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Li J, Liu Y, Chen X, Luo M, Yin M, Xie X, Ai Y, Zhang X, He J. Therapeutic potential of Lingjiao Gouteng decoction in acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol-induced brain injury involving the RhoA/ROCK2/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118114. [PMID: 38552993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alcohol misuse persists as a prevalent societal concern and precipitates diverse deleterious consequences, entailing significant associated health hazards including acute alcohol intoxication (AAI). Binge drinking, a commonplace pattern of alcohol consumption, may incite neurodegeneration and neuronal dysfunction. Clinicians tasked with managing AAI confront a dearth of pharmaceutical intervention alternatives. In contrast, natural products have garnered interest due to their compatibility with the human body and fewer side effects. Lingjiao Gouteng decoction (LGD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine decoction, represents a frequently employed prescription in cases of encephalopathy, although its efficacy in addressing acute alcoholism and alcohol-induced brain injury remains inadequately investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the conceivable therapeutic benefits of LGD in AAI and alcohol-induced brain injury, while delving into the underlying fundamental mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established an AAI mouse model through alcohol gavage, and LGD was administered to the mice twice at the 2 h preceding and 30 min subsequent to alcohol exposure. The study encompassed the utilization of the loss of righting reflex assay, histopathological analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and cerebral tissue biochemical assays to investigate the impact of LGD on AAI and alcohol-induced brain injury. These assessments included a comprehensive evaluation of various biomarkers associated with the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Finally, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were carried out to explore the underlying mechanisms through which LGD exerts its therapeutic influence, potentially through the regulation of the RhoA/ROCK2/NF-κB signaling pathway. RESULTS Our investigation underscores the therapeutic efficacy of LGD in ameliorating AAI, as evidenced by discernible alterations in the loss of righting reflex assay, pathological analysis, and assessment of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Furthermore, the results of RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining manifest a noteworthy regulatory effect of LGD on the RhoA/ROCK2/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirmed the therapeutic potential of LGD in AAI and alcohol-induced brain injury, and the protective effects of LGD against alcohol-induced brain injury may be intricately linked to the RhoA/ROCK2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlin Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yatian Liu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuyun Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minyi Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Yin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyuan Xie
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ai
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyang He
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Lu W, Chen Z, Wen J. The role of RhoA/ROCK pathway in the ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115141. [PMID: 37437375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely known that ischemic stroke is the prominent cause of death and disability. To date, neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke represents a complex event, which is an essential process and affects the prognosis of both experimental stroke animals and stroke patients. Intense neuroinflammation occurring during the acute phase of stroke contributes to neuronal injury, BBB breakdown, and worse neurological outcomes. Inhibition of neuroinflammation may be a promising target in the development of new therapeutic strategies. RhoA is a small GTPase protein that activates a downstream effector, ROCK. The up-regulation of RhoA/ROCK pathway possesses important roles in promoting the neuroinflammation and mediating brain injury. In addition, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is another vital regulator of ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation through regulating the functions of microglial cells and astrocytes. After stroke onset, the microglial cells and astrocytes are activated and undergo the morphological and functional changes, thereby deeply participate in a complicated neuroinflammation cascade. In this review, we focused on the relationship among RhoA/ROCK pathway, NF-κB and glial cells in the neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke to reveal new strategies for preventing the intense neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhuo Lu
- Medical Branch, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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McCoy HM, Polcyn R, Banik NL, Haque A. Regulation of enolase activation to promote neural protection and regeneration in spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1457-1462. [PMID: 36571342 PMCID: PMC10075133 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.361539] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition characterized by damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of function, mobility, and sensation with no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved cure. Enolase, a multifunctional glycolytic enzyme upregulated after SCI, promotes pro- and anti-inflammatory events and regulates functional recovery in SCI. Enolase is normally expressed in the cytosol, but the expression is upregulated at the cell surface following cellular injury, promoting glial cell activation and signal transduction pathway activation. SCI-induced microglia activation triggers pro-inflammatory mediators at the injury site, activating other immune cells and metabolic events, i.e., Rho-associated kinase, contributing to the neuroinflammation found in SCI. Enolase surface expression also activates cathepsin X, resulting in cleavage of the C-terminal end of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and non-neuronal enolase (NNE). Fully functional enolase is necessary as NSE/NNE C-terminal proteins activate many neurotrophic processes, i.e., the plasminogen activation system, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Studies here suggest an enolase inhibitor, ENOblock, attenuates the activation of Rho-associated kinase, which may decrease glial cell activation and promote functional recovery following SCI. Also, ENOblock inhibits cathepsin X, which may help prevent the cleavage of the neurotrophic C-terminal protein allowing full plasminogen activation and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. The combined NSE/cathepsin X inhibition may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing neuroinflammation/degeneration and promoting neural cell regeneration and recovery following SCI. The role of cell membrane-expressed enolase and associated metabolic events should be investigated to determine if the same strategies can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, this review discusses the importance of enolase activation and inhibition as a potential therapeutic target following SCI to promote neuronal survival and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. McCoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rachel Polcyn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Naren L. Banik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Azizul Haque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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4
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Sree AB, Hanifa M, Bali A. Investigations on Rho/ROCK signaling in post-traumatic stress disorder-like behavior in mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114347. [PMID: 36791962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that occurs in response to a traumatic event, and consequently, enhances the threat sensitivity. Rho/ROCK signaling has been implicated in the consolidation of fear memory, stress, depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injury. However, its role in post-traumatic stress disorder remains elusive. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the role of fasudil, a Rho/ROCK inhibitor, a mouse model of PTSD. Mice were subjected to underwater trauma stress followed by three situational reminders. Underwater trauma (UWT) significantly increased the freezing behavior, a marker of the formation of aversive memory, in response to situational reminders on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days, suggesting the significant development of PTSD. Trauma and situational reminders were also associated with significant changes in behavioral parameters in open field, social interaction and actophotometer tests, along with a reduction in serum corticosterone levels. Fasudil (10 and 15 mg/kg) and sertraline (15 mg/kg), a standard drug for PTSD, significantly decreased the freezing behaviour in response to situational reminders, suggesting the inhibition of the formation of aversive fear memory. However, fasudil and sertraline did not modulate normal memory functions, as assessed on elevated plus maze test, before subjecting mice to traumatic stress. Treatment with fasudil and sertraline significantly restored the behavioral changes and normalized the corticosterone levels. Fasudil-mediated blockade of the Rho/ROCK pathway may be responsible for blocking the formation of aversive memory during the traumatic event, which may be manifested in form of decreased contextual fear response during situational reminders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluri Bhavya Sree
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Mohd Hanifa
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Bali
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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Tolomeu HV, Fraga CAM. The Outcomes of Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors and the Role of ROCK2 as a Molecular Target for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:188-205. [PMID: 34414875 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210820092220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is rapidly becoming a major threat to public health, with an increasing number of individuals affected as the world's population ages. In this sense, studies have been carried out aiming at the identification of new small-molecule kinase inhibitors useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we investigated the compounds developed as inhibitors of different protein kinases associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS The applied methodology was the use of the Clarivate Analytics Integrity and ClinicalTrials. com databases. Moreover, we highlight ROCK2 as a promising target despite being little studied for this purpose. A careful structure-activity relationship analysis of the ROCK2 inhibitors was performed to identify important structural features and fragments for the interaction with the kinase active site, aiming to rationally design novel potent and selective inhibitors. RESULTS We were able to notice some structural characteristics that could serve as the basis to better guide the rational design of new ROCK2 inhibitors as well as some more in-depth characteristics regarding the topology of the active site of both isoforms of these enzymes, thereby identifying differences that could lead to planning more selective compounds. CONCLUSION We hope that this work can be useful to update researchers working in this area, enabling the emergence of new ideas and a greater direction of efforts for designing new ROCK2 inhibitors to identify new therapeutic alternatives for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heber Victor Tolomeu
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil | Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941- 902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Manssour Fraga
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil | Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941- 902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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6
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García-Morales V, Gento-Caro Á, Portillo F, Montero F, González-Forero D, Moreno-López B. Lysophosphatidic Acid and Several Neurotransmitters Converge on Rho-Kinase 2 Signaling to Manage Motoneuron Excitability. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:788039. [PMID: 34938160 PMCID: PMC8685439 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.788039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic membrane excitability (IME) sets up neuronal responsiveness to synaptic drive. Several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, acting through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), fine-tune motoneuron (MN) IME by modulating background K+ channels TASK1. However, intracellular partners linking GPCRs to TASK1 modulation are not yet well-known. We hypothesized that isoform 2 of rho-kinase (ROCK2), acting as downstream GPCRs, mediates adjustment of MN IME via TASK1. Electrophysiological recordings were performed in hypoglossal MNs (HMNs) obtained from adult and neonatal rats, neonatal knockout mice for TASK1 (task1–/–) and TASK3 (task3–/–, the another highly expressed TASK subunit in MNs), and primary cultures of embryonic spinal cord MNs (SMNs). Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) technology was also used to knockdown either ROCK1 or ROCK2. Furthermore, ROCK activity assays were performed to evaluate the ability of various physiological GPCR ligands to stimulate ROCK. Microiontophoretically applied H1152, a ROCK inhibitor, and siRNA-induced ROCK2 knockdown both depressed AMPAergic, inspiratory-related discharge activity of adult HMNs in vivo, which mainly express the ROCK2 isoform. In brainstem slices, intracellular constitutively active ROCK2 (aROCK2) led to H1152-sensitive HMN hyper-excitability. The aROCK2 inhibited pH-sensitive and TASK1-mediated currents in SMNs. Conclusively, aROCK2 increased IME in task3–/–, but not in task1–/– HMNs. MN IME was also augmented by the physiological neuromodulator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) through a mechanism entailing Gαi/o-protein stimulation, ROCK2, but not ROCK1, activity and TASK1 inhibition. Finally, two neurotransmitters, TRH, and 5-HT, which are both known to increase MN IME by TASK1 inhibition, stimulated ROCK2, and depressed background resting currents via Gαq/ROCK2 signaling. These outcomes suggest that LPA and several neurotransmitters impact MN IME via Gαi/o/Gαq-protein-coupled receptors, downstream ROCK2 activation, and subsequent inhibition of TASK1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria García-Morales
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ángela Gento-Caro
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Federico Portillo
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fernando Montero
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - David González-Forero
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Bernardo Moreno-López
- GRUpo de NEuroDEgeneración y NeurorREparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
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7
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Song LJ, Zhang H, Qu XP, Jin JG, Wang C, Jiang X, Gao L, Li G, Wang DL, Shen LL, Liu B. Increased expression of Rho-associated protein kinase 2 confers astroglial Stat3 pathway activation during epileptogenesis. Neurosci Res 2021; 177:25-37. [PMID: 34740726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with TLE are prone to tolerance to antiepileptic drugs. Based on the perspective of molecular targets for drug resistance, it is necessary to explore effective drug resistant genes and signaling pathways for the treatment of TLE. We performed gene expression profiles in hippocampus of patients with drug-resistant TLE and identified ROCK2 as one of the 20 most significantly increased genes in hippocampus. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to identify the potential role of ROCK2 in epileptogenesis. In addition, the activity of Stat3 pathway was tested in rat hippocampal tissues and primary cultured astrocytes. The expression levels of ROCK2 in the hippocampus of TLE patients were significantly increased compared with the control group, which was due to the hypomethylation of ROCK2 promoter. Fasudil, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, alleviated epileptic seizures in the pilocarpine rat model of TLE. Furthermore, ROCK2 activated the Stat3 pathway in pilocarpine-treated epilepsy rats, and the spearman correlation method confirmed that ROCK2 is associated with Stat3 activation in TLE patients. In addition, ROCK2 was predominantly expressed in astrocytes during epileptogenesis, and induced epileptogenesis by activating astrocyte cell cycle progression via Stat3 pathway. The overexpressed ROCK2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of drug-resistant epilepsy. ROCK2 accelerates astrocytes cell cycle progression via the activation of Stat3 pathway likely provides the key to explaining the process of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jia Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun-Gong Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an International Medical Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Da-Li Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang-Liang Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Lin YE, Chen YC, Lu KH, Huang YJ, Panyod S, Liu WT, Yang SH, Lu YS, Chen MH, Sheen LY. Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link by modulation of ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling in an unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced animal model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 276:114194. [PMID: 33974945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link (CM) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in tonics for treating several neurological disorders, including epilepsy and anxiety, in Asia. Reports have shown that CM has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and may be beneficial for depression management. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the potential of CM as an antidepressant for a long-term unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) rodent models and explore its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were orally administered with 125 (low, L), 250 (medium, M), and 500 (high, H) mg/kg bodyweight (bw) of the water extract of CM (WCM) for 35 consecutive days in the UCMS protocol. The levels of cerebral serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and metabolites in the frontal cortex of the rats were measured. Blood was collected to investigate the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and the brain was dissected to assay the stress-associated ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling. RESULTS All doses of the WCM prevented abnormal behaviors induced by UCMS, including anhedonia and hypoactivity. The LWCM treatment reduced the turnover rate of 5-HT, and all doses of the WCM reduced the turnover rate of DA in the frontal cortex. The LWCM also attenuated the elevation of serum IL-1β induced by chronic stress. All doses of the WCM attenuated the ROCK2 protein hyperactivation, and the LWCM further increased the down-regulation of p-Akt/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION The WCM has antidepressant-like effects, which may result from the regulation of the stress-related ROCK2/PTEN/Akt pathway. Therefore, the WCM may be developed and used for the complementary treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-En Lin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hung Lu
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Ju Huang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Suraphan Panyod
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Ting Liu
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Hui Yang
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Sheng Lu
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Hsing Chen
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Lee-Yan Sheen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Center for Food Safety Education and Research, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zhang Z, Wang Z, Ling Z, Li Y, Pan J, Gao Q, Zhang J, Yan L, Zhang Z, Li J, Xiao F. A screened PirB antagonist peptide antagonizes Aβ 42-mediated inhibition of neurite outgrowth in vitro. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4649-4662. [PMID: 34059940 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11363-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of progressive neurodegenerative disease, and amyloid β-protein 42 (Aβ42) serves an important role in the pathological process of development of AD. Paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PirB) is a functional receptor for myelin inhibitors of neuron regeneration in the CNS, and it has also been identified to function as a high-affinity receptor for Aβ. Here, we used a phage display to identify a specific PirB antagonist peptide 11(PAP11, PFRLQLS), which could reverse Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity and promote neurite outgrowth in vitro. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that PAP11 colocalized with PirB on the membrane of cortical neurons. Horseradish peroxidase-streptavidin-biotin assay further proved that PAP11 directly binds to PirB and the dissociation constant (Kd) was 0.128μM. PAP11 functionally antagonized the neurite outgrowth inhibitory effect induced by Aβ42 in cortical neurons, and the underlying mechanism was associated with a PirB-ROCK2/CRMP2 signaling pathway. The novel PirB antagonist peptide PAP11 may be a promising candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. KEY POINTS: • PAP11 was the first PirB antagonist peptide screened by phage display technology. • PAP11 could protect neurons by blocking the binding of Aβ42 and PirB. • PAP11 reverse inhibitory effect of neurite outgrowth through ROCK2/CRMP2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Ling
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junping Pan
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jichun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yan
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Junliang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zheng K, Hu F, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Zheng J, Lai C, Xiong W, Cui K, Hu YZ, Han ZT, Zhang HH, Chen JG, Man HY, Liu D, Lu Y, Zhu LQ. miR-135a-5p mediates memory and synaptic impairments via the Rock2/Adducin1 signaling pathway in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1903. [PMID: 33771994 PMCID: PMC7998005 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but most abnormally expressed miRNAs found in AD are not regulated by synaptic activity. Here we report that dysfunction of miR-135a-5p/Rock2/Add1 results in memory/synaptic disorder in a mouse model of AD. miR-135a-5p levels are significantly reduced in excitatory hippocampal neurons of AD model mice. This decrease is tau dependent and mediated by Foxd3. Inhibition of miR-135a-5p leads to synaptic disorder and memory impairments. Furthermore, excess Rock2 levels caused by loss of miR-135a-5p plays an important role in the synaptic disorder of AD via phosphorylation of Ser726 on adducin 1 (Add1). Blocking the phosphorylation of Ser726 on Add1 with a membrane-permeable peptide effectively rescues the memory impairments in AD mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that synaptic-related miR-135a-5p mediates synaptic/memory deficits in AD via the Rock2/Add1 signaling pathway, illuminating a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zheng
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuan Lai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wan Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ke Cui
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Zhuo Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Tao Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Hong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan Liu
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Youming Lu
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
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11
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Xu GJ, Zhang Q, Li SY, Zhu YT, Yu KW, Wang CJ, Xie HY, Wu Y. Environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment inhibits neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region and ameliorates memory deficits. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1460-1466. [PMID: 33433459 PMCID: PMC8323697 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, no specific treatment exists to promote recovery from cognitive impairment after a stroke. Dysfunction of the actin cytoskeleton correlates well with poststroke cognitive declines, and its reorganization requires proper regulation of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) proteins. Fasudil downregulates ROCK activation and protects neurons against cytoskeleton collapse in the acute phase after stroke. An enriched environment can reduce poststroke cognitive impairment. However, the efficacy of environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment remains poorly understood. A photothrombotic stroke model was established in 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Twenty-four hours after modeling, these animals were intraperitoneally administered fasudil (10 mg/kg) once daily for 14 successive days and/or provided with environmental enrichment for 21 successive days. After exposure to environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment, the number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region increased significantly, the expression and proportion of p-cofilin in the hippocampus decreased, and the distribution of F-actin in the hippocampal CA1 region increased significantly. Furthermore, the performance of mouse stroke models in the tail suspension test and step-through passive avoidance test improved significantly. These findings suggest that environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment can ameliorate memory dysfunction through inhibition of the hippocampal ROCK/cofilin pathway, alteration of the dynamic distribution of F-actin, and inhibition of neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region. The efficacy of environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment was superior to that of fasudil treatment alone. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Fudan University of China (approval No. 2019-Huashan Hospital JS-139) on February 20, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Jing Xu
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yue Li
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Tong Zhu
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Wei Yu
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Jie Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu Xie
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Blagojević S, Jeremić M, Jovanović-Tucović M. The neuroprotective effect of Rho-kinase Inhibition in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cellular model of neurodegeneration. MEDICINSKI PODMLADAK 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/mp72-33532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridium (MPTP) induced model of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most commonly used experimental models. This neurotoxic agent , or rather its metabolite MPP+, leads to inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, an increase in free radicals' production and ATP depletion, all resulting in cellular demise and death. Rho-kinase is an enzyme involved with numerous cellregulatory mechanisms, such as cytoskeleton organization, axonogenesis, vesicular transport regulation and apoptosis regulation, which are all important for cell survival. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the effects of Rho-kinase inhibition on the MPP+ induced model of neurodegeneration and the role of Akt and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways in this process. Material and methods: The experiments were performed on the human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cell line. The MTT test was used to measure the viability of the cells after the MPP+ and/ or Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil, treatments. Changes in activation levels, or expression of pAMPK, pAkt, AMPK and Akt, were measured using the immunoblotting method, and the protein levels were quantified by densitometry. Results: The MPP+ caused a dose-dependent decrease in cellular viability, compared to the control group (untreated cells), while fasudil treatment, prior to MPP+ exposure, improved cell viability in a dose dependant manner, compared to MPP+ treatment. Analysis of activation status of target proteins showed an increase in Akt activation after the fasudil treatment, while the AMPK activation was not significantly changed. Conclusion: Inhibition of Rho-kinase using fasudil causes a decrease in MPP+ induced cell death, which is possibly mediated by an activation of the Akt/PI3K signaling pathway.
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13
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Lu E, Wang Q, Li S, Chen C, Wu W, Xu YXZ, Zhou P, Tu W, Lou X, Rao G, Yang G, Jiang S, Zhou K. Profilin 1 knockdown prevents ischemic brain damage by promoting M2 microglial polarization associated with the RhoA/ROCK pathway. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1198-1212. [PMID: 32291804 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ermei Lu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Department of Pharmacy The First People's Hospital of Wenling The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenling China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy The First People's Hospital of Wenling The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenling China
| | - Shengcun Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Caiming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy The First People's Hospital of Wenling The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenling China
| | - Weibo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy The First People's Hospital of Wenling The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenling China
| | - Yang Xin Zi Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Anatomy Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Xinfa Lou
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Gaofeng Rao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine The First People's Hospital of Wenling The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenling China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
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14
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Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A. Fasudil, a Rho-Associated Coiled Coil-Forming Protein Kinase Inhibitor, Recovers Methylmercury-Induced Axonal Degeneration by Changing Microglial Phenotype in Rats. Toxicol Sci 2020; 168:126-136. [PMID: 30462329 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxicant that induces neuropathological changes. In this study, we established chronic MeHg-intoxicated rats. These rats survived, and sustained MeHg-induced axonal degeneration, including the dorsal root nerve and the dorsal column of the spinal cord; these changes persisted 12 weeks after MeHg withdrawal. We demonstrated for the first time the restorative effect of Fasudil, a specific inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase, on axonal degeneration and corresponding neural dysfunction in the established chronic MeHg-intoxicated rats. To investigate the mechanism of this restorative effect, we focused on the expression of Rho protein families. This was supported by our previous study, which demonstrated that cotreatment with Fasudil prevented axonal degeneration by mitigating neurite extension/retraction incoordination caused by MeHg-induced suppression of Rac1 in vitro and in subacute MeHg-intoxicated rats. However, the mechanism of the restorative effect of Fasudil on axonal degeneration in chronic MeHg-intoxicated rats differed from MeHg-mediated neuritic extension/retraction incoordination. We found that the restorative effect of Fasudil was caused by the Fasudil-induced change of microglial phenotype, from proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory; moreover, Fasudil suppressed Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase activity. Treatment with Fasudil decreased the expression of proinflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6; furthermore, it inactivated the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway. Additionally, Fasudil treatment was associated with increased levels of anti-inflammatory factors arginase-1 and interleukin-10. These results suggest that Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase inhibition may recover MeHg-mediated axonal degeneration and neural dysfunction in chronic MeHg intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakamura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
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15
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Sharma P, Roy K. ROCK-2-selective targeting and its therapeutic outcomes. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:446-455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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16
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Yan Y, Yu J, Gao Y, Kumar G, Guo M, Zhao Y, Fang Q, Zhang H, Yu J, Jiang Y, Zhang HT, Ma CG. Therapeutic potentials of the Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and the related mechanisms. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:377-384. [PMID: 30552558 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other neurodegenerative diseases of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are serious human health problems. Rho-kinase (ROCK) is emerging as a potentially important therapeutic target relevant to inflammatory neurodegeneration diseases. This is supported by studies showing the beneficial effects of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, in inflammatory neurodegeneration diseases. MS is an autoimmune disease resulting from inflammation and demyelination in the white matter of the CNS. It has been postulated that activation of Rho/ROCK causes neuropathological changes accompanied with related clinical symptoms, which are improved by treatment with ROCK inhibitors. Therefore, inhibition of abnormal activation of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway appears to be a new mechanism for treating CNS diseases. In this review, we extensively discussed the role of ROCK inhibitors, summarized the efficacy of fasudil in the MS conventional animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), both in vivo and in vitro, and highlighted the mechanism involved. Overall, the findings collected in this review support the role of the ROCK signaling pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, ROCK inhibitors such as fasudil can be novel, and efficacious treatment for inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yan
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jiezhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong
| | - Minfang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yijin Zhao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Qingli Fang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Huiyu Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jingwen Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yuqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, Physiology & Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Taiyuan, China.
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17
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Wei HX, Yao PS, Chen PP, Guan JH, Zhuang JH, Zhu JB, Wu G, Yang JS. Neuronal EphA4 Regulates OGD/R-Induced Apoptosis by Promoting Alternative Activation of Microglia. Inflammation 2018; 42:572-585. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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ROCK inhibition in models of neurodegeneration and its potential for clinical translation. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 189:1-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Hiroi Y, Noma K, Kim HH, Sladojevic N, Tabit CE, Li Y, Soydan G, Salomone S, Moskowitz MA, Liao JK. Neuroprotection Mediated by Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Rho-Associated, Coiled-Coil-Containing Kinase 2 Deficient Mice. Circ J 2018; 82:1195-1204. [PMID: 29353861 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-17-0732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-associated kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) are important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Because the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor-1A1 (eEF1A1) by ROCK2 is critical for eNOS expression, we hypothesized that this molecular pathway may play a critical role in neuroprotection following focal cerebral ischemia.Methods and Results:Adult male wild-type (WT) and mutant ROCK2 and eNOS-/-mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and cerebral infarct size, neurological deficit and absolute cerebral blood flow were measured. In addition, aortic endothelium-dependent response to acetylcholine, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and sodium nitroprusside were assessed ex vivo. Endothelial cells from mouse brain or heart were used to measure eNOS and eEF1A activity, as well as NO production and eNOS mRNA half-life. In global hemizygous ROCK2+/-and endothelial-specific EC-ROCK2-/-mice, eNOS mRNA stability and eNOS expression were increased, which correlated with enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation and neuroprotection following focal cerebral ischemia. Indeed, when ROCK2+/-mice were place on an eNOS-/-background, the neuroprotective effects observed in ROCK2+/-mice were abolished. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the phosphorylation of eEF1A1 by ROCK2 is physiologically important for eNOS expression and NO-mediated neuroprotection, and suggest that targeting endothelial ROCK2 and eEF1A may have therapeutic benefits in ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Hiroi
- Vascular Medicine Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Kensuke Noma
- Vascular Medicine Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Vascular Medicine Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School.,Department of Radiology, Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago
| | - Corey E Tabit
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago
| | - Yuxin Li
- Vascular Medicine Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Guray Soydan
- Department of Radiology, Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Radiology, Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Michael A Moskowitz
- Department of Radiology, Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - James K Liao
- Vascular Medicine Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School.,Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago
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20
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Roser AE, Tönges L, Lingor P. Modulation of Microglial Activity by Rho-Kinase (ROCK) Inhibition as Therapeutic Strategy in Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:94. [PMID: 28420986 PMCID: PMC5378706 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS, PNS), resulting in a reduced innervation of target structures and a loss of function. A shared characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases is the infiltration of microglial cells into affected brain regions. During early disease stages microglial cells often display a rather neuroprotective phenotype, but switch to a more pro-inflammatory neurotoxic phenotype in later stages of the disease, contributing to the neurodegeneration. Activation of the Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway appears to be instrumental for the modulation of the microglial phenotype: increased ROCK activity in microglia mediates mechanisms of the inflammatory response and is associated with improved motility, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of inflammatory cytokines. Recently, several studies suggested inhibition of ROCK signaling as a promising treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review article, we discuss the contribution of microglial activity and phenotype switch to the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two devastating neurodegenerative diseases without disease-modifying treatment options. Furthermore, we describe how ROCK inhibition can influence the microglial phenotype in disease models and explore ROCK inhibition as a future treatment option for PD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisa Roser
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tönges
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
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21
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Saal K, Galter D, Roeber S, Bähr M, Tönges L, Lingor P. Altered Expression of Growth Associated Protein-43 and Rho Kinase in Human Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:13-25. [PMID: 26748453 PMCID: PMC8029215 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Causative treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD) will have to address multiple underlying pathomechanisms to attenuate neurodegeneration. Additionally, the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the central nervous system is also an important factor contributing to restoration. Extracellular cues can limit sprouting and regrowth of adult neurons, but even aged neurons have a low intrinsic regeneration capacity. Whether this capacity has been lost or if growth inhibitory cues are increased during PD progression has not been resolved yet. In this study, we assessed the regenerative potential in the nigrostriatal system in post-mortem brain sections of PD patients compared to age-matched and young controls. Investigation of the expression pattern of the regeneration-associated protein GAP-43 suggested a lower regenerative capacity in nigral dopaminergic neurons of PD patients. Furthermore, the increase in protein expression of the growth-inhibitory protein ROCK2 in astrocytes and a similar trend in microglia, suggests an important role for ROCK2 in glial PD pathology, which is initiated already in normal aging. Considering the role of astro- and microglia in PD pathogenesis as well as beneficial effects of ROCK inhibition on neuronal survival and regeneration in neurodegenerative disease models, our data strengthens the importance of the ROCK pathway as a therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim‐Ann Saal
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medicine GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Dagmar Galter
- Department of NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Sigrun Roeber
- Department of NeuropathologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medicine GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- DFG‐Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB)GöttingenGermany
| | - Lars Tönges
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medicine GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- DFG‐Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB)GöttingenGermany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medicine GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- DFG‐Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB)GöttingenGermany
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22
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García-Rojo G, Fresno C, Vilches N, Díaz-Véliz G, Mora S, Aguayo F, Pacheco A, Parra-Fiedler N, Parra CS, Rojas PS, Tejos M, Aliaga E, Fiedler JL. The ROCK Inhibitor Fasudil Prevents Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Dendritic Spine Loss in Rat Hippocampus. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 20:336-345. [PMID: 27927737 PMCID: PMC5409106 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendritic arbor simplification and dendritic spine loss in the hippocampus, a limbic structure implicated in mood disorders, are assumed to contribute to symptoms of depression. These morphological changes imply modifications in dendritic cytoskeleton. Rho GTPases are regulators of actin dynamics through their effector Rho kinase. We have reported that chronic stress promotes depressive-like behaviors in rats along with dendritic spine loss in apical dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, changes associated with Rho kinase activation. The present study proposes that the Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil may prevent the stress-induced behavior and dendritic spine loss. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with saline or Fasudil (i.p., 10 mg/kg) starting 4 days prior to and maintained during the restraint stress procedure (2.5 h/d for 14 days). Nonstressed control animals were injected with saline or Fasudil for 18 days. At 24 hours after treatment, forced swimming test, Golgi-staining, and immuno-western blot were performed. RESULTS Fasudil prevented stress-induced immobility observed in the forced swimming test. On the other hand, Fasudil-treated control animals showed behavioral patterns similar to those of saline-treated controls. Furthermore, we observed that stress induced an increase in the phosphorylation of MYPT1 in the hippocampus, an exclusive target of Rho kinase. This change was accompanied by dendritic spine loss of apical dendrites of pyramidal hippocampal neurons. Interestingly, increased pMYPT1 levels and spine loss were both prevented by Fasudil administration. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that Fasudil may prevent the development of abnormal behavior and spine loss induced by chronic stress by blocking Rho kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo García-Rojo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Natalia Vilches
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Gabriela Díaz-Véliz
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Sergio Mora
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Felipe Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Aníbal Pacheco
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Nicolás Parra-Fiedler
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Claudio S. Parra
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Paulina S. Rojas
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Macarena Tejos
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Esteban Aliaga
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
| | - Jenny L. Fiedler
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Mr García-Rojo, Ms Vilches, Mr Aguayo, Ms Pacheco, Mr Parra-Fiedler, Mr Parra, Dr Rojas, Ms Tejos, and Dr Fiedler); CONICET, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (Dr Fresno); Laboratorio Farmacología del Comportamiento, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile (Ms Díaz-Véliz and Mr Mora); Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (Dr Rojas, present address); Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (Dr Aliaga)
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Qin T, Fang F, Song M, Li R, Ma Z, Ma S. Umbelliferone reverses depression-like behavior in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rats by attenuating neuronal apoptosis via regulating ROCK/Akt pathway. Behav Brain Res 2016; 317:147-156. [PMID: 27646771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that major depressive disorder (MDD) is also a progressive neurodegeneration disorder and neuronal damage is the major pathology of MDD. Umbelliferone, a coumarin derivative, was found in a range of plants with proved anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate whether umbelliferone could confer an antidepressant-like effect on the depressive model in rats developed by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and explore the possible mechanism involved in its neuroprotective effects. We found that treatments with umbelliferone (15mg/kg, 30mg/kg) significantly ameliorated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors, such as decreased sucrose consumption, reduced locomotor activity and prolonged immobility time. Rats under CUMS stimulation treated with umbelliferone (15mg/kg, 30mg/kg) showed reduced neuronal apoptosis, as well as inhibited inflammatory cytokines levels by down-regulating Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling and up-regulating protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. In conclusion, umbelliferone showed neuroprotective effects on CUMS-induced model of depression, which was associated with the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis modulated by ROCK/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qin
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Meiting Song
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhanqiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Shiping Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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AAV.shRNA-mediated downregulation of ROCK2 attenuates degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in toxin-induced models of Parkinson's disease in vitro and in vivo. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 73:150-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Tatsumi E, Yamanaka H, Kobayashi K, Yagi H, Sakagami M, Noguchi K. RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates p38 MAPK activation and morphological changes downstream of P2Y12/13 receptors in spinal microglia in neuropathic pain. Glia 2014; 63:216-28. [PMID: 25130721 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated an important role of ATP receptors in spinal microglia, such as P2Y12 or P2Y13, in the development of chronic pain. However, intracellular signaling cascade of these receptors have not been clearly elucidated. We found that intrathecal injection of 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate (2Me-SADP) induced mechanical hypersensitivity and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of P2Y12/P2Y13 antagonists and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor H1152 suppressed not only p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but also mechanical hypersensitivity induced by 2Me-SADP. In the rat peripheral nerve injury model, intrathecal administration of antagonists for the P2Y12/P2Y13 receptor suppressed activation of p38 MAPK in the spinal cord. In addition, subarachnoidal injection of H1152 also attenuated nerve injury-induced spinal p38 MAPK phosphorylation and neuropathic pain behavior, suggesting an essential role of ROCK in nerve injury-induced p38 MAPK activation. We also found that the antagonists of the P2Y12/P2Y13 receptor and H1152 had inhibitory effects on the morphological changes of microglia such as retraction of processes in both 2Me-SADP and nerve injured rats. In contrast these treatments had no effect on the number of Iba1-positive cells in the nerve injury model. Collectively, our results have demonstrated roles of ROCK in the spinal microglia that is involved in p38 MAPK activation and the morphological changes. Inhibition of ROCK signaling may offer a novel target for the development of a neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Tatsumi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
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Alteration of basilar artery rho-kinase and soluble guanylyl cyclase protein expression in a rat model of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:531508. [PMID: 24982890 PMCID: PMC4058103 DOI: 10.1155/2014/531508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previous results showed that CGS 26303, an endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor, effectively prevented and reversed arterial narrowing in animal models of SAH. In the present study, we assessed the effect of CGS 26303 on neurological deficits in SAH rats. The involvement of vasoactive pathways downstream of ET-1 signaling in SAH was also investigated. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 6/group): (1) normal control, (2) SAH, (3) SAH+vehicle, (4) SAH+CGS 26303 (prevention), and (5) SAH+CGS 26303 (reversal). SAH was induced by injecting autologous blood into cisterna magna. CGS 26303 (10 mg/kg) was injected intravenously at 1 and 24 hr after the initiation of SAH in the prevention and reversal protocols, respectively. Behavioral changes were assessed at 48 hr after SAH. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blots. RESULTS Deficits in motor function were obvious in the SAH rats, and CGS 26303 significantly improved the rate of paraplegia. Expressions of rho-kinase-II and membrane-bound protein kinase C- δ and rhoA were significantly increased, while those of soluble guanylyl cyclase α 1 and β 1 as well as protein kinase G were significantly decreased in the basilar artery of SAH rats. Treatment with CGS 26303 nearly normalized these effects. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the rhoA/rho-kinase and sGC/cGMP/PKG pathways play pivotal roles in cerebral vasospasm after SAH. It also shows that ECE inhibition is an effective strategy for the treatment of this disease.
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Koch JC, Tönges L, Barski E, Michel U, Bähr M, Lingor P. ROCK2 is a major regulator of axonal degeneration, neuronal death and axonal regeneration in the CNS. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1225. [PMID: 24832597 PMCID: PMC4047920 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Rho/ROCK/LIMK pathway is central for the mediation of repulsive environmental signals in the central nervous system. Several studies using pharmacological Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have shown positive effects on neurite regeneration and suggest additional pro-survival effects in neurons. However, as none of these drugs is completely target specific, it remains unclear how these effects are mediated and whether ROCK is really the most relevant target of the pathway. To answer these questions, we generated adeno-associated viral vectors to specifically downregulate ROCK2 and LIM domain kinase (LIMK)-1 in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro and in vivo. We show here that specific knockdown of ROCK2 and LIMK1 equally enhanced neurite outgrowth of RGCs on inhibitory substrates and both induced substantial neuronal regeneration over distances of more than 5 mm after rat optic nerve crush (ONC) in vivo. However, only knockdown of ROCK2 but not LIMK1 increased survival of RGCs after optic nerve axotomy. Moreover, knockdown of ROCK2 attenuated axonal degeneration of the proximal axon after ONC assessed by in vivo live imaging. Mechanistically, we demonstrate here that knockdown of ROCK2 resulted in decreased intraneuronal activity of calpain and caspase 3, whereas levels of pAkt and collapsin response mediator protein 2 and autophagic flux were increased. Taken together, our data characterize ROCK2 as a specific therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases and demonstrate new downstream effects of ROCK2 including axonal degeneration, apoptosis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - L Tönges
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - E Barski
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - U Michel
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - M Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - P Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
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Chen Y, Wei G, Nie H, Lin Y, Tian H, Liu Y, Yu X, Cheng S, Yan R, Wang Q, Liu DH, Deng W, Lai Y, Zhou JH, Zhang SX, Lin WW, Chen DF. β-Asarone prevents autophagy and synaptic loss by reducing ROCK expression in asenescence-accelerated prone 8 mice. Brain Res 2014; 1552:41-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Wen X, Wang L, Liu Z, Liu Y, Hu J. Intracranial injection of PEG-PEI/ROCK II-siRNA improves cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Int J Neurosci 2014; 124:697-703. [PMID: 24350994 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2013.877014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A plenty of studies have demonstrated that the Rho/ROCK pathway is involved in the neuronal loss and inhibition of axonal regeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate whether intracranial injection of PEG-PEI/ROCK II siRNA (PPRS) would improve the cognitive impairments in a senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) model of AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five male senescence-resistant inbred strain (SAMR1) mice and 15 male senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) strain mice were divided into the following three groups:PPRS group, PEG-PEI/ ROCK II-Scramble (PPRScr) siRNA group, and normal group (SAMR1). Total volumes of 2.3 μl of nanoparticles or saline were intracranially injected under the guidance of a stereotaxic apparatus. The injections were performed every three days and lasted for two weeks. Four weeks after injection, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory functions of the mice. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Mice in the PPRS-treated group exhibited decreases in escape latencies over the three successive days of navigating the test and crossing the target quadrant during the spatial probe test more frequently than did the mice in the PPRScr-treated group. Analyses of ChAT activity revealed that greater numbers of ChAT-positive cells were present in the hippocampal regions of the PPRS-treated mice than in the PPRScr group. CONCLUSIONS Intracranial injection of PPRS improved the cognitive impairments of SAM mice, and this improvement may have been mediated by enhancement of ChAT activity in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Wen
- 1Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, Guangdong Province , P.R. China
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Hyun Lee J, Zheng Y, von Bornstadt D, Wei Y, Balcioglu A, Daneshmand A, Yalcin N, Yu E, Herisson F, Atalay YB, Kim MH, Ahn YJ, Balkaya M, Sweetnam P, Schueller O, Poyurovsky MV, Kim HH, Lo EH, Furie KL, Ayata C. Selective ROCK2 Inhibition In Focal Cerebral Ischemia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2013; 1:2-14. [PMID: 24466563 PMCID: PMC3900310 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a key regulator of numerous processes in multiple cell types relevant in stroke pathophysiology. ROCK inhibitors have improved outcome in experimental models of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. However, the relevant ROCK isoform (ROCK1 or ROCK2) in acute stroke is not known. METHODS We characterized the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile, and tested the efficacy and safety of a novel selective ROCK2 inhibitor KD025 (formerly SLx-2119) in focal cerebral ischemia models in mice. RESULTS KD025 dose-dependently reduced infarct volume after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The therapeutic window was at least 3 hours from stroke onset, and the efficacy was sustained for at least 4 weeks. KD025 was at least as efficacious in aged, diabetic or female mice, as in normal adult males. Concurrent treatment with atorvastatin was safe, but not additive or synergistic. KD025 was also safe in a permanent ischemia model, albeit with diminished efficacy. As one mechanism of protection, KD025 improved cortical perfusion in a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion model, implicating enhanced collateral flow. Unlike isoform-nonselective ROCK inhibitors, KD025 did not cause significant hypotension, a dose-limiting side effect in acute ischemic stroke. INTERPRETATION Altogether, these data show that KD025 is efficacious and safe in acute focal cerebral ischemia in mice, implicating ROCK2 as the relevant isoform in acute ischemic stroke. Data suggest that selective ROCK2 inhibition has a favorable safety profile to facilitate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hyun Lee
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Yi Zheng
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Daniel von Bornstadt
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Ying Wei
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Aygul Balcioglu
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Ali Daneshmand
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Nilufer Yalcin
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Esther Yu
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Fanny Herisson
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Yahya B Atalay
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Maya H Kim
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Yong-Joo Ahn
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Mustafa Balkaya
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | | | | | | | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Eng H Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
| | - Karen L Furie
- Department of Neurology, Rhode Island HospitalProvidence, Rhode Island, 02903
| | - Cenk Ayata
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129
- Stroke Service and Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, Massachusetts, 02114
- Correspondence Cenk Ayata, Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Room 6403, Charlestown, MA 02129. Tel: (617) 726-8021; Fax: (617) 726-2547; E-mail:
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Boku S, Nakagawa S, Toda H, Kato A, Takamura N, Omiya Y, Inoue T, Koyama T. ROCK2 regulates bFGF-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells through GSK-3β and β-catenin pathway. Brain Res 2012; 1492:7-17. [PMID: 23211630 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Increased neurogenesis by promoting proliferation of neural precursor cells in the adult dentate gyrus might be beneficial for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Results demonstrate that bFGF is necessary for the proliferation of neural precursor cells and that the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin pathway plays a role in it. However, the detailed mechanism of proliferation of neural precursor cells remains unclear. To elucidate that mechanism, we investigated the role of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) in bFGF-induced proliferation using SH-SY5Y cells as a model of neural precursor-like cells. Y27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCK, decreased bFGF-induced proliferation. Lithium (Li), an inhibitor of GSK-3β, recovered Y27632-decreased proliferation and quercetin (Que), an inhibitor of β-catenin pathway, reversed the recovery effect of Li. Both nuclear β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression were altered by bFGF, Y27632, Li, and Que in parallel with the case of proliferation. Furthermore, bFGF inactivated GSK-3β through increasing the phosphorylation of Ser(9) on GSK-3β, which is reversed by Y27632 through increased phosphorylation of Tyr(216) on GSK-3β. ROCK has two subtypes: ROCK1 and ROCK2. Investigation with siRNA for ROCKs showed that ROCK2 is involved in bFGF-induced proliferation, but not ROCK1. These results suggest that ROCK2 might mediate bFGF-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells through GSK-3β and β-catenin pathway. Further investigation of detailed mechanisms regulating the ROCK2/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway might engender the development of new therapeutic targets of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuken Boku
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
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32
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Tönges L, Frank T, Tatenhorst L, Saal KA, Koch JC, Szegő ÉM, Bähr M, Weishaupt JH, Lingor P. Inhibition of rho kinase enhances survival of dopaminergic neurons and attenuates axonal loss in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Brain 2012; 135:3355-70. [PMID: 23087045 PMCID: PMC3501973 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is one of the earliest features of Parkinson's disease pathology, which is followed by neuronal death in the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain. Inhibition of axonal degeneration combined with cellular neuroprotection therefore seem key to targeting an early stage in Parkinson's disease progression. Based on our previous studies in traumatic and neurodegenerative disease models, we have identified rho kinase as a molecular target that can be manipulated to disinhibit axonal regeneration and improve survival of lesioned central nervous system neurons. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective potential of pharmacological rho kinase inhibition mediated by fasudil in the in vitro 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium cell culture model and in the subchronic in vivo 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Application of fasudil resulted in a significant attenuation of dopaminergic cell loss in both paradigms. Furthermore, dopaminergic terminals were preserved as demonstrated by analysis of neurite network in vitro, striatal fibre density and by neurochemical analysis of the levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum. Behavioural tests demonstrated a clear improvement in motor performance after fasudil treatment. The Akt survival pathway was identified as an important molecular mediator for neuroprotective effects of rho kinase inhibition in our paradigm. We conclude that inhibition of rho kinase using the clinically approved small molecule inhibitor fasudil may be a promising new therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.
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MESH Headings
- 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine/analogs & derivatives
- 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine/pharmacology
- 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine/therapeutic use
- 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium/toxicity
- Animals
- Axons/drug effects
- Axons/pathology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Survival/physiology
- Cells, Cultured
- Corpus Striatum/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dopamine/metabolism
- Dopaminergic Neurons/enzymology
- Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology
- Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology
- MPTP Poisoning/drug therapy
- MPTP Poisoning/enzymology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nerve Degeneration/chemically induced
- Nerve Degeneration/drug therapy
- Nerve Degeneration/enzymology
- Neurites/pathology
- Neuroprotective Agents/metabolism
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/chemically induced
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/drug therapy
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/enzymology
- Parkinson Disease, Secondary/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/drug effects
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Substantia Nigra/drug effects
- Substantia Nigra/enzymology
- rho-Associated Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- rho-Associated Kinases/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Tönges
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Frank
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tatenhorst
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kim A. Saal
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan C. Koch
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Éva M. Szegő
- 2 Cluster of Excellence “Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain” (CNMPB), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- 3 Department of Neurodegeneration and Restorative Research, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- 2 Cluster of Excellence “Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain” (CNMPB), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Paul Lingor
- 1 Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- 2 Cluster of Excellence “Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain” (CNMPB), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Iizuka M, Kimura K, Wang S, Kato K, Amano M, Kaibuchi K, Mizoguchi A. Distinct distribution and localization of Rho-kinase in mouse epithelial, muscle and neural tissues. Cell Struct Funct 2012; 37:155-75. [PMID: 22986902 DOI: 10.1247/csf.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTP-binding protein Rho plays a crucial role in a wide variety of cellular functions through various effector proteins. Rho-kinase is a key effector protein of Rho, which is composed of two isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2. To clarify the site of action of ROCK1 and ROCK2, we performed immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic analyses using isoform-specific antibodies in mouse tissues. In the large and small intestines, ROCK1 immunoreactivity was predominantly identified in epithelial cells, and ROCK2 immunoreactivity was negligible. In these epithelial cells, ROCK1 immunoreactivity was distributed on plasma membranes, while ROCK1 immunogold signals were localized at cell-cell contacts and cell adhesion sites, especially at the adherens junctions at the ultrastructural level. In the bladder epithelium, however, ROCK1 and ROCK2 signals were identified at intermediate filaments, and ROCK2 signals were also observed in nuclei. In the three types of muscular cells-smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle cells-ROCK1 and ROCK2 also showed differential distribution. ROCK1 signals were localized at actin filaments, plasma membranes, and vesicles near plasma membranes in smooth muscle cells; at the lysosomes in skeletal muscle cells; and were undetectable in cardiac muscle cells. ROCK2 signals were localized at actin filaments and centrosomes in smooth muscle cells, at intercalated discs in cardiac muscle cells, and at Z-discs and sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle cells. In the brain, ROCK1 immunoreactivity was distributed in glia, whereas ROCK2 immunoreactivity was observed in neurons. These results indicate that the two isoforms of Rho-kinase distribute differentially to accomplish their specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiro Iizuka
- Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Jeon BT, Jeong EA, Park SY, Son H, Shin HJ, Lee DH, Kim HJ, Kang SS, Cho GJ, Choi WS, Roh GS. The Rho-Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitor Y-27632 Protects Against Excitotoxicity-Induced Neuronal Death In Vivo and In Vitro. Neurotox Res 2012; 23:238-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-012-9339-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Endogenous Rho-kinase signaling maintains synaptic strength by stabilizing the size of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. J Neurosci 2012; 32:68-84. [PMID: 22219271 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3215-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) regulates neural cell migration, proliferation and survival, dendritic spine morphology, and axon guidance and regeneration. There is, however, little information about whether ROCK modulates the electrical activity and information processing of neuronal circuits. At neonatal stage, ROCKα is expressed in hypoglossal motoneurons (HMNs) and in their afferent inputs, whereas ROCKβ is found in synaptic terminals on HMNs, but not in their somata. Inhibition of endogenous ROCK activity in neonatal rat brainstem slices failed to modulate intrinsic excitability of HMNs, but strongly attenuated the strength of their glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic inputs. The mechanism acts presynaptically to reduce evoked neurotransmitter release. ROCK inhibition increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, which is known to trigger actomyosin contraction, and reduced the number of synaptic vesicles docked to active zones in excitatory boutons. Functional and ultrastructural changes induced by ROCK inhibition were fully prevented/reverted by MLC kinase (MLCK) inhibition. Furthermore, ROCK inhibition drastically reduced the phosphorylated form of p21-associated kinase (PAK), which directly inhibits MLCK. We conclude that endogenous ROCK activity is necessary for the normal performance of motor output commands, because it maintains afferent synaptic strength, by stabilizing the size of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. The mechanism of action involves a tonic inhibition of MLCK, presumably through PAK phosphorylation. This mechanism might be present in adults since unilateral microinjection of ROCK or MLCK inhibitors into the hypoglossal nucleus reduced or increased, respectively, whole XIIth nerve activity.
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Tönges L, Koch JC, Bähr M, Lingor P. ROCKing Regeneration: Rho Kinase Inhibition as Molecular Target for Neurorestoration. Front Mol Neurosci 2011; 4:39. [PMID: 22065949 PMCID: PMC3207219 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative failure in the CNS largely depends on pronounced growth inhibitory signaling and reduced cellular survival after a lesion stimulus. One key mediator of growth inhibitory signaling is Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), which has been shown to modulate growth cone stability by regulation of actin dynamics. Recently, there is accumulating evidence the ROCK also plays a deleterious role for cellular survival. In this manuscript we illustrate that ROCK is involved in a variety of intracellular signaling pathways that comprise far more than those involved in neurite growth inhibition alone. Although ROCK function is currently studied in many different disease contexts, our review focuses on neurorestorative approaches in the CNS, especially in models of neurotrauma. Promising strategies to target ROCK by pharmacological small molecule inhibitors and RNAi approaches are evaluated for their outcome on regenerative growth and cellular protection both in preclinical and in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Tönges
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen Göttingen, Germany
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37
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Herskowitz JH, Seyfried NT, Gearing M, Kahn RA, Peng J, Levey AI, Lah JJ. Rho kinase II phosphorylation of the lipoprotein receptor LR11/SORLA alters amyloid-beta production. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:6117-27. [PMID: 21147781 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.167239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
LR11, also known as SorLA, is a mosaic low-density lipoprotein receptor that exerts multiple influences on Alzheimer disease susceptibility. LR11 interacts with the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and regulates APP traffic and processing to amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The functional domains of LR11 suggest that it can act as a cell surface receptor and as an intracellular sorting receptor for trans-Golgi network to endosome traffic. We show that LR11 over-expressed in HEK293 cells is radiolabeled following incubation of cells with [(32)P(i)]orthophosphate. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to discover putative LR11 interacting kinases. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) 2 was identified as a binding partner and a candidate kinase acting on LR11. LR11 and ROCK2 co-immunoprecipitate from post-mortem human brain tissue and drug inhibition of ROCK activity reduces LR11 phosphorylation in vivo. Targeted knockdown of ROCK2 with siRNA decreased LR11 ectodomain shedding while simultaneously increasing intracellular LR11 protein level. Site-directed mutagenesis of serine 2206 in the LR11 cytoplasmic tail reduced LR11 shedding, decreased LR11 phosphorylation in vitro, and abrogated LR11 mediated Aβ reduction. These findings provide direct evidence that LR11 is phosphorylated in vivo and indicate that ROCK2 phosphorylation of LR11 may enhance LR11 mediated processing of APP and amyloid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Department of Neurology, the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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38
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Ito K, Hirooka Y, Kimura Y, Shimokawa H, Takeshita A. Effects of Hydroxyfasudil Administered to the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Clin Exp Hypertens 2009. [DOI: 10.1081/ceh-48876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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39
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Shin HK, Salomone S, Ayata C. Targeting cerebrovascular Rho-kinase in stroke. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 12:1547-64. [PMID: 19007322 DOI: 10.1517/14728220802539244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) play pivotal roles in pathogenesis of vascular diseases including stroke. ROCK is expressed in all cell types relevant to stroke, and regulates a range of physiological processes. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of ROCK as an experimental therapeutic target in cerebral ischemia, and the translational opportunities and obstacles in the prophylaxis and treatment of stroke. METHODS Relevant literature was reviewed. RESULTS ROCK activity is upregulated in chronic vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, and more acutely by cerebral ischemia. ROCK activation is predicted to increase the risk of cerebral ischemia, and worsen the ischemic tissue outcome and functional recovery. Evidence suggests that ROCK inhibition is protective in models of cerebral ischemia. The benefit is mediated through multiple mechanisms. CONCLUSION ROCK is a promising therapeutic target in all stages of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Pusan National University, Medical Research Center for Ischemic Tissue Regeneration, 10 Ami-dong, 1-Ga, Seo-Gu, Busan 602-739, Korea
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40
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Kutcher ME, Herman IM. The pericyte: cellular regulator of microvascular blood flow. Microvasc Res 2009; 77:235-46. [PMID: 19323975 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2009.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The vascular system - through its development, response to injury, and remodeling during disease - constitutes one of the key organ systems sustaining normal human physiology; conversely, its dysregulation also underlies multiple pathophysiologic processes. Regulation of vascular endothelial cell function requires the integration of complex signals via multiple cell types, including arterial smooth muscle, capillary and post-capillary pericytes, and other perivascular cells such as glial and immune cells. Here, we focus on the pericyte and its roles in microvascular remodeling, reviewing current concepts in microvascular pathophysiology and offering new insights into the specific roles that pericyte-dependent signaling pathways may play in modulating endothelial growth and microvascular tone during pathologic angiogenesis and essential hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Kutcher
- Department of Physiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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41
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Schmandke A, Schmandke A, Strittmatter SM. ROCK and Rho: biochemistry and neuronal functions of Rho-associated protein kinases. Neuroscientist 2007; 13:454-69. [PMID: 17901255 PMCID: PMC2849133 DOI: 10.1177/1073858407303611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) play key roles in mediating the control of the actin cytoskeleton by Rho family GTPases in response to extracellular signals. Such signaling pathways contribute to diverse neuronal functions from cell migration to axonal guidance to dendritic spine morphology to axonal regeneration to cell survival. In this review, the authors summarize biochemical knowledge of ROCK function and categorize neuronal ROCK-dependent signaling pathways. Further study of ROCK signal transduction mechanisms and specificities will enhance our understanding of brain development, plasticity, and repair. The ROCK pathway also provides a potential site for therapeutic intervention to promote neuronal regeneration and to limit degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schmandke
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Neurology Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Sagara Y, Hirooka Y, Nozoe M, Ito K, Kimura Y, Sunagawa K. Pressor response induced by central angiotensin II is mediated by activation of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway via AT1 receptors. J Hypertens 2007; 25:399-406. [PMID: 17211247 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328010b87f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The brain renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in cardiovascular regulation and the pathogenesis of hypertension. Angiotensin II activates the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes in vitro. The aim of the present study was to determine whether angiotensin II in the brainstem activates the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway, and, if so, whether this mechanism is involved in the central pressor action of angiotensin II. METHODS AND RESULTS Angiotensin II infused intracisternally for 7 days in Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary norepinephrine excretion. These responses were abolished by the co-infusion of Y-27632, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, or valsartan. The intracisternal infusion of Y-27632 or valsartan also reduced SBP and norepinephrine excretion in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression levels of membranous RhoA and phosphorylated ezrin, radixin, and moesin (p-ERM), which reflects Rho/Rho-kinase activity. The expression levels of membranous RhoA and p-ERM in the brainstem were significantly greater in both angiotensin II-treated WKY and SHR than in vehicle-treated WKY. Valsartan reduced the expression levels of membranous RhoA and p-ERM in angiotensin II-treated WKY and SHR. Y-27632 reduced the expression levels of p-ERM in angiotensin II-treated WKY and SHR. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the pressor response induced by intracisternally infused angiotensin II is substantially mediated by the activation of the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway via AT1 receptors of the brainstem in WKY, and that this pathway might be involved in the hypertensive mechanisms of SHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoji Sagara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
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43
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Hirooka Y. Localized gene transfer and its application for the study of central cardiovascular control. Auton Neurosci 2006; 126-127:120-9. [PMID: 16616703 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2006.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2005] [Revised: 02/22/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The arterial baroreceptor reflex is the major feedback control system that acts to stabilize blood pressure. Abnormalities of this reflex are considered to be an underlying mechanism in the cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. There is accumulating evidence, however, that central nervous system mechanisms are involved in the enhanced sympathetic drive that occurs in these disease states. This article reviews studies performed in our laboratory in which a gene transfer technique, in combination with other methods, was used to determine the functional role of the central control of cardiovascular regulation. We developed a technique to transfer adenovirus vectors encoding specific genes into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) or the rostral ventral medulla (RVLM) of rats in vivo. We applied this technique to hypertensive rats as well as in mice with heart failure to explore the pathophysiological significance of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and Rho-kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Hirooka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs), the first Rho effectors to be described, are serine/threonine kinases that are important in fundamental processes of cell migration, cell proliferation and cell survival. Abnormal activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway has been observed in various disorders of the central nervous system. Injury to the adult vertebrate brain and spinal cord activates ROCKs, thereby inhibiting neurite growth and sprouting. Inhibition of ROCKs results in accelerated regeneration and enhanced functional recovery after spinal-cord injury in mammals, and inhibition of the Rho/ROCK pathway has also proved to be efficacious in animal models of stroke, inflammatory and demyelinating diseases, Alzheimer's disease and neuropathic pain. ROCK inhibitors therefore have potential for preventing neurodegeneration and stimulating neuroregeneration in various neurological disorders.
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45
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Tatsumi S, Mabuchi T, Katano T, Matsumura S, Abe T, Hidaka H, Suzuki M, Sasaki Y, Minami T, Ito S. Involvement of Rho-kinase in inflammatory and neuropathic pain through phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS). Neuroscience 2005; 131:491-8. [PMID: 15708490 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a major in vivo substrate for protein kinase C in the brain and has been implicated in cellular processes associated with cytoskeletal restructuring such as synaptic trafficking and neurotransmitter release. A phosphorylation-site specific antibody against Ser159-phospho-MARCKS (pS159-Mar-Ab) revealed that MARCKS is phosphorylated at Ser159 by Rho-kinase and that its phosphorylation is inhibited by the Rho-kinase specific inhibitor H-1152. Since the function of MARCKS is regulated by phosphorylation at multiple sites, here we examined the involvement of Rho-kinase in relation to phosphorylation of MARCKS at Ser159 in inflammatory and neuropathic pain by H-1152. When intrathecally administered 10 min before s.c. injection of formalin, H-1152 at 10 and 100 ng attenuated the second-phase, but not the first-phase, pain-like behaviors in the formalin test. Neuropathic pain induced by selective L5 spinal nerve transection was also relieved by intrathecal injection of H-1152. Nitric oxide synthase activity visualized by NADPH diaphorase histochemistry increased in the superficial layer of the spinal cord 30 min after formalin injection and 7 days after nerve transection, which were blocked by H-1152. Phosphorylation of MARCKS at Ser159 was detected in the spinal cord by pS159-Mar-Ab and the level of phosphorylation increased in the superficial layer after nerve transection. In contrast, immunoreactivities of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and MARCKS did not change significantly in the spinal cord before and after nerve transection. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that Rho-kinase is involved in inflammatory pain and the maintenance of neuropathic pain through phosphorylation of MARCKS at Ser159.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tatsumi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki 569-8686, Japan
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46
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Abstract
Rho-kinase is a signaling molecule that occurs downstream of the small GTPase Rho, which mediates various cellular functions. The Rho/Rho-kinase pathway plays an important role in pathophysiology and progression of various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary vasospasm, angina pectoris, and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention, all of which are related to arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis changes of the vasculature. Activation of the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway contributes to inflammatory and proliferative changes of the blood vessels and affects cardiac myocytes. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that Rho-kinase inhibitors have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, particularly arteriosclerosis and coronary vasospasm. Furthermore, activation of the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway contributes to blood pressure regulation via the central sympathetic nervous system. There is evidence to suggest that Rho-kinase is involved in angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and endothelial dysfunction, and preliminary data indicate that inhibition of Rho-kinase may be beneficial in vascular disorders such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction. Fasudil is currently the only Rho-kinase inhibitor available for clinical use and it is approved in Japan for the prevention of vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Emerging clinical data have shown that oral fasudil 80 mg three times daily is effective in preventing myocardial ischemia in patients with stable angina pectoris. Rho-kinase represents a new target for the management of cardiovascular diseases and further studies are needed to define the therapeutic potential of Rho-kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Hirooka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan.
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Lin Y, Matsumura K, Tsuchihashi T, Fukuhara M, Fujii K, Iida M. Role of ERK and Rho kinase pathways in central pressor action of urotensin II. J Hypertens 2004; 22:983-8. [PMID: 15097239 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200405000-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that central urotensin II acts on the central nervous system to increase arterial pressure in conscious rats. OBJECTIVE To investigate the intracellular signal transduction mechanisms of the central cardiovascular action of urotensin II. METHODS The effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor, PD 98059 (20 nmol), the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase inhibitor, wortmannin (20 nmol), or the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632 (20 nmol), on cardiovascular responses to i.c.v. urotensin II (10 nmol) were determined in conscious rats. RESULTS I.c.v. injection of urotensin II increased both arterial pressure and heart rate (14.9 +/-1.5 mmHg and 94.6 +/-12.8 beats/min, respectively; P < 0.05 for each). Pretreatment with PD 98059 or Y-27632 significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) attenuated the pressor response induced by i.c.v. urotensin II (6.6 +/-1.4 and 6.9 +/-1.2 mmHg, respectively). Pretreatment with a mixed solution of PD 98059 and Y-27632 failed to cause further suppression of the urotensin II-induced pressor responses (4.5 +/-0.9 mmHg). In contrast, pretreatment with i.c.v. wortmannin failed to influence the pressor response induced by i.c.v. urotensin II (12.6 +/-1.3 mmHg). The tachycardiac response induced by i.c.v. urotensin II was not influenced by pretreatment with PD 98059, Y-27632 or wortmannin. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the ERK and Rho kinase pathways, but not the PI3 pathway, may be involved in the central pressor action of urotensin II in conscious rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Lin
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Lontay B, Serfozo Z, Gergely P, Ito M, Hartshorne DJ, Erdodi F. Localization of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in rat brain and in primary cultures of neuronal cells. J Comp Neurol 2004; 478:72-87. [PMID: 15334650 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Myosin phosphatase (PP1M) is composed of the delta isoform of the PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1cdelta), the myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT), and a 20 kDa subunit. Western blots detected higher amounts of the MYPT1 isoform compared to MYPT2 in whole brain extracts. The localization of MYPT1 was studied in rat brain and in primary cell cultures of neurons using specific antibodies. Analysis of lysates of brain regions for MYPT1 and PP1M by Western blots using anti-MYPT1 antibodies and by phosphatase assays with myosin as substrate suggested a ubiquitous distribution. Immunohistochemistry of tissue sections revealed that MYPT1 was distributed in all areas of the brain, with staining observed in many different cell types. Depending on the method used for fixation, the MYPT1 appeared with varying intensity in nuclei, in nucleoli, and in the cytoplasm. In primary hippocampal cultures, MYPT1 was identified by confocal microscopy in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, whereas a predominantly cytoplasmic localization was found in cochlear nucleus cells. In cultured cells, MYPT1 and PP1cdelta colocalized with synaptophysin. PP1M activity was high in synaptosomes isolated from the cerebral cortex, but was relatively low in the postsynaptic densities. The interaction of MYPT1 with synaptophysin and with known partners (Rho-kinase, PP1cdelta) in brain extracts was shown by immunoprecipitation with anti-MYPT1. Pull-down assays from synaptosomes, using GST-MYPT1, also confirmed these interactions. In conclusion, the widespread cellular and subcellular localization of MYPT1 implies that PP1M may play an important role in the dephosphorylation of key regulatory proteins in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Lontay
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, H-4012 Debrecen, Bem tér 18/B, Hungary
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O'Kane EM, Stone TW, Morris BJ. Increased long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus via modulation of GTPase signalling or inhibition of Rho kinase. Neuropharmacology 2004; 46:879-87. [PMID: 15033347 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2003.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2003] [Revised: 11/10/2003] [Accepted: 11/20/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that Ras, and Ras-related GTPases of the Rho family, such as RhoA, RhoB and Rac1, are involved in synaptic plasticity in brain regions such as the hippocampus. We have recently shown that Rho family GTPases are activated by synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Since the function of these GTPases is dependent on post-translational isoprenylation by either farnesyl or geranylgeranyl transferases, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of isoprenylation would modify long-term potentiation (LTP). Farnesyl transferase inhibition, which suppressed activation of RhoB and Ras but not RhoA or Rac1, reduced the magnitude of LTP, while geranylgeranyl transferase inhibition, which inhibited RhoA and Rac1 but not RhoB, increased the magnitude of LTP. In addition, Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of a downstream effector of Rho GTPases-Rho-kinase-also increased the magnitude of LTP. This provides strong evidence that GTPases are important mediators of synaptic plasticity, and demonstrates that Rho-kinase acts to reduce the degree of plasticity at hippocampal synapses during LTP. Rho-kinase inhibitors have the unusual property of increasing the magnitude of LTP, and so may be potential cognitive enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M O'Kane
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Biomedical Systems, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
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Hirooka Y. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into the brain stem to examine cardiovascular function: role of nitric oxide and Rho-kinase. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2004; 84:233-49. [PMID: 14769438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2003.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure via the sympathetic nervous system. Abnormal regulation of the sympathetic nerve activity is involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. In particular, the brain stem, including the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), is a key site that controls and maintains blood pressure via the sympathetic nervous system. Nitric oxide (NO) is a unique molecule that influences sympathetic nerve activity. Rho-kinase is a downstream effector of the small GTPase, Rho, and is implicated in various cellular functions. We developed a technique to transfer adenovirus vectors encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase and dominant-negative Rho-kinase into the NTS or the RVLM of rats in vivo. We applied this technique to hypertensive rats to explore the physiological significance of NO and Rho-kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Hirooka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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