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Ng N, Newbery M, Miles N, Ooi L. Mitochondrial therapeutics and mitochondrial transfer for neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:794-796. [PMID: 38886943 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Neville Ng
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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2
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Cheung SW, Bhavnani E, Simmons DG, Bellingham MC, Noakes PG. Perineuronal nets are phagocytosed by MMP-9 expressing microglia and astrocytes in the SOD1 G93A ALS mouse model. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2024; 50:e12982. [PMID: 38742276 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12982] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are an extracellular matrix structure that encases excitable neurons. PNNs play a role in neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress within motor neurons can trigger neuronal death, which has been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the spatio-temporal timeline of PNN breakdown and the contributing cellular factors in the SOD1G93A strain, a fast-onset ALS mouse model. METHODS This was conducted at the presymptomatic (P30), onset (P70), mid-stage (P130), and end-stage disease (P150) using immunofluorescent microscopy, as this characterisation has not been conducted in the SOD1G93A strain. RESULTS We observed a significant breakdown of PNNs around α-motor neurons in the ventral horn of onset and mid-stage disease SOD1G93A mice compared with wild-type controls. This was observed with increased numbers of microglia expressing matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase that degrades PNNs. Microglia also engulfed PNN components in the SOD1G93A mouse. Further increases in microglia and astrocyte number, MMP-9 expression, and engulfment of PNN components by glia were observed in mid-stage SOD1G93A mice. This was observed with increased expression of fractalkine, a signal for microglia engulfment, within α-motor neurons of SOD1G93A mice. Following PNN breakdown, α-motor neurons of onset and mid-stage SOD1G93A mice showed increased expression of 3-nitrotyrosine, a marker for protein oxidation, which could render them vulnerable to death. CONCLUSIONS Our observations suggest that increased numbers of MMP-9 expressing glia and their subsequent engulfment of PNNs around α-motor neurons render these neurons sensitive to oxidative damage and eventual death in the SOD1G93A ALS model mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Won Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Ekta Bhavnani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - David G Simmons
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Mark C Bellingham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Peter G Noakes
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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3
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Dexmedetomidine alleviates pain in MPTP-treated mice by activating the AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB pathways in astrocytes. Neurosci Lett 2022; 791:136933. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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4
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Synucleinopathy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Potential Avenue for Antisense Therapeutics? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169364. [PMID: 36012622 PMCID: PMC9409035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease classified as both a neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorder. With a complex aetiology and no current cure for ALS, broadening the understanding of disease pathology and therapeutic avenues is required to progress with patient care. Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is a hallmark for disease in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy. A growing body of evidence now suggests that αSyn may also play a pathological role in ALS, with αSyn-positive Lewy bodies co-aggregating alongside known ALS pathogenic proteins, such as SOD1 and TDP-43. This review endeavours to capture the scope of literature regarding the aetiology and development of ALS and its commonalities with "synucleinopathy disorders". We will discuss the involvement of αSyn in ALS and motor neuron disease pathology, and the current theories and strategies for therapeutics in ALS treatment, as well as those targeting αSyn for synucleinopathies, with a core focus on small molecule RNA technologies.
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Zhang J, Wang M, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Zhang X, Yang G. Alpha-lipoic acid improved motor function in MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mice by reducing neuroinflammation in the nigral and spinal cord. Neurosci Lett 2022; 781:136669. [PMID: 35490905 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative movement disorder, resulting in dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (SN) and injury of extranigral spinal cord neurons. This study was to investigate the effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced neuroinflammation in the substantia nigra and spinal cord as well as motor function of the mice with PD. After MPTP induced mouse model with PD, the effect of ALA on motor defects was evaluated by measurement of fore and hind limb step length and suspension test. The effects of ALA on microglia in the SN and spinal cord of MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mice were detected by immunofluorescence. The effect of ALA on the protein level nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in MPTP-induced mice with PD were examined by Western blot. RT-qPCR was used to detect the effect of ALA on gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the SN and spinal cord of MPTP-induced mice. The behavioral results showed that ALA treatment significantly increased the step length and suspension time of MPTP-induced mice (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed that ALA significantly reduced MPTP-induced activation of microglia both in the SN and spinal cord (P < 0.05). Western blot and RT-qPCR showed that ALA significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α and iNOS in the nigra and spinal cord (P < 0.05). ALA can play a neuroprotective role through alleviating the activation of microglia, reducing neuroinflammation in the nigra and extranigra of mice induced by MPTP and therefore improving their motor dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Epilepsy Specialty in Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Specialty in Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China.
| | - Guofeng Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China.
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6
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Mes M, Janik P, Zalewska E, Gawel M. Motor neurons loss in Parkinson Disease: An electrophysiological study (MUNE). J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2021; 61:102606. [PMID: 34749224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102606] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of a peripheral motor neuron in Parkinson Disease (PD) using the motor unit number estimation (MUNE) method, which reflects motor unit loss in motor neuron diseases. Multipoint incremental MUNE method was calculated in abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) in forty one (41) patients with PD and forty five (45) healthy volunteers. From the analysis, the MUNE of APB was lower in PD than in the control group, especially in the sub-group aged 60 years or older. MUNE was negatively correlated with the age of patientsfor APB, but not with the duration of the disease and advancement of PD. The loss of motor units in sporadic Parkinson's disease revealed by multipoint incremental MUNE method is considered a sign of lower motor neuron involvement, however, loss of motor neurons is slight and does not manifest equally in all muscles . Thus, the results from this experiment should be treated with concern, as it could be a landmark for further experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Mes
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Centre of Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Janik
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Zalewska
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ks. Trojdena 4 str. 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Gawel
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Biagioni F, Vivacqua G, Lazzeri G, Ferese R, Iannacone S, Onori P, Morini S, D’Este L, Fornai F. Chronic MPTP in Mice Damage-specific Neuronal Phenotypes within Dorsal Laminae of the Spinal Cord. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:156-169. [PMID: 33206341 PMCID: PMC7936970 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxin 1-methyl, 4-phenyl, 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP) is widely used to produce experimental parkinsonism. Such a disease is characterized by neuronal damage in multiple regions beyond the nigrostriatal pathway including the spinal cord. The neurotoxin MPTP damages spinal motor neurons. So far, in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients alpha-synuclein aggregates are described in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Nonetheless, no experimental investigation was carried out to document whether MPTP affects the sensory compartment of the spinal cord. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether chronic exposure to small doses of MPTP (5 mg/kg/X2, daily, for 21 days) produces any pathological effect within dorsal spinal cord. This mild neurotoxic protocol produces a damage only to nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) axon terminals with no decrease in DA nigral neurons assessed by quantitative stereology. In these experimental conditions we documented a decrease in enkephalin-, calretinin-, calbindin D28K-, and parvalbumin-positive neurons within lamina I and II and the outer lamina III. Met-Enkephalin and substance P positive fibers are reduced in laminae I and II of chronically MPTP-treated mice. In contrast, as reported in PD patients, alpha-synuclein is markedly increased within spared neurons and fibers of lamina I and II after MPTP exposure. This is the first evidence that experimental parkinsonism produces the loss of specific neurons of the dorsal spinal cord, which are likely to be involved in sensory transmission and in pain modulation providing an experimental correlate for sensory and pain alterations in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Integrated Research Center (PRAAB), Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00125 Roma, Italy
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Simone Iannacone
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Sergio Morini
- Integrated Research Center (PRAAB), Campus Biomedico University of Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00125 Roma, Italy
| | - Loredana D’Este
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, via dell’Elettronica, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Tonelli Gombalová Z, Košuth J, Alexovič Matiašová A, Zrubáková J, Žežula I, Giallongo T, Di Giulio AM, Carelli S, Tomašková L, Daxnerová Z, Ševc J. Majority of cerebrospinal fluid‐contacting neurons in the spinal cord of
C57Bl/6N
mice is present in ectopic position unlike in other studied experimental mice strains and mammalian species. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2523-2550. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Tonelli Gombalová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Ján Košuth
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Anna Alexovič Matiašová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Jarmila Zrubáková
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan Žežula
- Institute of Mathematics, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Toniella Giallongo
- Laboratories of Pharmacology, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi", L. Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical ScienceUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Giulio
- Laboratories of Pharmacology, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi", L. Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical ScienceUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Laboratories of Pharmacology, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Fondazione Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi", L. Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical ScienceUniversity of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Lenka Tomašková
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Daxnerová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Juraj Ševc
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of ScienceP.J. Šafárik University in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
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Vivacqua G, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Ferrucci M, Madonna M, Ryskalin L, Yu S, D'Este L, Fornai F. Motor Neurons Pathology After Chronic Exposure to MPTP in Mice. Neurotox Res 2019; 37:298-313. [PMID: 31721049 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin 1-methyl,4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP) is widely used to produce experimental parkinsonism in rodents and primates. Among different administration protocols, continuous or chronic exposure to small amounts of MPTP is reported to better mimic cell pathology reminiscent of Parkinson's disease (PD). Catecholamine neurons are the most sensitive to MPTP neurotoxicity; however, recent studies have found that MPTP alters the fine anatomy of the spinal cord including motor neurons, thus overlapping again with the spinal cord involvement documented in PD. In the present study, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to low amounts of MPTP (10 mg/kg daily, × 21 days) significantly reduces motor neurons in the ventral lumbar spinal cord while increasing α-synuclein immune-staining within the ventral horn. Spinal cord involvement in MPTP-treated mice extends to Calbindin D28 KDa immune-reactive neurons other than motor neurons within lamina VII. These results were obtained in the absence of significant reduction of dopaminergic cell bodies in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta, while a slight decrease was documented in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase immune-staining. Thus, the present study highlights neuropathological similarities between dopaminergic neurons and spinal motor neurons and supports the pathological involvement of spinal cord in PD and experimental MPTP-induced parkinsonism. Remarkably, the toxic threshold for motor neurons appears to be lower compared with nigral dopaminergic neurons following a chronic pattern of MPTP intoxication. This sharply contrasts with previous studies showing that MPTP intoxication produces comparable neuronal loss within spinal cord and Substantia Nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Vivacqua
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, 45 Changchun St, Beijing, 100053, China
| | | | | | - Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Shun Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, 45 Changchun St, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Loredana D'Este
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Locomotor Sciences, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, Pozzilli, Italy.
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Gambardella S, Fornai F. A Focus on the Beneficial Effects of Alpha Synuclein and a Re-Appraisal of Synucleinopathies. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 19:598-611. [PMID: 29150919 PMCID: PMC5925871 DOI: 10.2174/1389203718666171117110028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alpha synuclein (α-syn) belongs to a class of proteins which are commonly considered to play a detrimental role in neuronal survival. This assumption is based on the occurrence of a severe neuronal degeneration in patients carrying a multiplication of the α-syn gene (SNCA) and in a variety of experimental models, where overexpression of α-syn leads to cell death and neurological impairment. In these conditions, a higher amount of normally structured α-syn produces a damage, which is even worse compared with that produced by α-syn owning an abnormal structure (as occurring following point gene mutations). In line with this, knocking out the expression of α-syn is reported to protect from specific neurotoxins such as 1-methyl, 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In the present review we briefly discuss these well-known detrimental effects but we focus on findings showing that, in specific conditions α-syn is beneficial for cell survival. This occurs during methamphetamine intoxication which is counteracted by endogenous α-syn. Similarly, the dysfunction of the chaperone cysteine-string protein- alpha leads to cell pathology which is counteracted by over-expressing α-syn. In line with this, an increased expression of α-syn protects against oxidative damage produced by dopamine. Remarkably, when the lack of α-syn is combined with a depletion of β- and γ- synucleins, alterations in brain structure and function occur. This review tries to balance the evidence showing a beneficial effect with the bulk of data reporting a detrimental effect of endogenous α-syn. The specific role of α-syn as a chaperone protein is discussed to explain such a dual effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla L. Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126Pisa, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
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Abstract
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model remains the most commonly used animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). There are three MPTP-treatment schemes: acute, subacute and chronic. Considering the advantages of the period and similarity to PD, the subacute model was often chosen to assess the validity of new candidates, but the changes caused by the subacute MPTP treatment and the appropriate positive control for this model remain to be further confirmed. The aim of this study was: to estimate the value of the subacute MPTP mouse model in aspects of behavioral performance, biochemical changes and pathological abnormalities, and to find effective positive drugs. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with MPTP (30 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 5 consecutive days. Three days before MPTP injection, the mice were orally administered selegiline (3 mg·kg-1·d-1), pramipexole (3 mg·kg-1·d-1), or medopar (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 18 days. Behavioral performance was assessed in the open field test, pole test and rotarod test. Neurotransmitters in the striatum were detected using HPLC. Protein levels were measured by Western blot. Pathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructure changes were observed by electron microscopy. The subacute MPTP treatment did not induce evident motor defects despite severe injuries in the dopaminergic system. Additionally, MPTP significantly increased the α-synuclein levels and the number of astrocytes in the striatum, and destroyed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Both selegiline and pramipexole were able to protect the mice against MPTP injuries. We conclude that the subacute MPTP mouse model does not show visible motor defects; it is not enough to evaluate the validity of a candidate just based on behavioral examination, much attention should also be paid to the alterations in neurotransmitters, astrocytes, α-synuclein and the BBB. In addition, selegiline or pramipexole is a better choice than medopar as an effective positive control for the subacute MPTP model.
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12
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Effects of Alpha-Synuclein on Primary Spinal Cord Neurons Associated with Apoptosis and CNTF Expression. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:817-829. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Aggregated α-synuclein and complex I deficiency: exploration of their relationship in differentiated neurons. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1820. [PMID: 26181201 PMCID: PMC4650719 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein becomes misfolded and aggregated upon damage by various factors, for example, by reactive oxygen species. These aggregated forms have been proposed to have differential toxicities and their interaction with mitochondria may cause dysfunction within this organelle that contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In particular, the association of α-synuclein with mitochondria occurs through interaction with mitochondrial complex I and importantly defects of this protein have been linked to the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between aggregated α-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction, and the consequences of this interaction on cell survival. To do this, we studied the effects of α-synuclein on cybrid cell lines harbouring mutations in either mitochondrial complex I or IV. We found that aggregated α-synuclein inhibited mitochondrial complex I in control and complex IV-deficient cells. However, when aggregated α-synuclein was applied to complex I-deficient cells, there was no additional inhibition of mitochondrial function or increase in cell death. This would suggest that as complex I-deficient cells have already adapted to their mitochondrial defect, the subsequent toxic effects of α-synuclein are reduced.
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14
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Samantaray S, Knaryan VH, Shields DC, Cox AA, Haque A, Banik NL. Inhibition of Calpain Activation Protects MPTP-Induced Nigral and Spinal Cord Neurodegeneration, Reduces Inflammation, and Improves Gait Dynamics in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:1054-66. [PMID: 26108182 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9255-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, resulting in dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and damage to the extranigral spinal cord neurons. Current therapies do not prevent the disease progression. Hence, developing efficacious therapeutic strategies for treatment of PD is of utmost importance. The goal of this study is to delineate the involvement of calpain-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration in SN and spinal cord in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice (C57BL/6 N), thereby elucidating potential therapeutic target(s). Increased calpain expression was found localized to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH(+)) neurons in SN with significantly increased TUNEL-positive neurons in SN and spinal cord neurons in MPTP mice. Inflammatory markers Cox-2, caspase-1, and NOS-2 were significantly upregulated in MPTP mouse spinal cord as compared to control. These parameters correlated with the activation of astrocytes, microglia, infiltration of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells, and macrophages. We found that subpopulations of CD4(+) cells (Th1 and Tregs) were differentially expanded in MPTP mice, which could be regulated by inhibition of calpain with the potent inhibitor calpeptin. Pretreatment with calpeptin (25 μg/kg, i.p.) attenuated glial activation, T cell infiltration, nigral dopaminergic degeneration in SN, and neuronal death in spinal cord. Importantly, calpeptin ameliorated MPTP-induced altered gait parameters (e.g., reduced stride length and increased stride frequency) as demonstrated by analyses of spatiotemporal gait indices using ventral plane videography. These findings suggest that calpain plays a pivotal role in MPTP-induced nigral and extranigral neurodegenerative processes and may be a valid therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, MSC 606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Park J, Lim CS, Seo H, Park CA, Zhuo M, Kaang BK, Lee K. Pain perception in acute model mice of Parkinson's disease induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Mol Pain 2015; 11:28. [PMID: 25981600 PMCID: PMC4448854 DOI: 10.1186/s12990-015-0026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain is the most prominent non-motor symptom observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the mechanisms underlying the generation of pain in PD have not been well studied. We used a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD to analyze the relationship between pain sensory abnormalities and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Results The latency to fall off the rotarod and the total distance traveled in round chamber were significantly reduced in MPTP-induced PD mice, consistent with motor dysfunction. MPTP-treated mice also showed remarkably shorter nociceptive response latencies compared to saline-treated mice and the subcutaneous injection of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) partially reversed pain hypersensitivity induced by MPTP treatment. We found that degeneration of cell bodies and fibers in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the striatum of MPTP-treated mice. In addition, astrocytic and microglial activation was seen in the subthalamic nucleus and neuronal activity was significantly increased in the striatum and globus pallidus. However, we did not observe any changes in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia of both the dorsal and ventral horns in the spinal cord after MPTP treatment. Conclusions These results suggest that the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway may have a role in inhibiting noxious stimuli, and that abnormal inflammatory responses and neural activity in basal ganglia is correlated to pain processing in PD induced by MPTP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Park
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanangno, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea.
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanangno, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea.
| | - Hyunhyo Seo
- Behavioral Neural Circuitry and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-101, Dongin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-842, South Korea.
| | - Chung-Ah Park
- Behavioral Neural Circuitry and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-101, Dongin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-842, South Korea.
| | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, The center for the study of pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanangno, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea.
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Behavioral Neural Circuitry and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-101, Dongin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-842, South Korea.
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Mitochondrial Dysfunction and α-Synuclein Synaptic Pathology in Parkinson's Disease: Who's on First? PARKINSONS DISEASE 2015; 2015:108029. [PMID: 25918668 PMCID: PMC4396726 DOI: 10.1155/2015/108029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Its characteristic neuropathological features encompass the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system and the presence of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. These are intraneuronal and intraneuritic proteinaceous insoluble aggregates whose main constituent is the synaptic protein α-synuclein. Compelling lines of evidence indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein synaptic deposition may play a primary role in the onset of this disorder. However, it is not yet clear which of these events may come first in the sequel of processes leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we reviewed data supporting either that α-synuclein synaptic deposition precedes and indirectly triggers mitochondrial damage or that mitochondrial deficits lead to neuronal dysfunction and α-synuclein synaptic accumulation. The present overview shows that it is still difficult to establish the exact temporal sequence and contribution of these events to PD.
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Knaryan VH, Samantaray S, Sookyoung P, Azuma M, Inoue J, Banik NL. SNJ-1945, a calpain inhibitor, protects SH-SY5Y cells against MPP(+) and rotenone. J Neurochem 2014; 130:280-90. [PMID: 24341912 PMCID: PMC4038676 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Complex pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease involves multiple CNS cell types. Degeneration in spinal cord neurons alongside brain has been shown to be involved in Parkinson's disease and evidenced in experimental parkinsonism. However, the mechanisms of these degenerative pathways are not well understood. To unravel these mechanisms SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were differentiated into dopaminergic and cholinergic phenotypes, respectively, and used as cell culture model following exposure to two parkinsonian neurotoxicants MPP(+) and rotenone. SNJ-1945, a cell-permeable calpain inhibitor was tested for its neuroprotective efficacy. MPP(+) and rotenone dose-dependently elevated the levels of intracellular free Ca(2+) and induced a concomitant rise in the levels of active calpain. SNJ-1945 pre-treatment significantly protected cell viability and preserved cellular morphology following MPP(+) and rotenone exposure. The neurotoxicants elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species more profoundly in SH-SY5Y cells differentiated into dopaminergic phenotype, and this effect could be attenuated with SNJ-1945 pre-treatment. In contrast, significant levels of inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2 and cleaved p10 fragment of caspase-1) were up-regulated in the cholinergic phenotype, which could be dose-dependently attenuated by the calpain inhibitor. Overall, SNJ-1945 was efficacious against MPP(+) or rotenone-induced reactive oxygen species generation, inflammatory mediators, and proteolysis. A post-treatment regimen of SNJ-1945 was also examined in cells and partial protection was attained with calpain inhibitor administration 1-3 h after exposure to MPP(+) or rotenone. Taken together, these results indicate that calpain inhibition is a valid target for protection against parkinsonian neurotoxicants, and SNJ-1945 is an efficacious calpain inhibitor in this context. SH-SY5Y cells, differentiated as dopaminergic (TH positive) and cholinergic (ChAT positive), were used as in vitro models for Parkinson's disease. MPP+ and rotenone induced up-regulation of calpain, expression, and activity as a common mechanism of neurodegeneration. SNJ-1945, a novel calpain inhibitor, protected both the cell phenotypes against MPP+ and rotenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varduhi H. Knaryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Park Sookyoung
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mitsuyoshi Azuma
- Kobe Creative Center, Senju Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Kobe Creative Center, Senju Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Naren L. Banik
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Samantaray S, Knaryan VH, Shields DC, Banik NL. Critical role of calpain in spinal cord degeneration in Parkinson's disease. J Neurochem 2013; 127:880-90. [PMID: 23875735 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to midbrain nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), the mechanism of damage in non-dopaminergic sites within the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, is not well-understood. Thus, to understand the comprehensive pathophysiology underlying this devastating disease, postmortem spinal cord tissue samples (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments) from patients with PD were analyzed compared to age-matched normal subjects or Alzheimer's disease for selective molecular markers of neurodegeneration and inflammation. Distal axonal degeneration, relative abundance of both sensory and motor neuron death, selective loss of ChAT(+) motoneurons, reactive astrogliosis, microgliosis, increased cycloxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression, and infiltration of T cells were observed in spinal cord of PD patients compared to normal subjects. Biochemical analyses of spinal cord tissues revealed associated inflammatory and proteolytic events (elevated levels of Cox-2, expression and activity of μ- and m-calpain, degradation of axonal neurofilament protein, and concomitantly low levels of endogenous inhibitor - calpastatin) in spinal cord of PD patients. Thus, pathologically upregulated calpain activity in spinal cords of patients with PD may contribute to inflammatory response-mediated neuronal death, leading to motor dysfunction. We proposed calpain over-activation and calpain-calpastatin dysregulation driving in a cascade of inflammatory responses (microglial activation and T cell infiltration) and degenerative pathways culminating in axonal degeneration and neuronal death in spinal cord of Parkinson's disease patients. This may be one of the crucial mechanisms in the degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Varduhi H Knaryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Donald C Shields
- Department of Neurosurgery, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 7-420, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Naren L Banik
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, P.O. Box 250606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Natale G, Pompili E, Biagioni F, Paparelli S, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Histochemical approaches to assess cell-to-cell transmission of misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Histochem 2013; 57:e5. [PMID: 23549464 PMCID: PMC3683612 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation, aggregation and transmission of abnormal proteins are common features in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. The mechanisms underlying protein alterations in neurodegenerative diseases remain controversial. Novel findings highlighted altered protein clearing systems as common biochemical pathways which generate protein misfolding, which in turn causes protein aggregation and protein spreading. In fact, proteinaceous aggregates are prone to cell-to-cell propagation. This is reminiscent of what happens in prion disorders, where the prion protein misfolds thus forming aggregates which spread to neighbouring cells. For this reason, the term prionoids is currently used to emphasize how several misfolded proteins are transmitted in neurodegenerative diseases following this prion-like pattern. Histochemical techniques including the use of specific antibodies covering both light and electron microscopy offer a powerful tool to describe these phenomena and investigate specific molecular steps. These include: prion like protein alterations; glycation of prion-like altered proteins to form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs); mechanisms of extracellular secretion; interaction of AGEs with specific receptors placed on neighbouring cells (RAGEs). The present manuscript comments on these phenomena aimed to provide a consistent scenario of the available histochemical approaches to dissect each specific step.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Natale
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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