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Almodóvar-Payá C, Guardiola-Ripoll M, Giralt-López M, Oscoz-Irurozqui M, Canales-Rodríguez EJ, Madre M, Soler-Vidal J, Ramiro N, Callado LF, Arias B, Gallego C, Pomarol-Clotet E, Fatjó-Vilas M. NRN1 epistasis with BDNF and CACNA1C: mediation effects on symptom severity through neuroanatomical changes in schizophrenia. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1299-1315. [PMID: 38720004 PMCID: PMC11147852 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02793-5] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The expression of Neuritin-1 (NRN1), a neurotrophic factor crucial for neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, is enhanced by the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Although the receptor of NRN1 remains unclear, it is suggested that NRN1's activation of the insulin receptor (IR) pathway promotes the transcription of the calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C). These three genes have been independently associated with schizophrenia (SZ) risk, symptomatology, and brain differences. However, research on how they synergistically modulate these phenotypes is scarce. We aimed to study whether the genetic epistasis between these genes affects the risk and clinical presentation of the disorder via its effect on brain structure. First, we tested the epistatic effect of NRN1 and BDNF or CACNA1C on (i) the risk for SZ, (ii) clinical symptoms severity and functionality (onset, PANSS, CGI and GAF), and (iii) brain cortical structure (thickness, surface area and volume measures estimated using FreeSurfer) in a sample of 86 SZ patients and 89 healthy subjects. Second, we explored whether those brain clusters influenced by epistatic effects mediate the clinical profiles. Although we did not find a direct epistatic impact on the risk, our data unveiled significant effects on the disorder's clinical presentation. Specifically, the NRN1-rs10484320 x BDNF-rs6265 interplay influenced PANSS general psychopathology, and the NRN1-rs4960155 x CACNA1C-rs1006737 interaction affected GAF scores. Moreover, several interactions between NRN1 SNPs and BDNF-rs6265 significantly influenced the surface area and cortical volume of the frontal, parietal, and temporal brain regions within patients. The NRN1-rs10484320 x BDNF-rs6265 epistasis in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex fully mediated the effect on PANSS general psychopathology. Our study not only adds clinical significance to the well-described molecular relationship between NRN1 and BDNF but also underscores the utility of deconstructing SZ into biologically validated brain-imaging markers to explore their mediation role in the path from genetics to complex clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Guardiola-Ripoll
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER (Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Giralt-López
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maitane Oscoz-Irurozqui
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Salud Mental de Gipuzkoa, Osakidetza-Basque Health Service, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Erick Jorge Canales-Rodríguez
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mercè Madre
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health, IR SANT PAU, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Soler-Vidal
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Benito Menni, Germanes Hospitalàries, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Ramiro
- Hospital San Rafael, Germanes Hospitalàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F Callado
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bizkaia, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Gallego
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Bach SV, Bauman AJ, Hosein D, Tuscher JJ, Ianov L, Greathouse KM, Henderson BW, Herskowitz JH, Martinowich K, Day JJ. Distinct roles of Bdnf I and Bdnf IV transcript variant expression in hippocampal neurons. Hippocampus 2024; 34:218-229. [PMID: 38362938 PMCID: PMC11039386 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) plays a critical role in brain development, dendritic growth, synaptic plasticity, as well as learning and memory. The rodent Bdnf gene contains nine 5' non-coding exons (I-IXa), which are spliced to a common 3' coding exon (IX). Transcription of individual Bdnf variants, which all encode the same BDNF protein, is initiated at unique promoters upstream of each non-coding exon, enabling precise spatiotemporal and activity-dependent regulation of Bdnf expression. Although prior evidence suggests that Bdnf transcripts containing exon I (Bdnf I) or exon IV (Bdnf IV) are uniquely regulated by neuronal activity, the functional significance of different Bdnf transcript variants remains unclear. To investigate functional roles of activity-dependent Bdnf I and IV transcripts, we used a CRISPR activation system in which catalytically dead Cas9 fused to a transcriptional activator (VPR) is targeted to individual Bdnf promoters with single guide RNAs, resulting in transcript-specific Bdnf upregulation. Bdnf I upregulation is associated with gene expression changes linked to dendritic growth, while Bdnf IV upregulation is associated with genes that regulate protein catabolism. Upregulation of Bdnf I, but not Bdnf IV, increased mushroom spine density, volume, length, and head diameter, and also produced more complex dendritic arbors in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. In contrast, upregulation of Bdnf IV, but not Bdnf I, in the rat hippocampus attenuated contextual fear expression. Our data suggest that while Bdnf I and IV are both activity-dependent, BDNF produced from these promoters may serve unique cellular, synaptic, and behavioral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana V. Bach
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Allison J. Bauman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Darya Hosein
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Tuscher
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lara Ianov
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Greathouse
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Benjamin W. Henderson
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy H. Herskowitz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Keri Martinowich
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy J. Day
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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3
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Zagrebelsky M, Korte M. Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:29-34. [PMID: 37488840 PMCID: PMC10479861 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.374138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes. It has been shown to act in the brain, promoting neuronal survival, growth, and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism. Due to its crucial and very pleiotropic activity, reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases. However, because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties, brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value. Moreover, the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects. Therefore, developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research. Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules. In this review, we give a comprehensive description of the different tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the results of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases. Moreover, we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists, concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies. The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity. Moreover, tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor. Therefore, while, based on the current knowledge, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reverse the disease pathology per se, promoting brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Braunschweig, Germany
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4
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Bach SV, Bauman AJ, Hosein D, Tuscher JJ, Ianov L, Greathouse KM, Henderson BW, Herskowitz JH, Martinowich K, Day JJ. Distinct roles of Bdnf I and Bdnf IV transcript variant expression in hippocampal neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.05.535694. [PMID: 37066216 PMCID: PMC10104043 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.05.535694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) plays a critical role in brain development, dendritic growth, synaptic plasticity, as well as learning and memory. The rodent Bdnf gene contains nine 5' non-coding exons (I-IXa), which are spliced to a common 3' coding exon (IX). Transcription of individual Bdnf variants, which all encode the same BDNF protein, is initiated at unique promoters upstream of each non-coding exon, enabling precise spatiotemporal and activity-dependent regulation of Bdnf expression. Although prior evidence suggests that Bdnf transcripts containing exon I (Bdnf I) or exon IV (Bdnf IV) are uniquely regulated by neuronal activity, the functional significance of different Bdnf transcript variants remains unclear. To investigate functional roles of activity-dependent Bdnf I and IV transcripts, we used a CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system in which catalytically-dead Cas9 (dCas9) fused to a transcriptional activator (VPR) is targeted to individual Bdnf promoters with single guide RNAs (sgRNAs), resulting in transcript-specific Bdnf upregulation. Bdnf I upregulation is associated with gene expression changes linked to dendritic growth, while Bdnf IV upregulation is associated with genes that regulate protein catabolism. Upregulation of Bdnf I, but not Bdnf IV, increased mushroom spine density, volume, length, and head diameter, and also produced more complex dendritic arbors in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. In contrast, upregulation of Bdnf IV, but not Bdnf I, in the rat hippocampus attenuated contextual fear expression. Our data suggest that while Bdnf I and IV are both activity-dependent, BDNF produced from these promoters may serve unique cellular, synaptic, and behavioral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana V. Bach
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Allison J. Bauman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Darya Hosein
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Tuscher
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lara Ianov
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Greathouse
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Benjamin W. Henderson
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy H. Herskowitz
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Keri Martinowich
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy J. Day
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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5
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Paoli C, Misztak P, Mazzini G, Musazzi L. DNA Methylation in Depression and Depressive-Like Phenotype: Biomarker or Target of Pharmacological Intervention? Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2267-2291. [PMID: 35105292 PMCID: PMC9890294 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220201084536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, the third leading global cause of disability. Regarding aetiopathogenetic mechanisms involved in the onset of depressive disorders, the interaction between genetic vulnerability traits and environmental factors is believed to play a major role. Although much is still to be elucidated about the mechanisms through which the environment can interact with genetic background shaping the disease risk, there is a general agreement about a key role of epigenetic marking. In this narrative review, we focused on the association between changes in DNA methylation patterns and MDD or depressive-like phenotype in animal models, as well as mechanisms of response to antidepressant drugs. We discussed studies presenting DNA methylation changes at specific genes of interest and profiling analyses in both patients and animal models of depression. Overall, we collected evidence showing that DNA methylation could not only be considered as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology but could also help in predicting antidepressant treatment efficacy. Finally, we discussed the hypothesis that specific changes in DNA methylation signature could play a role in aetiopathogenetic processes as well as in the induction of antidepressant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Paoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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6
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Espinosa-Jiménez T, Busquets O, Cano A, Sánchez-López E, Verdaguer E, Parcerisas A, Olloquequi J, Auladell C, Folch J, Wahli W, Vázquez-Carrera M, Camins A, Ettcheto M. Peroxisomal Proliferator-Activated Receptor β/δ Deficiency Induces Cognitive Alterations. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:902047. [PMID: 35899125 PMCID: PMC9310104 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.902047] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ), the most PPAR abundant isotype in the central nervous system, is involved in microglial homeostasis and metabolism, whose disturbances have been demonstrated to play a key role in memory impairment. Although PPARβ/δ function is well-established in metabolism, its contribution to neuronal and specifically memory process is underexplored. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the role of PPARβ/δ in the neuropathological pathways involved in memory impairment and as to whether a risk factor implicated in memory loss such as obesity modulates neuropathological markers. To carry out this study, 6-month-old total knock-out for the Ppard gene male mice with C57BL/6X129/SV background (PPARβ/δ-/-) and wild-type (WT) littermates with the same genetic background were used. Animals were fed, after the weaning (at 21 days old), and throughout their growth, either conventional chow (CT) or a palmitic acid-enriched diet (HFD). Thus, four groups were defined: WT CT, WT HFD, PPARβ/δ-/- CT, and PPARβ/δ-/- HFD. Before sacrifice, novel object recognition test (NORT) and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. After that, animals were sacrificed by intracardiac perfusion or cervical dislocation. Different techniques, such as GolgiStain kit or immunofluorescence, were used to evaluate the role of PPARβ/δ in memory dysfunction. Our results showed a decrease in dendritic spine density and synaptic markers in PPARβ/δ-/- mice, which were corroborated in the NORT. Likewise, our study demonstrated that the lack of PPARβ/δ receptor enhances gliosis in the hippocampus, contributing to astrocyte and microglial activation and to the increase in neuroinflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, alterations in the hippocampal insulin receptor pathway were found. Interestingly, while some of the disturbances caused by the lack of PPARβ/δ were not affected by feeding the HFD, others were exacerbated or required the combination of both factors. Taken together, the loss of PPARβ/δ-/- affects neuronal and synaptic structure, contributing to memory dysfunction, and they also present this receptor as a possible new target for the treatment of memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triana Espinosa-Jiménez
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Busquets
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neurosciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Amanda Cano
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades—International University of Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-López
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Parcerisas
- Departament of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jordi Olloquequi
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Folch
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Walter Wahli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Carrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Miren Ettcheto,
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7
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Almodóvar-Payá C, Guardiola-Ripoll M, Giralt-López M, Gallego C, Salgado-Pineda P, Miret S, Salvador R, Muñoz MJ, Lázaro L, Guerrero-Pedraza A, Parellada M, Carrión MI, Cuesta MJ, Maristany T, Sarró S, Fañanás L, Callado LF, Arias B, Pomarol-Clotet E, Fatjó-Vilas M. NRN1 Gene as a Potential Marker of Early-Onset Schizophrenia: Evidence from Genetic and Neuroimaging Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137456. [PMID: 35806464 PMCID: PMC9267632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Included in the neurotrophins family, the Neuritin 1 gene (NRN1) has emerged as an attractive candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ) since it has been associated with the risk for the disorder and general cognitive performance. In this work, we aimed to further investigate the association of NRN1 with SZ by exploring its role on age at onset and its brain activity correlates. First, we developed two genetic association analyses using a family-based sample (80 early-onset (EO) trios (offspring onset ≤ 18 years) and 71 adult-onset (AO) trios) and an independent case–control sample (120 healthy subjects (HS), 87 EO and 138 AO patients). Second, we explored the effect of NRN1 on brain activity during a working memory task (N-back task; 39 HS, 39 EO and 39 AO; matched by age, sex and estimated IQ). Different haplotypes encompassing the same three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms(SNPs, rs3763180–rs10484320–rs4960155) were associated with EO in the two samples (GCT, TCC and GTT). Besides, the GTT haplotype was associated with worse N-back task performance in EO and was linked to an inefficient dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity in subjects with EO compared to HS. Our results show convergent evidence on the NRN1 association with EO both from genetic and neuroimaging approaches, highlighting the role of neurotrophins in the pathophysiology of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Guardiola-Ripoll
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Giralt-López
- Departament de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain;
- Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Gallego
- Department of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Pilar Salgado-Pineda
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Salvador Miret
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Centre de Salut Mental d’Adults de Lleida, Servei de Psiquiatria, Salut Mental i Addiccions, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica (IRB), 25198 Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Raymond Salvador
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - María J. Muñoz
- Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental Benito Menni, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Luisa Lázaro
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amalia Guerrero-Pedraza
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental Benito Menni, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mara Parellada
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuel J. Cuesta
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Teresa Maristany
- Departament de Diagnòstic per la Imatge, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Fundació de Recerca, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Salvador Sarró
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.-C.); (M.F.-V.)
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.P.-C.); (M.F.-V.)
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8
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Tacke C, DiStefano PS, Lindsay RM, Metzdorf K, Zagrebelsky M, Korte M. Actions of the TrkB Agonist Antibody ZEB85 in Regulating the Architecture and Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:945348. [PMID: 35845610 PMCID: PMC9280622 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.945348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of BDNF via its TrkB receptor is crucial in regulating several critical aspects of the architecture and function of neurons both during development and in the adult central nervous system. Indeed, several neurological conditions, such as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders are associated with alterations both in the expression levels of BDNF and TrkB, and in their intracellular signaling. Thus, the possibility of promoting BDNF/TrkB signaling has become relevant as a potential therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders. However, the clinical potential of BDNF itself has been limited due to its restricted diffusion rate in biological tissue, poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties, as well as the potential for unwanted side effects due to its ability to also signal via the p75NTR pathway. Several small molecule and biologic drug candidate TrkB agonists have been developed and are reported to have effects in rescuing both the pathological alterations and disease related symptoms in mouse models of several neurological diseases. However, recent side-by-side comparative studies failed to show their specificity for activating TrkB signaling cascades, suggesting the need for the generation and validation of improved candidates. In the present study, we examine the ability of the novel, fully human TrkB agonist antibody ZEB85 to modulate the architecture, activity and synaptic plasticity of hippocampal murine neurons under physiological conditions. Moreover, we show here that ZEB85 prevents β-amyloid toxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons, in a manner which is comparable to BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Tacke
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Charlotte Tacke,
| | | | | | - Kristin Metzdorf
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration (AG NIND), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Marta Zagrebelsky,
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration (AG NIND), Braunschweig, Germany
- Martin Korte,
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9
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Awathale SN, Waghade AM, Kawade HM, Jadhav G, Choudhary AG, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Neuroplastic Changes in the Superior Colliculus and Hippocampus in Self-rewarding Paradigm: Importance of Visual Cues. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:890-915. [PMID: 34797522 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coincident excitation via different sensory modalities encoding objects of positive salience is known to facilitate learning and memory. With a view to dissect the contribution of visual cues in inducing adaptive neural changes, we monitored the lever press activity of a rat conditioned to self-administer sweet food pellets in the presence/absence of light cues. Application of light cues facilitated learning and consolidation of long-term memory. The superior colliculus (SC) of rats trained on light cue showed increased neuronal activity, dendritic branching, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and mRNA expression. Concomitantly, the hippocampus showed augmented neurogenesis as well as BDNF protein and mRNA expression. While intra-SC administration of U0126 (inhibitor of ERK 1/2 and long-term memory) impaired memory formation, lidocaine (local anaesthetic) hindered memory recall. The light cue-dependent sweet food pellet self-administration was coupled with increased efflux of dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). In conditioned rats, pharmacological inhibition of glutamatergic signalling in dentate gyrus (DG) reduced lever press activity, as well as DA and DOPAC secretion in the AcbSh. We suggest that the neuroplastic changes in the SC and hippocampus might represent memory engrams sculpted by visual cues encoding reward information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay N Awathale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Akash M Waghade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Harish M Kawade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Gouri Jadhav
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Amit G Choudhary
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Sneha Sagarkar
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India.
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10
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Fabbretti E, Antognolli G, Tongiorgi E. Amyloid-β Impairs Dendritic Trafficking of Golgi-Like Organelles in the Early Phase Preceding Neurite Atrophy: Rescue by Mirtazapine. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:661728. [PMID: 34149353 PMCID: PMC8209480 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.661728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurite atrophy with loss of neuronal polarity is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While there is substantial agreement that disruption of intracellular vesicle trafficking is associated with axonal pathology in AD, comparatively less is known regarding its role in dendritic atrophy. This is a significant gap of knowledge because, unlike axons, dendrites are endowed with the complete endomembrane system comprising endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), Golgi apparatus, post-Golgi vesicles, and a recycling-degradative route. In this study, using live-imaging of pGOLT-expressing vesicles, indicative of Golgi outposts and satellites, we investigate how amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers affect the trafficking of Golgi-like organelles in the different dendritic compartments of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We found that short-term (4 h) treatment with Aβ led to a decrease in anterograde trafficking of Golgi vesicles in dendrites of both resting and stimulated (with 50 mM KCl) neurons. We also characterized the ability of mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic tetracyclic antidepressant (NaSSA), to rescue Golgi dynamics in dendrites. Mirtazapine treatment (10 μM) increased the number and both anterograde and retrograde motility, reducing the percentage of static Golgi vesicles. Finally, mirtazapine reverted the neurite atrophy induced by 24 h treatment with Aβ oligomers, suggesting that this drug is able to counteract the effects of Aβ by improving the dendritic trafficking of Golgi-related vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Fabbretti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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11
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Zhou H, Lu S, Li K, Yang Y, Hu C, Wang Z, Wang Q, He Y, Wang X, Ye D, Guan Q, Zang J, Liu C, Qu S, Luan Z. Study on the Safety of Human Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Transplantation in Young Animals and Its Efficacy on Myelination. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:587-600. [PMID: 33823616 PMCID: PMC8165470 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) can differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes during embryonic development, thereby representing an important potential source for myelin repair or regeneration. To the best of our knowledge, there are very few OPCs from human sources (human-derived OPCs [hOPCs]). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and remyelination capacity of hOPCs developed in our laboratory, transplanted into the lateral ventricles of young animals. Several acute and chronic toxicity experiments were conducted in which different doses of hOPCs were transplanted into the lateral ventricles of Sprague–Dawley rats of different ages. The toxicity, biodistribution, and tumor formation ability of the injected hOPCs were examined by evaluating the rats' vital signs, developmental indicators, neural reflexes, as well as by hematology, immunology, and pathology. In addition, the hOPCs were transplanted into the corpus callosum of the shiverer mouse to verify cell myelination efficacy. Overall, our results show that transplanted hOPCs into young mice are nontoxic to their organ function or immune system. The transplanted cells engrafted in the brain and did not appear in other organs, nor did they cause tissue proliferation or tumor formation. In terms of efficacy, the transplanted hOPCs were able to form myelin in the corpus callosum, alleviate the trembling phenotype of shiverer mice, and promote normal development. The transplantation of hOPCs is safe; they can effectively form myelin in the brain, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the future clinical transplantation of hOPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhou
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Siliang Lu
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Li
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinxiang Yang
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Caiyan Hu
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying He
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dou Ye
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Guan
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zang
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Suqing Qu
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zuo Luan
- The Second Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Pediatrics, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Miller KM, Mercado NM, Sortwell CE. Synucleinopathy-associated pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease and the potential for brain-derived neurotrophic factor. NPJ PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 7:35. [PMID: 33846345 PMCID: PMC8041900 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00179-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The lack of disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is in part due to an incomplete understanding of the disease’s etiology. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has become a point of focus in PD due to its connection to both familial and idiopathic cases—specifically its localization to Lewy bodies (LBs), a pathological hallmark of PD. Within this review, we will present a comprehensive overview of the data linking synuclein-associated Lewy pathology with intracellular dysfunction. We first present the alterations in neuronal proteins and transcriptome associated with LBs in postmortem human PD tissue. We next compare these findings to those associated with LB-like inclusions initiated by in vitro exposure to α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) and highlight the profound and relatively unique reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in this model. Finally, we discuss the multitude of ways in which BDNF offers the potential to exert disease-modifying effects on the basal ganglia. What remains unknown is the potential for BDNF to mitigate inclusion-associated dysfunction within the context of synucleinopathy. Collectively, this review reiterates the merit of using the PFF model as a tool to understand the physiological changes associated with LBs, while highlighting the neuroprotective potential of harnessing endogenous BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Miller
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Natosha M Mercado
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. .,Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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13
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Brattico E, Bonetti L, Ferretti G, Vuust P, Matrone C. Putting Cells in Motion: Advantages of Endogenous Boosting of BDNF Production. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010183. [PMID: 33477654 PMCID: PMC7831493 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor exercise, such as sport or musical activities, helps with a plethora of diseases by modulating brain functions in neocortical and subcortical regions, resulting in behavioural changes related to mood regulation, well-being, memory, and even cognitive preservation in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Although evidence is accumulating on the systemic neural mechanisms mediating these brain effects, the specific mechanisms by which exercise acts upon the cellular level are still under investigation. This is particularly the case for music training, a much less studied instance of motor exercise than sport. With regards to sport, consistent neurobiological research has focused on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an essential player in the central nervous system. BDNF stimulates the growth and differentiation of neurons and synapses. It thrives in the hippocampus, the cortex, and the basal forebrain, which are the areas vital for memory, learning, and higher cognitive functions. Animal models and neurocognitive experiments on human athletes converge in demonstrating that physical exercise reliably boosts BDNF levels. In this review, we highlight comparable early findings obtained with animal models and elderly humans exposed to musical stimulation, showing how perceptual exposure to music might affect BDNF release, similar to what has been observed for sport. We subsequently propose a novel hypothesis that relates the neuroplastic changes in the human brains after musical training to genetically- and exercise-driven BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Brattico
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.B.); (P.V.)
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Leonardo Bonetti
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Gabriella Ferretti
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Peter Vuust
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Carmela Matrone
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (E.B.); (C.M.)
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14
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Colliva A, Tongiorgi E. Distinct role of 5'UTR sequences in dendritic trafficking of BDNF mRNA: additional mechanisms for the BDNF splice variants spatial code. Mol Brain 2021; 14:10. [PMID: 33436052 PMCID: PMC7805101 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is encoded by multiple bipartite transcripts. Each BDNF transcript is composed by one out of 11 alternatively spliced exons containing the 5'untranslated region (UTR), and one common exon encompassing the coding sequence (CDS) and the 3'UTR with two variants (short and long). In neurons, BDNF mRNA variants have a distinct subcellular distribution, constituting a "spatial code", with exon 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 located in neuronal somata, exon 4 extending into proximal dendrites, and exon 2 and 6 reaching distal dendrites. We previously showed that the CDS encodes constitutive dendritic targeting signals (DTS) and that both the 3'UTR-short and the 3'UTR-long contain activity-dependent DTS. However, the role of individual 5'UTR exons in mRNA sorting remains unclear. Here, we tested the ability of each different BDNF 5'UTRs to affect the subcellular localization of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter mRNA. We found that exon 2 splicing isoforms (2a, 2b, and 2c) induced a constitutive dendritic targeting of the GFP reporter mRNA towards distal dendritic segments. The other isoforms did not affect GFP-mRNA dendritic trafficking. Through a bioinformatic analysis, we identified five unique cis-elements in exon 2a, 2b, and 2c which might contribute to building a DTS. This study provides additional information on the mechanism regulating the cellular sorting of BDNF mRNA variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Colliva
- Department of Life Sciences (Q Building), University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri, 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences (Q Building), University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri, 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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15
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Prenatal Stress Impairs Spinal Cord Oligodendrocyte Maturation via BDNF Signaling in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:1225-1240. [PMID: 33259004 PMCID: PMC8942968 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most substantial and established environmental risk factors for neurological and psychiatric disorders is stress exposure, whose detrimental consequences hinge on several variables including time. In this regard the gestational period is known to present an intrinsic vulnerability to environmental insults and thus stressful events during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences on the offspring's brain development with long-term repercussions throughout adulthood. On this basis, we investigated the long-lasting impact of prenatal stress exposure on the susceptibility to the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a well-established murine model of multiple sclerosis. Although stress is considered a triggering factor for this chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. To this end, EAE was induced by immunization with MOG35-55/CFA and pertussis toxin administration in adult female C57BL/6 mice born from control or stressed dams exposed to restraint stress during the last days of gestation. Our results demonstrate that gestational stress induces a marked increase in the severity of EAE symptoms in adulthood. Further, we highlight an altered maturation of oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord of prenatally stressed EAE mice, as indicated by the higher levels of GPR17, a marker of immature oligodendrocyte precursor cells. These behavioral and molecular alterations are paralleled by changes in the expression and signaling of the neurotrophin BDNF, an important mediator of neural plasticity that may contribute to stress-induced impaired remyelination. Since several already marketed drugs are able to modulate BDNF levels, these results pave the way to the possibility of repositioning these drugs in multiple sclerosis.
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16
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Attoff K, Johansson Y, Cediel-Ulloa A, Lundqvist J, Gupta R, Caiment F, Gliga A, Forsby A. Acrylamide alters CREB and retinoic acid signalling pathways during differentiation of the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16714. [PMID: 33028897 PMCID: PMC7541504 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73698-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is a known neurotoxicant which crosses the blood–brain barrier, passes the placenta and has been detected in breast milk. Hence, early-life exposure to ACR could lead to developmental neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to elucidate if non-cytotoxic concentrations of ACR alter neuronal differentiation by studying gene expression of markers significant for neurodevelopment in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell model. Firstly, by using RNASeq we identified two relevant pathways that are activated during 9 days of retinoic acid (RA) induced differentiation i.e. RA receptor (RAR) activation and the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signalling pathways. Next, by qPCR we showed that 1 and 70 µM ACR after 9 days exposure alter the expression of 13 out of 36 genes in the RAR activation pathway and 18 out of 47 in the CREB signalling pathway. Furthermore, the expression of established neuronal markers i.e. BDNF, STXBP2, STX3, TGFB1 and CHAT were down-regulated. Decreased protein expression of BDNF and altered ratio of phosphorylated CREB to total CREB were confirmed by western blot. Our results reveal that micromolar concentrations of ACR sustain proliferation, decrease neurite outgrowth and interfere with signalling pathways involved in neuronal differentiation in the SH-SY5Y cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Attoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Johansson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Cediel-Ulloa
- Unit of Toxicology Sciences, Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden.,Department for organismal biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Lundqvist
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rajinder Gupta
- Department of Toxicogenomics, School of Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Caiment
- Department of Toxicogenomics, School of Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anda Gliga
- Unit of Toxicology Sciences, Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Anna Forsby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department for organismal biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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17
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BDNF impact on synaptic dynamics: extra or intracellular long-term release differently regulates cultured hippocampal synapses. Mol Brain 2020; 13:43. [PMID: 32183860 PMCID: PMC7079446 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signalling contributes to the formation, maturation and plasticity of Central Nervous System (CNS) synapses. Acute exposure of cultured brain circuits to BDNF leads to up-regulation of glutamatergic neuro-transmission, by the accurate tuning of pre and post synaptic features, leading to structural and functional synaptic changes. Chronic BDNF treatment has been comparatively less investigated, besides it may represent a therapeutic option to obtain rescue of post-injury alterations of synaptic networks. In this study, we used a paradigm of BDNF long-term (4 days) incubation to assess in hippocampal neurons in culture, the ability of such a treatment to alter synapses. By patch clamp recordings we describe the augmented function of excitatory neurotransmission and we further explore by live imaging the presynaptic changes brought about by long-term BDNF. In our study, exogenous long-term BDNF exposure of post-natal neurons did not affect inhibitory neurotransmission. We further compare, by genetic manipulations of cultured neurons and BDNF release, intracellular overexpression of this neurotrophin at the same developmental age. We describe for the first-time differences in synaptic modulation by BDNF with respect to exogenous or intracellular release paradigms. Such a finding holds the potential of influencing the design of future therapeutic strategies.
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18
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Pradhan J, Noakes PG, Bellingham MC. The Role of Altered BDNF/TrkB Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:368. [PMID: 31456666 PMCID: PMC6700252 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well recognized for its neuroprotective functions, via activation of its high affinity receptor, tropomysin related kinase B (TrkB). In addition, BDNF/TrkB neuroprotective functions can also be elicited indirectly via activation of adenosine 2A receptors (A2aRs), which in turn transactivates TrkB. Evidence suggests that alterations in BDNF/TrkB, including TrkB transactivation by A2aRs, can occur in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although enhancing BDNF has been a major goal for protection of dying motor neurons (MNs), this has not been successful. Indeed, there is emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence suggesting that an upregulation of BDNF/TrkB can cause detrimental effects on MNs, making them more vulnerable to pathophysiological insults. For example, in ALS, early synaptic hyper-excitability of MNs is thought to enhance BDNF-mediated signaling, thereby causing glutamate excitotoxicity, and ultimately MN death. Moreover, direct inhibition of TrkB and A2aRs has been shown to protect MNs from these pathophysiological insults, suggesting that modulation of BDNF/TrkB and/or A2aRs receptors may be important in early disease pathogenesis in ALS. This review highlights the relevance of pathophysiological actions of BDNF/TrkB under certain circumstances, so that manipulation of BDNF/TrkB and A2aRs may give rise to alternate neuroprotective therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neural diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonu Pradhan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter G Noakes
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark C Bellingham
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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De Vincenti AP, Ríos AS, Paratcha G, Ledda F. Mechanisms That Modulate and Diversify BDNF Functions: Implications for Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:135. [PMID: 31024262 PMCID: PMC6465932 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that has pleiotropic effects on neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity that underlie hippocampal circuit development and cognition. Recent advances established that BDNF function is controlled and diversified by molecular and cellular mechanisms including trafficking and subcellular compartmentalization of different Bdnf mRNA species, pre- vs. postsynaptic release of BDNF, control of BDNF signaling by tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor interactors and conversion of pro-BDNF to mature BDNF and BDNF-propeptide. Defects in these regulatory mechanisms affect dendritic spine formation and morphology of pyramidal neurons as well as synaptic integration of newborn granule cells (GCs) into preexisting circuits of mature hippocampus, compromising the cognitive function. Here, we review recent findings describing novel dynamic mechanisms that diversify and locally control the function of BDNF in hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula De Vincenti
- División de Neurociencia Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonella S Ríos
- División de Neurociencia Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Paratcha
- División de Neurociencia Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Ledda
- División de Neurociencia Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Beyond good and evil: A putative continuum-sorting hypothesis for the functional role of proBDNF/BDNF-propeptide/mBDNF in antidepressant treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:70-83. [PMID: 29626490 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are assumed to be maladaptive responses to stress and antidepressants are thought to counteract such responses by increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels. BDNF acts through TrkB (tropomyosin-related receptor kinase B) and plays a central role in neuroplasticity. In contrast, both precursor proBDNF and BDNF propeptide (another metabolic product from proBDNF cleavage) have a high affinity to p75 receptor (p75R) and usually convey apoptosis and neuronal shrinkage. Although BDNF and proBDNF/propeptide apparently act in opposite ways, neuronal turnover and remodeling might be a final common way that both act to promote more effective neuronal networking, avoiding neuronal redundancy and the misleading effects of environmental contingencies. This review aims to provide a brief overview about the BDNF functional role in antidepressant action and about p75R and TrkB signaling to introduce the "continuum-sorting hypothesis." The resulting hypothesis suggests that both BDNF/proBDNF and BDNF/propeptide act as protagonists to fine-tune antidepressant-dependent neuroplasticity in crucial brain structures to modulate behavioral responses to stress.
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21
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BDNF at the synapse: why location matters. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1370-1375. [PMID: 28937692 PMCID: PMC5646361 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors, a family of secreted proteins that support the growth, survival and differentiation of neurons, have been intensively studied for decades due to the powerful and diverse effects on neuronal physiology, as well as their therapeutic potential. Such efforts have led to a detailed understanding on the molecular mechanisms of neurotrophic factor signaling. One member, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has drawn much attention due to its pleiotropic roles in the central nervous system and implications in various brain disorders. In addition, recent advances linking the rapid-acting antidepressant, ketamine, to BDNF translation and BDNF-dependent signaling, has re-emphasized the importance of understanding the precise details of BDNF biology at the synapse. Although substantial knowledge related to the genetic, epigenetic, cell biological and biochemical aspects of BDNF biology has now been established, certain aspects related to the precise localization and release of BDNF at the synapse have remained obscure. A recent series of genetic and cell biological studies have shed light on the question-the site of BDNF release at the synapse. In this Perspectives article, these new insights will be placed in the context of previously unresolved issues related to BDNF biology, as well as how BDNF may function as a downstream mediator of newer pharmacological agents currently under investigation for treating psychiatric disorders.
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22
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McCamphill PK, Ferguson L, Sossin WS. A decrease in eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation is required for local translation of sensorin and long-term facilitation in Aplysia. J Neurochem 2017; 142:246-259. [PMID: 28345161 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent protein synthesis is required for many forms of synaptic plasticity and memory, but the downstream pathways important for synaptic plasticity are poorly understood. Long-term facilitation (LTF) in Aplysia is a form of synaptic plasticity that is closely linked to behavioral memory and an attractive model system for examining the important downstream targets for mTORC1 in regulating synaptic plasticity. Although mTORC1-regulated protein synthesis has been strongly linked to translation initiation, translation elongation is also regulated by mTORC1 and LTF leads to an mTORC1-dependent decrease in eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation is required for mTORC1-dependent translation and plasticity. We show that the LTF-induced decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation is blocked by expression of an eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) modified to be resistant to mTORC1 regulation. We found that expression of this modified kinase blocked LTF. LTF requires local protein synthesis of the neuropeptide sensorin and importantly, local sensorin synthesis can be measured using a dendra fluorescent protein containing the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of sensorin. Using this construct, we show that blocking eEF2 dephosphorylation also blocks the increase in local sensorin synthesis. These results identify decreases in eEF2 phosphorylation as a critical downstream effector of mTOR required for long-term plasticity and identify an important translational target regulated by decreases in eEF2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K McCamphill
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Larissa Ferguson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wayne S Sossin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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23
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Maynard KR, Hobbs JW, Sukumar M, Kardian AS, Jimenez DV, Schloesser RJ, Martinowich K. Bdnf mRNA splice variants differentially impact CA1 and CA3 dendrite complexity and spine morphology in the hippocampus. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3295-3307. [PMID: 28324222 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an activity-dependent neurotrophin critical for neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus. BDNF is encoded by multiple transcripts with alternative 5' untranslated regions (5'UTRS) that display activity-induced targeting to distinct subcellular compartments. While individual Bdnf 5'UTR transcripts influence dendrite morphology in cultured hippocampal neurons, it is unknown whether Bdnf splice variants impact dendrite arborization in functional classes of neurons in the intact hippocampus. Moreover, the contribution of Bdnf 5'UTR splice variants to dendritic spine density and shape has not been explored. We analyzed the structure of CA1 and CA3 dendrite arbors in transgenic mice lacking BDNF production from exon (Ex) 1, 2, 4, or 6 splice variants (Bdnf-e1, -e2, -e4, and -e6-/- mice) and found that loss of BDNF from individual Bdnf mRNA variants differentially impacts the complexity of apical and basal arbors in vivo. Consistent with the subcellular localization studies, Bdnf Ex2 and Ex6 transcripts significantly contributed to dendrite morphology in both CA1 and CA3 neurons. While Bdnf-e2-/- mice showed increased branching proximal to the soma in CA1 and CA3 apical arbors, Bdnf-e6-/- mice showed decreased apical and basal dendrite complexity. Analysis of spine morphology on Bdnf-e6-/- CA1 dendrites revealed changes in the percentage of differently sized spines on apical, but not basal, branches. These results provide further evidence that Bdnf splice variants generate a spatial code that mediates the local actions of BDNF in distinct dendritic compartments on structural and functional plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R Maynard
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - John W Hobbs
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mahima Sukumar
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alisha S Kardian
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Dennisse V Jimenez
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Keri Martinowich
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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24
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Releasing Mechanism of Neurotrophic Factors via Polysialic Acid. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2017; 104:89-112. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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25
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Mirisis AA, Alexandrescu A, Carew TJ, Kopec AM. The Contribution of Spatial and Temporal Molecular Networks in the Induction of Long-term Memory and Its Underlying Synaptic Plasticity. AIMS Neurosci 2016; 3:356-384. [PMID: 27819030 PMCID: PMC5096789 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2016.3.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to form long-lasting memories is critical to survival and thus is highly conserved across the animal kingdom. By virtue of its complexity, this same ability is vulnerable to disruption by a wide variety of neuronal traumas and pathologies. To identify effective therapies with which to treat memory disorders, it is critical to have a clear understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms which subserve normal learning and memory. A significant challenge to achieving this level of understanding is posed by the wide range of distinct temporal and spatial profiles of molecular signaling induced by learning-related stimuli. In this review we propose that a useful framework within which to address this challenge is to view the molecular foundation of long-lasting plasticity as composed of unique spatial and temporal molecular networks that mediate signaling both within neurons (such as via kinase signaling) as well as between neurons (such as via growth factor signaling). We propose that evaluating how cells integrate and interpret these concurrent and interacting molecular networks has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios A. Mirisis
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anamaria Alexandrescu
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J. Carew
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley M. Kopec
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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26
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Kaplan S, Deniz OG, Önger ME, Türkmen AP, Yurt KK, Aydın I, Altunkaynak BZ, Davis D. Electromagnetic field and brain development. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 75:52-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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27
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Amadio P, Baldassarre D, Sandrini L, Weksler BB, Tremoli E, Barbieri SS. Effect of cigarette smoke on monocyte procoagulant activity: Focus on platelet-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Platelets 2016; 28:60-65. [PMID: 27494459 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2016.1203403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) activates platelets, promotes vascular dysfunction, and enhances Tissue Factor (TF) expression in blood monocytes favoring pro-thrombotic states. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the family of neurotrophins involved in survival, growth, and maturation of neurons, is released by activated platelets (APLTs) and plays a role in the cardiovascular system. The effect of CS on circulating levels of BDNF is controversial and the function of circulating BDNF in atherothrombosis is not fully understood. Here, we have shown that human platelets, treated with an aqueous extract of CS (CSE), released BDNF in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, incubation of human monocytes with BDNF or with the supernatant of platelets activated with CSE increased TF activity by a Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)-dependent mechanism. Finally, comparing serum and plasma samples of 12 male never smokers (NS) and 29 male active smokers (AS) we observed a significant increase in microparticle-associated TF activity (MP-TF) as well as BDNF in AS, while in serum, BDNF behaved oppositely. Taken together these findings suggest that platelet-derived BDNF is involved in the regulation of TF activity and that CS plays a role in this pathway by favoring a pro-atherothrombotic state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damiano Baldassarre
- a Centro Cardiologico Monzino , IRCCS , Milan , Italy.,b Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | | | - Babette B Weksler
- c Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology , Weill Cornell Medical College , New York , NY , USA
| | - Elena Tremoli
- a Centro Cardiologico Monzino , IRCCS , Milan , Italy
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28
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Wang M, Li D, Yun D, Zhuang Y, Repunte-Canonigo V, Sanna PP, Behnisch T. Translation of BDNF-gene transcripts with short 3' UTR in hippocampal CA1 neurons improves memory formation and enhances synaptic plasticity-relevant signaling pathways. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 138:121-134. [PMID: 27394686 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
While the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and its multiple transcripts have been recognized as a key factor for learning, but the specific involvement of BDNF translated from BDNF transcripts with short-3' untranslated region (short 3' UTR) in learning and memory requires further analysis. In this paper, we present data to show that the transduction of hippocampal CA1 neurons with AAV9-5' UTR-BDNF (short 3' UTR)-IRES-ZsGreen and the subsequent expression of BDNF enhanced the phosphorylation of synaptic plasticity relevant proteins and improved passive avoidance and object location, but not object recognition memory. In addition, BDNF improved the relearning of object location. At higher BDNF overexpression levels, the fear behavior was accompanied with a decline in the passive avoidance memory 24h post training, and with an enhanced fear conditioning performance. In addition, these animals developed spontaneous seizures. Thus, the expression of BDNF in the hippocampal CA1 region has the potential to improve fear and object location memory in wild type mouse strains when the region and expression levels of BDNF are well controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxue Li
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Yun
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghan Zhuang
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Vez Repunte-Canonigo
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pietro Paolo Sanna
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Thomas Behnisch
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Baj G, Pinhero V, Vaghi V, Tongiorgi E. Signaling pathways controlling activity-dependent local translation of BDNF and their localization in dendritic arbors. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:2852-64. [PMID: 27270670 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.177626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is encoded by multiple mRNA variants whose differential subcellular distribution constitutes a 'spatial code' for local translation of BDNF and selective morphological remodeling of dendrites. Here, we investigated where BDNF translation takes place and what are the signaling pathways involved. Cultured hippocampal neurons treated with KCl showed increased BDNF in the soma, proximal and distal dendrites, even in quaternary branches. This activity-dependent increase of BDNF was abolished by cycloheximide, suggesting local translation, and required activation of glutamate and Trk receptors. Our data showed that BDNF translation was regulated by multiple signaling cascades including RAS-Erk and mTOR pathways, and CaMKII-CPEB1, Aurora-A-CPEB1 and Src-ZBP1 pathways. Aurora-A, CPEB1, ZBP1 (also known as IGF2BP1), eiF4E, S6 (also known as rpS6) were present throughout the dendritic arbor. Neuronal activity increased the levels of Aurora-A, CPEB1 and ZBP1 in distal dendrites whereas those of eiF4E and S6 were unaffected. BDNF-6, the main dendritic BDNF transcript, was translated in the same subcellular domains and in response to the same pathways as total BDNF. In conclusion, we identified the signaling cascades controlling BDNF translation and we describe how the translational machinery localization is modulated in response to electrical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Vera Pinhero
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaghi
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
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30
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No effect of escitalopram versus placebo on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy individuals: a randomised trial. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2016; 28:101-9. [PMID: 26573431 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2015.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) seems to play an important role in the course of depression including the response to antidepressants in patients with depression. We aimed to study the effect of an antidepressant intervention on peripheral BDNF in healthy individuals with a family history of depression. METHODS We measured changes in BDNF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and whole-blood BDNF levels in 80 healthy first-degree relatives of patients with depression randomly allocated to receive daily tablets of escitalopram 10 mg versus placebo for 4 weeks. RESULTS We found no statistically significant difference between the escitalopram and the placebo group in the change in BDNF mRNA expression and whole-blood BDNF levels. Post hoc analyses showed a statistically significant negative correlation between plasma escitalopram concentration and change in whole-blood BDNF levels in the escitalopram-treated group. CONCLUSION The results of this randomised trial suggest that escitalopram 10 mg has no effect on peripheral BDNF levels in healthy individuals.
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TREK1 channel blockade induces an antidepressant-like response synergizing with 5-HT1A receptor signaling. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:2426-36. [PMID: 26441141 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Current antidepressants often remain the inadequate efficacy for many depressive patients, which warrant the necessary endeavor to develop the new molecules and targets for treating depression. Recently, the two-pore domain potassium channel TREK1 has been implicated in mood regulation and TREK-1 antagonists could be the promising antidepressant. This study has screened a TREK1 blocker (SID1900) with a satisfactory blood-brain barrier permeation and bioavailability. Electrophysiological research has shown that SID1900 and the previously reported TREK1 blocker (spadin) efficiently blocked TREK-1 current in HEK293 cells and specifically blocked two-pore domain potassium channels in primary-cultured rat hippocampal neurons. SID1900 and spadin induced a significant antidepressant-like response in the rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Both two TREK1 blockers substantially increased the firing rate of 5-HT-ergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) and PFC of CUMS rats. SID1900 and spadin significantly up-regulated the expression of PKA-pCREB-BDNF signaling in DRN, hippocampus and PFC of CUMS rats, which were enhanced and reversed by a 5-HTR1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT) and antagonist (WAY100635) respectively. The present findings suggested that TREK1 channel blockers posses the substantial antidepressant-like effect and have the potential synergistic effect with 5-HT1A receptor activation through the common CREB-BDNF signal transduction.
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Polyakova M, Schroeter ML, Elzinga BM, Holiga S, Schoenknecht P, de Kloet ER, Molendijk ML. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Antidepressive Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of the Preclinical and Clinical Literature. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141564. [PMID: 26529101 PMCID: PMC4631320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that Electro-Convulsive Treatment (ECT) may reduce depressive symptoms by increasing the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Yet, conflicting findings have been reported. For this reason we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the preclinical and clinical literature on the association between ECT treatment (ECS in animals) and changes in BDNF concentrations and their effect on behavior. In addition, regional brain expression of BDNF in mouse and human brains were compared using Allen Brain Atlas. ECS, over sham, increased BDNF mRNA and protein in animal brain (effect size [Hedge’s g]: 0.38―0.54; 258 effect-size estimates, N = 4,284) but not in serum (g = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.05―0.17). In humans, plasma but not serum BDNF increased following ECT (g = 0.72 vs. g = 0.14; 23 effect sizes, n = 281). The gradient of the BDNF increment in animal brains corresponded to the gradient of the BDNF gene expression according to the Allen brain atlas. Effect-size estimates were larger following more ECT sessions in animals (r = 0.37, P < .0001) and in humans (r = 0.55; P = 0.05). There were some indications that the increase in BDNF expression was associated with behavioral changes in rodents, but not in humans. We conclude that ECS in rodents and ECT in humans increase BDNF concentrations but this is not consistently associated with changes in behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Polyakova
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences & Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
- University Hospital Leipzig, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail: (MP);
| | - M. L. Schroeter
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences & Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - B. M. Elzinga
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S. Holiga
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences & Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - P. Schoenknecht
- University Hospital Leipzig, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Leipzig, Germany
| | - E. R. de Kloet
- Division of Medical Pharmacology, Division of Endocrinology, and Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M. L. Molendijk
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (MP);
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Vicario A, Colliva A, Ratti A, Davidovic L, Baj G, Gricman Ł, Colombrita C, Pallavicini A, Jones KR, Bardoni B, Tongiorgi E. Dendritic targeting of short and long 3' UTR BDNF mRNA is regulated by BDNF or NT-3 and distinct sets of RNA-binding proteins. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:62. [PMID: 26578876 PMCID: PMC4624863 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorting of mRNAs in neuronal dendrites relies upon inducible transport mechanisms whose molecular bases are poorly understood. We investigated here the mechanism of inducible dendritic targeting of rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs as a paradigmatic example. BDNF encodes multiple mRNAs with either short or long 3' UTR, both hypothesized to harbor inducible dendritic targeting signals. However, the mechanisms of sorting of the two 3' UTR isoforms are controversial. We found that dendritic localization of BDNF mRNAs with short 3' UTR was induced by depolarization and NT3 in vitro or by seizures in vivo and required CPEB-1, -2 and ELAV-2, -4. Dendritic targeting of long 3' UTR was induced by activity or BDNF and required CPEB-1 and the relief of soma-retention signals mediated by ELAV-1, -3, -4, and FXR proteins. Thus, long and short 3' UTRs, by using different sets of RNA-binding proteins provide a mechanism of selective targeting in response to different stimuli which may underlay distinct roles of BDNF variants in neuronal development and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Vicario
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Laboratory of Neuroscience - IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milano, Italy ; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari Center", Università degli Studi di Milano Milano, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Łukasz Gricman
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudia Colombrita
- Laboratory of Neuroscience - IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milano, Italy ; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari Center", Università degli Studi di Milano Milano, Italy
| | | | - Kevin R Jones
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder CO, USA
| | | | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
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Notaras M, Hill R, van den Buuse M. The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism as a modifier of psychiatric disorder susceptibility: progress and controversy. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:916-30. [PMID: 25824305 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a primary role in neuronal development, differentiation and plasticity in both the developing and adult brain. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the proregion of BDNF, termed the Val66Met polymorphism, results in deficient subcellular translocation and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF, and has been associated with impaired neurocognitive function in healthy adults and in the incidence and clinical features of several psychiatric disorders. Research investigating the Val66Met polymorphism has increased markedly in the past decade, and a gap in integration exists between and within academic subfields interested in the effects of this variant. Here we comprehensively review the role and relevance of the Val66Met polymorphism in psychiatric disorders, with emphasis on suicidal behavior and anxiety, eating, mood and psychotic disorders. The cognitive and molecular neuroscience of the Val66Met polymorphism is also concisely reviewed to illustrate the effects of this genetic variant in healthy controls, and is complemented by a commentary on the behavioral neuroscience of BDNF and the Val66Met polymorphism where relevant to specific disorders. Lastly, a number of controversies and unresolved issues, including small effect sizes, sampling of allele inheritance but not genotype and putative ethnicity-specific effects of the Val66Met polymorphism, are also discussed to direct future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Notaras
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R Hill
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M van den Buuse
- 1] Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia [2] School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Kopec AM, Philips GT, Carew TJ. Distinct Growth Factor Families Are Recruited in Unique Spatiotemporal Domains during Long-Term Memory Formation in Aplysia californica. Neuron 2015; 86:1228-39. [PMID: 26050041 PMCID: PMC4573621 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Several growth factors (GFs) have been implicated in long-term memory (LTM), but no single GF can support all of the plastic changes that occur during memory formation. Because GFs engage highly convergent signaling cascades that often mediate similar functional outcomes, the relative contribution of any particular GF to LTM is difficult to ascertain. To explore this question, we determined the unique contribution of distinct GF families (signaling via TrkB and TGF-βr-II) to LTM formation in Aplysia. We demonstrate that TrkB and TGF-βr-II signaling are differentially recruited during two-trial training in both time (by trial 1 or 2, respectively) and space (in distinct subcellular compartments). These GFs independently regulate MAPK activation and synergistically regulate gene expression. We also show that trial 1 TrkB and trial 2 TGF-βr-II signaling are required for LTM formation. These data support the view that GFs engaged in LTM formation are interactive components of a complex molecular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Kopec
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Gary T Philips
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Thomas J Carew
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003.
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36
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Fan HC, Ho LI, Chi CS, Cheng SN, Juan CJ, Chiang KL, Lin SZ, Harn HJ. Current proceedings of cerebral palsy. Cell Transplant 2015; 24:471-85. [PMID: 25706819 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x686931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complicated disease with varying causes and outcomes. It has created significant burden to both affected families and societies, not to mention the quality of life of the patients themselves. There is no cure for the disease; therefore, development of effective therapeutic strategies is in great demand. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that the transplantation of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, umbilical cord blood cells, and human embryonic germ cells, focusing on the root of the problem, may provide the possibility of developing a complete cure in treating CP. However, safety is the first factor to be considered because some stem cells may cause tumorigenesis. Additionally, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine the type of cells, route of delivery, cell dose, timing of transplantation, and combinatorial strategies to achieve an optimal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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37
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Thulé PM, Jia D, Safley S, Gordon K, Barber G, Yi H, Nalli S, Onderci M, Sharma J, Shires J, Weber CJ. Engineered insulin secretion from neuroendocrine cells isolated from human thyroid. World J Surg 2015; 38:1251-61. [PMID: 24549997 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-014-2457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-secreting beta-like cells are vulnerable to diabetic autoimmunity. We hypothesized that human thyroid neuroendocrine (NE) cells could be engineered to secrete human insulin, be glucose-responsive, and avoid autoimmunity. METHODS Collagenase-digested thyroid tissue was cultured and subjected to size-based fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Insulin secretion and storage in NE cells transduced with viral vectors carrying an insulin sequence was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunogold transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Baseline mRNA expression was assessed by Illumina expression array analysis. Transduction with retrovirus expressing transcription factors PDX1, NGN3, MAFA, or HNF6 altered mRNA expression in a custom polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in conditioned medium and cell lysates was determined by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Isolation yielded an average of 2.2 × 10(6) cells/g thyroid tissue, which stained for calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related protein, expressed genes consistent with NE origins, and secreted GRP. Transduced cells secreted 56 % and retained 48 % of total insulin produced. Immunogold TEM revealed insulin in secretory vesicles. PDX1, NGN3, and MAFA overexpression increased expression of genes typical for hepatocytes and beta cells. Overexpression of HNF6 also increased the message of genes critical for glucose sensing. CONCLUSIONS Human thyroid NE cells can produce human insulin, fractions of which are both secreted and retained in secretory granules. Overexpression of HNF6, PDX1, or NGN3 enhances expression of both hepatocyte and beta cell typical mRNAs, including the message of proteins critical for glucose sensing. These data suggest that reimplantation of engineered autologous NE cells may develop as a viable treatment for diabetes mellitus type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Thulé
- Section Endocrinology & Metabolism, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA,
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38
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Leal G, Afonso PM, Salazar IL, Duarte CB. Regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by BDNF. Brain Res 2014; 1621:82-101. [PMID: 25451089 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a major regulator of activity-dependent plasticity at excitatory synapses in the mammalian central nervous system. In particular, much attention has been given to the role of the neurotrophin in the regulation of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a sustained enhancement of excitatory synaptic strength believed to underlie learning and memory processes. In this review we summarize the evidence pointing to a role for BDNF in generating functional and structural changes at synapses required for both early- and late phases of LTP in the hippocampus. The available information regarding the pre- and/or postsynaptic release of BDNF and action of the neurotrophin during LTP will be also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the effects of BDNF on the synaptic proteome, either by acting on the protein synthesis machinery and/or by regulating protein degradation by calpains and possibly by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). This fine-tuned control of the synaptic proteome rather than a simple upregulation of the protein synthesis may play a key role in BDNF-mediated synaptic potentiation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciano Leal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Afonso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ivan L Salazar
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB) and Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra (IIIUC), 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos B Duarte
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
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39
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Brain derived neurotrophic factor: Epigenetic regulation in psychiatric disorders. Brain Res 2014; 1586:162-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Maggio N, Vlachos A. Synaptic plasticity at the interface of health and disease: New insights on the role of endoplasmic reticulum intracellular calcium stores. Neuroscience 2014; 281:135-46. [PMID: 25264032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Work from the past 40years has unraveled a wealth of information on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and their relevance in physiological brain function. At the same time, it has been recognized that a broad range of neurological diseases may be accompanied by severe alterations in synaptic plasticity, i.e., 'maladaptive synaptic plasticity', which could initiate and sustain the remodeling of neuronal networks under pathological conditions. Nonetheless, our current knowledge on the specific contribution and interaction of distinct forms of synaptic plasticity (including metaplasticity and homeostatic plasticity) in the context of pathological brain states remains limited. This review focuses on recent experimental evidence, which highlights the fundamental role of endoplasmic reticulum-mediated Ca(2+) signals in modulating the duration, direction, extent and type of synaptic plasticity. We discuss the possibility that intracellular Ca(2+) stores may regulate synaptic plasticity and hence behavioral and cognitive functions at the interface between physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Maggio
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Department of Neurology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - A Vlachos
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
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41
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Vaghi V, Polacchini A, Baj G, Pinheiro VLM, Vicario A, Tongiorgi E. Pharmacological profile of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) splice variant translation using a novel drug screening assay: a "quantitative code". J Biol Chem 2014; 289:27702-13. [PMID: 25074925 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.586719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. BDNF is a major pharmaceutical target in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. However, pharmacological modulation of this neurotrophin is challenging because BDNF is generated by multiple, alternatively spliced transcripts with different 5'- and 3'UTRs. Each BDNF mRNA variant is transcribed independently, but translation regulation is unknown. To evaluate the translatability of BDNF transcripts, we developed an in vitro luciferase assay in human neuroblastoma cells. In unstimulated cells, each BDNF 5'- and 3'UTR determined a different basal translation level of the luciferase reporter gene. However, constructs with either a 5'UTR or a 3'UTR alone showed poor translation modulation by BDNF, KCl, dihydroxyphenylglycine, AMPA, NMDA, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Constructs consisting of the luciferase reporter gene flanked by the 5'UTR of one of the most abundant BDNF transcripts in the brain (exons 1, 2c, 4, and 6) and the long 3'UTR responded selectively to stimulation with the different receptor agonists, and only transcripts 2c and 6 were increased by the antidepressants desipramine and mirtazapine. We propose that BDNF mRNA variants represent "a quantitative code" for regulated expression of the protein. Thus, to discriminate the efficacy of drugs in stimulating BDNF synthesis, it is appropriate to use variant-specific in vitro screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vaghi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessio Polacchini
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vera L M Pinheiro
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Vicario
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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The neuroprotective role of acupuncture and activation of the BDNF signaling pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:3234-52. [PMID: 24566146 PMCID: PMC3958908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15023234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have been conducted to examine the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in many neurological disorders. Although the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture has been linked to changes in signaling pathways, accumulating evidence suggest the participation of endogenous biological mediators, such as the neurotrophin (NT) family of proteins, specifically, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Accordingly, acupuncture can inhibit neurodegeneration via expression and activation of BDNF. Moreover, recent studies have reported that acupuncture can increase ATP levels at local stimulated points. We have also demonstrated that acupuncture could activate monocytes and increase the expression of BDNF via the stimulation of ATP. The purpose of this article is to review the recent findings and ongoing studies on the neuroprotective roles of acupuncture and therapeutic implications of acupuncture-induced activation of BDNF and its signaling pathway.
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Yanev S, Aloe L, Fiore M, Chaldakov GN. Neurotrophic and metabotrophic potential of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Linking cardiometabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases. World J Pharmacol 2013; 2:92-99. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v2.i4.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of biggest recent achievements of neurobiology is the study on neurotrophic factors. The neurotrophins are exciting examples of these factors. They belong to a family of proteins consisting of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), NT-4/5, NT-6, and NT-7. Today, NGF and BDNF are well recognized to mediate a dizzying number of trophobiological effects, ranging from neurotrophic through immunotrophic and epitheliotrophic to metabotrophic effects. These are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In the same vein, recent studies in adipobiology reveal that this tissue is the body’s largest endocrine and paracrine organ producing multiple signaling proteins collectively termed adipokines, with NGF and BDNF being also produced from adipose tissue. Altogether, neurobiology and adipobiology contribute to the improvement of our knowledge on diseases beyond obesity such as cardiometabolic (atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome) and neuropsychiatric (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease and depression) diseases. The present review updates evidence for (1) neurotrophic and metabotrophic potentials of NGF and BDNF linking the pathogenesis of these diseases, and (2) NGF- and BDNF-mediated effects in ampakines, NMDA receptor antagonists, antidepressants, selective deacetylase inhibitors, statins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists, and purinergic P2X3 receptor up-regulation. This may help to construct a novel paradigm in the field of translational pharmacology of neuro-metabotrophins, particularly NGF and BDNF.
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Faria R, Sartori C, Canova F, Ferrari E. Classical aversive conditioning induces increased expression of mature-BDNF in the hippocampus and amygdala of pigeons. Neuroscience 2013; 255:122-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Baj G, Carlino D, Gardossi L, Tongiorgi E. Toward a unified biological hypothesis for the BDNF Val66Met-associated memory deficits in humans: a model of impaired dendritic mRNA trafficking. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:188. [PMID: 24198753 PMCID: PMC3812868 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents promotesa key molecule for the survival and differentiation of specific populations of neurons in the central nervous system. BDNF also regulates plasticity-related processes underlying memory and learning. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6265 has been identified on the coding sequence of human BDNF located at 11p13. The SNP rs6265 is a single base mutation with an adenine instead of a guanine at position 196 (G196A), resulting in the amino acid substitution Val66Met. This polymorphism only exists in humans and has been associated with a plethora of effects ranging from molecular, cellular and brain structural modifications in association with deficits in social and cognitive functions. To date, the literature on Val66Met polymorphism describes a complex and often conflicting pattern of effects. In this review, we attempt to provide a unifying model of the Val66Met effects. We discuss the clinical evidence of the association between Val66Met and memory deficits, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved including the reduced transport of BDNF mRNA to the dendrites as well as the reduced processing and secretion of BDNF protein through the regulated secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, Brain Centre for Neurosciences, University of Trieste Trieste, Italy
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Kopec AM, Carew TJ. Growth factor signaling and memory formation: temporal and spatial integration of a molecular network. Learn Mem 2013; 20:531-9. [PMID: 24042849 PMCID: PMC3768197 DOI: 10.1101/lm.031377.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor (GF) signaling is critically important for developmental plasticity. It also plays a crucial role in adult plasticity, such as that required for memory formation. Although different GFs interact with receptors containing distinct types of kinase domains, they typically signal through converging intracellular cascades (e.g., Ras–MEK–MAPK) to mediate overlapping functional endpoints. Several GFs have been implicated in memory formation, but due to a high level of convergent signaling, the unique contributions of individual GFs as well as the interactions between GF signaling cascades during the induction of memory is not well known. In this review, we highlight the unique roles of specific GFs in dendritic plasticity, and discuss the spatial and temporal profiles of different GFs during memory formation. Collectively, the data suggest that the roles of GF signaling in long-lasting behavioral and structural plasticity may be best viewed as interactive components in a complex molecular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Kopec
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
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Luan Z, Qu S, Du K, Liu W, Yang Y, Wang Z, Cui Y, Du Q. Neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation for cortical visual impairment in neonatal brain injured patients. Cell Transplant 2013; 22 Suppl 1:S101-12. [PMID: 24070130 DOI: 10.3727/096368913x672163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation to treat severe cortical visual impairment (CVI), a sequela of neonatal brain injury. Fifty-two patients with cerebral injury and CVI were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (n = 25, with the median age of 18 months) and the control group (n = 27, with the median age of 19.5 months). The treatment group received intracerebroventricular transplantation of human NS/PCs and rehabilitation training. The control group received rehabilitation only. The visual function was assessed by Holt's method at various time points after transplantation. One in five patients with fundus abnormalities accompanied by blindness regained light perception. The visual functions of 75% of the patients with normal fundus were improved by one level or more in a 2-year follow-up. The median efficacy appeared 60 days posttransplantation. The total effective rate of cell transplantation on visual improvement was 64% (16 patients of 25), among which one blind patient regained light perception, five (31.2%) CVI patients improved by one level, and 10 (62.5%) improved by more than one level. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a subpopulation of patients showed enhanced signals in the occipital lobe, visual pathway, and apical lobe after transplantation. In the control group, four patients with fundus abnormalities showed no improvement. Nine of 23 CVI patients with normal fundus improved visual function by more than one level. At the 2-year follow-up, no blind patients showed visual improvement. The total effective rate was 33.33% (9 of 27 patients). Among those showing visual improvement in the control group, six patients (66.67%) improved by one level, and three (33.33%) by more than one level. The median efficacy occurred in 365 days. Human NS/PC transplantation is effective to treat patients with severe CVI after neonatal brain injury. Compared with the traditional rehabilitation training, cell transplantation showed not only earlier visual improvement but also higher improvement rates and degrees. This article is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation.
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Pre- and postsynaptic twists in BDNF secretion and action in synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt C:610-27. [PMID: 23791959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence collected since the early 1990's strongly supports the notion that BDNF is among the key regulators of synaptic plasticity in many areas of the mammalian central nervous system. Still, due to the extremely low expression levels of endogenous BDNF in most brain areas, surprisingly little data i) pinpointing pre- and postsynaptic release sites, ii) unraveling the time course of release, and iii) elucidating the physiological levels of synaptic activity driving this secretion are available. Likewise, our knowledge regarding pre- and postsynaptic effects of endogenous BDNF at the single cell level in mediating long-term potentiation still is sparse. Thus, our review will discuss the data currently available regarding synaptic BDNF secretion in response to physiologically relevant levels of activity, and will discuss how endogenously secreted BDNF affects synaptic plasticity, giving a special focus on spike timing-dependent types of LTP and on mossy fiber LTP. We will attempt to open up perspectives how the remaining challenging questions regarding synaptic BDNF release and action might be addressed by future experiments. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
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The growth factors cascade and the dendrito-/synapto-genesis versus cell survival in adult hippocampal neurogenesis: the chicken or the egg. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:777-85. [PMID: 23777808 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The decision between cellular survival and death is governed by a balance between proapoptotic versus antiapoptotic signaling cascades. Growth factors are key actors, playing two main roles both at developmental and adult stages: a supporting antiapoptotic role through diverse actions converging in the mitochondria, and a promoter role of cell maturation and plasticity through dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis, especially relevant for the adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a case of development during adulthood. Here, both parallel roles mutually feed forward each other (the success in avoiding apoptosis lets the cell to grow and differentiate, which in turn lets the cell to reach new targets and form new synapses accessing new sources of growth factors to support cell survival) in a circular cause and consequence, or a "the chicken or the egg" dilemma. While identifying the first case of this dilemma makes no sense, one possible outcome might have biological relevance: the decision between survival and death in the adult hippocampal neurogenesis is mainly concentrated at a specific time window, and recent data suggest some divergences between the survival and the maturational promoter effect of growth factors. This review summarizes these evidences suggesting how growth factors might contribute to the live-or-die decision of adult-born immature granule neurons through influencing the maturation of the young neuron by means of its connectivity into a mature functional circuit.
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