1
|
López-Hidalgo R, Ballestín R, Lorenzo L, Sánchez-Martí S, Blasco-Ibáñez JM, Crespo C, Nacher J, Varea E. Early chronic fasudil treatment rescues hippocampal alterations in the Ts65Dn model for down syndrome. Neurochem Int 2024; 174:105679. [PMID: 38309665 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105679] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability. To study this syndrome, several mouse models have been developed. Among the most common is the Ts65Dn model, which mimics most of the alterations observed in DS. Ts65Dn mice, as humans with DS, show defects in the structure, density, and distribution of dendritic spines in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Fasudil is a potent inhibitor of the RhoA kinase pathway, which is involved in the formation and stabilization of dendritic spines. Our study analysed the effect of early chronic fasudil treatment on the alterations observed in the hippocampus of the Ts65Dn model. We observed that treating Ts65Dn mice with fasudil induced an increase in neural plasticity in the hippocampus: there was an increment in the expression of PSA-NCAM and BDNF, in the dendritic branching and spine density of granule neurons, as well as in cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the subgranular zone. Finally, the treatment reduced the unbalance between excitation and inhibition present in this model. Overall, early chronic treatment with fasudil increases cell plasticity and eliminates differences with euploid animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa López-Hidalgo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Raúl Ballestín
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorena Lorenzo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Martí
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Blasco-Ibáñez
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Crespo
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Madrid, Spain; Institute of research of the Clinic Hospital from Valencia (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Varea
- Neurobiology Unit, Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Church KA, Rodriguez D, Vanegas D, Gutierrez IL, Cardona SM, Madrigal JLM, Kaur T, Cardona AE. Models of microglia depletion and replenishment elicit protective effects to alleviate vascular and neuronal damage in the diabetic murine retina. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:300. [PMID: 36517889 PMCID: PMC9753268 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident phagocytes of the retina, are believed to influence the development of retinopathy, but their exact contributions to vascular integrity and neuronal loss are unknown. Therefore, utilizing two models of microglia depletion, we aimed to deplete and repopulate microglia to clarify the contribution of microglia to neuronal loss and vascular damage in the diabetic retina in an STZ-induced model of hyperglycemia. Here, we report that 2 weeks exposure to diphtheria toxin (DTx) in diabetic CX3CR1CreER:R26iDTR transgenic mice induced a 62% increase in Iba1+ microglia associated with an increase in TUJ1+ axonal density and prevention of NeuN+RBPMS+ neuronal loss. Conversely, diabetic PBS controls exhibited robust TUJ1+ axonal and NeuN+RBPMS+ neuronal loss compared to non-diabetic controls. A 2-week recovery period from DTx was associated with a 40% reduction in angiogenesis and an 85% reduction in fibrinogen deposition into the diabetic retina in comparison to diabetic PBS-treated controls. Analysis of microglia morphology and marker expression revealed that following a 2-week recovery period microglia displayed a P2RY12+Ly6C- phenotype and high transformation index (TI) values complimented by a ramified-surveillant morphology closely resembling non-diabetic controls. In contrast, diabetic PBS-treated control mice displayed P2RY12+Ly6C+ microglia, with a 50% reduction in TI values with an amoeboid morphology. To validate these observations were due to microglia depletion, we used PLX-5622 to assess vascular and neuronal damage in the retinas of diabetic mice. Confocal microscopy revealed that PLX-5622 also induced an increase in TUJ1+ axonal density and prevented fibrinogen extravasation into the diabetic retina. mRNAseq gene expression analysis in retinal isolates revealed that PLX-5622-induced microglia depletion and repopulation induced a downregulation in genes associated with microglial activation and phagocytosis, B2m, Cx3cr1, and Trem2, and complement-associated synaptic pruning, C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc. Although the levels of microglia depletion induced with DTx in the CX3CR1CreER:R26iDTR model and those induced with the CSF-1R antagonists are distinct, our results suggest that microglia depletion and replenishment is neuroprotective by inducing the proliferation of a homeostatic microglia pool that supports neuronal and vascular integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaira A. Church
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.215352.20000000121845633South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Derek Rodriguez
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.215352.20000000121845633South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Difernando Vanegas
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.215352.20000000121845633South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - Irene L. Gutierrez
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.4795.f0000 0001 2157 7667Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERSAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra M. Cardona
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.215352.20000000121845633South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| | - José L. M. Madrigal
- grid.4795.f0000 0001 2157 7667Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERSAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tejbeer Kaur
- grid.254748.80000 0004 1936 8876Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Astrid E. Cardona
- grid.215352.20000000121845633Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA ,grid.215352.20000000121845633South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moreira NCDS, Tamarozzi ER, Lima JEBDF, Piassi LDO, Carvalho I, Passos GA, Sakamoto-Hojo ET. Novel Dual AChE and ROCK2 Inhibitor Induces Neurogenesis via PTEN/AKT Pathway in Alzheimer's Disease Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314788. [PMID: 36499116 PMCID: PMC9737254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and complex neurodegenerative disease. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are a major class of drugs used in AD therapy. ROCK2, another promising target for AD, has been associated with the induction of neurogenesis via PTEN/AKT. This study aimed to characterize the therapeutic potential of a novel donepezil-tacrine hybrid compound (TA8Amino) to inhibit AChE and ROCK2 protein, leading to the induction of neurogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. Experiments were carried out with undifferentiated and neuron-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells submitted to treatments with AChEIs (TA8Amino, donepezil, and tacrine) for 24 h or 7 days. TA8Amino was capable of inhibiting AChE at non-cytotoxic concentrations after 24 h. Following neuronal differentiation for 7 days, TA8Amino and donepezil increased the percentage of neurodifferentiated cells and the length of neurites, as confirmed by β-III-tubulin and MAP2 protein expression. TA8Amino was found to participate in the activation of PTEN/AKT signaling. In silico analysis showed that TA8Amino can stably bind to the active site of ROCK2, and in vitro experiments in SH-SY5Y cells demonstrate that TA8Amino significantly reduced the expression of ROCK2 protein, contrasting with donepezil and tacrine. Therefore, these results provide important information on the mechanism underlying the action of TA8Amino with regard to multi-target activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elvira Regina Tamarozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities—USP, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa de Oliveira Piassi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Carvalho
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Aleixo Passos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Elza Tiemi Sakamoto-Hojo
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-3827
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Development of a Chemical Cocktail That Rescues Mouse Brain Demyelination in a Cuprizone-Induced Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071091. [PMID: 35406658 PMCID: PMC8997971 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071091] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are glial cells located in the central nervous system (CNS) that play essential roles in the transmission of nerve signals and in the neuroprotection of myelinated neurons. The dysfunction or loss of oligodendrocytes leads to demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). To treat demyelinating diseases, the development of a therapy that promotes remyelination is required. In the present study, we established an in vitro method to convert human fibroblasts into induced oligodendrocyte-like cells (iOLCs) in 3 days. The induced cells displayed morphologies and molecular signatures similar to oligodendrocytes after treatment with valproic acid and exposure to the small molecules Y27632, SU9516, and forskolin (FSK). To pursue the development of a cell-free remyelination therapy in vivo, we used a cuprizone-induced demyelinated mouse model. The small molecules (Y27632, SU9516, and FSK) were directly injected into the demyelinated corpus callosum of the mouse brain. This combination of small molecules rescued the demyelination phenotype within two weeks as observed by light and electron microscopy. These results provide a foundation for exploring the development of a treatment for demyelinating diseases via regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kimura T, Horikoshi Y, Kuriyagawa C, Niiyama Y. Rho/ROCK Pathway and Noncoding RNAs: Implications in Ischemic Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111573. [PMID: 34769004 PMCID: PMC8584200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic strokes (IS) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) are major causes of disability. RhoA is a small GTPase protein that activates a downstream effector, ROCK. The up-regulation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway contributes to neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, astrogliosis, and axon growth inhibition in IS and SCI. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), were previously considered to be non-functional. However, they have attracted much attention because they play an essential role in regulating gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions. There is growing evidence that ROCK inhibitors, such as fasudil and VX-210, can reduce injury in IS and SCI in animal models and clinical trials. Recently, it has been reported that miRNAs are decreased in IS and SCI, while lncRNAs are increased. Inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway with miRNAs alleviates apoptosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and axon growth inhibition in IS and SCI. Further studies are required to explore the significance of ncRNAs in IS and SCI and to establish new strategies for preventing and treating these devastating diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Kimura
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-18-884-6175; Fax: +81-18-884-6448
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu W, Chen Z, Wen J. RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes in ischemic stroke. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1101-1108. [PMID: 33745103 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00709-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common and undertreated cerebral diseases with high mortality and disability rate. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate the onset, severity, and progression of ischemic stroke. As an integral part of the neuronal glia system, astrocytes provide many housekeeping functions in nervous system, and perform multiple functions both beneficial and detrimental for neuronal survival after ischemic stroke. In addition, the small GTPase Rho and its downstream Rho kinase (ROCK) are associated with various neuronal functions such as dendrite development, migration and axonal extension, and numerous central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes on neurological function after ischemic stroke. We also discuss the interaction of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and astrocytes on the tissue repair after brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weizhuo Lu
- Medical School, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rho-Kinase inhibitors ameliorate diclofenac-induced cardiotoxicity in chloroquine-treated adjuvant arthritic rats. Life Sci 2020; 254:117605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
8
|
Mulherkar S, Tolias KF. RhoA-ROCK Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2020; 9:E245. [PMID: 31963704 PMCID: PMC7016605 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. TBIs, which range in severity from mild to severe, occur when a traumatic event, such as a fall, a traffic accident, or a blow, causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in damage. Long-term consequences of TBI can include motor and cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances that result in a reduced quality of life and work productivity. Recovery from TBI can be challenging due to a lack of effective treatment options for repairing TBI-induced neural damage and alleviating functional impairments. Central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease are known to induce the activation of the small GTPase RhoA and its downstream effector Rho kinase (ROCK). Activation of this signaling pathway promotes cell death and the retraction and loss of neural processes and synapses, which mediate information flow and storage in the brain. Thus, inhibiting RhoA-ROCK signaling has emerged as a promising approach for treating CNS disorders. In this review, we discuss targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway as a therapeutic strategy for treating TBI and summarize the recent advances in the development of RhoA-ROCK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu AL, Zheng GY, Ye HY, Chen XD, Jiang Q. Characterization of astrocytes and microglial cells in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats treated with Ilexonin A. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:78-85. [PMID: 31535655 PMCID: PMC6862412 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.264465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ilexonin A is a compound isolated from the root of Ilex pubescens, a traditional Chinese medicine. Ilexonin A has been shown to play a neuroprotective role by regulating the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the peri-infarct area after ischemia. However, the effects of ilexonin A on astrocytes and microglia in the infarct-free region of the hippocampal CA1 region remain unclear. Focal cerebral ischemia models were established by 2-hour occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats. Ilexonin A (20, 40 or 80 mg/kg) was administered immediately after ischemia/reperfusion. The astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein, microglia marker Iba-1, neural stem cell marker nestin and inflammation markers were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. Expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in the hippocampal CA1 tissue. Astrocytes were activated immediately in progressively increasing numbers from 1, 3, to 7 days post-ischemia/reperfusion. The number of activated astrocytes further increased in the hippocampal CA1 region after treatment with ilexonin A. Microglial cells remained quiescent after ischemia/reperfusion, but became activated after treatment with ilexonin A. Ilexonin A enhanced nestin expression and reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β in the hippocampus post-ischemia/reperfusion. The results of the present study suggest that ilexonin A has a neuroprotective effect in the hippocampus after ischemia/reperfusion, probably through regulating astrocytes and microglia activation, promoting neuronal stem cell proliferation and reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital; Department of Neonatology, People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Guan-Yi Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hui-Ying Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou; Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Nanping, Nanping, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Chen
- Burns Institute of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qiong Jiang
- Burns Institute of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gao Y, Yan Y, Fang Q, Zhang N, Kumar G, Zhang J, Song LJ, Yu J, Zhao L, Zhang HT, Ma CG. The Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil attenuates Aβ 1-42-induced apoptosis via the ASK1/JNK signal pathway in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:1787-1801. [PMID: 31482248 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common type of dementia. Beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide aggregation and phosphorylated tau protein accumulation are considered as one of the causes for AD. Our previous studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil, but the mechanism remains elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effects of fasudil on Aβ1-42 aggregation and apoptosis and identified the intracellular signaling pathways involved in these actions in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal neurons. The results showed that fasudil increased neurite outgrowth (52.84%), decreased Aβ burden (46.65%), Tau phosphorylation (96.84%), and ROCK-II expression. In addition, fasudil reversed Aβ1-42-induced decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increases in caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, phospho-JNK(Thr183/Tyr185), and phospho-ASK1(Ser966). Further, fasudil decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium overload in the neurons treated with Aβ1-42. These results suggest that inhibition of Rho kinase by fasudil reverses Aβ1-42-induced neuronal apoptosis via the ASK1/JNK signal pathway, calcium ions, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Fasudil could be a drug of choice for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Gao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yuqing Yan
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
| | - Qingli Fang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Nianping Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong
- Bio-Signal technologies (HK) Limited, 9th Floor, Amtel Building,148 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
| | - Jihong Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Li-Juan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiezhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linhu Zhao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zibara K, Ballout N, Mondello S, Karnib N, Ramadan N, Omais S, Nabbouh A, Caliz D, Clavijo A, Hu Z, Ghanem N, Gajavelli S, Kobeissy F. Combination of drug and stem cells neurotherapy: Potential interventions in neurotrauma and traumatic brain injury. Neuropharmacology 2018; 145:177-198. [PMID: 30267729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognized as one of the major public health issues that leads to devastating neurological disability. As a consequence of primary and secondary injury phases, neuronal loss following brain trauma leads to pathophysiological alterations on the molecular and cellular levels that severely impact the neuropsycho-behavioral and motor outcomes. Thus, to mitigate the neuropathological sequelae post-TBI such as cerebral edema, inflammation and neural degeneration, several neurotherapeutic options have been investigated including drug intervention, stem cell use and combinational therapies. These treatments aim to ameliorate cellular degeneration, motor decline, cognitive and behavioral deficits. Recently, the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) coupled with selective drug therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment option for neural regeneration and behavioral rehabilitation post-neural injury. Given their neuroprotective abilities, NSC-based neurotherapy has been widely investigated and well-reported in numerous disease models, notably in trauma studies. In this review, we will elaborate on current updates in cell replacement therapy in the area of neurotrauma. In addition, we will discuss novel combination drug therapy treatments that have been investigated in conjunction with stem cells to overcome the limitations associated with stem cell transplantation. Understanding the regenerative capacities of stem cell and drug combination therapy will help improve functional recovery and brain repair post-TBI. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Novel Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Zibara
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nissrine Ballout
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Nabil Karnib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Naify Ramadan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (KBH), Division of Clinical Pediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Saad Omais
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Nabbouh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Daniela Caliz
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angelica Clavijo
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zhen Hu
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noël Ghanem
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shyam Gajavelli
- Lois Pope LIFE Center, Neurosurgery, University of Miami, 33136, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ohbuchi M, Kimura T, Nishikawa T, Horiguchi T, Fukuda M, Masaki Y. Neuroprotective Effects of Fasudil, a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, After Spinal Cord Ischemia and Reperfusion in Rats. Anesth Analg 2018; 126:815-823. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
13
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is a major cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death. Currently, the only approved acute medical treatment of ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), but its effectiveness is greatly predicated upon early administration of the drug. There is, therefore, an urgent need to find new therapeutic options for acute stroke. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the role of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) and its potential as a therapeutic target in stroke pathophysiology. ROCK is a major regulator of cell contractility, motility, and proliferation. Many of these ROCK-mediated processes in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes, astrocytes, glia, neurons, leukocytes, and platelets are important in stroke pathophysiology, and the inhibition of such processes could improve stroke outcome. Expert commentary: ROCK is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease and ROCK inhibitors have already been approved for human use in Japan and China for the treatment of acute stroke. Further studies are needed to determine the role of ROCK isoforms in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and whether there are further therapeutic benefits with selective ROCK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Sladojevic
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Brian Yu
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - James K Liao
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) signaling in spinal microglia drives visceral sensitization following colitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11235-11240. [PMID: 28973941 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706053114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a main symptom of inflammatory diseases and often persists beyond clinical remission. Although we have a good understanding of the mechanisms of sensitization at the periphery during inflammation, little is known about the mediators that drive central sensitization. Recent reports have identified hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors as important regulators of tumor- and nerve injury-associated pain. Using a mouse model of colitis, we identify the proinflammatory cytokine granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF or Csf-3) as a key mediator of visceral sensitization. We report that G-CSF is specifically up-regulated in the thoracolumbar spinal cord of colitis-affected mice. Our results show that resident spinal microglia express the G-CSF receptor and that G-CSF signaling mediates microglial activation following colitis. Furthermore, healthy mice subjected to intrathecal injection of G-CSF exhibit pronounced visceral hypersensitivity, an effect that is abolished by microglial depletion. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that G-CSF injection increases Cathepsin S activity in spinal cord tissues. When cocultured with microglia BV-2 cells exposed to G-CSF, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptors become hyperexcitable. Blocking CX3CR1 or nitric oxide production during G-CSF treatment reduces excitability and G-CSF-induced visceral pain in vivo. Finally, administration of G-CSF-neutralizing antibody can prevent the establishment of persistent visceral pain postcolitis. Overall, our work uncovers a DRG neuron-microglia interaction that responds to G-CSF by engaging Cathepsin S-CX3CR1-inducible NOS signaling. This interaction represents a central step in visceral sensitization following colonic inflammation, thereby identifying spinal G-CSF as a target for treating chronic abdominal pain.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mulherkar S, Firozi K, Huang W, Uddin MD, Grill RJ, Costa-Mattioli M, Robertson C, Tolias KF. RhoA-ROCK Inhibition Reverses Synaptic Remodeling and Motor and Cognitive Deficits Caused by Traumatic Brain Injury. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10689. [PMID: 28878396 PMCID: PMC5587534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes extensive neural damage, often resulting in long-term cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, effective treatments for TBI remain elusive. The RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target since it is activated by TBI and can promote the retraction of dendritic spines/synapses, which are critical for information processing and memory storage. To test this hypothesis, RhoA-ROCK signaling was blocked by RhoA deletion from postnatal neurons or treatment with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil. We found that TBI impairs both motor and cognitive performance and inhibiting RhoA-ROCK signaling alleviates these deficits. Moreover, RhoA-ROCK inhibition prevents TBI-induced spine remodeling and mature spine loss. These data argue that TBI elicits pathological spine remodeling that contributes to behavioral deficits by altering synaptic connections, and RhoA-ROCK inhibition enhances functional recovery by blocking this detrimental effect. As fasudil has been safely used in humans, our results suggest that it could be repurposed to treat TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Karen Firozi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Raymond J Grill
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Mauro Costa-Mattioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Claudia Robertson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdali NT, Yaseen AH, Said E, Ibrahim TM. Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil mitigates high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and vascular damage. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2017; 390:409-422. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
17
|
Dekmak A, Mantash S, Shaito A, Toutonji A, Ramadan N, Ghazale H, Kassem N, Darwish H, Zibara K. Stem cells and combination therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Behav Brain Res 2016; 340:49-62. [PMID: 28043902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TBI is a nondegenerative, noncongenital insult to the brain from an external mechanical force; for instance a violent blow in a car accident. It is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and has become a major cause of death and disability in addition to being a burden on public health and societies worldwide. As such, finding a therapy for TBI has become a major health concern for many countries, which has led to the emergence of many monotherapies that have shown promising effects in animal models of TBI, but have not yet proven any significant efficacy in clinical trials. In this paper, we will review existing and novel TBI treatment options. We will first shed light on the complex pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of this disorder, understanding of which is a necessity for launching any treatment option. We will then review most of the currently available treatments for TBI including the recent approaches in the field of stem cell therapy as an optimal solution to treat TBI. Therapy using endogenous stem cells will be reviewed, followed by therapies utilizing exogenous stem cells from embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, and neural origin. Combination therapy is also discussed as an emergent novel approach to treat TBI. Two approaches are highlighted, an approach concerning growth factors and another using ROCK inhibitors. These approaches are highlighted with regard to their benefits in minimizing the outcomes of TBI. Finally, we focus on the consequent improvements in motor and cognitive functions after stem cell therapy. Overall, this review will cover existing treatment options and recent advancements in TBI therapy, with a focus on the potential application of these strategies as a solution to improve the functional outcomes of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AmiraSan Dekmak
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Mantash
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah Shaito
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amer Toutonji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Naify Ramadan
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Ghazale
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nouhad Kassem
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Darwish
- Faculty of Medicine, Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kazem Zibara
- ER045, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Faculty of Sciences, DSST, PRASE, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases and Stem Cells, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Compagnucci C, Barresi S, Petrini S, Billuart P, Piccini G, Chiurazzi P, Alfieri P, Bertini E, Zanni G. Rho Kinase Inhibition Is Essential During In Vitro Neurogenesis and Promotes Phenotypic Rescue of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons With Oligophrenin-1 Loss of Function. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:860-9. [PMID: 27160703 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : Rho-GTPases have relevant functions in various aspects of neuronal development, such as differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. Loss of function of the oligophrenin-1 gene (OPHN1) causes X-linked intellectual disability with cerebellar hypoplasia and leads to hyperactivation of the rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. ROCK mainly acts through phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1, triggering actin-myosin contractility. We show that during in vitro neurogenesis, ROCK activity decreases from day 10 until terminal differentiation, whereas in OPHN1-deficient human induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSCs), the levels of ROCK are elevated throughout differentiation. ROCK inhibition favors neuronal-like appearance of h-iPSCs, in parallel with transcriptional upregulation of nuclear receptor NR4A1, which is known to induce neurite outgrowth. This study analyzed the morphological, biochemical, and functional features of OPHN1-deficient h-iPSCs and their rescue by treatment with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil, shedding light on the relevance of the ROCK pathway during neuronal differentiation and providing a neuronal model for human OPHN1 syndrome and its treatment. SIGNIFICANCE The analysis of the levels of rho kinase (ROCK) activity at different stages of in vitro neurogenesis of human induced pluripotent stem cells reveals that ROCK activity decreases progressively in parallel with the appearance of neuronal-like morphology and upregulation of nuclear receptor NR4A1. These results shed light on the role of the ROCK pathway during early stages of human neurogenesis and provide a neuronal stem cell-based model for the treatment of OPHN1 syndrome and other neurological disorders due to ROCK dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Compagnucci
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Barresi
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Research Laboratories, Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, and Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierre Billuart
- Department of Genetic and Development, Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Giorgia Piccini
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Institute of Human and Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Alfieri
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
XU AILING, ZHENG GUANYI, WANG ZHIJIAN, CHEN XIAODONG, JIANG QIONG. Neuroprotective effects of Ilexonin A following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:2957-66. [PMID: 26936330 PMCID: PMC4805093 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ilexonin A is a compound isolated from the root of a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective mechanism of Ilexonin A in rats subjected to occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 2 h of MCAO, followed by reperfusion. Ilexonin A at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg were administered via intraperitoneal injection immediately following ischemia/reperfusion. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium‑binding adapter molecule‑1 (Iba‑1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fetal liver kinase‑1 (Flk‑1) and Nestin were examined using immunostaining and Western blot analysis of the peri‑infarct region following ischemia/reperfusion. Ilexonin A significantly decreased the infarct volume and improved neurological deficits in a dose‑dependent manner. The expression levels of VEGF, Flk‑1 and Nestin were significantly increased in the rats treated with Ilexonin A, compared with the rats administered with saline. Following treatment with Ilexonin A, a higher number of GFAP‑positive astrocytes were found in the Ilexonin A‑treated rats at 1, 3 and 7 days, compared with the rats exposed to ischemia only, however, there were fewer astrocytes at 14 days, compared with the ischemia group. Ilexonin A significantly decreased the protein expression of Iba‑1. The results of the present study suggested that the protective effects of Ilexonin A were associated with revascularization, neuronal regeneration, and the regulation of astrocyte and microglia cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AI-LING XU
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
- Neonatal Department, The People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, P.R. China
| | - GUAN-YI ZHENG
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - ZHI-JIAN WANG
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, Fuzhou Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - XIAO-DONG CHEN
- Burns Institute of the Affliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - QIONG JIANG
- Burns Institute of the Affliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abeysinghe HCS, Phillips EL, Chin-Cheng H, Beart PM, Roulston CL. Modulating Astrocyte Transition after Stroke to Promote Brain Rescue and Functional Recovery: Emerging Targets Include Rho Kinase. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:288. [PMID: 26927079 PMCID: PMC4813152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common and serious condition, with few therapies. Whilst previous focus has been directed towards biochemical events within neurons, none have successfully prevented the progression of injury that occurs in the acute phase. New targeted treatments that promote recovery after stroke might be a better strategy and are desperately needed for the majority of stroke survivors. Cells comprising the neurovascular unit, including blood vessels and astrocytes, present an alternative target for supporting brain rescue and recovery in the late phase of stroke, since alteration in the unit also occurs in regions outside of the lesion. One of the major changes in the unit involves extensive morphological transition of astrocytes resulting in altered energy metabolism, decreased glutamate reuptake and recycling, and retraction of astrocyte end feed from both blood vessels and neurons. Whilst globally inhibiting transitional change in astrocytes after stroke is reported to result in further damage and functional loss, we discuss the available evidence to suggest that the transitional activation of astrocytes after stroke can be modulated for improved outcomes. In particular, we review the role of Rho-kinase (ROCK) in reactive gliosis and show that inhibiting ROCK after stroke results in reduced scar formation and improved functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hima Charika S Abeysinghe
- Neurotrauma Research, Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Ellie L Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Insitute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Heung Chin-Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Insitute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Philip M Beart
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Carli L Roulston
- Neurotrauma Research, Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fu PC, Tang RH, Wan Y, Xie MJ, Wang W, Luo X, Yu ZY. ROCK inhibition with fasudil promotes early functional recovery of spinal cord injury in rats by enhancing microglia phagocytosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 36:31-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-016-1537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
22
|
Van de Velde S, De Groef L, Stalmans I, Moons L, Van Hove I. Towards axonal regeneration and neuroprotection in glaucoma: Rho kinase inhibitors as promising therapeutics. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 131:105-19. [PMID: 26093354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to a prolonged life expectancy worldwide, the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma is increasing. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, resulting from a slow and progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Up to now, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is the only treatment modality by which ophthalmologists attempt to control disease progression. However, not all patients benefit from this therapy, and the pathophysiology of glaucoma is not always associated with an elevated IOP. These limitations, together with the multifactorial etiology of glaucoma, urge the pressing medical need for novel and alternative treatment strategies. Such new therapies should focus on preventing or retarding RGC death, but also on repair of injured axons, to ultimately preserve or improve structural and functional connectivity. In this respect, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors hold a promising potential to become very prominent drugs for future glaucoma treatment. Their field of action in the eye does not seem to be restricted to IOP reduction by targeting the trabecular meshwork or improving filtration surgery outcome. Indeed, over the past years, important progress has been made in elucidating their ability to improve ocular blood flow, to prevent RGC death/increase RGC survival and to retard axonal degeneration or induce proper axonal regeneration. Within this review, we aim to highlight the currently known capacity of ROCK inhibition to promote neuroprotection and regeneration in several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental glaucoma models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van de Velde
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Inge Van Hove
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Xin YL, Yu JZ, Yang XW, Liu CY, Li YH, Feng L, Chai Z, Yang WF, Wang Q, Jiang WJ, Zhang GX, Xiao BG, Ma CG. FSD-C10: A more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for treatment of CNS autoimmunity. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:e00247. [PMID: 26223433 PMCID: PMC4721545 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-Rho kinase (Rho-ROCK) triggers an intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, death, adhesion, migration, neurite outgrowth and retraction and influences the generation and development of several neurological disorders. Although Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, effectively suppressed encephalomyelitis (EAE), certain side effects may limit its clinical use. A novel and efficient ROCK inhibitor, FSD-C10, has been explored. In the present study, we present chemical synthesis and structure of FSD-C10, as well as the relationship between compound concentration and ROCK inhibition. We compared the inhibitory efficiency of ROCKI and ROCK II, the cell cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth and dendritic formation, neurotrophic factors and vasodilation between Fasudil and FSD-C10. The results demonstrated that FSD-C10, like Fasudil, induced neurite outgrowth of neurons and dendritic formation of BV-2 microglia and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). However, the cell cytotoxicity and vasodilation of FSD-C10 were relatively small compared with Fasudil. Although Fasudil inhibited both ROCK I and ROCK II, FSD-C10 more selectively suppressed ROCK II, but not ROCK I, which may be related to vasodilation insensitivity and animal mortality. Thus, FSD-C10 may be a safer and more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for the treatment of several neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Le Xin
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Xin-Wang Yang
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Chun-Yun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Yan-Hua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Wan-Fang Yang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Qing Wang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Wei-Jia Jiang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Guang-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, U.S.A
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhao YF, Zhang Q, Xi JY, Li YH, Ma CG, Xiao BG. Multitarget intervention of Fasudil in the neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-mouse model of Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Sci 2015; 353:28-37. [PMID: 25908255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that activation of the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway participates in the dopaminergic neuron degeneration and possibly in Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current study, we tried to observe the therapeutic potential of ROCK inhibitor Fasudil against dopaminergic neuron injury in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-mouse model of PD, and explore possible molecular mechanisms by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot and immunofluorescent assays. The results showed that MPTP-PD mice presented motor deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss, activation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress as well as ROCK and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathways. The administration of Fasudil exhibited neuroprotective effects against the dopaminergic neurons and improved the motor function recovery in the MPTP-PD mice, accompanied by the suppression of inflammatory responses (IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB-p65 and TLR-2), and oxidative stress (iNOS and gp91Phox), which might be associated with the inhibition of ROCK and GSK-3β activity. Simultaneously, the administration of Fasudil resulted in the shift from inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory/neurorepair M2 microglia. Additionally, Fasudil intervention enhanced the expression of anti-oxidative factors such as NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Hmox as well as neurotrophic factor including GDNF. Our observations defined the neuroprotective effects of Fasudil in MPTP-PD mice, and we found a series of novel effector molecules and pathways for explaining the neuroprotective effects against dopaminergic neurons. However, a lot of investigations are warranted to further elucidate the crosstalk among Fasudil, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, GDNF and ROCK/NF-kB/Nrf2 pathways in the therapeutic potential of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-fei Zhao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian-ying Xi
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan-hua Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
| | - Cun-gen Ma
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China; "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Department of Encephalopathy and National Major Clinical Department of Ministry of Health, Third Hospital, Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Bao-guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Three theories of regeneration dominate neuroscience today, all purporting to explain why the adult central nervous system (CNS) cannot regenerate. One theory proposes that Nogo, a molecule expressed by myelin, prevents axonal growth. The second theory emphasizes the role of glial scars. The third theory proposes that chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) prevent axon growth. Blockade of Nogo, CSPG, and their receptors indeed can stop axon growth in vitro and improve functional recovery in animal spinal cord injury (SCI) models. These therapies also increase sprouting of surviving axons and plasticity. However, many investigators have reported regenerating spinal tracts without eliminating Nogo, glial scar, or CSPG. For example, many motor and sensory axons grow spontaneously in contused spinal cords, crossing gliotic tissue and white matter surrounding the injury site. Sensory axons grow long distances in injured dorsal columns after peripheral nerve lesions. Cell transplants and treatments that increase cAMP and neurotrophins stimulate motor and sensory axons to cross glial scars and to grow long distances in white matter. Genetic studies deleting all members of the Nogo family and even the Nogo receptor do not always improve regeneration in mice. A recent study reported that suppressing the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene promotes prolific corticospinal tract regeneration. These findings cannot be explained by the current theories proposing that Nogo and glial scars prevent regeneration. Spinal axons clearly can and will grow through glial scars and Nogo-expressing tissue under some circumstances. The observation that deleting PTEN allows corticospinal tract regeneration indicates that the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates axonal growth. Finally, many other factors stimulate spinal axonal growth, including conditioning lesions, cAMP, glycogen synthetase kinase inhibition, and neurotrophins. To explain these disparate regenerative phenomena, I propose that the spinal cord has evolved regenerative mechanisms that are normally suppressed by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors but can be activated by injury, mediated by the PTEN/AKT/mTOR, cAMP, and GSK3b pathways, to stimulate neural growth and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wise Young
- W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sun BL, He MQ, Han XY, Sun JY, Yang MF, Yuan H, Fan CD, Zhang S, Mao LL, Li DW, Zhang ZY, Zheng CB, Yang XY, Li YV, Stetler RA, Chen J, Zhang F. Intranasal Delivery of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Enhances Its Neuroprotective Effects Against Ischemic Brain Injury in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 53:320-330. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
27
|
Labandeira-Garcia JL, Rodríguez-Perez AI, Villar-Cheda B, Borrajo A, Dominguez-Meijide A, Guerra MJ. Rho Kinase and Dopaminergic Degeneration. Neuroscientist 2014; 21:616-29. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858414554954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The small GTP-binding protein Rho plays an important role in several cellular functions. RhoA, which is a member of the Rho family, initiates cellular processes that act on its direct downstream effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). ROCK inhibition protects against dopaminergic cell death induced by dopaminergic neurotoxins. It has been suggested that ROCK inhibition activates neuroprotective survival cascades in dopaminergic neurons. Axon-stabilizing effects in damaged neurons may represent another mechanism of neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons by ROCK inhibition. However, it has been shown that microglial cells play a crucial role in neuroprotection by ROCK inhibition and that activation of microglial ROCK mediates major components of the microglial inflammatory response. Additional mechanisms such as interaction with autophagy may also contribute to the neuroprotective effects of ROCK inhibition. Interestingly, ROCK interacts with several brain factors that play a major role in dopaminergic neuron vulnerability such as NADPH-oxidase, angiotensin, and estrogen. ROCK inhibition may provide a new neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson’s disease. This is of particular interest because ROCK inhibitors are currently used against vascular diseases in clinical practice. However, it is necessary to develop more potent and selective ROCK inhibitors to reduce side effects and enhance the efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Ana I. Rodríguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Begoña Villar-Cheda
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Ana Borrajo
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Meijide
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Maria J. Guerra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Thoma EC, Merkl C, Heckel T, Haab R, Knoflach F, Nowaczyk C, Flint N, Jagasia R, Jensen Zoffmann S, Truong HH, Petitjean P, Jessberger S, Graf M, Iacone R. Chemical conversion of human fibroblasts into functional Schwann cells. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:539-47. [PMID: 25358782 PMCID: PMC4223700 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct transdifferentiation of somatic cells is a promising approach to obtain patient-specific cells for numerous applications. However, conversion across germ-layer borders often requires ectopic gene expression with unpredictable side effects. Here, we present a gene-free approach that allows efficient conversion of human fibroblasts via a transient progenitor stage into Schwann cells, the major glial cell type of peripheral nerves. Using a multikinase inhibitor, we transdifferentiated fibroblasts into transient neural precursors that were subsequently further differentiated into Schwann cells. The resulting induced Schwann cells (iSCs) expressed numerous Schwann cell-specific proteins and displayed neurosupportive and myelination capacity in vitro. Thus, we established a strategy to obtain mature Schwann cells from human postnatal fibroblasts under chemically defined conditions without the introduction of ectopic genes. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into Schwann cells No introduction of ectopic genes Induction of conversion by multikinase inhibitor
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Thoma
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Merkl
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Heckel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Haab
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Nowaczyk
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas Flint
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sannah Jensen Zoffmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hoa Hue Truong
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Petitjean
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Jessberger
- Brain Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Graf
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Iacone
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cui Q, Zhang Y, Chen H, Li J. Rho kinase: A new target for treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:1180-9. [PMID: 25206412 PMCID: PMC4107606 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.13.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil hydrochloride has been shown to reduce cerebral vasospasm, to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis and to promote the recovery of neurological function. However, the effect of fasudil hydrochloride on claudin-5 protein expression has not been reported after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, this study sought to explore the effects of fasudil hydrochloride on blood-brain barrier permeability, growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression, and to further understand the neuroprotective effect of fasudil hydrochloride. A focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established using the intraluminal suture technique. Fasudil hydrochloride (15 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected once a day. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Longa's method. Changes in permeability of blood-brain barrier were measured using Evans blue. Changes in RhoA, growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression were detected using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results revealed that fasudil hydrochloride noticeably contributed to the recovery of neurological function, improved the function of blood-brain barrier, inhibited RhoA protein expression, and upregulated growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Results indicated that Rho kinase exhibits a certain effect on neurovascular damage following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Intervention targeted Rho kinase might be a new therapeutic target in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Cui
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yongbo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jimei Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chen HF, Pan XL, Wang JW, Kong HM, Fu YM. Protein–drug interactome analysis of SSRI-mediated neurorecovery following stroke. Biosystems 2014; 120:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
31
|
Borrajo A, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Villar-Cheda B, Guerra MJ, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Inhibition of the microglial response is essential for the neuroprotective effects of Rho-kinase inhibitors on MPTP-induced dopaminergic cell death. Neuropharmacology 2014; 85:1-8. [PMID: 24878243 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Several recent studies have shown that activation of the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in the MPTP-induced dopaminergic cell degeneration and possibly in Parkinson's disease. ROCK inhibitors have been suggested as candidate neuroprotective drugs for Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism responsible for the increased survival of dopaminergic neurons after treatment with ROCK inhibitors is not clear. We exposed primary (neuron-glia) mesencephalic cultures, cultures of the MES 23.5 dopaminergic neuron cell line and primary mesencephalic cultures lacking microglial cells to the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+ and the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in order to study the effects of ROCK inhibition on dopaminergic cell loss and the length of neurites of surviving dopaminergic neurons. In primary (neuron-glia) cultures, simultaneous treatment with MPP+ and the ROCK inhibitor significantly reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons. In the absence of microglia, treatment with the ROCK inhibitor did not induce a significant reduction in the dopaminergic cell loss. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor induced a significant decrease in axonal retraction in primary cultures with and without microglia and in cultures of the MES 23.5 neuron cell line. In conclusion, inhibition of microglial ROCK is essential for the neuroprotective effects of ROCK inhibitors against cell death induced by the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+. In addition, ROCK inhibition induced a direct effect against axonal retraction in surviving neurons. However, the latter effect was not sufficient to cause a significant increase in the survival of dopaminergic neurons after treatment with MPP+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Borrajo
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Begoña Villar-Cheda
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Maria J Guerra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen Y, Wei Y, Liu J, Zhang H. Chemotactic responses of neural stem cells to SDF-1α correlate closely with their differentiation status. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:219-33. [PMID: 24659235 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemotaxis of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) is regulated by a variety of factors, and much effort has been devoted to the delineation of factors that are involved in NSC migration. However, the relationship between NSC chemotactic migration and differentiation remains uncharacterized. In the present study, by comparing the transfilter migration rate, single-cell migration speed, and directional efficiency of NSCs in stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α)-induced Boyden chamber and Dunn chamber chemotaxis assays, we demonstrate that NSCs in varying differentiation stages possess different migratory capacity. Furthermore, F-actin microfilament reorganization upon stimulation varies greatly among separate differentiation states. We show that signaling pathways involved in NSC migration, such as PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK) pathways, are differentially activated by SDF-1α among each NSC differentiation stages, and the extent to which these pathways participate in cell chemotaxis exhibits a differentiation stage-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that the differentiation of NSCs influences their chemotactic responses to SDF-1α, providing new insight into the optimization of the therapeutic efficacy of NSCs for neural regeneration and nerve repair after injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yebing Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Medical College of Soochow University, Ren Ai Road 199, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen M, Liu A, Ouyang Y, Huang Y, Chao X, Pi R. Fasudil and its analogs: a new powerful weapon in the long war against central nervous system disorders? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:537-50. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.778242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
34
|
Lemmens R, Jaspers T, Robberecht W, Thijs VN. Modifying expression of EphA4 and its downstream targets improves functional recovery after stroke. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:2214-20. [PMID: 23418304 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery after stroke varies greatly between patients, potentially due to differences in gene expression. Several processes like angiogenesis, neurogenesis, axonal reorganization and synaptic plasticity act in concert to restore neurological functions. The ephrin family has known roles in all these processes. EphA4 is the most abundant ephrin receptor in the nervous system. Therefore, we investigated whether EphA4 affects functional recovery from stroke, and evaluated the potential of this receptor as a therapeutic target. Motor recovery after photothrombotic stroke was studied in transgenic mice in which expression of EphA4 was reduced. Furthermore, blocking a downstream target of EphA4, ROCK (Rho-associated kinase), by two different compounds was evaluated in the same model. Motor recovery after photothrombotic stroke was markedly enhanced in transgenic mice with reduced levels of EphA4, whereas infarct sizes were similar compared with non-transgenic controls. Pharmacological inhibition of the EphA4 signaling cascade using two ROCK inhibitors,Y-27632 and fasudil, improved motor function of mice after stroke. Infarct size was comparable in all groups studied, suggesting that the benefit obtained by EphA4 inhibition is not neuroprotective in nature but due to an effect on the mechanisms underlying recovery. Our findings show that reduction of EphA4 improves motor function after experimental stroke and demonstrate that ROCK inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance recovery after ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lemmens
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Raad M, El Tal T, Gul R, Mondello S, Zhang Z, Boustany RM, Guingab J, Wang KK, Kobeissy F. Neuroproteomics approach and neurosystems biology analysis: ROCK inhibitors as promising therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration and neurotrauma. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:3659-68. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Raad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; American University of Beirut; Beirut; Lebanon
| | - Tala El Tal
- Faculty of Medicine; American University of Beirut; Beirut; Lebanon
| | - Rukhsana Gul
- Department of Internal Medicine; Harry S. Truman Veterans Affairs Medical Center; University of Missouri; Columbia; MO; USA
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Center of Innovative Research Banyan Biomarkers Inc.; Alachua; FL; USA
| | - Zhiqun Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Florida; Gainesville; FL; USA
| | | | - Joy Guingab
- Center of Innovative Research Banyan Biomarkers Inc.; Alachua; FL; USA
| | - Kevin K. Wang
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Florida; Gainesville; FL; USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Safi R, Gardaneh M, Panahi Y, Maghsoudi N, Zaefizadeh M, Gharib E. Optimized quantities of GDNF overexpressed by engineered astrocytes are critical for protection of neuroblastoma cells against 6-OHDA toxicity. J Mol Neurosci 2011; 46:654-65. [PMID: 21969113 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-011-9654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Optimized levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are critical for protection of dopaminergic neurons against parkinsonian cell death. Recombinant lentiviruses harboring GDNF coding sequence were constructed and used to infect astrocytoma cell line 1321N1. The infected astrocytes overexpressed GDNF mRNA and secreted an average of 2.2 ng/mL recombinant protein as tested in both 2 and 16 weeks post-infection. Serial dilutions of GDNF-enriched conditioned medium from infected astrocytes added to growing neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC resulted in commensurate resistance against 6-OHDA toxicity. SK-N-MC cell survival rate rose from 51% in control group to 84% in the cells grown with astro-CM containing 453 pg secreted GDNF, an increase that was highly significant (P < 0.0001). However, larger volumes of the GDNF-enriched conditioned medium failed to improve cell survival and addition of volumes that contained 1,600 pg or more GDNF further reduced survival rate to below 70%. Changes in cell survival paralleled to changes in the percent of apoptotic cell morphologies. These data demonstrate the feasibility of using astrocytes as minipumps to stably oversecrete neurotrophic factors and further indicate that GDNF can be applied to neuroprotection studies in PD pending the optimization of its concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roya Safi
- Molecular Genetics Group, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Pajoohesh Blvd, Tehran-Karaj HWY, Kilometer 15, PO Box 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Street CA, Routhier AA, Spencer C, Perkins AL, Masterjohn K, Hackathorn A, Montalvo J, Dennstedt EA, Bryan BA. Pharmacological inhibition of Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling enhances cisplatin resistance in neuroblastoma cells. Int J Oncol 2011; 37:1297-305. [PMID: 20878077 DOI: 10.3892/ijo_00000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway in cell survival remains a very controversial issue, with its activation being pro-apoptotic in many cell types and anti-apoptotic in others. To test if ROCK inhibition contributes to tumor cell survival or death following chemotherapy, we treated cisplatin damaged neuroblastoma cells with a pharmacological ROCK inhibitor (Y27632) or sham, and monitored cell survival, accumulation of a chemoresistant phenotype, and in vivo tumor formation. Additionally, we assayed if ROCK inhibition altered the expression of genes known to be involved in cisplatin resistance. Our studies indicate that ROCK inhibition results in increased cell survival, acquired chemoresistance, and enhanced tumor survival following cisplatin cytotoxicity, due in part to altered expression of cisplatin resistance genes. These findings suggest that ROCK inhibition in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy may lead to enhanced tumor chemoresistance in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Street
- Ghosh Science and Technology Center, Worcester State College, Worcester, MA 01602-2597, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
The evolving landscape of neuroinflammation after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2011; 111:93-100. [PMID: 21725737 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0693-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. The inflammatory response, which is characterized in part by activation of local immune cells, has been implicated as a core component for the progression of damage to the immature brain following hypoxia-ischemia (HI). However, mounting evidence implicates circulating immune cells recruited to the site of damage as orchestrators of neuron-glial interactions and perpetuators of secondary brain injury. This suggests that re-directing our attention from the local inflammatory response toward the molecular mediators believed to link brain-immune cell interactions may be a more effective approach to mitigating the inflammatory sequelae of perinatal HI. In this review, we focus our attention on cyclooxygenase-2, a mediator by which peripheral immune cells may modulate signaling pathways in the brain that lead to a worsened outcome. Additionally, we present an overview of emerging therapeutic modalities that target mechanisms of neuroinflammation in the hypoxic-ischemic neonate.
Collapse
|
39
|
Li Q, Liu D, Huang X, Guo L. Fasudil Mesylate Protects PC12 Cells from Oxidative Stress Injury via the Bax-Mediated Pathway. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2010; 31:243-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-010-9614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
40
|
Kim JS, Yang M, Jang H, Oui H, Kim SH, Shin T, Jang WS, Lee SS, Moon C. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor ameliorates irradiation-induced suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice. Neurosci Lett 2010; 486:43-6. [PMID: 20854880 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-csf) is a member of the hematopoietic growth factor family and demonstrates neuroprotective functions in neurodegenerative diseases. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of G-csf in the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice undergoing irradiation. The radioprotective effects were assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay and immunohistochemical markers of neurogenesis, including the proliferating cell marker Ki-67 and the immature progenitor neuron marker doublecortin (DCX). Acute exposure to cranial irradiation (5Gy γ-rays) induced neural apoptosis and inhibited neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the adult mouse hippocampus. Pretreatment with G-csf (100μg/kg every 12h subcutaneously on three consecutive days) attenuated neural apoptosis and decreased the number of Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells in the DG of the irradiated mouse hippocampus. Therefore, G-csf inhibited the detrimental effects of irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis, suggesting that G-csf administration has potential therapeutic utility in brain irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Sun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|