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Porcino C, Mhalhel K, Briglia M, Cometa M, Guerrera MC, Germanà PG, Montalbano G, Levanti M, Laurà R, Abbate F, Germanà A, Aragona M. Neurotrophins and Trk Neurotrophin Receptors in the Retina of Adult Killifish ( Nothobranchius guentheri). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2732. [PMID: 38473977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Specific subpopulations of neurons in nerve and sensory systems must be developed and maintained, and this is accomplished in significant part by neurotrophins (NTs) and the signaling receptors on which they act, called tyrosine protein kinase receptors (Trks). The neurotrophins-tyrosine protein kinase receptors (NTs/Trks) system is involved in sensory organ regulation, including the visual system. An NTs/Trks system alteration is associated with neurodegeneration related to aging and diseases, including retinal pathologies. An emergent model in the field of translational medicine, for instance, in aging study, is the annual killifish belonging to the Nothobranchius genus, thanks to its short lifespan. Members of this genus, such as Nothobranchius guentheri, and humans share a similar retinal stratigraphy. Nevertheless, according to the authors' knowledge, the occurrence and distribution of the NTs/Trks system in the retina of N. guentheri has never been investigated before. Therefore, the present study aimed to localize neurotrophin BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 and TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC receptors in the N. guentheri retina using the immunofluorescence method. The present investigation demonstrates, for the first time, the occurrence of the NTs/Trks system in N. guentheri retina and, consequently, the potential key role of these proteins in the biology and survival of the retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Porcino
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Marilena Briglia
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Germana Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Abbate
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Chiavacci E, Bagnoli S, Cellerino A, Terzibasi Tozzini E. Distribution of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Brain of the Small-Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula, and Evolution of Neurotrophins in Basal Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119495. [PMID: 37298444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTFs) are structurally related neurotrophic factors essential for differentiation, survival, neurite outgrowth, and the plasticity of neurons. Abnormalities associated with neurotrophin-signaling (NTF-signaling) were associated with neuropathies, neurodegenerative disorders, and age-associated cognitive decline. Among the neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has the highest expression and is expressed in mammals by specific cells throughout the brain, with particularly high expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Whole genome sequencing efforts showed that NTF signaling evolved before the evolution of Vertebrates; thus, the shared ancestor of Protostomes, Cyclostomes, and Deuterostomes must have possessed a single ortholog of neurotrophins. After the first round of whole genome duplication that occurred in the last common ancestor of Vertebrates, the presence of two neurotrophins in Agnatha was hypothesized, while the monophyletic group of cartilaginous fishes, or Chondrichthyans, was situated immediately after the second whole genome duplication round that occurred in the last common ancestor of Gnathostomes. Chondrichthyans represent the outgroup of all other living jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomes) and the sister group of Osteichthyans (comprehensive of Actinopterygians and Sarcopterygians). We were able to first identify the second neurotrophin in Agnatha. Secondly, we expanded our analysis to include the Chondrichthyans, with their strategic phylogenetic position as the most basal extant Gnathostome taxon. Results from the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of four neurotrophins in the Chondrichthyans, namely the orthologs of the four mammalian neurotrophins BDNF, NGF, NT-3, and NT-4. We then proceeded to study the expression of BDNF in the adult brain of the Chondrichthyan Scyliorhinus canicula. Our results showed that BDNF is highly expressed in the S. canicula brain and that its expression is highest in the Telencephalon, while the Mesencephalic and Diencephalic areas showed expression of BDNF in isolated and well-defined cell groups. NGF was expressed at much lower levels that could be detected by PCR but not by in situ hybridization. Our results warrant further investigations in Chondrichthyans to characterize the putative ancestral function of neurotrophins in Vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chiavacci
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms Department (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bagnoli
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cellerino
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Fritz Lipmann Institute for Age Research, Leibniz Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Eva Terzibasi Tozzini
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms Department (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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Gatta C, Schiano V, Attanasio C, Lucini C, Palladino A. Neurotrophins in Zebrafish Taste Buds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131613. [PMID: 35804512 PMCID: PMC9265000 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model organism, whose similarities with mammals are fundamental to validate its use for experimental purposes. In this study, the authors demonstrate the presence of neurotrophic factors, namely neurotrophins, in numerous taste bud cells of this fish. The reported results suggest an essential role of these factors in taste bud function. Interestingly, the results described in this study are in accordance with those reported in some mammalian species. Therefore, despite the different anatomical characteristics of the anterior digestive tract in mammals and fish, the taste buds maintain similarities in both shape and functional mechanisms in the two classes. Abstract The neurotrophin family is composed of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and NT4. These neurotrophins regulate several crucial functions through the activation of two types of transmembrane receptors, namely p75, which binds all neurotrophins with a similar affinity, and tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors. Neurotrophins, besides their well-known pivotal role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, also display the ability to regulate the development of taste buds in mammals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate if NGF, BDNF, NT3 and NT4 are also present in the taste buds of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a powerful vertebrate model organism. Morphological analyses carried out on adult zebrafish showed the presence of neurotrophins in taste bud cells of the oropharyngeal cavity, also suggesting that BDNF positive cells are the prevalent cell population in the posterior part of the oropharyngeal region. In conclusion, by suggesting that all tested neurotrophins are present in zebrafish sensory cells, our results lead to the assumption that taste bud cells in this fish species contain the same homologous neurotrophins reported in mammals, further confirming the high impact of the zebrafish model in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gatta
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Valentina Schiano
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonio Palladino
- Department Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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Analysis of the Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Kidney. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060296. [PMID: 35737348 PMCID: PMC9227799 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal populations. Different reports have shown that all neurotrophin/receptor pathways can also play a role in several non-neuronal tissues in vertebrates, including the kidney. These signaling pathways are involved in different events to ensure the correct functioning of the kidney, such as growth, differentiation, and regulation of renal tubule transport. Previous studies in some fish species have identified the neurotrophins and receptors in the kidney. In this study, for the first time, we compare the expression profiles (mRNA and protein) of all neurotrophin/receptor pathways in the kidney of the adult zebrafish. We quantify the levels of mRNA by using qPCR and identify the expression pattern of each neurotrophin/receptor pathway by in situ hybridization. Next, we detect the proteins using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that among all neurotrophins analyzed, NT-3/TrkC is the most expressed in the glomerule and tubule and in the hematopoietic cells, similar to what has been reported in the mammalian kidney.
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Embryonic stem cells-derived exosomes enhance retrodifferentiation of retinal Müller cells by delivering BDNF protein to activate Wnt pathway. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Borgonovo J, Ahumada-Galleguillos P, Oñate-Ponce A, Allende-Castro C, Henny P, Concha ML. Organization of the Catecholaminergic System in the Short-Lived Fish Nothobranchius furzeri. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:728720. [PMID: 34588961 PMCID: PMC8473916 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.728720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The catecholaminergic system has received much attention based on its regulatory role in a wide range of brain functions and its relevance in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the neuroanatomical distribution of catecholaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the brain of adult Nothobranchius furzeri. In the telencephalon, numerous TH+ neurons were observed in the olfactory bulbs and the ventral telencephalic area, arranged as strips extending through the rostrocaudal axis. We found the largest TH+ groups in the diencephalon at the preoptic region level, the ventral thalamus, the pretectal region, the posterior tuberculum, and the caudal hypothalamus. In the dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum, we identified a particular catecholaminergic group. The rostral rhombencephalon housed TH+ cells in the locus coeruleus and the medulla oblongata, distributing in a region dorsal to the inferior reticular formation, the vagal lobe, and the area postrema. Finally, scattered TH+ neurons were present in the ventral spinal cord and the retina. From a comparative perspective, the overall organization of catecholaminergic neurons is consistent with the general pattern reported for other teleosts. However, N. furzeri shows some particular features, including the presence of catecholaminergic cells in the midbrain. This work provides a detailed neuroanatomical map of the catecholaminergic system of N. furzeri, a powerful aging model, also contributing to the phylogenetic understanding of one of the most ancient neurochemical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Borgonovo
- Laboratory of Experimental Ontogeny, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Ahumada-Galleguillos
- Laboratory of Experimental Ontogeny, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Oñate-Ponce
- Laboratory of Experimental Ontogeny, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Allende-Castro
- Laboratory of Experimental Ontogeny, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Henny
- Department of Anatomy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel L Concha
- Laboratory of Experimental Ontogeny, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
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Blanco AM, Bertucci JI, Hatef A, Unniappan S. Feeding and food availability modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, an orexigen with metabolic roles in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10727. [PMID: 32612127 PMCID: PMC7329848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging findings point to a role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on feeding in mammals. However, its role on energy balance is unclear. Moreover, whether BDNF regulates energy homeostasis in non-mammals remain unknown. This research aimed to determine whether BDNF is a metabolic peptide in zebrafish. Our results demonstrate that BDNF mRNAs and protein, as well as mRNAs encoding its receptors trkb2, p75ntra and p75ntrb, are detectable in the zebrafish brain, foregut and liver. Intraperitoneal injection of BDNF increased food intake at 1, 2 and 6 h post-administration, and caused an upregulation of brain npy, agrp and orexin, foregut ghrelin, and hepatic leptin mRNAs, and a reduction in brain nucb2. Fasting for 7 days increased bdnf and p75ntrb mRNAs in the foregut, while decreased bdnf, trkb2, p75ntra and p75ntrb mRNAs in the brain and liver. Additionally, the expression of bdnf and its receptors increased preprandially, and decreased after a meal in the foregut and liver. Finally, we observed BDNF-induced changes in the expression and/or activity of enzymes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver. Overall, present results indicate that BDNF is a novel regulator of appetite and metabolism in fish, which is modulated by energy intake and food availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelén Melisa Blanco
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
- Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía and Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Bertucci
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Azadeh Hatef
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
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BDNF, Brain, and Regeneration: Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103155. [PMID: 30322169 PMCID: PMC6214035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a teleost fish widely accepted as a model organism for neuroscientific studies. The adults show common basic vertebrate brain structures, together with similar key neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways of relevance to human diseases. However, the brain of adult zebrafish possesses, differently from mammals, intense neurogenic activity, which can be correlated with high regenerative properties. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has multiple roles in the brain, due also to the existence of several biologically active isoforms, that interact with different types of receptors. BDNF is well conserved in the vertebrate evolution, with the primary amino acid sequences of zebrafish and human BDNF being 91% identical. Here, we review the available literature regarding BDNF in the vertebrate brain and the potential involvement of BDNF in telencephalic regeneration after injury, with particular emphasis to the zebrafish. Finally, we highlight the potential of the zebrafish brain as a valuable model to add new insights on future BDNF studies.
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Cacialli P, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Avallone L, Lucini C, Pellegrini E, Castaldo L. Morpho-Functional Features of the Gonads of Danio rerio: the Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 301:140-147. [PMID: 29024578 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish, a suitable and widely used teleost fish model in basic biomedical research, displays morphophysiological features of adult gonads that share some commonalities with those of mammalian species. In mammals, gametogenesis is regulated, among several factors, by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This neurotrophin has a well-established role in the developing and adult nervous system, as well as gonads development and functions in vertebrate species. We hypothesize that BDNF has a role also in the gonadal functions of zebrafish. At this purpose, we investigated BDNF and its receptors p75 and TrkB in the ovary and testis of adult zebrafish, kept under laboratory conditions. Our results display (1) the expression of BDNF mRNA and pro-BDNF protein outside of the nervous system, specifically in the ovary and testis; (2) the presence of pro-BDNF in primary oocytes and follicular layer, and p75 in follicular cells; (3) the localization of pro-BDNF in type B spermatogonia, and Sertoli cells in testis. Altogether, these data lead us to consider that BDNF is involved in the gonadal function of adult zebrafish, and mainly in the adult ovary. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:140-147, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Cacialli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy.,UFR Sciences de la vie et de l'environnement, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu - Bâtiment 13 263 Avenue Général Leclerc - CS 74205, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Pellegrini
- UFR Sciences de la vie et de l'environnement, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu - Bâtiment 13 263 Avenue Général Leclerc - CS 74205, Rennes Cedex 35042, France
| | - Luciana Castaldo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, via F. Delpino, 1 Napoli, Italy
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Anatomical features for the adequate choice of experimental animal models in biomedicine: I. Fishes. Ann Anat 2016; 205:75-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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D'Angelo L, Avallone L, Cellerino A, de Girolamo P, Paolucci M, Varricchio E, Lucini C. Neurotrophin-4 in the brain of adult Nothobranchius furzeri. Ann Anat 2016; 207:47-54. [PMID: 26970500 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a member of the well-known family of neurotrophins that regulate the development of neuronal networks by participating in neuronal survival and differentiation, the growth of neuronal processes, synaptic development and plasticity, as well as myelination. NT-4 interacts with two distinct receptors: TrkB, high affinity receptor and p75 low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)). In the present survey, we identified the gene encoding NT-4 in the teleost Nothobranchius furzeri, a model species for aging research. The identified gene shows a similarity of about 72% with medaka, the closest related species. The neuroanatomical localization of NT-4 mRNA is obtained by using an LNA probe. NT-4 mRNA expression is observed in neurons and glial cells of the forebrain and hindbrain, with very low signal found in the midbrain. This survey confirms that NT-4 is expressed in the brain of N. furzeri during adulthood, suggesting that it could also be implicated in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - L Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Cellerino
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Laboratory of Aging, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - P de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Paolucci
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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12
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Hanif AM, Lawson EC, Prunty M, Gogniat M, Aung MH, Chakraborty R, Boatright JH, Pardue MT. Neuroprotective Effects of Voluntary Exercise in an Inherited Retinal Degeneration Mouse Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:6839-46. [PMID: 26567796 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-16792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous investigations showed that involuntary treadmill exercise is neuroprotective in a light-induced retinal degeneration mouse model, and it may act through activation of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors. This study investigated whether voluntary running wheel exercise can be neuroprotective in an inheritable model of the retinal degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rd10 mice. METHODS Breeding pairs of rd10 and C57BL/6J mice were given free-spinning (active) or locked (inactive) running wheels. Pups were weaned into separate cages with their parents' respective wheel types, and visual function was tested with ERG and a virtual optokinetic system at 4, 5, and 6 weeks of age. Offspring were killed at 6 weeks of age and retinal cross-sections were prepared for photoreceptor nuclei counting. Additionally, separate cohorts of active and inactive rd10 pups were injected daily for 14 days after eye opening with a selective TrkB receptor antagonist (ANA-12) or vehicle solution and assessed as described above. RESULTS Mice in the rd10 active group exhibited significant preservation of visual acuity, cone nuclei, and total photoreceptor nuclei number. Injection with ANA-12 precluded the preservation of visual acuity and photoreceptor nuclei number in rd10 mice. CONCLUSIONS Voluntary running partially protected against the retinal degeneration and vision loss that otherwise occurs in the rd10 mouse model of RP. This protection was prevented by injection of ANA-12, suggesting that TrkB activation mediates exercise's preservation of the retina. Exercise may serve as an effective, clinically translational intervention against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Hanif
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - Eric C Lawson
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - Megan Prunty
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - Marissa Gogniat
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - Moe H Aung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ranjay Chakraborty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jeffrey H Boatright
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States 2Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States 2Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in normal and regenerating olfactory epithelium of Xenopus laevis. Ann Anat 2014; 198:41-8. [PMID: 25488259 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory epithelium has the capability to continuously regenerate olfactory receptor neurons throughout life. Adult neurogenesis results from proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, and consequently, olfactory neuroepithelium offers an excellent opportunity to study neural regeneration and the factors involved in the maintenance and regeneration of all their cell types. We analyzed the expression of BDNF in the olfactory system under normal physiological conditions as well as during a massive regeneration induced by chemical destruction of the olfactory epithelium in Xenopus laevis larvae. We described the expression and presence of BDNF in the olfactory epithelium and bulb. In normal physiological conditions, sustentacular (glial) cells and a few scattered basal (stem) cells express BDNF in the olfactory epithelium as well as the granular cells in the olfactory bulb. Moreover, during massive regeneration, we demonstrated a drastic increase in basal cells expressing BDNF as well as an increase in BDNF in the olfactory bulb and nerve. Together these results suggest an important role of BDNF in the maintenance and regeneration of the olfactory system.
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