1
|
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Currently, myopic retinopathy is the most common irreversible blinding disease but its pathophysiology is not completely clear. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a single center to analyze aqueous samples from highly myopic eyes (axial length >25 mm, n = 92) and ametropic or mild myopic eyes (n = 88) for inflammatory cytokines. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-6 and MMP-2 were significantly higher in the highly myopic eyes than in the non-high myopic eyes (IL-6: 11.90 vs. 4.38 pg/mL, p < 0.0001; MMP-2: 13.10 vs. 8.82 ng/mL, p = 0.0003) while adjusting for age, gender, and intraocular pressure. There was a significant positive association between levels of IL-6 and MMP-2 in aqueous humor and the axial lengths of the eye globes (IL-6, β = 0.065, p < 0.0001, n = 134; MMP-2, β = 0.097, p < 0.0001, n = 131). Conversely, VEGF in aqueous humor was significantly lower in the highly myopic eyes than in the non-high myopic eyes (45.56 vs. 96.90 pg/mL, p < 0.0001, n = 153) while age, gender, and intraocular pressure were adjusted. The results suggest that low-grade intraocular inflammation may play an important role in the development and progression of high myopia and myopic retinopathy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Körner S, Thau-Habermann N, Kefalakes E, Bursch F, Petri S. Expression of the axon-guidance protein receptor Neuropilin 1 is increased in the spinal cord and decreased in muscle of a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1529-1543. [PMID: 30589468 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disorder. It is supposed that ALS is at least in part an axonopathy. Neuropilin 1 is an important receptor of the axon repellent Semaphorin 3A and a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor. It is probably involved in neuronal and axonal de-/regeneration and might be of high relevance for ALS pathogenesis and/or disease progression. To elucidate whether the expression of either Neuropilin1 or Semaphorin3A is altered in ALS we investigated these proteins in human brain, spinal cord and muscle tissue of ALS-patients and controls as well as transgenic SOD1G93A and control mice. Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A gene and protein expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry. Groups were compared using either Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. We observed a consistent increase of Neuropilin1 expression in the spinal cord and decrease of Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A in muscle tissue of transgenic SOD1G93A mice at the mRNA and protein level. Previous studies have shown that damage of neurons physiologically causes Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A increase in the central nervous system and decrease in the peripheral nervous system. Our results indicate that this also occurs in ALS. Pharmacological modulation of expression and function of axon repellents could be a promising future therapeutic option in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ehrhart J, Sanberg PR, Garbuzova-Davis S. Plasma derived from human umbilical cord blood: Potential cell-additive or cell-substitute therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:6157-6166. [PMID: 30334335 PMCID: PMC6237605 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited efficacy of current therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disease has led to increased interest in alternative therapies. Cord blood plasma (CBP) derived from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) may be a potential therapeutic. Benefits of CBP injection into rodent models of aging or ischaemic stroke have been demonstrated, though how benefits are elicited is still unclear. The present study evaluated various factors within the same samples of CBP and human adult blood plasma/sera (ABP/S). Also, autologous CBP effects vs. ABP/S or foetal bovine serum supplements on mononuclear cells from hUCB (MNC hUCB) in vitro were determined. Results showed significantly low concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and elevated chemokine IL-8 in CBP. Significantly higher levels of VEGF, G-CSF, EGF and FGF-basic growth factors were determined in CBP vs. ABP/S. Autologous CBP media supplements significantly increased MNC hUCB viability and decreased apoptotic cell activity. We are first to demonstrate the unique CBP composition of cytokines and growth factors within the same CBP samples derived from hUCB. Also, our novel finding that autologous CBP promoted MNC hUCB viability and reduced apoptotic cell death in vitro supports CBP's potential as a sole therapeutic or cell-additive agent in developing therapies for various neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Psychiatry, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paré B, Gros-Louis F. Potential skin involvement in ALS: revisiting Charcot's observation - a review of skin abnormalities in ALS. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:551-572. [PMID: 28343168 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis and death. Interestingly, many skin changes have been reported in ALS patients, but never as yet fully explained. These observations could be due to the common embryonic origin of the skin and neural tissue known as the ectodermal germ layer. Following the first observation in ALS patients' skin by Dr Charcot in the 19th century, in the absence of bedsores unlike other bedridden patients, other morphological and molecular changes have been observed. Thus, the skin could be of interest in the study of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes skin changes reported in the literature over the years and discusses about a novel in vitro ALS tissue-engineered skin model, derived from patients, for the study of ALS.
Collapse
|
6
|
Vijayalakshmi K, Ostwal P, Sumitha R, Shruthi S, Varghese AM, Mishra P, Manohari SG, Sagar BC, Sathyaprabha TN, Nalini A, Raju TR, Alladi PA. Role of VEGF and VEGFR2 Receptor in Reversal of ALS-CSF Induced Degeneration of NSC-34 Motor Neuron Cell Line. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:995-1007. [PMID: 24880751 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the well-known angiogenic factor is both neurotrophic and neuroprotective. Altered VEGF signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal degenerative disease of motor neurons. We have shown earlier that VEGF protects NSC-34 motor neuronal cell line, when exposed to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from sporadic ALS patients (ALS-CSF). Here, we have investigated the consequences of ALS-CSF and VEGF supplementation on the VEGFR2 receptor and endogenous VEGF expression. ALS-CSF caused significant down-regulation of VEGFR2 as well as the Calbindin-D28K levels, but not endogenous VEGF. Exogenous supplementation restored the depletion of VEGFR2 and Calbindin-D28K with a concomitant up-regulation of endogenous VEGF. The up-regulated caspase 3 in the ALS-CSF group was reinstated to basal levels along with a significant reduction in the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Electron photomicrographs of ALS-CSF-exposed cells divulged presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles alongside severe damage to organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc. Substantial recovery of most of the damaged organelles was noted in response to VEGF supplementation. While the enhancement in endogenous VEGF levels highlights the autocrine functions, the up-regulation of VEGFR2 receptor emphasizes the paracrine functions of VEGF in modulating its neuroprotective effect against ALS-CSF. The revival of cellular organellar structure, increased calbindin expression and enhanced survival in response to VEGF supplementation consolidates the opinion that VEGF indeed has a therapeutic potential in sporadic ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Vijayalakshmi
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560 029, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Functionally, platelets are primarily recognized as key regulators of thrombosis and hemostasis. Upon vessel injury, the typically quiescent platelet interacts with subendothelial matrix to regulate platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation, with subsequent induction of the coagulation cascade forming a thrombus. Recently, however, newly described roles for platelets in the regulation of angiogenesis have emerged. Platelets possess an armory of pro- and anti-angiogenic proteins, which are actively sequestered and highly organized in α-granule populations. Platelet activation facilitates their release, eliciting potent angiogenic responses through mechanisms that appear to be tightly regulated. In conjunction, the release of platelet-derived phospholipids and microparticles has also earned merit as synergistic regulators of angiogenesis. Consequently, platelets have been functionally implicated in a range of angiogenesis-dependent processes, including physiological roles in wound healing, vascular development and blood/lymphatic vessel separation, whilst facilitating aberrant angiogenesis in a range of diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetic retinopathy. Whilst the underlying mechanisms are only starting to be elucidated, significant insights have been established, suggesting that platelets represent a promising therapeutic strategy in diseases requiring angiogenic modulation. Moreover, anti-platelet therapies targeting thrombotic complications also exert protective effects in disorders characterized by persistent angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony G Walsh
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol , Bristol , UK and
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Boyd JD, Lee P, Feiler MS, Zauur N, Liu M, Concannon J, Ebata A, Wolozin B, Glicksman MA. A high-content screen identifies novel compounds that inhibit stress-induced TDP-43 cellular aggregation and associated cytotoxicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 19:44-56. [PMID: 24019256 DOI: 10.1177/1087057113501553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein found to accumulate in the cytoplasm of brain and spinal cord from patients affected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Nuclear TDP-43 protein regulates transcription through several mechanisms, and under stressed conditions, it forms cytoplasmic aggregates that co-localize with stress granule (SG) proteins in cell culture. These granules are also found in the brain and spinal cord of patients affected with ALS and FTLD. The mechanism through which TDP-43 might contribute to neurodegenerative diseases is poorly understood. To investigate the pathophysiology of TDP-43 aggregation and to isolate potential therapeutic targets, we screened a chemical library of 75,000 compounds using high-content analysis with PC12 cells that inducibly express human TDP-43 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). The screen identified 16 compounds that dose-dependently decreased the TDP-43 inclusions without significant cellular toxicity or changes in total TDP-43 expression levels. To validate the effect, we tested compounds by Western blot analysis and in a Caenorhabditis elegans model that replicates some of the relevant disease phenotypes. The hits from this assay will be useful for elucidating regulation of TDP-43, stress granule response, and possible ALS therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Boyd
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| | - Peter Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Marisa S Feiler
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Nava Zauur
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Min Liu
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| | - John Concannon
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| | - Atsushi Ebata
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Wolozin
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Marcie A Glicksman
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pastor D, Viso-León MC, Botella-López A, Jaramillo-Merchan J, Moraleda JM, Jones J, Martínez S. Bone marrow transplantation in hindlimb muscles of motoneuron degenerative mice reduces neuronal death and improves motor function. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:1633-44. [PMID: 23282201 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow has proved to be an adequate source of stem cells for the treatment of numerous disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Bone marrow can be easily and relatively painlessly extracted from a patient or allogenic donor and then transplanted into the degenerative area. Here, the grafted cells will activate a number of mechanisms in order to protect, repair, and/or regenerate the damaged tissue. These properties make the bone marrow a feasible source for cell therapy. In this work, we transplanted bone marrow cells into a mouse model of motoneuron degeneration, with the particularity of placing the cells in the hindlimb muscles rather than in the spinal cord where neuronal degeneration occurs. To this end, we analyze the possibility for the transplanted cells to increase the survival rate of the spinal cord motoneurons by axonal-guided retrograde neurotrophism. As a result, the mice significantly improved their motor functions. This coincided with an increased number of motoneurons innervating the treated muscle compared with the neurons innervating the non-treated contralateral symmetric muscle. In addition, we detected an increase in glial-derived neurotrophic factor in the spinal cord, a neurotrophic factor known to be involved in the rescue of degenerating motoneurons, exerting a neuroprotective effect. Thus, we have proved that bone marrow injected into the muscles is capable of rescuing these motoneurons from death, which may be a possible therapeutic approach for spinal cord motoneuron degenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pastor
- Sports Science Research Center, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Alicante 03202, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Haigh JJ. Role of VEGF in organogenesis. Organogenesis 2012; 4:247-56. [PMID: 19337405 DOI: 10.4161/org.4.4.7415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Accepted: 08/24/2006] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart, blood vessels and hematopoietic cells, is the first organ system to develop in vertebrates and is essential for providing oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and adult organs. Work done predominantly using the mouse and zebrafish as model systems has demonstrated that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF, also known as VEGFA) and its receptors KDR (FLK1/VEGFR2), FLT1 (VEGFR1), NRP1 and NRP2 play essential roles in many different aspects of cardiovascular development, including endothelial cell differentiation, migration and survival as well as heart formation and hematopoiesis. This review will summarize the approaches taken and conclusions reached in dissecting the role of VEGF signalling in vivo during the development of the early cardiovasculature and other organ systems. The VEGF-mediated assembly of a functional vasculature is also a prerequisite for the proper formation of other organs and for tissue homeostasis, because blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients and vascular endothelium provides inductive signals to other tissues. Particular emphasis will therefore be placed in this review on the cellular interactions between vascular endothelium and developing organ systems, in addition to a discussion of the role of VEGF in modulating the behavior of nonendothelial cell populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jody J Haigh
- Vascular Cell Biology Unit; Department for Molecular Biomedical Research; VIB; Department of Molecular Biology; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li Y, Chigurupati S, Holloway HW, Mughal M, Tweedie D, Bruestle DA, Mattson MP, Wang Y, Harvey BK, Ray B, Lahiri DK, Greig NH. Exendin-4 ameliorates motor neuron degeneration in cellular and animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32008. [PMID: 22384126 PMCID: PMC3285661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), facilitates insulin signaling, and the long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) is currently used as an anti-diabetic drug. GLP-1 receptors are widely expressed in the brain and spinal cord, and our prior studies have shown that Ex-4 is neuroprotective in several neurodegenerative disease rodent models, including stroke, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Here we hypothesized that Ex-4 may provide neuroprotective activity in ALS, and hence characterized Ex-4 actions in both cell culture (NSC-19 neuroblastoma cells) and in vivo (SOD1 G93A mutant mice) models of ALS. Ex-4 proved to be neurotrophic in NSC-19 cells, elevating choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, as well as neuroprotective, protecting cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Additionally, in both wild-type SOD1 and mutant SOD1 (G37R) stably transfected NSC-19 cell lines, Ex-4 protected against trophic factor withdrawal-induced toxicity. To assess in vivo translation, SOD1 mutant mice were administered vehicle or Ex-4 at 6-weeks of age onwards to end-stage disease via subcutaneous osmotic pump to provide steady-state infusion. ALS mice treated with Ex-4 showed improved glucose tolerance and normalization of behavior, as assessed by running wheel, compared to control ALS mice. Furthermore, Ex-4 treatment attenuated neuronal cell death in the lumbar spinal cord; immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the rescue of neuronal markers, such as ChAT, associated with motor neurons. Together, our results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists warrant further evaluation to assess whether their neuroprotective potential is of therapeutic relevance in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Li
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Srinivasulu Chigurupati
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Harold W. Holloway
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Mughal
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David Tweedie
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel A. Bruestle
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark P. Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yun Wang
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Brandon K. Harvey
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Balmiki Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Herrera JJ, Nesic O, Narayana PA. Reduced vascular endothelial growth factor expression in contusive spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2010; 26:995-1003. [PMID: 19257807 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2008.0779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is being investigated as a potential interventional therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI). In the current study, we examined SCI-induced changes in VEGF protein levels using Western blot analysis around the epicenter of injury. Our results indicate a significant decrease in the levels of VEGF(165) and other VEGF isoforms at the lesion epicenter 1 day after injury, which was maintained up to 1 month after injury. We also examined if robust VEGF(165) decrease in injured spinal cords affects neuronal survival, given that a number of reported studies show neuroprotective effect of this VEGF isoform. However, exogenously administered VEGF(165) at the time of injury did not affect the number of sparred neurons. In contrast, exogenous administration of VEGF antibody that inhibits actions of not only VEGF(165) but also of several other VEGF isoforms, significantly decreased number of sparred neurons after SCI. Together these results indicate a general reduction of VEGF isoforms following SCI and that isoforms other than VEGF(165) (e.g., VEGF(121) and/or VEGF(189)) provide neuroprotection, suggesting that VEGF(165) isoform is likely involved in other pathophysiological process after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Herrera
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
ZAYIT-SOUDRY SHIRI, ZEMEL ESTHER, LOEWENSTEIN ANAT, PERLMAN IDO. SAFETY EVALUATION OF REPEATED INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF BEVACIZUMAB AND RANIBIZUMAB IN RABBIT EYES. Retina 2010; 30:671-81. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0b013e3181c0858c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
15
|
Federici T, Boulis NM. Invited review: festschrift edition of neurosurgery peripheral nervous system as a conduit for delivering therapies for diabetic neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and nerve regeneration. Neurosurgery 2010; 65:A87-92. [PMID: 19927084 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000335653.52938.f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe how therapies that promote axonal regeneration and neuronal protection can complement surgery for a successful functional restoration in peripheral nerve disorders. We discuss the advantages of peripheral drug delivery and the role of the neurosurgeon in the precise delivery of molecular therapies to surgically inaccessible structures. Strategies for enhancing uptake and retrograde transport of therapeutics, including gene therapy, are emphasized as conduits for delivery of therapeutics. Finally, candidate therapeutic proteins and genes are discussed in the context of application to degenerative disorders of the nervous system, including nerve injury, peripheral neuropathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Federici
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Miletic H, Niclou SP, Johansson M, Bjerkvig R. Anti-VEGF therapies for malignant glioma: treatment effects and escape mechanisms. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 13:455-68. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220902806444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
17
|
Bogaert E, Van Damme P, Poesen K, Dhondt J, Hersmus N, Kiraly D, Scheveneels W, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. VEGF protects motor neurons against excitotoxicity by upregulation of GluR2. Neurobiol Aging 2009; 31:2185-91. [PMID: 19185395 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Influx of Ca(2+) ions through the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors is toxic to neurons and contributes to motor neuron degeneration observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Ca(2+) permeability of the AMPA receptor depends on its subunit composition. If the GluR2 subunit is present in the receptor complex, the AMPA receptor is impermeable to Ca(2+). In this study, we identified vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) as a GluR2 inducing molecule. Cultured motor neurons pretreated with VEGF displayed higher GluR2 levels. This resulted in AMPA receptor currents with a low relative Ca(2+) permeability and in motor neurons that were less vulnerable to AMPA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. This effect of VEGF was mediated through the VEGFR2 present on the motor neurons and was due to stimulation of GluR2 transcription. Intracerebroventricular treatment with VEGF similarly induced GluR2 expression in the ventral spinal cord of rats and this mechanism contributes to the protective effect of VEGF on motor neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Bogaert
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scharfman HE, MacLusky NJ. Estrogen-growth factor interactions and their contributions to neurological disorders. Headache 2008; 48 Suppl 2:S77-89. [PMID: 18700946 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2008.01200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen has diverse and powerful effects in the brain, including actions on neurons, glia, and the vasculature. It is not surprising, therefore, that there are many changes in the female brain as serum estradiol levels rise and fall during the normal ovarian cycle. At times of life when estradiol levels change dramatically, such as puberty, postpartum, or menopause, there also are dramatic changes in the central nervous system. Changes that occur because of fluctuations in serum estrogen levels are potentially relevant to neurological disorders because symptoms often vary with the time of the ovarian cycle. Moreover, neurological disorders (eg, seizures and migraine) often increase in frequency in women when estradiol levels change. In this review, the contribution of 2 growth factors targeted by estrogen, the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), will be discussed. Estrogen-sensitive response elements are present on the genes for both BDNF and VEGF, and they are potent modulators of neuronal, glial, and vascular function, making them logical candidates to mediate the multitude of effects of estrogen. In addition, BDNF induces neuropeptide Y, which has diverse actions that are relevant to estrogen action and to the same neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Scharfman
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research & New York University School of Medicine, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was initially known as Charcot's sclerosis, named after the French neurobiologist and physician Jean-Martin Charcot who first described this type of muscular atrophy in the early nineteenth century. In the United States, ALS became widely known as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famous baseball player who succumbed to the disease in the late 1930s. Currently, ALS is the most common motor neuron disease, with a worldwide incidence of 8 cases per 100,000 population per year. Familial forms constitute approximately 5% to 10% of all cases. Onset increases with age, with a peak in the seventh decade and a slight preponderance (relative risk, 1.3-1.5) among men compared with women. Rapid progression of motor neuron loss leads to death an average of 3 to 5 years after symptom onset. The cause of ALS remains unknown and there is still no curative therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Raibon
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Box 356465, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chromogranin peptides in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 152:13-21. [PMID: 18721831 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2008.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Revised: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder which primarily affects motor neurons. Eight cases of ALS and seven control cases were studied with semiquantitative immunocytochemistry for chromogranin A, chromogranin B and secretogranin II that are soluble constituents of large dense core vesicles, synaptophysin as a membrane protein of small synaptic vesicles and superoxide dismutase 1. Among the chromogranin peptides, the number and staining intensity of motor neurons was highest for chromogranin A. In ALS, the staining intensity for chromogranin peptides and synaptophysin was significantly lower in the ventral horn of ALS patients due to a loss in immunoreactive motor neurons, varicose fibers and varicosities. For all chromogranins, the remaining motor neurons displayed a characteristic staining pattern consisting of an intracellular accumulation of immunoreactivity with a high staining intensity. Confocal microscopy of motor neurons revealed that superoxide dismutase 1-immunopositive intracellular aggregates also contained chromogranin A, chromogranin B and secretogranin II. These findings indicate that there is a loss of small and large dense core vesicles in presynaptic terminals. The intracellular co-occurrence of superoxide dismutase 1 and chromogranins may suggest a functional interaction between these proteins. This study should prompt further experiments to elucidate the role of chromogranins in ALS patients.
Collapse
|
21
|
Schiera G, Proia P, Alberti C, Mineo M, Savettieri G, Di Liegro I. Neurons produce FGF2 and VEGF and secrete them at least in part by shedding extracellular vesicles. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 11:1384-94. [PMID: 18205708 PMCID: PMC4401300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that neurons are able to affect the ability of brain capillary endothelial cells to form in vitro a monolayer with properties resembling the blood-brain barrier. We then looked, by immunofluorescence and western analysis, for factors, produced by neurons, with the potential to influence growth and differentiation of endothelial cells. In the present paper, we report that neurons produce both vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2, two well-known angiogenic factors. More interestingly, we gained evidence that both factors are released by neurons, at least in part, by shedding of extracellular vesicles, that contain beta1 integrin, a membrane protein already known to be part of extracellular vesicles released by tumour cells. Shedding of extracellular vesicles by neurons was also confirmed by scanner electron microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Schiera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
TNF receptor I sensitizes neurons to erythropoietin- and VEGF-mediated neuroprotection after ischemic and excitotoxic injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:6185-90. [PMID: 18413601 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0801447105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CNS neurons use robust cytoprotective mechanisms to ensure survival and functioning under conditions of injury. These involve pathways induced by endogenous neuroprotective cytokines such as erythropoietin (EPO). Recently, in contrast to its well known deleterious roles, TNF has also been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which TNF receptor (TNFR)I mediates neuroprotection by comparing the gene expression profiles of lesioned cortex from WT and TNFRI KO mice after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Several known neuroprotective molecules were identified as TNFRI targets, notably members of the Bcl-2 family, DNA repair machinery and cell cycle, developmental, and differentiation factors, neurotransmitters and growth factors, as well as their receptors, including EPO receptor (EPOR), VEGF, colony-stimulating factor receptor 1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). Further analysis showed that induction of EPOR and VEGF expression in primary cortical neurons after glucose deprivation (GD) largely depended on TNFRI and was further up-regulated by TNF. Also, EPO- and VEGF-induced neuroprotection against GD, oxygen-glucose deprivation, and NMDA excitotoxicity depended significantly on TNFRI presence. Finally, EPO prevented neuronal damage induced by kainic acid in WT but not TNFRI KO mice. Our results identify cross-talk between tissue protective cytokines, specifically that TNFRI is necessary for constitutive and GD-induced expression of EPOR and VEGF and for EPO-mediated neuroprotection.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wu D, Yu W, Kishikawa H, Folkerth RD, Iafrate AJ, Shen Y, Xin W, Sims K, Hu GF. Angiogenin loss-of-function mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2008; 62:609-17. [PMID: 17886298 PMCID: PMC2776820 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Heterozygous missense mutations in the coding region of angiogenin (ANG), an angiogenic ribonuclease, have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. However, the role of ANG in motor neuron physiology and the functional consequences of these mutations are unknown. We searched for new mutations and sought to define the functional consequences of these mutations. METHODS We sequenced the coding region of ANG in an independent cohort of North American ALS patients. Identified ANG mutations were then characterized using functional assays of angiogenesis, ribonucleolysis, and nuclear translocation. We also examined expression of ANG in normal human fetal and adult spinal cords. RESULTS We identified four mutations in the coding region of ANG from 298 ALS patients. Three of these mutations are present in the mature protein. Among the four mutations, P(-4)S, S28N, and P112L are novel, and K17I has been reported previously. Functional assays show that these ANG mutations result in complete loss of function. The mutant ANG proteins are unable to induce angiogenesis because of a deficiency in ribonuclease activity, nuclear translocation, or both. As a correlate, we demonstrate strong ANG expression in both endothelial cells and motor neurons of normal human spinal cords from the developing fetus and adult. INTERPRETATION We provide the first evidence that ANG mutations, identified in ALS patients, are associated with functional loss of ANG activity. Moreover, strong ANG expression, in normal human fetal and adult spinal cord neurons and endothelial cells, confirms the plausibility of ANG dysfunction being relevant to the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Wu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
McCloskey DP, Hintz TM, Scharfman HE. Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in motor neurons and its electrophysiological effects. Brain Res Bull 2007; 76:36-44. [PMID: 18395608 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2007] [Revised: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/30/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that VEGF expression in forebrain increases after experimental manipulations that increase neuronal activity. One question is whether this also occurs in motor neurons. If so, it could be potentially advantageous from a therapeutic perspective, because VEGF prevents motor neuron degeneration. Therefore, we asked whether endogenous VEGF expression in motor neurons could be modulated. We also asked how VEGF exposure would influence motor neurons using electrophysiology. Immunocytochemistry showed that motor neuron VEGF expression increased after a stimulus that increases neuronal and motor activity, i.e., convulsive seizures. The increase in VEGF immunoreactivity occurred in all motor neuron populations that were examined 24h later. This effect was unlikely to be due to seizure-induced toxicity, because silver degeneration stain did not show the typical appearance of a dying or dead neuron. To address the effects of VEGF on motor neuron function, VEGF was applied directly to motor neurons while recording intracellularly, using a brainstem slice preparation. Exposure to exogenous VEGF (200 ng/ml) in normal conditions depressed stimulus-evoked depolarization of hypoglossal motor neurons. There was no detectable effect of VEGF on membrane properties or firing behavior. We suggest that VEGF is upregulated in neurons when they are strongly activated, and VEGF depresses neuronal excitation as a compensatory mechanism. Failure of this mechanism may contribute to diseases that involve a dysregulation of VEGF, excessive excitation of motor neurons, and motor neuron loss, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P McCloskey
- The College of Staten Island-CUNY, Staten Island, NY, United States; Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lu L, Zheng L, Viera L, Suswam E, Li Y, Li X, Estévez AG, King PH. Mutant Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis destabilizes vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and downregulates its expression. J Neurosci 2007; 27:7929-38. [PMID: 17652584 PMCID: PMC6672720 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1877-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a neuroprotective role in mice harboring mutations of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Conversely, the loss of VEGF expression through genetic depletion can give rise to a phenotype resembling ALS independent of SOD1 mutations. Here, we observe a profound downregulation of VEGF mRNA expression in spinal cords of G93A SOD1 mice that occurred early in the course of the disease. Using an in vitro culture model of glial cells expressing mutant SOD1, we demonstrate destabilization and downregulation of VEGF RNA with concomitant loss of protein expression that correlates with level of transgene expression. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we show that this molecular effect is mediated through a portion of the VEGF 3'-untranslated region (UTR) that harbors a class II adenylate/uridylate-rich element. Other mutant forms of SOD1 produced a similar negative effect on luciferase RNA and protein expression. Mobility shift assay with a VEGF 3'-UTR probe reveals an aberrantly migrating complex that contains mutant SOD1. We further show that the RNA stabilizing protein, HuR (human antigen R), is translocated from nucleus to cytoplasm in mutant SOD1 cells in vitro and mouse motor neurons in vivo. In summary, our data suggest that mutant SOD1 gains a novel function, possibly by altering the ribonucleoprotein complex with the VEGF 3'-UTR. We postulate that the resultant dysregulation of VEGF posttranscriptional processing critically reduces the level of this neuroprotective growth factor and accelerates the neurodegenerative process in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Lu
- Departments of Neurology
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35295, and
| | | | - Liliana Viera
- Laboratory of Motor Neuron Biology, Burke Medical Research Institute
| | | | - Yanyan Li
- Departments of Neurology
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35295, and
| | - Xuelin Li
- Departments of Neurology
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35295, and
| | - Alvaro G. Estévez
- Laboratory of Motor Neuron Biology, Burke Medical Research Institute
- Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, New York 10605
| | - Peter H. King
- Departments of Neurology
- Genetics, and
- Physiology and Biophysics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, and
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama 35295, and
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carnesecchi S, Carpentier JL, Foti M, Szanto I. Insulin-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression is mediated by the NADPH oxidase NOX3. Exp Cell Res 2006; 312:3413-24. [PMID: 16949073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Revised: 06/24/2006] [Accepted: 07/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent stimulatory factor of angiogenesis. Its expression is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypoxic conditions and by insulin in normoxic cells. Both ROS and insulin can activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and induce the transcriptional factor Sp1, components that are essential for VEGF gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ROS producing NADPH oxidase enzymes (NOX-es) in insulin-regulated VEGF gene activation. To achieve this goal we chose HepG2 cells as our model system as these cells express the NADPH oxidase isoform NOX3 and respond to insulin stimulation with enhanced ROS production and mRNA transcription and production of VEGF. We demonstrate that in control cells insulin stimulation leads to H2O2 generation, a biphasic activation of p42/44 MAPK and the induction of both Sp1 and HIF-1alpha. Transfection of NOX3-specific siRNA abrogates H2O2 production and inhibits exclusively the second phase of p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation and Sp1 DNA binding and thus prevents upregulation of VEGF-A mRNA expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that NOX3, a ROS generating NADPH oxidase, plays an integral role in insulin-induced p42/44 MAPK signal transmission and VEGF-A production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Carnesecchi
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lambrechts D, Carmeliet P. VEGF at the neurovascular interface: therapeutic implications for motor neuron disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1762:1109-21. [PMID: 16784838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Revised: 04/21/2006] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
VEGF was discovered almost 25 years ago, and its angiogenic activity has been extensively studied ever since. Accumulating evidence indicates, however, that VEGF also has direct effects on neuronal cells. VEGF exerts neuroprotective effects on various cultured neurons of the central nervous system. In vivo, VEGF controls the correct migration of facial branchiomotor neurons in the developing hindbrain and stimulates the proliferation of neural stem cells in enriched environments and after cerebral ischemia. Transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of VEGF develop late-onset motor neuron degeneration, reminiscent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), whereas reduced levels of VEGF have been implicated in a polyglutamine-induced model of motor neuron degeneration. Recent data further reveal that intracerebroventricular delivery of recombinant VEGF protein delays disease onset and prolongs survival of ALS rats, whereas intramuscular administration of a VEGF-expressing lentiviral vector increases the life expectancy of ALS mice by as much as 30%. Deciphering the precise role of VEGF at the neurovascular interface promises to uncover new insights into the development and pathology of the nervous system, helpful to design novel strategies to treat (motor) neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diether Lambrechts
- Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Flanders Interuniversitary Institute for Biotechnology, KULeuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The growth of blood vessels (a process known as angiogenesis) is essential for organ growth and repair. An imbalance in this process contributes to numerous malignant, inflammatory, ischaemic, infectious and immune disorders. Recently, the first anti-angiogenic agents have been approved for the treatment of cancer and blindness. Angiogenesis research will probably change the face of medicine in the next decades, with more than 500 million people worldwide predicted to benefit from pro- or anti-angiogenesis treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Carmeliet
- Center of Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, University of Leuven, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MND), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), are progressive neurodegenerative diseases that share the common characteristic of upper and/or lower motor neuron degeneration. Therapeutic strategies for MND are designed to confer neuroprotection, using trophic factors, anti-apoptotic proteins, as well as antioxidants and anti-excitotoxicity agents. Although a large number of therapeutic clinical trials have been attempted, none has been shown satisfactory for MND at this time. A variety of strategies have emerged for motor neuron gene transfer. Application of these approaches has yielded therapeutic results in cell culture and animal models, including the SOD1 models of ALS. In this study we describe the gene-based treatment of MND in general, examining the potential viral vector candidates, gene delivery strategies, and main therapeutic approaches currently attempted. Finally, we discuss future directions and potential strategies for more effective motor neuron gene delivery and clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Federici
- Department of Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, NB2-126A, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vermeiren C, Hemptinne I, Vanhoutte N, Tilleux S, Maloteaux JM, Hermans E. Loss of metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated regulation of glutamate transport in chemically activated astrocytes in a rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurochem 2005; 96:719-31. [PMID: 16371010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03577.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a selective loss of motor neurones accompanied by intense gliosis in lesioned areas of the brain and spinal cord. Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity resulting from impaired astroglial uptake constitutes one of the current pathophysiological hypotheses explaining the progression of the disease. In this study, we examined the regulation of glutamate transporters by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5) in activated astrocytes derived from transgenic rats carrying an ALS-related mutated human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1(G93A)) transgene. Cells from transgenic animals and wild-type littermates showed similar expression of glutamate-aspartate transporter and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) after in vitro activation, whereas cells carrying the hSOD1 mutation showed a three-fold higher expression of functional mGluR5, as observed in the spinal cord of end-stage animals. In cells from wild-type animals, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) caused an immediate protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent up-regulation of aspartate uptake that reflected the activation of GLT-1. Although this effect was mimicked in both cultures by direct activation of PKC using phorbol myristate acetate, DHPG failed to up-regulate aspartate uptake in cells derived from the transgenic rats. The failure of activated mGluR5 to increase glutamate uptake in astrocytes derived from this animal model of ALS supports the theory of glutamate excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Vermeiren
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Expérimentale, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Thil MA, Vince V, Veraart C, Delbeke J, Colin IM. Nitric oxide synthases II and III and vascular endothelial growth factor are up-regulated in sciatic nerve after spiral cuff electrode implantation. J Neuroimmunol 2005; 166:158-66. [PMID: 16038988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2005] [Accepted: 06/08/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nerve cuff electrodes, commonly used in functional electrical stimulation systems, induce local morphological changes that can affect nerve functionality. Nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have both neural and vascular effects. We investigated the time-dependent regulation of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and of VEGF after implantation of spiral cuff electrode around rat sciatic nerve. NOSIII as well as VEGF were up-regulated in both epineurial and endoneurial compartments in cuff-implanted animals along with microvascular changes. Our results suggest that VEGF and NO are implied in morphological and functional alterations occurring in the early time after cuff implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Thil
- Laboratoire de Génie de la Réabilitation Neurale, Medical School, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Magnusson C, Svensson A, Christerson U, Tågerud S. Denervation-induced alterations in gene expression in mouse skeletal muscle. Eur J Neurosci 2005; 21:577-80. [PMID: 15673457 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.03855.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Motoneurons are important for regulating the function and properties of skeletal muscle. In the present study high-density oligonucleotide arrays have been used to compare gene expression in innervated and six-days denervated NMRI mouse skeletal muscle. To avoid looking at genes mainly participating in the process of atrophy, both hind-limb muscles (atrophic after denervation) and hemidiaphragm muscle (transiently hypertrophic after denervation) were used. Only genes previously not known to respond to denervation and with potential roles in DNA/RNA interactions/transcription and/or cellular communication/signalling are presented. Data for additional genes are provided as supplementary material. Thirty-two genes, up-regulated by a factor of two or down-regulated to the same extent after denervation, are presented. These include genes that may act through chromatin remodelling and/or as transcription factors/regulators (Cdkn1a, Cdr2, Hrmt1l2, Idb2, Myc/c-myc, L-myc1, Rb1, Sap30 and Tgif), genes possibly involved in the regulation of muscle membrane properties and/or excitation-contraction coupling (Cacng1, Camk2d, Hrmt1l2, Kcnj12, Kcna7 and Rrad) and genes potentially involved in neuromuscular interactions and/or receptor signalling (Acvr2b, Adam19, D0H4S114, Kai1, Maged1, Mt2, Prkcabp, Ptp4a3, Ramp1, Rras, Timp1, Vegfa and Zfp145). A set of five genes with altered expression after denervation (Fzd9, Nr4a1, Frat2, Ctgf and Cyr61) indicate that Wnt signalling may be reduced in denervated skeletal muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Magnusson
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, University of Kalmar, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|