Excitotoxic neuroprotection and vulnerability with CaMKII inhibition

CaMKII activity and metabolic imbalance-related neurological diseases: Focus on vascular dysfunction, synaptic plasticity, amyloid beta accumulation, and lipid metabolism

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, excessive fat accumulation and dyslipidemia, and is known to be accompanied by neuropathological symptoms such as memory loss, anxiety, and depression. As the number of MetS patients is rapidly increasing globally, studies on the mechanisms of metabolic imbalance-related neuropathology are emerging as an important issue. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is the main Ca2+ sensor and contributes to diverse intracellular signaling in peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS). CaMKII exerts diverse functions in cells, related to mechanisms such as RNA splicing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cytoskeleton, and protein-protein interactions. In the CNS, CaMKII regulates vascular function, neuronal circuits, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, amyloid beta toxicity, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Here, we review recent evidence for the role of CaMKII in neuropathologic issues associated with metabolic disorders.

Maternal deprivation causes CaMKII downregulation and modulates glutamate, norepinephrine and serotonin in limbic brain areas in a rat model of single prolonged stress

BACKGROUND

Early life stress is a major risk factor for later development of psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An intricate relationship exists between various neurotransmitters (such as glutamate, norepinephrine or serotonin), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), as an important regulator of glutamatergic synaptic function, and PTSD. Here, we developed a double-hit model to investigate the interaction of maternal deprivation (MD) as an early life stress model and single prolonged stress (SPS) as a PTSD model at the behavioral and molecular levels.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats exposed to these stress paradigms were subjected to a comprehensive behavioral analysis. In hippocampal synaptosomes we investigated neurotransmitter release and glutamate concentration. The expression of CaMKII and the content of monoamines were determined in selected brain regions. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was quantified by radioactive in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

We report a distinct behavioral phenotype in the double-hit group. Double-hit and SPS groups had decreased hippocampal presynaptic glutamatergic function. In hippocampus, double-hit stress caused a decrease in autophosphorylation of CaMKII. In prefrontal cortex, both SPS and double-hit stress had a similar effect on CaMKII autophosphorylation. Double-hit stress, rather than SPS, affected the norepinephrine and serotonin levels in prefrontal cortex, and suppressed BDNF gene expression in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

LIMITATIONS

The study was conducted in male rats only. The affected brain regions cannot be restricted to hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala.

CONCLUSION

Double-hit stress caused more pronounced and distinct behavioral, molecular and functional changes, compared to MD or SPS alone.

Pre-clinical Evidence-based Neuroprotective Potential of Naringin against Alzheimer's Disease-like Pathology: A Comprehensive Review

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are a group of progressive, chronic, and disabling disorders that are highly prevalent and the incidence is on a constant rise globally. Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders is hallmarked by cognitive impairment, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, cholinergic dysfunction, mitochondrial toxicity, and neurodegeneration. Available therapeutic agents only provide symptomatic relief and their use are limited due to serious side effects. Recent research has recognized flavonoids as potential multi-target biomolecules that can reduce the pathogenesis of AD. Naringin, a natural citrus flavonoid has been traditionally used to treat various NDs including AD, and has gained special attention because exhibits a neuroprotective effect by affecting numerous signaling pathways with minimum adverse effects. Naringin reduces deposition of Aβ, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress burden, mitochondrial toxicity, the activity of glutamate receptors, and apoptosis of the neuronal cells. Additionally, it reduces the expression of phosphorylated-P38/P38 and the NF-κB signaling pathway, showing that a wide range of molecular targets is involved in naringin's neuroprotective action. The present study describes the possible pharmacological targets, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of naringin involved in neuroprotection against AD-like pathology. Based on the above pre-clinical reports it can be concluded that naringin could be an alternative therapeutic agent for the management of AD-like manifestation. Thus, there is a strong recommendation to perform more preclinical and clinical studies to develop naringin as a novel molecule that could be a multi-target drug to counteract AD.

Is CaMKII friend or foe for cell apoptosis in eye?: A narrative review

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) controls cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and other biological processes that have an essential role in eye diseases. However, it seems that previous studies have generated conflicting conclusions about the effect of CaMKII on cell apoptosis. In this review, we explore the positive and potentially deleterious effects of CaMKII on eye cell apoptosis. We can safely conclude that the early elevation of CaMKII could be viewed as a promoter of cell apoptosis. Overexpression of CaMKII by transfection or pretreatment with drugs helped combat cell apoptosis.

Molecular basis for cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 1 in modulating CaMKII activation

Introduction: Cellular retinoic acid (RA)-binding protein 1 (CRABP1) is a highly conserved protein comprised of an anti-parallel, beta-barrel, and a helix-turn-helix segment outside this barrel. Functionally, CRABP1 is thought to bind and sequester cytosolic RA. Recently, CRABP1 has been established as a major mediator of rapid, non-genomic activity of RA in the cytosol, referred to as "non-canonical" activity. Previously, we have reported that CRABP1 interacts with and dampens the activation of calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+-CaM)-dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII), a major effector of Ca2+ signaling. Through biophysical, molecular, and cellular assays, we, herein, elucidate the molecular and structural mechanisms underlying the action of CRABP1 in dampening CaMKII activation. Results: We identify an interaction surface on CRABP1 for CaMKII binding, located on the beta-sheet surface of the barrel, and an allosteric region within the helix segment outside the barrel, where both are important for interacting with CaMKII. Molecular studies reveal that CRABP1 preferentially associates with the inactive form of CaMKII, thereby dampening CaMKII activation. Alanine mutagenesis of residues implicated in the CaMKII interaction results in either a loss of this preference or a shift of CRABP1 from associating with the inactive CaMKII to associating with the active CaMKII, which corresponds to changes in CRABP1's effect in modulating CaMKII activation. Conclusions: This is the first study to elucidate the molecular and structural basis for CRABP1's function in modulating CaMKII activation. These results further shed insights into CRABP1's functional involvement in multiple signaling pathways, as well as its extremely high sequence conservation across species and over evolution.

GluN2B-containing NMDARs in the mammalian brain: pharmacology, physiology, and pathology

Glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is critical for promoting physiological synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability. As a major subpopulation of the NMDAR, the GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs have distinct pharmacological properties, physiological functions, and pathological relevance to neurological diseases compared with other NMDAR subtypes. In mature neurons, GluN2B-containing NMDARs are likely expressed as both diheteromeric and triheteromeric receptors, though the functional importance of each subpopulation has yet to be disentangled. Moreover, the C-terminal region of the GluN2B subunit forms structural complexes with multiple intracellular signaling proteins. These protein complexes play critical roles in both activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival and death signaling, thus serving as the molecular substrates underlying multiple physiological functions. Accordingly, dysregulation of GluN2B-containing NMDARs and/or their downstream signaling pathways has been implicated in neurological diseases, and various strategies to reverse these deficits have been investigated. In this article, we provide an overview of GluN2B-containing NMDAR pharmacology and its key physiological functions, highlighting the importance of this receptor subtype during both health and disease states.

Targeting Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein 1 with Retinoic Acid-like Compounds to Mitigate Motor Neuron Degeneration

All-trans-retinoic Acid (atRA) is the principal active metabolite of Vitamin A, essential for various biological processes. The activities of atRA are mediated by nuclear RA receptors (RARs) to alter gene expression (canonical activities) or by cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1) to rapidly (minutes) modulate cytosolic kinase signaling, including calcium calmodulin-activated kinase 2 (CaMKII) (non-canonical activities). Clinically, atRA-like compounds have been extensively studied for therapeutic applications; however, RAR-mediated toxicity severely hindered the progress. It is highly desirable to identify CRABP1-binding ligands that lack RAR activity. Studies of CRABP1 knockout (CKO) mice revealed CRABP1 to be a new therapeutic target, especially for motor neuron (MN) degenerative diseases where CaMKII signaling in MN is critical. This study reports a P19-MN differentiation system, enabling studies of CRABP1 ligands in various stages of MN differentiation, and identifies a new CRABP1-binding ligand C32. Using the P19-MN differentiation system, the study establishes C32 and previously reported C4 as CRABP1 ligands that can modulate CaMKII activation in the P19-MN differentiation process. Further, in committed MN cells, elevating CRABP1 reduces excitotoxicity-triggered MN death, supporting a protective role for CRABP1 signaling in MN survival. C32 and C4 CRABP1 ligands were also protective against excitotoxicity-triggered MN death. The results provide insight into the potential of signaling pathway-selective, CRABP1-binding, atRA-like ligands in mitigating MN degenerative diseases.

CaMKIIα as a Promising Drug Target for Ischemic Grey Matter

Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major mediator of Ca²⁺-dependent signaling pathways in various cell types throughout the body. Its neuronal isoform CaMKIIα (alpha) centrally integrates physiological but also pathological glutamate signals directly downstream of glutamate receptors and has thus emerged as a target for ischemic stroke. Previous studies provided evidence for the involvement of CaMKII activity in ischemic cell death by showing that CaMKII inhibition affords substantial neuroprotection. However, broad inhibition of this central kinase is challenging because various essential physiological processes like synaptic plasticity rely on intact CaMKII regulation. Thus, specific strategies for targeting CaMKII after ischemia are warranted which would ideally only interfere with pathological activity of CaMKII. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of how ischemia affects CaMKII and how pathospecific pharmacological targeting of CaMKII signaling could be achieved. Specifically, we discuss direct targeting of CaMKII kinase activity with peptide inhibitors versus indirect targeting of the association (hub) domain of CaMKIIα with analogues of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) as a potential way to achieve more specific pharmacological modulation of CaMKII activity after ischemia.

CaMKII Inhibition Attenuates Distinct Gain-of-Function Effects Produced by Mutant Nav1.6 Channels and Reduces Neuronal Excitability

Aberrant Nav1.6 activity can induce hyperexcitability associated with epilepsy. Gain-of-function mutations in the SCN8A gene encoding Nav1.6 are linked to epilepsy development; however, the molecular mechanisms mediating these changes are remarkably heterogeneous and may involve post-translational regulation of Nav1.6. Because calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a powerful modulator of Nav1.6 channels, we investigated whether CaMKII modulates disease-linked Nav1.6 mutants. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in ND7/23 cells show that CaMKII inhibition of the epilepsy-related mutation R850Q largely recapitulates the effects previously observed for WT Nav1.6. We also characterized a rare missense variant, R639C, located within a regulatory hotspot for CaMKII modulation of Nav1.6. Prediction software algorithms and electrophysiological recordings revealed gain-of-function effects for R639C mutant channel activity, including increased sodium currents and hyperpolarized activation compared to WT Nav1.6. Importantly, the R639C mutation ablates CaMKII phosphorylation at a key regulatory site, T642, and, in contrast to WT and R850Q channels, displays a distinct response to CaMKII inhibition. Computational simulations demonstrate that modeled neurons harboring the R639C or R850Q mutations are hyperexcitable, and simulating the effects of CaMKII inhibition on Nav1.6 activity in modeled neurons differentially reduced hyperexcitability. Acute CaMKII inhibition may represent a promising mechanism to attenuate gain-of-function effects produced by Nav1.6 mutations.

Role of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II in Mediating Function and Dysfunction at Glutamatergic Synapses

Glutamatergic synapses harbor abundant amounts of the multifunctional Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII). Both in the postsynaptic density as well as in the cytosolic compartment of postsynaptic terminals, CaMKII plays major roles. In addition to its Ca²⁺-stimulated kinase activity, it can also bind to a variety of membrane proteins at the synapse and thus exert spatially restricted activity. The abundance of CaMKII in glutamatergic synapse is akin to scaffolding proteins although its prominent function still appears to be that of a kinase. The multimeric structure of CaMKII also confers several functional capabilities on the enzyme. The versatility of the enzyme has prompted hypotheses proposing several roles for the enzyme such as Ca²⁺ signal transduction, memory molecule function and scaffolding. The article will review the multiple roles played by CaMKII in glutamatergic synapses and how they are affected in disease conditions.

CRABP1 in Non-Canonical Activities of Retinoic Acid in Health and Diseases

In this review, we discuss the emerging role of Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein 1 (CRABP1) as a mediator of non-canonical activities of retinoic acid (RA) and relevance to human diseases. We first discuss the role of CRABP1 in regulating MAPK activities and its implication in stem cell proliferation, cancers, adipocyte health, and neuro-immune regulation. We then discuss an additional role of CRABP1 in regulating CaMKII activities, and its implication in heart and motor neuron diseases. Through molecular and genetic studies of Crabp1 knockout (CKO) mouse and culture models, it is established that CRABP1 forms complexes with specific signaling molecules to function as RA-regulated signalsomes in a cell context-dependent manner. Gene expression data and CRABP1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of human cancer, neurodegeneration, and immune disease patients implicate the potential association of abnormality in CRABP1 with human diseases. Finally, therapeutic strategies for managing certain human diseases by targeting CRABP1 are discussed.

RNA Binding Motif 5 Gene Deletion Modulates Cell Signaling in a Sex-Dependent Manner but not Hippocampal Cell Death

RNA-binding motif 5 (RBM5) is a pro-death tumor suppressor gene in cancer cells. It remains to be determined if it is neurotoxic in the brain or rather if it plays a fundamentally different role in the central nervous system (CNS). Brain-specific RBM5 knockout (KO) mice were given a controlled cortical impact (CCI) traumatic brain injury (TBI). Markers of acute cellular damage and repair were measured in hippocampal homogenates 48 h post-CCI. Hippocampal CA1/CA3 cell counts were assessed 7 days post-CCI to determine if early changes in injury markers were associated with histological outcome. No genotype-dependent differences were found in the levels of apoptotic markers (caspase 3, caspase 6, and caspase 9). However, KO females had a paradoxical increase in markers of pro-death calpain activation (145/150-spectrin and breakdown products [SBDP]) and in DNA repair/survival markers. (pH2A.x and pCREB). CCI-injured male KOs had a significant increase in phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII). Despite sex/genotype-dependent differences in KOs in the levels of acute cell signaling targets involved in cell death pathways, 7 day hippocampal neuronal survival did not differ from that of wild types (WTs). Similarly, no differences in astrogliosis were observed. Finally, gene analysis revealed increased estrogen receptor α (ERα) levels in the KO hippocampus in females and may suggest a novel mechanism to explain sex-dimorphic effects on cell signaling. In summary, RBM5 inhibition did not affect hippocampal survival after a TBI in vivo but did modify targets involved in neural signal transduction/Ca²⁺ signaling pathways. Findings here support the view that RBM5 may serve a purpose in the CNS that is dissimilar from its traditional pro-death role in cancer.

Calcium-/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Inhibition Induces Learning and Memory Impairment and Apoptosis

Objectives

Inhibition of calcium-/calmodulin- (CaM-) dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is correlated with epilepsy. However, the specific mechanism that underlies learning and memory impairment and neuronal death by CaMKII inhibition remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

In this study, KN93, a CaMKII inhibitor, was used to investigate the role of CaMKII during epileptogenesis. We first identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in primary cultured hippocampal neurons with or without KN93 treatment using RNA-sequencing. Then, the impairment of learning and memory by KN93-induced CaMKII inhibition was assessed using the Morris water maze test. In addition, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining were performed to determine neuronal death, apoptosis, and the relative signaling pathway.

Results

KN93-induced CaMKII inhibition decreased cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein activity and impaired learning and memory in Wistar and tremor (TRM) rats, an animal model of genetic epilepsy. CaMKII inhibition also induced neuronal death and reactive astrocyte activation in both the Wistar and TRM hippocampi, deregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases. Meanwhile, neuronal death and neuron apoptosis were observed in PC12 and primary cultured hippocampal neurons after exposure to KN93, which was reversed by SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK).

Conclusions

CaMKII inhibition caused learning and memory impairment and apoptosis, which might be related to dysregulated JNK signaling.

CaMKIIα knockout protects from ischemic neuronal cell death after resuscitation from cardiac arrest

CaMKIIα plays a dual role in synaptic plasticity, as it can mediate synaptic changes in opposing directions. We hypothesized that CaMKIIα plays a similar dual role also in neuronal cell death and survival. Indeed, the CaMKII inhibitor tatCN21 is neuroprotective when added during or after excitotoxic/ischemic insults, but was described to cause sensitization when applied long-term prior to such insult. However, when comparing long-term CaMKII inhibition by several different inhibitors in neuronal cultures, we did not detect any sensitization. Likewise, in a mouse in vivo model of global cerebral ischemia (cardiac arrest followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation), complete knockout of the neuronal CaMKIIα isoform did not cause sensitization but instead significant neuroprotection.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Differentially Modulates Glutamate-Induced Toxicity and Stress in Cells of the Neurogliovascular Unit

The age-related reduction in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is associated with increased risk of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases in advanced age. Numerous reports highlight behavioral and physiological deficits in blood-brain barrier function and neurovascular communication when IGF-1 levels are low. Administration of exogenous IGF-1 reduces the extent of tissue damage and sensorimotor deficits in animal models of ischemic stroke, highlighting the critical role of IGF-1 as a regulator of neurovascular health. The beneficial effects of IGF-1 in the nervous system are often attributed to direct actions on neurons; however, glial cells and the cerebrovasculature are also modulated by IGF-1, and systemic reductions in circulating IGF-1 likely influence the viability and function of the entire neuro-glio-vascular unit. We recently observed that reduced IGF-1 led to impaired glutamate handling in astrocytes. Considering glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the main drivers of neurodegeneration following ischemic stroke, the age-related loss of IGF-1 may also compromise neural function indirectly by altering the function of supporting glia and vasculature. In this study, we assess and compare the effects of IGF-1 signaling on glutamate-induced toxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-produced oxidative stress in primary neuron, astrocyte, and brain microvascular endothelial cell cultures. Our findings verify that neurons are highly susceptible to excitotoxicity, in comparison to astrocytes or endothelial cells, and that a prolonged reduction in IGFR activation increases the extent of toxicity. Moreover, prolonged IGFR inhibition increased the susceptibility of astrocytes to glutamate-induced toxicity and lessened their ability to protect neurons from excitotoxicity. Thus, IGF-1 promotes neuronal survival by acting directly on neurons and indirectly on astrocytes. Despite increased resistance to excitotoxic death, both astrocytes and cerebrovascular endothelial cells exhibit acute increases in glutamate-induced ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction when IGFR is inhibited at the time of glutamate stimulation. Together these data highlight that each cell type within the neuro-glio-vascular unit differentially responds to stress when IGF-1 signaling was impaired. Therefore, the reductions in circulating IGF-1 observed in advanced age are likely detrimental to the health and function of the entire neuro-glio-vascular unit.

From regenerative strategies to pharmacological approaches: can we fine-tune treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by severe motor complications caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Current treatment is focused on mitigating the symptoms through the administration of levodopa, rather than on preventing dopaminergic neuronal damage. Therefore, the use and development of neuroprotective/disease-modifying strategies is an absolute need that can lead to promising gains on translational research of Parkinson's disease. For instance, N-acetylcysteine, a natural compound with strong antioxidant effects, has been shown to modulate oxidative stress, preventing dopamine-induced cell death. Despite the evidence of neuroprotective and modulatory effects of this drug, as far as we know, it does not induce per se any regenerative process. Therefore, it would be of interest to combine the latter with innovative therapies that induce dopaminergic neurons repair or even differentiation, as stem cell-based strategies. Stem cells secretome has been proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, given its ability to modulate cell viability/preservation of dopaminergic neurons. Such approach represents a shift in the paradigm, showing that cell-transplantation free therapies based on the use of stem cells secretome may represent a potential alternative for regenerative medicine of Parkinson's disease. Thus, in this review, we address the current understanding of the potential combination of stem cell free-based strategies and neuroprotective/disease-modifying strategies as a new paradigm for the treatment of central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease.

Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC somas and axons leading to irreversible vision loss. A fundamental question is whether manipulation of a key regulator of RGC survival can protect RGCs from diverse insults and pathological states, and ultimately preserve vision. Here, we report that CaMKII-CREB signaling is compromised after excitotoxic injury to RGC somas or optic nerve injury to RGC axons, and reactivation of this pathway robustly protects RGCs from both injuries. CaMKII activity also promotes RGC survival in the normal retina. Further, reactivation of CaMKII protects RGCs in two glaucoma models where RGCs degenerate from elevated intraocular pressure or genetic deficiency. Last, CaMKII reactivation protects long-distance RGC axon projections in vivo and preserves visual function, from the retina to the visual cortex, and visually guided behavior.

Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II in Cerebrovascular Diseases

Cerebrovascular disease is the most common life-threatening and debilitating condition that often leads to stroke. The multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key Ca2+ sensor and an important signaling protein in a variety of biological systems within the brain, heart, and vasculature. In the brain, past stroke-related studies have been mainly focused on the role of CaMKII in ischemic stroke in neurons and established CaMKII as a major mediator of neuronal cell death induced by glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress following ischemic stroke. However, with growing understanding of the importance of neurovascular interactions in cerebrovascular diseases, there are clearly gaps in our understanding of how CaMKII functions in the complex neurovascular biological processes and its contributions to cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, emerging evidence demonstrates novel regulatory mechanisms of CaMKII and potential roles of the less-studied CaMKII isoforms in the ischemic brain, which has sparked renewed interests in this dynamic kinase family. This review discusses past findings and emerging evidence on CaMKII in several major cerebrovascular dysfunctions including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and vascular dementia, focusing on the unique roles played by CaMKII in the underlying biological processes of neuronal cell death, neuroinflammation, and endothelial barrier dysfunction triggered by stroke. We also highlight exciting new findings, promising therapeutic agents, and future perspectives for CaMKII in cerebrovascular systems.

GHB analogs confer neuroprotection through specific interaction with the CaMKIIα hub domain

GHB is a natural brain metabolite of GABA, previously reported to be neuroprotective. However, the high-affinity binding site for GHB has remained elusive for almost 40 y. We here unveil CaMKIIα, a highly important neuronal kinase, as the long-sought-after GHB high-affinity target. Via a specific interaction within the central hub domain of CaMKIIα, GHB analogs act to stabilize the hub oligomer complex. This interaction potentially explains pronounced neuroprotective effects of GHB analogs in cultured neurons exposed to a chemical insult and in mice exposed to ischemia. The postischemic treatment effects of GHB analogs underline these compounds as selective and high-affinity potential drug candidates and CaMKIIα as a relevant pharmacological target for stroke therapy.

Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha subunit (CaMKIIα) is a key neuronal signaling protein and an emerging drug target. The central hub domain regulates the activity of CaMKIIα by organizing the holoenzyme complex into functional oligomers, yet pharmacological modulation of the hub domain has never been demonstrated. Here, using a combination of photoaffinity labeling and chemical proteomics, we show that compounds related to the natural substance γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) bind selectively to CaMKIIα. By means of a 2.2-Å x-ray crystal structure of ligand-bound CaMKIIα hub, we reveal the molecular details of the binding site deep within the hub. Furthermore, we show that binding of GHB and related analogs to this site promotes concentration-dependent increases in hub thermal stability believed to alter holoenzyme functionality. Selectively under states of pathological CaMKIIα activation, hub ligands provide a significant and sustained neuroprotection, which is both time and dose dependent. This is demonstrated in neurons exposed to excitotoxicity and in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia with the selective GHB analog, HOCPCA (3-hydroxycyclopent-1-enecarboxylic acid). Together, our results indicate a hitherto unknown mechanism for neuroprotection by a highly specific and unforeseen interaction between the CaMKIIα hub domain and small molecule brain-penetrant GHB analogs. This establishes GHB analogs as powerful tools for investigating CaMKII neuropharmacology in general and as potential therapeutic compounds for cerebral ischemia in particular.

Effects of datumetine on hippocampal NMDAR activity

The usage (abuse) of Datura metel is becoming increasingly worrisome among the Nigerian populace especially among the youth considering its side effects such as hallucination. This work was designed to identify the phytochemicals in datura plant that potentially interact with NMDAR as it affects the electrical and memory activities of the brain. Ligand-protein interaction was assessed using autodock vina to identify phytochemicals that can interact with NMDAR. Datumetine was found to have the best interaction fit with NMDAR at both allosteric and orthosteric binding sites. Furthermore, using electrophysiological, behavioural and western blotting techniques, it was observed that the administration of datumetine positively modulates the NMDAR current by prolonging burst duration and interspike interval, induces seizures in C57BL/6 mice. Acute exposure leads to memory deficit on NOR and Y-maze test while immunoblotting results showed increased expression of GluN1 and CamKIIα while pCamKIIα-T286, CREB and BDNF were downregulated. The results showed that the memory deficit seen in datura intoxication is possibly the effects of datumetine on NMDAR.

Sublayer- and cell-type-specific neurodegenerative transcriptional trajectories in hippocampal sclerosis

Hippocampal sclerosis, the major neuropathological hallmark of temporal lobe epilepsy, is characterized by different patterns of neuronal loss. The mechanisms of cell-type-specific vulnerability and their progression and histopathological classification remain controversial. Using single-cell electrophysiology in vivo and immediate-early gene expression, we reveal that superficial CA1 pyramidal neurons are overactive in epileptic rodents. Bulk tissue and single-nucleus expression profiling disclose sublayer-specific transcriptomic signatures and robust microglial pro-inflammatory responses. Transcripts regulating neuronal processes such as voltage channels, synaptic signaling, and cell adhesion are deregulated differently by epilepsy across sublayers, whereas neurodegenerative signatures primarily involve superficial cells. Pseudotime analysis of gene expression in single nuclei and in situ validation reveal separated trajectories from health to epilepsy across cell types and identify a subset of superficial cells undergoing a later stage in neurodegeneration. Our findings indicate that sublayer- and cell-type-specific changes associated with selective CA1 neuronal damage contribute to progression of hippocampal sclerosis.

Naringin ameliorates memory deficits and exerts neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by regulating multiple metabolic pathways

The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of naringin on the memory impairment of hydrocortisone mice, and to elucidate the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. In the present study, a hydrocortisone model was constructed. Novel object recognition, Morris water maze and step‑down tests were performed in order to assess the learning and memory abilities of mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ERα and ERβ. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of each protein in the relevant system. It was found that naringin can significantly improve cognitive, learning and memory dysfunction in mice with hydrocortisone memory impairment. In addition, naringin can exert neuroprotective effects through a variety of mechanisms, including amyloid β metabolism, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, acetylcholinergic system, glutamate receptor system, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Naringin can also affect the expression of phosphorylated‑P38/P38, indicating that the neuroprotective effect of naringin may also involve the MAPK/P38 pathway. The results of the present study concluded that naringin can effectively improve the cognitive abilities of mice with memory impairment and exert neuroprotective effects. Thus, naringin may be a promising target drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and NMR studies of 3-fluorinated derivatives of 3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone and 3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone

Flavones are valuable scaffolds in medicinal chemistry, especially as they display activity as antioxidants and neuroprotective agents. The need to incorporate a fluorine atom on flavones has driven much of the recent synthetic work in this area. We now report a route for the production of 3-fluorinated derivatives of 3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone and 3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone. Biological evaluation of these agents, along with their non-fluorinated counterparts, demonstrate that antioxidant activity may be enhanced whereas neuroprotective activity is conserved. Also, the 3-fluoro-3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone can act as an NMR probe to detect structural changes during its action as a radical scavenger.

CaMKII versus DAPK1 Binding to GluN2B in Ischemic Neuronal Cell Death after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest

DAPK1 binding to GluN2B was prominently reported to mediate ischemic cell death in vivo. DAPK1 and CaMKII bind to the same GluN2B region, and their binding is mutually exclusive. Here, we show that mutating the binding region on GluN2B (L1298A/ R1300Q) protected against neuronal cell death induced by cardiac arrest followed by resuscitation. Importantly, the GluN2B mutation selectively abolished only CaMKII, but not DAPK1, binding. During ischemic or excitotoxic insults, CaMKII further accumulated at excitatory synapses, and this accumulation was mediated by GluN2B binding. Interestingly, extra-synaptic GluN2B decreased after ischemia, but its relative association with DAPK1 increased. Thus, ischemic neuronal death requires CaMKII binding to synaptic GluN2B, whereas any potential role for DAPK1 binding is restricted to a different, likely extra-synaptic population of GluN2B.

Ischemic insults cause excitotoxic neuronal cell death via NMDA receptor overstimulation. Buonarati et al. find that excitotoxic insults cause DAPK1 movement to extra-synaptic NMDA receptors and CaMKII movement to synaptic NMDA receptors; importantly, preventing this CaMKII movement protects neurons from ischemic death.

Calmodulin binds to the N-terminal domain of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5

The cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5 conducts the rapid inward sodium current crucial for cardiomyocyte excitability. Loss-of-function mutations in its gene SCN5A are linked to cardiac arrhythmias such as Brugada Syndrome (BrS). Several BrS-associated mutations in the Nav1.5 N-terminal domain (NTD) exert a dominant-negative effect (DNE) on wild-type channel function, for which mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim to contribute to the understanding of BrS pathophysiology by characterizing three mutations in the Nav1.5 NTD: Y87C-here newly identified-, R104W, and R121W. In addition, we hypothesize that the calcium sensor protein calmodulin is a new NTD binding partner. Recordings of whole-cell sodium currents in TsA-201 cells expressing WT and variant Nav1.5 showed that Y87C and R104W but not R121W exert a DNE on WT channels. Biotinylation assays revealed reduction in fully glycosylated Nav1.5 at the cell surface and in whole-cell lysates. Localization of Nav1.5 WT channel with the ER did not change in the presence of variants, as shown by transfected and stained rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. We demonstrated that calmodulin binds the Nav1.5 NTD using in silico modeling, SPOTS, pull-down, and proximity ligation assays. Calmodulin binding to the R121W variant and to a Nav1.5 construct missing residues 80-105, a predicted calmodulin-binding site, is impaired. In conclusion, we describe the new natural BrS Nav1.5 variant Y87C and present first evidence that calmodulin binds to the Nav1.5 NTD, which seems to be a determinant for the DNE.

Coordination between Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Neurons

Ca²⁺/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is highly abundant in the brain and exhibits broad substrate specificity, thereby it is thought to participate in the regulation of neuronal death and survival. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), is an important neurotransmitter and plays a role in neuronal activity including learning and memory processes. However, high levels of NO can contribute to excitotoxicity following a stroke and neurodegenerative disease. Aside from NO, nNOS also generates superoxide which is involved in both cell injury and signaling. CaMKII is known to activate and translocate from the cytoplasm to the post-synaptic density in response to neuronal activation where nNOS is predominantly located. Phosphorylation of nNOS at Ser847 by CaMKII decreases NO generation and increases superoxide generation. Conversely, NO-induced S-nitrosylation of CaMKII at Cys6 is a prominent determinant of the CaMKII inhibition in ATP competitive fashion. Thus, the "cross-talk" between CaMKII and NO/superoxide may represent important signal transduction pathways in brain. In this review, we introduce the molecular mechanism of and pathophysiological role of mutual regulation between CaMKII and nNOS in neurons.

MicroRNA dynamics during hibernation of the Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Hibernation is a physiological state employed by many animals that are exposed to limited food and adverse winter conditions. Controlling tissue-specific and organism wide changes in metabolism and cellular function requires precise regulation of gene expression, including by microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we profile miRNA expression in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) using small RNA sequencing of brain, heart, and skeletal muscle from individuals in late hibernation and four days post-arousal. A total of 1295 miRNAs were identified in the central bearded dragon genome; 664 of which were novel to central bearded dragon. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) in all tissues and correlated mRNA expression with known and predicted target mRNAs. Functional analysis of DEmiR targets revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed mRNA targets involved in metabolic processes. However, we failed to reveal biologically relevant tissue-specific processes subjected to miRNA-mediated regulation in heart and skeletal muscle. In brain, neuroprotective pathways were identified as potential targets regulated by miRNAs. Our data suggests that miRNAs are necessary for modulating the shift in cellular metabolism during hibernation and regulating neuroprotection in the brain. This study is the first of its kind in a hibernating reptile and provides key insight into this ephemeral phenotype.

Wnt Pathway: An Emerging Player in Vascular and Traumatic Mediated Brain Injuries

The Wnt pathway, which comprises the canonical and non-canonical pathways, is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that regulates crucial biological aspects throughout the development and adulthood. Emergence and patterning of the nervous and vascular systems are intimately coordinated, a process in which Wnt pathway plays particularly important roles. In the brain, Wnt ligands activate a cell-specific surface receptor complex to induce intracellular signaling cascades regulating neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neuronal plasticity, synaptic plasticity, angiogenesis, vascular stabilization, and inflammation. The Wnt pathway is tightly regulated in the adult brain to maintain neurovascular functions. Historically, research in neuroscience has emphasized essentially on investigating the pathway in neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, emerging findings have demonstrated that the pathway is deregulated in vascular- and traumatic-mediated brain injuries. These findings are suggesting that the pathway constitutes a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic protective and restorative interventions. Yet, targeting a complex multifunctional signal transduction pathway remains a major challenge. The review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the implication of Wnt pathway in the pathobiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Furthermore, the review will present the strategies used so far to manipulate the pathway for therapeutic purposes as to highlight potential future directions.

Superoxide and Non-ionotropic Signaling in Neuronal Excitotoxicity

Excitotoxicity is classically attributed to Ca²⁺ influx through NMDA receptors (NMDAr), leading to production of nitric oxide by neuronal nitric oxide synthase and superoxide by mitochondria, which react to form highly cytotoxic peroxynitrite. More recent observations warrant revision of the classic view and help to explain some otherwise puzzling aspects of excitotoxic cell injury. Studies using pharmacological and genetic approaches show that superoxide produced by NMDAr activation originates primarily from NADPH oxidase rather than from mitochondria. As NADPH oxidase is localized to the plasma membrane, this also provides an explanation for the extracellular release of superoxide and cell-to-cell “spread” of excitotoxic injury observed in vitro and in vivo. The signaling pathway linking NMDAr to NADPH oxidase involves Ca²⁺ influx, phosphoinositol-3-kinase, and protein kinase Cζ, and interventions at any of these steps can prevent superoxide production and excitotoxic injury. Ca²⁺ influx specifically through NMDAr is normally required to induce excitotoxicity, through a mechanism presumed to involve privileged Ca²⁺ access to local signaling domains. However, experiments using selective blockade of the NMDAr ion channel and artificial reconstitution of Ca²⁺ by other routes indicate that the special effects of NMDAr activation are attributable instead to concurrent non-ionotropic NMDAr signaling by agonist binding to NMDAr. The non-ionotropic signaling driving NADPH oxidase activation is mediated in part by phosphoinositol-3-kinase binding to the C-terminal domain of GluN2B receptor subunits. These more recently identified aspects of excitotoxicity expand our appreciation of the complexity of excitotoxic processes and suggest novel approaches for limiting neuronal injury.

CaMKII enhances voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 activity and neuronal excitability

Nav1.6 is the primary voltage-gated sodium channel isoform expressed in mature axon initial segments and nodes, making it critical for initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Thus, Nav1.6 modulation and dysfunction may have profound effects on input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. Phosphorylation is a powerful and reversible mechanism regulating ion channel function. Because Nav1.6 and the multifunctional Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) are independently linked to excitability disorders, we sought to investigate modulation of Nav1.6 function by CaMKII signaling. We show that inhibition of CaMKII, a Ser/Thr protein kinase associated with excitability, synaptic plasticity, and excitability disorders, with the CaMKII-specific peptide inhibitor CN21 reduces transient and persistent currents in Nav1.6-expressing Purkinje neurons by 87%. Using whole-cell voltage clamp of Nav1.6, we show that CaMKII inhibition in ND7/23 and HEK293 cells significantly reduces transient and persistent currents by 72% and produces a 5.8-mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Immobilized peptide arrays and nanoflow LC-electrospray ionization/MS of Nav1.6 reveal potential sites of CaMKII phosphorylation, specifically Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 within the first intracellular loop of the channel. Using site-directed mutagenesis to test multiple potential sites of phosphorylation, we show that Ala substitutions of Ser-561 and Ser-641/Thr-642 recapitulate the depolarizing shift in activation and reduction in current density. Computational simulations to model effects of CaMKII inhibition on Nav1.6 function demonstrate dramatic reductions in spontaneous and evoked action potentials in a Purkinje cell model, suggesting that CaMKII modulation of Nav1.6 may be a powerful mechanism to regulate neuronal excitability.

DCMQA, a caffeoylquinic acid derivative alleviates NMDA-induced neurotoxicity via modulating GluN2A and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in vitro

Compound DCMQA (4, 5-O-dicaffeoyl-1-O-[4-malic acid methyl ester]-quinic acid) is a natural caffeoylquinic acid derivative isolated from Arctium lappa L. roots. Caffeoylquinic acid derivatives have been reported to possess neuroprotective effects through inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in vitro. However, whether DCMQA exerts protective effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, the results indicated that pretreatment of DCMQA prevented the loss of cell viability and attenuated the LDH leakage in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to NMDA. Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-PI double staining illustrated that DCMQA suppressed NMDA-induced morphological damage and neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, DCMQA inhibited NMDA-mediated Ca²⁺ influx, excessive intracellular ROS generation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blot analysis showed that DCMQA attenuated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c as well as expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Besides, DCMQA down-regulated GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and up-regulated GluN2A-containing NMDARs, promoted the disruption of nNOS and PSD95 as well as activation of CaMK II-α. Furthermore, computational docking study indicated that DCMQA possessed a good affinity for NMDARs. These results indicated that DCMQA protects SH-SY5Y cells against NMDA-induced neuronal damage. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of DCMQA-mediated neuroprotection are associated with modulating NMDARs and disruption of nNOS-PSD95 as well as the activation of CaMK II-α.

Cationic Arginine-Rich Peptides (CARPs): A Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents With a Multimodal Mechanism of Action

There are virtually no clinically available neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders, hence there is an urgent need for the development of new neuroprotective molecules. Cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs) are an expanding and relatively novel class of compounds, which possess intrinsic neuroprotective properties. Intriguingly, CARPs possess a combination of biological properties unprecedented for a neuroprotective agent including the ability to traverse cell membranes and enter the CNS, antagonize calcium influx, target mitochondria, stabilize proteins, inhibit proteolytic enzymes, induce pro-survival signaling, scavenge toxic molecules, and reduce oxidative stress as well as, having a range of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer actions. CARPs have also been used as carrier molecules for the delivery of other putative neuroprotective agents across the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier. However, there is increasing evidence that the neuroprotective efficacy of many, if not all these other agents delivered using a cationic arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CCPPs) carrier (e.g., TAT) may actually be mediated largely by the properties of the carrier molecule, with overall efficacy further enhanced according to the amino acid composition of the cargo peptide, in particular its arginine content. Therefore, in reviewing the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of CARPs we also consider studies using CCPPs fused to a putative neuroprotective peptide. We review the history of CARPs in neuroprotection and discuss in detail the intrinsic biological properties that may contribute to their cytoprotective effects and their usefulness as a broad-acting class of neuroprotective drugs.

Loss of insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling in astrocytes disrupts glutamate handling

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) has been studied extensively for its ability to promote neuronal growth and excitability. Declining levels of IGF-1 have been correlated with impaired learning and memory as well as an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. While neuronal regulation by IGF-1 is well understood, the role of IGF-1 in influencing astrocyte function requires further exploration. Astrocytes regulate many aspects of the brain microenvironment, including controlling glutamate-glutamine cycling, which ultimately supports neuronal metabolism, neurotransmission, and protection from over stimulation. In this study, we examined whether IGF-1 acts through its cognate receptor, IGFR, to alter astrocytic glutamate handling. We utilized both small molecule IGFR inhibitors and Cre-driven genetic approaches to reduce IGFR in vivo and in cultured rodent astrocytes. When IGFR was knocked out of primary astrocytes derived from igfr^f/f mice using AAV5-CMV-Cre, significant reductions in glutamate uptake were observed. Similarly, inhibition of IGFR with picropodophyllotoxin for 2 h, as well as 24 h, reduced glutamate uptake in vitro. Mechanistically, short-term inhibition of IGFR resulted in a significant decrease in glutamate transporter availability on the cell surface, as assessed by biotinylation. Long-term inhibition of IGFR led to significant reductions in mRNA expression of glutamate transport machinery, as assessed with qPCR. Reduced glutamate transporter mRNA was also observed in the brains of astrocyte-specific IGFR-deficient mice, three to four months after knock-out was induced with tamoxifen. Interestingly, long-term IGF-1 inhibition also resulted in an increase in adenosine triphosphate-stimulated glutamate release, though no change in adenosine triphosphate-stimulated calcium flux was observed nor were any changes in purinergic receptor protein expression. Together, these data suggest that reduced IGF-1 signaling will favor an accumulation of extrasynaptic glutamate, which may contribute to neurodegeneration in disease states where IGF-1 levels are low. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14534.

Loss of insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling in astrocytes disrupts glutamate handling

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) has been studied extensively for its ability to promote neuronal growth and excitability. Declining levels of IGF-1 have been correlated with impaired learning and memory as well as an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. While neuronal regulation by IGF-1 is well understood, the role of IGF-1 in influencing astrocyte function requires further exploration. Astrocytes regulate many aspects of the brain microenvironment, including controlling glutamate-glutamine cycling, which ultimately supports neuronal metabolism, neurotransmission, and protection from over stimulation. In this study, we examined whether IGF-1 acts through its cognate receptor, IGFR, to alter astrocytic glutamate handling. We utilized both small molecule IGFR inhibitors and Cre-driven genetic approaches to reduce IGFR in vivo and in cultured rodent astrocytes. When IGFR was knocked out of primary astrocytes derived from igfr^f/f mice using AAV5-CMV-Cre, significant reductions in glutamate uptake were observed. Similarly, inhibition of IGFR with picropodophyllotoxin for 2 h, as well as 24 h, reduced glutamate uptake in vitro. Mechanistically, short-term inhibition of IGFR resulted in a significant decrease in glutamate transporter availability on the cell surface, as assessed by biotinylation. Long-term inhibition of IGFR led to significant reductions in mRNA expression of glutamate transport machinery, as assessed with qPCR. Reduced glutamate transporter mRNA was also observed in the brains of astrocyte-specific IGFR-deficient mice, three to four months after knock-out was induced with tamoxifen. Interestingly, long-term IGF-1 inhibition also resulted in an increase in adenosine triphosphate-stimulated glutamate release, though no change in adenosine triphosphate-stimulated calcium flux was observed nor were any changes in purinergic receptor protein expression. Together, these data suggest that reduced IGF-1 signaling will favor an accumulation of extrasynaptic glutamate, which may contribute to neurodegeneration in disease states where IGF-1 levels are low. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14534.

Proteomics of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus of rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer

BACKGROUND

Stress-induced gastric ulcer (SGU) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS) can cause serious gastrointestinal dysfunction and has been widely used to study the pathogenesis of SGU to identify medications that can cure the disease. The mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) is the centre integrating visceral and physical activity and contributes to SGU induced by RWIS. Hence, the role of the MD during RWIS needs to be studied.

AIM

To screen for differentially expressed proteins in the MD of the RWIS rats to further elucidate molecular mechanisms of SGU.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were selected randomly and divided into two groups, namely, a control group and an RWIS group. Gastric mucosal lesions of the sacrificed rats were measured using the erosion index and the proteomic profiles of the MD were generated through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, iTRAQ results were verified by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2853 proteins were identified, and these included 65 dysregulated (31 upregulated and 34 downregulated) proteins (fold change ratio ≥ 1.2). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that most of the upregulated proteins are primarily related to cell division, whereas most of the downregulated proteins are related to neuron morphogenesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins are mainly involved in the neurological disease signalling pathways. Furthermore, our results indicated that glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta might be related to the central mechanism through which RWIS gives rise to SGU.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative proteomic analysis elucidated the molecular targets associated with the production of SGU and provides insights into the role of the MD. The underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further dissected.

Disruption of nNOS-NOS1AP protein-protein interactions suppresses neuropathic pain in mice

Elevated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity is linked to central sensitization and chronic pain. However, NMDAR antagonists display limited therapeutic potential because of their adverse side effects. Novel approaches targeting the NR2B-PSD95-nNOS complex to disrupt signaling pathways downstream of NMDARs show efficacy in preclinical pain models. Here, we evaluated the involvement of interactions between neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) in pronociceptive signaling and neuropathic pain. TAT-GESV, a peptide inhibitor of the nNOS-NOS1AP complex, disrupted the in vitro binding between nNOS and its downstream protein partner NOS1AP but not its upstream protein partner postsynaptic density 95 kDa (PSD95). Putative inactive peptides (TAT-cp4GESV and TAT-GESVΔ1) failed to do so. Only the active peptide protected primary cortical neurons from glutamate/glycine-induced excitotoxicity. TAT-GESV, administered intrathecally (i.t.), suppressed mechanical and cold allodynia induced by either the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel or a traumatic nerve injury induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation. TAT-GESV also blocked the paclitaxel-induced phosphorylation at Ser15 of p53, a substrate of p38 MAPK. Finally, TAT-GESV (i.t.) did not induce NMDAR-mediated motor ataxia in the rotarod test and did not alter basal nociceptive thresholds in the radiant heat tail-flick test. These observations support the hypothesis that antiallodynic efficacy of an nNOS-NOS1AP disruptor may result, at least in part, from blockade of p38 MAPK-mediated downstream effects. Our studies demonstrate, for the first time, that disrupting nNOS-NOS1AP protein-protein interactions attenuates mechanistically distinct forms of neuropathic pain without unwanted motor ataxic effects of NMDAR antagonists.

Assessment of the protective effect of KN-93 drug in systemic epilepsy disorders induced by pilocarpine in male rat

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Epileptic seizures occur as a consequence of a sudden imbalance between the stimuli and inhibitors within the network of cortical neurons in favor of the stimulus. One of the drugs that induce epilepsy is pilocarpine. Systemic injection of pilocarpine affects on muscarinic receptors. Increasing evidence has addressed the implication of KN-93 by blocking Ca²⁺ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and also reducing neuron decay. So, we aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of KN-93 in systemic epilepsy disorders induced by pilocarpine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this animal study, male rats were divided into five groups including treatment group (KN-93 with the dose of 5 mM/10 µL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before inducing epilepsy by 380 mg/kg pilocarpine) KN-93 group (received 5 mM KN-93), control group, epilepsy group (received 380 mg/kg pilocarpine Intraperitoneal), and sham group (received 10 µL DMSO). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring its indicators including the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, glutathione (GSH), as well as the antioxidant activity of catalase. In addition, serum levels of proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with KN-93 significantly reduced oxidative stress index by reducing the concentration of MDA, nitrite, and increasing the level of GSH. In addition, low concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β were observed in hippocampus supernatant of KN-93 pretreated rats in comparison with the pilocarpine groups. Moreover, administration of KN-93 improved neuronal density and attenuated the seizure activity and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings suggest that KN-93 can effectively suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, KN-93 is able to attenuate seizure behaviors by preventing its effects on neuron loss, so, it is valuable for the treatment of epileptic seizures.

Using the Predicted Structure of the Amot Coiled Coil Homology Domain to Understand Lipid Binding

Angiomotins (Amots) are a family of adapter proteins that modulate cellular polarity, differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Amot family members have a characteristic lipid-binding domain, the coiled coil homology (ACCH) domain that selectively targets the protein to membranes, which has been directly linked to its regulatory role in the cell. Several spot blot assays were used to validate the regions of the domain that participate in its membrane association, deformation, and vesicle fusion activity, which indicated the need for a structure to define the mechanism. Therefore, we sought to understand the structure-function relationship of this domain in order to find ways to modulate these signaling pathways. After many failed attempts to crystallize the ACCH domain of each Amot family member for structural analysis, we decided to pursue homologous models that could be refined using small angle x-ray scattering data. Theoretical models were produced using the homology software SWISS-MODEL and threading software I-TASSER and LOMETS, followed by comparison to SAXS data for model selection and refinement. We present a theoretical model of the domain that is driven by alpha helices and short random coil regions. These alpha helical regions form a classic dimer interface followed by two wide spread legs that we predict to be the lipid binding interface.

Cognitive decline and dementia in diabetes mellitus: mechanisms and clinical implications

Cognitive dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important comorbidity of diabetes mellitus. Different stages of diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction exist, each with different cognitive features, affected age groups and prognoses and probably with different underlying mechanisms. Relatively subtle, slowly progressive cognitive decrements occur in all age groups. More severe stages, particularly mild cognitive impairment and dementia, with progressive deficits, occur primarily in older individuals (>65 years of age). Patients in the latter group are the most relevant for patient management and are the focus of this Review. Here, we review the evolving insights from studies on risk factors, brain imaging and neuropathology, which provide important clues on mechanisms of both the subtle cognitive decrements and the more severe stages of cognitive dysfunction. In the majority of patients, the cognitive phenotype is probably defined by multiple aetiologies. Although both the risk of clinically diagnosed Alzheimer disease and that of vascular dementia is increased in association with diabetes, the cerebral burden of the prototypical pathologies of Alzheimer disease (such as neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques) is not. A major challenge for researchers is to pinpoint from the spectrum of diabetes-related disease processes those that affect the brain and contribute to development of dementia beyond the pathologies of Alzheimer disease. Observations from experimental models can help to meet that challenge, but this requires further improving the synergy between experimental and clinical scientists. The development of targeted treatment and preventive strategies will therefore depend on these translational efforts.

A Comprehensive In Silico Method to Study the QSTR of the Aconitine Alkaloids for Designing Novel Drugs

A combined in silico method was developed to predict potential protein targets that are involved in cardiotoxicity induced by aconitine alkaloids and to study the quantitative structure⁻toxicity relationship (QSTR) of these compounds. For the prediction research, a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was built from the extraction of useful information about protein interactions connected with aconitine cardiotoxicity, based on nearly a decade of literature and the STRING database. The software Cytoscape and the PharmMapper server were utilized to screen for essential proteins in the constructed network. The Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II alpha (CAMK2A) and gamma (CAMK2G) were identified as potential targets. To obtain a deeper insight on the relationship between the toxicity and the structure of aconitine alkaloids, the present study utilized QSAR models built in Sybyl software that possess internal robustness and external high predictions. The molecular dynamics simulation carried out here have demonstrated that aconitine alkaloids possess binding stability for the receptor CAMK2G. In conclusion, this comprehensive method will serve as a tool for following a structural modification of the aconitine alkaloids and lead to a better insight into the cardiotoxicity induced by the compounds that have similar structures to its derivatives.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulation of IKs during sustained β-adrenergic receptor stimulation

BACKGROUND

Sustained β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation causes pathophysiological changes during heart failure (HF), including inhibition of the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I_Ks). Aberrant calcium handling, including increased activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), contributes to arrhythmia development during HF.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate CaMKII regulation of KCNQ1 (pore-forming subunit of I_Ks) during sustained β-AR stimulation and associated functional implications on I_Ks.

METHODS

KCNQ1 phosphorylation was assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after sustained β-AR stimulation with isoproterenol (ISO). Peptide fragments corresponding to KCNQ1 residues were synthesized to identify CaMKII phosphorylation at the identified sites. Dephosphorylated (alanine) and phosphorylated (aspartic acid) mimics were introduced at identified residues. Whole-cell, voltage-clamp experiments were performed in human endothelial kidney 293 cells coexpressing wild-type or mutant KCNQ1 and KCNE1 (auxiliary subunit) during ISO treatment or lentiviral δCaMKII overexpression.

RESULTS

Novel KCNQ1 carboxy-terminal sites were identified with enhanced phosphorylation during sustained β-AR stimulation at T482 and S484. S484 peptides demonstrated the strongest δCaMKII phosphorylation. Sustained β-AR stimulation reduced I_Ks activation (P = .02 vs control) similar to the phosphorylated mimic (P = .62 vs sustained β-AR). Individual phosphorylated mimics at S484 (P = .04) but not at T482 (P = .17) reduced I_Ks function. Treatment with CN21 (CaMKII inhibitor) reversed the reductions in I_Ks vs CN21-Alanine control (P < .01). δCaMKII overexpression reduced I_Ks similar to ISO treatment in wild type (P < .01) but not in the dephosphorylated S484 mimic (P = .99).

CONCLUSION

CaMKII regulates KCNQ1 at S484 during sustained β-AR stimulation to inhibit I_Ks. The ability of CaMKII to inhibit I_Ks may contribute to arrhythmogenicity during HF.

Axonal degeneration induced by glutamate-excitotoxicity is mediated by necroptosis

Neuronal excitotoxicity induced by glutamate leads to cell death and functional impairment in a variety of central nervous system pathologies. Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity triggers neuronal apoptosis in the cell soma as well as degeneration of axons and dendrites by a process associated to calcium increase and mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, degeneration of axons initiated by diverse stimuli, including excitotoxicity, has been proposed as an important pathological event leading to functional impairment in neurodegenerative conditions. Here we demonstrate that excitotoxicity-induced axonal degeneration proceeds by a mechanism dependent on the necroptotic kinases RIPK1, RIPK3 and the necroptotic mediator MLKL. Inhibition of RIPK1, RIPK3 or MLKL prevent key steps in the axonal degeneration cascade including mitochondrial depolarization, the opening of the permeability transition pore and calcium dysregulation in the axon. Interestingly, the same excitotoxic stimuli lead to apoptosis in the cell soma, demonstrating the co-activation of two independent degenerative mechanisms in different compartments of the same cell. The identification of necroptosis as a key mechanism of axonal degeneration after excitotoxicity is an important initial step to develop novel therapeutic strategies for nervous system disorders.

Activation State-Dependent Substrate Gating in Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is highly concentrated in the brain where its activation by the Ca²⁺ sensor CaM, multivalent structure, and complex autoregulatory features make it an ideal translator of Ca²⁺ signals created by different patterns of neuronal activity. We provide direct evidence that graded levels of kinase activity and extent of T²⁸⁷ (T²⁸⁶ α isoform) autophosphorylation drive changes in catalytic output and substrate selectivity. The catalytic domains of CaMKII phosphorylate purified PSDs much more effectively when tethered together in the holoenzyme versus individual subunits. Using multisubstrate SPOT arrays, high-affinity substrates are preferentially phosphorylated with limited subunit activity per holoenzyme, whereas multiple subunits or maximal subunit activation is required for intermediate- and low-affinity, weak substrates, respectively. Using a monomeric form of CaMKII to control T²⁸⁷ autophosphorylation, we demonstrate that increased Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent activity for all substrates tested, with the extent of weak, low-affinity substrate phosphorylation governed by the extent of T²⁸⁷ autophosphorylation. Our data suggest T²⁸⁷ autophosphorylation regulates substrate gating, an intrinsic property of the catalytic domain, which is amplified within the multivalent architecture of the CaMKII holoenzyme.

Autonomous CaMKII Activity as a Drug Target for Histological and Functional Neuroprotection after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest

The Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major mediator of physiological glutamate signaling, but its role in pathological glutamate signaling (excitotoxicity) remains less clear, with indications for both neurotoxic and neuro-protective functions. Here, the role of CaMKII in ischemic injury is assessed utilizing our mouse model of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR). CaMKII inhibition (with tatCN21 or tatCN19o) at clinically relevant time points (30 min after resuscitation) greatly reduces neuronal injury. Importantly, CaMKII inhibition also works in combination with mild hypothermia, the current standard of care. The relevant drug target is specifically Ca²⁺-independent “autonomous” CaMKII activity generated by T286 autophosphorylation, as indicated by substantial reduction in injury in autonomy-incompetent T286A mutant mice. In addition to reducing cell death, tatCN19o also protects the surviving neurons from functional plasticity impairments and prevents behavioral learning deficits, even at extremely low doses (0.01 mg/kg), further highlighting the clinical potential of our findings.