NMDA receptor dependent PGC-1alpha up-regulation protects the cortical neuron against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury

Exercise-Induced Lactate Release Mediates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Hippocampus of Mice via Monocarboxylate Transporters

Regular exercise training induces mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). However, it remains unclear whether a single bout of exercise would increase mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain. Therefore, we first investigated whether mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus is affected by a single bout of exercise in mice. A single bout of high-intensity exercise, but not low- or moderate-intensity, increased hippocampal PGC-1α mRNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number at 12 and 48h. These results depended on exercise intensity, and blood lactate levels observed immediately after exercise. As lactate induces mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain, we examined the effects of acute lactate administration on blood and hippocampal extracellular lactate concentration by in vivo microdialysis. Intraperitoneal (I.P.) lactate injection increased hippocampal extracellular lactate concentration to the same as blood lactate level, promoting PGC-1α mRNA expression in the hippocampus. However, this was suppressed by administering UK5099, a lactate transporter inhibitor, before lactate injection. I.P. UK5099 administration did not affect running performance and blood lactate concentration immediately after exercise but attenuated exercise-induced hippocampal PGC-1α mRNA and mtDNA copy number. In addition, hippocampal monocarboxylate transporters (MCT)1, MCT2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression, except MCT4, also increased after high-intensity exercise, which was abolished by UK5099 administration. Further, injection of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor) into the hippocampus before high-intensity exercise suppressed glycogen consumption during exercise, but hippocampal lactate, PGC-1α, MCT1, and MCT2 mRNA concentrations were not altered after exercise. These results indicate that the increased blood lactate released from skeletal muscle may induce hippocampal mitochondrial biogenesis and BDNF expression by inducing MCT expression in mice, especially during short-term high-intensity exercise. Thus, a single bout of exercise above the lactate threshold could provide an effective strategy for increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus.

Melatonin reshapes the mitochondrial network and promotes intercellular mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes after ischemic-like injury in hippocampal HT22 cells

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered one of the hallmarks of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Mitochondria are plastic organelles that undergo continuous biogenesis, fusion, and fission. They can be transferred between cells through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), dynamic structures that allow the exchange of proteins, soluble molecules, and organelles. Maintaining mitochondrial dynamics is crucial to cell function and survival. The present study aimed to assess the effects of melatonin on mitochondrial dynamics, TNT formation, and mitochondria transfer in HT22 cells exposed to oxygen/glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R). The results showed that melatonin treatment during the reoxygenation phase reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, improved cell viability, and increased the expression of PGC1α and SIRT3. Melatonin also preserved the expression of the membrane translocase proteins TOM20 and TIM23, and of the matrix protein HSP60, which are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, it promoted mitochondrial fusion and enhanced the expression of MFN2 and OPA1. Remarkably, melatonin also fostered mitochondrial transfer between injured HT22 cells through TNT connections. These results provide new insights into the effect of melatonin on mitochondrial network reshaping and cell survival. Fostering TNTs formation represents a novel mechanism mediating the protective effect of melatonin in ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Glitazones Activate PGC-1α Signaling via PPAR-γ: A Promising Strategy for Antiparkinsonism Therapeutics

Understanding various aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD) by researchers could lead to a better understanding of the disease and provide treatment alternatives that could significantly improve the quality of life of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders. Significant progress has been made in recent years toward this goal, but there is yet no available treatment with confirmed neuroprotective effects. Recent studies have shown the potential of PPARγ agonists, which are the ligand activated transcriptional factor of the nuclear hormone superfamily, as therapeutic targets for various neurodegenerative disorders. The activation of central PGC-1α mediates the potential role against neurogenerative diseases like PD, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Further understanding the mechanism of neurodegeneration and the role of glitazones in the activation of PGC-1α signaling could lead to a novel therapeutic interventions against PD. Keeping this aspect in focus, the present review highlights the pathogenic mechanism of PD and the role of glitazones in the activation of PGC-1α via PPARγ for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Microglial PGC-1α protects against ischemic brain injury by suppressing neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and immune responses occurring minutes to hours after stroke are associated with brain injury after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as a master coregulator of gene expression in mitochondrial biogenesis, was found to be transiently upregulated in microglia after AIS. However, the role of microglial PGC-1α in poststroke immune modulation remains unknown.

METHODS

PGC-1α expression in microglia from human and mouse brain samples following ischemic stroke was first determined. Subsequently, we employed transgenic mice with microglia-specific overexpression of PGC-1α for middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The morphology and gene expression profile of microglia with PGC-1α overexpression were evaluated. Downstream inflammatory cytokine production and NLRP3 activation were also determined. ChIP-Seq analysis was performed to detect PGC-1α-binding sites in microglia. Autophagic and mitophagic activity was further monitored by immunofluorescence staining. Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) expression was evaluated under the PGC-1α interaction with ERRα. Finally, pharmacological inhibition and genomic knockdown of ULK1 were performed to estimate the role of ULK1 in mediating mitophagic activity after ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

PGC-1α expression was shortly increased after ischemic stroke, not only in human brain samples but also in mouse brain samples. Microglia-specific PGC-1α overexpressing mice exhibited significantly decreased neurologic deficits after ischemic injury, with reduced NLRP3 activation and proinflammatory cytokine production. ChIP-Seq analysis and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that mitophagy was significantly enhanced. PGC-1α significantly promoted autophagic flux and induced autolysosome formation. More specifically, the autophagic clearance of mitochondria was enhanced by PGC-1α regulation, indicating the important role of mitophagy. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of ULK1 expression impaired autophagic/mitophagic activity, thus abolishing the neuroprotective effects of PGC-1α.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanistically, in AIS, PGC-1α promotes autophagy and mitophagy through ULK1 and reduces NLRP3 activation. Our findings indicate that microglial PGC-1α may be a promising therapeutic target for AIS.

Dysregulation of PGC-1α-Dependent Transcriptional Programs in Neurological and Developmental Disorders: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities

Substantial evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability in disease states, leading investigators to propose that the enhancement of mitochondrial function should be considered a strategy for neuroprotection. However, multiple attempts to improve mitochondrial function have failed to impact disease progression, suggesting that the biology underlying the normal regulation of mitochondrial pathways in neurons, and its dysfunction in disease, is more complex than initially thought. Here, we present the proteins and associated pathways involved in the transcriptional regulation of nuclear-encoded genes for mitochondrial function, with a focus on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). We highlight PGC-1α’s roles in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and discuss evidence for the dysregulation of PGC-1α-dependent pathways in Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and developmental disorders, emphasizing the relationship between disease-specific cellular vulnerability and cell-type-specific patterns of PGC-1α expression. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent to therapeutic targeting of PGC-1α-related transcriptional programs, considering the roles for neuron-enriched transcriptional coactivators in co-regulating mitochondrial and synaptic genes. This information will provide novel insights into the unique aspects of transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial function in neurons and the opportunities for therapeutic targeting of transcriptional pathways for neuroprotection.

Dysregulation of PGC-1α-Dependent Transcriptional Programs in Neurological and Developmental Disorders: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities

Substantial evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability in disease states, leading investigators to propose that the enhancement of mitochondrial function should be considered a strategy for neuroprotection. However, multiple attempts to improve mitochondrial function have failed to impact disease progression, suggesting that the biology underlying the normal regulation of mitochondrial pathways in neurons, and its dysfunction in disease, is more complex than initially thought. Here, we present the proteins and associated pathways involved in the transcriptional regulation of nuclear-encoded genes for mitochondrial function, with a focus on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). We highlight PGC-1α's roles in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types and discuss evidence for the dysregulation of PGC-1α-dependent pathways in Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and developmental disorders, emphasizing the relationship between disease-specific cellular vulnerability and cell-type-specific patterns of PGC-1α expression. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent to therapeutic targeting of PGC-1α-related transcriptional programs, considering the roles for neuron-enriched transcriptional coactivators in co-regulating mitochondrial and synaptic genes. This information will provide novel insights into the unique aspects of transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial function in neurons and the opportunities for therapeutic targeting of transcriptional pathways for neuroprotection.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α regulates mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, sarcoplasmic reticulum stress, and cell death to mitigate skeletal muscle aging

Age-related impairment of muscle function severely affects the health of an increasing elderly population. While causality and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, exercise is an efficient intervention to blunt these aging effects. We thus investigated the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a potent regulator of mitochondrial function and exercise adaptation, in skeletal muscle during aging. We demonstrate that PGC-1α overexpression improves mitochondrial dynamics and calcium buffering in an estrogen-related receptor α-dependent manner. Moreover, we show that sarcoplasmic reticulum stress is attenuated by PGC-1α. As a result, PGC-1α prevents tubular aggregate formation and cell death pathway activation in old muscle. Similarly, the pro-apoptotic effects of ceramide and thapsigargin were blunted by PGC-1α in muscle cells. Accordingly, mice with muscle-specific gain-of-function and loss-of-function of PGC-1α exhibit a delayed and premature aging phenotype, respectively. Together, our data reveal a key protective effect of PGC-1α on muscle function and overall health span in aging.

PGC-1α sparks the fire of neuroprotection against neurodegenerative disorders

Recently, growing evidence has demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a superior transcriptional regulator that acts via controlling the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes and uncoupling proteins and inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, which plays a beneficial part in the central nervous system (CNS). Given the significance of PGC-1α, we summarize the current literature on the molecular mechanisms and roles of PGC-1α in the CNS. Thus, in this review, we first briefly introduce the basic characteristics regarding PGC-1α. We then depict some of its important cerebral functions and discuss upstream modulators, partners, and downstream effectors of the PGC-1α signaling pathway. Finally, we highlight recent progress in research on the involvement of PGC-1α in certain major neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Collectively, the data presented here may be useful for supporting the future potential of PGC-1α as a therapeutic target.

PGC-1α Downregulation in Steatotic Liver Enhances Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Impairs Ischemic Preconditioning

AIMS

Liver steatosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels together with enhanced sensitivity to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and limited response to preconditioning protocols. Here, we sought to determine whether the downregulation in the steatotic liver of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial metabolism and ROS that is known to play a role in liver metabolic control, could be responsible for the sensitivity of the steatotic liver to ischemic damage.

RESULTS

PGC-1α was induced in normal liver after exposure to an IR protocol, which was concomitant with an increase in the levels of antioxidant proteins. By contrast, its induction was severely blunted in the steatotic liver, resulting in a modest induction of antioxidant proteins. Livers of PGC-1α^-/- mice on a chow diet were normal, but they exhibited an enhanced sensitivity to IR injury and also a lack of response to ischemic preconditioning (IPC), a phenotype that recapitulated the features of the steatotic liver in terms of liver damage, although the inflammatory response differed between both models. Utilizing an in vitro model of IPC, we found that PGC-1α expression was downregulated in hepatic cells cultured at 1% O₂; whereas it was induced after reoxygenation (3% O₂), and it was responsible for the recovery of antioxidant gene expression after the ischemic period. Innovation & Conclusion: PGC-1α plays an important role in the protection against IR injury in the liver, which is likely associated with its capacity to induce antioxidant gene expression. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 1332-1346.

Protein kinase C-alpha suppresses autophagy and induces neural tube defects via miR-129-2 in diabetic pregnancy

Gene deletion-induced autophagy deficiency leads to neural tube defects (NTDs), similar to those in diabetic pregnancy. Here we report the key autophagy regulators modulated by diabetes in the murine developing neuroepithelium. Diabetes predominantly leads to exencephaly, induces neuroepithelial cell apoptosis and suppresses autophagy in the forebrain and midbrain of NTD embryos. Deleting the Prkca gene, which encodes PKCα, reverses diabetes-induced autophagy impairment, cellular organelle stress and apoptosis, leading to an NTD reduction. PKCα increases the expression of miR-129-2, which is a negative regulator of autophagy. miR-129-2 represses autophagy by directly targeting PGC-1α, a positive regulator for mitochondrial function, which is disturbed by maternal diabetes. PGC-1α supports neurulation by stimulating autophagy in neuroepithelial cells. These findings identify two negative autophagy regulators, PKCα and miR-129-2, which mediate the teratogenicity of hyperglycaemia leading to NTDs. We also reveal a function for PGC-1α in embryonic development through promoting autophagy and ameliorating hyperglycaemia-induced NTDs.

ROS homeostasis, a key determinant in liver ischemic-preconditioning

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are key mediators of ischemia-reperfusion injury but also required for the induction of the stress response that limits tissue injury and underlies the protection provided by ischemic-preconditioning protocols. Liver steatosis is an important risk factor for liver transplant failure. Liver steatosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive mitochondrial ROS production. Studies aiming at decreasing the sensibility of the steatotic liver to ischemia-reperfusion injury using pre-conditioning protocols, have shown that the steatotic liver has a reduced capacity to respond to these protocols. Recent studies indicate that these effects are related to a reduced capacity of the steatotic liver to respond to elevated ROS levels following reperfusion by inducing a compensatory response. This failure to respond to ROS is associated with reduced levels of antioxidants, mitochondrial damage, hepatocyte cell death, activation of the immune system and induction of pro-fibrotic mediators.

KLF5 overexpression attenuates cardiomyocyte inflammation induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion through the PPARγ/PGC-1α/TNF-α signaling pathway

The primary physiological function of Krüppel-like zinc-finger transcription factor (KLF5) is the regulation of cardiovascular remodeling. Vascular remodeling is closely related to the amelioration of various ischemic diseases. However, the underlying correlation of KLF5 and ischemia is not clear. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of KLF5 in myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury and the potential mechanisms involved. Cultured H9C2 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/Rep) to mimic myocardial IR injury in vivo. Expressions of KLF5 and PPARγ were distinctly inhibited, and PGC-1α expression was activated at 24h after myocardial OGD/Rep injury. After myocardial OGD/Rep injury, we found that KLF5 overexpression down-regulated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Through the analysis of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, we demonstrate that KLF5 overexpression reduced the release of OGD/Rep-induced LDH. KLF5 overexpression significantly enhanced cell activity and decreased cell apoptosis during OGD/Rep injury. Compared with the OGD/Rep group, cells overexpressing KLF5 showed anti-apoptotic effects, such as decreased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 as well as increased Bcl-2 expression. KLF5 overexpression activated PPARγ, a protein involved in OGD/Rep injury, and increased levels of PGC-1α, while TNF-α expression was remarkably inhibited. In addition, GW9662, a PPARγ receptor antagonist, reversed the expression of PPARγ/PGC-1α/TNF-α and cell activity induced by KLF5 overexpression. The effects of KLF5 overexpression on PPARγ/PGC-1α/TNF-α and cell activity were abolished by co-treatment with GW9662. Taken together, these results suggest that KLF5 can efficiently alleviate OGD/Rep-induced myocardial injury, perhaps through regulation of the PPARγ/PGC-1α/TNF-α pathway.

Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor protects against apoptotic neuronal death and mitochondrial damage in ischemia

We previously demonstrated that Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF), also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD⁺ biosynthesis pathway, plays a brain and neuronal protective role in ischemic stroke. In this study, we further investigated the mechanism of its neuroprotective effect after ischemia in the primary cultured mouse cortical neurons. Using apoptotic cell death assay, fluorescent imaging, molecular biology, mitochondrial biogenesis measurements and Western blotting analysis, our results show that the overexpression of PBEF in neurons can significantly promote neuronal survival, reduce the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria to nuclei and inhibit the activation of capase-3 after glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. We further found that the overexpression of PBEF can suppress glutamate-induced mitochondrial fragmentation, the loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and the reduction of PGC-1 and NRF-1 expressions. Furthermore, these beneficial effects by PBEF are dependent on its enzymatic activity of NAD⁺ synthesis. In summary, our study demonstrated that PBEF ameliorates ischemia-induced neuronal death through inhibiting caspase-dependent and independent apoptotic signaling pathways and suppressing mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of PBEF, and helps to identify potential targets for ischemic stroke therapy.

The effects of NAD+ on apoptotic neuronal death and mitochondrial biogenesis and function after glutamate excitotoxicity

NAD+ is an essential co-enzyme for cellular energy metabolism and is also involved as a substrate for many cellular enzymatic reactions. It has been shown that NAD+ has a beneficial effect on neuronal survival and brain injury in in vitro and in vivo ischemic models. However, the effect of NAD+ on mitochondrial biogenesis and function in ischemia has not been well investigated. In the present study, we used an in vitro glutamate excitotoxicity model of primary cultured cortical neurons to study the effect of NAD+ on apoptotic neuronal death and mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Our results show that supplementation of NAD+ could effectively reduce apoptotic neuronal death, and apoptotic inducing factor translocation after neurons were challenged with excitotoxic glutamate stimulation. Using different approaches including confocal imaging, mitochondrial DNA measurement and Western blot analysis of PGC-1 and NRF-1, we also found that NAD+ could significantly attenuate glutamate-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and the impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, NAD+ treatment effectively inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and NADH redistribution after excitotoxic glutamate stimulation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that NAD+ is capable of inhibiting apoptotic neuronal death after glutamate excitotoxicity via preserving mitochondrial biogenesis and integrity. Our findings provide insights into potential neuroprotective strategies in ischemic stroke.

Orexin: pathways to obesity resistance?

Obesity has increased in prevalence worldwide, attributed in part to the influences of an obesity-promoting environment and genetic factors. While obesity and overweight increasingly seem to be the norm, there remain individuals who resist obesity. We present here an overview of data supporting the idea that hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin A (OXA; hypocretin 1) may be a key component of brain mechanisms underlying obesity resistance. Prior work with models of obesity and obesity resistance in rodents has shown that increased orexin and/or orexin sensitivity is correlated with elevated spontaneous physical activity (SPA), and that orexin-induced SPA contributes to obesity resistance via increased non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). However, central hypothalamic orexin signaling mechanisms that regulate SPA remain undefined. Our ongoing studies and work of others support the hypothesis that one such mechanism may be upregulation of a hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)-dependent pathway, suggesting that orexin may promote obesity resistance both by increasing SPA and by influencing the metabolic state of orexin-responsive hypothalamic neurons. We discuss potential mechanisms based on both animal and in vitro pharmacological studies, in the context of elucidating potential molecular targets for obesity prevention and therapy.

Convergence of genetic and environmental factors on parvalbumin-positive interneurons in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia etiology is thought to involve an interaction between genetic and environmental factors during postnatal brain development. However, there is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility to trigger symptom onset and disease progression. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings implicating oxidative stress as one mechanism by which environmental insults, especially early life social stress, impact the development of schizophrenia. Based on a review of the literature and the results of our own animal model, we suggest that environmental stressors such as social isolation render parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs) vulnerable to oxidative stress. We previously reported that social isolation stress exacerbates many of the schizophrenia-like phenotypes seen in a conditional genetic mouse model in which NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are selectively ablated in half of cortical and hippocampal interneurons during early postnatal development (Belforte et al., 2010). We have since revealed that this social isolation-induced effect is caused by impairments in the antioxidant defense capacity in the PVIs in which NMDARs are ablated. We propose that this effect is mediated by the down-regulation of PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism and anti-oxidant defense, following the deletion of NMDARs (Jiang et al., 2013). Other potential molecular mechanisms underlying redox dysfunction upon gene and environmental interaction will be discussed, with a focus on the unique properties of PVIs.

Social isolation exacerbates schizophrenia-like phenotypes via oxidative stress in cortical interneurons

BACKGROUND

Our previous studies indicated that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) deletion from a subset of corticolimbic interneurons in the mouse brain during early postnatal development is sufficient to trigger several behavioral and pathophysiological features resembling the symptoms of human schizophrenia. Interestingly, many of these behavioral phenotypes are exacerbated by social isolation stress. However, the mechanisms underlying the exacerbating effects of social isolation are unclear.

METHODS

With γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneuron-specific NMDAR hypofunction mouse model (Ppp1r2-Cre/fGluN1 knockout [KO] mice), we investigated whether oxidative stress is implicated in the social isolation-induced exacerbation of schizophrenia-like phenotypes and further explored the underlying mechanism of elevated oxidative stress in KO mice.

RESULTS

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the cortex of group-housed KO mice was normal at 8 weeks although increased at 16 weeks old. Postweaning social isolation (PWSI) augmented the ROS levels in KO mice at both ages, which was accompanied by the onset of behavioral phenotype. Chronic treatment with apocynin, an ROS scavenger, abolished markers of oxidative stress and partially alleviated schizophrenia-like behavioral phenotypes in KO mice. Markers of oxidative stress after PWSI were especially prominent in cortical parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons. The vulnerability of PV interneurons to oxidative stress was associated with downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a PWSI-mediated impairment in antioxidant defense mechanisms, presumably mediated by PGC-1α downregulation in the NMDAR-deleted PV-positive interneurons, results in oxidative stress, which, in turn, might contribute to exacerbation of schizophrenia-like behavioral phenotypes.

PGC-1α negatively regulates extrasynaptic NMDAR activity and excitotoxicity

Underexpression of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α is causally linked to certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's Disease (HD). HD pathoprogression is also associated with aberrant NMDAR activity, in particular an imbalance between synaptic versus extrasynaptic (NMDAR(EX)) activity. Here we show that PGC-1α controls NMDAR(EX) activity in neurons and that its suppression contributes to mutant Huntingtin (mHtt)-induced increases in NMDAR(EX) activity and vulnerability to excitotoxic insults. We found that knock-down of endogenous PGC-1α increased NMDAR(EX) activity and vulnerability to excitotoxic insults in rat cortical neurons. In contrast, exogenous expression of PGC-1α resulted in a neuroprotective reduction of NMDAR(EX) currents without affecting synaptic NMDAR activity. Since HD models are associated with mHtt-mediated suppression of PGC-1α expression, as well as increased NMDAR(EX) activity, we investigated whether these two events were linked. Expression of mHtt (148Q) resulted in a selective increase in NMDAR(EX) activity, compared with wild-type Htt (18Q), and increased vulnerability to NMDA excitotoxicity. Importantly, we observed that the effects of mHtt and PGC-1α knockdown on NMDAR(EX) activity and vulnerability to excitotoxicity were nonadditive and occluded each other, consistent with a common mechanism. Moreover, exogenous expression of PGC-1α reversed mtHtt-mediated increases in NMDAR(EX) activity and protected neurons against excitotoxic cell death. The link between mHtt, PGC-1α, and NMDAR activity was also confirmed in rat striatal neurons. Thus, targeting levels of PGC-1α expression may help reduce aberrant NMDAR(EX) activity in disorders where PGC-1α is underexpressed.

Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, attenuates glutamate-induced cognitive deficits in mice and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells

AIM

To investigate whether asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, exerted neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo, and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were used for in vitro study. Cell viability was determined with the MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry were used to examine the apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using fluorescent dye. PGC-1α and Sirt1 levels were examined using Western blotting. Neonatal mice were given monosodium glutamate (2.5 mg/g) subcutaneously at the neck from postnatal day (PD) 7 to 13, and orally administered with AA on PD 14 daily for 30 d. The learning and memory of the mice were evaluated with the Morris water maze test. HE staining was used to analyze the pyramidal layer structure in the CA1 and CA3 regions.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with AA (0.1-100 nmol/L) attenuated toxicity induced by 10 mmol/L glutamate in a concentration-dependent manner. AA 10 nmol/L significantly decreased apoptotic cell death and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and promoted the expression of PGC-1α and Sirt1. In the mice models, oral administration of AA (100 mg/kg) significantly attenuated cognitive deficits in the Morris water maze test, and restored lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activity of SOD in the hippocampus and cortex to the control levels. AA (50 and 100 mg/kg) also attenuated neuronal damage of the pyramidal layer in the CA1 and CA3 regions.

CONCLUSION

AA attenuates glutamate-induced cognitive deficits of mice and protects SH-SY5Y cells against glutamate-induced apoptosis in vitro.

PGC-1 family coactivators and cell fate: roles in cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and retrograde mitochondria-nucleus signalling

Over the past two decades, a complex nuclear transcriptional machinery controlling mitochondrial biogenesis and function has been described. Central to this network are the PGC-1 family coactivators, characterised as master regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. Recent literature has identified a broader role for PGC-1 coactivators in both cell death and cellular adaptation under conditions of stress, here reviewed in the context of the pathology associated with cancer, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, we propose that these studies also imply a novel conceptual framework on the general role of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease. It is now well established that the complex nuclear transcriptional control of mitochondrial biogenesis allows for adaptation of mitochondrial mass and function to environmental conditions. On the other hand, it has also been suggested that mitochondria alter their function according to prevailing cellular energetic requirements and thus function as sensors that generate signals to adjust fundamental cellular processes through a retrograde mitochondria-nucleus signalling pathway. Therefore, altered mitochondrial function can affect cell fate not only directly by modifying cellular energy levels or redox state, but also indirectly, by altering nuclear transcriptional patterns. The current literature on such retrograde signalling in both yeast and mammalian cells is thus reviewed, with an outlook on its potential contribution to disease through the regulation of PGC-1 family coactivators. We propose that further investigation of these pathways will lead to the identification of novel pharmacological targets and treatment strategies to combat disease.

Calorie restriction and stroke

Stroke, a major cause of disability and mortality in the elderly, occurs when a cerebral blood vessel is occluded or ruptured, resulting in ischemic damage and death of brain cells. The injury mechanism involves metabolic and oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, apoptosis and inflammatory processes, including activation of glial cells and infiltration of leukocytes. In animal models, dietary energy restriction, by daily calorie reduction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF), extends lifespan and decreases the development of age-related diseases. Dietary energy restriction may also benefit neurons, as suggested by experimental evidence showing that CR and IF protect neurons against degeneration in animal models. Recent findings by our group and others suggest the possibility that dietary energy restriction may protect against stroke induced brain injury, in part by inducing the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); protein chaperones, including heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78); antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), uncoupling proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This article discusses the protective mechanisms activated by dietary energy restriction in ischemic stroke.

Neuronal activity controls the antagonistic balance between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors in regulating antioxidant defenses

Transcriptional coactivators and corepressors often have multiple targets and can have opposing actions on transcription and downstream physiological events. The coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α is under-expressed in Huntington's disease and is a regulator of antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial biogenesis. We show that in primary cortical neurons, expression of PGC-1α strongly promotes resistance to excitotoxic and oxidative stress in a cell autonomous manner, whereas knockdown increases sensitivity. In contrast, the transcriptional corepressor silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) specifically antagonizes PGC-1α-mediated antioxidant effects. The antagonistic balance between PGC-1α and SMRT is upset in favor of PGC-1α by synaptic activity. Synaptic activity triggers nuclear export of SMRT reliant on multiple regions of the protein. Concomitantly, synaptic activity post-translationally enhances the transactivating potential of PGC-1α in a p38-dependent manner, as well as upregulating cyclic-AMP response element binding protein-dependent PGC-1α transcription. Activity-dependent targeting of PGC-1α results in enhanced gene expression mediated by the thyroid hormone receptor, a prototypical transcription factor coactivated by PGC-1α and repressed by SMRT. As a consequence of these events, SMRT is unable to antagonize PGC-1α-mediated resistance to oxidative stress in synaptically active neurons. Thus, PGC-1α and SMRT are antagonistic regulators of neuronal vulnerability to oxidative stress. Further, this coactivator-corepressor antagonism is regulated by the activity status of the cell, with implications for neuronal viability.

Synaptic versus extrasynaptic NMDA receptor signalling: implications for neurodegenerative disorders

There is a long-standing paradox that NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors (NMDARs) can both promote neuronal health and kill neurons. Recent studies show that NMDAR-induced responses depend on the receptor location: stimulation of synaptic NMDARs, acting primarily through nuclear Ca(2+) signalling, leads to the build-up of a neuroprotective 'shield', whereas stimulation of extrasynaptic NMDARs promotes cell death. These differences result from the activation of distinct genomic programmes and from opposing actions on intracellular signalling pathways. Perturbations in the balance between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDAR activity contribute to neuronal dysfunction in acute ischaemia and Huntington's disease, and could be a common theme in the aetiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotective therapies should aim to both enhance the effect of synaptic activity and disrupt extrasynaptic NMDAR-dependent death signalling.

Down-expression of PGC-1alpha partially mediated by JNK/c-Jun through binding to CRE site during apoptotic procedure in cerebellar granule neurons

In eukaryotes, mitochondria are critical for cellular bioenergetics and mediating apoptosis. The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is an important regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. However, the role of PGC-1alpha in neuronal apoptosis and its regulation by apoptotic pathway are still unknown. We demonstrated that PGC-1alpha expression was down-regulated in cerebellar granule neurons(CGNs) after activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway by potassium deprivation. Overexpression of PGC-1alpha partially protected CGNs from potassium deprivation-induced apoptosis. JNK-specific inhibitors, SP600125 and CEP11004, partially blocked the inhibitory effects of JNK on PGC-1alpha expression and its promoter activity. Furthermore, ChIP assays revealed that c-Jun was able to bind to the CRE site (-188 to -180) in the PGC-1alpha promoter. In conclusion, these results suggest that down-expression of PGC-1alpha partially mediated by activation of JNK/c-Jun may be through the binding of c-Jun to the CRE site in the PGC-1alpha promoter, and it might be involved in potassium deprivation-induced apoptosis in CGNs.

Parvalbumin deficiency and GABAergic dysfunction in mice lacking PGC-1alpha

The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a master regulator of metabolism in peripheral tissues, and it has been proposed that PGC-1alpha plays a similar role in the brain. Recent evidence suggests that PGC-1alpha is concentrated in GABAergic interneurons, so we investigated whether male and female PGC-1alpha -/- mice exhibit abnormalities in interneuron gene expression and/or function. We found a striking reduction in the expression of the Ca(2+)-binding protein parvalbumin (PV), but not other GABAergic markers, throughout the cerebrum in PGC-1alpha +/- and -/- mice. Furthermore, PGC-1alpha overexpression in cell culture was sufficient to robustly induce PV expression. Consistent with a reduction in PV rather than a loss of PV-expressing interneurons, spontaneous synaptic inhibition was not altered in PGC-1alpha -/- mice. However, evoked synaptic responses displayed less paired-pulse depression and dramatic facilitation in response to repetitive stimulation at the gamma frequency. PV transcript expression was also significantly reduced in retina and heart of PGC-1alpha -/- animals, suggesting that PGC-1alpha is required for proper expression of PV in multiple tissues. Together these findings indicate that PGC-1alpha is a novel regulator of interneuron gene expression and function and a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders associated with interneuron dysfunction.