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Cwerman-Thibault H, Malko-Baverel V, Le Guilloux G, Torres-Cuevas I, Ratcliffe E, Mouri D, Mignon V, Saubaméa B, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Gressens P, Corral-Debrinski M. Harlequin mice exhibit cognitive impairment, severe loss of Purkinje cells and a compromised bioenergetic status due to the absence of Apoptosis Inducing Factor. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167272. [PMID: 38897257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The functional integrity of the central nervous system relies on complex mechanisms in which the mitochondria are crucial actors because of their involvement in a multitude of bioenergetics and biosynthetic pathways. Mitochondrial diseases are among the most prevalent groups of inherited neurological disorders, affecting up to 1 in 5000 adults and despite considerable efforts around the world there is still limited curative treatments. Harlequin mice correspond to a relevant model of recessive X-linked mitochondrial disease due to a proviral insertion in the first intron of the Apoptosis-inducing factor gene, resulting in an almost complete depletion of the corresponding protein. These mice exhibit progressive degeneration of the retina, optic nerve, cerebellum, and cortical regions leading to irremediable blindness and ataxia, reminiscent of what is observed in patients suffering from mitochondrial diseases. We evaluated the progression of cerebellar degeneration in Harlequin mice, especially for Purkinje cells and its relationship with bioenergetics failure and behavioral damage. For the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrated that Harlequin mice display cognitive and emotional impairments at early stage of the disease with further deteriorations as ataxia aggravates. These functions, corresponding to higher-order cognitive processing, have been assigned to a complex network of reciprocal connections between the cerebellum and many cortical areas which could be dysfunctional in these mice. Consequently, Harlequin mice become a suitable experimental model to test innovative therapeutics, via the targeting of mitochondria which can become available to a large spectrum of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Isabel Torres-Cuevas
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France; Department of Physiology, University of Valencia, Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 12 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Edward Ratcliffe
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Djmila Mouri
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Mignon
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1144 Inserm, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Platform of Cellular and Molecular Imaging, US25 Inserm, UAR3612 CNRS, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Saubaméa
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1144 Inserm, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Odile Boespflug-Tanguy
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France; Service de Neurologie et Maladies métaboliques, CHU Paris - Hôpital Robert Debré, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressens
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, F-75019 Paris, France
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Semenova MA, Bochkova ZV, Smirnova OM, Maksimov GV, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA, Brazhe NA, Chertkova RV. Charged Amino Acid Substitutions Affect Conformation of Neuroglobin and Cytochrome c Heme Groups. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3364-3378. [PMID: 38666941 PMCID: PMC11049214 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a cytosolic heme protein that plays an important role in protecting cells from apoptosis through interaction with oxidized cytochrome c (Cyt c) released from mitochondria. The interaction of reduced Ngb and oxidized Cyt c is accompanied by electron transfer between them and the reduction in Cyt c. Despite the growing number of studies on Ngb, the mechanism of interaction between Ngb and Cyt c is still unclear. Using Raman spectroscopy, we studied the effect of charged amino acid substitutions in Ngb and Cyt c on the conformation of their hemes. It has been shown that Ngb mutants E60K, K67E, K95E and E60K/E87K demonstrate changed heme conformations with the lower probability of the heme planar conformation compared to wild-type Ngb. Moreover, oxidized Cyt c mutants K25E, K72E and K25E/K72E demonstrate the decrease in the probability of methyl-radicals vibrations, indicating the higher rigidity of the protein microenvironment. It is possible that these changes can affect electron transfer between Ngb and Cyt c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Semenova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
| | - Zhanna V. Bochkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Olga M. Smirnova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
| | - Georgy V. Maksimov
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
- Biology Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Dolgikh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
- Biology Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezda A. Brazhe
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Rita V. Chertkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (Z.V.B.); (O.M.S.); (M.P.K.); (D.A.D.)
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3
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Semenova MA, Chertkova RV, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA. Molecular Interactions between Neuroglobin and Cytochrome c: Possible Mechanisms of Antiapoptotic Defense in Neuronal Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1233. [PMID: 37627298 PMCID: PMC10452090 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin, which is a heme protein from the globin family that is predominantly expressed in nervous tissue, can promote a neuronal survivor. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective function of Ngb remain poorly understood to this day. The interactions between neuroglobin and mitochondrial cytochrome c may serve as at least one of the mechanisms of neuroglobin-mediated neuroprotection. Interestingly, neuroglobin and cytochrome c possibly can interact with or without electron transfer both in the cytoplasm and within the mitochondria. This review provides a general picture of molecular interactions between neuroglobin and cytochrome c based on the recent experimental and computational work on neuroglobin and cytochrome c interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Semenova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho–Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rita V. Chertkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho–Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho–Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Biology Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Dolgikh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho–Maklaya St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Biology Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia
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4
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Li YY, Long SS, Yu L, Liu AK, Gao SQ, Tan X, Lin YW. Effects of naturally occurring S47F/A mutations on the structure and function of human cytochrome c. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 246:112296. [PMID: 37356378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112296] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The sequence and structure of human cytochrome c (hCyt c) exhibit evolutionary conservations, with only a limited number of naturally occurring mutations in humans. Herein, we investigated the effects of the naturally occurring S47F/A mutations on the structure and function of hCyt c in the oxidized form. Although the naturally occurring S47F/A mutations did not largely alter the protein structure, the S47F and S47A variants exhibited a small fraction of high-spin species. Kinetic studies showed that the peroxidase activity of the variants was enhanced by ∼2.5-fold under neutral pH conditions, as well as for the rate in reaction with H2O2, when compared to those of wild-type hCyt c. In addition, we evaluated the interaction between hCyt c and human neuroglobin (hNgb) by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies, which revealed that the binding constant was reduced by ∼8-fold as result of the mutation of the hydrophilic Ser to the hydrophobic Phe/Ala. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of Ser47 in Ω-loop C in sustaining the structure and function of hCyt c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Long
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Lu Yu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Ao-Kun Liu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Shu-Qin Gao
- Key Lab of Protein Structure and Function of Universities in Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiangshi Tan
- Department of Chemistry & Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ying-Wu Lin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Key Lab of Protein Structure and Function of Universities in Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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5
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Zhang L, Li D, Yin L, Zhang C, Qu H, Xu J. Neuroglobin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by suppressing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis through synaptotagmin-1. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37195900 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a grievous health threat, and herein effective therapy is urgently needed. This study explored the protection of neuroglobin (Ngb) in rats with cerebral I/R injury. The focal cerebral I/R rat models were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and neuronal injury models were established by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment. The brain injury of rats was assessed. Levels of Ngb, Bcl-2, Bax, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related markers, and Syt1 were measured by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. The cytotoxicity in neurons was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Levels of intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial function-related indicators were determined. The binding between Ngb and Syt1 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Ngb was upregulated in cerebral I/R rats and its overexpression alleviated brain injury. In OGD/R-induced neurons, Ngb overexpression decreased LDH level and neuronal apoptosis, decreased Ca2+ content, and mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction and ERS-related apoptosis. However, Ngb silencing imposed the opposite effects. Importantly, Ngb could bind to Syt1. Syt1 knockdown partially counteracted the alleviation of Ngb on OGD/R-induced injury in neurons and cerebral I/R injury in rats. Briefly, Ngb extenuated cerebral I/R injury by repressing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis through Syt1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- Department of Neurointervention and Neurocritical Care, Dalian Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Di Li
- Department of Neurointervention and Neurocritical Care, Dalian Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Yin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Director's Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Qu
- Bidding and Procurement Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhouy, China
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Vaidya M, Sayeed N, Hobson C, Sreerama S, Smith J, Shah R, Sugaya K. Methods and Protocols for Using Extracellular Vesicles as Delivery Vehicles in Neuronal Research. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2668:159-189. [PMID: 37140797 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3203-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) transport nucleic acids, proteins, and lipid molecules for intercellular communication. The biomolecular cargo from EVs can modify the recipient cell genetically, physiologically, and pathologically. This innate ability of EVs can be harnessed to deliver the cargo of interest to a specific organ or a cell type. Importantly, due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the EVs can be used as delivery vehicles to transport therapeutic drugs and other macromolecules to inaccessible organs such as the brain. Therefore, the current chapter includes laboratory techniques and protocols focusing on the customization of EVs for neuronal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjusha Vaidya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Nasif Sayeed
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Caroline Hobson
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Sandeep Sreerama
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jonhoi Smith
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Riya Shah
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Kiminobu Sugaya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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7
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Ciccone L, Nencetti S, Marino M, Battocchio C, Iucci G, Venditti I, Marsotto M, Montalesi E, Socci S, Bargagna B, Orlandini E. Pterostilbene fluorescent probes as potential tools for targeting neurodegeneration in biological applications. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1812-1820. [PMID: 35758192 PMCID: PMC9246042 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2091556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies suggest that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables reduces the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol (Res) and its dimethylated metabolite, pterostibene (Ptb), have been largely studied for their neuroprotective action. The clinical use of Res is limited because of its rapid metabolism and its poor bioavailability. Ptb with two methoxy groups and one hydroxyl group has a good membrane permeability, metabolic stability and higher in vivo bioavailability in comparison with Res. The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ptb are still sparse, probably due to the lack of tools that allow following the Ptb destiny both in living cells and in vivo. In this contest, we propose two Ptb fluorescent derivatives where Ptb has been functionalised by benzofurazan and rhodamine-B-isothiocyanate, compounds 1 and 2, respectively. Here, we report the synthesis, the optical and structural characterisation of 1 and 2, and, their putative cytotoxicity in two different cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Ciccone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP - Centre for Instrumentation Sharing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Nencetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP - Centre for Instrumentation Sharing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Iole Venditti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Simone Socci
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Orlandini
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Hu Y, Zhou H, Zhang H, Sui Y, Zhang Z, Zou Y, Li K, Zhao Y, Xie J, Zhang L. The neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine and its mechanism. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965661. [PMID: 36204225 PMCID: PMC9531148 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective α2 receptor agonist that is routinely used in the clinic for sedation and anesthesia. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that DEX has a protective effect against brain injury caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), cerebral ischemia and ischemia–reperfusion (I/R), suggesting its potential as a neuroprotective agent. Here, we summarized the neuroprotective effects of DEX in several models of neurological damage and examined its mechanism based on the current literature. Ultimately, we found that the neuroprotective effect of DEX mainly involved inhibition of inflammatory reactions, reduction of apoptosis and autophagy, and protection of the blood–brain barrier and enhancement of stable cell structures in five way. Therefore, DEX can provide a crucial advantage in neurological recovery for patients with brain injury. The purpose of this study was to further clarify the neuroprotective mechanisms of DEX therefore suggesting its potential in the clinical management of the neurological injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Hu
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
- Graduate School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Huanxin Zhang
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Yunlong Sui
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Yuntao Zou
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Kunquan Li
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Yunyi Zhao
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Jiangbo Xie
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
| | - Lunzhong Zhang
- Neurology Department, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Lunzhong Zhang,
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Chemical interference with DSIF complex formation lowers synthesis of mutant huntingtin gene products and curtails mutant phenotypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204779119. [PMID: 35914128 PMCID: PMC9371670 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204779119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier work has shown that siRNA-mediated reduction of the SUPT4H or SUPT5H proteins, which interact to form the DSIF complex and facilitate transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), can decrease expression of mutant gene alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions differentially. Using luminescence and fluorescence assays, we identified chemical compounds that interfere with the SUPT4H-SUPT5H interaction and then investigated their effects on synthesis of mRNA and protein encoded by mutant alleles containing repeat expansions in the huntingtin gene (HTT), which causes the inherited neurodegenerative disorder, Huntington's Disease (HD). Here we report that such chemical interference can differentially affect expression of HTT mutant alleles, and that a prototypical chemical, 6-azauridine (6-AZA), that targets the SUPT4H-SUPT5H interaction can modify the biological response to mutant HTT gene expression. Selective and dose-dependent effects of 6-AZA on expression of HTT alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions were seen in multiple types of cells cultured in vitro, and in a Drosophila melanogaster animal model for HD. Lowering of mutant HD protein and mitigation of the Drosophila "rough eye" phenotype associated with degeneration of photoreceptor neurons in vivo were observed. Our findings indicate that chemical interference with DSIF complex formation can decrease biochemical and phenotypic effects of nucleotide repeat expansions.
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De Simone G, Sbardella D, Oddone F, Pesce A, Coletta M, Ascenzi P. Structural and (Pseudo-)Enzymatic Properties of Neuroglobin: Its Possible Role in Neuroprotection. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123366. [PMID: 34943874 PMCID: PMC8699588 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb), the third member of the globin family, was discovered in human and murine brains in 2000. This monomeric globin is structurally similar to myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb) α and β subunits, but it hosts a bis-histidyl six-coordinated heme-Fe atom. Therefore, the heme-based reactivity of Ngb is modulated by the dissociation of the distal HisE7-heme-Fe bond, which reflects in turn the redox state of the cell. The high Ngb levels (~100–200 μM) present in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the optic nerve facilitate the O2 buffer and delivery. In contrast, the very low levels of Ngb (~1 μM) in most tissues and organs support (pseudo-)enzymatic properties including NO/O2 metabolism, peroxynitrite and free radical scavenging, nitrite, hydroxylamine, hydrogen sulfide reduction, and the nitration of aromatic compounds. Here, structural and (pseudo-)enzymatic properties of Ngb, which are at the root of tissue and organ protection, are reviewed, envisaging a possible role in the protection from neuronal degeneration of the retina and the optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna De Simone
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy;
| | | | | | - Alessandra Pesce
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Massimo Coletta
- IRCCS Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Roma, Italy; (D.S.); (F.O.)
- Dipartmento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.); Tel.: +39-06-72596365 (M.C.); +39-06-57336321 (P.A.)
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Roma, Italy;
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, 00165 Roma, Italy
- Unità di Neuroendocrinologia, Metabolismo e Neurofarmacologia, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (P.A.); Tel.: +39-06-72596365 (M.C.); +39-06-57336321 (P.A.)
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11
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Solar Fernandez V, Marino M, Fiocchetti M. Neuroglobin in Retinal Neurodegeneration: A Potential Target in Therapeutic Approaches. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113200. [PMID: 34831423 PMCID: PMC8621852 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113200] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration affects an increasing number of people worldwide causing vision impairments and blindness, reducing quality of life, and generating a great economic challenge. Due to the complexity of the tissue, and the diversity of retinal neurodegenerative diseases in terms of etiology and clinical presentation, so far, there are no cures and only a few early pathological markers have been identified. Increasing efforts have been made to identify and potentiate endogenous protective mechanisms or to abolish detrimental stress responses to preserve retinal structure and function. The discovering of the intracellular monomeric globin neuroglobin (NGB), found at high concentration in the retina, has opened new possibilities for the treatment of retinal disease. Indeed, the NGB capability to reversibly bind oxygen and its neuroprotective function against several types of insults including oxidative stress, ischemia, and neurodegenerative conditions have raised the interest in the possible role of the globin as oxygen supplier in the retina and as a target for retinal neurodegeneration. Here, we provide the undercurrent knowledge on NGB distribution in retinal layers and the evidence about the connection between NGB level modulation and the functional outcome in terms of retinal neuroprotection to provide a novel therapeutic/preventive target for visual pathway degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solar Fernandez
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.M.)
- Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism, and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.M.)
- Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism, and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.M.)
- Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism, and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455; Fax: +39-06-5733-6321
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12
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Jiao Y, Chen X, Niu Y, Huang S, Wang J, Luo M, Shi G, Huang J. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells embedded in PF-127 hydrogel plus sodium ascorbyl phosphate combination promote diabetic wound healing in type 2 diabetic rat. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:559. [PMID: 34717751 PMCID: PMC8557497 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) are a complication of diabetes with diabetic foot ulcers being the most common, and the wounds are difficult to heal, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic avenue for both chronic diabetic ulcers and severe burns. Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cell (WJMSC) with PF-127 hydrogel and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) improved skin wound healing in mice. Whether this combination strategy is helpful to diabetic ulcers wound healing remains to be explored. Methods Firstly, the WJMSCs embedded in PF-127 and SAP combination were transplanted onto excisional cutaneous wound bed in type 2 diabetic Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Two weeks after transplantation, the skin tissue was collected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Further, overexpressing-EGFP WJMSCs were performed to investigate cell engraftment in the diabetic cutaneous ulcer. The apoptosis of WJMSCs which encapsulated with combination of PF-127 and SAP was detected by TUNEL fluorescence assay and RT-PCR in vitro. And the mitochondrial damage induced by oxidative stress assessed by MitoTracker and CMH2DCFDA fluorescence assay. Results In diabetic cutaneous wound rat model, PF-127 plus SAP-encapsulated WJMSCs transplantation promoted diabetic wound healing, indicating improving dermis regeneration and collagen deposition. In diabetic wound healing, less pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, more anti-inflammatory M2 tissue-healing macrophages, and neovascularization were observed in PF-127 + SAP + WJMSCs group compared with other groups. SAP supplementation alleviated the apoptosis ratio of WJMSCs embedded in the PF-127 in vitro and promoted cell survival in vivo. Conclusion PF-127 plus SAP combination facilitates WJMSCs-mediated diabetic wound healing in rat through promoting cell survival, the macrophage transformation, and angiogenesis. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with diabetic cutaneous ulcer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02626-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Jiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yongxia Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Sunxing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Mingxun Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Guang Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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13
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Valacchi G, Pecorelli A, Toyokuni S. Mitochondrial involvement in the development and progression of diseases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 711:109006. [PMID: 34400142 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA; University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA.
| | - Shinya Toyokuni
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; Center for Low-temperature Plasma Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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14
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Solar Fernandez V, Fiocchetti M, Cipolletti M, Segatto M, Cercola P, Massari A, Ghinassi S, Cavaliere F, Marino M. Neuroglobin: A New Possible Marker of Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081986. [PMID: 34440755 PMCID: PMC8393432 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the α-subtype of Estrogen Receptor (ERα) characterizes most breast cancers (more than 75%), for which endocrine therapy is the mainstay for their treatment. However, a high percentage of ERα+ breast cancers are de novo or acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, and the definition of new targets for improving therapeutic interventions and the prediction of treatment response is demanding. Our previous data identified the ERα/AKT/neuroglobin (NGB) pathway as a common pro-survival process activated in different ERα breast cancer cell lines. However, no in vivo association between the globin and the malignity of breast cancer has yet been done. Here, we evaluated the levels and localization of NGB in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissue of different grades derived from pre-and post-menopausal patients. The results indicate a strong association between NGB accumulation, ERα, AKT activation, and the G3 grade, while no association with the menopausal state has been evidenced. Analyses of the data set (e.g., GOBO) strengthen the idea that NGB accumulation could be linked to tumor cell aggressiveness (high grade) and resistance to treatment. These data support the view that NGB accumulation, mainly related to ER expression and tumor grade, represents a compensatory process, which allows cancer cells to survive in an unfavorable environment.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Breast Neoplasms/chemistry
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/chemistry
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy
- Case-Control Studies
- Disease Progression
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neuroglobin/analysis
- Progression-Free Survival
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/analysis
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solar Fernandez
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
| | - Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy;
| | - Paolo Cercola
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Annalisa Massari
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Sabrina Ghinassi
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cavaliere
- Division of Senology, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (P.C.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy; (V.S.F.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-06-5733-6455 (M.F.); +39-06-5733-6320 (M.M.); Fax: +39-06-5733-6321 (M.F. & M.M.)
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Role of Neuroglobin in the Neuroprotective Actions of Estradiol and Estrogenic Compounds. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081907. [PMID: 34440676 PMCID: PMC8391807 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol exerts neuroprotective actions that are mediated by the regulation of a variety of signaling pathways and homeostatic molecules. Among these is neuroglobin, which is upregulated by estradiol and translocated to the mitochondria to sustain neuronal and glial cell adaptation to injury. In this paper, we will discuss the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective mechanisms elicited by estradiol acting on neurons, astrocytes and microglia. We will also consider the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective actions of clinically relevant synthetic steroids, such as tibolone. Finally, the possible contribution of the estrogenic regulation of neuroglobin to the generation of sex differences in brain pathology and the potential application of neuroglobin as therapy against neurological diseases will be examined.
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