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Zhang L, Sun Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Wang Q, Xie B, Yu F, Wen D, Ma C. Dopaminergic dominance in the ventral medial hypothalamus: A pivotal regulator for methamphetamine-induced pathological aggression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110971. [PMID: 38365104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110971] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is associated with a spectrum of behavioral consequences, among which heightened aggression presents a significant challenge. However, the causal role of METH's impact in aggression and its target circuit mechanisms remains largely unknown. We established an acute METH exposure-aggression mouse model to investigate the role of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons and ventral medial hypothalamus VMH glutamatergic neuron. Our findings revealed that METH-induced VTA dopamine excitability activates the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) glutamatergic neurons, contributing to pathological aggression. Notably, we uncovered a dopaminergic transmission within the VTA-VMH circuit that exclusively functioned under METH influence. This dopaminergic pathway emerged as a potential key player in enabling dopamine-related pathological aggression, with heightened dopaminergic excitability implicated in various psychiatric symptoms. Also, the modulatory function of this pathway opens new possibilities for targeted therapeutic strategies for intervention to improve treatment in METH abuse and may have broader implications for addressing pathological aggression syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludi Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Medical University Postdoctoral Research Station, 050017, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yufei Sun
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jian Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Minglong Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Qingwu Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Bing Xie
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Feng Yu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Di Wen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China.
| | - Chunling Ma
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Identification Center of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China.
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Łuczyńska K, Zhang Z, Pietras T, Zhang Y, Taniguchi H. NFE2L1/Nrf1 serves as a potential therapeutical target for neurodegenerative diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103003. [PMID: 38150994 PMCID: PMC10788251 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103003] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure of the proper protein turnover in the nervous system is mainly linked to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, a better understanding of key protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system is critical for effective prevention and treatment of those disorders. The proteasome expression is tightly regulated by a CNC (cap'n'collar) family of transcription factors, amongst which the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-like bZIP factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1, with its long isoform TCF11 and short isoform LCR-F1) has been identified as an indispensable regulator of the transcriptional expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, much less is known about how the pivotal role of NFE2L1/Nrf1, as compared to its homologous NFE2L2 (also called Nrf2), is translated to its physiological and pathophysiological functions in the nervous system insomuch as to yield its proper cytoprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential of NFE2L1 to fulfill its unique neuronal function to serve as a novel therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases is explored by evaluating the hitherto established preclinical and clinical studies of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we have also showcased a group of currently available activators of NFE2L1, along with an additional putative requirement of this CNC-bZIP factor for healthy longevity based on the experimental evidence obtained from its orthologous SKN1-A in Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Łuczyńska
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552, Poland; The Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zhengwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Tadeusz Pietras
- The Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153, Łódź, Poland
| | - Yiguo Zhang
- Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, No. 725 Jiangzhou Avenue, Dingshan Street, Jiangjin District, Chongqing, 402260, China; The Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry and Topogenetic Regulation, College of Bioengineering & Faculty of Medical Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552, Poland.
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Guo Y, Wang S, Li L, Zhang H, Chen X, Huang Z, Liu Y. Immunoproteasome Subunit Low Molecular Mass Peptide 2 (LMP2) Deficiency Ameliorates LPS/Aβ 1-42-Induced Neuroinflammation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:28-41. [PMID: 37568045 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03564-9] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Low molecular mass peptide 2 (LMP2) is the β1i subunit of immunoproteasome (iP) which plays a key role in neuroinflammatory responses, and inhibition of iP exhibits a high neuroprotective action against neurodegenerative diseases. Since neuroinflammation has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of LMP2 deficiency in AD in vivo and in vitro. Here, we found that LMP2 was upregulated in the brains of 5 × FAD and APP/PS1 mice and increased with age in C57/BL6 mice. We showed that the lack of LMP2 significantly decreased NLRP3 expression and downstream cytokine release in microglia, resulting in partially blocking Aβ1-42- or LPS-induced inflammation in vivo and in vitro, which ameliorated cognitive deficits in aged rats and D-galactose + Aβ1-42-treated rats. These results suggest that LMP2 contributes to the regulation of LPS-or Aβ-driven innate immune responses by diminishing NLRP3 expression and clarify that inhibition of iP function may mediate the inflammatory-related cognitive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueting Guo
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hengce Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zihan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University/School of Basic Medical Science, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou City, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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Puglisi-Allegra S, Lazzeri G, Busceti CL, Giorgi FS, Biagioni F, Fornai F. Lithium engages autophagy for neuroprotection and neuroplasticity: translational evidence for therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105148. [PMID: 36996994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Here an overview is provided on therapeutic/neuroprotective effects of Lithium (Li+) in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders focusing on the conspicuous action of Li+ through autophagy. The effects on the autophagy machinery remain the key molecular mechanisms to explain the protective effects of Li+ for neurodegenerative diseases, offering potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and emphasizes a crossroad linking autophagy, neurodegenerative disorders, and mood stabilization. Sensitization by psychostimulants points to several mechanisms involved in psychopathology, most also crucial in neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence shows the involvement of autophagy and metabotropic Glutamate receptors-5 (mGluR5) in neurodegeneration due to methamphetamine neurotoxicity as well as in neuroprotection, both in vitro and in vivo models. More recently, Li+ was shown to modulate autophagy through its action on mGluR5, thus pointing to an additional way of autophagy engagement by Li+ and to a substantial role of mGluR5 in neuroprotection related to neural e neuropsychiatry diseases. We propose Li+ engagement of autophagy through the canonical mechanisms of autophagy machinery and through the intermediary of mGluR5.
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Lafuente JV, Sharma A, Feng L, Muresanu DF, Nozari A, Tian ZR, Buzoianu AD, Sjöquist PO, Wiklund L, Sharma HS. Nanowired Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Antioxidant Compound H-290/51 Reduces Exacerbation of Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity in Hot Environment. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 32:317-352. [PMID: 37480465 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32997-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel are often exposed to hot environments either for combat operations or peacekeeping missions. Hot environment is a severe stressful situation leading to profound hyperthermia, fatigue and neurological impairments. To avoid stressful environment, some people frequently use methamphetamine (METH) or other psychostimulants to feel comfortable under adverse situations. Our studies show that heat stress alone induces breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and edema formation associated with reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). On the other hand, METH alone induces hyperthermia and neurotoxicity. These effects of METH are exacerbated at high ambient temperatures as seen with greater breakdown of the BBB and brain pathology. Thus, a combination of METH use at hot environment may further enhance the brain damage-associated behavioral dysfunctions. METH is well known to induce severe oxidative stress leading to brain pathology. In this investigation, METH intoxication at hot environment was examined on brain pathology and to explore suitable strategies to induce neuroprotection. Accordingly, TiO2-nanowired delivery of H-290/51 (150 mg/kg, i.p.), a potent chain-breaking antioxidant in combination with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is investigated in attenuating METH-induced brain damage at hot environment in model experiments. Our results show that nanodelivery of H-290/51 with MSCs significantly enhanced CBF and reduced BBB breakdown, edema formation and brain pathology following METH exposure at hot environment. These observations are the first to point out that METH exacerbated brain pathology at hot environment probably due to enhanced oxidative stress, and MSCs attenuate these adverse effects, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lianyuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Zhongshan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dafin F Muresanu
- Department Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Anca D Buzoianu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Per-Ove Sjöquist
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Ottonelli I, Sharma A, Ruozi B, Tosi G, Duskey JT, Vandelli MA, Lafuente JV, Nozari A, Muresanu DF, Buzoianu AD, Tian ZR, Zhang Z, Li C, Feng L, Wiklund L, Sharma HS. Nanowired Delivery of Curcumin Attenuates Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity and Elevates Levels of Dopamine and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 32:385-416. [PMID: 37480467 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32997-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin is a well-known antioxidant used as traditional medicine in China and India since ages to treat variety of inflammatory ailments as a food supplement. Curcumin has antitumor properties with neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine (DA) levels in the brain indicating its role in substance abuse. Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most abused substances in the world that induces profound neurotoxicity by inducing breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), vasogenic edema and cellular injuries. However, influence of curcumin on METH-induced neurotoxicity is still not well investigated. In this investigation, METH neurotoxicity and neuroprotective effects of curcumin nanodelivery were examined in a rat model. METH (20 mg/kg, i.p.) neurotoxicity is evident 4 h after its administration exhibiting breakdown of BBB to Evans blue albumin in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus and hypothalamus associated with vasogenic brain edema as seen measured using water content in all these regions. Nissl attaining exhibited profound neuronal injuries in the regions of BBB damage. Normal curcumin (50 mg/kg, i.v.) 30 min after METH administration was able to reduce BBB breakdown and brain edema partially in some of the above brain regions. However, TiO2 nanowired delivery of curcumin (25 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly attenuated brain edema, neuronal injuries and the BBB leakage in all the brain areas. BDNF level showed a significant higher level in METH-treated rats as compared to saline-treated METH group. Significantly enhanced DA levels in METH-treated rats were also observed with nanowired delivery of curcumin. Normal curcumin was able to slightly elevate DA and BDNF levels in the selected brain regions. Taken together, our observations are the first to show that nanodelivery of curcumin induces superior neuroprotection in METH neurotoxicity probable by enhancing BDNF and DA levels in the brain, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ottonelli
- Te.far.t.I, Dept of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Med., Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Te.far.t.I, Dept of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Te.far.t.I, Dept of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Te.far.t.I, Dept of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Te.far.t.I, Dept of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesia and Critical Care, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dafin Fior Muresanu
- "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnosis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Dept. Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianyuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Zhongshan Road (West), Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Med., Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Med., Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Wang H, Dong X, Awan MUN, Bai J. Epigenetic mechanisms involved in methamphetamine addiction. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984997. [PMID: 36091781 PMCID: PMC9458865 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit psychostimulant that is widely abused. The molecular mechanism of METH addiction is complicated and still unknown. METH causes the release of the neurotransmitters including dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine and serotonin, which activate various brain areas in the central nervous system. METH also induces synaptic plasticity and pathological memory enhancement. Epigenetics plays the important roles in regulating METH addiction. This review will briefly summarize the studies on epigenetics involved in METH addiction.
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Logan RW, Ozburn AR, Arey RN, Ketchesin KD, Winquist A, Crain A, Tobe BTD, Becker-Krail D, Jarpe MB, Xue X, Zong W, Huo Z, Parekh PK, Zhu X, Fitzgerald E, Zhang H, Oliver-Smith J, DePoy LM, Hildebrand MA, Snyder EY, Tseng GC, McClung CA. Valproate reverses mania-like behaviors in mice via preferential targeting of HDAC2. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4066-4084. [PMID: 33235333 PMCID: PMC8141541 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Valproate (VPA) has been used in the treatment of bipolar disorder since the 1990s. However, the therapeutic targets of VPA have remained elusive. Here we employ a preclinical model to identify the therapeutic targets of VPA. We find compounds that inhibit histone deacetylase proteins (HDACs) are effective in normalizing manic-like behavior, and that class I HDACs (e.g., HDAC1 and HDAC2) are most important in this response. Using an RNAi approach, we find that HDAC2, but not HDAC1, inhibition in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is sufficient to normalize behavior. Furthermore, HDAC2 overexpression in the VTA prevents the actions of VPA. We used RNA sequencing in both mice and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from bipolar patients to further identify important molecular targets. Together, these studies identify HDAC2 and downstream targets for the development of novel therapeutics for bipolar mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W. Logan
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Angela R. Ozburn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rachel N. Arey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kyle D. Ketchesin
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Alicia Winquist
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrew Crain
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Brian T. D. Tobe
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Darius Becker-Krail
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Matthew B. Jarpe
- Regenacy Pharmaceuticals, 303 Wyman St, Suite 300, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Wei Zong
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Zhiguang Huo
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Puja K. Parekh
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, and Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Xiyu Zhu
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Ethan Fitzgerald
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China 100730
| | - Jeffrey Oliver-Smith
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Lauren M. DePoy
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Mariah A. Hildebrand
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Evan Y. Snyder
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - George C. Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Colleen A. McClung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Corresponding Author: Colleen A. McClung, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, 450 Technology Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, , 412-624-5547
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Puglisi-Allegra S, Ruggieri S, Fornai F. Translational evidence for lithium-induced brain plasticity and neuroprotection in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:366. [PMID: 34226487 PMCID: PMC8257731 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates lithium (Li+) efficacy in neuropsychiatry, pointing to overlapping mechanisms that occur within distinct neuronal populations. In fact, the same pathway depending on which circuitry operates may fall in the psychiatric and/or neurological domains. Li+ restores both neurotransmission and brain structure unveiling that psychiatric and neurological disorders share common dysfunctional molecular and morphological mechanisms, which may involve distinct brain circuitries. Here an overview is provided concerning the therapeutic/neuroprotective effects of Li+ in different neuropsychiatric disorders to highlight common molecular mechanisms through which Li+ produces its mood-stabilizing effects and to what extent these overlap with plasticity in distinct brain circuitries. Li+ mood-stabilizing effects are evident in typical bipolar disorder (BD) characterized by a cyclic course of mania or hypomania followed by depressive episodes, while its efficacy is weaker in the opposite pattern. We focus here on neural adaptations that may underlie psychostimulant-induced psychotic development and to dissect, through the sensitization process, which features are shared in BD and other psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The multiple functions of Li+ highlighted here prove its exceptional pharmacology, which may help to elucidate its mechanisms of action. These may serve as a guide toward a multi-drug strategy. We propose that the onset of sensitization in a specific BD subtype may predict the therapeutic efficacy of Li+. This model may help to infer in BD which molecular mechanisms are relevant to the therapeutic efficacy of Li+.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa (PI), Italy.
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Celli R, Biagioni F, Fornai F. Autophagy as a gateway for the effects of methamphetamine: From neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 204:102112. [PMID: 34171442 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102112] [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: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a major eukaryotic cell clearing machinery, autophagy grants cell proteostasis, which is key for neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. In line with this, besides neuropathological events, autophagy dysfunctions are bound to synaptic alterations that occur in mental disorders, and early on, in neurodegenerative diseases. This is also the case of methamphetamine (METH) abuse, which leads to psychiatric disturbances and neurotoxicity. While consistently altering the autophagy machinery, METH produces behavioral and neurotoxic effects through molecular and biochemical events that can be recapitulated by autophagy blockade. These consist of altered physiological dopamine (DA) release, abnormal stimulation of DA and glutamate receptors, as well as oxidative, excitotoxic, and neuroinflammatory events. Recent molecular insights suggest that METH early impairs the autophagy machinery, though its functional significance remains to be investigated. Here we discuss evidence suggesting that alterations of DA transmission and autophagy are intermingled within a chain of events underlying behavioral alterations and neurodegenerative phenomena produced by METH. Understanding how METH alters the autophagy machinery is expected to provide novel insights into the neurobiology of METH addiction sharing some features with psychiatric disorders and parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Celli
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Salvetti A, Puglisi-Allegra S, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Morphology, clearing efficacy, and mTOR dependency of the organelle autophagoproteasome. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 34060734 PMCID: PMC8200839 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between autophagy (ATG) and ubiquitin proteasome (UP) cell-clearing systems was recently evidenced at biochemical and morphological levels, where subunits belonging to both pathways co-localize within a novel organelle named autophagoproteasome (APP). We previously documented that APP occurs at baseline conditions, while it is hindered by neurotoxicant administration. This is bound to the activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), since APP is stimulated by mTOR inhibition, which in turn, is correlated with cell protection. In this brief report, we provide novel morphological and biochemical evidence on APP, suggesting the presence of active UP subunits within ATG vacuoles. Although a stream of interpretation considers such a merging as a catabolic pathway to clear inactive UP subunits, our data further indicate that UP-ATG merging may rather provide an empowered catalytic organelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa.
| | | | | | | | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa.
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS).
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12
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Bao YN, Dai WL, Fan JF, Ma B, Li SS, Zhao WL, Yu BY, Liu JH. The dopamine D1-D2DR complex in the rat spinal cord promotes neuropathic pain by increasing neuronal excitability after chronic constriction injury. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:235-249. [PMID: 33558591 PMCID: PMC8080784 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR) and D2 receptor (D2DR) are closely associated with pain modulation, but their exact effects on neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. Our research revealed that intrathecal administration of D1DR and D2DR antagonists inhibited D1-D2DR complex formation and ameliorated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. The D1-D2DR complex was formed in the rat spinal cord, and the antinociceptive effects of D1DR and D2DR antagonists could be reversed by D1DR, D2DR, and D1-D2DR agonists. Gαq, PLC, and IP3 inhibitors also alleviated CCI-induced neuropathic pain. D1DR, D2DR, and D1-D2DR complex agonists all increased the intracellular calcium concentration in primary cultured spinal neurons, and this increase could be reversed by D1DR, D2DR antagonists and Gαq, IP3, PLC inhibitors. D1DR and D2DR antagonists significantly reduced the expression of p-PKC γ, p-CaMKII, p-CREB, and p-MAPKs. Levo-corydalmine (l-CDL), a monomeric compound in Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, was found to obviously suppress the formation of the spinal D1-D2DR complex to alleviate neuropathic pain in CCI rats and to decrease the intracellular calcium concentration in spinal neurons. l-CDL-induced inhibition of p-PKC γ, p-MAPKs, p-CREB, and p-CaMKII was also reversed by D1DR, D2DR, and D1-D2DR complex agonists. In conclusion, these results indicate that D1DR and D2DR form a complex and in turn couple with the Gαq protein to increase neuronal excitability via PKC γ, CaMKII, MAPK, and CREB signaling in the spinal cords of CCI rats; thus, they may serve as potential drug targets for neuropathic pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ni Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Wen-Ling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Ji-Fa Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Bin Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Wan-Li Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Bo-Yang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Ji-Hua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Mastroiacovo F, Polzella M, Lazzeri G, Fornai F. Merging the Multi-Target Effects of Phytochemicals in Neurodegeneration: From Oxidative Stress to Protein Aggregation and Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101022. [PMID: 33092300 PMCID: PMC7589770 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wide experimental evidence has been provided in the last decade concerning the neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Generally, the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds belonging to different phytochemical classes are attributed to antioxidant, anti-aggregation, and anti-inflammatory activity along with the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis and targeting alterations of cell-clearing systems. Far from being independent, these multi-target effects represent interconnected events that are commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, independently of etiology, nosography, and the specific misfolded proteins being involved. Nonetheless, the increasing amount of data applying to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders joined with the multiple effects exerted by the wide variety of plant-derived neuroprotective agents may rather confound the reader. The present review is an attempt to provide a general guideline about the most relevant mechanisms through which naturally occurring agents may counteract neurodegeneration. With such an aim, we focus on some popular phytochemical classes and bioactive compounds as representative examples to design a sort of main highway aimed at deciphering the most relevant protective mechanisms which make phytochemicals potentially useful in counteracting neurodegeneration. In this frame, we emphasize the potential role of the cell-clearing machinery as a kernel in the antioxidant, anti-aggregation, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protecting effects of phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Federica Mastroiacovo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Maico Polzella
- Aliveda Laboratories, Viale Karol Wojtyla 19, 56042 Crespina Lorenzana, Italy;
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (F.F.)
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A Re-Appraisal of Pathogenic Mechanisms Bridging Wet and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Leads to Reconsider a Role for Phytochemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155563. [PMID: 32756487 PMCID: PMC7432893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Which pathogenic mechanisms underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Are they different for dry and wet variants, or do they stem from common metabolic alterations? Where shall we look for altered metabolism? Is it the inner choroid, or is it rather the choroid–retinal border? Again, since cell-clearing pathways are crucial to degrade altered proteins, which metabolic system is likely to be the most implicated, and in which cell type? Here we describe the unique clearing activity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the relevant role of its autophagy machinery in removing altered debris, thus centering the RPE in the pathogenesis of AMD. The cell-clearing systems within the RPE may act as a kernel to regulate the redox homeostasis and the traffic of multiple proteins and organelles toward either the choroid border or the outer segments of photoreceptors. This is expected to cope with the polarity of various domains within RPE cells, with each one owning a specific metabolic activity. A defective clearance machinery may trigger unconventional solutions to avoid intracellular substrates’ accumulation through unconventional secretions. These components may be deposited between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, thus generating the drusen, which remains the classic hallmark of AMD. These deposits may rather represent a witness of an abnormal RPE metabolism than a real pathogenic component. The empowerment of cell clearance, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity of the RPE by specific phytochemicals is here discussed.
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Cantini F, Lenzi P, Fornai F. Cell-Clearing Systems Bridging Repeat Expansion Proteotoxicity and Neuromuscular Junction Alterations in ALS and SBMA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114021. [PMID: 32512809 PMCID: PMC7312203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated activities of autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are key to preventing the aggregation and toxicity of misfold-prone proteins which manifest in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. These include proteins which are encoded by genes containing nucleotide repeat expansions. In the present review we focus on the overlapping role of autophagy and the UPS in repeat expansion proteotoxicity associated with chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) and androgen receptor (AR) genes, which are implicated in two motor neuron disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), respectively. At baseline, both C9ORF72 and AR regulate autophagy, while their aberrantly-expanded isoforms may lead to a failure in both autophagy and the UPS, further promoting protein aggregation and toxicity within motor neurons and skeletal muscles. Besides proteotoxicity, autophagy and UPS alterations are also implicated in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) alterations, which occur early in both ALS and SBMA. In fact, autophagy and the UPS intermingle with endocytic/secretory pathways to regulate axonal homeostasis and neurotransmission by interacting with key proteins which operate at the NMJ, such as agrin, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and adrenergic beta2 receptors (B2-ARs). Thus, alterations of autophagy and the UPS configure as a common hallmark in both ALS and SBMA disease progression. The findings here discussed may contribute to disclosing overlapping molecular mechanisms which are associated with a failure in cell-clearing systems in ALS and SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Cantini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.L.); (F.C.); (P.L.)
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (C.L.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
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mTOR-Related Cell-Clearing Systems in Epileptic Seizures, an Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051642. [PMID: 32121250 PMCID: PMC7084443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that autophagy impairment is implicated in the epileptogenic mechanisms downstream of mTOR hyperactivation. This holds true for a variety of genetic and acquired epileptic syndromes besides malformations of cortical development which are classically known as mTORopathies. Autophagy suppression is sufficient to induce epilepsy in experimental models, while rescuing autophagy prevents epileptogenesis, improves behavioral alterations, and provides neuroprotection in seizure-induced neuronal damage. The implication of autophagy in epileptogenesis and maturation phenomena related to seizure activity is supported by evidence indicating that autophagy is involved in the molecular mechanisms which are implicated in epilepsy. In general, mTOR-dependent autophagy regulates the proliferation and migration of inter-/neuronal cortical progenitors, synapse development, vesicular release, synaptic plasticity, and importantly, synaptic clustering of GABAA receptors and subsequent excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. Similar to autophagy, the ubiquitin–proteasome system is regulated downstream of mTOR, and it is implicated in epileptogenesis. Thus, mTOR-dependent cell-clearing systems are now taking center stage in the field of epilepsy. In the present review, we discuss such evidence in a variety of seizure-related disorders and models. This is expected to provide a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying seizure activity.
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Ryskalin L, Busceti CL, Fornai F. Molecular Mechanisms Linking ALS/FTD and Psychiatric Disorders, the Potential Effects of Lithium. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:450. [PMID: 31680867 PMCID: PMC6797817 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered proteostasis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, abnormal unfolded protein response (UPR), mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy impairment are interconnected events, which contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In recent years, the mood stabilizer lithium was shown to potentially modify ALS/FTD beyond mood disorder-related pathology. The effects of lithium are significant in ALS patients carrying genetic variations in the UNC13 presynaptic protein, which occur in ALS/FTD and psychiatric disorders as well. In the brain, lithium modulates a number of biochemical pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, proteostasis, and neuronal survival. By targeting UPR-related events, namely ER stress, excitotoxicity and autophagy dysfunction, lithium produces plastic effects. These are likely to relate to neuroprotection, which was postulated for mood and motor neuron disorders. In the present manuscript, we try to identify and discuss potential mechanisms through which lithium copes concomitantly with ER stress, UPR and autophagy dysfunctions related to UNC13 synaptic alterations and aberrant RNA and protein processing. This may serve as a paradigm to provide novel insights into the neurobiology of ALS/FTD featuring early psychiatric disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Ryskalin L, Polzella M, Frati A, Fornai F. Phytochemicals Bridging Autophagy Induction and Alpha-Synuclein Degradation in Parkinsonism. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133274. [PMID: 31277285 PMCID: PMC6651086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Among nutraceuticals, phytochemical-rich compounds represent a source of naturally-derived bioactive principles, which are extensively studied for potential beneficial effects in a variety of disorders ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases to cancer and neurodegeneration. In the brain, phytochemicals produce a number of biological effects such as modulation of neurotransmitter activity, growth factor induction, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, stem cell modulation/neurogenesis, regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, and counteracting protein aggregation through modulation of protein-folding chaperones and the cell clearing systems autophagy and proteasome. In particular, the ability of phytochemicals in restoring proteostasis through autophagy induction took center stage in recent research on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, autophagy dysfunctions and α-syn aggregation represent two interdependent downstream biochemical events, which concur in the parkinsonian brain, and which are targeted by phytochemicals administration. Therefore, in the present review we discuss evidence about the autophagy-based neuroprotective effects of specific phytochemical-rich plants in experimental parkinsonism, with a special focus on their ability to counteract alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Although further studies are needed to confirm the autophagy-based effects of some phytochemicals in parkinsonism, the evidence discussed here suggests that rescuing autophagy through natural compounds may play a role in preserving dopamine (DA) neuron integrity by counteracting the aggregation, toxicity, and prion-like spreading of α-syn, which remains a hallmark of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa (PI), Italy
| | | | | | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa (PI), Italy
| | - Maico Polzella
- Aliveda Laboratories, Crespina Lorenzana, 56042 Pisa (PI), Italy
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa (PI), Italy.
- I.R.C.C.S Neuromed, Via Atinense, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
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