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Leone R, Zuglian C, Brambilla R, Morella I. Understanding copy number variations through their genes: a molecular view on 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407865. [PMID: 38948459 PMCID: PMC11211608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that affect >4% of children worldwide, share common features and present a variegated genetic origin. They include clinically defined diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), motor disorders such as Tics and Tourette's syndromes, but also much more heterogeneous conditions like intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. Schizophrenia (SCZ) has also recently been proposed to belong to NDDs. Relatively common causes of NDDs are copy number variations (CNVs), characterised by the gain or the loss of a portion of a chromosome. In this review, we focus on deletions and duplications at the 16p11.2 chromosomal region, associated with NDDs, ID, ASD but also epilepsy and SCZ. Some of the core phenotypes presented by human carriers could be recapitulated in animal and cellular models, which also highlighted prominent neurophysiological and signalling alterations underpinning 16p11.2 CNVs-associated phenotypes. In this review, we also provide an overview of the genes within the 16p11.2 locus, including those with partially known or unknown function as well as non-coding RNAs. A particularly interesting interplay was observed between MVP and MAPK3 in modulating some of the pathological phenotypes associated with the 16p11.2 deletion. Elucidating their role in intracellular signalling and their functional links will be a key step to devise novel therapeutic strategies for 16p11.2 CNVs-related syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Leone
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Zuglian
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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2
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Indrigo M, Morella I, Orellana D, d'Isa R, Papale A, Parra R, Gurgone A, Lecca D, Cavaccini A, Tigaret CM, Cagnotto A, Jones K, Brooks S, Ratto GM, Allen ND, Lelos MJ, Middei S, Giustetto M, Carta AR, Tonini R, Salmona M, Hall J, Thomas K, Brambilla R, Fasano S. Nuclear ERK1/2 signaling potentiation enhances neuroprotection and cognition via Importinα1/KPNA2. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e15984. [PMID: 37792911 PMCID: PMC10630888 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling is central to neuronal activity and its dysregulation may lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Here, we show that selective genetic potentiation of neuronal ERK signaling prevents cell death in vitro and in vivo in the mouse brain, while attenuation of ERK signaling does the opposite. This neuroprotective effect mediated by an enhanced nuclear ERK activity can also be induced by the novel cell penetrating peptide RB5. In vitro administration of RB5 disrupts the preferential interaction of ERK1 MAP kinase with importinα1/KPNA2 over ERK2, facilitates ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, and enhances global ERK activity. Importantly, RB5 treatment in vivo promotes neuroprotection in mouse models of Huntington's (HD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD) disease, and enhances ERK signaling in a human cellular model of HD. Additionally, RB5-mediated potentiation of ERK nuclear signaling facilitates synaptic plasticity, enhances cognition in healthy rodents, and rescues cognitive impairments in AD and HD models. The reported molecular mechanism shared across multiple neurodegenerative disorders reveals a potential new therapeutic target approach based on the modulation of KPNA2-ERK1/2 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Indrigo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Daniel Orellana
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Alessandro Papale
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Riccardo Parra
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze CNR, and Scuola Normale SuperiorePisaItaly
| | | | - Daniela Lecca
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Anna Cavaccini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits LaboratoryFondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Cezar M Tigaret
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Alfredo Cagnotto
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia MolecolareIstituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri‐IRCCSMilanoItaly
| | | | - Simon Brooks
- School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Middei
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNRRomaItaly
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
- National Institute of NeuroscienceTorinoItaly
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits LaboratoryFondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Mario Salmona
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia MolecolareIstituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri‐IRCCSMilanoItaly
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Kerrie Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”Università degli Studi di PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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3
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Maik-Rachline G, Wortzel I, Seger R. Alternative Splicing of MAPKs in the Regulation of Signaling Specificity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123466. [PMID: 34943973 PMCID: PMC8699841 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades transmit signals from extracellular stimuli to a variety of distinct cellular processes. The MAPKKs in each cascade specifically phosphorylate and activate their cognate MAPKs, indicating that this step funnels various signals into a seemingly linear pathway. Still, the effects of these cascades vary significantly, depending on the identity of the extracellular signals, which gives rise to proper outcomes. Therefore, it is clear that the specificity of the signals transmitted through the cascades is tightly regulated in order to secure the desired cell fate. Indeed, many regulatory components or processes that extend the specificity of the cascades have been identified. Here, we focus on a less discussed mechanism, that is, the role of distinct components in each tier of the cascade in extending the signaling specificity. We cover the role of distinct genes, and the alternatively spliced isoforms of MAPKKs and MAPKs, in the signaling specificity. The alternatively spliced MEK1b and ERK1c, which form an independent signaling route, are used as the main example. Unlike MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, this route’s functions are limited, including mainly the regulation of mitotic Golgi fragmentation. The unique roles of the alternatively spliced isoforms indicate that these components play an essential role in determining the proper cell fate in response to distinct stimulations.
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Harmful Iron-Calcium Relationship in Pantothenate kinase Associated Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103664. [PMID: 32456086 PMCID: PMC7279353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pantothenate Kinase-associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) belongs to a wide spectrum of diseases characterized by brain iron accumulation and extrapyramidal motor signs. PKAN is caused by mutations in PANK2, encoding the mitochondrial pantothenate kinase 2, which is the first enzyme of the biosynthesis of Coenzyme A. We established and characterized glutamatergic neurons starting from previously developed PKAN Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry indicated a higher amount of total cellular iron in PKAN glutamatergic neurons with respect to controls. PKAN glutamatergic neurons, analyzed by electron microscopy, exhibited electron dense aggregates in mitochondria that were identified as granules containing calcium phosphate. Calcium homeostasis resulted compromised in neurons, as verified by monitoring the activity of calcium-dependent enzyme calpain1, calcium imaging and voltage dependent calcium currents. Notably, the presence of calcification in the internal globus pallidus was confirmed in seven out of 15 genetically defined PKAN patients for whom brain CT scan was available. Moreover, we observed a higher prevalence of brain calcification in females. Our data prove that high amount of iron coexists with an impairment of cytosolic calcium in PKAN glutamatergic neurons, indicating both, iron and calcium dys-homeostasis, as actors in pathogenesis of the disease.
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Morè L, Lauterborn JC, Papaleo F, Brambilla R. Enhancing cognition through pharmacological and environmental interventions: Examples from preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:28-45. [PMID: 30981451 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this review we discuss the role of environmental and pharmacological treatments to enhance cognition with special regards to neurodevelopmental related disorders and aging. How the environment influences brain structure and function, and the interactions between rearing conditions and gene expression, are fundamental questions that are still poorly understood. We propose a model that can explain some of the discrepancies in findings for effects of environmental enrichment on outcome measures. Evidence of a direct causal correlation of nootropics and treatments that enhanced cognition also will be presented, and possible molecular mechanisms that include neurotrophin signaling and downstream pathways underlying these processes are discussed. Finally we review recent findings achieved with a wide set of behavioral and cognitive tasks that have translational validity to humans, and should be useful for future work on devising appropriate therapies. As will be discussed, the collective findings suggest that a combinational therapeutic approach of environmental enrichment and nootropics could be particularly successful for improving learning and memory in both developmental disorders and normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Morè
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2XT, Preston, UK.
| | - Julie C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF24 4HQ, Cardiff, UK.
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6
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Cozzi A, Orellana DI, Santambrogio P, Rubio A, Cancellieri C, Giannelli S, Ripamonti M, Taverna S, Di Lullo G, Rovida E, Ferrari M, Forni GL, Fiorillo C, Broccoli V, Levi S. Stem Cell Modeling of Neuroferritinopathy Reveals Iron as a Determinant of Senescence and Ferroptosis during Neuronal Aging. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:832-846. [PMID: 31587993 PMCID: PMC6893074 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroferritinopathy (NF) is a movement disorder caused by alterations in the L-ferritin gene that generate cytosolic free iron. NF is a unique pathophysiological model for determining the direct consequences of cell iron dysregulation. We established lines of induced pluripotent stem cells from fibroblasts from two NF patients and one isogenic control obtained by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. NF fibroblasts, neural progenitors, and neurons exhibited the presence of increased cytosolic iron, which was also detectable as: ferritin aggregates, alterations in the iron parameters, oxidative damage, and the onset of a senescence phenotype, particularly severe in the neurons. In this spontaneous senescence model, NF cells had impaired survival and died by ferroptosis. Thus, non-ferritin-bound iron is sufficient per se to cause both cell senescence and ferroptotic cell death in human fibroblasts and neurons. These results provide strong evidence supporting the primary role of iron in neuronal aging and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cozzi
- Proteomic of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel I Orellana
- Proteomic of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Santambrogio
- Proteomic of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alicia Rubio
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cancellieri
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ripamonti
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lullo
- Tumour Immunology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ermanna Rovida
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ferrari
- Genomic Unit for the Diagnosis of Human Pathologies, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Forni
- Centre for Congenital Anaemias, Iron Dysmetabolism Galliera Hospital Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorillo
- Unit of Paediatric Neurology, Gaslini Institute, DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Levi
- Proteomic of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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7
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Sessa A, Fagnocchi L, Mastrototaro G, Massimino L, Zaghi M, Indrigo M, Cattaneo S, Martini D, Gabellini C, Pucci C, Fasciani A, Belli R, Taverna S, Andreazzoli M, Zippo A, Broccoli V. SETD5 Regulates Chromatin Methylation State and Preserves Global Transcriptional Fidelity during Brain Development and Neuronal Wiring. Neuron 2019; 104:271-289.e13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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Bernardi RE, Olevska A, Morella I, Fasano S, Santos E, Brambilla R, Spanagel R. The Inhibition of RasGRF2, But Not RasGRF1, Alters Cocaine Reward in Mice. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6325-6338. [PMID: 31182637 PMCID: PMC6687905 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1120-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (Ras-ERK) signaling has been implicated in the effects of drugs of abuse. Inhibitors of MEK1/2, the kinases upstream of ERK1/2, have been critical in defining the role of the Ras-ERK cascade in drug-dependent alterations in behavioral plasticity, but the Ras family of small GTPases has not been extensively examined in drug-related behaviors. We examined the role of Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor 1 (RasGRF1) and 2 (RasGRF2), upstream regulators of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade, on cocaine self-administration (SA) in male mice. We first established a role for Ras-ERK signaling in cocaine SA, demonstrating that pERK1/2 is upregulated following SA in C57BL/6N mice in striatum. We then compared RasGRF1 and RasGRF2 KO mouse lines, demonstrating that cocaine SA in RasGRF2 KO mice was increased relative to WT controls, whereas RasGRF1 KO and WT mice did not differ. This effect in RasGRF2 mice is likely mediated by the Ras-ERK signaling pathway, as pERK1/2 upregulation following cocaine SA was absent in RasGRF2 KO mice. Interestingly, the lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2 in the NAc had the opposite effect to that in RasGRF2 KO mice, reducing cocaine SA. We subsequently demonstrated that the MEK inhibitor PD325901 administered peripherally prior to cocaine SA increased cocaine intake, replicating the increase seen in RasGRF2 KO mice, whereas PD325901 administered into the NAc decreased cocaine intake, similar to the effect seen following lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2. These data indicate a role for RasGRF2 in cocaine SA in mice that is ERK-dependent, and suggest a differential effect of global versus site-specific RasGRF2 inhibition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to drugs of abuse activates a variety of intracellular pathways, and following repeated exposure, persistent changes in these pathways contribute to drug dependence. Downstream components of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade are involved in the acute and chronic effects of drugs of abuse, but their upstream mediators have not been extensively characterized. Here we show, using a combination of molecular, pharmacological, and lentiviral techniques, that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRF2 mediates cocaine self-administration via an ERK-dependent mechanism, whereas RasGRF1 has no effect on responding for cocaine. These data indicate dissociative effects of mediators of Ras activity on cocaine reward and expand the understanding of the contribution of Ras-ERK signaling to drug-taking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick E Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany,
| | - Anastasia Olevska
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain, 37007
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
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Abstract
The MAPK pathway is a prominent intracellular signaling pathway regulating various intracellular functions. Components of this pathway are mutated in a related collection of congenital syndromes collectively referred to as neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes (NCFC) or Rasopathies. Recently, it has been appreciated that these disorders are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition, idiopathic ASD has also implicated the MAPK signaling cascade as a common pathway that is affected by many of the genetic variants that have been found to be linked to ASDs. This chapter describes the components of the MAPK pathway and how it is regulated. Furthermore, this chapter will highlight the various functions of the MAPK pathway during both embryonic development of the central nervous system (CNS) and its roles in neuronal physiology and ultimately, behavior. Finally, we will summarize the perturbations to MAPK signaling in various models of autism spectrum disorders and Rasopathies to highlight how dysregulation of this pivotal pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of autism.
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10
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Massimino L, Flores-Garcia L, Di Stefano B, Colasante G, Icoresi-Mazzeo C, Zaghi M, Hamilton BA, Sessa A. TBR2 antagonizes retinoic acid dependent neuronal differentiation by repressing Zfp423 during corticogenesis. Dev Biol 2018; 434:231-248. [PMID: 29305158 PMCID: PMC7032051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During cerebral cortex development, neural progenitors are required to elaborate a variety of cell differentiation signals to which they are continuously exposed. RA acid is a potent inducer of neuronal differentiation as it was found to influence cortical development. We report herein that TBR2, a transcription factor specific to Intermediate (Basal) Neural Progenitors (INPs), represses activation of the RA responsive element and expression of RA target genes in cell lines. This repressive action on RA signaling was functionally confirmed by the decrease of RA-mediated neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells stably overexpressing TBR2. In vivo mapping of RA activity in the developing cortex indicated that RA activity is detected in radial glial cells and subsequently downregulated in INPs, revealing a fine cell-type specific regulation of its signaling. Thus, TBR2 might be a molecular player in opposing RA signaling in INPs. Interestingly, this negative regulation is achieved at least in part by directly repressing the critical nuclear RA co-factor ZFP423. Indeed, we found ZFP423 to be expressed in the developing cortex and promote RA-dependent neuronal differentiation. These data indicate that TBR2 contributes to suppressing RA signaling in INPs, thereby enabling them to re-enter the cell cycle and delay neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lisbeth Flores-Garcia
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Bruno Di Stefano
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Icoresi-Mazzeo
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Zaghi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bruce A Hamilton
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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11
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Vithayathil J, Pucilowska J, Friel D, Landreth GE. Chronic impairment of ERK signaling in glutamatergic neurons of the forebrain does not affect spatial memory retention and LTP in the same manner as acute blockade of the ERK pathway. Hippocampus 2017; 27:1239-1249. [PMID: 28833860 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The ERK/MAPK signaling pathway has been extensively studied in the context of learning and memory. Defects in this pathway underlie genetic diseases associated with intellectual disability, including impaired learning and memory. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of acute ERK/MAPK inhibition on long-term potentiation and spatial memory. However, genetic knockouts of the ERKs have not been utilized to determine whether developmental perturbations of ERK/MAPK signaling affect LTP and memory formation in postnatal life. In this study, two different ERK2 conditional knockout mice were generated that restrict loss of ERK2 to excitatory neurons in the forebrain, but at different time-points (embryonically and post-natally). We found that embryonic loss of ERK2 had minimal effect on spatial memory retention and novel object recognition, while loss of ERK2 post-natally had more pronounced effects in these behaviors. Loss of ERK2 in both models showed intact LTP compared to control animals, while loss of both ERK1 and ERK2 impaired late phase LTP. These findings indicate that ERK2 is not necessary for LTP and spatial memory retention and provide new insights into the functional deficits associated with the chronic impairment of ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Vithayathil
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joanna Pucilowska
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Friel
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gary E Landreth
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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12
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Rubio A, Luoni M, Giannelli SG, Radice I, Iannielli A, Cancellieri C, Di Berardino C, Regalia G, Lazzari G, Menegon A, Taverna S, Broccoli V. Rapid and efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene inactivation in human neurons during human pluripotent stem cell differentiation and direct reprogramming. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37540. [PMID: 27857203 PMCID: PMC5114606 DOI: 10.1038/srep37540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a rapid and customizable tool for gene editing in mammalian cells. In particular, this approach has widely opened new opportunities for genetic studies in neurological disease. Human neurons can be differentiated in vitro from hPSC (human Pluripotent Stem Cells), hNPCs (human Neural Precursor Cells) or even directly reprogrammed from fibroblasts. Here, we described a new platform which enables, rapid and efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome targeting simultaneously with three different paradigms for in vitro generation of neurons. This system was employed to inactivate two genes associated with neurological disorder (TSC2 and KCNQ2) and achieved up to 85% efficiency of gene targeting in the differentiated cells. In particular, we devised a protocol that, combining the expression of the CRISPR components with neurogenic factors, generated functional human neurons highly enriched for the desired genome modification in only 5 weeks. This new approach is easy, fast and that does not require the generation of stable isogenic clones, practice that is time consuming and for some genes not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rubio
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Luoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena G. Giannelli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Radice
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Bio-Imaging Centre, Experimental Imaging Centre, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cancellieri
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Regalia
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Bio-Imaging Centre, Experimental Imaging Centre, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Neuroengineering and medical robotics laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea srl, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7f, 26100 Cremona, Fondazione Avantea, Cremona
| | - Andrea Menegon
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Bio-Imaging Centre, Experimental Imaging Centre, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Neuroimmunology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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13
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Orellana DI, Santambrogio P, Rubio A, Yekhlef L, Cancellieri C, Dusi S, Giannelli SG, Venco P, Mazzara PG, Cozzi A, Ferrari M, Garavaglia B, Taverna S, Tiranti V, Broccoli V, Levi S. Coenzyme A corrects pathological defects in human neurons of PANK2-associated neurodegeneration. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:1197-1211. [PMID: 27516453 PMCID: PMC5048368 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an early onset and severely disabling neurodegenerative disease for which no therapy is available. PKAN is caused by mutations in PANK2, which encodes for the mitochondrial enzyme pantothenate kinase 2. Its function is to catalyze the first limiting step of Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. We generated induced pluripotent stem cells from PKAN patients and showed that their derived neurons exhibited premature death, increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunctions—including impairment of mitochondrial iron‐dependent biosynthesis—and major membrane excitability defects. CoA supplementation prevented neuronal death and ROS formation by restoring mitochondrial and neuronal functionality. Our findings provide direct evidence that PANK2 malfunctioning is responsible for abnormal phenotypes in human neuronal cells and indicate CoA treatment as a possible therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Orellana
- Proteomics of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Santambrogio
- Proteomics of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alicia Rubio
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Latefa Yekhlef
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cancellieri
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dusi
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS-Neurological Institute "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Serena G Giannelli
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Venco
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS-Neurological Institute "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro G Mazzara
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cozzi
- Proteomics of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ferrari
- Genomic Unit for the Diagnosis of Human Pathologies, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Garavaglia
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS-Neurological Institute "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Tiranti
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS-Neurological Institute "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Levi
- Proteomics of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Neuroscience San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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14
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Carretero L, Llavona P, López-Hernández A, Casado P, Cutillas PR, de la Peña P, Barros F, Domínguez P. ERK and RSK are necessary for TRH-induced inhibition of r-ERG potassium currents in rat pituitary GH3 cells. Cell Signal 2015; 27:1720-30. [PMID: 26022182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The transduction pathway mediating the inhibitory effect that TRH exerts on r-ERG channels has been thoroughly studied in GH3 rat pituitary cells but some elements have yet to be discovered, including those involved in a phosphorylation event(s). Using a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach we studied the changes in phosphorylation caused by treatment with 1μM TRH for 5min in GH3 cells. The activating residues of Erk2 and Erk1 undergo phosphorylation increases of 5.26 and 4.87 fold, respectively, in agreement with previous reports of ERK activation by TRH in GH3 cells. Thus, we studied the possible involvement of ERK pathway in the signal transduction from TRH receptor to r-ERG channels. The MEK inhibitor U0126 at 0.5μM caused no major blockade of the basal r-ERG current, but impaired the TRH inhibitory effect on r-ERG. Indeed, the TRH effect on r-ERG was also reduced when GH3 cells were transfected with siRNAs against either Erk1 or Erk2. Using antibodies, we found that TRH treatment also causes activating phosphorylation of Rsk. The TRH effect on r-ERG current was also impaired when cells were transfected with any of two different siRNAs mixtures against Rsk1. However, treatment of GH3 cells with 20nM EGF for 5min, which causes ERK and RSK activation, had no effect on the r-ERG currents. Therefore, we conclude that in the native GH3 cell system, ERK and RSK are involved in the pathway linking TRH receptor to r-ERG channel inhibition, but additional components must participate to cause such inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carretero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Llavona
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Hernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pedro Casado
- Integrative Cell Signalling and Proteomics, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Barts School of Medicine and Dentistry, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Integrative Cell Signalling and Proteomics, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Barts School of Medicine and Dentistry, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Pilar de la Peña
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Francisco Barros
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pedro Domínguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus de El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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15
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Bido S, Solari N, Indrigo M, D'Antoni A, Brambilla R, Morari M, Fasano S. Differential involvement of Ras-GRF1 and Ras-GRF2 in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2015; 2:662-78. [PMID: 26125041 PMCID: PMC4479526 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent findings have shown that pharmacogenetic manipulations of the Ras-ERK pathway provide a therapeutic means to tackle l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia (LID). First, we investigated whether a prolonged l-DOPA treatment differentially affected ERK signaling in medium spiny neurons of the direct pathway (dMSNs) and in cholinergic aspiny interneurons (ChIs) and assessed the role of Ras-GRF1 in both subpopulations. Second, using viral-assisted technology, we probed Ras-GRF1 and Ras-GRF2 as potential targets in this pathway. We investigated how selective blockade of striatal Ras-GRF1 or Ras-GRF2 expression impacted on LID (induction, maintenance, and reversion) and its neurochemical correlates. Methods We used both Ras-GRF1 knockout mice and lentiviral vectors (LVs) delivering short-hairpin RNA sequences (shRNAs) to obtain striatum-specific gene knockdown of Ras-GRF1 and Ras-GRF2. The consequences of these genetic manipulations were evaluated in the 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Escalating doses of l-DOPA were administered and then behavioral analysis with immunohistochemical assays and in vivo microdialysis were performed. Results Ras-GRF1 was found essential in controlling ERK signaling in dMSNs, but its ablation did not prevent ERK activation in ChIs. Moreover, striatal injection of LV-shRNA/Ras-GRF1 attenuated dyskinesia development and ERK-dependent signaling, whereas LV-shRNA/Ras-GRF2 was without effect, ruling out the involvement of Ras-GRF2 in LID expression. Accordingly, Ras-GRF1 but not Ras-GRF2 striatal gene-knockdown reduced l-DOPA-induced GABA and glutamate release in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, a neurochemical correlate of dyskinesia. Finally, inactivation of Ras-GRF1 provided a prolonged anti-dyskinetic effect for up to 7 weeks and significantly attenuated symptoms in animals with established LID. Interpretation Our results suggest that Ras-GRF1 is a promising target for LID therapy based on Ras-ERK signaling inhibition in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bido
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicola Solari
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy ; Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Indrigo
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy ; Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" Milan, Italy
| | - Angela D'Antoni
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy ; Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Morari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy ; Neuroscience Centre and National Institute of Neuroscience Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy ; Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University Cardiff, United Kingdom
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16
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The 16p11.2 deletion mouse model of autism exhibits altered cortical progenitor proliferation and brain cytoarchitecture linked to the ERK MAPK pathway. J Neurosci 2015; 35:3190-200. [PMID: 25698753 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4864-13.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are complex, highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders affecting ∼1 in 100 children. Copy number variations of human chromosomal region 16p11.2 are genetically linked to 1% of autism-related disorders. This interval contains the MAPK3 gene, which encodes the MAP kinase, ERK1. Mutations in upstream elements regulating the ERK pathway are genetically linked to autism and other disorders of cognition including the neuro-cardio-facial cutaneous syndromes and copy number variations. We report that a murine model of human 16p11.2 deletion exhibits a reduction in brain size and perturbations in cortical cytoarchitecture. We observed enhanced progenitor proliferation and premature cell cycle exit, which are a consequence of altered levels of downstream ERK effectors cyclin D1 and p27(Kip1) during mid-neurogenesis. The increased progenitor proliferation and cell cycle withdrawal resulted in premature depletion of progenitor pools, altering the number and frequency of neurons ultimately populating cortical lamina. Specifically, we found a reduced number of upper layer pyramidal neurons and an increase in layer VI corticothalamic projection neurons, reflecting the altered cortical progenitor proliferation dynamics in these mice. Importantly, we observed a paradoxical increase in ERK signaling in mid-neurogenesis in the 16p11.2del mice, which is coincident with the development of aberrant cortical cytoarchitecture. The 16p11.2del mice exhibit anxiety-like behaviors and impaired memory. Our findings provide evidence of ERK dysregulation, developmental abnormalities in neurogenesis, and behavioral impairment associated with the 16p11.2 chromosomal deletion.
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17
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Volpicelli F, Caiazzo M, Moncharmont B, di Porzio U, Colucci-D’Amato L. Neuronal differentiation dictates estrogen-dependent survival and ERK1/2 kinetic by means of caveolin-1. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109671. [PMID: 25350132 PMCID: PMC4211669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens promote a plethora of effects in the CNS that profoundly affect both its development and mature functions and are able to influence proliferation, differentiation, survival and neurotransmission. The biological effects of estrogens are cell-context specific and also depend on differentiation and/or proliferation status in a given cell type. Furthermore, estrogens activate ERK1/2 in a variety of cellular types. Here, we investigated whether ERK1/2 activation might be influenced by estrogens stimulation according to the differentiation status and the molecular mechanisms underling this phenomenon. ERK1/2 exert an opposing role on survival and death, as well as on proliferation and differentiation depending on different kinetics of phosphorylation. Hence we report that mesencephalic primary cultures and the immortalized cell line mes-c-myc A1 express estrogen receptor α and activate ERK1/2 upon E2 stimulation. Interestingly, following the arrest of proliferation and the onset of differentiation, we observe a change in the kinetic of ERKs phosphorylation induced by estrogens stimulation. Moreover, caveolin-1, a main constituent of caveolae, endogenously expressed and co-localized with ER-α on plasma membrane, is consistently up-regulated following differentiation and cell growth arrest. In addition, we demonstrate that siRNA-induced caveolin-1 down-regulation or disruption by means of ß-cyclodextrin treatment changes ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to estrogens stimulation. Finally, caveolin-1 down-regulation abolishes estrogens-dependent survival of neurons. Thus, caveolin-1 appears to be an important player in mediating, at least, some of the non-genomic action of estrogens in neurons, in particular ERK1/2 kinetics of activation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Volpicelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Moncharmont
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Umberto di Porzio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Colucci-D’Amato
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy
- C.I.R.N., Inter-University Center for Research in Neuroscience, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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18
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Cerovic M, d'Isa R, Tonini R, Brambilla R. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of dopamine-mediated behavioral plasticity in the striatum. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 105:63-80. [PMID: 23827407 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The striatum is the input structure of the basal ganglia system. By integrating glutamatergic signals from cortical and subcortical regions and dopaminergic signals from mesolimbic nuclei the striatum functions as an important neural substrate for procedural and motor learning as well as for reward-guided behaviors. In addition, striatal activity is significantly altered in pathological conditions in which either a loss of dopamine innervation (Parkinson's disease) or aberrant dopamine-mediated signaling (drug addiction and L-DOPA induced dyskinesia) occurs. Here we discuss cellular mechanisms of striatal synaptic plasticity and aspects of cell signaling underlying striatum-dependent behavior, with a major focus on the neuromodulatory action of the endocannabinoid system and on the role of the Ras-ERK cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Cerovic
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, UK
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20
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Fasano S, Brambilla R. Ras-ERK Signaling in Behavior: Old Questions and New Perspectives. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:79. [PMID: 22131969 PMCID: PMC3223382 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Ras–ERK signaling in behavioral plasticity is well established. Inhibition studies using the blood–brain barrier permeable drug SL327 have conclusively demonstrated that this neuronal cell signaling cascade is a crucial component of the synaptic machinery implicated in the formation of various forms of long-term memory, from spatial learning to fear and operant conditioning. However, abnormal Ras–ERK signaling has also been linked to a number of neuropsychiatric conditions, including mental retardation syndromes (“RASopathies”), drug addiction, and l-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). The work recently done on these brain disorders has pointed to previously underappreciated roles of Ras–ERK in specific subsets of neurons, like GABAergic interneurons of the hippocampus or the cortex, as well as in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Here we will highlight the open questions related to Ras–ERK signaling in these behavioral manifestations and propose crucial experiments for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Fasano
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University Milano, Italy
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21
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Inhibition of Ras-guanine nucleotide-releasing factor 1 (Ras-GRF1) signaling in the striatum reverts motor symptoms associated with L-dopa-induced dyskinesia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:21824-9. [PMID: 21115823 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1012071107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a common debilitating complication of dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease. Recent evidence suggests that LID may be linked causally to a hyperactivation of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade in the basal ganglia. We set out to determine whether specific targeting of Ras-guanine nucleotide-releasing factor 1 (Ras-GRF1), a brain-specific activator of the Ras-ERK pathway, may provide a therapy for LID. On the rodent abnormal involuntary movements scale, Ras-GRF1-deficient mice were significantly resistant to the development of dyskinesia during chronic L-dopa treatment. Furthermore, in a nonhuman primate model of LID, lentiviral vectors expressing dominant negative forms of Ras-GRF1 caused a dramatic reversion of dyskinesia severity leaving intact the therapeutic effect of L-dopa. These data reveal the central role of Ras-GRF1 in governing striatal adaptations to dopamine replacement therapy and validate a viable treatment for LID based on intracellular signaling modulation.
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