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Zhang S, Zhao J, Sha WM, Zhang XP, Mai JY, Bartlett PF, Hou ST. Inhibition of EphA4 reduces vasogenic edema after experimental stroke in mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier integrity. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:419-433. [PMID: 37871622 PMCID: PMC10870966 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231209607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral vasogenic edema, a severe complication of ischemic stroke, aggravates neurological deficits. However, therapeutics to reduce cerebral edema still represent a significant unmet medical need. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), vital for maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB), represent the first defense barrier for vasogenic edema. Here, we analyzed the proteomic profiles of the cultured mouse BMECs during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R). Besides the extensively altered cytoskeletal proteins, ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EphA4) expressions and its activated phosphorylated form p-EphA4 were significantly increased. Blocking EphA4 using EphA4-Fc, a specific and well-tolerated inhibitor shown in our ongoing human phase I trial, effectively reduced OGD/R-induced BMECs contraction and tight junction damage. EphA4-Fc did not protect OGD/R-induced neuronal and astrocytic death. However, administration of EphA4-Fc, before or after the onset of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), reduced brain edema by about 50%, leading to improved neurological function recovery. The BBB permeability test also confirmed that cerebral BBB integrity was well maintained in tMCAO brains treated with EphA4-Fc. Therefore, EphA4 was critical in signaling BMECs-mediated BBB breakdown and vasogenic edema during cerebral ischemia. EphA4-Fc is promising for the treatment of clinical post-stroke edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wei-Meng Sha
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Pei Zhang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Yuan Mai
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Perry F Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sheng-Tao Hou
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
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Li Q, Huang L, Ding Y, Sherchan P, Peng W, Zhang JH. Recombinant Slit2 suppresses neuroinflammation and Cdc42-mediated brain infiltration of peripheral immune cells via Robo1-srGAP1 pathway in a rat model of germinal matrix hemorrhage. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:249. [PMID: 37899442 PMCID: PMC10613398 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02935-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a devastating neonatal stroke, in which neuroinflammation is a critical pathological contributor. Slit2, a secreted extracellular matrix protein, plays a repulsive role in axon guidance and leukocyte chemotaxis via the roundabout1 (Robo1) receptor. This study aimed to explore effects of recombinant Slit2 on neuroinflammation and the underlying mechanism in a rat model of GMH. METHODS GMH was induced by stereotactically infusing 0.3 U of bacterial collagenase into the germinal matrix of 7-day-old Sprague Dawley rats. Recombinant Slit2 or its vehicle was administered intranasally at 1 h after GMH and daily for 3 consecutive days. A decoy receptor recombinant Robo1 was co-administered with recombinant Slit2 after GMH. Slit2 siRNA, srGAP1 siRNA or the scrambled sequences were administered intracerebroventricularly 24 h before GMH. Neurobehavior, brain water content, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and Cdc42 activity assays were performed. RESULTS The endogenous brain Slit2 and Robo1 expressions were increased after GMH. Robo1 was expressed on neuron, astrocytes and infiltrated peripheral immune cells in the brain. Endogenous Slit2 knockdown by Slit2 siRNA exacerbated brain edema and neurological deficits following GMH. Recombinant Slit2 (rSlit2) reduced neurological deficits, proinflammatory cytokines, intercellular adhesion molecules, peripheral immune cell markers, neuronal apoptosis and Cdc42 activity in the brain tissue after GMH. The anti-neuroinflammation effects were reversed by recombinant Robo1 co-administration or srGAP1 siRNA. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant Slit2 reduced neuroinflammation and neuron apoptosis after GMH. Its anti-neuroinflammation effects by suppressing onCdc42-mediated brain peripheral immune cells infiltration was at least in part via Robo1-srGAP1 pathway. These results imply that recombinant Slit2 may have potentials as a therapeutic option for neonatal brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Access Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 120 Longshan Access Rd, Yubei District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Wenjie Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Access Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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Liu X, Xiao G, Wang Y, Shang T, Li Z, Wang H, Pu L, He S, Shao R, Orgah JO, Zhu Y. Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill facilitates post-stroke recovery of motion and memory loss by modulating ICAM-1-mediated neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Chen DY, Sun NH, Lu YP, Hong LJ, Cui TT, Wang CK, Chen XH, Wang SS, Feng LL, Shi WX, Fukunaga K, Chen Z, Lu YM, Han F. GPR124 facilitates pericyte polarization and migration by regulating the formation of filopodia during ischemic injury. Theranostics 2019; 9:5937-5955. [PMID: 31534530 PMCID: PMC6735362 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged occlusion of multiple microvessels causes microvascular injury. G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124) has been reported to be required for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier integrity. However, the molecular mechanisms by which GPR124 regulates pericytes during ischemia have remained elusive. Methods: A microsphere embolism-induced ischemia model was used to evaluate the expression of GPR124 following microsphere embolism. Immunocytochemistry and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy imaging were used to assess the expression and distribution of GPR124 in human brain vascular pericytes (HBVPs) and after the treatment with 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The effect of GPR124 knockdown or overexpression on HBVP migration was analyzed in vitro using wound healing assays and a microfluidic device. GPR124 loss-of-function studies were performed in HBVPs and HEK293 cells using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene deletion. Time-lapse imaging was used to assess dynamic changes in the formation of filopodia in an individual cell. Finally, to explore the functional domains required for GPR124 activity, deletion mutants were constructed for each of the N-terminal domains. Results: GPR124 expression was increased in pericytes following microsphere embolism. Morphological analysis showed localization of GPR124 to focal adhesions where GPR124 bound directly to the actin binding protein vinculin and upregulated Cdc42. SIN-1 or OGD treatment redistributed GPR124 to the leading edges of HBVPs where GPR124 signaling was required for pericyte filopodia formation and directional migration. Partial deletion of GPR124 domains decreased SIN-1-induced filopodia formation and cell migration. Conclusion: Taken together, our results provide the first evidence for a role of GPR124 in pericyte migration under ischemic conditions and suggest that GPR124 was essential for Cdc42 activation and filopodia formation.
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Raghavan A, Shah ZA. Withania somnifera Improves Ischemic Stroke Outcomes by Attenuating PARP1-AIF-Mediated Caspase-Independent Apoptosis. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:1093-1105. [PMID: 25294638 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Withania somnifera (WS), popularly known as "Ashwagandha" has been used for centuries as a nerve tonic. Its protective effect has been elucidated in many neurodegenerative pathologies, although there is a paucity of data regarding its effects in ischemic stroke. We examined the neuroprotective properties of an aqueous extract of WS in both pre- and poststroke treatment regimens in a mouse model of permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). WS (200 mg/kg) improved functional recovery and significantly reduced the infarct volume in mice, when compared to those treated with vehicle, in both paradigms. We investigated the protective mechanism/s induced by WS using brain cortices by testing its ability to modulate the expression of key proteins in the ischemic-apoptotic cascade. The Western blots and immunofluorescence analyses of mice cortices revealed that WS upregulated the expression of hemeoxygenase 1 (HO1) and attenuated the expression of the proapoptotic protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) via the PARP1-AIF pathway, thus preventing the nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and subsequent apoptosis. Semaphorin-3A (Sema3A) expression was reduced in WS-treated group, whereas Wnt, pGSK3β, and pCRMP2 expression levels were virtually unaltered. These results indicate the interplay of antioxidant-antiapoptic pathways and the possible involvement of angiogenesis in the protective mechanism of WS while emphasizing the noninvolvement of one of the prime pathways of neurogenesis. Our results suggest that WS could be a potential prophylactic as well as a therapeutic agent aiding stroke repair, and that part of its mechanism could be attributed to its antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Raghavan
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, USA.
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Jickling GC, Liu D, Ander BP, Stamova B, Zhan X, Sharp FR. Targeting neutrophils in ischemic stroke: translational insights from experimental studies. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:888-901. [PMID: 25806703 PMCID: PMC4640255 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2015.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils have key roles in ischemic brain injury, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. As such, neutrophils are of great interest as targets to treat and prevent ischemic stroke. After stroke, neutrophils respond rapidly promoting blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and brain injury. A surge of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species, proteases, and cytokines are released as neutrophils interact with cerebral endothelium. Neutrophils also are linked to the major processes that cause ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Thrombosis is promoted through interactions with platelets, clotting factors, and release of prothrombotic molecules. In atherosclerosis, neutrophils promote plaque formation and rupture by generating oxidized-low density lipoprotein, enhancing monocyte infiltration, and degrading the fibrous cap. In experimental studies targeting neutrophils can improve stroke. However, early human studies have been met with challenges, and suggest that selective targeting of neutrophils may be required. Several properties of neutrophil are beneficial and thus may important to preserve in patients with stroke including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen C Jickling
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - DaZhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Bradley P Ander
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Boryana Stamova
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Xinhua Zhan
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Frank R Sharp
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Hou ST, Nilchi L, Li X, Gangaraju S, Jiang SX, Aylsworth A, Monette R, Slinn J. Semaphorin3A elevates vascular permeability and contributes to cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7890. [PMID: 25601765 PMCID: PMC4298747 DOI: 10.1038/srep07890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) increased significantly in mouse brain following cerebral ischemia. However, the role of Sema3A in stroke brain remains unknown. Our aim was to determine wether Sema3A functions as a vascular permeability factor and contributes to ischemic brain damage. Recombinant Sema3A injected intradermally to mouse skin, or stereotactically into the cerebral cortex, caused dose- and time-dependent increases in vascular permeability, with a degree comparable to that caused by injection of a known vascular permeability factor vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGF). Application of Sema3A to cultured endothelial cells caused disorganization of F-actin stress fibre bundles and increased endothelial monolayer permeability, confirming Sema3A as a permeability factor. Sema3A-mediated F-actin changes in endothelial cells were through binding to the neuropilin2/VEGFR1 receptor complex, which in turn directly activates Mical2, a F-actin modulator. Down-regulation of Mical2, using specific siRNA, alleviated Sema3A-induced F-actin disorganization, cellular morphology changes and endothelial permeability. Importantly, ablation of Sema3A expression, cerebrovascular permeability and brain damage were significantly reduced in response to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/haemorrhagic transformation. Together, these studies demonstrated that Sema3A is a key mediator of cerebrovascular permeability and contributes to brain damage caused by cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Tao Hou
- 1] Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, P.R. China, 518055 [2] Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [3] Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Ladan Nilchi
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [2] Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Xuesheng Li
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [2] Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Sandhya Gangaraju
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Susan X Jiang
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Amy Aylsworth
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Robert Monette
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Slinn
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M54, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
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