1
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Tohda C. Pharmacological intervention for chronic phase of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1377-1389. [PMID: 38934397 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is an intractable traumatic injury. The most common hurdles faced during spinal cord injury are failure of axonal regrowth and reconnection to target sites. These also tend to be the most challenging issues in spinal cord injury. As spinal cord injury progresses to the chronic phase, lost motor and sensory functions are not recovered. Several reasons may be attributed to the failure of recovery from chronic spinal cord injury. These include factors that inhibit axonal growth such as activated astrocytes, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, myelin-associated proteins, inflammatory microglia, and fibroblasts that accumulate at lesion sites. Skeletal muscle atrophy due to denervation is another chronic and detrimental spinal cord injury-specific condition. Although several intervention strategies based on multiple outlooks have been attempted for treating spinal cord injury, few approaches have been successful. To treat chronic spinal cord injury, neural cells or tissue substitutes may need to be supplied in the cavity area to enable possible axonal growth. Additionally, stimulating axonal growth activity by extrinsic factors is extremely important and essential for maintaining the remaining host neurons and transplanted neurons. This review focuses on pharmacotherapeutic approaches using small compounds and proteins to enable axonal growth in chronic spinal cord injury. This review presents some of these candidates that have shown promising outcomes in basic research ( in vivo animal studies) and clinical trials: AA-NgR(310)ecto-Fc (AXER-204), fasudil, phosphatase and tensin homolog protein antagonist peptide 4, chondroitinase ABC, intracellular sigma peptide, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, matrine, acteoside, pyrvate kinase M2, diosgenin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and fampridine-sustained release. Although the current situation suggests that drug-based therapies to recover function in chronic spinal cord injury are limited, potential candidates have been identified through basic research, and these candidates may be subjects of clinical studies in the future. Moreover, cocktail therapy comprising drugs with varied underlying mechanisms may be effective in treating the refractory status of chronic spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Tohda
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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2
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Pavon MV, Navakkode S, Sajikumar S. Nogo-A-mediated constraints on activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and associativity in rat hippocampal CA2 synapses. Hippocampus 2024; 34:491-502. [PMID: 39091158 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Hippocampal area CA2 has garnered attention in recent times owing to its significant involvement in social memory and distinctive plasticity characteristics. Research has revealed that the CA2 region demonstrates a remarkable resistance to plasticity, particularly in the Schaffer Collateral (SC)-CA2 pathway. In this study we investigated the role of Nogo-A, a well-known axon growth inhibitor and more recently discovered plasticity regulator, in modulating plasticity within the CA2 region. The findings demonstrate that blocking Nogo-A in male rat hippocampal slices facilitates the establishment of both short-term and long-term plasticity in the SC-CA2 pathway, while having no impact on the Entorhinal Cortical (EC)-CA2 pathway. Additionally, the study reveals that inhibiting Nogo-A enables association between the SC and EC pathways. Mechanistically, we confirm that Nogo-A operates through its well-known co-receptor, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), and its downstream signaling factor such as Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), as their inhibition also allows plasticity induction in the SC-CA2 pathway. Additionally, the induction of long-term depression (LTD) in both the EC and SC-CA2 pathways led to persistent LTD, which was not affected by Nogo-A inhibition. Our study demonstrates the involvement of Nogo-A mediated signaling mechanisms in limiting synaptic plasticity within the CA2 region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vazquez Pavon
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheeja Navakkode
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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3
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Hao W, Luo D, Jiang Y, Wan S, Li X. An overview of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2: Structure, biological function, and small-molecule modulators. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2331-2362. [PMID: 38665010 DOI: 10.1002/med.22044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in research on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), which is a type of G-protein-coupled receptor. Upon activation by S1P or other ligands, S1PR2 initiates downstream signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK), and others, contributing to the diverse biological functions of S1PR2 and playing a pivotal role in various physiological processes and disease progressions, such as multiple sclerosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and tumors. Due to the extensive biological functions of S1PR2, many S1PR2 modulators, including agonists and antagonists, have been developed and discovered by pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Novartis and Galapagos NV) and academic medicinal chemists for disease diagnosis and treatment. However, few reviews have been published that comprehensively overview the functions and regulators of S1PR2. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of the advances in the function of S1PR2 and its modulators. We first summarize the structure and biological function of S1PR2 and its pathological role in human diseases. We then focus on the discovery approach, design strategy, development process, and biomedical application of S1PR2 modulators. Additionally, we outline the major challenges and future directions in this field. Our comprehensive review will aid in the discovery and development of more effective and clinically applicable S1PR2 modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Hao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongdong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengbiao Wan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Marine Biomedical Research, Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
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4
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Lu Y, Lin Z, Li M, Zhuang Y, Nie B, Lei J, Zhao Y, Zhao H. Three-phase Enriched Environment Improves Post-stroke Gait Dysfunction via Facilitating Neuronal Plasticity in the Bilateral Sensorimotor Cortex: A Multimodal MRI/PET Analysis in Rats. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:719-731. [PMID: 38055107 PMCID: PMC11178725 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01155-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-phase Enriched Environment (EE) paradigm has been shown to promote post-stroke functional improvement, but the neuronal mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we applied a multimodal neuroimaging protocol combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the effects of post-ischemic EE treatment on structural and functional neuroplasticity in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. Rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The motor function of the rats was examined using the DigiGait test. MRI was applied to investigate the EE-induced structural modifications of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET was used to detect glucose metabolism. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)-functional MRI (fMRI) was used to identify the regional brain activity and functional connectivity (FC). In addition, the expression of neuroplasticity-related signaling pathways including neurotrophic factors (BDNF/CREB), axonal guidance proteins (Robo1/Slit2), and axonal growth-inhibitory proteins (NogoA/NgR) as well as downstream proteins (RhoA/ROCK) in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex were measured by Western blots. Our results showed the three-phase EE improved the walking ability. Structural T2 mapping imaging and diffusion tensor imaging demonstrated that EE benefited structure integrity in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. PET-MRI fused images showed improved glucose metabolism in the corresponding regions after EE intervention. Specifically, the BOLD-based amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations showed that EE increased spontaneous activity in the bilateral motor cortex and ipsilateral sensory cortex. In addition, FC results showed increased sensorimotor connectivity in the ipsilateral hemisphere and increased interhemispheric motor cortical connectivity and motor cortical-thalamic connectivity following EE intervention. In addition, a strong correlation was found between increased functional connectivity and improved motor performance of limbs. Specifically, EE regulated the expression of neuroplasticity-related signaling, involving BDNF/CREB, Slit2/Robo1, as well as the axonal growth-inhibitory pathways Nogo-A/Nogo receptor and RhoA/ROCK in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. Our results indicated that the three-phase enriched environment paradigm enhances neuronal plasticity of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex and consequently ameliorates post-stroke gait deficits. These findings might provide some new clues for the development of EE and thus facilitate the clinical translation of EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ziyue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Mingcong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yuming Zhuang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianfeng Lei
- Medical Imaging Laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Medical Imaging Laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, 100069, China.
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5
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Rust R, Holm MM, Egger M, Weinmann O, van Rossum D, Walter FR, Santa-Maria AR, Grönnert L, Maurer MA, Kraler S, Akhmedov A, Cideciyan R, Lüscher TF, Deli MA, Herrmann IK, Schwab ME. Nogo-A is secreted in extracellular vesicles, occurs in blood and can influence vascular permeability. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:938-954. [PMID: 38000040 PMCID: PMC11318402 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231216270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Nogo-A is a transmembrane protein with multiple functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including restriction of neurite growth and synaptic plasticity. Thus far, Nogo-A has been predominantly considered a cell contact-dependent ligand signaling via cell surface receptors. Here, we show that Nogo-A can be secreted by cultured cells of neuronal and glial origin in association with extracellular vesicles (EVs). Neuron- and oligodendrocyte-derived Nogo-A containing EVs inhibited fibroblast spreading, and this effect was partially reversed by Nogo-A receptor S1PR2 blockage. EVs purified from HEK cells only inhibited fibroblast spreading upon Nogo-A over-expression. Nogo-A-containing EVs were found in vivo in the blood of healthy mice and rats, as well as in human plasma. Blood Nogo-A concentrations were elevated after acute stroke lesions in mice and rats. Nogo-A active peptides decreased barrier integrity in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Stroked mice showed increased dye permeability in peripheral organs when tested 2 weeks after injury. In the Miles assay, an in vivo test to assess leakage of the skin vasculature, a Nogo-A active peptide increased dye permeability. These findings suggest that blood borne, possibly EV-associated Nogo-A could exert long-range regulatory actions on vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Rust
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mea M Holm
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Egger
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Fruzsina R Walter
- Biological Barriers Research Group, ELKH Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Lisa Grönnert
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Simon Kraler
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rose Cideciyan
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A Deli
- Biological Barriers Research Group, ELKH Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Inge K Herrmann
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Schwab
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Chen T, Chen Z, Wu P, Luo J, Liu Q, Yang H, Peng C, Zhang G, Lin H, Ji Z. The Interaction between ADK and SCG10 Regulate the Repair of Nerve Damage. Neuroscience 2024; 544:75-87. [PMID: 38423163 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.023] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton must be remodeled during neurite outgrowth, and Superior Cervical Ganglion 10 (SCG10) plays a critical role in this process by depolymerizing Microtubules (MTs), conferring highly dynamic properties to the MTs. However, the precise mechanism of action of SCG10 in the repair of injured neurons remains largely uncertain. Using transcriptomic identification, we discovered that SCG10 expression was downregulated in neurons after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Additionally, through mass spectrometry identification, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays, we established that SCG10 could interact with Adenosine Kinase (ADK). Furthermore, we developed an excitotoxicity-induced neural injury model and discovered that ADK suppressed injured neurite re-growth, whereas, through overexpression and small molecule interference experiments, SCG10 enhanced it. Moreover, we discovered ADK to be the upstream of SCG10. More importantly, the application of the ADK inhibitor called 5-Iodotubercidin (5-ITu) was found to significantly enhance the recovery of motor function in mice with SCI. Consequently, our findings suggest that ADK plays a negative regulatory role in the repair of injured neurons. Herein, we propose a molecular interaction model of the SCG10-ADK axis to regulate neuronal recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwan Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxian Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuling Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongsheng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Luppi AI, Rosas FE, Noonan MP, Mediano PAM, Kringelbach ML, Carhart-Harris RL, Stamatakis EA, Vernon AC, Turkheimer FE. Oxygen and the Spark of Human Brain Evolution: Complex Interactions of Metabolism and Cortical Expansion across Development and Evolution. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:173-198. [PMID: 36476177 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221138032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Scientific theories on the functioning and dysfunction of the human brain require an understanding of its development-before and after birth and through maturation to adulthood-and its evolution. Here we bring together several accounts of human brain evolution by focusing on the central role of oxygen and brain metabolism. We argue that evolutionary expansion of human transmodal association cortices exceeded the capacity of oxygen delivery by the vascular system, which led these brain tissues to rely on nonoxidative glycolysis for additional energy supply. We draw a link between the resulting lower oxygen tension and its effect on cytoarchitecture, which we posit as a key driver of genetic developmental programs for the human brain-favoring lower intracortical myelination and the presence of biosynthetic materials for synapse turnover. Across biological and temporal scales, this protracted capacity for neural plasticity sets the conditions for cognitive flexibility and ongoing learning, supporting complex group dynamics and intergenerational learning that in turn enabled improved nutrition to fuel the metabolic costs of further cortical expansion. Our proposed model delineates explicit mechanistic links among metabolism, molecular and cellular brain heterogeneity, and behavior, which may lead toward a clearer understanding of brain development and its disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea I Luppi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - MaryAnn P Noonan
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro A M Mediano
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Morten L Kringelbach
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Center for Music in the Brain, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelics Division-Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Stamatakis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Federico E Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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8
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Wang XW, Yang SG, Hu MW, Wang RY, Zhang C, Kosanam AR, Ochuba AJ, Jiang JJ, Luo X, Guan Y, Qian J, Liu CM, Zhou FQ. Histone methyltransferase Ezh2 coordinates mammalian axon regeneration via regulation of key regenerative pathways. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e163145. [PMID: 38015636 PMCID: PMC10849760 DOI: 10.1172/jci163145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries face major challenges, primarily due to the diminished regenerative capacity of neurons in the mammalian CNS as they mature. Here, we investigated the role of Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase, in regulating mammalian axon regeneration. We found that Ezh2 declined in the mouse nervous system during maturation but was upregulated in adult dorsal root ganglion neurons following peripheral nerve injury to facilitate spontaneous axon regeneration. In addition, overexpression of Ezh2 in retinal ganglion cells in the CNS promoted optic nerve regeneration via both histone methylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Further investigation revealed that Ezh2 fostered axon regeneration by orchestrating the transcriptional silencing of genes governing synaptic function and those inhibiting axon regeneration, while concurrently activating various factors that support axon regeneration. Notably, we demonstrated that GABA transporter 2, encoded by Slc6a13, acted downstream of Ezh2 to control axon regeneration. Overall, our study underscores the potential of modulating chromatin accessibility as a promising strategy for promoting CNS axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Rui-Ying Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anish R. Kosanam
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arinze J. Ochuba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Yang R, Zhang Y, Kang J, Zhang C, Ning B. Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Revisited: Its Mechanism of Generation and Action for Spinal Cord Injury. Aging Dis 2024; 15:153-168. [PMID: 37307832 PMCID: PMC10796098 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes (RAs) produce chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in large quantities after spinal cord injury (SCI) and inhibit axon regeneration through the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. However, the mechanism of producing CSPGs by RAs and their roles in other aspects are often overlooked. In recent years, novel generation mechanisms and functions of CSPGs have gradually emerged. Extracellular traps (ETs), a new recently discovered phenomenon in SCI, can promote secondary injury. ETs are released by neutrophils and microglia, which activate astrocytes to produce CSPGs after SCI. CSPGs inhibit axon regeneration and play an important role in regulating inflammation as well as cell migration and differentiation; some of these regulations are beneficial. The current review summarized the process of ET-activated RAs to generate CSPGs at the cellular signaling pathway level. Moreover, the roles of CSPGs in inhibiting axon regeneration, regulating inflammation, and regulating cell migration and differentiation were discussed. Finally, based on the above process, novel potential therapeutic targets were proposed to eliminate the adverse effects of CSPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianning Kang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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10
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Zhu Y, Hui Q, Zhang Z, Fu H, Qin Y, Zhao Q, Li Q, Zhang J, Guo L, He W, Han C. Advancements in the study of synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial autophagy relationship. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25309. [PMID: 38400573 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25309] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Synapses serve as the points of communication between neurons, consisting primarily of three components: the presynaptic membrane, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. They transmit signals through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural and functional changes, is influenced by proteins such as growth-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, postsynaptic density proteins, and neurotrophic growth factors. Furthermore, maintaining synaptic plasticity consumes more than half of the brain's energy, with a significant portion of this energy originating from ATP generated through mitochondrial energy metabolism. Consequently, the quantity, distribution, transport, and function of mitochondria impact the stability of brain energy metabolism, thereby participating in the regulation of fundamental processes in synaptic plasticity, including neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter release. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the proteins associated with presynaptic plasticity, postsynaptic plasticity, and common factors between the two, as well as the relationship between mitochondrial energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousong Zhu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qinlong Hui
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yali Qin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qinqing Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Junlong Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wenbin He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Cheng Han
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
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11
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Herzog H, Glöckler S, Flamm J, Ladel S, Maigler F, Pitzer C, Schindowski K. Intranasal Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery via the Olfactory Region in Mice: Two In-Depth Protocols for Region-Specific Intranasal Application of Antibodies and for Expression Analysis of Fc Receptors via In Situ Hybridization in the Nasal Mucosa. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:387-410. [PMID: 38512678 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_21] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
A region-specific catheter-based intranasal administration method was successfully developed, established, and validated as reported previously. By using this method, drugs can be applicated specifically to the olfactory region. Thereby, intranasally administered drugs could be delivered via neuronal connections to the central nervous system. Here, we present a detailed protocol with a step-by-step procedure for nose-to-brain delivery via the olfactory mucosa.Fc receptors such as the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and potentially Fcγ receptor IIb (FcγRIIb) are involved in the uptake and transport of antibodies via the olfactory nasal mucosa. To better characterize their expression levels and their role in CNS drug delivery via the nose, an in situ hybridization (ISH) protocol was adapted for nasal mucosa samples and described in abundant details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Herzog
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sara Glöckler
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Flamm
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simone Ladel
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Maigler
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Claudia Pitzer
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Schindowski
- Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach, Germany.
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12
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Hirt J, Khanteymoori A, Hohenhaus M, Kopp MA, Howells DW, Schwab JM, Watzlawick R. Inhibition of the Nogo-pathway in experimental spinal cord injury: a meta-analysis of 76 experimental treatments. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22898. [PMID: 38129508 PMCID: PMC10739940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) may be propagated by plasticity-enhancing treatments. The myelin-associated nerve outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A (Reticulon 4, RTN4) pathway has been shown to restrict neuroaxonal plasticity in experimental SCI models. Early randomized controlled trials are underway to investigate the effect of Nogo-A/Nogo-Receptor (NgR1) pathway blockers. This systematic review and meta-analysis of therapeutic approaches blocking the Nogo-A pathway interrogated the efficacy of functional locomotor recovery after experimental SCI according to a pre-registered study protocol. A total of 51 manuscripts reporting 76 experiments in 1572 animals were identified for meta-analysis. Overall, a neurobehavioral improvement by 18.9% (95% CI 14.5-23.2) was observed. Subgroup analysis (40 experiments, N = 890) revealed SCI-modelling factors associated with outcome variability. Lack of reported randomization and smaller group sizes were associated with larger effect sizes. Delayed treatment start was associated with lower effect sizes. Trim and Fill assessment as well as Egger regression suggested the presence of publication bias. Factoring in theoretically missing studies resulted in a reduced effect size [8.8% (95% CI 2.6-14.9)]. The available data indicates that inhibition of the Nogo-A/NgR1pathway alters functional recovery after SCI in animal studies although substantial differences appear for the applied injury mechanisms and other study details. Mirroring other SCI interventions assessed earlier we identify similar factors associated with outcome heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hirt
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité Campus Mitte, Clinical and Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory (Neuroparaplegiology), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alireza Khanteymoori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marc Hohenhaus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marcel A Kopp
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité Campus Mitte, Clinical and Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory (Neuroparaplegiology), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David W Howells
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jan M Schwab
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité Campus Mitte, Clinical and Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory (Neuroparaplegiology), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Division (Paraplegiology), The Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Departments of Neuroscience and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Watzlawick
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité Campus Mitte, Clinical and Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Research Laboratory (Neuroparaplegiology), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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13
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Ikeda T, Takahashi K, Higashi M, Komiya H, Asano T, Ogasawara A, Kubota S, Hashiguchi S, Kunii M, Tanaka K, Tada M, Doi H, Takeuchi H, Takei K, Tanaka F. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS), an endogenous Nogo receptor antagonist, ameliorates disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model mice. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:454. [PMID: 38097540 PMCID: PMC10721829 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nogo-Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) signaling is significantly implicated in neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously showed that lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) is an endogenous antagonist of NgR1 that prevents all myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs), including Nogo, from binding to NgR1. Here we investigated the role of LOTUS in ALS pathogenesis by analyzing G93A-mutated human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic (Tg) mice, as an ALS model, as well as newly generated LOTUS-overexpressing SOD1 Tg mice. We examined expression profiles of LOTUS and MAIs and compared motor functions and survival periods in these mice. We also investigated motor neuron survival, glial proliferation in the lumbar spinal cord, and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology. We analyzed downstream molecules of NgR1 signaling such as ROCK2, LIMK1, cofilin, and ataxin-2, and also neurotrophins. In addition, we investigated LOTUS protein levels in the ventral horn of ALS patients. We found significantly decreased LOTUS expression in both SOD1 Tg mice and ALS patients. LOTUS overexpression in SOD1 Tg mice increased lifespan and improved motor function, in association with prevention of motor neuron loss, reduced gliosis, increased NMJ innervation, maintenance of cofilin phosphorylation dynamics, decreased levels of ataxin-2, and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced LOTUS expression may enhance neurodegeneration in SOD1 Tg mice and ALS patients by activating NgR1 signaling, and in this study LOTUS overexpression significantly ameliorated ALS pathogenesis. LOTUS might serve as a promising therapeutic target for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ikeda
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Keita Takahashi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Minatsu Higashi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Komiya
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Asano
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ogasawara
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shun Kubota
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shunta Hashiguchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Misako Kunii
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tada
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Doi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Takei
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Tanaka
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
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14
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Çetin E, Sancak T, Keleş ÖF, Ünlü İ, Akyol ME, Arabacı Ö. Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation of the effect of Shilajit in rats with experimental spinal cord injury. ULUS TRAVMA ACIL CER 2023; 29:1329-1334. [PMID: 38073457 PMCID: PMC10767290 DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2023.60621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This experimental study was designed to investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of Shilajit in rats with experimentally induced spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS The rats were divided into three groups: Control group: The group in which spinal cord damage was created but no drug was administered. Low-dose group: This is the group in which intraperitoneal Shilajit is given at a dose of 150 mg/kg at the 1st h, 1st day, 2nd day, and 3rd day after spinal cord damage was induced. High-dose group: This is the group in which intraperitoneal Shilajit is given at a dose of 250 mg/kg at the 1st h, 1st day, 2nd day, and 3rd day after spinal cord damage was induced. Thin sections taken from the spinal cord after euthanasia were sent for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. RESULTS Histopathological examination of the high-dose group showed lower amounts of morphological findings compared to the low-dose group and control group. While a significant CD68 immune reaction was observed in the control group of rats with spinal injury, the positive immune reaction was found to be significantly decreased in the Shilajit-applied groups. CONCLUSION It is thought that the use of Shilajit in SCI will reduce the effects of secondary damage in SCI and that its administra-tion to such patients will have positive effects on the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyüp Çetin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul-Türkiye
| | - Tunahan Sancak
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas-Türkiye
| | - Ömer Faruk Keleş
- Department of Patology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van-Türkiye
| | - İlker Ünlü
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, İstanbul Esenyurt University, İstanbul-Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Edip Akyol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van-Türkiye
| | - Özkan Arabacı
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van-Türkiye
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15
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Howard EM, Strittmatter SM. Development of neural repair therapy for chronic spinal cord trauma: soluble Nogo receptor decoy from discovery to clinical trial. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:516-522. [PMID: 37865850 PMCID: PMC10841037 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW After traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), neurological deficits persist due to the disconnection of surviving neurons. While repair of connectivity may restore function, no medical therapy exists today.This review traces the development of the neural repair-based therapeutic AXER-204 from animal studies to the recent clinical trial for chronic cervical SCI. RECENT FINDINGS Molecular studies reveal a Nogo-66 Receptor 1 (NgR1, RTN4R) pathway inhibiting axon regeneration, sprouting, and plasticity in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Rodent and nonhuman primate studies demonstrate that the soluble receptor decoy NgR(310)ecto-Fc or AXER-204 promotes neural repair and functional recovery in transection and contusion SCI. Recently, this biological agent completed a first-in-human and randomized clinical trial for chronic cervical SCI. The intervention was safe and well tolerated. Across all participants, upper extremity strength did not improve with treatment. However, posthoc and biomarker analyses suggest that AXER-204 may benefit treatment-naïve patients with incomplete SCI in the chronic stage. SUMMARY NgR1 signaling restricts neurological recovery in animal studies of CNS injury. The recent clinical trial of AXER-204 provides encouraging signals supporting future focused trials of this neural repair therapeutic. Further, AXER-204 studies provide a roadmap for the development of additional and synergistic therapies for chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M. Howard
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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16
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Golan N, Ehrlich D, Bonanno J, O'Brien RF, Murillo M, Kauer SD, Ravindra N, Van Dijk D, Cafferty WB. Anatomical Diversity of the Adult Corticospinal Tract Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptional Profiling. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7929-7945. [PMID: 37748862 PMCID: PMC10669816 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0811-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The corticospinal tract (CST) forms a central part of the voluntary motor apparatus in all mammals. Thus, injury, disease, and subsequent degeneration within this pathway result in chronic irreversible functional deficits. Current strategies to repair the damaged CST are suboptimal in part because of underexplored molecular heterogeneity within the adult tract. Here, we combine spinal retrograde CST tracing with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) in adult male and female mice to index corticospinal neuron (CSN) subtypes that differentially innervate the forelimb and hindlimb. We exploit publicly available datasets to confer anatomic specialization among CSNs and show that CSNs segregate not only along the forelimb and hindlimb axis but also by supraspinal axon collateralization. These anatomically defined transcriptional data allow us to use machine learning tools to build classifiers that discriminate between CSNs and cortical layer 2/3 and nonspinally terminating layer 5 neurons in M1 and separately identify limb-specific CSNs. Using these tools, CSN subtypes can be differentially identified to study postnatal patterning of the CST in vivo, leveraged to screen for novel limb-specific axon growth survival and growth activators in vitro, and ultimately exploited to repair the damaged CST after injury and disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Therapeutic interventions designed to repair the damaged CST after spinal cord injury have remained functionally suboptimal in part because of an incomplete understanding of the molecular heterogeneity among subclasses of CSNs. Here, we combine spinal retrograde labeling with scRNAseq and annotate a CSN index by the termination pattern of their primary axon in the cervical or lumbar spinal cord and supraspinal collateral terminal fields. Using machine learning we have confirmed the veracity of our CSN gene lists to train classifiers to identify CSNs among all classes of neurons in primary motor cortex to study the development, patterning, homeostasis, and response to injury and disease, and ultimately target streamlined repair strategies to this critical motor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Golan
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Daniel Ehrlich
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - James Bonanno
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Rory F O'Brien
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Matias Murillo
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Sierra D Kauer
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Neal Ravindra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - David Van Dijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - William B Cafferty
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
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17
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Frase S, Steddin J, Paschen E, Lenz M, Conforti P, Haas CA, Vlachos A, Schachtrup C, Hosp JA. Dense dopaminergic innervation of the peri-infarct cortex despite dopaminergic cell loss after a pure motor-cortical stroke in rats. J Neurochem 2023; 167:427-440. [PMID: 37735852 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
After ischemic stroke, the cortex directly adjacent to the ischemic core (i.e., the peri-infarct cortex, PIC) undergoes plastic changes that facilitate motor recovery. Dopaminergic signaling is thought to support this process. However, ischemic stroke also leads to the remote degeneration of dopaminergic midbrain neurons, possibly interfering with this beneficial effect. In this study, we assessed the reorganization of dopaminergic innervation of the PIC in a rat model of focal cortical stroke. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats either received a photothrombotic stroke (PTS) in the primary motor cortex (M1) or a sham operation. 30 days after PTS or sham procedure, the retrograde tracer Micro Ruby (MR) was injected into the PIC of stroke animals or into homotopic cortical areas of matched sham rats. Thus, dopaminergic midbrain neurons projecting into the PIC were identified based on MR signal and immunoreactivity against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker for dopaminergic neurons. The density of dopaminergic innervation within the PIC was assessed by quantification of dopaminergic boutons indicated by TH-immunoreactivity. Regarding postsynaptic processes, expression of dopamine receptors (D1- and D2) and a marker of the functional signal cascade (DARPP-32) were visualized histologically. Despite a 25% ipsilesional loss of dopaminergic midbrain neurons after PTS, the number and spatial distribution of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the PIC was not different compared to sham controls. Moreover, the density of dopaminergic innervation in the PIC was significantly higher than in homotopic cortical areas of the sham group. Within the PIC, D1-receptors were expressed in neurons, whereas D2-receptors were confined to astrocytes. The intensity of D1- and DARPP-32 expression appeared to be higher in the PIC compared to the contralesional homotopic cortex. Our data suggest a sprouting of dopaminergic fibers into the PIC and point to a role for dopaminergic signaling in reparative mechanisms post-stroke, potentially related to recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Frase
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julius Steddin
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Enya Paschen
- Experimental Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lenz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pasquale Conforti
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carola A Haas
- Experimental Epilepsy Research, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Schachtrup
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas A Hosp
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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18
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Chen SY, Yang RL, Wu XC, Zhao DZ, Fu SP, Lin FQ, Li LY, Yu LM, Zhang Q, Zhang T. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation: Neuroprotection and Nerve Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4763-4776. [PMID: 37881652 PMCID: PMC10595983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s428425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), with its morbidity characteristics of high disability rate and high mortality rate, is a disease that is highly destructive to both the physiology and psychology of the patient, and for which there is still a lack of effective treatment. Following spinal cord injury, a cascade of secondary injury reactions known as ischemia, peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration, oxidative stress, etc. create a microenvironment that is unfavorable to neural recovery and ultimately results in apoptosis and necrosis of neurons and glial cells. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has emerged as a more promising therapeutic options in recent years. MSC can promote spinal cord injury repair through a variety of mechanisms, including immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration, giving patients with spinal cord injury hope. In this paper, it is discussed the neuroprotection and nerve regeneration components of MSCs' therapeutic method for treating spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Chong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - De-Zhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Ping Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng-Qin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin-Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Mei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Glotfelty EJ, Hsueh SC, Claybourne Q, Bedolla A, Kopp KO, Wallace T, Zheng B, Luo Y, Karlsson TE, McDevitt RA, Olson L, Greig NH. Microglial Nogo delays recovery following traumatic brain injury in mice. Glia 2023; 71:2473-2494. [PMID: 37401784 PMCID: PMC10528455 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Nogo-A, B, and C are well described members of the reticulon family of proteins, most well known for their negative regulatory effects on central nervous system (CNS) neurite outgrowth and repair following injury. Recent research indicates a relationship between Nogo-proteins and inflammation. Microglia, the brain's immune cells and inflammation-competent compartment, express Nogo protein, although specific roles of the Nogo in these cells is understudied. To examine inflammation-related effects of Nogo, we generated a microglial-specific inducible Nogo KO (MinoKO) mouse and challenged the mouse with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) traumatic brain injury (TBI). Histological analysis shows no difference in brain lesion sizes between MinoKO-CCI and Control-CCI mice, although MinoKO-CCI mice do not exhibit the levels of ipsilateral lateral ventricle enlargement as injury matched controls. Microglial Nogo-KO results in decreased lateral ventricle enlargement, microglial and astrocyte immunoreactivity, and increased microglial morphological complexity compared to injury matched controls, suggesting decreased tissue inflammation. Behaviorally, healthy MinoKO mice do not differ from control mice, but automated tracking of movement around the home cage and stereotypic behavior, such as grooming and eating (termed cage "activation"), following CCI is significantly elevated. Asymmetrical motor function, a deficit typical of unilaterally brain lesioned rodents, was not detected in CCI injured MinoKO mice, while the phenomenon was present in CCI injured controls 1-week post-injury. Overall, our studies show microglial Nogo as a negative regulator of recovery following brain injury. To date, this is the first evaluation of the roles microglial specific Nogo in a rodent injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot J. Glotfelty
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Quia Claybourne
- Comparative Medicine Section, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
| | - Alicia Bedolla
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Katherine O. Kopp
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tonya Wallace
- Flow Cytometry Unit, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Ross A. McDevitt
- Comparative Medicine Section, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
| | - Lars Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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20
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Powers BE, Ton ST, Farrer RG, Chaudhary S, Nockels RP, Kartje GL, Tsai SY. Anti-Nogo-A Antibody Therapy Improves Functional Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:682-693. [PMID: 37837331 PMCID: PMC10843026 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231203194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause sensorimotor deficits, and recovery is slow and incomplete. There are no effective pharmacological treatments for recovery from TBI, but research indicates potential for anti-Nogo-A antibody (Ab) therapy. This Ab neutralizes Nogo-A, an endogenous transmembrane protein that inhibits neuronal plasticity and regeneration. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment following TBI results in disinhibited axonal growth from the contralesional cortex, the establishment of new compensatory neuronal connections, and improved function. METHODS We modeled TBI in rats using the controlled cortical impact method, resulting in focal brain damage and motor deficits like those observed in humans with a moderate cortical TBI. Rats were trained on the skilled forelimb reaching task and the horizontal ladder rung walking task. They were then given a TBI, targeting the caudal forelimb motor cortex, and randomly divided into 3 groups: TBI-only, TBI + Anti-Nogo-A Ab, and TBI + Control Ab. Testing resumed 3 days after TBI and continued for 8 weeks, when rats received an injection of the anterograde neuronal tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), into the corresponding area contralateral to the TBI. RESULTS We observed significant improvement in rats that received anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment post-TBI compared to controls. Analysis of BDA-positive axons revealed that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment resulted in cortico-rubral plasticity to the deafferented red nucleus. Conclusions. Anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment may improve functional recovery via neuronal plasticity to brain areas important for skilled movements, and this treatment shows promise to improve outcomes in humans who have suffered a TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Powers
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Son T Ton
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Russ P Nockels
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Gwendolyn L Kartje
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Shih-Yen Tsai
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
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21
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Sekine Y, Wang X, Kikkawa K, Honda S, Strittmatter SM. Amino-terminal proteolytic fragment of the axon growth inhibitor Nogo-A (Rtn4A) is upregulated by injury and promotes axon regeneration. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105232. [PMID: 37690690 PMCID: PMC10622843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
After adult mammalian central nervous system injury, axon regeneration is extremely limited or absent, resulting in persistent neurological deficits. Axon regeneration failure is due in part to the presence of inhibitory proteins, including NogoA (Rtn4A), from which two inhibitory domains have been defined. When these inhibitory domains are deleted, but an amino-terminal domain is still expressed in a gene trap line, mice show axon regeneration and enhanced recovery from injury. In contrast, when there is no amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment in the setting of inhibitory domain deletion, then axon regeneration and recovery are indistinguishable from WT. These data indicated that an amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment derived from the gene trap might promote axon regeneration, but this had not been tested directly and production of this fragment without gene targeting was unclear. Here, we describe posttranslation production of an amino-terminal fragment of Nogo-A from the intact gene product. This fragment is created by proteolysis near amino acid G214-N215 and levels are enhanced by axotomy. Furthermore, this fragment promotes axon regeneration in vitro and acts cell autonomously in neurons, in contrast to the inhibitory extracellular action of other Nogo-A domains.Proteins interacting with the amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment by immunoprecipitation include HSPA8 (HSC70, HSP7C). Suppression of HSPA8 expression by shRNA decreases axon regeneration from cerebral cortical neurons and overexpression increases axon regeneration. Moreover, the amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment increases HSPA8 chaperone activity. These data provide an explanation for varied results in different gene-targeted Nogo-A mice, as well as revealing an axon regeneration promoting domain of Nogo-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Sekine
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kazuna Kikkawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sachie Honda
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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22
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Patil V, Bohara R, Krishna Kanala V, McMahon S, Pandit A. Models and approaches to comprehend and address glial inflammation following spinal cord injury. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103722. [PMID: 37482236 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103722] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) culminates in chronic inflammation and glial scar formation driven by the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Current anti-inflammatory strategies to treat glial activation associated with SCI have several limitations. Existing in vitro and ex vivo models studying molecular mechanisms associated with inflammation focus only on the acute phase. However, the progression of glial cell-derived inflammation over the acute-to-chronic phases has not been assessed. Understanding this progression will help establish a framework for evaluating therapeutic strategies. Additionally, new models could be useful as high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms. This review aims to highlight currently available models and future methods that could facilitate screening of novel therapeutics for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Patil
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Raghvendra Bohara
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Vijaya Krishna Kanala
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhan McMahon
- Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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23
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Zeng CW, Tsai HJ. The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13938. [PMID: 37762240 PMCID: PMC10530783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that results in a wide range of physical impairments and disabilities. Despite the advances in our understanding of the biological response to injured tissue, no effective treatments are available for SCIs at present. Some studies have addressed this issue by exploring the potential of cell transplantation therapy. However, because of the abnormal microenvironment in injured tissue, the survival rate of transplanted cells is often low, thus limiting the efficacy of such treatments. Many studies have attempted to overcome these obstacles using a variety of cell types and animal models. Recent studies have shown the utility of zebrafish as a model of neural regeneration following SCIs, including the proliferation and migration of various cell types and the involvement of various progenitor cells. In this review, we discuss some of the current challenges in SCI research, including the accurate identification of cell types involved in neural regeneration, the adverse microenvironment created by SCIs, attenuated immune responses that inhibit nerve regeneration, and glial scar formation that prevents axonal regeneration. More in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the neural regeneration mechanisms, proteins, and signaling pathways involved in the complex interactions between the SCI microenvironment and transplanted cells in non-mammals, particularly in the zebrafish model, which could, in turn, lead to new therapeutic approaches to treat SCIs in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Zeng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
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24
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Bandla AC, Sheth AS, Zarate SM, Uskamalla S, Hager EC, Villarreal VA, González-García M, Ballestero RP. Enhancing structural plasticity of PC12 neurons during differentiation and neurite regeneration with a catalytically inactive mutant version of the zRICH protein. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 37612637 PMCID: PMC10463786 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of the molecular mechanisms of nerve regeneration have led to the discovery of several proteins that are induced during successful nerve regeneration. RICH proteins were identified as proteins induced during the regeneration of the optic nerve of teleost fish. These proteins are 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide, 3'-phosphodiesterases that can bind to cellular membranes through a carboxy-terminal membrane localization domain. They interact with the tubulin cytoskeleton and are able to enhance neuronal structural plasticity by promoting the formation of neurite branches. RESULTS PC12 stable transfectant cells expressing a fusion protein combining a red fluorescent protein with a catalytically inactive mutant version of zebrafish RICH protein were generated. These cells were used as a model to analyze effects of the protein on neuritogenesis. Differentiation experiments showed a 2.9 fold increase in formation of secondary neurites and a 2.4 fold increase in branching points. A 2.2 fold increase in formation of secondary neurites was observed in neurite regeneration assays. CONCLUSIONS The use of a fluorescent fusion protein facilitated detection of expression levels. Two computer-assisted morphometric analysis methods indicated that the catalytically inactive RICH protein induced the formation of branching points and secondary neurites both during differentiation and neurite regeneration. A procedure based on analysis of random field images provided comparable results to classic neurite tracing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashoka C Bandla
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Aditya S Sheth
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Sara M Zarate
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Suraj Uskamalla
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Hager
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Victor A Villarreal
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | | | - Rafael P Ballestero
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA.
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25
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Maynard G, Kannan R, Liu J, Wang W, Lam TKT, Wang X, Adamson C, Hackett C, Schwab JM, Liu C, Leslie DP, Chen D, Marino R, Zafonte R, Flanders A, Block G, Smith E, Strittmatter SM. Soluble Nogo-Receptor-Fc decoy (AXER-204) in patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injury in the USA: a first-in-human and randomised clinical trial. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:672-684. [PMID: 37479373 PMCID: PMC10410101 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00215-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes neural disconnection and persistent neurological deficits, so axon sprouting and plasticity might promote recovery. Soluble Nogo-Receptor-Fc decoy (AXER-204) blocks inhibitors of axon growth and promotes recovery of motor function after SCI in animals. This first-in-human and randomised trial sought to determine primarily the safety and pharmacokinetics of AXER-204 in individuals with chronic SCI, and secondarily its effect on recovery. METHODS We conducted a two-part study in adults (aged 18-65 years) with chronic (>1 year) cervical traumatic SCI at six rehabilitation centres in the USA. In part 1, AXER-204 was delivered open label as single intrathecal doses of 3 mg, 30 mg, 90 mg, or 200 mg, with primary outcomes of safety and pharmacokinetics. Part 2 was a randomised, parallel, double-blind comparison of six intrathecal doses of 200 mg AXER-204 over 104 days versus placebo. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) by investigators using a central electronic system, stratified in blocks of four by American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade and receipt of AXER-204 in part 1. All investigators and patients were masked to treatment allocation until at least day 169. The part 2 primary objectives were safety and pharmacokinetics, with a key secondary objective to assess change in International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI) Upper Extremity Motor Score (UEMS) at day 169 for all enrolled participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03989440, and is completed. FINDINGS We treated 24 participants in part 1 (six per dose; 18 men, six women), and 27 participants in part 2 (13 placebo, 14 AXER-204; 23 men, four women), between June 20, 2019, and June 21, 2022. There were no deaths and no discontinuations from the study due to an adverse event in part 1 and 2. In part 2, treatment-related adverse events were of similar incidence in AXER-204 and placebo groups (ten [71%] vs nine [69%]). Headache was the most common treatment-related adverse event (five [21%] in part 1, 11 [41%] in part 2). In part 1, AXER-204 reached mean maximal CSF concentration 1 day after dosing with 200 mg of 412 000 ng/mL (SD 129 000), exceeding those concentrations that were efficacious in animal studies. In part 2, mean changes from baseline to day 169 in ISNCSCI UEMS were 1·5 (SD 3·3) for AXER-204 and 0·9 (2·3) for placebo (mean difference 0·54, 95% CI -1·48 to 2·55; p=0·59). INTERPRETATION This study delivers the first, to our knowledge, clinical trial of a rationally designed pharmacological treatment intended to promote neural repair in chronic SCI. AXER-204 appeared safe and reached target CSF concentrations; exploratory biomarker results were consistent with target engagement and synaptic stabilisation. Post-hoc subgroup analyses suggest that future trials could investigate efficacy in patients with moderately severe SCI without prior AXER-204 exposure. FUNDING Wings for Life Foundation, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and ReNetX Bio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramakrishnan Kannan
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Keck MS and Proteomic Resource, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tu Kiet T Lam
- Keck MS and Proteomic Resource, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Jan M Schwab
- Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles Liu
- USC Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - David Chen
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph Marino
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ross Zafonte
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Flanders
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Shafqat A, Albalkhi I, Magableh HM, Saleh T, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Tackling the glial scar in spinal cord regeneration: new discoveries and future directions. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1180825. [PMID: 37293626 PMCID: PMC10244598 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1180825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal regeneration and functional recovery are poor after spinal cord injury (SCI), typified by the formation of an injury scar. While this scar was traditionally believed to be primarily responsible for axonal regeneration failure, current knowledge takes a more holistic approach that considers the intrinsic growth capacity of axons. Targeting the SCI scar has also not reproducibly yielded nearly the same efficacy in animal models compared to these neuron-directed approaches. These results suggest that the major reason behind central nervous system (CNS) regeneration failure is not the injury scar but a failure to stimulate axon growth adequately. These findings raise questions about whether targeting neuroinflammation and glial scarring still constitute viable translational avenues. We provide a comprehensive review of the dual role of neuroinflammation and scarring after SCI and how future research can produce therapeutic strategies targeting the hurdles to axonal regeneration posed by these processes without compromising neuroprotection.
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27
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Current Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury Research—Glial Scar Formation and Neural Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060853. [PMID: 36980193 PMCID: PMC10046908 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury resulting in permanent and degenerating damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Detrimental cellular processes occur after SCI, including axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, reactive gliosis, and scar formation. The glial scar border forms to segregate the neural lesion and isolate spreading inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity at the injury epicenter to preserve surrounding healthy tissue. The scar border is a physicochemical barrier composed of elongated astrocytes, fibroblasts, and microglia secreting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, collogen, and the dense extra-cellular matrix. While this physiological response preserves viable neural tissue, it is also detrimental to regeneration. To overcome negative outcomes associated with scar formation, therapeutic strategies have been developed: the prevention of scar formation, the resolution of the developed scar, cell transplantation into the lesion, and endogenous cell reprogramming. This review focuses on cellular/molecular aspects of glial scar formation, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of strategies to promote regeneration after SCI.
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28
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Oh SC, Kim SE, Jang IH, Kim SM, Lee SY, Lee S, Chu IS, Yoon SR, Jung H, Choi I, Doh J, Kim TD. NgR1 is an NK cell inhibitory receptor that destabilizes the immunological synapse. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:463-473. [PMID: 36624164 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The formation of an immunological synapse (IS) is essential for natural killer (NK) cells to eliminate target cells. Despite an advanced understanding of the characteristics of the IS and its formation processes, the mechanisms that regulate its stability via the cytoskeleton are unclear. Here, we show that Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) has an important function in modulating NK cell-mediated killing by destabilization of IS formation. NgR1 deficiency or blockade resulted in improved tumor control of NK cells by enhancing NK-to-target cell contact stability and regulating F-actin dynamics during IS formation. Patients with tumors expressing abundant NgR1 ligand had poor prognosis despite high levels of NK cell infiltration. Thus, our study identifies NgR1 as an immune checkpoint in IS formation and indicates a potential approach to improve the cytolytic function of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Chan Oh
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hwan Jang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Min Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Yun Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Chu
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Bioinformatics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Inpyo Choi
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsang Doh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Institute of Engineering Research, Bio-MAX Institute, Soft Foundry Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Mathematics Group, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Czech VL, O'Connor LC, Philippon B, Norman E, Byrne AB. TIR-1/SARM1 inhibits axon regeneration and promotes axon degeneration. eLife 2023; 12:80856. [PMID: 37083456 PMCID: PMC10121217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth and destruction are central components of the neuronal injury response. Injured axons that are capable of repair, including axons in the mammalian peripheral nervous system and in many invertebrate animals, often regenerate and degenerate on either side of the injury. Here we show that TIR-1/dSarm/SARM1, a key regulator of axon degeneration, also inhibits regeneration of injured motor axons. The increased regeneration in tir-1 mutants is not a secondary consequence of its effects on degeneration, nor is it determined by the NADase activity of TIR-1. Rather, we found that TIR-1 functions cell-autonomously to regulate each of the seemingly opposite processes through distinct interactions with two MAP kinase pathways. On one side of the injury, TIR-1 inhibits axon regeneration by activating the NSY-1/ASK1 MAPK signaling cascade, while on the other side of the injury, TIR-1 simultaneously promotes axon degeneration by interacting with the DLK-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. In parallel, we found that the ability to cell-intrinsically inhibit axon regeneration is conserved in human SARM1. Our finding that TIR-1/SARM1 regulates axon regeneration provides critical insight into how axons coordinate a multidimensional response to injury, consequently informing approaches to manipulate the response toward repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Czech
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Emily Norman
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Massachusetts Medical School
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Nogo-A and LINGO-1: Two Important Targets for Remyelination and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054479. [PMID: 36901909 PMCID: PMC10003089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes progressive neurological disability in most patients due to neurodegeneration. Activated immune cells infiltrate the CNS, triggering an inflammatory cascade that leads to demyelination and axonal injury. Non-inflammatory mechanisms are also involved in axonal degeneration, although they are not fully elucidated yet. Current therapies focus on immunosuppression; however, no therapies to promote regeneration, myelin repair, or maintenance are currently available. Two different negative regulators of myelination have been proposed as promising targets to induce remyelination and regeneration, namely the Nogo-A and LINGO-1 proteins. Although Nogo-A was first discovered as a potent neurite outgrowth inhibitor in the CNS, it has emerged as a multifunctional protein. It is involved in numerous developmental processes and is necessary for shaping and later maintaining CNS structure and functionality. However, the growth-restricting properties of Nogo-A have negative effects on CNS injury or disease. LINGO-1 is also an inhibitor of neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation, and myelin production. Inhibiting the actions of Nogo-A or LINGO-1 promotes remyelination both in vitro and in vivo, while Nogo-A or LINGO-1 antagonists have been suggested as promising therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases. In this review, we focus on these two negative regulators of myelination while also providing an overview of the available data on the effects of Nogo-A and LINGO-1 inhibition on oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination.
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Zheng B, Tuszynski MH. Regulation of axonal regeneration after mammalian spinal cord injury. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:396-413. [PMID: 36604586 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One hundred years ago, Ramón y Cajal, considered by many as the founder of modern neuroscience, stated that neurons of the adult central nervous system (CNS) are incapable of regenerating. Yet, recent years have seen a tremendous expansion of knowledge in the molecular control of axon regeneration after CNS injury. We now understand that regeneration in the adult CNS is limited by (1) a failure to form cellular or molecular substrates for axon attachment and elongation through the lesion site; (2) environmental factors, including inhibitors of axon growth associated with myelin and the extracellular matrix; (3) astrocyte responses, which can both limit and support axon growth; and (4) intraneuronal mechanisms controlling the establishment of an active cellular growth programme. We discuss these topics together with newly emerging hypotheses, including the surprising finding from transcriptomic analyses of the corticospinal system in mice that neurons revert to an embryonic state after spinal cord injury, which can be sustained to promote regeneration with neural stem cell transplantation. These gains in knowledge are steadily advancing efforts to develop effective treatment strategies for spinal cord injury in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
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32
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Hao DL, Li JM, Xie R, Huo HR, Xiong XJ, Sui F, Wang PQ. The role of traditional herbal medicine for ischemic stroke: from bench to clinic-A critical review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154609. [PMID: 36610141 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of death and severe long-term disability worldwide. Over the past few decades, considerable progress has been made in anti-ischemic therapies. However, IS remains a tremendous challenge, with favourable clinical outcomes being generally difficult to achieve from candidate drugs in preclinical phase testing. Traditional herbal medicine (THM) has been used to treat stroke for over 2,000 years in China. In modern times, THM as an alternative and complementary therapy have been prescribed in other Asian countries and have gained increasing attention for their therapeutic effects. These millennia of clinical experience allow THM to be a promising avenue for improving clinical efficacy and accelerating drug discovery. PURPOSE To summarise the clinical evidence and potential mechanisms of THMs in IS. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the VIP Information Database, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and the Wanfang Database, from inception to 17 June 2022 to examine the efficacy and safety of THM for IS, and to investigate experimental studies regarding potential mechanisms. RESULTS THM is widely prescribed for IS alone or as adjuvant therapy. In clinical trials, THM is generally administered within 72 h of stroke onset and are continuously prescribed for over 3 months. Compared with Western medicine (WM), THM combined with routine WM can significantly improve neurological function defect scores, promote clinical total effective rate, and accelerate the recovery time of stroke with fewer adverse effects (AEs). These effects can be attributed to multiple mechanisms, mainly anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, brain blood barrier (BBB) modulation, inhibition of platelet activation and thrombus formation, and promotion of neurogenesis and angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS THM may be a promising candidate for IS management to guide clinical applications and as a reference for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Li Hao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jia-Meng Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ran Xie
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hai-Ru Huo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xing-Jiang Xiong
- Guang'anmen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Feng Sui
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Peng-Qian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Schwaiger C, Haider T, Endmayr V, Zrzavy T, Gruber VE, Ricken G, Simonovska A, Hametner S, Schwab JM, Höftberger R. Dynamic induction of the myelin-associated growth inhibitor Nogo-A in perilesional plasticity regions after human spinal cord injury. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13098. [PMID: 35698271 PMCID: PMC9836369 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The myelin-associated inhibitor Nogo-A (Reticulon 4, RTN4) restricts axonal outgrowth, plasticity, and neural circuitry formation in experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and is targeted in clinical interventions starting treatment within 4 weeks post-SCI. Specifically, Nogo-A expressed by oligodendroglia restricts compensatory neurite sprouting. To interrogate the hypothesis of an inducible, lesion reactive Nogo-A expression over time, we analyzed the spatiotemporal Nogo-A expression at the spinal lesion core (region of tissue necrosis and axonal damage/pruning) and perilesional rim (region of plasticity formation). Spinal cord specimens of SCI subjects (n = 22) were compared to neuropathologically unaltered controls (n = 9). Nogo-A expression was investigated ranging from acute (0-3 days), early subacute (4-21 days), late subacute (22-90 days) to early chronic-chronic (91 days to 1.5 years after SCI) stages after SCI. Nogo-A expression in controls is confined to motoneurons in the anterior horn and to oligodendrocytes in gray and white matter. After SCI, the number of Nogo-A+ and TPPP/p25+ oligodendrocytes (i) inclined at the organizing perilesional rim specifically, (ii) increased further over time, and (iii) peaked at chronic stages after SCI. By contrast, at the lesion core, the number of Nogo-A+ and TPPP/p25+ oligodendrocytes did not increase. Increasing numbers of Nogo-A+ oligodendrocytes coincided with oligodendrogenesis corroborated by Nogo-A coexpression of Ki67+ , TPPP/p25+ proliferating oligodendrocytes. Nogo-A oligodendrocyte expression emerges at perilesional (plasticity) regions over time and suggests an extended therapeutical window for anti-Nogo-A pathway targeting interventions beyond 4 weeks in patients after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Schwaiger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Haider
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma SurgeryMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tobias Zrzavy
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Victoria E. Gruber
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna (Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCARE)ViennaAustria
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Anika Simonovska
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jan M. Schwab
- The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Departments of Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and NeurosciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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34
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Zochodne DW. Growth factors and molecular-driven plasticity in neurological systems. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:569-598. [PMID: 37620091 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
It has been almost 70 years since the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF), a period of a dramatic evolution in our understanding of dynamic growth, regeneration, and rewiring of the nervous system. In 1953, the extraordinary finding that a protein found in mouse submandibular glands generated a halo of outgrowing axons has now redefined our concept of the nervous system connectome. Central and peripheral neurons and their axons or dendrites are no longer considered fixed or static "wiring." Exploiting this molecular-driven plasticity as a therapeutic approach has arrived in the clinic with a slate of new trials and ideas. Neural growth factors (GFs), soluble proteins that alter the behavior of neurons, have expanded in numbers and our understanding of the complexity of their signaling and interactions with other proteins has intensified. However, beyond these "extrinsic" determinants of neuron growth and function are the downstream pathways that impact neurons, ripe for translational development and potentially more important than individual growth factors that may trigger them. Persistent and ongoing nuances in clinical trial design in some of the most intractable and irreversible neurological conditions give hope for connecting new biological ideas with clinical benefits. This review is a targeted update on neural GFs, their signals, and new therapeutic ideas, selected from an expansive literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Zochodne
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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35
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Matsubayashi J, Kawaguchi Y, Kawakami Y, Takei K. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces antagonistic action to Nogo signaling by the upregulation of lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) expression. J Neurochem 2023; 164:29-43. [PMID: 36448220 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) have limited capacity for axonal regeneration after trauma and neurological disorders due to an endogenous nonpermissive environment for axon regrowth in the CNS. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) contributes to axonal tract formation in the developing brain and axonal regeneration in the adult brain as an endogenous Nogo receptor-1 (NgR1) antagonist. However, how LOTUS expression is regulated remains unclarified. This study examined molecular mechanism of regulation in LOTUS expression and found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increased LOTUS expression in cultured hippocampal neurons. Exogenous application of BDNF increased LOTUS expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that pharmacological inhibition with K252a and gene knockdown by siRNA of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), BDNF receptor suppressed BDNF-induced increase in LOTUS expression. Further pharmacological analysis of the TrkB signaling pathway revealed that BDNF increased LOTUS expression through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) cascades, but not phospholipase C-γ (PLCγ) cascade. Additionally, treatment with c-AMP response element binding protein (CREB) inhibitor partially suppressed BDNF-induced LOTUS expression. Finally, neurite outgrowth assay in cultured hippocampal neurons revealed that BDNF treatment-induced antagonism for NgR1 by up-regulating LOTUS expression. These findings suggest that BDNF may acts as a positive regulator of LOTUS expression through the TrkB signaling, thereby inducing an antagonistic action for NgR1 function by up-regulating LOTUS expression. Also, BDNF may synergistically affect axon regrowth through the upregulation of LOTUS expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpei Matsubayashi
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawaguchi
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kawakami
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology, National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Takei
- Molecular Medical Bioscience Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama, Japan
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Almeida F, Marques S, Santos A, Prins C, Cardoso F, Heringer L, Mendonça H, Martinez A. Molecular approaches for spinal cord injury treatment. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:23-30. [PMID: 35799504 PMCID: PMC9241396 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.344830] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Injuries to the spinal cord result in permanent disabilities that limit daily life activities. The main reasons for these poor outcomes are the limited regenerative capacity of central neurons and the inhibitory milieu that is established upon traumatic injuries. Despite decades of research, there is still no efficient treatment for spinal cord injury. Many strategies are tested in preclinical studies that focus on ameliorating the functional outcomes after spinal cord injury. Among these, molecular compounds are currently being used for neurological recovery, with promising results. These molecules target the axon collapsed growth cone, the inhibitory microenvironment, the survival of neurons and glial cells, and the re-establishment of lost connections. In this review we focused on molecules that are being used, either in preclinical or clinical studies, to treat spinal cord injuries, such as drugs, growth and neurotrophic factors, enzymes, and purines. The mechanisms of action of these molecules are discussed, considering traumatic spinal cord injury in rodents and humans.
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37
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Li M, Chen H, Zhu M. Mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine in central nervous system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1068114. [PMID: 36583105 PMCID: PMC9793714 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1068114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells, whose paracrine and immunomodulatory potential has made them a promising candidate for central nervous system (CNS) regeneration. Numerous studies have demonstrated that MSCs can promote immunomodulation, anti-apoptosis, and axon re-extension, which restore functional neural circuits. The therapeutic effects of MSCs have consequently been evaluated for application in various CNS diseases including spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we will focus on the research works published in the field of mechanisms and therapeutic effects of MSCs in CNS regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Department of Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Mingxin Zhu,
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Zhai Z, Guo Y. Combination of constraint-induced movement therapy with fasudil amplifies neurogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Int J Neurosci 2022; 132:1254-1260. [PMID: 33527868 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1881088] [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: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spontaneous axonal plasticity and functional restoration after stroke may be limited by Nogo-A, a myelin-associated inhibitor, via activation of the Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a rehabilitation technique based on neuroplasticity and neural recombination. We recently reported that CIMT promoted neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in part by inhibiting the Nogo-A-RhoA-ROCK pathway. Here, we examine the hypothesis that CIMT combined with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil further amplifies neurogenesis during stroke recovery. METHODS Four groups of rats were randomized as follows: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR), Fasudil, CIMT and CIMT + Fasudil. Seven days after stroke, CIMT and/or intraperitoneal infusion of fasudil were initiated and continued for 3 weeks. The behavioral outcomes and immunohistochemical markers of neurogenesis were quantified. RESULTS Compared with other groups, the combination of CIMT with fasudil after IR significantly improved motor and memory function recovery. In addition, BrdU, BrdU/doublecortin and BrdU/GFAP all increased significantly in the brain tissue of the combined treatment group compared to the CIMT or Fasudil group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the effects of CIMT on neurogenesis are amplified by fasudil during the recovery phase after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zhai
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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Wu Y, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu S. Restoration of spinal cord injury: From endogenous repairing process to cellular therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1077441. [PMID: 36523818 PMCID: PMC9744968 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1077441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts neurological pathways and impacts sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve function. There is no effective treatment for SCI currently. Numerous endogenous cells, including astrocytes, macrophages/microglia, and oligodendrocyte, are involved in the histological healing process following SCI. By interfering with cells during the SCI repair process, some advancements in the therapy of SCI have been realized. Nevertheless, the endogenous cell types engaged in SCI repair and the current difficulties these cells confront in the therapy of SCI are poorly defined, and the mechanisms underlying them are little understood. In order to better understand SCI and create new therapeutic strategies and enhance the clinical translation of SCI repair, we have comprehensively listed the endogenous cells involved in SCI repair and summarized the six most common mechanisms involved in SCI repair, including limiting the inflammatory response, protecting the spared spinal cord, enhancing myelination, facilitating neovascularization, producing neurotrophic factors, and differentiating into neural/colloidal cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shengwen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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40
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Chang L, Yamamoto N. Molecular mechanisms of lesion-induced axonal sprouting in the corticofugal projection: the role of glial cells. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1259-1260. [PMID: 36453403 PMCID: PMC9838141 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leechung Chang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan,Correspondence to: Nobuhiko Yamamoto, .
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Costa G, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Muir EM, Vaz SH. Bridging the gap of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system: A state of the art review on central axonal regeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1003145. [PMID: 36440273 PMCID: PMC9682039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1003145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is an important field of research with relevance to all types of neuronal injuries, including neurodegenerative diseases. The glial scar is a result of the astrocyte response to CNS injury. It is made up of many components creating a complex environment in which astrocytes play various key roles. The glial scar is heterogeneous, diverse and its composition depends upon the injury type and location. The heterogeneity of the glial scar observed in different situations of CNS damage and the consequent implications for axon regeneration have not been reviewed in depth. The gap in this knowledge will be addressed in this review which will also focus on our current understanding of central axonal regeneration and the molecular mechanisms involved. The multifactorial context of CNS regeneration is discussed, and we review newly identified roles for components previously thought to solely play an inhibitory role in central regeneration: astrocytes and p75NTR and discuss their potential and relevance for deciding therapeutic interventions. The article ends with a comprehensive review of promising new therapeutic targets identified for axonal regeneration in CNS and a discussion of novel ways of looking at therapeutic interventions for several brain diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa F. Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elizabeth M. Muir
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Poitras T, Zochodne DW. Unleashing Intrinsic Growth Pathways in Regenerating Peripheral Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13566. [PMID: 36362354 PMCID: PMC9654452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Common mechanisms of peripheral axon regeneration are recruited following diverse forms of damage to peripheral nerve axons. Whether the injury is traumatic or disease related neuropathy, reconnection of axons to their targets is required to restore function. Supporting peripheral axon regrowth, while not yet available in clinics, might be accomplished from several directions focusing on one or more of the complex stages of regrowth. Direct axon support, with follow on participation of supporting Schwann cells is one approach, emphasized in this review. However alternative approaches might include direct support of Schwann cells that instruct axons to regrow, manipulation of the inflammatory milieu to prevent ongoing bystander axon damage, or use of inflammatory cytokines as growth factors. Axons may be supported by a growing list of growth factors, extending well beyond the classical neurotrophin family. The understanding of growth factor roles continues to expand but their impact experimentally and in humans has faced serious limitations. The downstream signaling pathways that impact neuron growth have been exploited less frequently in regeneration models and rarely in human work, despite their promise and potency. Here we review the major regenerative signaling cascades that are known to influence adult peripheral axon regeneration. Within these pathways there are major checkpoints or roadblocks that normally check unwanted growth, but are an impediment to robust growth after injury. Several molecular roadblocks, overlapping with tumour suppressor systems in oncology, operate at the level of the perikarya. They have impacts on overall neuron plasticity and growth. A second approach targets proteins that largely operate at growth cones. Addressing both sites might offer synergistic benefits to regrowing neurons. This review emphasizes intrinsic aspects of adult peripheral axon regeneration, emphasizing several molecular barriers to regrowth that have been studied in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas W. Zochodne
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada
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43
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Rodriguez CM, Bechek SC, Jones GL, Nakayama L, Akiyama T, Kim G, Solow-Cordero DE, Strittmatter SM, Gitler AD. Targeting RTN4/NoGo-Receptor reduces levels of ALS protein ataxin-2. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111505. [PMID: 36288715 PMCID: PMC9664481 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-based therapeutic strategies to lower ataxin-2 levels are emerging for the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Additional strategies to lower levels of ataxin-2 could be beneficial. Here, we perform a genome-wide arrayed small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen in human cells and identify RTN4R, the gene encoding the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor, as a potent modifier of ataxin-2 levels. RTN4R knockdown, or treatment with a peptide inhibitor, is sufficient to lower ataxin-2 protein levels in mouse and human neurons in vitro, and Rtn4r knockout mice have reduced ataxin-2 levels in vivo. We provide evidence that ataxin-2 shares a role with the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor in limiting axonal regeneration. Reduction of either protein increases axonal regrowth following axotomy. These data define the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor as a novel therapeutic target for ALS and SCA2 and implicate the targeting of ataxin-2 as a potential treatment following nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sophia C Bechek
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Graham L Jones
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Nakayama
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tetsuya Akiyama
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Garam Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David E Solow-Cordero
- High-Throughput Bioscience Center, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron D Gitler
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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44
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Au NPB, Kumar G, Asthana P, Gao F, Kawaguchi R, Chang RCC, So KF, Hu Y, Geschwind DH, Coppola G, Ma CHE. Clinically relevant small-molecule promotes nerve repair and visual function recovery. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:50. [PMID: 36182946 PMCID: PMC9526721 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult mammalian injured axons regenerate over short-distance in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) while the axons in the central nervous system (CNS) are unable to regrow after injury. Here, we demonstrated that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), purified from Wolfberry, accelerated long-distance axon regeneration after severe peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and optic nerve crush (ONC). LBP not only promoted intrinsic growth capacity of injured neurons and function recovery after severe PNI, but also induced robust retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axon regeneration after ONC. By using LBP gene expression profile signatures to query a Connectivity map database, we identified a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved small-molecule glycopyrrolate, which promoted PNS axon regeneration, RGC survival and sustained CNS axon regeneration, increased neural firing in the superior colliculus, and enhanced visual target re-innervations by regenerating RGC axons leading to a partial restoration of visual function after ONC. Our study provides insights into repurposing of FDA-approved small molecule for nerve repair and function recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngan Pan Bennett Au
- grid.35030.350000 0004 1792 6846Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- grid.35030.350000 0004 1792 6846Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- grid.35030.350000 0004 1792 6846Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Fuying Gao
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Raymond Chuen Chung Chang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kwok Fai So
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Hu
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Daniel H. Geschwind
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Chi Him Eddie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR.
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45
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The Role of DNA Methylation in Stroke Recovery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810373. [PMID: 36142283 PMCID: PMC9499691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations affect the onset of ischemic stroke, brain injury after stroke, and mechanisms of poststroke recovery. In particular, DNA methylation can be dynamically altered by maintaining normal brain function or inducing abnormal brain damage. DNA methylation is regulated by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), which promotes methylation, DNA demethylase, which removes methyl groups, and methyl-cytosine–phosphate–guanine-binding domain (MBD) protein, which binds methylated DNA and inhibits gene expression. Investigating the effects of modulating DNMT, TET, and MBD protein expression on neuronal cell death and neurorepair in ischemic stroke and elucidating the underlying mechanisms can facilitate the formulation of therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and promotion of neuronal recovery after stroke. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and neuronal recovery after stroke according to the current knowledge regarding the effects of DNA methylation on excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and recovery after ischemic stroke. This review of the literature regarding the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and functional recovery after stroke may contribute to the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies for stroke.
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46
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Development of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity after Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Is Accompanied by Time-Dependent Changes in Lumbosacral Expression of Axonal Growth Regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158667. [PMID: 35955811 PMCID: PMC9368817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158667] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in urinary dysfunction, which majorly affects the quality of life of SCI patients. Abnormal sprouting of lumbosacral bladder afferents plays a crucial role in this condition. Underlying mechanisms may include changes in expression of regulators of axonal growth, including chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs) and repulsive guidance molecules, known to be upregulated at the injury site post SCI. Here, we confirmed lumbosacral upregulation of the growth-associated protein GAP43 in SCI animals with bladder dysfunction, indicating the occurrence of axonal sprouting. Neurocan and Phosphacan (CSPGs), as well as Nogo-A (MAI), at the same spinal segments were upregulated 7 days post injury (dpi) but returned to baseline values 28 dpi. In turn, qPCR analysis of the mRNA levels for receptors of those repulsive molecules in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons showed a time-dependent decrease in receptor expression. In vitro assays with DRG neurons from SCI rats demonstrated that exposure to high levels of NGF downregulated the expression of some, but not all, receptors for those regulators of axonal growth. The present results, therefore, show significant molecular changes at the lumbosacral cord and DRGs after thoracic lesion, likely critically involved in neuroplastic events leading to urinary impairment.
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47
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Sekine Y, Kannan R, Wang X, Strittmatter SM. Rabphilin3A reduces integrin-dependent growth cone signaling to restrict axon regeneration after trauma. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114070. [PMID: 35398339 PMCID: PMC9555232 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neural repair after traumatic spinal cord injury depends upon the restoration of neural networks via axonal sprouting and regeneration. Our previous genome wide loss-of-function screen identified Rab GTPases as playing a prominent role in preventing successful axon sprouting and regeneration. Here, we searched for Rab27b interactors and identified Rabphilin3A as an effector within regenerating axons. Growth cone Rabphilin3a colocalized and physically associated with integrins at puncta in the proximal body of the axonal growth cone. In regenerating axons, loss of Rabphilin3a increased integrin enrichment in the growth cone periphery, enhanced focal adhesion kinase activation, increased F-actin-rich filopodial density and stimulated axon extension. Compared to wild type, mice lacking Rabphilin3a exhibited greater regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons after optic nerve crush as well as greater corticospinal axon regeneration after complete thoracic spinal cord crush injury. After moderate spinal cord contusion injury, there was greater corticospinal regrowth in the absence of Rph3a. Thus, an endogenous Rab27b - Raphilin3a pathway limits integrin action in the growth cone, and deletion of this monomeric GTPase pathway permits reparative axon growth in the injured adult mammalian central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Sekine
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Ramakrishnan Kannan
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Repair, Departments of Neurology and of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.
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48
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Bice AR, Xiao Q, Kong J, Yan P, Rosenthal ZP, Kraft AW, Smith KP, Wieloch T, Lee JM, Culver JP, Bauer AQ. Homotopic contralesional excitation suppresses spontaneous circuit repair and global network reconnections following ischemic stroke. eLife 2022; 11:e68852. [PMID: 35723585 PMCID: PMC9333991 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding circuit-level manipulations that affect the brain's capacity for plasticity will inform the design of targeted interventions that enhance recovery after stroke. Following stroke, increased contralesional activity (e.g. use of the unaffected limb) can negatively influence recovery, but it is unknown which specific neural connections exert this influence, and to what extent increased contralesional activity affects systems- and molecular-level biomarkers of recovery. Here, we combine optogenetic photostimulation with optical intrinsic signal imaging to examine how contralesional excitatory activity affects cortical remodeling after stroke in mice. Following photothrombosis of left primary somatosensory forepaw (S1FP) cortex, mice either recovered spontaneously or received chronic optogenetic excitation of right S1FP over the course of 4 weeks. Contralesional excitation suppressed perilesional S1FP remapping and was associated with abnormal patterns of stimulus-evoked activity in the unaffected limb. This maneuver also prevented the restoration of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) within the S1FP network, RSFC in several networks functionally distinct from somatomotor regions, and resulted in persistent limb-use asymmetry. In stimulated mice, perilesional tissue exhibited transcriptional changes in several genes relevant for recovery. Our results suggest that contralesional excitation impedes local and global circuit reconnection through suppression of cortical activity and several neuroplasticity-related genes after stroke, and highlight the importance of site selection for targeted therapeutic interventions after focal ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie R Bice
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Qingli Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Justin Kong
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Ping Yan
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | | | - Andrew W Kraft
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Karen P Smith
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | | | - Jin-Moo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Joseph P Culver
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Adam Q Bauer
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. LouisSaint LouisUnited States
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49
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Lambert-Smith IA, Saunders DN, Yerbury JJ. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology proteostasis impairment and ALS. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 174:3-27. [PMID: 35716729 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that results from the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons. It is the most common motor neuron disease and currently has no effective treatment. There is mounting evidence to suggest that disturbances in proteostasis play a significant role in ALS pathogenesis. Proteostasis is the maintenance of the proteome at the right level, conformation and location to allow a cell to perform its intended function. In this review, we present a thorough synthesis of the literature that provides evidence that genetic mutations associated with ALS cause imbalance to a proteome that is vulnerable to such pressure due to its metastable nature. We propose that the mechanism underlying motor neuron death caused by defects in mRNA metabolism and protein degradation pathways converges on proteostasis dysfunction. We propose that the proteostasis network may provide an effective target for therapeutic development in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Lambert-Smith
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Darren N Saunders
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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50
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Feng Y, Li Y, Shen PP, Wang B. Gene-Modified Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: a Promising Better Alternative Therapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2662-2682. [PMID: 35587330 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), which can reverse neurodegeneration and promote tissue regeneration via its pluripotency and ability to secrete neurotrophic factors. Although various stem cell-based approaches have shown certain therapeutic effects when applied to the treatment of SCI, their clinical efficacies have been disappointing. Thus, it is an urgent need to further enhance the neurological benefits of stem cells through bioengineering strategies including genetic engineering. In this review, we summarize the progress of stem cell therapy for SCI and the prospect of genetically modified stem cells, focusing on the genome editing tools and functional molecules involved in SCI repair, trying to provide a deeper understanding of genetically modified stem cell therapy and more applicable clinical strategies for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Feng
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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