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Rivi V, Caruso G, Caraci F, Alboni S, Pani L, Tascedda F, Lukowiak K, Blom JMC, Benatti C. Behavioral and transcriptional effects of carnosine in the central ring ganglia of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25371. [PMID: 39078068 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25371] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Carnosine is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide with well-recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects at the central nervous system level. To date, very few studies have been focused on the ability of carnosine to rescue and/or enhance memory. Here, we used a well-known invertebrate model system, the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, and a well-studied associative learning procedure, operant conditioning of aerial respiration, to investigate the ability of carnosine to enhance long-term memory (LTM) formation and reverse memory obstruction caused by an immune challenge (i.e., lipopolysaccharide [LPS] injection). Exposing snails to 1 mM carnosine for 1 h before training in addition to enhancing memory formation resulted in a significant upregulation of the expression levels of key neuroplasticity genes (i.e., glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-d-aspartate [NMDA]-type subunit 1-LymGRIN1, and the transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein 1-LymCREB1) in snails' central ring ganglia. Moreover, pre-exposure to 1 mM carnosine before an LPS injection reversed the memory deficit brought about by inflammation, by preventing the upregulation of key targets for immune and stress response (i.e., Toll-like receptor 4-LymTLR4, molluscan defense molecule-LymMDM, heat shock protein 70-LymHSP70). Our data are thus consistent with the hypothesis that carnosine can have positive benefits on cognitive ability and be able to reverse memory aversive states induced by neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Silvia Alboni
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Deparment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- CIB, Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ken Lukowiak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Mazzei A, Pagliara P, Del Vecchio G, Giampetruzzi L, Croce F, Schiavone R, Verri T, Barca A. Cytoskeletal Responses and Aif-1 Expression in Caco-2 Monolayers Exposed to Phorbol-12-Myristate-13-Acetate and Carnosine. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010036. [PMID: 36671729 PMCID: PMC9855102 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The dis(re)organization of the cytoskeletal actin in enterocytes mediates epithelial barrier dys(re)function, playing a key role in modulating epithelial monolayer's integrity and remodeling under transition from physiological to pathological states. Here, by fluorescence-based morphological and morphometric analyses, we detected differential responses of cytoskeletal actin in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers at two different stages of their spontaneous differentiation, i.e., undifferentiated cells at 7 days post-seeding (dps) and differentiated enterocyte-like cells at 21 dps, upon challenge in vitro with the inflammation-mimicking stimulus of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). In addition, specific responses were found in the presence of the natural dipeptide carnosine detecting its potential counteraction against PMA-induced cytoskeletal alterations and remodeling in differentiated Caco-2 monolayers. In such an experimental context, by both immunocytochemistry and Western blot assays in Caco-2 monolayers, we identified the expression of the allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) as protein functionally related to both inflammatory and cytoskeletal pathways. In 21 dps monolayers, particularly, we detected variations of its intracellular localization associated with the inflammatory stimulus and its mRNA/protein increase associated with the differentiated 21 dps enterocyte-like monolayer compared to the undifferentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Mazzei
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pagliara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-0832-298662 (A.B.)
| | - Gianmarco Del Vecchio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lucia Giampetruzzi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems IMM-CNR, Via per Monteroni “Campus Ecotekne”, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesca Croce
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Roberta Schiavone
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Amilcare Barca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-0832-298662 (A.B.)
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Naletova I, Greco V, Sciuto S, Attanasio F, Rizzarelli E. Ionophore Ability of Carnosine and Its Trehalose Conjugate Assists Copper Signal in Triggering Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Activation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13504. [PMID: 34948299 PMCID: PMC8706131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
l-carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) (Car hereafter) is a natural dipeptide widely distributed in mammalian tissues and reaching high concentrations (0.7-2.0 mM) in the brain. The molecular features of the dipeptide underlie the antioxidant, anti-aggregating and metal chelating ability showed in a large number of physiological effects, while the biological mechanisms involved in the protective role found against several diseases cannot be explained on the basis of the above-mentioned properties alone, requiring further research efforts. It has been reported that l-carnosine increases the secretion and expression of various neurotrophic factors and affects copper homeostasis in nervous cells inducing Cu cellular uptake in keeping with the key metal-sensing system. Having in mind this l-carnosine ability, here we report the copper-binding and ionophore ability of l-carnosine to activate tyrosine kinase cascade pathways in PC12 cells and stimulate the expression of BDNF. Furthermore, the study was extended to verify the ability of the dipeptide to favor copper signaling inducing the expression of VEGF. Being aware that the potential protective action of l-carnosine is drastically hampered by its hydrolysis, we also report on the behavior of a conjugate of l-carnosine with trehalose that blocks the carnosinase degradative activity. Overall, our findings describe a copper tuning effect on the ability of l-carnosine and, particularly its conjugate, to activate tyrosine kinase cascade pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research—CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
- National Inter-University Consortium Metals Chemistry in Biological Systems (CIRCMSB), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesco Attanasio
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research—CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research—CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
- National Inter-University Consortium Metals Chemistry in Biological Systems (CIRCMSB), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
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Steven A, Friedrich M, Jank P, Heimer N, Budczies J, Denkert C, Seliger B. What turns CREB on? And off? And why does it matter? Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4049-4067. [PMID: 32347317 PMCID: PMC7532970 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Altered expression and function of the transcription factor cyclic AMP response-binding protein (CREB) has been identified to play an important role in cancer and is associated with the overall survival and therapy response of tumor patients. This review focuses on the expression and activation of CREB under physiologic conditions and in tumors of distinct origin as well as the underlying mechanisms of CREB regulation by diverse stimuli and inhibitors. In addition, the clinical relevance of CREB is summarized, including its use as a prognostic and/or predictive marker as well as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Steven
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Heimer
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Chmielewska K, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stępniak I, Przybyłowska M. Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Human Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1561-1578. [PMID: 32202758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, their occurrence and mortality are still high around the world. The resistance of cancer cells to the drugs remains a significant problem in oncology today, while in the case of neuro-degenerative diseases, therapies reversing the process are still yet to be found. Furthermore, it is important to seek new chemotherapeutics reversing side effects of currently used drugs or helping them perform their function to inhibit progression of the disease. Carnosine, a dipeptide constisting of β-alanine and l-histidine, has a variety of functions to mention: antioxidant, antiglycation, and reducing the toxicity of metal ions. It has therefore been proposed to act as a therapeutic agent for many pathological states. The aim of this paper was to find if carnosine and its derivatives can be helpful in treating various diseases. Literature search presented in this review includes review and original papers found in SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Searches were based on substantial keywords concerning therapeutic usage of carnosine and its derivatives in several diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In this paper, we review articles and find that carnosine and its derivatives are potential therapeutic agents in many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Carnosine and its derivatives can be used in treating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, or schizophrenia, although their usage is limited. Therefore, there's an urge to synthesize and analyze new substances, overcoming the limitation of carnosine itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Chmielewska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Iwona Inkielewicz-Stępniak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk 80-211, Poland
| | - Maja Przybyłowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
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Sugihara Y, Onoue S, Tashiro K, Sato M, Hasegawa T, Katakura Y. Carnosine induces intestinal cells to secrete exosomes that activate neuronal cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217394. [PMID: 31136600 PMCID: PMC6538158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we showed that imidazole dipeptide such as carnosine contained abundantly in chicken breast meat improves brain function in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated whether carnosine activates intestinal epithelial cells and induces the secretion of factors that activate brain function. We focused on exosomes derived from intestinal epithelial cells as mediators of brain-gut interaction. Results showed that exosomes derived from Caco-2 cells treated with carnosine significantly induced neurite growth in SH-SY5Y cells. To clarify the molecular basis of this finding, we performed integrated analysis of microRNAs (miRNAs) with altered expression in exosomes in response to carnosine treatment and mRNAs with altered expression in target cells in response to exosome treatment to identify related miRNAs and their target genes. The combination of miR-6769-5p and its target gene ATXN1 was found to be involved in the exosome-induced activation of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Sugihara
- Graduate School of Bioresources and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shiori Onoue
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tashiro
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mikako Sato
- R&D Center, NH Foods, Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Yoshinori Katakura
- Graduate School of Bioresources and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Pivotal role of carnosine in the modulation of brain cells activity: Multimodal mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 175:35-53. [PMID: 30593839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), a dipeptide, is an endogenous antioxidant widely distributed in excitable tissues like muscles and the brain. Although discovered more than a hundred years ago and having been extensively studied in the periphery, the role of carnosine in the brain remains mysterious. Carnosinemia, a rare metabolic disorder with increased levels of carnosine in urine and low levels or absence of carnosinase in the blood, is associated with severe neurological symptoms in humans. This review deals with the role of carnosine in the brain in both physiological and pathological conditions, with a focus on preclinical evidence suggesting a high therapeutic potential of carnosine in neurodegenerative disorders. We review carnosine and carnosinemia's discoveries and the extensive research on the role and benefits of carnosine in the periphery. We then turn to carnosine's biochemistry and distribution in the brain. Using an array of recent observations as a foundation, we draw a parallel with the role of carnosine in muscles and speculate on the role of carnosine in promoting the metabolic support of neurons by glial cells. Finally, carnosine has been shown to exert a multimodal activity including inhibition of protein cross-linking and aggregation of amyloid-β and related proteins, free radical generation, nitric oxide detoxification, and an anti-inflammatory activity. It could thus play an important role in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. We discuss the potential of carnosine in this context and speculate on new preclinical research directions.
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Yamashita S, Sato M, Matsumoto T, Kadooka K, Hasegawa T, Fujimura T, Katakura Y. Mechanisms of carnosine-induced activation of neuronal cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2018; 82:683-688. [DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2017.1413325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Carnosine (β-Ala-l-His), an imidazole dipeptide, is known to have many functions. Recently, we demonstrated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial that carnosine is capable of preserving cognitive function in elderly people. In the current study, we assessed the ability of carnosine to activate the brain, and we tried to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind this activation. Our results demonstrate that carnosine permeates the blood brain barrier and activates glial cells within the brain, causing them to secrete neurotrophins, including BDNF and NGF. These results point to a novel mechanism of carnosine-induced neuronal activation. Our results suggest that carnosine should be recognized as a functional food factor that helps achieve anti-brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Yamashita
- R&D Center, NH Foods Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Glycotoxins: Dietary and Metabolic Origins; Possible Amelioration of Neurotoxicity by Carnosine, with Special Reference to Parkinson’s Disease. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:164-172. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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