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Ciuro M, Sangiorgio M, Cacciato V, Cantone G, Fichera C, Salvatorelli L, Magro G, Leanza G, Vecchio M, Valle MS, Gulino R. Mitigating the Functional Deficit after Neurotoxic Motoneuronal Loss by an Inhibitor of Mitochondrial Fission. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7059. [PMID: 39000168 PMCID: PMC11241433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an extremely complex neurodegenerative disease involving different cell types, but motoneuronal loss represents its main pathological feature. Moreover, compensatory plastic changes taking place in parallel to neurodegeneration are likely to affect the timing of ALS onset and progression and, interestingly, they might represent a promising target for disease-modifying treatments. Therefore, a simplified animal model mimicking motoneuronal loss without the other pathological aspects of ALS has been established by means of intramuscular injection of cholera toxin-B saporin (CTB-Sap), which is a targeted neurotoxin able to kill motoneurons by retrograde suicide transport. Previous studies employing the mouse CTB-Sap model have proven that spontaneous motor recovery is possible after a subtotal removal of a spinal motoneuronal pool. Although these kinds of plastic changes are not enough to counteract the functional effects of the progressive motoneuron degeneration, it would nevertheless represent a promising target for treatments aiming to postpone ALS onset and/or delay disease progression. Herein, the mouse CTB-Sap model has been used to test the efficacy of mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) as a tool to counteract the CTB-Sap toxicity and/or to promote neuroplasticity. The homeostasis of mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics is indeed important for cell integrity, and it could be affected during neurodegeneration. Lesioned mice were treated with Mdivi-1 and then examined by a series of behavioral test and histological analyses. The results have shown that the drug may be capable of reducing functional deficits after the lesion and promoting synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, thus representing a putative translational approach for motoneuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciuro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Maria Sangiorgio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Valeria Cacciato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Giuliano Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Carlo Fichera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Lucia Salvatorelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Maria Stella Valle
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (C.F.); (M.V.); (M.S.V.)
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Gulino R. Synaptic Dysfunction and Plasticity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054613. [PMID: 36902042 PMCID: PMC10003601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has supported the hypothesis that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multi-step disease, as the onset of symptoms occurs after sequential exposure to a defined number of risk factors. Despite the lack of precise identification of these disease determinants, it is known that genetic mutations may contribute to one or more of the steps leading to ALS onset, the remaining being linked to environmental factors and lifestyle. It also appears evident that compensatory plastic changes taking place at all levels of the nervous system during ALS etiopathogenesis may likely counteract the functional effects of neurodegeneration and affect the timing of disease onset and progression. Functional and structural events of synaptic plasticity probably represent the main mechanisms underlying this adaptive capability, causing a significant, although partial and transient, resiliency of the nervous system affected by a neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, the failure of synaptic functions and plasticity may be part of the pathological process. The aim of this review was to summarize what it is known today about the controversial involvement of synapses in ALS etiopathogenesis, and an analysis of the literature, although not exhaustive, confirmed that synaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenetic process in ALS. Moreover, it appears that adequate modulation of structural and functional synaptic plasticity may likely support function sparing and delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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3
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Ciuro M, Sangiorgio M, Leanza G, Gulino R. A Meta-Analysis Study of SOD1-Mutant Mouse Models of ALS to Analyse the Determinants of Disease Onset and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010216. [PMID: 36613659 PMCID: PMC9820332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex interaction between genetic and external factors determines the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Epidemiological studies on large patient cohorts have suggested that ALS is a multi-step disease, as symptom onset occurs only after exposure to a sequence of risk factors. Although the exact nature of these determinants remains to be clarified, it seems clear that: (i) genetic mutations may be responsible for one or more of these steps; (ii) other risk factors are probably linked to environment and/or to lifestyle, and (iii) compensatory plastic changes taking place during the ALS etiopathogenesis probably affect the timing of onset and progression of disease. Current knowledge on ALS mechanisms and therapeutic targets, derives mainly from studies involving superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic mice; therefore, it would be fundamental to verify whether a multi-step disease concept can also be applied to these animal models. With this aim, a meta-analysis study has been performed using a collection of primary studies (n = 137), selected according to the following criteria: (1) the studies should employ SOD1 transgenic mice; (2) the studies should entail the presence of a disease-modifying experimental manipulation; (3) the studies should make use of Kaplan-Meier plots showing the distribution of symptom onset and lifespan. Then, using a subset of this study collection (n = 94), the effects of treatments on key molecular mechanisms, as well as on the onset and progression of disease have been analysed in a large population of mice. The results are consistent with a multi-step etiopathogenesis of disease in ALS mice (including two to six steps, depending on the particular SOD1 mutation), closely resembling that observed in patient cohorts, and revealed an interesting relationship between molecular mechanisms and disease manifestation. Thus, SOD1 mouse models may be considered of high predictive value to understand the determinants of disease onset and progression, as well as to identify targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciuro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Sangiorgio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre—IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre—IMPRonTE, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Qiu X, Chen H, Feng D, Dong W. [G-protein coupled receptor Smo positively regulates proliferation and migration of adult neural stem cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1588-1592. [PMID: 34755677 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of G-protein coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) in regulating proliferation and migration of adult neural stem cells (ANSCs) and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Cultured ANSCs were treated with purmorphamine (PM, an agonist of Smo) or cyclopamine (CPM, an inhibitor of Smo), and the changes in cell proliferation migration abilities were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and wound healing assay, respectively. The mRNA expressions of membrane receptor Patched 1 (Ptch1), Smo, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1), axon guidance cue slit1 (Slit1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the treated cells were detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS PM significantly promoted the proliferation (P < 0.01) and migration of ANSCs (P < 0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of Ptch1, Smo, Gli1, Slit1 and BDNF. Treatment with CPM significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ANSCs. CONCLUSION Modulating Smo activity can positively regulate the proliferation and migration of ANSCs possibly by regulating the expressions of BDNF and Slit1.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Qiu
- Experiment Teaching and Administration Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - H Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - D Feng
- Institute of Oncology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - W Dong
- Experiment Teaching and Administration Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Zhang H, Younsi A, Zheng G, Tail M, Harms AK, Roth J, Hatami M, Skutella T, Unterberg A, Zweckberger K. Sonic Hedgehog modulates the inflammatory response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury in a thoracic contusion-compression model. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:1509-1520. [PMID: 33704579 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been associated with a protective role after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We, therefore, investigated the effects of intrathecal Shh-administration in the subacute phase after thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary injury processes in rats. METHODS Twenty-one Wistar rats were subjected to thoracic clip-contusion/compression SCI at T9. Animals were randomized into three treatment groups (Shh, Vehicle, Sham). Seven days after SCI, osmotic pumps were implanted for seven-day continuous intrathecal administration of Shh. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score, Gridwalk test and bodyweight were weekly assessed. Animals were sacrificed six weeks after SCI and immunohistological analyses were conducted. The results were compared between groups and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS The intrathecal administration of Shh led to significantly increased polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype, significantly decreased T-lymphocytic invasion and significantly reduced resident microglia six weeks after the injury. Reactive astrogliosis was also significantly reduced while changes in size of the posttraumatic cyst as well as the overall macrophagic infiltration, although reduced, remained insignificant. Finally, with the administration of Shh, gain of bodyweight (216.6 ± 3.65 g vs. 230.4 ± 5.477 g; p = 0.0111) and BBB score (8.2 ± 0.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.7 points; p = 0.0365) were significantly improved compared to untreated animals six weeks after SCI as well. CONCLUSION Intrathecal Shh-administration showed neuroprotective effects with attenuated neuroinflammation, reduced astrogliosis and improved functional recovery six weeks after severe contusion/compression SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed Tail
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Kathrin Harms
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith Roth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maryam Hatami
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Zweckberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Anand SK, Mondal AC. Neuroanatomical distribution and functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:754-763. [PMID: 31532010 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an extensively studied protein that is evolutionarily conserved and widely distributed in the brain of vertebrates. It acts via its cognate receptors TrkB and p75NTR and plays a central role in the developmental neurogenesis, neuronal survival, proliferation, differentiation, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and brain regeneration. BDNF has also been implicated in a plethora of neurological disorders. Hence, understanding the processes that are controlled by BDNF and their regulating mechanisms is important. Although, BDNF has been thoroughly studied in the mammalian models, contradictory effects of its functions have been reported on several occasions. These contradictory effects may be attributed to the sheer complexity of the mammalian brain. The study of BDNF and its associated functions in a simpler vertebrate model may provide some clarity about the effects of BDNF on the neurophysiology of the brain. Keeping that in mind, this review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about the distribution of BDNF and its associated functions in the zebrafish brain. The main focus of the review is to give a comparative overview of BDNF distribution and function in zebrafish and mammals with respect to distinct life stages. We have also reviewed the regulation of bdnf gene in zebrafish and discussed its role in developmental and adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Kumar Anand
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Amal Chandra Mondal
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Giusto E, Codrich M, Leo G, Francardo V, Coradazzi M, Parenti R, Gulisano M, Vicario N, Gulino R, Leanza G. Compensatory changes in degenerating spinal motoneurons sustain functional sparing in the SOD1‐G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:231-243. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giusto
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Marta Codrich
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Gioacchino Leo
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Veronica Francardo
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Marino Coradazzi
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section University of Catania Catania Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- B.R.A.I.N. Laboratory for Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Life Sciences University of Trieste Trieste Italy
- Molecular Preclinical and Translational Imaging Research Centre ‐ IMPRonTE University of Catania Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences University of Catania Catania Italy
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Vicario N, Bernstock JD, Spitale FM, Giallongo C, Giunta MAS, Li Volti G, Gulisano M, Leanza G, Tibullo D, Parenti R, Gulino R. Clobetasol Modulates Adult Neural Stem Cell Growth via Canonical Hedgehog Pathway Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081991. [PMID: 31018557 PMCID: PMC6514872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is a key pathway within the central nervous system (CNS), during both development and adulthood, and its activation via the 7-transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) may promote neuroprotection and restoration during neurodegenerative disorders. Shh signaling may also be activated by selected glucocorticoids such as clobetasol, fluocinonide and fluticasone, which therefore act as Smo agonists and hold potential utility for regenerative medicine. However, despite its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases, the impact of Smo-modulation induced by these glucocorticoids on adult neural stem cells (NSCs) and the underlying signaling mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Smo agonists (i.e., purmorphamine) and antagonists (i.e., cyclopamine) as well as of glucocorticoids (i.e., clobetasol, fluocinonide and fluticasone) on NSCs in terms of proliferation and clonal expansion. Purmorphamine treatment significantly increased NSC proliferation and clonal expansion via GLI-Kruppel family member 1 (Gli1) nuclear translocation and such effects were prevented by cyclopamine co-treatment. Clobetasol treatment exhibited an equivalent pharmacological effect. Moreover, cellular thermal shift assay suggested that clobetasol induces the canonical Smo-dependent activation of Shh signaling, as confirmed by Gli1 nuclear translocation and also by cyclopamine co-treatment, which abolished these effects. Finally, fluocinonide and fluticasone as well as control glucocorticoids (i.e., prednisone, corticosterone and dexamethasone) showed no significant effects on NSCs proliferation and clonal expansion. In conclusion, our data suggest that Shh may represent a druggable target system to drive neuroprotection and promote restorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Federica M Spitale
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Division of Hematology, "A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Maria A S Giunta
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Lab of Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Lab of Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Lab of Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Gulino R, Vicario N, Giunta MAS, Spoto G, Calabrese G, Vecchio M, Gulisano M, Leanza G, Parenti R. Neuromuscular Plasticity in a Mouse Neurotoxic Model of Spinal Motoneuronal Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061500. [PMID: 30917493 PMCID: PMC6471664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevant research efforts, the causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are still unknown and no effective cure is available. Many authors suggest that ALS is a multi-system disease caused by a network failure instead of a cell-autonomous pathology restricted to motoneurons. Although motoneuronal loss is the critical hallmark of ALS given their specific vulnerability, other cell populations, including muscle and glial cells, are involved in disease onset and progression, but unraveling their specific role and crosstalk requires further investigation. In particular, little is known about the plastic changes of the degenerating motor system. These spontaneous compensatory processes are unable to halt the disease progression, but their elucidation and possible use as a therapeutic target represents an important aim of ALS research. Genetic animal models of disease represent useful tools to validate proven hypotheses or to test potential therapies, and the conception of novel hypotheses about ALS causes or the study of pathogenic mechanisms may be advantaged by the use of relatively simple in vivo models recapitulating specific aspects of the disease, thus avoiding the inclusion of too many confounding factors in an experimental setting. Here, we used a neurotoxic model of spinal motoneuron depletion induced by injection of cholera toxin-B saporin in the gastrocnemius muscle to investigate the possible occurrence of compensatory changes in both the muscle and spinal cord. The results showed that, following the lesion, the skeletal muscle became atrophic and displayed electromyographic activity similar to that observed in ALS patients. Moreover, the changes in muscle fiber morphology were different from that observed in ALS models, thus suggesting that some muscular effects of disease may be primary effects instead of being simply caused by denervation. Notably, we found plastic changes in the surviving motoneurons that can produce a functional restoration probably similar to the compensatory changes occurring in disease. These changes could be at least partially driven by glutamatergic signaling, and astrocytes contacting the surviving motoneurons may support this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Maria A S Giunta
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Calabrese
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Rehabilitation Unit, "AOU Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele" and Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Repair, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
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Ding S, Yang J, Huang X, Liu L, Hu J, Xu Z, Zhuge Q. Dopamine Burden Induced the Inactivation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling to Cognitive Decline in Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy. Aging Dis 2017; 8:442-457. [PMID: 28840059 PMCID: PMC5524807 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2016.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is induced by elevated intracranial dopamine (DA). The relationship of the Shh pathway with memory loss in MHE, however, is elusive. In the current study, rats with MHE induced with DA displayed downregulation of the Shh pathway. Additionally, injection of Shh into MHE/DA-treated rats reversed downregulation of BDNF/NT3, whereas administration of cyclopamine (Cyc) enhanced the inhibition of expression of BDNF/NT3. Furthermore, naringin (Nrg) substantially prevented cognitive impairment in MHE/DA-treated rats and upregulated the Shh pathway, paralleling the elevated expression of BDNF/NT3. Overall, our results indicate that the Shh pathway can induce the expression of BDNF/NT3, and DA causes memory loss by inactivation of Shh pathway signaling to BDNF/NT3 in MHE rats, which is reversed by Nrg. Our study may provide new theory basis of pathogenesis and therapeutic target of MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidan Ding
- 1Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disease Research, Department of Surgery Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianjing Yang
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xueli Huang
- 3School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Leping Liu
- 1Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disease Research, Department of Surgery Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- 4Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA
| | - Zhu Xu
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325000, China
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11
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Yu P, Wang L, Tang F, Zeng L, Zhou L, Song X, Jia W, Chen J, Yang Q. Resveratrol Pretreatment Decreases Ischemic Injury and Improves Neurological Function Via Sonic Hedgehog Signaling After Stroke in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:212-226. [PMID: 26738852 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol has neuroprotective effects for ischemic cerebral stroke. However, its neuroprotective mechanism for stroke is less well understood. Beneficial actions of the activated Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in stroke, such as improving neurological function, promoting neurogenesis, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and pro-angiogenic effects, have been noted, but relatively little is known about the role of Shh signaling in resveratrol-reduced cerebral ischemic injury after stroke. The present study tests whether the Shh pathway mediates resveratrol to decrease cerebral ischemic injury and improve neurological function after stroke. We observed that resveratrol pretreatment significantly improved neurological function, decreased infarct volume, enhanced vitality, and reduced apoptosis of neurons in vivo and vitro after stroke. Meanwhile, expression levels of Shh, Ptc-1, Smo, and Gli-1 mRNAs were significantly upregulated and Gli-1 was relocated to the nucleus. Intriguingly, in vivo and in vitro inhibition of the Shh signaling pathway with cyclopamine, a Smo inhibitor, completely reversed the above effects of resveratrol. These results suggest that decreased cerebral ischemic injury and improved neurological function by resveratrol may be mediated by the Shh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanren Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Luling Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaosong Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Jixiang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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12
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Neuroplasticity and Repair in Rodent Neurotoxic Models of Spinal Motoneuron Disease. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2769735. [PMID: 26862439 PMCID: PMC4735933 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2769735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrogradely transported toxins are widely used to set up protocols for selective lesioning of the nervous system. These methods could be collectively named "molecular neurosurgery" because they are able to destroy specific types of neurons by using targeted neurotoxins. Lectins such as ricin, volkensin, or modeccin and neuropeptide- or antibody-conjugated saporin represent the most effective toxins used for neuronal lesioning. Some of these specific neurotoxins could be used to induce selective depletion of spinal motoneurons. In this review, we extensively describe two rodent models of motoneuron degeneration induced by volkensin or cholera toxin-B saporin. In particular, we focus on the possible experimental use of these models to mimic neurodegenerative diseases, to dissect the molecular mechanisms of neuroplastic changes underlying the spontaneous functional recovery after motoneuron death, and finally to test different strategies of neural repair. The potential clinical applications of these approaches are also discussed.
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13
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Novel Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Motoneuron Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:654637. [PMID: 26064939 PMCID: PMC4433663 DOI: 10.1155/2015/654637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A hopeful spinal cord repairing strategy involves the activation of neural precursor cells. Unfortunately, their ability to generate neurons after injury appears limited. Another process promoting functional recovery is synaptic plasticity. We have previously studied some mechanisms of spinal plasticity involving BDNF, Shh, Notch-1, Numb, and Noggin, by using a mouse model of motoneuron depletion induced by cholera toxin-B saporin. TDP-43 is a nuclear RNA/DNA binding protein involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interestingly, TDP-43 could be localized at the synapse and affect synaptic strength. Here, we would like to deepen the investigation of this model of spinal plasticity. After lesion, we observed a glial reaction and an activity-dependent modification of Shh, Noggin, and Numb proteins. By using multivariate regression models, we found that Shh and Noggin could affect motor performance and that these proteins could be associated with both TDP-43 and Numb. Our data suggest that TDP-43 is likely an important regulator of synaptic plasticity, probably in collaboration with other proteins involved in both neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, given the rapidly increasing knowledge about spinal cord plasticity, we believe that further efforts to achieve spinal cord repair by stimulating the intrinsic potential of spinal cord will produce interesting results.
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14
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De Felice E, Porreca I, Alleva E, De Girolamo P, Ambrosino C, Ciriaco E, Germanà A, Sordino P. Localization of BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish. J Anat 2014; 224:564-74. [PMID: 24588510 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is expressed in differentiating and post-mitotic neurons of the zebrafish embryo, where it has been implicated in Huntington's disease. Little is known, however, about the full complement of neuronal cell types that express BDNF in this important vertebrate model. Here, we further explored the transcriptional profiles during the first week of development using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). RT-qPCR results revealed a high level of maternal contribution followed by a steady increase of zygotic transcription, consistent with the notion of a prominent role of BDNF in neuronal maturation and maintenance. Based on WISH, we demonstrate for the first time that BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish is structure specific. Anatomical criteria and co-staining with genetic markers (shh, pax2a, emx1, krox20, lhx2b and lhx9) visualized major topological domains of BDNF-positive cells in the pallium, hypothalamus, posterior tuberculum and optic tectum. Moreover, the relative timing of BDNF transcription in the eye and tectum may illustrate a mechanism for coordinated development of the retinotectal system. Taken together, our results are compatible with a local delivery and early role of BDNF in the developing brain of zebrafish, adding basic knowledge to the study of neurotrophin functions in neural development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E De Felice
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; Department of Morphology, Biochemistry, Physiology and Animal Productions, Section of Morphology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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15
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Gulino R, Gulisano M. Noggin and Sonic hedgehog are involved in compensatory changes within the motoneuron-depleted mouse spinal cord. J Neurol Sci 2013; 332:102-9. [PMID: 23859181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog and Noggin are morphogenetic factors involved in neural induction and ventralization of the neural tube, but recent findings suggest that they could participate in regeneration and functional recovery after injury. Here, in order to verify if these mechanisms could occur in the spinal cord and involve synaptic plasticity, we measured the expression levels of Sonic hedgehog, Noggin, Choline Acetyltransferase, Synapsin-I and Glutamate receptor subunits (GluR1, GluR2, GluR4), in a motoneuron-depleted mouse spinal cord lesion model obtained by intramuscular injection of Cholera toxin-B saporin. The lesion caused differential expression changes of the analyzed proteins. Moreover, motor performance was found correlated with Sonic hedgehog and Noggin expression in lesioned animals. The results also suggest that Sonic hedgehog could collaborate in modulating synaptic plasticity. Together, these findings confirm that the injured mammalian spinal cord has intrinsic potential for repair and that some proteins classically involved in development, such as Sonic hedgehog and Noggin could have important roles in regeneration and functional restoration, by mechanisms including synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, Italy.
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16
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Umbilical cord blood cells regulate endogenous neural stem cell proliferation via hedgehog signaling in hypoxic ischemic neonatal rats. Brain Res 2013; 1518:26-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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