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Rivera O, Sharma M, Dagar S, Shahani N, Ramĺrez-Jarquĺn UN, Crynen G, Karunadharma P, McManus F, Bonneil E, Pierre T, Subramaniam S. Rhes, a striatal enriched protein, regulates post-translational small-ubiquitin-like-modifier (SUMO) modification of nuclear proteins and alters gene expression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:169. [PMID: 38589732 PMCID: PMC11001699 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05181-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Rhes (Ras homolog enriched in the striatum), a multifunctional protein that regulates striatal functions associated with motor behaviors and neurological diseases, can shuttle from cell to cell via the formation of tunneling-like nanotubes (TNTs). However, the mechanisms by which Rhes mediates diverse functions remain unclear. Rhes is a small GTPase family member which contains a unique C-terminal Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) E3-like domain that promotes SUMO post-translational modification of proteins (SUMOylation) by promoting "cross-SUMOylation" of the SUMO enzyme SUMO E1 (Aos1/Uba2) and SUMO E2 ligase (Ubc-9). Nevertheless, the identity of the SUMO substrates of Rhes remains largely unknown. Here, by combining high throughput interactome and SUMO proteomics, we report that Rhes regulates the SUMOylation of nuclear proteins that are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Rhes increased the SUMOylation of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and histone 2B, while decreasing SUMOylation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (HNRNPM), protein polybromo-1 (PBRM1) and E3 SUMO-protein ligase (PIASy). We also found that Rhes itself is SUMOylated at 6 different lysine residues (K32, K110, K114, K120, K124, and K245). Furthermore, Rhes regulated the expression of genes involved in cellular morphogenesis and differentiation in the striatum, in a SUMO-dependent manner. Our findings thus provide evidence for a previously undescribed role for Rhes in regulating the SUMOylation of nuclear targets and in orchestrating striatal gene expression via SUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Manish Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Sunayana Dagar
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Neelam Shahani
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Uri Nimrod Ramĺrez-Jarquĺn
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
- National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico, USA
| | - Gogce Crynen
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Core, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Pabalu Karunadharma
- Genomic Core, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Francis McManus
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Bonneil
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Thibault Pierre
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Srinivasa Subramaniam
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, 3009 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
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Li X, You J, Pan Y, Song C, Li H, Ji X, Liang F. Effective Regulation of Auditory Processing by Parvalbumin Interneurons in the Tail of the Striatum. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1171232023. [PMID: 38296650 PMCID: PMC10860494 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1171-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the auditory cortex (AC) play a crucial role in shaping auditory processing, including receptive field formation, temporal precision enhancement, and gain regulation. PV interneurons are also the primary inhibitory neurons in the tail of the striatum (TS), which is one of the major descending brain regions in the auditory nervous system. However, the specific roles of TS-PV interneurons in auditory processing remain elusive. In this study, morphological and slice recording experiments in both male and female mice revealed that TS-PV interneurons, compared with AC-PV interneurons, were present in fewer numbers but exhibited longer projection distances, which enabled them to provide sufficient inhibitory inputs to spiny projection neurons (SPNs). Furthermore, TS-PV interneurons received dense auditory input from both the AC and medial geniculate body (MGB), particularly from the MGB, which rendered their auditory responses comparable to those of AC-PV interneurons. Optogenetic manipulation experiments demonstrated that TS-PV interneurons were capable of bidirectionally regulating the auditory responses of SPNs. Our findings suggest that PV interneurons can effectively modulate auditory processing in the TS and may play a critical role in auditory-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiapeng You
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yidi Pan
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
| | - Changbao Song
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
| | - Haifu Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
| | - Xuying Ji
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Feixue Liang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macaoh Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220 China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Subramaniam S, Boregowda S. Curbing Rhes Actions: Mechanism-based Molecular Target for Huntington's Disease and Tauopathies. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:21-29. [PMID: 36959146 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230320103518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
A highly interconnected network of diverse brain regions is necessary for the precise execution of human behaviors, including cognitive, psychiatric, and motor functions. Unfortunately, degeneration of specific brain regions causes several neurodegenerative disorders, but the mechanisms that elicit selective neuronal vulnerability remain unclear. This knowledge gap greatly hinders the development of effective mechanism-based therapies, despite the desperate need for new treatments. Here, we emphasize the importance of the Rhes (Ras homolog-enriched in the striatum) protein as an emerging therapeutic target. Rhes, an atypical small GTPase with a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) E3-ligase activity, modulates biological processes such as dopaminergic transmission, alters gene expression, and acts as an inhibitor of motor stimuli in the brain striatum. Mutations in the Rhes gene have also been identified in selected patients with autism and schizophrenia. Moreover, Rhes SUMOylates pathogenic form of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) and tau, enhancing their solubility and cell toxicity in Huntington's disease and tauopathy models. Notably, Rhes uses membrane projections resembling tunneling nanotubes to transport mHTT between cells and Rhes deletion diminishes mHTT spread in the brain. Thus, we predict that effective strategies aimed at diminishing brain Rhes levels will prevent or minimize the abnormalities that occur in HD and tauopathies and potentially in other brain disorders. We review the emerging technologies that enable specific targeting of Rhes in the brain to develop effective disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Subramaniam
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, C323, Florida, Jupiter, 33458, USA
| | - Siddaraju Boregowda
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, C323, Florida, Jupiter, 33458, USA
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Zhao K, Bai X, Wang X, Cao Y, Zhang L, Li W, Wang S. Insight on the hub gene associated signatures and potential therapeutic agents in epilepsy and glioma. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110666. [PMID: 37192718 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relationship between epilepsy and glioma has long been widely recognized, but the mechanisms of interaction remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the shared genetic signature and treatment strategies between epilepsy and glioma. METHODS We subjected hippocampal tissue samples from patients with epilepsy and glioma to transcriptomic analysis to identify differential genes and associated pathways, respectively. Weight gene co-expression network (WGCNA) analysis was performed to identify conserved modules in epilepsy and glioma and to obtain differentially expressed conserved genes. Prognostic and diagnostic models were built using lasso regression. We also focused on building transcription factor-gene interaction networks and assessing the proportion of immune invading cells in epilepsy patients. Finally, drug compounds were inferred using a drug signature database (DSigDB) based on core targets. RESULTS We discovered 88 differently conserved genes, most of which are involved in synaptic signaling and calcium ion pathways. We used lasso regression model to reduce 88 characteristic genes, and finally screened out 14 genes (EIF4A2, CEP170B, SNPH, EPHA4, KLK7, GNG3, MYOP, ANKRD29, RASD2, PRRT3, EFR3A, SGIP1, RAB6B, CNNM1) as the features of glioma prognosis model whose ROC curve is 0.9. Then, we developed a diagnosis model for epilepsy patients using 8 genes (PRRT3, RASD2, MYPOP, CNNM1, ANKRD29, GNG3, SGIP1, KLK7) with area under ROC curve (AUC) values near 1. According to the ssGSEA method, we observed an increase in activated B cells, eosinophils, follicular helper T cells and type 2T helper cells, and a decrease in monocytes in patients with epilepsy. Notably, the great majority of these immune cells showed a negative correlation with hub genes. To reveal the transcriptional-level regulation mechanism, we also built a TF-gene network. In addition, we discovered that patients with glioma-related epilepsy may benefit more from gabapentin and pregabalin. CONCLUSION This study reveals the modular conserved phenotypes of epilepsy and glioma and constructs effective diagnostic and prognostic markers. It provides new biological targets and ideas for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Institute of Brain Trauma and Neurology, Pingjin Hospital, Characteristic Medical Center of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Xuexue Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Yiyao Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Shiyong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China.
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Jabłońska M, Grzelakowska K, Wiśniewski B, Mazur E, Leis K, Gałązka P. Pridopidine in the treatment of Huntington's disease. Rev Neurosci 2021; 31:441-451. [PMID: 32083454 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a highly common inherited monogenic neurodegenerative disease, and the gene responsible for its development is located in the 4p16.3 chromosome. The product of that gene mutation is an abnormal huntingtin (Htt) protein that disrupts the neural conduction, thus leading to motor and cognitive disorders. The disease progresses to irreversible changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Although only a few drugs are available to symptomatic treatment, 'dopamine stabilizers' (as represented by the pridopidine) may be the new treatment options. The underlying causes of HD are dopaminergic conduction disorders. Initially, the disease is hyperkinetic (chorea) until it eventually reaches the hypokinetic phase. Studies confirmed a correlation between the amount of dopamine in the CNS and the stage of the disease. Pridopidine has the capacity to be a dopamine buffer, which could increase or decrease the dopamine content depending on the disease phase. A research carried out on animal models demonstrated the protective effect of pridopidine on nerve cells thanks to its ability to alter the cortical glutamatergic signaling through the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Studies on dopamine stabilizers also reported that pridopidine has a 100-fold greater affinity for the sigma-1 receptor than for the D2 receptor. Disturbances in the activity of sigma-1 receptors occur in neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. Their interaction with pridopidine results in the neuroprotective effect, which is manifested as an increase in the plasticity of synaptic neurons and prevention of their atrophy within the striatum. To determine the effectiveness of pridopidine in the treatment of HD, large multicenter randomized studies such as HART, MermaiHD, and PRIDE-HD were carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Jabłońska
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Klaudyna Grzelakowska
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Wiśniewski
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Mazur
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Kamil Leis
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Przemysław Gałązka
- Department of General and Oncological Pediatric Surgery, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Serra M, Pinna A, Costa G, Usiello A, Pasqualetti M, Avallone L, Morelli M, Napolitano F. Involvement of the Protein Ras Homolog Enriched in the Striatum, Rhes, in Dopaminergic Neurons' Degeneration: Link to Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105326. [PMID: 34070217 PMCID: PMC8158741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhes is one of the most interesting genes regulated by thyroid hormones that, through the inhibition of the striatal cAMP/PKA pathway, acts as a modulator of dopamine neurotransmission. Rhes mRNA is expressed at high levels in the dorsal striatum, with a medial-to-lateral expression gradient reflecting that of both dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A receptors. Rhes transcript is also present in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, olfactory tubercle and bulb, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area of the rodent brain. In line with Rhes-dependent regulation of dopaminergic transmission, data showed that lack of Rhes enhanced cocaine- and amphetamine-induced motor stimulation in mice. Previous studies showed that pharmacological depletion of dopamine significantly reduces Rhes mRNA levels in rodents, non-human primates and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, suggesting a link between dopaminergic innervation and physiological Rhes mRNA expression. Rhes protein binds to and activates striatal mTORC1, and modulates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in PD rodent models. Finally, Rhes is involved in the survival of mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons of SNc, thus pointing towards a Rhes-dependent modulation of autophagy and mitophagy processes, and encouraging further investigations about mechanisms underlying dysfunctions of the nigrostriatal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute—Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute—Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Subramaniam S. Rhes Tunnels: A Radical New Way of Communication in the Brain's Striatum? Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900231. [PMID: 32236969 PMCID: PMC7310467 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in the striatum (Rhes) is a striatal enriched protein that promotes the formation of thin membranous tubes resembling tunneling nanotubes (TNT)-"Rhes tunnels"-that connect neighboring cell and transport cargoes: vesicles and proteins between the neuronal cells. Here the literature on TNT-like structures is reviewed, and the implications of Rhes-mediated TNT, the mechanisms of its formation, and its potential in novel cell-to-cell communication in regulating striatal biology and disease are emphasized. Thought-provoking ideas regarding how Rhes-mediated TNT, if it exists, in vivo, would radically change the way neurons communicate in the brain are discussed.
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Baj J, Sitarz E, Forma A, Wróblewska K, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. Alterations in the Nervous System and Gut Microbiota after β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Group A Infection-Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria of PANDAS Recognition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1476. [PMID: 32098238 PMCID: PMC7073132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to review and summarize conclusions from the available literature regarding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The authors have independently reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, primarily focusing on the etiopathology, symptoms, differentiation between similar psychiatric conditions, immunological reactions, alterations in the nervous system and gut microbiota, genetics, and the available treatment for PANDAS. Recent research indicates that PANDAS patients show noticeable alterations within the structures of the central nervous system, including caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and striatum, as well as bilateral and lentiform nuclei. Likewise, the presence of autoantibodies that interact with basal ganglia was observed in PANDAS patients. Several studies also suggest a relationship between the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders like PANDAS and alterations to the gut microbiota. Further, genetic predispositions-including variations in the MBL gene and TNF-α-seem to be relevant regarding PANDAS syndrome. Even though the literature is still scarce, the authors have attempted to provide a thorough insight into the PANDAS syndrome, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Katarzyna Wróblewska
- North London Forensic Service, Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 8JL, UK;
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland
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The striatal-enriched protein Rhes is a critical modulator of cocaine-induced molecular and behavioral responses. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15294. [PMID: 31653935 PMCID: PMC6814836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51839-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence pointed out a role for the striatal-enriched protein Rhes in modulating dopaminergic transmission. Based on the knowledge that cocaine induces both addiction and motor stimulation, through its ability to enhance dopaminergic signaling in the corpus striatum, we have now explored the involvement of Rhes in the effects associated with this psychostimulant. Our behavioral data showed that a lack of Rhes in knockout animals caused profound alterations in motor stimulation following cocaine exposure, eliciting a significant leftward shift in the dose-response curve and triggering a dramatic hyperactivity. We also found that Rhes modulated either short- or long-term motor sensitization induced by cocaine, since lack of this protein prevents both of them in mutants. Consistent with this in vivo observation, we found that lack of Rhes in mice caused a greater increase in striatal cocaine-dependent D1R/cAMP/PKA signaling, along with considerable enhancement of Arc, zif268, and Homer1 mRNA expression. We also documented that lack of Rhes in mice produced cocaine-related striatal alterations in proteomic profiling, with a differential expression of proteins clustering in calcium homeostasis and cytoskeletal protein binding categories. Despite dramatic striatal alterations associated to cocaine exposure, our data did not reveal any significant changes in midbrain dopaminergic neurons as a lack of Rhes did not affect: (i) DAT activity; (ii) D2R-dependent regulation of GIRK; and (iii) D2R-dependent regulation of dopamine release. Collectively, our results strengthen the view that Rhes acts as a pivotal physiological “molecular brake” for striatal dopaminergic system overactivation induced by psychostimulants, thus making this protein of interest in regulating the molecular mechanism underpinning cocaine-dependent motor stimulatory effects.
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Diverse Mechanisms Lead to Common Dysfunction of Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons in Distinct Genetic Mouse Models of Dystonia. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7195-7205. [PMID: 31320448 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0407-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental data indicate striatal cholinergic dysfunction in dystonia, a movement disorder typically resulting in twisted postures via abnormal muscle contraction. Three forms of isolated human dystonia result from mutations in the TOR1A (DYT1), THAP1 (DYT6), and GNAL (DYT25) genes. Experimental models carrying these mutations facilitate identification of possible shared cellular mechanisms. Recently, we reported elevated extracellular striatal acetylcholine by in vivo microdialysis and paradoxical excitation of cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) by dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonism using ex vivo slice electrophysiology in Dyt1 ΔGAG/+ mice. The paradoxical excitation was caused by overactive muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), leading to a switch in D2R coupling from canonical Gi/o to noncanonical β-arrestin signaling. We sought to determine whether these mechanisms in Dyt1 ΔGAG/+ mice are shared with Thap1 C54Y/+ knock-in and Gnal +/- knock-out dystonia models and to determine the impact of sex. We found Thap1 C54Y/+ mice of both sexes have elevated extracellular striatal acetylcholine and D2R-induced paradoxical ChI excitation, which was reversed by mAChR inhibition. Elevated extracellular acetylcholine was absent in male and female Gnal +/- mice, but the paradoxical D2R-mediated ChI excitation was retained and only reversed by inhibition of adenosine A2ARs. The Gi/o-preferring D2R agonist failed to increase ChI excitability, suggesting a possible switch in coupling of D2Rs to β-arrestin, as seen previously in a DYT1 model. These data show that, whereas elevated extracellular acetylcholine levels are not always detected across these genetic models of human dystonia, the D2R-mediated paradoxical excitation of ChIs is shared and is caused by altered function of distinct G-protein-coupled receptors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dystonia is a common and often disabling movement disorder. The usual medical treatment of dystonia is pharmacotherapy with nonselective antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which have many undesirable side effects. Development of new therapeutics is a top priority for dystonia research. The current findings, considered in context with our previous investigations, establish a role for cholinergic dysfunction across three mouse models of human genetic dystonia: DYT1, DYT6, and DYT25. The commonality of cholinergic dysfunction in these models arising from diverse molecular etiologies points the way to new approaches for cholinergic modulation that may be broadly applicable in dystonia.
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Lack of Rhes Increases MDMA-Induced Neuroinflammation and Dopamine Neuron Degeneration: Role of Gender and Age. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071556. [PMID: 30925704 PMCID: PMC6480667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is a protein that exerts important physiological functions and modulates psychostimulant drug effects. On this basis, the object of this study was to assess 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) effects on microglial (CD11b) and astroglial (GFAP) activation and on dopamine neuron degeneration (TH) in wild-type (WT) and Rhes knockout (KO) male and female mice of different ages. Motor activity was also evaluated. Adult (3 months) MDMA-treated mice displayed an increase in GFAP-positive cells in striatum (STR), whereas the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) was affected only in male mice. In these mice, the increase of CD11b was more extensive including STR, SNc, motor cortex (CTX), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc). MDMA administration also affected TH immunoreactivity in both STR and SNc of male but not female WT and Rhes KO mice. In middle-aged mice (12 months), MDMA administration further increased GFAP and CD11b and decreased TH immunoreactivity in STR and SNc of all mice. Finally, MDMA induced a higher increase of motor activity in adult Rhes KO male, but not female mice. The results show that Rhes protein plays an important role on MDMA-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration dependent on gender and age, and confirm the important role of Rhes protein in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes.
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Mizuno H, Taketomi A. MicroRNA-101 inhibits the expression of Rhes, a striatal-enriched small G-protein, at the post-transcriptional level in vitro. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:528. [PMID: 30064488 PMCID: PMC6069827 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is a small GTP-binding protein that is predominantly localized in the striatal region of the brain. Rhes affects various signaling pathways and plays important roles in Huntington’s disease development caused by striatal anomalies. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of Rhes expression is not fully understood. We hypothesized that Rhes expression might be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by interacting with the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of mRNA. This study therefore investigated the interaction between miRNAs and the Rhes mRNA 3′UTR. Results The results of luciferase assay showed that miR-101, the miRNA determined to have the highest possibility of interacting with the Rhes mRNA 3′UTR using DIANA-microT, significantly inhibits luciferase activity, suggesting that miR-101 directly targets the Rhes mRNA 3′UTR. Additionally, Rhes protein levels in cultured cells co-transfected with a plasmid containing the complete Rhes cDNA and miR-101 were significantly downregulated by miR-101 as demonstrated by western blot analysis. These results support our hypothesis that Rhes expression is regulated by miRNA and indicate that miR-101 may be a potent modulator of Rhes expression in striatal neurons. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3654-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Mizuno
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien Kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan.
| | - Ayako Taketomi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien Kyuban-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8179, Japan
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13
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Costa G, Pinna A, Porceddu PF, Casu MA, Di Maio A, Napolitano F, Usiello A, Morelli M. Rhes Counteracts Dopamine Neuron Degeneration and Neuroinflammation Depending on Gender and Age. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:163. [PMID: 29904346 PMCID: PMC5990628 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that male Rhes knockout (KO) mice develop a mild form of spontaneous Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like phenotype, characterized by motor impairment and a decrease in nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. Experimental evidence has implicated neuroinflammation in PD progression, and the presence of activated glial cells has been correlated with DA neuron degeneration. Despite this, several factors, such as gender, have been found to affect DAergic neuron degeneration and influence neuroinflammation, explaining the differences between men and women in the etiology of PD. On these basis, we studied age and gender differences in DA neuron degeneration and gliosis in the nigrostriatal system of adult (3-month-old) and middle aged (12-month-old) male and female Rhes wild-type (WT) and KO mice. Through immunohistochemistry, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), microglial (complement type 3 receptor [CD11b]) and astroglial (glial fibrillary acid protein [GFAP]) increase, were evaluated. Adult male Rhes KO mice showed a decrease in TH and an increase in CD11b, both in the caudate putamen (CPu) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), and an increase in GFAP in the CPu. In contrast, adult female Rhes KO mice showed only a decrease in TH in the SNc, whereas no modifications to the levels of GFAP and CD11b were observed in the CPu or SNc. Middle aged male Rhes KO mice showed a decrease in TH in the CPu and SNc, and an increase in GFAP and CD11b in the SNc. Middle aged female Rhes KO mice showed a decrease in TH in the CPu and SNc and an increase in CD11b only in the CPu, but no modifications to GFAP levels. The more marked DA neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in male compared with female Rhes KO mice, while confirming the role of Rhes as an important protein for DA neuron survival, gives support to Rhes KO mice as a valuable preclinical model for studying the vulnerability factors of DA neuron degeneration as in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania, Caserta, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Napolitano F, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Avallone L, de Lange P, Usiello A. The Thyroid Hormone-target Gene Rhes a Novel Crossroad for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: New Insights from Animal Models. Neuroscience 2018; 384:419-428. [PMID: 29857029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is predominantly expressed in the corpus striatum. Rhes mRNA is localized in virtually all dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-bearing medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), and cholinergic interneurons of striatum. Early studies in rodents showed that Rhes is developmentally regulated by thyroid hormone, as well as by dopamine innervation in adult rat, monkey and human brains. At cellular level, Rhes interferes with adenosine A2A- and dopamine D1 receptor-dependent cAMP/PKA pathway, upstream of the activation of the heterotrimeric G protein complex. Besides its involvement in GPCR-mediated signaling, Rhes modulates Akt pathway activation, acts as E3-ligase of mutant huntingtin, whose sumoylation accounts for neurotoxicity in Huntington's disease, and physically interacts with Beclin-1, suggesting its potential involvement in autophagy-related cellular events. In addition, this protein can also bind to and activate striatal mTORC1, one of the key players in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, lack of Rhes attenuated such motor disturbances in 6-OHDA-lesioned Rhes knockout mice. In support of its role in MSN-dependent functions, several studies documented that mutant animals displayed alterations in striatum-related phenotypes reminiscent of psychiatric illness in humans, including deficits in prepulse inhibition of startle reflex and, most interestingly, a striking enhancement of behavioral responses elicited by caffeine, phencyclidine or amphetamine. Overall, these data suggest that Rhes modulates molecular and biochemical events underlying striatal functioning, both in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pieter de Lange
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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15
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Maltese M, Stanic J, Tassone A, Sciamanna G, Ponterio G, Vanni V, Martella G, Imbriani P, Bonsi P, Mercuri NB, Gardoni F, Pisani A. Early structural and functional plasticity alterations in a susceptibility period of DYT1 dystonia mouse striatum. eLife 2018; 7:33331. [PMID: 29504938 PMCID: PMC5849413 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of abnormal movements in DYT1 dystonia is between childhood and adolescence, although it is unclear why clinical manifestations appear during this developmental period. Plasticity at corticostriatal synapses is critically involved in motor memory. In the Tor1a+/Δgag DYT1 dystonia mouse model, long-term potentiation (LTP) appeared prematurely in a critical developmental window in striatal spiny neurons (SPNs), while long-term depression (LTD) was never recorded. Analysis of dendritic spines showed an increase of both spine width and mature mushroom spines in Tor1a+/Δgag neurons, paralleled by an enhanced AMPA receptor (AMPAR) accumulation. BDNF regulates AMPAR expression during development. Accordingly, both proBDNF and BDNF levels were significantly higher in Tor1a+/Δgag mice. Consistently, antagonism of BDNF rescued synaptic plasticity deficits and AMPA currents. Our findings demonstrate that early loss of functional and structural synaptic homeostasis represents a unique endophenotypic trait during striatal maturation, promoting the appearance of clinical manifestations in mutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maltese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Jennifer Stanic
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tassone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ponterio
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Imbriani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Decreased Rhes mRNA levels in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease and MPTP-treated macaques. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181677. [PMID: 28742811 PMCID: PMC5526584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In rodent and human brains, the small GTP-binding protein Rhes is highly expressed in virtually all dopaminoceptive striatal GABAergic medium spiny neurons, as well as in large aspiny cholinergic interneurons, where it is thought to modulate dopamine-dependent signaling. Consistent with this knowledge, and considering that dopaminergic neurotransmission is altered in neurological and psychiatric disorders, here we sought to investigate whether Rhes mRNA expression is altered in brain regions of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Bipolar Disorder (BD), when compared to healthy controls (about 200 post-mortem samples). Moreover, we performed the same analysis in the putamen of non-human primate Macaca Mulatta, lesioned with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Overall, our data indicated comparable Rhes mRNA levels in the brain of patients with SCZ and BD, and their respective healthy controls. In sharp contrast, the putamen of patients suffering from PD showed a significant 35% reduction of this transcript, compared to healthy subjects. Interestingly, in line with observations obtained in humans, we found 27% decrease in Rhes mRNA levels in the putamen of MPTP-treated primates. Based on the established inhibitory influence of Rhes on dopamine-related responses, we hypothesize that its striatal downregulation in PD patients and animal models of PD might represent an adaptive event of the dopaminergic system to functionally counteract the reduced nigrostriatal innervation.
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17
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Pinna A, Napolitano F, Pelosi B, Di Maio A, Wardas J, Casu MA, Costa G, Migliarini S, Calabresi P, Pasqualetti M, Morelli M, Usiello A. The Small GTP-Binding Protein Rhes Influences Nigrostriatal-Dependent Motor Behavior During Aging. Mov Disord 2016; 31:583-9. [PMID: 26853527 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Here we aimed to evaluate: (1) Rhes mRNA expression in mouse midbrain, (2) the effect of Rhes deletion on the number of dopamine neurons, (3) nigrostriatal-sensitive behavior during aging in knockout mice. METHODS Radioactive in situ hybridization was assessed in adult mice. The beam-walking test was executed in 3-, 6- and 12-month-old mice. Immunohistochemistry of midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons was performed in 6- and 12-month-old mice. RESULTS Rhes mRNA is expressed in TH-positive neurons of SNpc and the ventral tegmental area. Moreover, lack of Rhes leads to roughly a 20% loss of nigral TH-positive neurons in both 6- and 12-month-old mutants, when compared with their age-matched controls. Finally, lack of Rhes triggers subtle alterations in motor performance and coordination during aging. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a fine-tuning role of Rhes in regulating the number of TH-positive neurons of the substantia nigra and nigrostriatal-sensitive motor behavior during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience - Université Catholique de Louvain, avenue Hippocrate 55, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | - Jadwiga Wardas
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Laboratorio di Neurofisiologia, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), Caserta, Italy
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18
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Vitucci D, Di Giorgio A, Napolitano F, Pelosi B, Blasi G, Errico F, Attrotto MT, Gelao B, Fazio L, Taurisano P, Di Maio A, Marsili V, Pasqualetti M, Bertolino A, Usiello A. Rasd2 Modulates Prefronto-Striatal Phenotypes in Humans and 'Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors' in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:916-27. [PMID: 26228524 PMCID: PMC4707838 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rasd2 is a thyroid hormone target gene, which encodes for a GTP-binding protein enriched in the striatum where, among other functions, it modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission. Here we report that human RASD2 mRNA is abundant in putamen, but it also occurs in the cerebral cortex, with a distinctive expression pattern that differs from that present in rodents. Consistent with its localization, we found that a genetic variation in RASD2 (rs6518956) affects postmortem prefrontal mRNA expression in healthy humans and is associated with phenotypes of relevance to schizophrenia, including prefrontal and striatal grey matter volume and physiology during working memory, as measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Interestingly, quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that RASD2 mRNA is slightly reduced in postmortem prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. In the attempt to uncover the neurobiological substrates associated with Rasd2 activity, we used knockout mice to analyze the in vivo influence of this G-protein on the prepulse inhibition of the startle response and psychotomimetic drug-related behavioral response. Data showed that Rasd2 mutants display deficits in basal prepulse inhibition that, in turn, exacerbate gating disruption under psychotomimetic drug challenge. Furthermore, we documented that lack of Rasd2 strikingly enhances the behavioral sensitivity to motor stimulation elicited by amphetamine and phencyclidine. Based on animal model data, along with the finding that RASD2 influences prefronto-striatal phenotypes in healthy humans, we suggest that genetic mutation or reduced levels of this G-protein might have a role in cerebral circuitry dysfunction underpinning exaggerated psychotomimetic drugs responses and development of specific biological phenotypes linked to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Vitucci
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere DiSMeB, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Annabella Di Giorgio
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza', Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples ‘Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pelosi
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples ‘Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Attrotto
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Gelao
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fazio
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Taurisano
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy,pRED, Neuroscience DTA, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland,Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro', Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy, Tel: +39 0805478572, Fax: +39 0805593172,
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), Caserta, Italy,Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via G. Salvatore 486, Naples 80145, Italy, Tel: +39 0813737899, Fax: +39 0813737808. E-mail:
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Genetic deletion of Rhes or pharmacological blockade of mTORC1 prevent striato-nigral neurons activation in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 85:155-163. [PMID: 26522958 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in striatum (Rhes) is a small GTP-binding protein that modulates signal transduction at dopamine receptors, and also activates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Rhes binding to mTORC1 is hypothesized to play a role in motor disorders such as levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Here, we investigate the behavioral and in vivo neurocircuitry changes associated with genetic deletion of Rhes or inhibition of mTORC1 signaling in the mouse model of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. 6-Hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned Rhes knockout mice and wild-type littermates were chronically treated with levodopa. In parallel, 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned naïve mice were chronically treated with levodopa or levodopa plus rapamycin, to block mTORC1 pathway activation. Dyskinetic movements were monitored during levodopa treatment along with motor activity on the rotarod. Finally, dyskinetic mice underwent microdialysis probe implantation in the dopamine-depleted striatum and ipsilateral substantia nigra reticulata, and GABA and glutamate levels were monitored upon acute challenge with levodopa. Both Rhes knockouts and rapamycin-treated mice developed less dyskinesia than controls, although only rapamycin-treated mice fully preserved rotarod performance on levodopa. Levodopa elevated nigral GABA and glutamate in controls but not in Rhes knockouts or rapamycin-treated mice. Levodopa also stimulated striatal glutamate in controls and Rhes knockouts but not in rapamycin-treated mice. We conclude that both genetic deletion of Rhes and pharmacological blockade of mTORC1 significantly attenuate dyskinesia development by reducing the sensitization of striato-nigral medium-sized spiny neurons to levodopa. However, mTORC1 blockade seems to provide a more favorable behavioral outcome and a wider effect on neurochemical correlates of dyskinesia.
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Squitieri F, de Yebenes JG. Profile of pridopidine and its potential in the treatment of Huntington disease: the evidence to date. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:5827-33. [PMID: 26604684 PMCID: PMC4629959 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s65738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a chronic, genetic, neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. The main symptoms of HD are abnormal involuntary movements (chorea and dystonia), impaired voluntary movements (ie, incoordination and gait balance), progressive cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances. HD is caused by a CAG-repeat expanded mutation in the HTT gene, which encodes the huntingtin protein. The inherited mutation results in the production of an elongated polyQ mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt). The cellular functions of the Htt protein are not yet fully understood, but the functions of its mutant variant are thought to include alteration of gene transcription and energy production, and dysregulation of neurotransmitter metabolism, receptors, and growth factors. The phenylpiperidines pridopidine (4-[3-methanesulfonyl-phenyl]-1-propyl-piperidine; formerly known as ACR16) and OSU6162 ([S]-[-]-3-[3-methane [sulfonyl-phenyl]-1-propyl-piperidine) are members of a new class of pharmacologic agents known as “dopamine stabilizers”. Recent clinical trials have highlighted the potential of pridopidine for symptomatic treatment of patients with HD. More recently, the analysis of HD models (ie, in vitro and in mice) highlighted previously unknown effects of pridopidine (increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor, reduction in mHtt levels, and σ-1 receptor binding and modulation). These additional functions of pridopidine suggest it might be a neuroprotective and disease-modifying drug. Data from ongoing clinical trials of pridopidine will help define its place in the treatment of HD. This commentary examines the available preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the use of pridopidine in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Squitieri
- IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo and Mendel Institute of Human Genetics, Rome, Italy
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Albanese A, Romito LM, Calandrella D. Therapeutic advances in dystonia. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1547-56. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Albanese
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas; Rozzano Milano Italy
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Milano Italy
| | - Luigi M. Romito
- Neurologia I, Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Milano Italy
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Girasole AE, Nelson AB. Probing striatal microcircuitry to understand the functional role of cholinergic interneurons. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1306-18. [PMID: 26227561 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Girasole
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alexandra B Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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