Post-treatment of a BiP inducer prevents cell death after middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice

Adapting the endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis rescues epilepsy-associated NMDA receptor variants

The GRIN genes encoding N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits are remarkably intolerant to variation. Many pathogenic NMDAR variants result in their protein misfolding, inefficient assembly, reduced surface expression, and impaired function on neuronal membrane, causing neurological disorders including epilepsy and intellectual disability. Here, we investigated the proteostasis maintenance of NMDARs containing epilepsy-associated variations in the GluN2A subunit, including M705V and A727T. In the transfected HEK293T cells, we showed that the two variants were targeted to the proteasome for degradation and had reduced functional surface expression. We demonstrated that the application of BIX, a known small molecule activator of an HSP70 family chaperone BiP (binding immunoglobulin protein) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), dose-dependently enhanced the functional surface expression of the M705V and A727T variants in HEK293T cells. Moreover, BIX (10 μM) increased the surface protein levels of the M705V variant in human iPSC-derived neurons. We revealed that BIX promoted folding, inhibited degradation, and enhanced anterograde trafficking of the M705V variant by modest activation of the IRE1 pathway of the unfolded protein response. Our results suggest that adapting the ER proteostasis network restores the folding, trafficking, and function of pathogenic NMDAR variants, representing a potential treatment for neurological disorders resulting from NMDAR dysfunction.

Beneficial effects of neuronal ATF6 activation in permanent ischemic stroke

Objective: Brain ischemia leads to the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and consequently, ER stress. To help cells restore ER function, a series of adaptive stress response pathways, collectively termed the unfolded protein response (UPR), are activated. We have previously demonstrated that the UPR pathway initiated by ATF6 is pro-survival in transient ischemic stroke. However, the effect of ATF6 activation on the outcome after permanent ischemic stroke remains unknown. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap. Method: sATF6-KI mice with functional short-form ATF6 (sATF6) predominantly expressed in forebrain neurons were subjected to two ischemic stroke models: photothrombotic stroke and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Both short-term and long-term functional outcomes were evaluated. Changes in neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular density after pMCAO were also assessed. Results: Compared to littermate controls, sATF6-KI mice performed significantly better in open field, cylinder, and foot fault tests on day 1 or 3 after photothrombotic stroke. However, on days 7 and 14 after stroke, the performance of these functional tests was not significantly different between groups, which is likely related to mild brain damage associated with this stroke model. Thus, to evaluate the long-term effects of ATF6 activation in permanent stroke, we turned to our pMCAO model. We first found that on day 4 after pMCAO, functional outcome was better, and infarct volumes were smaller in sATF6-KI mice vs controls. Next, the 15-day stroke outcome study indicated that compared to control mice, sATF6-KI mice consistently exhibited improved performance in neurologic scoring, tight rope test, and tape removal test, after pMCAO. Moreover, sATF6-KI mice showed higher vascular density and lower activation of both astrocytes and microglia around stroke regions on day 16 after pMCAO. Conclusions: Here, we presented the first evidence that activation of the ATF6 UPR branch is protective in permanent ischemic stroke, which further supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the ATF6 pathway in stroke.

Reshaping endoplasmic reticulum quality control through the unfolded protein response

Endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ERQC) pathways comprising chaperones, folding enzymes, and degradation factors ensure the fidelity of ER protein folding and trafficking to downstream secretory environments. However, multiple factors, including tissue-specific secretory proteomes, environmental and genetic insults, and organismal aging, challenge ERQC. Thus, a key question is: how do cells adapt ERQC to match the diverse, ever-changing demands encountered during normal physiology and in disease? The answer lies in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling mechanism activated by ER stress. In mammals, the UPR comprises three signaling pathways regulated downstream of the ER membrane proteins IRE1, ATF6, and PERK. Upon activation, these UPR pathways remodel ERQC to alleviate cellular stress and restore ER function. Here, we describe how UPR signaling pathways adapt ERQC, highlighting their importance for maintaining ER function across tissues and the potential for targeting the UPR to mitigate pathologies associated with protein misfolding diseases.

GRP78 Overexpression Triggers PINK1-IP3R-Mediated Neuroprotective Mitophagy

An experimental model of spinal root avulsion (RA) is useful to study causal molecular programs that drive retrograde neurodegeneration after neuron-target disconnection. This neurodegenerative process shares common characteristics with neuronal disease-related processes such as the presence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy flux blockage. We previously found that the overexpression of GRP78 promoted motoneuronal neuroprotection after RA. After that, we aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism by carrying out a comparative unbiased proteomic analysis and pharmacological and genetic interventions. Unexpectedly, mitochondrial factors turned out to be most altered when GRP78 was overexpressed, and the abundance of engulfed mitochondria, a hallmark of mitophagy, was also observed by electronic microscopy in RA-injured motoneurons after GRP78 overexpression. In addition, GRP78 overexpression increased LC3-mitochondria tagging, promoted PINK1 translocation, mitophagy induction, and recovered mitochondrial function in ER-stressed cells. Lastly, we found that GRP78-promoted pro-survival mitophagy was mediated by PINK1 and IP3R in our in vitro model of motoneuronal death. This data indicates a novel relationship between the GRP78 chaperone and mitophagy, opening novel therapeutical options for drug design to achieve neuroprotection.

Small molecule strategies to harness the unfolded protein response: where do we go from here?

The unfolded protein response (UPR) plays a central role in regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and global cellular physiology in response to pathologic ER stress. The UPR is comprised of three signaling pathways activated downstream of the ER membrane proteins IRE1, ATF6, and PERK. Once activated, these proteins initiate transcriptional and translational signaling that functions to alleviate ER stress, adapt cellular physiology, and dictate cell fate. Imbalances in UPR signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous, etiologically-diverse diseases, including many neurodegenerative diseases, protein misfolding diseases, diabetes, ischemic disorders, and cancer. This has led to significant interest in establishing pharmacologic strategies to selectively modulate IRE1, ATF6, or PERK signaling to both ameliorate pathologic imbalances in UPR signaling implicated in these different diseases and define the importance of the UPR in diverse cellular and organismal contexts. Recently, there has been significant progress in the identification and characterization of UPR modulating compounds, providing new opportunities to probe the pathologic and potentially therapeutic implications of UPR signaling in human disease. Here, we describe currently available UPR modulating compounds, specifically highlighting the strategies used for their discovery and specific advantages and disadvantages in their application for probing UPR function. Furthermore, we discuss lessons learned from the application of these compounds in cellular and in vivo models to identify favorable compound properties that can help drive the further translational development of selective UPR modulators for human disease.

Protective effects of BiP inducer X (BIX) against diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is associated with impaired endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, development of ER stress, and induction of cardiac cell apoptosis. Preventive effects of BiP inducer X (BIX) were investigated against DC characteristic changes in a type 2 diabetes rat model. To establish diabetes, a high-fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin were administered. Then, animals were assigned into the following groups: control, BIX, diabetic animals monitored for one, two, and three weeks. Diabetic rats were treated with BIX for one, two, and three weeks. Expressions of various ER stress and apoptotic markers were assessed by immunoblotting method. CHOP gene expression was assessed by Real-time PCR. Tissue expression of BiP was evaluated by immunohistochemistry method. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess histological changes in the left ventricle. Cardiac cell apoptosis was examined using TUNEL assay. BIX administration suppressed the activation of the ER stress markers and cleavage of procaspase-3 in the diabetic rats. Likewise, tissue expression of BiP protein was increased, while CHOP mRNA levels were decreased. These results were accompanied by reducing cardiac fibrosis and myocardial cell apoptosis suggesting protective effects of BIX against the development of DC by decreasing cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis.

microRNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Small Molecules but Big Roles

microRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionarily conserved class of small single-stranded noncoding RNAs. The aberrant expression of specific miRNAs has been implicated in the development and progression of diverse cardiovascular diseases. For many decades, miRNA therapeutics has flourished, taking advantage of the fact that miRNAs can modulate gene expression and control cellular phenotypes at the posttranscriptional level. Genetic replacement or knockdown of target miRNAs by chemical molecules, referred to as miRNA mimics or inhibitors, has been used to reverse their abnormal expression as well as their adverse biological effects in vitro and in vivo in an effort to fully implement the therapeutic potential of miRNA-targeting treatment. However, the limitations of the chemical structure and delivery systems are hindering progress towards clinical translation. Here, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic trials of several representative miRNAs in the context of specific cardiovascular diseases; from this basic perspective, we evaluate chemical modifications and delivery vectors of miRNA-based chemical molecules and consider the underlying challenges of miRNA therapeutics as well as the clinical perspectives on their applications.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: A master regulator of metabolic syndrome

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a change in the ER homeostasis, leads to initiation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The primary functions of the UPR are to restore the ER's physiological activity and coordinate the apoptotic and adaptive responses. Pathophysiological conditions that augment ER stress include hypoxia, misfolded and/or mutated protein accumulation, and high glucose. Prolonged ER stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, obesity, and fatty liver disease. UPR is a complex homeostatic pathway between newly synthesized proteins and their maturation, although the regulatory mechanisms contributing to the UPR and the possible therapeutic strategies are yet to be clarified. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is necessary to develop therapeutic interventions targeting ER stress response. In this review, we discuss the role of ER stress and UPR signaling in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, highlighting the main functions of UPR components. We have emphasized the use of novel small molecular chemical chaperones, considered as modulators of ER stress. The initial studies with these chemical chaperones are promising, but detailed studies are required to define their efficacy and adverse effects during therapeutic use in humans.

Proteostasis and Beyond: ATF6 in Ischemic Disease

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a pathological hallmark of numerous ischemic diseases, including stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). In these diseases, ER stress leads to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and subsequent adaptation of cellular physiology in ways that dictate cellular fate following ischemia. Recent evidence highlights a protective role for the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) arm of the UPR in mitigating adverse outcomes associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in multiple disease models. This suggests ATF6 as a potential therapeutic target for intervening in diverse ischemia-related disorders. Here, we discuss the evidence demonstrating the importance of ATF6 signaling in protecting different tissues against ischemic damage and discuss preclinical results focused on defining the potential for pharmacologically targeting ATF6 to intervene in such diseases.

Unfolded Protein Response as a Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite overwhelming socioeconomic impact and mounting clinical needs, our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology remains incomplete. Multiple forms of cardiovascular disease involve an acute or chronic disturbance in cardiac myocytes, which may lead to potent activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), a cellular adaptive reaction to accommodate protein-folding stress. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) elicits three signaling branches of the UPR, which otherwise remain quiescent. This ER stress response then transiently suppresses global protein translation, augments production of protein-folding chaperones, and enhances ER-associated protein degradation, with an aim to restore cellular homeostasis. Ample evidence has established that the UPR is strongly induced in heart disease. Recently, the mechanisms of action and multiple pharmacological means to favorably modulate the UPR are emerging to curb the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. Here, we review the current understanding of the UPR in cardiovascular disease and discuss existing therapeutic explorations and future directions.

Alzheimer's disease pathology and the unfolded protein response: prospective pathways and therapeutic targets

Many vital interdependent cellular functions including proteostasis, lipogenesis and Ca homeostasis are executed by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Exogenous insults can impair ER performance: this must be rapidly corrected or cell death will ensue. Protective adaptations can boost the functional capacity of the ER and form the basis of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Activated in response to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, the UPR can halt protein translation while increasing protein-handling chaperones and the degradation of erroneous proteins through a conserved three-tier molecular cascade. However, prolonged activation of the UPR can result in the maladaptation of the system, resulting in the activation of inflammatory and apoptotic effectors. Recently, UPR and its involvement in neurodegenerative disease has attracted much interest and numerous potentially 'drugable' points of crosstalk are now emerging. Here, we summarize the functions of the ER and UPR, and highlight evidence for its potential role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, before discussing several key targets with therapeutic potential.

Activation of cell surface GRP78 decreases endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuronal death

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -related stress conserved pathway that aims to protect cells from being overwhelmed. However, when prolonged, UPR activation converts to a death signal, which relies on its PERK-eIF2α branch. Overactivation of the UPR has been implicated in many neurological diseases, including cerebral ischaemia. Here, by using an in vivo thromboembolic model of stroke on transgenic ER stress-reporter mice and neuronal in vitro models of ischaemia, we demonstrate that ischaemic stress leads to the deleterious activation of the PERK branch of the UPR. Moreover, we show that the serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) can bind to cell surface Grp78 (78 kD glucose-regulated protein), leading to a decrease of the PERK pathway activation, thus a decrease of the deleterious factor CHOP, and finally promotes neuroprotection. Altogether, this work highlights a new role and a therapeutic potential of the chaperone protein Grp78 as a membrane receptor of tPA capable to prevent from ER stress overactivation.

HOP3 a new regulator of the ER stress response in Arabidopsis with possible implications in plant development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses

HOPs (heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)-heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) organizing proteins) are a highly conserved family of cytosolic cochaperones. In a recent study we showed that HOP3, a member of the HOP family in Arabidopsis, plays an essential role during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in plants. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that AtHOP3 interacts with binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), a major ER-resident chaperone. All these data suggest that HOP3 could assist BiP in protein folding in the ER. These findings open the exciting possibility that HOP3, through its role in the alleviation of ER stress, could play an important function during different developmental processes and in response to different biotic and abiotic stresses.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress and Endocrine Disorders

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle where secretory and membrane proteins are synthesized and folded. Unfolded proteins that are retained within the ER can cause ER stress. Eukaryotic cells have a defense system called the “unfolded protein response” (UPR), which protects cells from ER stress. Cells undergo apoptosis when ER stress exceeds the capacity of the UPR, which has been revealed to cause human diseases. Although neurodegenerative diseases are well-known ER stress-related diseases, it has been discovered that endocrine diseases are also related to ER stress. In this review, we focus on ER stress-related human endocrine disorders. In addition to diabetes mellitus, which is well characterized, several relatively rare genetic disorders such as familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI), Wolfram syndrome, and isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD2) are discussed in this article.

Injury to the nervous system: A look into the ER

Injury to the central or peripheral nervous systems leads to the loss of cognitive and/or sensorimotor capabilities that still lack an effective treatment. Although injury to the nervous system involves multiple and complex molecular factors, alteration to protein homeostasis is emerging as a relevant pathological mechanism. In particular, chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is proposed as a possible driver of neuronal dysfunction in conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke and damage to peripheral nerves. Importantly, manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a homeostatic pathway engaged by ER stress, has proved effective in improving cognitive and motor recovery after nervous system injury. Here we provide an overview on recent findings depicting a functional role of the UPR to the functional recovery after injury in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.

Systematic review of survival time in experimental mouse stroke with impact on reliability of infarct estimation

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. Only one treatment for acute ischemic stroke is currently available, thrombolysis with rt-PA, but it is limited in its use. Many efforts have been invested in order to find additive treatments, without success. A multitude of reasons for the translational problems from mouse experimental stroke to clinical trials probably exists, including infarct size estimations around the peak time of edema formation. Furthermore, edema is a more prominent feature of stroke in mice than in humans, because of the tendency to produce larger infarcts with more substantial edema.

PURPOSE

This paper will give an overview of previous studies of experimental mouse stroke, and correlate survival time to peak time of edema formation. Furthermore, investigations of whether the included studies corrected the infarct measurements for edema and a comparison of correction methods will be discussed.

METHOD

Relevant terms were searched in the National Library of Medicine PubMed database. A method for classification of infarct measurement methods was made using a naming convention.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that infarct size estimations are often performed around the peak time of edema, with a median of 24h. Most studies do consider edema formation, however, there is no consensus on what method to use to correct for edema. Furthermore, investigations into neuroprotective drugs should use longer survival times to ensure completion of the investigated process. Our findings indicate a need for more research in this area, and establishment of common correction methodology.

Method parameters' impact on mortality and variability in mouse stroke experiments: a meta-analysis

Although hundreds of promising substances have been tested in clinical trials, thrombolysis currently remains the only specific pharmacological treatment for ischemic stroke. Poor quality, e.g. low statistical power, in the preclinical studies has been suggested to play an important role in these failures. Therefore, it would be attractive to use animal models optimized to minimize unnecessary mortality and outcome variability, or at least to be able to power studies more exactly by predicting variability and mortality given a certain experimental setup. The possible combinations of methodological parameters are innumerous, and an experimental comparison of them all is therefore not feasible. As an alternative approach, we extracted data from 334 experimental mouse stroke articles and, using a hypothesis-driven meta-analysis, investigated the method parameters’ impact on infarct size variability and mortality. The use of Swiss and C57BL6 mice as well as permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery rendered the lowest variability of the infarct size while the emboli methods increased variability. The use of Swiss mice increased mortality. Our study offers guidance for researchers striving to optimize mouse stroke models.

Fluvoxamine alleviates paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity

Paclitaxel (Px) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various cancers. However, it is often associated with neurological side effects, including chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment (CACI), such as "chemobrain". Previously, we reported that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in Px-induced neurotoxicity, and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP) inducer X (BIX) alleviates Px-induced neurotoxicity. However, BIX has not been used in clinical practice yet. We recently reported that fluvoxamine (Flv) alleviates ER stress via induction of sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Flv could alleviate Px-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. SK-N-SH cells were pre-treated for 12 h with or without 10 μg/ml Flv followed by treatment with 1 μM Px with or without co-existence of 10 μg/ml Flv for 24 h. To investigate the involvement of Sig-1R in alleviation effect on Px-induced neurotoxicity,1 μM NE100, an antagonist of Sig-1R, was added for 24 h. Neurotoxicity was assessed using the MTS viability assay and ER stress-mediated neurotoxicity was assessed by evaluating the expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cleaved caspase 4, and cleaved caspase 3. Pre-treatment with Flv significantly alleviated the induction of CHOP, cleaved caspase 4, and cleaved caspase 3 in SK-N-SH cells. At the same time, pre-treatment with Flv significantly induced Sig-1R in SK-N-SH cells. In addition, viability was significantly higher in Flv-treated cells than in untreated cells, which was reversed by treatment with NE100. Our results suggest that Flv alleviates Px-induced neurotoxicity in part through the induction of Sig-1R. Our findings should contribute to one of the novel approaches for the alleviation of Px-induced neurotoxicity, including chemobrain.

Targeting the unfolded protein response for disease intervention

INTRODUCTION

The accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) generates a stress condition that engages the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is an adaptive reaction that aims to reestablish ER proteostasis by recovering the folding capacity of the cell. However, chronic ER stress results in apoptosis.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on discussing the emerging role of the UPR as a driver of several human pathologies including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The involvement of specific UPR signaling components on different diseases is highlighted based on preclinical models and pharmacological and genetic manipulation of the pathway.

EXPERT OPINION

Therapeutic strategies directed to regulate the activity of different UPR signaling arms may reduce stress levels with a therapeutic gain. Recent drug discovery efforts have identified small molecules that target specific UPR components, providing protection on various disease models. However, important side effects are predicted in the chronic administration due to the fundamental role of the UPR in highly secretory organs such as liver and pancreas. To overcome these problems, we propose the use of combinatorial treatments of selected drugs with natural compounds that are known to modulate the ER proteostasis network.

The loss of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) during normal aging or from siRNA knockdown augments human alpha-synuclein (α-syn) toxicity to rat nigral neurons

Age-related structural changes and gradual loss of key enzymes significantly affect the ability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to facilitate proper protein folding and maintain homeostasis. In this work, we present several lines of evidence supporting the hypothesis that the age-related decline in expression of the ER chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) could be related to the development of Parkinson's disease. We first determined that old (24 months) rats exhibit significantly lower levels of GRP78 protein in the nigrostriatal system as compared with young (2 months) animals. Then using recombinant adeno-associate virus-mediated gene transfer, we found that GRP78 downregulation by specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) aggravates alpha-synuclein (α-syn) neurotoxicity in nigral dopamine (DA) neurons. Moreover, the degree of chaperone decline corresponds with the severity of neurodegeneration. Additionally, comparative analysis of nigral tissues obtained from old and young rats revealed that aging affects the capacity of nigral DA cells to upregulate endogenous GRP78 protein in response to human α-syn neurotoxicity. Finally, we demonstrated that a sustained increase of GRP78 protein over the course of 9 months protected aging nigral DA neurons in the α-syn-induced rat model of Parkinson's-like neurodegeneration. Our data indicate that the ER chaperone GRP78 may have therapeutic potential for preventing and/or slowing age-related neurodegeneration.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: relevance and therapeutics in central nervous system diseases

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in a range of neurological disorders, such as neurodegenation diseases, cerebral ischemia, spinal cord injury, sclerosis, and diabetic neuropathy. Protein misfolding and accumulation in the ER lumen initiate unfolded protein response in energy-starved neurons which are relevant to toxic effects. In neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, ER dysfunction is well recognized, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In stroke and ischemia, spinal cord injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic activation of ER stress is considered as main pathogeny which causes neuronal disorders. By targeting components of these ER signaling responses, to explore clinical treatment strategies or new drugs in CNS neurological diseases might become possible and valuable in the future.

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in atherosclerosis and diabetic macrovascular complications

Age-related changes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are associated with stress of this cell organelle. Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a normal physiological reaction of a cell in order to prevent accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins in the ER and improve the normal ER function. However, in pathologic conditions such as atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes, ER function becomes impaired, leading to the development of ER stress. In chronic ER stress, defective posttranslational protein folding results in deposits of aberrantly folded proteins in the ER and the induction of cell apoptosis mediated by UPR sensors C/EBPα-homologous protein (CHOP) and inositol requiring protein-1 (IRE1). Since ER stress and ER-induced cell death play a nonredundant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and diabetic macrovascular complications, pharmaceutical targeting of ER stress components and pathways may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular pathology.

Generation of human ER chaperone BiP in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

Human BiP is traditionally regarded as a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone performing a number of well-described functions in the ER. In recent years it was well established that this molecule can also be located in other cell organelles and compartments, on the cell surface or be secreted. Also novel functions were assigned to this protein. Importantly, BiP protein appears to be involved in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis progression, autoimmune inflammation and tissue damage, and thus could potentially be used for therapeutic purposes. In addition, a growing body of evidence indicates BiP as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing importance of this protein and its involvement in critical human diseases demands new source of high quality native recombinant human BiP for further studies and potential application. Here we introduce yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a host for the generation of human BiP protein.

RESULTS

Expression of a full-length human BiP precursor in S. cerevisiae resulted in a high-level secretion of mature recombinant protein into the culture medium. The newly discovered ability of the yeast cells to recognize, correctly process the native signal sequence of human BiP and secrete this protein into the growth media allowed simple one-step purification of highly pure recombinant BiP protein with yields reaching 10 mg/L. Data presented in this study shows that secreted recombinant human BiP possesses native amino acid sequence and structural integrity, is biologically active and without yeast-derived modifications. Strikingly, ATPase activity of yeast-derived human BiP protein exceeded the activity of E. coli-derived recombinant human BiP by a 3-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

S. cerevisiae is able to correctly process and secrete human BiP protein. Consequently, resulting recombinant BiP protein corresponds accurately to native analogue. The ability to produce large quantities of native recombinant human BiP in yeast expression system should accelerate the analysis and application of this important protein.

Paclitaxel induces neurotoxicity through endoplasmic reticulum stress

Due to chemotherapy, the majority of breast cancer patients survive, but frequently complain of chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. This phenomenon is termed "chemobrain" or "chemofog" in the literature. However, its mechanisms are unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of paclitaxel (Px)-induced neurotoxicity, with a focus on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. To investigate Px-induced neurotoxicity and ER stress induction, SK-N-SH cells were treated with 1, 10, 50, and 100 μM Px for 24 h. Neurotoxicity was assessed using MTS viability assays, and ER stress was assessed by evaluating the expression of phosphorylated elF2α (phospho-eIF2α), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and cleaved caspase 4 and caspase 3 (the active form of each caspase). Furthermore, to investigate whether immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP) inducer X (BIX), which induces the molecular chaperone BiP, could attenuate Px-induced neurotoxicity, SK-N-SH cells were pre-treated for 12 h with 3.5 μM BIX before Px treatment. Neurotoxicity was observed in SK-N-SH cells treated with Px in a dose-dependent manner compared with vehicle control. Furthermore, phospho-eIF2α, CHOP, and activated caspase 4 and caspase 3 were significantly induced in Px-treated cells. In addition, pre-treatment with BIX significantly attenuated the induction of CHOP and activated caspase 4 and caspase 3. The viability of BIX pre-treated cells prior to Px treatment was significantly increased compared with cells that were not treated with BIX. Our results suggest that Px induces neurotoxicity in part through activating the ER stress response. Our findings should contribute to novel approaches regarding the mechanism of Px-induced neurotoxicity, including chemobrain.

Targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress in metabolic disease

INTRODUCTION

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a condition that dramatically affects protein folding homeostasis in cells, has been associated with a number of metabolic diseases. Emerging preclinical and clinical evidence supports the notion that pharmacological modulators of ER stress have therapeutic potential as novel treatments of metabolic disorders.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the molecular mechanisms of ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases are discussed, highlighting the roles of various UPR components revealed using disease models in mice. Special emphasis is placed on the use of novel small molecules in animal disease models and human pathologies, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis.

EXPERT OPINION

ER stress is a highly promising therapeutic target for metabolic disease. Small molecular chemical chaperones have already demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in animal and human studies. The emergence of compounds that target specific UPR signaling pathways will provide more options for this purpose. Although the findings are promising, more studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy and side effects of these small molecules for future use in humans.

The Molecular Chaperone GRP78/BiP as a Therapeutic Target for Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Mini Review

The glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), also known as BiP, is the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) homologue of HSP70, which plays a dual role in the ER by controlling protein folding, in order to prevent aggregation, and by regulating the signaling of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Most neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's diseases and progressive retinal degeneration are characterized by activation of the UPR and modified expression of GRP78. The expression levels and activity of GRP78 are altered with age raising the question of whether the lack of GRP78 could be a predisposing factor for many neurodegenerative disorders associated with age including PD, Alzheimer and Age-related macular degeneration. Attempts to induce or upregulate GRP78 in animal models of neurodegeneration have recently been made with the help of pharmacological BiP protein Inducer X (BIX) and GRP78 cDNA delivery via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. The results of these studies validate GRP78 as a new therapeutic target for treatments of forebrain ischemia, Parkinson disease and retinal degeneration. These data, together with the results from age-related studies, highlight the importance for developing drugs to induce elevation of endogenous GRP78 in order to increase cellular survival and extend functional longevity.

WIN55,212-2 protects oligodendrocyte precursor cells in stroke penumbra following permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM

To explore whether the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 could protect oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in stroke penumbra, thereby providing neuroprotection following permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

METHODS

Adult male SD rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (p-MCAO). The animals were administered WIN55,212-2 at 2 h, and sacrificed at 24 h after the ischemic insult. The infarct volumes and brain swelling were assessed. The expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in the stroke penumbra was examined using Western blot assay. The pathological changes and proliferation of neural glial antigen 2-positive OPCs (NG2(+) cells) in the stroke penumbra were studied using immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS

p-MCAO significantly increased the expression of CB1 within the stroke penumbra with the highest level appearing at 2 h following the ischemic insult. Administration of WIN55,212-2 (9 mg/kg, iv) significantly attenuated the brain swelling, and reduced the infarct volume as well as the number of tau-immunoreactive NG2(+) cells (tau-1(+)/NG2(+) cells) in the stroke penumbra. Moreover, WIN55,212-2 significantly promoted the proliferation of NG2(+) cells in the stroke penumbra and in the ipsilateral subventricular zone at 24 h following the ischemic insult. Administration of the selective CB1 antagonist rimonabant (1 mg/kg, iv) partially blocked the effects caused by WIN55,212-2.

CONCLUSION

Tau-1 is expressed in NG2(+) cells following permanent focal cerebral ischemic injury. Treatment with WIN55,212-2 reduces the number of tau-1(+)/NG2(+) cells and promotes NG2(+) cell proliferation in the stroke penumbra, which are mediated partially via CB1 and may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.

Loss of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ homeostasis: contribution to neuronal cell death during cerebral ischemia

The loss of Ca(2+) homeostasis during cerebral ischemia is a hallmark of impending neuronal demise. Accordingly, considerable cellular resources are expended in maintaining low resting cytosolic levels of Ca(2+). These include contributions by a host of proteins involved in the sequestration and transport of Ca(2+), many of which are expressed within intracellular organelles, including lysosomes, mitochondria as well as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ca(2+) sequestration by the ER contributes to cytosolic Ca(2+) dynamics and homeostasis. Furthermore, within the ER Ca(2+) plays a central role in regulating a host of physiological processes. Conversely, impaired ER Ca(2+) homeostasis is an important trigger of pathological processes. Here we review a growing body of evidence suggesting that ER dysfunction is an important factor contributing to neuronal injury and loss post-ischemia. Specifically, the contribution of the ER to cytosolic Ca(2+) elevations during ischemia will be considered, as will the signalling cascades recruited as a consequence of disrupting ER homeostasis and function.

Pharmacological inhibition of TLR4-NOX4 signal protects against neuronal death in transient focal ischemia

Recent data have shown that TLR4 performs a key role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury which serves as the origin of the immunological inflammatory reactions. However, the therapeutic effects of pharmacological inhibitions of TLR4 and its immediate down-stream pathway remain to be uncovered. In the present study, on mice, intracerebroventricular injection of resatorvid (TLR4 signal inhibitor; 0.01 μg) significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological score after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. The levels of phospho-p38, nuclear factor-kappa B, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expressions were significantly suppressed in the resatorvid-treated group. In addition, NOX4 associates with TLR4 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion seen in mice and human. Genetic and pharmacological inhibitions of TLR4 each reduced NOX4 expression, leading to suppression of oxidative/nitrative stress and of neuronal apoptosis. These data suggest that resatorvid has potential as a therapeutic agent for stroke since it inhibits TLR4-NOX4 signaling which may be the predominant causal pathway.