1
|
Guo B, Zheng C, Cao J, Luo F, Li H, Hu S, Mingyuan Lee S, Yang X, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Sun Y, Wang Y. Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone exerts neuroprotection via activation of PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway in Parkinson's disease models. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00360-0. [PMID: 37989471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.021] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parkinson's disease (PD) is common neurodegenerative disease where oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in its progression. Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone (TBN), a potent free radical scavenger, has shown protective effects in various neurological conditions. However, the neuroprotective mechanisms of TBN in PD models remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate TBN's neuroprotective effects and mechanisms in PD models. METHODS TBN's neuroprotection was initially measured in MPP+/MPTP-induced PD models. Subsequently, a luciferase reporter assay was used to detect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) promoter activity. Effects of TBN on antioxidant damage and the PGC-1α/Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway were thoroughly investigated. RESULTS In MPP+-induced cell model, TBN (30 to 300 μM) increased cell survival by 9.95% (P < 0.05), 16.63% (P < 0.001), and 24.09% (P < 0.001), respectively. TBN enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (P < 0.05) and restored PGC-1α transcriptional activity suppressed by MPP+ (84.30% vs 59.03%, P < 0.01). In MPTP-treated mice, TBN (30 mg/kg) ameliorated motor impairment, increased striatal dopamine levels (16.75%, P < 0.001), dopaminergic neurons survival (27.12%, P < 0.001), and tyrosine hydroxylase expression (28.07%, P < 0.01). Selegiline, a positive control, increased dopamine levels (15.35%, P < 0.001) and dopaminergic neurons survival (25.34%, P < 0.001). Additionally, TBN reduced oxidative products and activated the PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway. PGC-1α knockdown diminished TBN's neuroprotective effects, decreasing cell viability from 73.65% to 56.87% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION TBN has demonstrated consistent effectiveness in MPP+-induced midbrain neurons and MPTP-induced mice. Notably, the therapeutic effect of TBN in mitigating motor deficits and neurodegeneration is superior to selegiline. The neuroprotective mechanisms of TBN are associated with activation of the PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway, thereby reducing oxidative stress and maintaining mitochondrial function. These findings suggest that TBN may be a promising therapeutic candidate for PD, warranting further development and investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baojian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chengyou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China; School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fangcheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine/Shenzhen Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Simon Mingyuan Lee
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 8, Longyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gaoxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Yewei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, and Institute of New Drug Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Role of MEF2 Transcription Factor Family in Neuronal Survival and Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043120. [PMID: 36834528 PMCID: PMC9963821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors comprises four highly conserved members that play an important role in the nervous system. They appear in precisely defined time frames in the developing brain to turn on and turn off genes affecting growth, pruning and survival of neurons. MEF2s are known to dictate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and restrict the number of synapses in the hippocampus, thus affecting learning and memory formation. In primary neurons, negative regulation of MEF2 activity by external stimuli or stress conditions is known to induce apoptosis, albeit the pro or antiapoptotic action of MEF2 depends on the neuronal maturation stage. By contrast, enhancement of MEF2 transcriptional activity protects neurons from apoptotic death both in vitro and in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence places this transcription factor in the center of many neuropathologies associated with age-dependent neuronal dysfunctions or gradual but irreversible neuron loss. In this work, we discuss how the altered function of MEF2s during development and in adulthood affecting neuronal survival may be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Mao Y, Zhang L, Qi J, Zhang Y, Lyu F, Gu L, Yu R, Zhou X. SU4312 Represses Glioma Progression by Inhibiting YAP and Inducing Sensitization to the Effect of Temozolomide. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164765. [PMID: 36013004 PMCID: PMC9410026 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SU4312, initially designed as a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is consequently reported to inhibit tumor angiogenesis by blocking VEGFR. However, although SU4312 can penetrate the brain–blood barrier, its potential to inhibit glioma growth is unknown. In this study, we report that SU4312 inhibited glioma cell proliferation and down-regulated yes-associated protein (YAP), the key effector of the hippo pathway. The exogenous over-expression of YAP partially restored the inhibitory effect of SU4312 on glioma progression. Interestingly, SU4312 sensitized the antitumor effect of temozolomide, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, SU4312 decreased the M2tumor-associated macrophages and enhanced anti-tumor immunity by down-regulating the YAP-CCL2 axis. In conclusion, our results suggest that SU4312 represses glioma progression by down-regulating YAP transcription and consequently CCL2 secretion. SU4312 may be synergistic with temozolomide for glioma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yufei Mao
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ji Qi
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yining Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Feng Lyu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Linbo Gu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Rutong Yu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Correspondence: (R.Y.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiuping Zhou
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Correspondence: (R.Y.); (X.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mak S, Li W, Fu H, Luo J, Cui W, Hu S, Pang Y, Carlier PR, Tsim KW, Pi R, Han Y. Promising tacrine/huperzine A-based dimeric acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for neurodegenerative disorders: From relieving symptoms to modifying diseases through multitarget. J Neurochem 2021; 158:1381-1393. [PMID: 33930191 PMCID: PMC8458250 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are devastating diseases in the elderly world, which are closely associated with progressive neuronal loss induced by a variety of genetic and/or environmental factors. Unfortunately, currently available treatments for neurodegenerative disorders can only relieve the symptoms but not modify the pathological processes. Over the past decades, our group by collaborating with Profs. Yuan-Ping Pang and Paul R. Carlier has developed three series of homo/hetero dimeric acetylcholinesterase inhibitors derived from tacrine and/or huperzine A. The representative dimers bis(3)-Cognitin (B3C), bis(12)-hupyridone, and tacrine(10)-hupyridone might possess disease-modifying effects through the modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptors, the activation of myocyte enhancer factor 2D gene transcription, and the promotion of neurotrophic factor secretion. In this review, we summarize that the representative dimers, such as B3C, provide neuroprotection against a variety of neurotoxins via multiple targets, including the inhibitions of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor with pathological-activated potential, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and β-amyloid cascades synergistically. More importantly, B3C might offer disease-modifying potentials by activating myocyte enhancer factor 2D transcription, inducing neuritogenesis, and promoting the expressions of neurotrophic factors in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the novel dimers might offer synergistic disease-modifying effects, proving that dimerization might serve as one of the strategies to develop new generation of therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinghung Mak
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongjun Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, Chronic Brain Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jialie Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanping Pang
- Mayo Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Karl Wahkeung Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Han
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cao J, Guo B, Li S, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhang G, Sun Y, Wang Y, Song X, Zhang Z. Neuroprotection against 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced cytotoxicity by naturally occurring polydatin through activation of transcription factor MEF2D. Neuroreport 2021; 32:1065-1072. [PMID: 34232128 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Polydatin is the major active ingredient of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc. A recent study indicated that polydatin could protect against substantia nigra dopaminergic degeneration in rodent models associated with Parkinson's disease. However, mechanisms that underlie the neuroprotection of polydatin have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, the neuroprotective effects and detailed mechanisms of action of polydatin were investigated in Parkinson's disease-related cellular models. Polydatin dose- and time-dependently prevented neurotoxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in primary cerebellar granule neurons. Moreover, we found that polydatin enhanced the activity of the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) at both basal and pathological conditions using luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that polydatin could downregulate glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which is a negative regulator of MEF2D. Molecular docking simulations finally suggested an interaction between polydatin and a hydrophobic pocket within GSK3β. All these results suggest that polydatin prevents MPP+-induced neurotoxicity via enhancing MEF2D through the inhibition of GSK3β and that treatment with polydatin is worthy of further anti-Parkinson's disease study in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cao
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Baojian Guo
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Sai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Xaojing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan
| | - Xiaoqi Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Gaoxiao Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Yewei Sun
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| | - Xiubao Song
- Department of Rehahilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Q, Yin J, Xu F, Zhai J, Yin J, Ge M, Zhou W, Li N, Qin X, Li Y, Wang S. Isoflurane post-conditioning contributes to anti-apoptotic effect after cerebral ischaemia in rats through the ERK5/MEF2D signaling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3803-3815. [PMID: 33621420 PMCID: PMC8051747 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of brain protection during ischaemic reperfusion injury induced by isoflurane (ISO) post‐conditioning are unclear. Myocyte enhancement factor 2 (MEF2D) has been shown to promote neural survival in a variety of models, in which multiple survival and death signals converge on MEF2D and modulate its activity. Here, we investigated the effect of MEF2D on the neuroprotective effects of ISO post‐conditioning on rats after cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery with ischaemia for 90 minutes and reperfusion for 24‐48 hours. After MCAO, neurological status was assessed at 12, 24 and 48 hours by the Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) test. The passive avoidance test (PAT) was used to assess cognition function. Histological and neuropathological evaluations were performed with HE staining and Nissl's staining, respectively. We measured the expression of MEF2D, ERK5, GFAP and caspase‐3 by immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting, and TUNEL staining to assess the severity of apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 area. We found that MEF2D was involved in nerve protection after I/R injury, and post‐treatment of ISO significantly promoted the phosphorylation of ERK5, increased MEF2D transcriptional activity, inhibited the expression of caspase‐3 and played a role of brain protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingtong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lu'an Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Lu'an People's Hospital, Lu'an, China
| | - Jiangwen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jingwen Zhai
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jieting Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Mingyue Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Wenyi Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Nian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xinlei Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dong Y, Xiong J, Ji L, Xue X. MiR-421 Aggravates Neurotoxicity and Promotes Cell Death in Parkinson's Disease Models by Directly Targeting MEF2D. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:299-308. [PMID: 33179210 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, which reduces quality of life of patients and poses a heavy burden to the society. The pathological mechanism of PD remains unclear, and increasing efforts are aimed to solve this problem. MiRNAs are a kind of small noncoding RNA regulating target gene expression. Previous studies have shown that dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in the development of PD. In the present study, we determined that miR-421 and MEF2D are increased and decreased, respectively, in a cellular model of PD. The data on the mechanism of action indicate that miR-421 directly binds to MEF2D mRNA and negatively regulates MEF2D expression. An increase in miR-421 disrupted the Bcl2/Bax system. Functional assays indicated that enhanced miR-421 promotes cell death by negative modulation of MEF2D expression. Inhibition of miR-421 or restoration of MEF2D protected neurons from neurotoxicity in cellular and animal models of PD. Our study is the first to demonstrate that miR-421 is decreased in PD models and to determine a novel putative mechanism of PD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Dong
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an central hospital, No. 161 Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an central hospital, No. 161 Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liya Ji
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an central hospital, No. 161 Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiuyun Xue
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an central hospital, No. 161 Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parkinson's Disease Master Regulators on Substantia Nigra and Frontal Cortex and Their Use for Drug Repositioning. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:1517-1534. [PMID: 33211252 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. Available evidences support the view of PD as a complex disease, being the outcome of interactions between genetic and environmental factors. In face of diagnosis and therapy challenges, and the elusive PD etiology, the use of alternative methodological approaches for the elucidation of the disease pathophysiological mechanisms and proposal of novel potential therapeutic interventions has become increasingly necessary. In the present study, we first reconstructed the transcriptional regulatory networks (TN), centered on transcription factors (TF), of two brain regions affected in PD, the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the frontal cortex (FCtx). Then, we used case-control studies data from these regions to identify TFs working as master regulators (MR) of the disease, based on region-specific TNs. Twenty-nine regulatory units enriched with differentially expressed genes were identified for the SNc, and twenty for the FCtx, all of which were considered MR candidates for PD. Three consensus MR candidates were found for SNc and FCtx, namely ATF2, SLC30A9, and ZFP69B. In order to search for novel potential therapeutic interventions, we used these consensus MR candidate signatures as input to the Connectivity Map (CMap), a computational drug repositioning webtool. This analysis resulted in the identification of four drugs that reverse the expression pattern of all three MR consensus simultaneously, benperidol, harmaline, tubocurarine chloride, and vorinostat, thus suggested as novel potential PD therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Vidal-Sancho L, Fernández-García S, Solés-Tarrés I, Alberch J, Xifró X. Decreased Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 Levels in the Hippocampus of Huntington's Disease Mice Are Related to Cognitive Dysfunction. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4549-4562. [PMID: 32757160 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
People suffering from Huntington's disease (HD) present cognitive deficits. Hippocampal dysfunction has been involved in the HD learning and memory impairment, but proteins leading this dysregulation are not fully characterized. Here, we studied the contribution of the family of transcription factors myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) to the HD cognitive deficits. To this aim, we first analyzed MEF2 protein levels and found that they are reduced in the hippocampus of exon-1 (R6/1) and full-length (HdhQ7/Q111) mutant huntingtin (mHTT) mice at the onset of cognitive dysfunction. By the analysis of MEF2 mRNA levels and mHTT-MEF2 interaction, we discarded that reduced MEF2 levels are due to changes in the transcription or sequestration in mHTT aggregates. Interestingly, we showed in R6/1 primary hippocampal cultures that reduction of MEF2 is strongly related to a basal and non-apoptotic caspase activity. To decipher the involvement of hippocampal decreased MEF2 in memory impairment, we used the BML-210 molecule that activates MEF2 transcriptional activity by the disruption MEF2-histone deacetylase class IIa interaction. BML-210 treatment increased the number and length of neurites in R6/1 primary hippocampal cultures. Importantly, this effect was prevented by transduction of lentiviral particles containing shRNA against MEF2. Then, we demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of BML-210 (150 mg/Kg/day) for 4 days in R6/1 mice improved cognitive performance. Finally, we observed that BML-210 treatment also promoted the activation of MEF2-dependent memory-related genes and the increase of synaptic markers in the hippocampus of R6/1 mice. Our findings point out that reduced hippocampal MEF2 is an important mediator of cognitive dysfunction in HD and suggest that MEF2 slight basal activation could be a good therapeutic option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vidal-Sancho
- New Therapeutic Targets Group, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sara Fernández-García
- Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, 08036, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, 28031, Spain
| | - Irene Solés-Tarrés
- New Therapeutic Targets Group, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Departament de Biomedicina, Institut de Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, 08036, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, 28031, Spain
| | - Xavier Xifró
- New Therapeutic Targets Group, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain. .,Departament de Ciències Mèdiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tao C, Hu SQ, Chen J, Chen YJ, Sun KH, Cui GZ, Ma M, Wu ZZ. Highly efficient synthesis and monoamine oxidase B inhibitory profile of demethyleneberberine, columbamine and palmatine. Neurochem Int 2020; 139:104807. [PMID: 32711021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of berberine alkaloids is thought to begin with the demethylation of berberine followed by methylation reactions to generate other type berberine alkaloids. This seemingly expeditious way to access berberine alkaloids has been stagnated for over half a century due to certain vexing synthetic problems, such as low isolated yield, complex operations and toxic reagents. We further investigated this bioinspired semi-synthesis strategy and significantly improved the synthetic efficacy, by providing a practical synthetic process for demethyleneberberine (DMB), columbamine and palmatine. Furthermore, we found that DMB (IC50, 9.06 μM) inhibited the activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), an enzyme that deaminates dopamine and is particularly involved in the pathology of Parkinson's disease. Besides, columbamine was able to decrease MAO-B activity by approximately 40%. These findings provide perquisites for further in vivo investigation to confirm the therapeutic potentiality of berberine alkaloids, DMB in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Tao
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Quan Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan-Ji Chen
- Dongguan Institute of Jinan University, Dongguan, China
| | - Ke-Huan Sun
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo-Zhen Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
| | - Min Ma
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Zhi Wu
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang N, Yang W, Li L, Tian M. MEF2D upregulation protects neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced injury by enhancing Nrf2 activation. Brain Res 2020; 1741:146878. [PMID: 32407713 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) is a pro-survival factor for neurons. However, whether MEF2D is involved in protecting neurons from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unknown. The current study was designed to investigate the exact role and mechanism of MEF2D in regulating oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury, an in vitro model used to study cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. MEF2D expression was significantly induced in neurons in response to OGD/R injury. Functional analysis demonstrated that MEF2D upregulation significantly rescued the decreased viability of OGD/R-injured neurons and suppressed OGD/R-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By contrast, MEF2D knockdown increased the sensitivity of neurons to OGD/R-induced injury. Moreover, MEF2D overexpression increased the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and enhanced the activation of Nrf2 antioxidant signaling. However, Nrf2 knockdown partially blocked the MEF2D-mediated neuroprotective effect in OGD/R-exposed neurons. Overall, these results reveal that MEF2D overexpression attenuates OGD/R-induced injury by enhancing Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling. These findings suggest that MEF2D may serve as a neuroprotective target with a potential application for treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Recent advances in dopaminergic strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:471-482. [PMID: 32112042 PMCID: PMC7471472 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease worldwide. However, there is no available therapy reversing the neurodegenerative process of PD. Based on the loss of dopamine or dopaminergic dysfunction in PD patients, most of the current therapies focus on symptomatic relief to improve patient quality of life. As dopamine replacement treatment remains the most effective symptomatic pharmacotherapy for PD, herein we provide an overview of the current pharmacotherapies, summarize the clinical development status of novel dopaminergic agents, and highlight the challenge and opportunity of emerging preclinical dopaminergic approaches aimed at managing the features and progression of PD.
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu Z, Qiu X, Mak S, Guo B, Hu S, Wang J, Luo F, Xu D, Sun Y, Zhang G, Cui G, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Han Y. Multifunctional memantine nitrate significantly protects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity via inhibiting calcium influx and attenuating PI3K/Akt/GSK3beta pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 325:109020. [PMID: 32092300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral vascular disorders and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously designed and synthesized a series of memantine nitrate and some of them have shown vessel dilatory effects and neuroprotective effects; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we further demonstrated that memantine nitrate-06 (MN-06), one of the novel compounds derived from memantine, possessed significant neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rat primary cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Pretreatment of MN-06 reversed the activation of GSK3b and the suppression of phosphorylated Akt induced by glutamate. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of MN-06 could be abolished by LY294002, the specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor. Ca2+ imaging shown that pretreatment of MN-06 prevented Ca2+ influx induced by glutamate. Moreover, MN-06 might inhibit the NMDA-mediated current by antagonizing NDMA receptors, which was further confirmed by molecular docking simulation. Taken together, MN-06 protected against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by blocking calcium influx and attenuating PI3-K/Akt/GSK-3b pathway, indicating that MN-06 might be a potential drug for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoling Qiu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shinghung Mak
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baojian Guo
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fangcheng Luo
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yewei Sun
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaoxiao Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yifan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mak S, Liu Z, Wu L, Guo B, Luo F, Liu Z, Hu S, Wang J, Cui G, Sun Y, Wang Y, Zhang G, Han Y, Zhang Z. Pharmacological Characterizations of anti-Dementia Memantine Nitrate via Neuroprotection and Vasodilation in Vitro and in Vivo. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:314-327. [PMID: 31922720 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously designed and synthesized a series of novel memantine nitrates, and some of them have shown neuroprotective effects; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that MN-12, one of the memantine nitrates, concentration-dependently protected against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in rat primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Western blotting assays revealed that MN-12 might possess neuroprotective effects through the inhibition of ERK pathway and activation of PI3K/Akt pathway concurrently. Moreover, MN-12 concentration-dependently dilated precontracted rat middle cerebral artery through activation of NO-cGMP pathway ex vivo. In the 2-vessel occlusion (2VO) rat model, MN-12 alleviated the impairments of spatial memory and motor dysfunction possibly via neuroprotection and improvement of the cerebral blood flow. Furthermore, the results of preliminary pharmacokinetic studies showed that MN-12 might quickly distribute to the major organs including the brain, indicating that MN-12 could penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Taken together, MN-12 might provide multifunctional therapeutic benefits for dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and ischemic stroke, via neuroprotection and vessel dilation to improve the cerebral blood flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinghung Mak
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation) , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong , China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
- Foshan Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology and Medicine , Foshan University , Foshan 528000 , China
- Foshan Magpie Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. , Foshan , 528000 Guangdong , China
| | - Liangmiao Wu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Baojian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation) , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Fangcheng Luo
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
- Foshan Magpie Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. , Foshan , 528000 Guangdong , China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation) , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong , China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong , China
| | - Guozhen Cui
- Department of Bioengineering , Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus , Zhuhai 519041 , China
| | - Yewei Sun
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Gaoxiao Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| | - Yifan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation) , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen 518057 , China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong , China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , Guangzhou 510632 , China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) , Jinan University College of Pharmacy , 601 Huangpu Avenue West , Guangzhou 510632 , China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Q, Hu C, Huang J, Liu W, Lai W, Leng F, Tang Q, Liu Y, Wang Q, Zhou M, Sheng F, Li G, Zhang R. ROCK1 induces dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis via the activation of Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission in Parkinson's disease. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-13. [PMID: 31578315 PMCID: PMC6802738 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine deficiency is mainly caused by apoptosis of dopaminergic nerve cells in the substantia nigra of the midbrain and the striatum and is an important pathologic basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent research has shown that dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission plays a crucial role in dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis. However, the upstream regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Our study showed that Drp1 knockdown inhibited aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Importantly, we found that ROCK1 was activated in an MPP+-induced PD cell model and that ROCK1 knockdown and the specific ROCK1 activation inhibitor Y-27632 blocked Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis of dopaminergic nerve cells by suppressing Drp1 dephosphorylation/activation. Our in vivo study confirmed that Y-27632 significantly improved symptoms in a PD mouse model by inhibiting Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Collectively, our findings suggest an important molecular mechanism of PD pathogenesis involving ROCK1-regulated dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis via the activation of Drp1-induced aberrant mitochondrial fission. Researchers in China have revealed how a protein molecule plays an early part in the molecular steps that can lead to Parkinson’s disease, which is caused by the death of nerve cells that make the neurotransmitter dopamine. Disruption of mitochondria, the energy-generating bodies inside cells, was already known to lead to the death of dopamine-producing cells. Rong Zhang, Guobing Li and colleagues at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in Chongqing, China traced the chain of cause and effect back to a protein called ROCK-1. Using a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, they found that ROCK-1 activates another protein previously shown to trigger the disruption of mitochondria. ROCK-1’s early role in the sequence might make it a suitable target for treatment using drugs that inhibit its activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Changpeng Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingbin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Wuyi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Faning Leng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Yali Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangfang Sheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Guobing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China.
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ren Y, Chen J, Wu X, Gui C, Mao K, Zou F, Li W. Role of c-Abl-GSK3β Signaling in MPP+-Induced Autophagy-Lysosomal Dysfunction. Toxicol Sci 2019; 165:232-243. [PMID: 30165626 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment in autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) results in accumulation of misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles, which is the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies revealed activated nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Abelson (c-Abl) in PD models and brain specimen of PD patients. Inhibition of c-Abl through pharmacological inhibitors has been shown to enhance ALP function and provide neuroprotective effects in cells and animal models of PD. However, the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective effects underlying c-Abl inhibition remain elusive. In this study, STI-571, a c-Abl inhibitor, rescued the ALP function through facilitating the nuclear translocation of TFEB and protected against MPP+-induced neuronal cell death. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knock-down or pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β mitigated the MPP+-induced neuronal cell death, which was achieved through promoting TFEB nuclear localization and subsequently reversing the function of ALP. Intriguingly, either DPH, c-Abl activator, or MPP+ led to the activation of GSK3β, which is a negative regulator of TFEB. In addition, c-Abl directly interacted with GSK3β and catalyzed its phosphorylation at tyrosine 216, and their interaction was enhanced under MPP+ treatment. In contrast, STI-571 abrogated phosphorylation of GSK3β-Tyr216 induced by MPP+ in SN4741 cells and in primary midbrain neurons. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GSK3β is a novel c-Abl substrate, and c-Abl-GSk3β pathway mediates MPP+-induced ALP defects and neuronal cell death, which may represent a potential therapeutic target for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixian Ren
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Jialong Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Xian Wu
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Chen Gui
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Kanmin Mao
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Fei Zou
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Guglielmi P, Carradori S, Ammazzalorso A, Secci D. Novel approaches to the discovery of selective human monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors: is there room for improvement? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:995-1035. [PMID: 31268358 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1637415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Selective monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors are currently used as coadjuvants for the treatment of early motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. They can, based on their chemical structure and mechanism of inhibition, be categorized into reversible and irreversible agents. Areas covered: This review provides a comprehensive update on the development state of selective MAO-B inhibitors describing the results, structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs) and Medicinal chemistry strategies as well as the related shortcomings over the past five years. Expert opinion: Researchers have explored and implemented new and old chemical scaffolds achieving high inhibitory potencies and isoform selectivity. Most of them were characterized and proposed as multitarget agents able to act at different levels (including AChE inhibition, H3R or A2AR antagonism, antioxidant and chelating properties, Aβ1-42 aggregation reduction) in the network of aetiologies of neurodegenerative disorders. These results can also be used to avoid 'cheese-reaction' effects and the occurrence of serotonergic syndrome in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Guglielmi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome , Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | | | - Daniela Secci
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma , Rome , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
MEF-2 isoforms' (A-D) roles in development and tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2755-2787. [PMID: 31105874 PMCID: PMC6505634 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 plays a critical role in proliferation, differentiation, and development of various cell types in a tissue specific manner. Four isoforms of MEF-2 (A-D) differentially participate in controlling the cell fate during the developmental phases of cardiac, muscle, vascular, immune and skeletal systems. Through their associations with various cellular factors MEF-2 isoforms can trigger alterations in complex protein networks and modulate various stages of cellular differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. The role of the MEF-2 family of transcription factors in the development has been investigated in various cell types, and the evolving alterations in this family of transcription factors have resulted in a diverse and wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, ranging from cancer to infection. This review provides a comprehensive account on MEF-2 isoforms (A-D) from their respective localization, signaling, role in development and tumorigenesis as well as their association with histone deacetylases (HDACs), which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
19
|
Hu S, Mak S, Zuo X, Li H, Wang Y, Han Y. Neuroprotection Against MPP +-Induced Cytotoxicity Through the Activation of PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β/MEF2D Signaling Pathway by Rhynchophylline, the Major Tetracyclic Oxindole Alkaloid Isolated From Uncaria rhynchophylla. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:768. [PMID: 30072894 PMCID: PMC6060423 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhynchophylline is a major tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid in Uncaria rhynchophylla, which has been extensively used as traditional herb medicine for the prevention of convulsions and hypertension. However, there is still little evidence about the neuroprotective effects of rhynchophylline for Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative condition currently without any effective cure. In this present study, the neuroprotective molecular mechanisms of rhynchophylline were investigated in a cellular model associated with PD. It is shown that rhynchophylline (10–50 μM) greatly prevented neurotoxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in primary cerebellar granule neurons, as evidenced by the promotion of cell viability as well as the reversal of dysregulated protein expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Very encouragingly, we found that rhynchophylline markedly enhanced the activity of the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) at both basal and pathological conditions using luciferase reporter gene assay, and reversed the inhibition of MEF2D caused by MPP+. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of PI3-Kinase or short hairpin RNA-mediated gene down-regulation of MEF2D abrogated the protection provided by rhynchophylline. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that rhynchophylline could potentiate PI3-K/Akt to attenuate GSK3β (the MEF2D inhibitor) in response to MPP+ insult. In conclusion, rhynchophylline inhibits MPP+-triggered neurotoxicity by stimulating MEF2D via activating PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β cascade. Rhynchophylline is served as a novel MEF2D enhancer and might be a potential candidate for further preclinical study in the prevention of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengquan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Shinghung Mak
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Xialin Zuo
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Haitao Li
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqiang Wang
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|