to examine the expression of CaLITR1, CaLITR2, CaLITR3, and CaLITR4 during goldfish primary kidney macrophage (PKM) development and in mixed leukocyte reaction cultures (MLRs) of the goldfish. Our results showed that the select CaLITRs are differentially expressed during PKM development and in goldfish MLRs exposed to T-cell mitogens/immunosuppressive drugs, supporting that the transcription of these CaLITRs is likely regulated by distinct cis- and/or trans-regulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Amro M Soliman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jeff Norlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Daniel R Barreda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - James L Stafford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
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5
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Weiss BE, Lin RL, Case SL, Kraner SD, Weekman EM, Gant JC, Rogers CB, Niedowicz DM, Sudduth TL, Powell DK, Lin AL, Nelson PT, Thibault O, Wilcock DM, Norris CM. Targeting Astrocyte Signaling Alleviates Cerebrovascular and Synaptic Function Deficits in a Diet-Based Mouse Model of Small Cerebral Vessel Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1797-1813. [PMID: 36746627 PMCID: PMC10010459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1333-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the indispensable role that astrocytes play in the neurovascular unit, few studies have investigated the functional impact of astrocyte signaling in cognitive decline and dementia related to vascular pathology. Diet-mediated induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) recapitulates numerous features of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here, we used astrocyte targeting approaches to evaluate astrocyte Ca2+ dysregulation and the impact of aberrant astrocyte signaling on cerebrovascular dysfunction and synapse impairment in male and female HHcy diet mice. Two-photon imaging conducted in fully awake mice revealed activity-dependent Ca2+ dysregulation in barrel cortex astrocytes under HHcy. Stimulation of contralateral whiskers elicited larger Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes of HHcy diet mice compared with control diet mice. However, evoked Ca2+ signaling across astrocyte networks was impaired in HHcy mice. HHcy also was associated with increased activation of the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT4, which has been linked previously to the reactive astrocyte phenotype and synapse dysfunction in amyloid and brain injury models. Targeting the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT to astrocytes, using adeno-associated virus vectors, led to reduced GFAP promoter activity in HHcy diet mice and improved functional hyperemia in arterioles and capillaries. VIVIT expression in astrocytes also preserved CA1 synaptic function and improved spontaneous alternation performance on the Y maze. Together, the results demonstrate that aberrant astrocyte signaling can impair the major functional properties of the neurovascular unit (i.e., cerebral vessel regulation and synaptic regulation) and may therefore represent a promising drug target for treating VCID and possibly Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impact of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated Ca2+ responses and signaling in barrel cortex astrocytes of mice fed with a B-vitamin deficient diet that induces hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cerebral vessel disease, and cognitive decline. Multiphoton imaging in awake mice with HHcy revealed augmented Ca2+ responses in individual astrocytes, but impaired signaling across astrocyte networks. Stimulation-evoked arteriole dilation and elevated red blood cell velocity in capillaries were also impaired in cortex of awake HHcy mice. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, NFAT, normalized cerebrovascular function in HHcy mice, improved synaptic properties in brain slices, and stabilized cognition. Results suggest that astrocytes are a mechanism and possible therapeutic target for vascular-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Blaine E Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Sami L Case
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | - John C Gant
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Pathology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Olivier Thibault
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
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6
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Zhen H, Zheng M, Geng H, Song Q, Gao L, Yuan Z, Deng H, Pang Q, Zhao B. The feedback loop between calcineurin, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells regulates the number of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988803. [PMID: 36172263 PMCID: PMC9510629 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of brain neural circuits are the main source of encephalopathy during neurodevelopment. Changes in the function of neural circuits can lead to depolarization or repeat rhythmic firing of neurons in a manner similar to epilepsy. GABAergic neurons are inhibitory neurons found in all the main domains of the CNS. Previous studies suggested that DjCamkII and DjCaln play a crucial role in the regulation of GABAergic neurons during planarian regeneration. However, the mechanisms behind the regeneration of GABAergic neurons have not been fully explained. Herein, we demonstrated that DjCamkII and DjCaln were mutual negative regulation during planarian head regeneration. DjNFAT exerted feedback positive regulation on both DjCaln and DjCamkII. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that DjNFAT was predominantly expressed in the pharynx and parenchymal cells in intact planarian. Interestingly, during planarian head regeneration, DjNFAT was predominantly located in the newborn brain. Down-regulation of DjNFAT led to regeneration defects in the brain including regenerative brain became small and the lateral nerves cannot be regenerated completely, and a decreasein the number of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration. These findings suggest that the feedback loop between DjCaln, DjCamkII, and DjNFAT is crucial for the formation of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhen
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huazhi Geng
- Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Qian Song
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Lili Gao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Zuoqing Yuan
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Hongkuan Deng
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Bosheng Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Bosheng Zhao,
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7
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Kraner SD, Artiushin IA, Cloyd RA, Chishti EA, Koren SA, Nation GK, Abisambra JF, Huzian O, Nagy LI, Santha M, Hackler L, Puskas LG, Norris CM. Q134R: Small chemical compound with NFAT inhibitory properties improves behavioral performance and synapse function in mouse models of amyloid pathology. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13416. [PMID: 34117818 PMCID: PMC8282246 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) ameliorates pathophysiologic and cognitive changes in aging rodents and mice with aging-related Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. However, concerns over adverse effects have slowed the transition of common CN-inhibiting drugs to the clinic for the treatment of AD and AD-related disorders. Targeting substrates of CN, like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), has been suggested as an alternative, safer approach to CN inhibitors. However, small chemical inhibitors of NFATs have only rarely been described. Here, we investigate a newly developed neuroprotective hydroxyquinoline derivative (Q134R) that suppresses NFAT signaling, without inhibiting CN activity. Q134R partially inhibited NFAT activity in primary rat astrocytes, but did not prevent CN-mediated dephosphorylation of a non-NFAT target, either in vivo, or in vitro. Acute (≤1 week) oral delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 (12 months old) or wild-type mice (3-4 months old) infused with oligomeric Aβ peptides led to improved Y maze performance. Chronic (≥3 months) oral delivery of Q134R appeared to be safe, and, in fact, promoted survival in wild-type (WT) mice when given for many months beyond middle age. Finally, chronic delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 mice during the early stages of amyloid pathology (i.e., between 6 and 9 months) tended to reduce signs of glial reactivity, prevented the upregulation of astrocytic NFAT4, and ameliorated deficits in synaptic strength and plasticity, without noticeably altering parenchymal Aβ plaque pathology. The results suggest that Q134R is a promising drug for treating AD and aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jenna L. Gollihue
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Ryan A. Cloyd
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Emad A. Chishti
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Shon A. Koren
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Grant K. Nation
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jose F. Abisambra
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
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8
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Schneider R, Leven P, Glowka T, Kuzmanov I, Lysson M, Schneiker B, Miesen A, Baqi Y, Spanier C, Grants I, Mazzotta E, Villalobos‐Hernandez E, Kalff JC, Müller CE, Christofi FL, Wehner S. A novel P2X2-dependent purinergic mechanism of enteric gliosis in intestinal inflammation. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e12724. [PMID: 33332729 PMCID: PMC7799361 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric glial cells (EGC) modulate motility, maintain gut homeostasis, and contribute to neuroinflammation in intestinal diseases and motility disorders. Damage induces a reactive glial phenotype known as "gliosis", but the molecular identity of the inducing mechanism and triggers of "enteric gliosis" are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that surgical trauma during intestinal surgery triggers ATP release that drives enteric gliosis and inflammation leading to impaired motility in postoperative ileus (POI). ATP activation of a p38-dependent MAPK pathway triggers cytokine release and a gliosis phenotype in murine (and human) EGCs. Receptor antagonism and genetic depletion studies revealed P2X2 as the relevant ATP receptor and pharmacological screenings identified ambroxol as a novel P2X2 antagonist. Ambroxol prevented ATP-induced enteric gliosis, inflammation, and protected against dysmotility, while abrogating enteric gliosis in human intestine exposed to surgical trauma. We identified a novel pathogenic P2X2-dependent pathway of ATP-induced enteric gliosis, inflammation and dysmotility in humans and mice. Interventions that block enteric glial P2X2 receptors during trauma may represent a novel therapy in treating POI and immune-driven intestinal motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim Glowka
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | | | | | | | - Anna Miesen
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Younis Baqi
- Faculty of ScienceDepartment of ChemistrySultan Qaboos UniversityMuscatOman
- Pharmaceutical InstitutePharmaceutical & Medical ChemistryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Claudia Spanier
- Pharmaceutical InstitutePharmaceutical & Medical ChemistryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Iveta Grants
- Department of AnesthesiologyWexner Medical CenterThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Elvio Mazzotta
- Department of AnesthesiologyWexner Medical CenterThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | | | - Jörg C Kalff
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical InstitutePharmaceutical & Medical ChemistryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Fedias L Christofi
- Department of AnesthesiologyWexner Medical CenterThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
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9
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Cho KO, Jeong KH, Cha JH, Kim SY. Spatiotemporal expression of RCAN1 and its isoform RCAN1-4 in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:81-88. [PMID: 31908577 PMCID: PMC6940495 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.1.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) can be induced by an intracellular calcium increase and oxidative stress, which are characteristic features of temporal lobe epilepsy. Thus, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression and cellular localization of RCAN1 protein and mRNA in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). Male C57BL/6 mice were given pilocarpine hydrochloride (280 mg/kg, i.p.) and allowed to develop 2 h of SE. Then the animals were given diazepam (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to stop the seizures and sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28 day after SE. Cresyl violet staining showed that pilocarpine-induced SE resulted in cell death in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus from 3 day after SE. RCAN1 immunoreactivity showed that RCAN1 was mainly expressed in neurons in the shammanipulated hippocampi. At 1 day after SE, RCAN1 expression became detected in hippocampal neuropils. However, RCAN1 signals were markedly enhanced in cells with stellate morphology at 3 and 7 day after SE, which were confirmed to be reactive astrocytes, but not microglia by double immunofluorescence. In addition, real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction showed a significant upregulation of RCAN1 isoform 4 (RCAN1-4) mRNA in the SE-induced hippocampi. Finally, in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry revealed astrocytic expression of RCAN1-4 after SE. These results demonstrate astrocytic upregulation of RCAN1 and RCAN1-4 in the mouse hippocampus in the acute and subacute phases of epileptogenesis, providing foundational information for the potential role of RCAN1 in reactive astrocytes during epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ok Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.,Institute of Aging and Metabolic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Kyoung Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Cha
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seong Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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10
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dos Santos JPA, Vizuete AF, Gonçalves CA. Calcineurin-Mediated Hippocampal Inflammatory Alterations in Streptozotocin-Induced Model of Dementia. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:502-512. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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11
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NFATc3 controls tumour growth by regulating proliferation and migration of human astroglioma cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9361. [PMID: 31249342 PMCID: PMC6597574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45731-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium/Calcineurin/Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (Ca/CN/NFAT) signalling pathway is the main calcium (Ca2+) dependent signalling pathway involved in the homeostasis of brain tissue. Here, we study the presence of NFATc members in human glioma by using U251 cells and a collection of primary human glioblastoma (hGB) cell lines. We show that NFATc3 member is the predominant member. Furthermore, by using constitutive active NFATc3 mutant and shRNA lentiviral vectors to achieve specific silencing of this NFATc member, we describe cytokines and molecules regulated by this pathway which are required for the normal biology of cancer cells. Implanting U251 in an orthotopic intracranial assay, we show that specific NFATc3 silencing has a role in tumour growth. In addition NFATc3 knock-down affects both the proliferation and migration capacities of glioma cells in vitro. Our data open the possibility of NFATc3 as a target for the treatment of glioma.
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12
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Delikkaya B, Moriel N, Tong M, Gallucci G, de la Monte SM. Altered expression of insulin-degrading enzyme and regulator of calcineurin in the rat intracerebral streptozotocin model and human apolipoprotein E-ε4-associated Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 11:392-404. [PMID: 31193223 PMCID: PMC6522644 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadm.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study assesses insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) as potential mediators of brain insulin deficiency and neurodegeneration in experimental and human Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Temporal lobes from Long Evans rats treated with intracerebral streptozotocin or vehicle and postmortem frontal lobes from humans with normal aging AD (Braak 0-2), moderate (Braak 3-4) AD, or advanced (Braak 5-6) AD were used to measure IDE and RCAN mRNA and protein. RESULTS Intracerebral streptozotocin significantly increased IDE and RCAN mRNA and protein. In humans with apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4 and AD, IDE was elevated at Braak 3-4, but at Braak 5-6, IDE expression was significantly reduced. RCAN1 mRNA was similarly reduced in ApoE ε4+ patients with moderate or severe AD, whereas RCAN1 protein declined with the severity of AD and ApoE ε4 dose. DISCUSSION The findings suggest that IDE and RCAN1 differentially modulate brain insulin signaling in relation to AD severity and ApoE genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Delikkaya
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Natalia Moriel
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ming Tong
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gina Gallucci
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Suzanne M. de la Monte
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA,Corresponding author. Tel.: +401-444-7364; Fax: +401-444-2939.
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13
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Kraner SD, Norris CM. Astrocyte Activation and the Calcineurin/NFAT Pathway in Cerebrovascular Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:287. [PMID: 30297999 PMCID: PMC6160594 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase with high abundance in nervous tissue. Though enriched in neurons, CN can become strongly induced in subsets of activated astrocytes under different pathological conditions where it interacts extensively with the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs). Recent work has shown that regions of small vessel damage are associated with the upregulation of a proteolized, highly active form of CN in nearby astrocytes, suggesting a link between the CN/NFAT pathway and chronic cerebrovascular disease. In this Mini Review article, we discuss CN/NFAT signaling properties in the context of vascular disease and use previous cell type-specific intervention studies in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury models as a framework to understand how astrocytic CN/NFATs may couple vascular pathology to neurodegeneration and cognitive loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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14
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Sompol P, Norris CM. Ca 2+, Astrocyte Activation and Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:199. [PMID: 30038565 PMCID: PMC6046440 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports a fundamental role for Ca2+ dysregulation in astrocyte activation. Though the activated astrocyte phenotype is complex, cell-type targeting approaches have revealed a number of detrimental roles of activated astrocytes involving neuroinflammation, release of synaptotoxic factors and loss of glutamate regulation. Work from our lab and others has suggested that the Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin (CN), provides a critical link between Ca2+ dysregulation and the activated astrocyte phenotype. A proteolyzed, hyperactivated form of CN appears at high levels in activated astrocytes in both human tissue and rodent tissue around regions of amyloid and vascular pathology. Similar upregulation of the CN-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT4) also appears in activated astrocytes in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (ADs) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Major consequences of hyperactivated CN/NFAT4 signaling in astrocytes are neuroinflammation, synapse dysfunction and glutamate dysregulation/excitotoxicity, which will be covered in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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15
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Pang Z, Junkins RD, Raudonis R, MacNeil AJ, McCormick C, Cheng Z, Lin TJ. Regulator of calcineurin 1 differentially regulates TLR-dependent MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197491. [PMID: 29799862 PMCID: PMC5969770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize the conserved molecular patterns in microorganisms and trigger myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and/or TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) pathways that are critical for host defense against microbial infection. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern TLR signaling remain incompletely understood. Regulator of calcineurin-1 (RCAN1), a small evolutionarily conserved protein that inhibits calcineurin phosphatase activity, suppresses inflammation during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Here, we define the roles for RCAN1 in P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated TLR4 signaling. We compared the effects of P. aeruginosa LPS challenge on bone marrow-derived macrophages from both wild-type and RCAN1-deficient mice and found that RCAN1 deficiency increased the MyD88-NF-κB-mediated cytokine production (IL-6, TNF and MIP-2), whereas TRIF-interferon-stimulated response elements (ISRE)-mediated cytokine production (IFNβ, RANTES and IP-10) was suppressed. RCAN1 deficiency caused increased IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB activity in the MyD88-dependent pathway, but impaired ISRE activation and reduced IRF7 expression in the TRIF-dependent pathway. Complementary studies of a mouse model of P. aeruginosa LPS-induced acute pneumonia confirmed that RCAN1-deficient mice displayed greatly enhanced NF-κB activity and MyD88-NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, which correlated with enhanced pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils. By contrast, RCAN1 deficiency had little effect on the TRIF pathway in vivo. These findings demonstrate a novel regulatory role of RCAN1 in TLR signaling, which differentially regulates MyD88 and TRIF pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Pang
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Robert D. Junkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Renee Raudonis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Adam J. MacNeil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Craig McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Zhenyu Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tong-Jun Lin
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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16
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Coskun P, Helguera P, Nemati Z, Bohannan RC, Thomas J, Samuel SE, Argueta J, Doran E, Wallace DC, Lott IT, Busciglio J. Metabolic and Growth Rate Alterations in Lymphoblastic Cell Lines Discriminate Between Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 55:737-748. [PMID: 27802222 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and these alterations in mitochondria occur systemically in both conditions. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that peripheral cells of elder subjects with DS exhibit disease-specific and dementia-specific metabolic features. To test this, we performed a comprehensive analysis of energy metabolism in lymphoblastic-cell-lines (LCLs) derived from subjects belonging to four groups: DS-with-dementia (DSAD), DS-without-dementia (DS), sporadic AD, and age-matched controls. METHODS LCLs were studied under regular or minimal feeding regimes with galactose or glucose as primary carbohydrate sources. We assessed metabolism under glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation by quantifying cell viability, oxidative stress, ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial calcium uptake, and autophagy. RESULTS DS and DSAD LCLs showed slower growth rates under minimal feeding. DS LCLs mainly dependent on mitochondrial respiration exhibited significantly slower growth and higher levels of oxidative stress compared to other groups. While ATP levels (under mitochondrial inhibitors) and mitochondrial calcium uptake were significantly reduced in DSAD and AD cells, MMP was decreased in DS, DSAD, and AD LCLs. Finally, DS LCLs showed markedly reduced levels of the autophagy marker LC3-II, underscoring the close association between metabolic dysfunction and impaired autophagy in DS. CONCLUSION There are significant mitochondrial functional changes in LCLs derived from DS, DSAD, and AD patients. Several parameters analyzed were consistently different between DS, DSAD, and AD lines suggesting that metabolic indicators between LCL groups may be utilized as biomarkers of disease progression and/or treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Coskun
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Helguera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martin Ferreyra, Córdoba, Argentina, USA
| | - Zahra Nemati
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ryan C Bohannan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jean Thomas
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Schriner E Samuel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn Argueta
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Eric Doran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine (CMEM), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ira T Lott
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Busciglio
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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17
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Choi HS, Lee MJ, Choi SR, Smeester BA, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Spinal Sigma-1 Receptor-mediated Dephosphorylation of Astrocytic Aromatase Plays a Key Role in Formalin-induced Inflammatory Nociception. Neuroscience 2018; 372:181-191. [PMID: 29289721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is a key enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of estrogen from testosterone. Although recent evidence indicates that spinal cord aromatase participates in nociceptive processing, the mechanisms underlying its regulation and its involvement in nociception remain unclear. The present study focuses on the potential role of astrocyte aromatase in formalin-induced acute pain and begins to uncover one mechanism by which spinal aromatase activation is controlled. Following intraplantar formalin injection, nociceptive responses were quantified and immunohistochemistry/co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the changes in spinal Fos expression and the phospho-serine levels of spinal aromatase. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) mitigated both the late phase formalin-induced nociceptive responses and formalin-induced spinal Fos expression. Furthermore, formalin-injected mice showed significantly reduced phospho-serine levels of aromatase, which is associated with the rapid activation of this enzyme. However, sigma-1 receptor inhibition with i.t. BD1047 blocked the dephosphorylation of aromatase and potentiated the pharmacological effect of letrozole on formalin-induced nociceptive responses. In addition, i.t. administration of a sub-effective dose of BD1047 potentiated the pharmacological effect of cyclosporin A (a calcineurin inhibitor) on both the formalin-induced reduction in phospho-serine levels of aromatase and nociceptive behavior. These results suggest that dephosphorylation is an important regulatory mechanism involved in the rapid activation of aromatase and that spinal sigma-1 receptors mediate this dephosphorylation of aromatase through an intrinsic calcineurin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon-Seong Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ji Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Branden A Smeester
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Pfuhlmann K, Schriever SC, Legutko B, Baumann P, Harrison L, Kabra DG, Baumgart EV, Tschöp MH, Garcia-Caceres C, Pfluger PT. Calcineurin A beta deficiency ameliorates HFD-induced hypothalamic astrocytosis in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:35. [PMID: 29422055 PMCID: PMC5806488 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytosis is a reactive process involving cellular, molecular, and functional changes to facilitate neuronal survival, myelin preservation, blood brain barrier function and protective glial scar formation upon brain insult. The overall pro- or anti-inflammatory impact of reactive astrocytes appears to be driven in a context- and disease-driven manner by modulation of astrocytic Ca2+ homeostasis and activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin. Here, we aimed to assess whether calcineurin is dispensable for astrocytosis in the hypothalamus driven by prolonged high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Global deletion of calcineurin A beta (gene name: Ppp3cb) led to a decrease of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of mice exposed chronically to HFD. The concomitant decrease in Iba1-positive microglia in the VMH further suggests a modest impact of Ppp3cb deletion on microgliosis. Pharmacological inhibition of calcineurin activity by Fk506 had no impact on IBA1-positive microglia in hypothalami of mice acutely exposed to HFD for 1 week. However, Fk506-treated mice displayed a decrease in GFAP levels in the ARC. In vivo effects could not be replicated in cell culture, where calcineurin inhibition by Fk506 had no effect on astrocytic morphology, astrocytic cell death, GFAP, and vimentin protein levels or microglia numbers in primary hypothalamic astrocytes and microglia co-cultures. Further, adenoviral overexpression of calcineurin subunit Ppp3r1 in primary glia culture did not lead to an increase in GFAP fluorescence intensity. Overall, our results point to a prominent role of calcineurin in mediating hypothalamic astrocytosis as response to acute and chronic HFD exposure. Moreover, discrepant findings in vivo and in cell culture indicate the necessity of studying astrocytes in their “natural” environment, i.e., preserving an intact hypothalamic microenvironment with neurons and non-neuronal cells in close proximity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Pfuhlmann
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sonja C Schriever
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Beata Legutko
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Peter Baumann
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Luke Harrison
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dhiraj G Kabra
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center. Heinrich Heine University, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emily Violette Baumgart
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Diseases, Technische Universität München, 80333, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cristina Garcia-Caceres
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Paul T Pfluger
- Research Unit NeuroBiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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19
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García-Redondo AB, Esteban V, Briones AM, Díaz Del Campo LS, González-Amor M, Méndez-Barbero N, Campanero MR, Redondo JM, Salaices M. Regulator of calcineurin 1 modulates vascular contractility and stiffness through the upregulation of COX-2-derived prostanoids. Pharmacol Res 2018; 133:236-249. [PMID: 29309904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) derived-prostanoids participate in the altered vascular function and mechanical properties in cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) participates in vascular contractility and stiffness through the regulation of COX-2. For this, wild type (Rcan1+/+) and Rcan1-deficient (Rcan1-/-) mice untreated or treated with the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib were used. Vascular function and structure were analysed by myography. COX-2 and phospo-p65 expression were studied by western blotting and immunohistochemistry and TXA2 production by ELISA. We found that Rcan1 deficiency increases COX-2 and IL-6 expression and NF-κB activation in arteries and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Adenoviral-mediated re-expression of Rcan1.4 in Rcan1-/- VSMC normalized COX-2 expression. Phenylephrine-induced vasoconstrictor responses were greater in aorta from Rcan1-/- compared to Rcan1+/+ mice. This increased response were diminished by etoricoxib, furegrelate, SQ 29548, cyclosporine A and parthenolide, inhibitors of COX-2, TXA2 synthase, TP receptors, calcineurin and NF-κB, respectively. Endothelial removal and NOS inhibition increased phenylephrine responses only in Rcan1+/+ mice. TXA2 levels were greater in Rcan1-/- mice. In small mesenteric arteries, vascular function and structure were similar in both groups of mice; however, vessels from Rcan1-/- mice displayed an increase in vascular stiffness that was diminished by rofecoxib. In conclusion, our results suggest that Rcan1 might act as endogenous negative modulator of COX-2 expression and activity by inhibiting calcineurin and NF-kB pathways to maintain normal contractility and vascular stiffness in aorta and small mesenteric arteries, respectively. Our results uncover a new role for Rcan1 in vascular contractility and mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B García-Redondo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Spain
| | - Vanesa Esteban
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Briones
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Spain.
| | - Lucía S Díaz Del Campo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - María González-Amor
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Méndez-Barbero
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel R Campanero
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Spain; Departmento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Redondo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Spain; Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Spain.
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20
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Ballesteros-Martinez C, Mendez-Barbero N, Montalvo-Yuste A, Jensen BM, Gomez-Cardenosa A, Klitfod L, Garrido-Arandia M, Alvarez-Llamas G, Pastor-Vargas C, Vivanco F, Garvey LH, Cuesta-Herranz J, Poulsen LK, Esteban V. Endothelial Regulator of Calcineurin 1 Promotes Barrier Integrity and Modulates Histamine-Induced Barrier Dysfunction in Anaphylaxis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1323. [PMID: 29104573 PMCID: PMC5655011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaphylaxis, the most serious and life-threatening allergic reaction, produces the release of inflammatory mediators by mast cells and basophils. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) is a negative regulator of mast-cell degranulation. The action of mediators leads to vasodilation and an increase in vascular permeability, causing great loss of intravascular volume in a short time. Nevertheless, the molecular basis remains unexplored on the vascular level. We investigated Rcan1 expression induced by histamine, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and epinephrine in primary human vein (HV)-/artery (HA)-derived endothelial cells (ECs) and human dermal microvascular ECs (HMVEC-D). Vascular permeability was analyzed in vitro in human ECs with forced Rcan1 expression using Transwell migration assays and in vivo using Rcan1 knockout mice. Histamine, but neither PAF nor epinephrine, induced Rcan1-4 mRNA and protein expression in primary HV-ECs, HA-ECs, and HMVEC-D through histamine receptor 1 (H1R). These effects were prevented by pharmacological inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine A. Moreover, intravenous histamine administration increased Rcan1 expression in lung tissues of mice undergoing experimental anaphylaxis. Functional in vitro assays showed that overexpression of Rcan1 promotes barrier integrity, suggesting a role played by this molecule in vascular permeability. Consistent with these findings, in vivo models of subcutaneous and intravenous histamine-mediated fluid extravasation showed increased response in skin, aorta, and lungs of Rcan1-deficient mice compared with wild-type animals. These findings reveal that endothelial Rcan1 is synthesized in response to histamine through a calcineurin-sensitive pathway and may reduce barrier breakdown, thus contributing to the strengthening of the endothelium and resistance to anaphylaxis. These new insights underscore its potential role as a regulator of sensitivity to anaphylaxis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nerea Mendez-Barbero
- Department of Vascular Physiopathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alma Montalvo-Yuste
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bettina M Jensen
- Allergy Clinic, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | | | - Lotte Klitfod
- Surgery Department, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - María Garrido-Arandia
- Center for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics, Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Alvarez-Llamas
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Pastor-Vargas
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Vivanco
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lene Heise Garvey
- Allergy Clinic, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Javier Cuesta-Herranz
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Allergy, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lars K Poulsen
- Allergy Clinic, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Vanesa Esteban
- Department of Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Allergy Clinic, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
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21
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Manocha GD, Ghatak A, Puig KL, Kraner SD, Norris CM, Combs CK. NFATc2 Modulates Microglial Activation in the AβPP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 58:775-787. [PMID: 28505967 PMCID: PMC6265241 DOI: 10.3233/jad-151203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are characterized by fibrillar amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide containing plaques and associated reactive microglia. The proinflammatory phenotype of the microglia suggests that they may negatively affect disease course and contribute to behavioral decline. This hypothesis predicts that attenuating microglial activation may provide benefit against disease. Prior work from our laboratory and others has characterized a role for the transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in regulating microglial phenotype in response to different stimuli, including Aβ peptide. We observed that the NFATc2 isoform was the most highly expressed in murine microglia cultures, and inhibition or deletion of NFATc2 was sufficient to attenuate the ability of the microglia to secrete cytokines. In order to determine whether the NFATc2 isoform, in particular, was a valid immunomodulatory target in vivo, we crossed an NFATc2-/- line to a well-known AD mouse model, an AβPP/PS1 mouse line. As expected, the AβPP/PS1 x NFATc2-/- mice had attenuated cytokine levels compared to AβPP/PS1 mice as well as reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis with no effect on plaque load. Although some species differences in relative isoform expression may exist between murine and human microglia, it appears that microglial NFAT activity is a viable target for modulating the proinflammatory changes that occur during AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan D. Manocha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Atreyi Ghatak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Kendra L. Puig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Colin K. Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
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22
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Park J, Choi H, Kim B, Chae U, Lee DG, Lee SR, Lee S, Lee HS, Lee DS. Peroxiredoxin 5 (Prx5) decreases LPS-induced microglial activation through regulation of Ca 2+/calcineurin-Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 99:392-404. [PMID: 27585948 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microglial activation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. ROS activates microglia by regulating transcription factors to express pro-inflammatory genes and is associated with disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis through thiol redox modulation. Recently, we reported that Prx5 can regulate activation of microglia cells by governing ROS. In addition, LPS leads to excessive mitochondrial fission, and regulation of mitochondrial dynamics involved in a pro-inflammatory response is important for the maintenance of microglial activation. However, the precise relationship among these signals and the role of Prx5 in mitochondrial dynamics and microglial activation is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent de-phosphorylation of Drp1 induces mitochondrial fission and regulates mitochondrial ROS production, which influences the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced microglia cells. Moreover, it is likely that cytosolic and Nox-derived ROS were upstream of mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial ROS generation in activated microglia cells. Prx5 regulates LPS-induced mitochondrial fission through modulation of Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent Drp1 de-phosphorylation by eliminating Nox-derived and cytosolic ROS. Therefore, we suggest that mitochondrial dynamics may be essential for understanding pro-inflammatory responses and that Prx5 may be used as a new therapeutic target to prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghyung Park
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoonsung Choi
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Unbin Chae
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gil Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Rae Lee
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghoon Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Shik Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Seok Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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23
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The Emerging Roles of the Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Lymphocytes Pathway in Nervous System Functions and Diseases. J Aging Res 2016; 2016:5081021. [PMID: 27597899 PMCID: PMC5002468 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing epidemics of metabolic diseases and increase in the older population have increased the incidences of neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence from murine and cell line models has implicated calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-lymphocytes (NFAT) signaling pathway, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent major proinflammatory pathway, in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Neurotoxins such as amyloid-β, tau protein, and α-synuclein trigger abnormal calcineurin/NFAT signaling activities. Additionally increased activities of endogenous regulators of calcineurin like plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) also cause neuronal and glial loss and related functional alterations, in neurodegenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Treatment with calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors induces some degree of neuroprotection and decreased reactive gliosis in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the roles of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in physiology and pathologies of the adult and developing nervous system, with an emphasis on recent reports and cutting-edge findings. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is known for its critical roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Its role in physiological and pathological processes is still controversial. However, available data suggest that its beneficial and detrimental effects are context-dependent. In view of recent reports calcineurin/NFAT signaling is likely to serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. This review further highlights the need to characterize better all factors determining the outcome of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diseases and the downstream targets mediating the beneficial and detrimental effects.
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Blockade of Astrocytic Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Helps to Normalize Hippocampal Synaptic Function and Plasticity in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurosci 2016; 36:1502-15. [PMID: 26843634 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1930-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Increasing evidence suggests that the calcineurin (CN)-dependent transcription factor NFAT (Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells) mediates deleterious effects of astrocytes in progressive neurodegenerative conditions. However, the impact of astrocytic CN/NFAT signaling on neural function/recovery after acute injury has not been investigated extensively. Using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) procedure in rats, we show that traumatic brain injury is associated with an increase in the activities of NFATs 1 and 4 in the hippocampus at 7 d after injury. NFAT4, but not NFAT1, exhibited extensive labeling in astrocytes and was found throughout the axon/dendrite layers of CA1 and the dentate gyrus. Blockade of the astrocytic CN/NFAT pathway in rats using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing the astrocyte-specific promoter Gfa2 and the NFAT-inhibitory peptide VIVIT prevented the injury-related loss of basal CA1 synaptic strength and key synaptic proteins and reduced the susceptibility to induction of long-term depression. In conjunction with these seemingly beneficial effects, VIVIT treatment elicited a marked increase in the expression of the prosynaptogenic factor SPARCL1 (hevin), especially in hippocampal tissue ipsilateral to the CCI injury. However, in contrast to previous work on Alzheimer's mouse models, AAV-Gfa2-VIVIT had no effects on the levels of GFAP and Iba1, suggesting that synaptic benefits of VIVIT were not attributable to a reduction in glial activation per se. Together, the results implicate the astrocytic CN/NFAT4 pathway as a key mechanism for disrupting synaptic remodeling and homeostasis in the hippocampus after acute injury. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Similar to microglia, astrocytes become strongly "activated" with neural damage and exhibit numerous morphologic/biochemical changes, including an increase in the expression/activity of the protein phosphatase calcineurin. Using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to inhibit the calcineurin-dependent activation of the transcription factor NFAT (Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells) selectively, we have shown that activated astrocytes contribute to neural dysfunction in animal models characterized by progressive/chronic neuropathology. Here, we show that the suppression of astrocytic calcineurin/NFATs helps to protect synaptic function and plasticity in an animal model in which pathology arises from a single traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that at least some astrocyte functions impair recovery after trauma and may provide druggable targets for treating victims of acute nervous system injury.
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25
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Regulator of Calcineurin 1 in Periodontal Disease. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:5475821. [PMID: 27403036 PMCID: PMC4925939 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5475821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and NF-kB pathway associated processes are involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders, for example, periodontal disease. The activation of these pathways is controlled by the regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1). The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of RCAN1 in periodontal disease. Healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence using specific rabbit polyclonal anti-RCAN1 antibodies. For expression analysis human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. HUVEC were incubated for 2 h with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) or with wild type and laboratory strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Expression analysis of rcan1 and cox2 was done by real time PCR using specific primers for rcan1.4 and cox2. The expression of rcan1 was found to be significantly suppressed in endothelial cells of chronically inflamed periodontal tissues compared to healthy controls. Rcan1 and cox2 were significantly induced by VEGF and wild type and laboratory P. gingivalis strains. Interestingly, the magnitude of the rcan1 and cox2 induction was strain dependent. The results of this study indicate that RCAN1 is suppressed in endothelial cells of chronically inflamed periodontal tissues. During an acute infection, however, rcan1 seems to be upregulated in endothelial cells, indicating a modulating role in immune homeostasis of periodontal tissues.
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26
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Ohara H, Nabika T. A nonsense mutation of Stim1 identified in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats decreased the store-operated calcium entry in astrocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 476:406-411. [PMID: 27237974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We previously identified a nonsense mutation in the stromal interaction molecule-1 (Stim1) resulting in expression of a truncated STIM1 in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). In this study, we evaluated activity of the store-operated Ca(2+)-entry (SOCE) regulated by STIM1 to clarify putative functional abnormalities of the truncated STIM1. As a result, reduced SOCE activity resulting in suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 expression induced by SOCE was found in cultured astrocytes with the truncated STIM1 when compared with those with the wild-type. Our results indicated that the truncated STIM1 impaired Ca(2+) signaling regulated by SOCE and that the impaired SOCE activity might be responsible for pathological phenotypes in SHRSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ohara
- Department of Functional Pathology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Toru Nabika
- Department of Functional Pathology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
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27
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Pleiss MM, Sompol P, Kraner SD, Abdul HM, Furman JL, Guttmann RP, Wilcock DM, Nelson PT, Norris CM. Calcineurin proteolysis in astrocytes: Implications for impaired synaptic function. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:1521-32. [PMID: 27212416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that astrocyte activation, found in most forms of neural injury and disease, is linked to the hyperactivation of the protein phosphatase calcineurin. In many tissues and cell types, calcineurin hyperactivity is the direct result of limited proteolysis. However, little is known about the proteolytic status of calcineurin in activated astrocytes. Here, we developed a polyclonal antibody to a high activity calcineurin proteolytic fragment in the 45-48kDa range (ΔCN) for use in immunohistochemical applications. When applied to postmortem human brain sections, the ΔCN antibody intensely labeled cell clusters in close juxtaposition to amyloid deposits and microinfarcts. Many of these cells exhibited clear activated astrocyte morphology. The expression of ΔCN in astrocytes near areas of pathology was further confirmed using confocal microscopy. Multiple NeuN-positive cells, particularly those within microinfarct core regions, also labeled positively for ΔCN. This observation suggests that calcineurin proteolysis can also occur within damaged or dying neurons, as reported in other studies. When a similar ΔCN fragment was selectively expressed in hippocampal astrocytes of intact rats (using adeno-associated virus), we observed a significant reduction in the strength of CA3-CA1 excitatory synapses, indicating that the hyperactivation of astrocytic calcineurin is sufficient for disrupting synaptic function. Together, these results suggest that proteolytic activation of calcineurin in activated astrocytes may be a central mechanism for driving and/or exacerbating neural dysfunction during neurodegenerative disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Pleiss
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Susan D Kraner
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Hafiz Mohmmad Abdul
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Furman
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Rodney P Guttmann
- Department of Psychology, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA.
| | - Donna M Wilcock
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA; Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
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28
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Watanabe K, Uemura K, Asada M, Maesako M, Akiyama H, Shimohama S, Takahashi R, Kinoshita A. The participation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 released by astrocytes in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Brain 2015; 8:82. [PMID: 26637371 PMCID: PMC4670528 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by senile plaques, extracellular deposits composed primarily of amyloid–beta (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles, which are abnormal intracellular inclusions containing hyperphosphorylated tau. The amyloid cascade hypothesis posits that the deposition of Aβ in the brain parenchyma initiates a sequence of events that leads to dementia. However, the molecular process by which the extracellular accumulation of Aβ peptides promotes intracellular pathologic changes in tau filaments remains unclear. To elucidate this process, we presumed that astrocytes might trigger neuronal reactions, leading to tau phosphorylation. In this study, we examined AD pathology from the perspective of the astrocyte-neuron interaction. Results A cytokine-array analysis revealed that Aβ stimulates astrocytes to release several chemical mediators that are primarily related to inflammation and cell adhesion. Among those mediators, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) was highly upregulated. In AD brains, the expression of IGFBP-3 was found to be increased by western blot analysis, and increased expression of IGFBP-3 was observed in astrocytes via fluorescence microscopy. In addition, we reproduced the increase in IGFBP-3 after treatment with Aβ using human astrocytoma cell lines and found that IGFBP-3 was expressed via calcineurin. In AD brains, the activated forms of calcineurin were found to be increased by western blot analysis, and increased expression of calcineurin was observed in astrocytes via fluorescence microscopy. When Ser9 of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is phosphorylated, GSK-3β is controlled and tau phosphorylation is suppressed. Aβ suppresses the phosphorylation of GSK-3β, leading to tau phosphorylation. In this study, we found that IGF-Ι suppressed tau phosphorylation induced by Aβ, although IGFBP-3 inhibited this property of IGF-Ι. As a result, IGFBP-3 contributed to tau phosphorylation and cell death induced by Aβ. Conclusions Our study suggested that calcineurin in astrocytes was activated by Aβ, leading to IGFBP-3 release. We further demonstrated that IGFBP-3 produced by astrocytes induced tau phosphorylation in neurons. Our study provides novel insights into the role of astrocytes in the induction of tau phosphorylation and suggests that IGFBP-3 could be an important link between Aβ and tau pathology and an important therapeutic target. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0174-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwamu Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Kengo Uemura
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Megumi Asada
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan. .,School of Human Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Masato Maesako
- School of Human Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Shun Shimohama
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, 16 Minami-1-jyo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Ayae Kinoshita
- School of Human Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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29
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Rojanathammanee L, Floden AM, Manocha GD, Combs CK. Attenuation of microglial activation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via NFAT inhibition. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:42. [PMID: 25889879 PMCID: PMC4355356 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyloid β (Aβ) peptide is hypothesized to stimulate microglia to acquire their characteristic proinflammatory phenotype in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. The specific mechanisms by which Aβ leads to microglial activation remain an area of interest for identifying attractive molecular targets for intervention. Based upon the fact that microglia express the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), we hypothesized that NFAT activity is required for the Aβ-stimulated microgliosis that occurs during disease. Methods Primary murine microglia cultures were stimulated with Aβ in the absence or presence of NFAT inhibitors, FK506 and tat-VIVIT peptide, to quantify secretion of cytokines, neurotoxins, or Aβ phagocytosis. A transgenic mouse model of AD, APP/PS1, was treated subcutaneously via mini-osmotic pumps with FK506 or tat-VIVIT to quantify effects on cytokines, microgliosis, plaque load, and memory. Results Expression of various NFAT isoforms was verified in primary murine microglia through Western blot analysis. Microglial cultures were stimulated with Aβ fibrils in the absence or presence of the NFAT inhibitors, FK506 and tat-VIVIT, to demonstrate that NFAT activity regulated Aβ phagocytosis, neurotoxin secretion, and cytokine secretion. Delivery of FK506 and tat-VIVIT to transgenic APP/PS1 mice attenuated spleen but not brain cytokine levels. However, FK506 and tat-VIVIT significantly attenuated both microgliosis and Aβ plaque load in treated mice compared to controls. Surprisingly, this did not correlate with changes in memory performance via T-maze testing. Conclusions Our findings suggest that development of specific NFAT inhibitors may offer promise as an effective strategy for attenuating the microgliosis and Aβ plaque deposition that occur in AD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0255-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalida Rojanathammanee
- Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Suranaree Subdistric, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand. .,Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 504 Hamline Street, Neuroscience Building, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| | - Angela M Floden
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 504 Hamline Street, Neuroscience Building, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| | - Gunjan D Manocha
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 504 Hamline Street, Neuroscience Building, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| | - Colin K Combs
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 504 Hamline Street, Neuroscience Building, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
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30
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Serrano-Pérez MC, Fernández M, Neria F, Berjón-Otero M, Doncel-Pérez E, Cano E, Tranque P. NFAT transcription factors regulate survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural precursor cells. Glia 2015; 63:987-1004. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María C. Serrano-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Neuroglía, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE); Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM); Albacete Spain
| | - Miriam Fernández
- Laboratorio de Neuroglía, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE); Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM); Albacete Spain
| | - Fernando Neria
- Unidad de Neuroinflamación, Unidad Funcional de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Crónicas (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid Spain
| | - Mónica Berjón-Otero
- Laboratorio de Neuroglía, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE); Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM); Albacete Spain
| | - Ernesto Doncel-Pérez
- Grupo de Química Neuro-regenerativa, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM); Toledo Spain
| | - Eva Cano
- Unidad de Neuroinflamación, Unidad Funcional de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Crónicas (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); Madrid Spain
| | - Pedro Tranque
- Laboratorio de Neuroglía, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE); Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM); Albacete Spain
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Furman JL, Norris CM. Calcineurin and glial signaling: neuroinflammation and beyond. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:158. [PMID: 25199950 PMCID: PMC4172899 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-014-0158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to peripheral immune/inflammatory cells, neuroglial cells appear to rely on calcineurin (CN) signaling pathways to regulate cytokine production and cellular activation. Several studies suggest that harmful immune/inflammatory responses may be the most impactful consequence of aberrant CN activity in glial cells. However, newly identified roles for CN in glutamate uptake, gap junction regulation, Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, and amyloid production suggest that CN's influence in glia may extend well beyond neuroinflammation. The following review will discuss the various actions of CN in glial cells, with particular emphasis on astrocytes, and consider the implications for neurologic dysfunction arising with aging, injury, and/or neurodegenerative disease.
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Wu Y, Ly PTT, Song W. Aberrant expression of RCAN1 in Alzheimer's pathogenesis: a new molecular mechanism and a novel drug target. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:1085-97. [PMID: 24752590 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8704-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AD, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Patients with AD are characterized by three hallmarks of neuropathology including neuritic plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and neuronal loss. Growing evidences indicate that dysregulation of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Aberrant RCAN1 expression facilitates neuronal apoptosis and Tau hyperphosphorylation, leading to neuronal loss and neurofibrillary tangle formation. This review aims to describe the recent advances of the regulation of RCAN1 expression and its physiological functions. Moreover, the AD risk factors-induced RCAN1 dysregulation and its role in promoting neuronal loss, synaptic impairments and neurofibrillary tangle formation are summarized. Furthermore, we provide an outlook into the effects of RCAN1 dysregulation on APP processing, Aβ generation and neuritic plaque formation, and the possible underlying mechanisms, as well as the potential of targeting RCAN1 as a new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yili Wu
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Research Center, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
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Kosiorek M, Zylinska L, Zablocki K, Pikula S. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling represses genes Vamp1 and Vamp2 via PMCA-dependent mechanism during dopamine secretion by Pheochromocytoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92176. [PMID: 24667359 PMCID: PMC3965406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092176] [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: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPases (PMCA) extrude Ca(2+) ions out of the cell and contribute to generation of calcium oscillations. Calcium signaling is crucial for transcriptional regulation of dopamine secretion by neuroendocrine PC12 cells. Low resting [Ca(2+)]c in PC12 cells is maintained mainly by two Ca(2+)-ATPases, PMCA2 and PMCA3. Recently, we found that Ca(2+) dependent phosphatase calcineurin was excessively activated under conditions of experimental downregulation of PMCA2 or PMCA3. Thus, the aim of this study was to explain if, via modulation of the Ca(2+)/calcineurin-dependent nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway, PMCA2 and PMCA3 affect intracellular signaling in pheochromocytoma/neuronal cells/PC12 cells. Secondly, we tested whether this might influence dopamine secretion by PC12 cells. RESULTS PMCA2- and PMCA3-deficient cells displayed profound decrease in dopamine secretion accompanied by a permanent increase in [Ca(2+)]c. Reduction in secretion might result from changes in NFAT signaling, following altered PMCA pattern. Consequently, activation of NFAT1 and NFAT3 transcription factors was observed in PMCA2- or PMCA3-deficient cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that NFATs could be involved in repression of Vamp genes encoding vesicle associated membrane proteins (VAMP). CONCLUSIONS PMCA2 and PMCA3 are crucial for dopamine secretion in PC12 cells. Reduction in PMCA2 or PMCA3 led to calcium-dependent activation of calcineurin/NFAT signaling and, in consequence, to repression of the Vamp gene and deterioration of the SNARE complex formation in PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Kosiorek
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre PAS, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail: (MK); (SP)
| | - Ludmila Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zablocki
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Slawomir Pikula
- Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail: (MK); (SP)
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Manayi A, Saeidnia S, Gohari AR, Abdollahi M. Methods for the discovery of new anti-aging products--targeted approaches. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:383-405. [PMID: 24494592 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.885014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aging is considered to be one of the most complicated and heterogeneous phenomena and is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases, disabilities and declining health. Aging cells cease to divide and drive the progression of illness through various pathways. Over the years, a number of anti-aging medicines of natural and synthetic origin have been introduced. Indeed, some studies have identified senescent cells as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of aging and age-related diseases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors highlight and critically review the possible mechanisms of the aging process and related illnesses. The authors give particular attention to illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, skin aging and cardiovascular diseases. EXPERT OPINION Several reports have highlighted that mitochondria are a key factor in the progression of aging and neurodegenerative illnesses. This is due to their production of extra amounts of reactive oxygen species, which leads into progressive caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell death. Therefore, strategies to prevent/reduce oxidative stress-mediated aging, whether environmental, nutritional and pharmacological, need to be taken into account. Presently, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, which focus on the evolutionary and genetic foundations of aging, have helped to establish the screening of several synthetic and natural compounds with large cohorts in a quick manner. However, there is yet to be any efficient experimental evidence to prove the exact role of senescent cells in age-related dysfunction and further studies are required to better understand these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Manayi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants Research Center , Tehran 1417614411 , Iran
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A role for the CXCR3/CXCL10 axis in Rasmussen encephalitis. Pediatr Neurol 2013; 49:451-457.e1. [PMID: 24080276 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rasmussen encephalitis is a devastating pediatric syndrome of unknown etiology that is characterized by progressive loss of neurological function and intractable focal epilepsy. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes have an active role in the pathogenic process of Rasmussen encephalitis. We studied the implication of CXCL10-CXCR3, a chemotactic axis involved in the pathogenesis of several cases of immune encephalitis. METHODS We analyzed surgical specimens of children with Rasmussen encephalitis, and performed functional in vitro assays to test the implications of the pathological findings. RESULTS We found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes infiltrating the damaged areas of primary biopsies expressed CXCR3, whereas neurons and astrocytes in the same areas expressed CXCL10. The in vitro assays demonstrated we found that astrocytes upregulated the expression of CXCL10 messenger RNA and the release of CXCL10 to the supernatants on stimulation with polyinosinic-polycyticylic acid, a synthetic double-stranded RNA that mimics infections with either RNA or DNA viruses. Activated T lymphocytes responded to the production of CXCL10 by astrocytes by increasing their migration in a transwell assay. Finally, the chemotaxis induced by the stimulated astrocytes was completely abrogated in the presence of a small molecule antagonist of CXCR3. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the CXCR3-CXCL10 axis has a role in recruiting pathogenic T lymphocytes into the brains of patients with Rasmussen encephalitis. This chemotactic mechanism may be targeted pharmacologically.
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Sama DM, Norris CM. Calcium dysregulation and neuroinflammation: discrete and integrated mechanisms for age-related synaptic dysfunction. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:982-95. [PMID: 23751484 PMCID: PMC3834216 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Some of the best biomarkers of age-related cognitive decline are closely linked to synaptic function and plasticity. This review highlights several age-related synaptic alterations as they relate to Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis, through elevation of intracellular Ca(2+), and neuroinflammation, through production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Though distinct in many ways, Ca(2+) and neuroinflammatory signaling mechanisms exhibit extensive cross-talk and bidirectional interactions. For instance, cytokine production in glial cells is strongly dependent on the Ca(2+) dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin, which shows elevated activity in animal models of aging and disease. In turn, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, can augment the expression/activity of L-type voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channels in neurons, leading to Ca(2+) dysregulation, hyperactive calcineurin activity, and synaptic depression. Thus, in addition to discussing unique contributions of Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis and neuroinflammation, this review emphasizes how these processes interact to hasten age-related synaptic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Sama
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Neria F, del Carmen Serrano-Perez M, Velasco P, Urso K, Tranque P, Cano E. NFATc3 promotes Ca(2+) -dependent MMP3 expression in astroglial cells. Glia 2013; 61:1052-66. [PMID: 23625833 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i ) is a key mediator of astrocyte signaling, important for activation of the calcineurin (CN)/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway, a central mediator of inflammatory events. We analyzed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (Mmp3) in response to increases in [Ca(2+) ]i and the role of the CN/NFAT pathway in this regulation. Astrocyte Mmp3 expression was induced by overexpression of a constitutively active form of NFATc3, whereas other MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) were unaffected. Mmp3 mRNA and protein expression was also induced by calcium ionophore (Io) and 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine 5'-triphosphate (Bz-ATP) and Mmp3 upregulation was prevented by the CN inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA). Ca(2+) -dependent astrocyte Mmp3 expression was also inhibited by actinomycin D, and a Mmp3 promoter luciferase reporter was efficiently activated by increased [Ca(2+) ]i , indicating regulation at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, Ca(2+) /CN/NFAT dependent Mmp3 expression was confirmed in pure astrocyte cultures derived from neural stem cells (Ast-NSC), demonstrating that the induced Mmp3 expression occurs in astrocytes, and not microglial cells. In an in vivo stab-wound model of brain injury, MMP3 expression was detected in NFATc3-positive scar-forming astrocytes. Because [Ca(2+) ]i increase is an early event in most brain injuries, these data support an important role for Ca(2+) /CN/NFAT-induced astrocyte MMP3 expression in the early neuroinflammatory response. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in this regulation could provide novel therapeutic targets and approaches to promoting recovery of the injured brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Neria
- Unidad de Neuroinflamación, Área de Biología Celular y del Desarrollo, Unidad Funcional de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Lim D, Iyer A, Ronco V, Grolla AA, Canonico PL, Aronica E, Genazzani AA. Amyloid beta deregulates astroglial mGluR5-mediated calcium signaling via calcineurin and Nf-kB. Glia 2013; 61:1134-45. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,”; Novara; Italy
| | - Anand Iyer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - Virginia Ronco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,”; Novara; Italy
| | - Ambra A. Grolla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,”; Novara; Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Canonico
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,”; Novara; Italy
| | | | - Armando A. Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro,”; Novara; Italy
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Targeting astrocytes ameliorates neurologic changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurosci 2013; 32:16129-40. [PMID: 23152597 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2323-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain and play a critical role in maintaining healthy nervous tissue. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and most other neurodegenerative disorders, many astrocytes convert to a chronically "activated" phenotype characterized by morphologic and biochemical changes that appear to compromise protective properties and/or promote harmful neuroinflammatory processes. Activated astrocytes emerge early in the course of AD and become increasingly prominent as clinical and pathological symptoms progress, but few studies have tested the potential of astrocyte-targeted therapeutics in an intact animal model of AD. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing the astrocyte-specific Gfa2 promoter to target hippocampal astrocytes in APP/PS1 mice. AAV-Gfa2 vectors drove the expression of VIVIT, a peptide that interferes with the immune/inflammatory calcineurin/NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) signaling pathway, shown by our laboratory and others to orchestrate biochemical cascades leading to astrocyte activation. After several months of treatment with Gfa2-VIVIT, APP/PS1 mice exhibited improved cognitive and synaptic function, reduced glial activation, and lower amyloid levels. The results confirm a deleterious role for activated astrocytes in AD and lay the groundwork for exploration of other novel astrocyte-based therapies.
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Cisneros IE, Ghorpade A. HIV-1, methamphetamine and astrocyte glutamate regulation: combined excitotoxic implications for neuro-AIDS. Curr HIV Res 2012; 10:392-406. [PMID: 22591363 PMCID: PMC3580828 DOI: 10.2174/157016212802138832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory transmitter in the brain can lead to neurotoxicity when not properly regulated. Excitotoxicity is a direct result of abnormal regulation of glutamate concentrations in the synapse, and is a common neurotoxic mediator associated with neurodegenerative disorders. It is well accepted that methamphetamine (METH), a potent central nervous stimulant with high abuse potential, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 are implicated in the progression of neurocognitive malfunction. Both have been shown to induce common neurodegenerative effects such as astrogliosis, compromised blood brain barrier integrity, and excitotoxicity in the brain. Reduced glutamate uptake from neuronal synapses likely leads to the accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular spaces. Astrocytes express the glutamate transporters responsible for majority of the glutamate uptake from the synapse, as well as for vesicular glutamate release. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-mediated excitotoxicity in the context of METH and HIV-1 are undefined. Topics reviewed include dysregulation of the glutamate transporters, specifically excitatory amino acid transporter-2, metabotropic glutamate receptor(s) expression and the release of glutamate by vesicular exocytosis. We also discuss glutamate concentration dysregulation through astrocytic expression of enzymes for glutamate synthesis and metabolism. Lastly, we discuss recent evidence of various astrocyte and neuron crosstalk mechanisms implicated in glutamate regulation. Astrocytes play an essential role in the neuropathologies associated with METH/HIV-1-induced excitotoxicity. We hope to shed light on common cellular and molecular pathways astrocytes share in glutamate regulation during drug abuse and HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anuja Ghorpade
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Muller-Borer B, Esch G, Aldina R, Woon W, Fox R, Bursac N, Hiller S, Maeda N, Shepherd N, Jin JP, Hutson M, Anderson P, Kirby ML, Malouf NN. Calcium dependent CAMTA1 in adult stem cell commitment to a myocardial lineage. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38454. [PMID: 22715383 PMCID: PMC3371086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotype of somatic cells has recently been found to be reversible. Direct reprogramming of one cell type into another has been achieved with transduction and over expression of exogenous defined transcription factors emphasizing their role in specifying cell fate. To discover early and novel endogenous transcription factors that may have a role in adult-derived stem cell acquisition of a cardiomyocyte phenotype, mesenchymal stem cells from human and mouse bone marrow and rat liver were co-cultured with neonatal cardiomyocytes as an in vitro cardiogenic microenvironment. Cell-cell communications develop between the two cell types as early as 24 hrs in co-culture and are required for elaboration of a myocardial phenotype in the stem cells 8–16 days later. These intercellular communications are associated with novel Ca2+ oscillations in the stem cells that are synchronous with the Ca2+ transients in adjacent cardiomyocytes and are detected in the stem cells as early as 24–48 hrs in co-culture. Early and significant up-regulation of Ca2+-dependent effectors, CAMTA1 and RCAN1 ensues before a myocardial program is activated. CAMTA1 loss-of-function minimizes the activation of the cardiac gene program in the stem cells. While the expression of RCAN1 suggests involvement of the well-characterized calcineurin-NFAT pathway as a response to a Ca2+ signal, the CAMTA1 up-regulated expression as a response to such a signal in the stem cells was unknown. Cell-cell communications between the stem cells and adjacent cardiomyocytes induce Ca2+ signals that activate a myocardial gene program in the stem cells via a novel and early Ca2+-dependent intermediate, up-regulation of CAMTA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Muller-Borer
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America.
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Abraham F, Sacerdoti F, De León R, Gentile T, Canellada A. Angiotensin II activates the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway and induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression in rat endometrial stromal cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37750. [PMID: 22662209 PMCID: PMC3360626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, plays a role in the process of uterine decidualization and blastocyst attachment. On the other hand, overexpression of COX-2 is involved in the proliferation of the endometrial tissue during endometriosis. Deregulation of the renin-angiotensin-system plays a role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and pre-eclampsia. Angiotensin II increases intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by targeting phospholypase C-gamma in endometrial stromal cells (ESC). A key element of the cellular response to Ca(2+) signals is the activity of the Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. Our first aim was to study whether angiotensin II stimulated Cox-2 gene expression in rat ESC and to analyze whether calcineurin activity was involved. In cells isolated from non-pregnant uteri, COX-2 expression--both mRNA and protein--was induced by co-stimulation with phorbol ester and calcium ionophore (PIo), as well as by angiotensin II. Pretreatment with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A inhibited this induction. We further analyzed the role of the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway in the induction of Cox-2 gene expression in non-pregnant rat ESC. Cyclosporin A abolished NFATc1 dephosphorylation and translocation to the nucleus. Cyclosporin A also inhibited the transcriptional activity driven by the Cox-2 promoter. Exogenous expression of the peptide VIVIT -specific inhibitor of calcineurin/NFAT binding- blocked the activation of Cox-2 promoter and the up-regulation of COX-2 protein in these cells. Finally we analyzed Cox-2 gene expression in ESC of early-pregnant rats. COX-2 expression--both mRNA and protein--was induced by stimulation with PIo as well as by angiotensin II. This induction appears to be calcineurin independent, since it was not abrogated by cyclosporin A. In conclusion, angiotensin II induced Cox-2 gene expression by activating the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway in endometrial stromal cells of non-pregnant but not of early-pregnant rats. These results might be related to differential roles that COX-2 plays in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Abraham
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral “Profesor Ricardo A. Margni” (CONICET-UBA), Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Flavia Sacerdoti
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral “Profesor Ricardo A. Margni” (CONICET-UBA), Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina De León
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral “Profesor Ricardo A. Margni” (CONICET-UBA), Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Teresa Gentile
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral “Profesor Ricardo A. Margni” (CONICET-UBA), Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Canellada
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral “Profesor Ricardo A. Margni” (CONICET-UBA), Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Lau CL, Perreau VM, Chen MJ, Cate HS, Merlo D, Cheung NS, O'Shea RD, Beart PM. Transcriptomic profiling of astrocytes treated with the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil reveals cytoskeletal and pro-survival responses. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:1199-211. [PMID: 21604263 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of Rho kinase (ROCK) have potential for management of neurological disorders by inhibition of glial scarring. Since astrocytes play key roles in brain physiology and pathology, we determined changes in the astrocytic transcriptome produced by the ROCK inhibitor Fasudil to obtain mechanistic insights into its beneficial action during brain injury. Cultured murine astrocytes were treated with Fasudil (100 µM) and morphological analyses revealed rapid stellation by 1 h and time-dependent (2-24 h) dissipation of F-actin-labelled stress fibres. Microarray analyses were performed on RNA and the time-course of global gene profiling (2, 6, 12 and 24 h) provided a comprehensive description of transcriptomic changes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes and analysis for over-represented gene ontology groups using the DAVID database focused attention on Fasudil-induced changes to major biological processes regulating cellular shape and motility (actin cytoskeleton, axon guidance, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling and tight junctions). Bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic changes revealed how these biological processes contributed to changes in astrocytic motility and cytoskeletal reorganisation. Here genes associated with extracellular matrix were also involved, but unexpected was a subset of alterations (EAAT2, BDNF, anti-oxidant species, metabolic and signalling genes) indicative of adoption by astrocytes of a pro-survival phenotype. Expression profiles of key changes with Fasudil and another ROCK inhibitor Y27632 were validated by real-time PCR. Although effects of ROCK inhibition have been considered to be primarily cytoskeletal via reduction of glial scarring, we demonstrate additional advantageous actions likely to contribute to their ameliorative actions in brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chew L Lau
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Sobrado M, Ramirez BG, Neria F, Lizasoain I, Arbones ML, Minami T, Redondo JM, Moro MA, Cano E. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) has a protective role in brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:48. [PMID: 22397398 PMCID: PMC3325863 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increase in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i is one of the first events to take place after brain ischemia. A key [Ca2+]i-regulated signaling molecule is the phosphatase calcineurin (CN), which plays important roles in the modulation of inflammatory cascades. Here, we have analyzed the role of endogenous regulator of CN 1 (Rcan1) in response to experimental ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Methods Animals were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia with reperfusion. To assess the role of Rcan1 after stroke, we measured infarct volume after 48 h of reperfusion in Rcan1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. In vitro studies were performed in astrocyte-enriched cortical primary cultures subjected to 3% oxygen (hypoxia) and glucose deprivation (HGD). Adenoviral vectors were used to analyze the effect of overexpression of Rcan1-4 protein. Protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting and expression of mRNA by quantitative real-time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (real time qRT-PCR). Results Brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo increased mRNA and protein expression of the calcium-inducible Rcan1 isoform (Rcan1-4). I/R-inducible expression of Rcan1 protein occurred mainly in astroglial cells, and in an in vitro model of ischemia, HGD treatment of primary murine astrocyte cultures induced Rcan1-4 mRNA and protein expression. Exogenous Rcan1-4 overexpression inhibited production of the inflammatory marker cyclo-oxygenase 2. Mice lacking Rcan1 had higher expression of inflammation associated genes, resulting in larger infarct volumes. Conclusions Our results support a protective role for Rcan1 during the inflammatory response to stroke, and underline the importance of the glial compartment in the inflammatory reaction that takes place after ischemia. Improved understanding of non-neuronal mechanisms in ischemic injury promises novel approaches to the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Sobrado
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Prasai P, Stefos GC, Becker W. Extracellular ATP activates NFAT-dependent gene expression in neuronal PC12 cells via P2X receptors. BMC Neurosci 2011; 12:90. [PMID: 21943104 PMCID: PMC3189881 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-12-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of neuronal PC12 cells with ATP induces depolarisation and increases intracellular calcium levels via purinergic receptors. In many cell types, sustained elevation of intracellular calcium levels cause changes in gene expression via activation of the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells). We have therefore characterised the signalling pathway by which ATP regulates NFAT-dependent gene expression in PC12 cells. Results The activation of NFAT transcriptional activity by extracellular ATP was characterised with the help of reporter gene assays. Treatment of PC12 cells with ATP elicited a dose-dependent increase in luciferase activity (EC50 = 78 μM). UTP, 4-benzoylbenzoyl ATP and α,β-methylene ATP did not mimic the effect of ATP, which was abolished by treatment with the P2X receptor antagonist pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS). This pharmacological characterisation provides evidence for a critical role of ionotropic P2X receptors. Blockade of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels by nifedipine reduced the response of NFAT to ATP, indicating that a depolarisation-mediated calcium influx was required for maximal NFAT activation. Inhibition of store-operated calcium entry by the pyrazole derivative BTP2 also diminished ATP-dependent NFAT activation. Furthermore, ATP-induced NFAT activation was associated with the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2. Finally, treatment with ATP increased the levels of the NFAT target transcripts, RCAN1-4 (regulator of calcineurin) and BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). Conclusion The present data show that ATP induces NFAT-dependent changes in gene expression in PC12 cells by acting on P2X receptors. Maximal NFAT activation depends on both depolarisation-induced calcium influx and store-operated calcium entry and requires the activity of the protein phosphatase calcineurin and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabin Prasai
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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46
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Serrano-Pérez MC, Martín ED, Vaquero CF, Azcoitia I, Calvo S, Cano E, Tranque P. Response of transcription factor NFATc3 to excitotoxic and traumatic brain insults: Identification of a subpopulation of reactive astrocytes. Glia 2010; 59:94-107. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.21079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Nagamoto-Combs K, Combs CK. Microglial phenotype is regulated by activity of the transcription factor, NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells). J Neurosci 2010; 30:9641-6. [PMID: 20631193 PMCID: PMC2914496 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0828-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor family, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), regulates immune cell phenotype. Four different calcium/calmodulin-regulated isoforms have been identified in the periphery, but isoform expression in microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, has not been fully defined. In this study microglial NFAT isoform expression and involvement in regulating inflammatory responses in murine primary microglia culture was examined. Western blot analysis demonstrated robust detection of NFATc1 and c2 isoforms in microglia. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated increased NFAT-DNA binding from nuclear extracts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated microglia. Moreover, LPS-stimulated microglia behaved similarly to T cell receptor agonist antibody-stimulated Jurkat cells demonstrating a transient increase in NFAT-driven luciferase reporter gene expression. LPS-induced NFAT-luciferase activity in microglia was attenuated by pretreatment with tat-VIVIT, a cell-permeable NFAT inhibitory peptide. Furthermore, LPS-mediated secretion of microglial cytokines, TNF-alpha and MCP-1, was decreased by treatment with tat-VIVIT but not with tat-VEET, a negative control peptide. These results demonstrate that NFAT plays a role in regulating proinflammatory responses in cultured murine microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Therapeutics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203
| | - Colin K. Combs
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Therapeutics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203
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Furman JL, Artiushin IA, Norris CM. Disparate effects of serum on basal and evoked NFAT activity in primary astrocyte cultures. Neurosci Lett 2010; 469:365-9. [PMID: 20026181 PMCID: PMC2815028 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In astrocytes, the Ca(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) strongly regulates neuro-immune/inflammatory cascades through activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). While primary cell cultures provide a useful model system for investigating astrocytic CN/NFAT signaling, variable results may arise both within and across labs because of differences in culture conditions. Here, we determined the extent to which serum and cell confluency affect basal and evoked astrocytic NFAT activity in primary cortical astrocyte cultures. Cells were grown to either approximately 50% or >90% confluency, pre-loaded with an NFAT-luciferase reporter construct, and maintained for 16 h in medium with or without 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). NFAT-dependent luciferase expression was then measured 5h after treatment with vehicle alone to assess basal NFAT activity, or with Ca(2+) mobilizers and IL-1 beta to assess evoked activity. The results revealed significantly higher levels of basal NFAT activity in FBS-containing medium, regardless of cell confluency. Conversely, evoked NFAT activation was significantly lower in serum-containing medium, with an even greater inhibition observed in confluent cultures. Application of 10% FBS to serum-free astrocyte cultures quickly evoked a roughly seven-fold increase in NFAT activity that was significantly reduced by co-delivery of neutralizing agents for IL-1 beta, TNFalpha, and/or IFN gamma, suggesting that serum occludes evoked NFAT activation through a cytokine-based mechanism. Together, the results demonstrate that the presence of serum and cell confluency have a major impact on CN/NFAT signaling in primary astrocyte cultures and therefore must be taken into consideration when using this model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Furman
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
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Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is associated with selective changes in calcineurin/NFAT signaling. J Neurosci 2009; 29:12957-69. [PMID: 19828810 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1064-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon activation by calcineurin, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) translocates to the nucleus and guides the transcription of numerous molecules involved in inflammation and Ca(2+) dysregulation, both of which are prominent features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, NFAT signaling in AD remains relatively uninvestigated. Using isolated cytosolic and nuclear fractions prepared from rapid-autopsy postmortem human brain tissue, we show that NFATs 1 and 3 shifted to nuclear compartments in the hippocampus at different stages of neuropathology and cognitive decline, whereas NFAT2 remained unchanged. NFAT1 exhibited greater association with isolated nuclear fractions in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), whereas NFAT3 showed a strong nuclear bias in subjects with severe dementia and AD. Similar to NFAT1, calcineurin-Aalpha also exhibited a nuclear bias in the early stages of cognitive decline. But, unlike NFAT1 and similar to NFAT3, the nuclear bias for calcineurin became more pronounced as cognition worsened. Changes in calcineurin/NFAT3 were directly correlated to soluble amyloid-beta (Abeta((1-42))) levels in postmortem hippocampus, and oligomeric Abeta, in particular, robustly stimulated NFAT activation in primary rat astrocyte cultures. Oligomeric Abeta also caused a significant reduction in excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) protein levels in astrocyte cultures, which was blocked by NFAT inhibition. Moreover, inhibition of astrocytic NFAT activity in mixed cultures ameliorated Abeta-dependent elevations in glutamate and neuronal death. The results suggest that NFAT signaling is selectively altered in AD and may play an important role in driving Abeta-mediated neurodegeneration.
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