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Lin H, Lin WH, Lin F, Liu CY, Che CH, Huang HP. Potential Pleiotropic Genes and Shared Biological Pathways in Epilepsy and Depression Based on GWAS Summary Statistics. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:6799285. [PMID: 35463244 PMCID: PMC9019309 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6799285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Current epidemiological and experimental studies have indicated the overlapping genetic foundation of epilepsy and depression. However, the detailed pleiotropic genetic etiology and neurobiological pathways have not been well understood, and there are many variants with underestimated effect on the comorbidity of the two diseases. Utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of epilepsy (15,212 cases and 29,677 controls) and depression (170,756 cases and 329,443 controls) from large consortia, we assessed the integrated gene-based association with both diseases by Multimarker Analysis of Genomic Annotation (MAGMA) and Fisher's meta-analysis. On the one hand, shared genes with significantly altered transcripts in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets were considered as possible pleiotropic genes. On the other hand, the pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the gene lists with nominal significance in the gene-based association test of each disease. We identified a total of two pleiotropic genes (CD3G and SLCO3A1) with gene expression analysis validated and interpreted twenty-five common biological process supported with literature mining. This study indicates the potentially shared genes associated with both epilepsy and depression based on gene expression, meta-data analysis, and pathway enrichment strategy along with traditional GWAS and provides insights into the possible intersecting pathways that were not previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Lin
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Wan-Hui Lin
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Chang-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Chun-Hui Che
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hua-Pin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
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da Rocha JF, Bastos L, Domingues SC, Bento AR, Konietzko U, da Cruz E Silva OAB, Vieira SI. APP Binds to the EGFR Ligands HB-EGF and EGF, Acting Synergistically with EGF to Promote ERK Signaling and Neuritogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:668-688. [PMID: 33009641 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein central to Alzheimer's disease (AD) with functions in brain development and plasticity, including in neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) are well-described neurotrophic and neuromodulator EGFR ligands, both implicated in neurological disorders, including AD. Pro-HB-EGF arose as a putative novel APP interactor in a human brain cDNA library yeast two-hybrid screen. Based on their structural and functional similarities, we first aimed to verify if APP could bind to (HB-)EGF proforms. Here, we show that APP interacts with these two EGFR ligands, and further characterized the effects of APP-EGF interaction in ERK activation and neuritogenesis. Yeast co-transformation and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed APP interaction with HB-EGF. Co-immunoprecipitation also revealed that APP binds to cellular pro-EGF. Overexpression of HB-EGF in HeLa cells, or exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to EGF, both resulted in increased APP protein levels. EGF and APP were observed to synergistically activate the ERK pathway, crucial for neuronal differentiation. Immunofluorescence analysis of cellular neuritogenesis in APP overexpression and EGF exposure conditions confirmed a synergistic effect in promoting the number and the mean length of neurite-like processes. Synergistic ERK activation and neuritogenic effects were completely blocked by the EGFR inhibitor PD 168393, implying APP/EGF-induced activation of EGFR as part of the mechanism. This work shows novel APP protein interactors and provides a major insight into the APP/EGF-driven mechanisms underlying neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation, with potential relevance for AD and for adult neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F da Rocha
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luísa Bastos
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Roche Sistemas de Diagnósticos, Lda, 2720-413, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Sara C Domingues
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana R Bento
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Uwe Konietzko
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Odete A B da Cruz E Silva
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sandra I Vieira
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Chen X, Wu H, Chen H, Wang Q, Xie XJ, Shen J. Astragaloside VI Promotes Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Enhances Neurological Function Recovery in Transient Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Activating EGFR/MAPK Signaling Cascades. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3053-3067. [PMID: 30088176 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Radix Astragali (AR) is a commonly used medicinal herb for post-stroke disability in Traditional Chinese Medicine but its active compounds for promoting neurogenic effects are largely unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Astragaloside VI could be a promising active compound from AR for adult neurogenesis and brain repair via targeting epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated MAPK signaling pathway in post-stroke treatment. By using cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) and experimental stroke rat model, we investigated the effects of Astragaloside VI on inducing NSCs proliferation and self-renewal in vitro, and enhancing neurogenesis for the recovery of the neurological functions in post-ischemic brains in vivo. For animal experiments, rats were undergone 1.5 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) plus 7 days reperfusion. Astragaloside VI (2 μg/kg) was daily administrated by intravenous injection (i.v.) for 7 days. Astragaloside VI treatment promoted neurogenesis and astrogenic formation in dentate gyrus zone, subventricular zone, and cortex of the transient ischemic rat brains in vivo. Astragaloside VI treatment enhanced NSCs self-renewal and proliferation in the cultured NSCs in vitro without affecting NSCs differentiation. Western blot analysis showed that Astragaloside VI up-regulated the expression of nestin, p-EGFR and p-MAPK, and increased neurosphere sizes, whose effects were abolished by the co-treatment of EGF receptor inhibitor gefitinib and ERK inhibitor PD98059. Behavior tests revealed that Astragaloside VI promoted the spatial learning and memory and improved the impaired motor function in transient cerebral ischemic rats. Taken together, Astragaloside VI could effectively activate EGFR/MAPK signaling cascades, promote NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis in transient cerebral ischemic brains, and improve the repair of neurological functions in post-ischemic stroke rats. Astragaloside VI could be a new therapeutic drug candidate for post-stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Core Facility, The People's Hospital of Bao-an, Shenzhen, China.,The 8th people's Hospital of Shenzhen, The Affiliated Bao-an Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hansen Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Xie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jiangang Shen
- Department of Core Facility, The People's Hospital of Bao-an, Shenzhen, China. .,School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Chen J, Zeng F, Forrester SJ, Eguchi S, Zhang MZ, Harris RC. Expression and Function of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Physiology and Disease. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1025-1069. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the prototypical member of a family of membrane-associated intrinsic tyrosine kinase receptors, the ErbB family. EGFR is activated by multiple ligands, including EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, HB-EGF, betacellulin, amphiregulin, epiregulin, and epigen. EGFR is expressed in multiple organs and plays important roles in proliferation, survival, and differentiation in both development and normal physiology, as well as in pathophysiological conditions. In addition, EGFR transactivation underlies some important biologic consequences in response to many G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Aberrant EGFR activation is a significant factor in development and progression of multiple cancers, which has led to development of mechanism-based therapies with specific receptor antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review highlights the current knowledge about mechanisms and roles of EGFR in physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Chen
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Fenghua Zeng
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven J. Forrester
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raymond C. Harris
- Departments of Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee; and Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Schütze S, Orozco IJ, Jentsch TJ. KCNQ Potassium Channels Modulate Sensitivity of Skin Down-hair (D-hair) Mechanoreceptors. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:5566-5575. [PMID: 26733196 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.681098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
M-current-mediating KCNQ (Kv7) channels play an important role in regulating the excitability of neuronal cells, as highlighted by mutations in Kcnq2 and Kcnq3 that underlie certain forms of epilepsy. In addition to their expression in brain, KCNQ2 and -3 are also found in the somatosensory system. We have now detected both KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 in a subset of dorsal root ganglia neurons that correspond to D-hair Aδ-fibers and demonstrate KCNQ3 expression in peripheral nerve endings of cutaneous D-hair follicles. Electrophysiological recordings from single D-hair afferents from Kcnq3(-/-) mice showed increased firing frequencies in response to mechanical ramp-and-hold stimuli. This effect was particularly pronounced at slow indentation velocities. Additional reduction of KCNQ2 expression further increased D-hair sensitivity. Together with previous work on the specific role of KCNQ4 in rapidly adapting skin mechanoreceptors, our results show that different KCNQ isoforms are specifically expressed in particular subsets of mechanosensory neurons and modulate their sensitivity directly in sensory nerve endings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schütze
- From the Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin and
| | - Ian J Orozco
- From the Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin and
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- From the Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) and Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin and; Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Tang Y, Ye M, Du Y, Qiu X, Lv X, Yang W, Luo J. EGFR signaling upregulates surface expression of the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor and contributes to long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Neuroscience 2015. [PMID: 26204818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have been known to be regulated by various receptor tyrosine kinases. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) specifically increases NMDAR-mediated currents and enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. However, the mechanism through which EGFR regulates NMDARs remains to be elucidated. In this study we found that EGFR was highly expressed in the hippocampus and mainly localized in the non-synaptic region including the soma and neurites of cultured hippocampal neurons. EGFR activation led to an increase in ifenprodil-sensitive NMDAR currents. Consistent with this, we also observed that surface expression of GluN2B-containing NMDAR was upregulated. Our biochemical data from hippocampal slices and hippocampal cultured neurons demonstrated that EGF treatment in vitro significantly increased phosphorylation of the GluN2B subunit at Y1472 with a coincidental activation of Src family kinases (SFKs). EGFR blockade with a specific antagonist BIBX-1382 attenuated an increase of GluN2B in the postsynaptic density during high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced LTP. Moreover, BIBX blockade significantly impaired HFS-induced LTP. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EGFR signaling upregulates NMDARs through modification of the GluN2B subunit, and is required for HFS-induced LTP in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - M Ye
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Y Du
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - X Qiu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - X Lv
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - W Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - J Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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Loos M, Mueller T, Gouwenberg Y, Wijnands R, van der Loo RJ, Birchmeier C, Smit AB, Spijker S. Neuregulin-3 in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex regulates impulsive action. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 76:648-55. [PMID: 24703509 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A deficit in impulse control is a prominent, heritable symptom in several psychiatric disorders, such as addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Here, we aimed to identify genes regulating impulsivity, specifically of impulsive action, in mice. METHODS Using the widely used 5-choice serial reaction time task, we measured impulsive action in 1) a panel of 41 BXD recombinant inbred strains of mice (n = 13.7 ± .8 per strain; n = 654 total) to detect underlying genetic loci; 2) congenic mice (n = 23) to replicate the identified locus; 3) mice overexpressing the Nrg3 candidate gene in the medial prefrontal cortex (n = 21); and 4) a Nrg3 loss-of-function mutant (n = 59) to functionally implicate the Nrg3 candidate gene in impulsivity. RESULTS Genetic mapping of impulsive action in the BXD panel identified a locus on chromosome 14 (34.5-41.4 Mb), syntenic with the human 10q22-q23 schizophrenia-susceptibility locus. Congenic mice carrying the impulsivity locus (Impu1) confirmed its influence on impulsive action. Increased impulsivity was associated with increased Nrg3 gene expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Viral overexpression of Nrg3 in the mPFC increased impulsivity, whereas a constitutive Nrg3 loss-of-function mutation decreased it. CONCLUSIONS The causal relation between Nrg3 expression in the mPFC and level of impulsive action shown here provides a mechanism by which polymorphism in NRG3 in humans contributes to a specific cognitive deficit seen in several psychiatric diseases, such as addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Loos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam; Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Developmental Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvonne Gouwenberg
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam
| | - Ruud Wijnands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam; Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rolinka J van der Loo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam; Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Department of Developmental Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam
| | - Sabine Spijker
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam.
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Oyagi A, Hara H. Essential roles of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in the brain. CNS Neurosci Ther 2013; 18:803-10. [PMID: 23006514 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2012.00371.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the EGF family of growth factors, which interacts with the EGF receptor to exert mitogenic activity for various types of cells. Through its interactions with various molecules, it is involved in diverse biological processes, including wound healing, blast implantation, and tumor formation. At the same time, HB-EGF is widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and is considered to play pivotal roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Because HB-EGF protein levels in the brain are much higher than those of TGF-α and EGF, it is possible that HB-EGF serves as a major physiologic ligand for the EGF receptor (ErbB1) within the central nervous system. Recent studies indicate that HB-EGF contributes to the neuronal survival and proliferation of glial/stem cells. HB-EGF also promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons, an action mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as by the Akt signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the implications of HB-EGF in higher brain functions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Oyagi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
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Iwakura Y, Nawa H. ErbB1-4-dependent EGF/neuregulin signals and their cross talk in the central nervous system: pathological implications in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:4. [PMID: 23408472 PMCID: PMC3570895 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligands for ErbB1-4 receptor tyrosine kinases, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and neuregulins, regulate brain development and function. Thus, abnormalities in their signaling are implicated in the etiology or pathology of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Among the ErbB receptors, ErbB1, and ErbB4 are expressed in dopamine and GABA neurons, while ErbB1, 2, and/or 3 are mainly present in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and their precursors. Thus, deficits in ErbB signaling might contribute to the neurological and psychiatric diseases stemming from these cell types. By incorporating the latest cancer molecular biology as well as our recent progress, we discuss signal cross talk between the ErbB1-4 subunits and their neurobiological functions in each cell type. The potential contribution of virus-derived cytokines (virokines) that mimic EGF and neuregulin-1 in brain diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Iwakura
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata, Japan
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Watanabe Y, Someya T, Nawa H. Cytokine hypothesis of schizophrenia pathogenesis: evidence from human studies and animal models. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2010; 64:217-30. [PMID: 20602722 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2010.02094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of schizophrenia has yet to be fully characterized. Gene-environment interactions have been found to play a crucial role in the vulnerability to this disease. Among various environmental factors, inflammatory immune processes have been most clearly implicated in the etiology and pathology of schizophrenia. Cytokines, regulators of immune/inflammatory reactions and brain development, emerge as part of a common pathway of genetic and environmental components of schizophrenia. Maternal infection, obstetric complications, neonatal hypoxia and brain injury all recruit cytokines to mediate inflammatory processes. Abnormal expression levels of specific cytokines such as epidermal growth factor, interleukins (IL) and neuregulin-1 are found both in the brain and peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia. Accordingly, cytokines have been proposed to transmit peripheral immune/inflammatory signals to immature brain tissue through the developing blood-brain barrier, perturbing structural and phenotypic development of the brain. This cytokine hypothesis of schizophrenia is also supported by modeling experiments in animals. Animals treated with specific cytokines of epidermal growth factor, IL-1, IL-6, and neuregulin-1 as embryos or neonates exhibit schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities after puberty, some of which are ameliorated by treatment with antipsychotics. In this review, we discuss the neurobiological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and novel antipsychotic candidates based on the cytokine hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Watanabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
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