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Reyes-Lizaola S, Luna-Zarate U, Tendilla-Beltrán H, Morales-Medina JC, Flores G. Structural and biochemical alterations in dendritic spines as key mechanisms for severe mental illnesses. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110876. [PMID: 37863171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Severe mental illnesses (SMI) collectively affect approximately 20% of the global population, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite having diverse etiologies, clinical symptoms, and pharmacotherapies, these diseases share a common pathophysiological characteristic: the misconnection of brain areas involved in reality perception, executive control, and cognition, including the corticolimbic system. Dendritic spines play a crucial role in excitatory neurotransmission within the central nervous system. These small structures exhibit remarkable plasticity, regulated by factors such as neurotransmitter tone, neurotrophic factors, and innate immunity-related molecules, and other mechanisms - all of which are associated with the pathophysiology of SMI. However, studying dendritic spine mechanisms in both healthy and pathological conditions in patients is fraught with technical limitations. This is where animal models related to these diseases become indispensable. They have played a pivotal role in elucidating the significance of dendritic spines in SMI. In this review, the information regarding the potential role of dendritic spines in SMI was summarized, drawing from clinical and animal model reports. Also, the implications of targeting dendritic spine-related molecules for SMI treatment were explored. Specifically, our focus is on major depressive disorder and the neurodevelopmental disorders schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Abundant clinical and basic research has studied the functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines in these diseases, along with potential pharmacological targets that modulate the dynamics of these structures. These targets may be associated with the clinical efficacy of the pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Reyes-Lizaola
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad Popular del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ulises Luna-Zarate
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Hiram Tendilla-Beltrán
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Julio César Morales-Medina
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico.
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Jin L, Liu Y, Wu Y, Huang Y, Zhang D. REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37892159 PMCID: PMC10605157 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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Lam XJ, Maniam S, Cheah PS, Ling KH. REST in the Road Map of Brain Development. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3417-3433. [PMID: 37517069 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) or also known as neuron-restrictive silencing factor (NRSF), is the key initiator of epigenetic neuronal gene-expression modification. Identification of a massive number of REST-targeted genes in the brain signifies its broad involvement in maintaining the functionality of the nervous system. Additionally, REST plays a crucial role in conferring neuroprotection to the neurons against various stressors or insults during injuries. At the cellular level, nuclear localisation of REST is a key determinant for the functional transcriptional regulation of REST towards its target genes. Emerging studies reveal the implication of REST nuclear mislocalisation or dysregulation in several neurological diseases. The expression of REST varies depending on different types of neurological disorders, which has created challenges in the discovery of REST-targeted interventions. Hence, this review presents a comprehensive summary on the physiological roles of REST throughout brain development and its implications in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumours and cerebrovascular diseases. This review offers valuable insights to the development of potential therapeutic approaches targeting REST to improve pathologies in the brain. The important roles of REST as a key player in the nervous system development, and its implications in several neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jieh Lam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sandra Maniam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pike-See Cheah
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Imado E, Sun S, Abawa AR, Tahara T, Kochi T, Huynh TNB, Asano S, Hasebe S, Nakamura Y, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Kotake Y, Irifune M, Tsuga K, Takuma K, Morioka N, Kiguchi N, Ago Y. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid causes allodynia associated with spinal microglial activation. Neurochem Int 2022; 160:105415. [PMID: 36027995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, difficulties in sensory processing commonly occur in ASD. Sensory abnormalities include heightened or reduced sensitivity to pain, but the mechanism underlying sensory phenotypes in ASD remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that microglia play an important role in forming and refining neuronal circuitry, and thus contribute to neuronal plasticity and nociceptive signaling. In the present study, we investigated the age-dependent tactile sensitivity in an animal model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) and subsequently assessed the involvement of microglia in the spinal cord in pain processing. Pregnant ICR (CD1) mice were intraperitoneally injected with either saline or VPA (500 mg/kg) on embryonic day 12.5. Male offspring of VPA-treated mothers showed mechanical allodynia at both 4 and 8 weeks of age. In the spinal cord dorsal horn in prenatally VPA-treated mice, the numbers and staining intensities of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells were increased and the cell bodies became enlarged, indicating microglial activation. Treatment with PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, for 10 days resulted in a decreased number of spinal microglia and attenuated mechanical allodynia in adult mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, intrathecal injection of Mac-1-saporin, a saporin-conjugated anti-CD11b antibody to deplete microglia, abolished mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that prenatal VPA treatment causes allodynia and that spinal microglia contribute to the increased nociceptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Imado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Samnang Sun
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Health Sciences, #73, Monivong Blvd., Sangkat Sras Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, 12201, Cambodia
| | - Abrar Rizal Abawa
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mayjen Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Takeru Tahara
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Tran Ngoc Bao Huynh
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Hong Bang International University, 215 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 15, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Satoshi Asano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yaichiro Kotake
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masahiro Irifune
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tsuga
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Advanced Prosthodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Mehra S, Ul Ahsan A, Seth E, Chopra M. Critical Evaluation of Valproic Acid-Induced Rodent Models of Autism: Current and Future Perspectives. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1259-1273. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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[Mechanism of valproic acid-induced dendritic spine and synaptic impairment in the prefrontal cortex for causing core autistic symptoms in mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:101-107. [PMID: 35249876 PMCID: PMC8901407 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of valproic acid (VPA) -induced impairment of the dendritic spines and synapses in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for causing core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mice. METHODS Female C57 mice were subjected to injections of saline or VPA on gestational days 10 and 12, and the male offspring mice in the two groups were used as the normal control group and ASD model group (n=10), respectively. Another 20 male mice with fetal exposure to VPA were randomized into two groups for stereotactic injection of DMSO or Wortmannin into the PFC (n=10). Open field test, juvenile play test and 3-chamber test were used to evaluate autistic behaviors of the mice. The density of dendrite spines in the PFC was observed with Golgi staining. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expressions of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR, mTOR and the synaptic proteins PSD95, p-Syn, and Syn in the PFC of the mice. RESULTS Compared with the normal control mice, the mice with fetal exposure to VPA exhibited obvious autism-like behaviors with significantly decreased density of total, mushroom and stubby dendritic spines (P < 0.05) and increased filopodia dendritic spines (P < 0.05) in the PFC. The VPA-exposed mice also showed significantly increased expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR (P < 0.01) and lowered expressions of PSD95 and p-Syn/Syn in the PFC (P < 0.05 or 0.001). Wortmannin injection into the PFC obviously improved the ASD-like phenotype and dendritic spine development, down-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and up-regulated the synaptic proteins in VPA-exposed mice. CONCLUSION In male mice with fetal exposure to VPA, excessive activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and decreased expressions of the synaptic proteins PSD95 and p-Syn cause dendritic spine damage and synaptic development disturbance in the PFC, which eventually leads to ASD-like phenotype.
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Takashima H, Yoshimori A, Honda E, Taguri T, Ozawa J, Kasai M, Shuto S, Takehara D. Visualized and Quantitative Conformational Analysis of Peptidomimetics. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:26601-26612. [PMID: 34661014 PMCID: PMC8515614 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamentally important and challenging drug targets. Peptidomimetic molecules of various types have been developed to modulate PPIs. A particularly promising drug discovery strategy, structural peptidomimetics, was designed based on special mimicking of side-chain Cα-Cβ bonds. It is simple and versatile. Nevertheless, no quantitative method has been established to evaluate its similarity to a target peptide motif. We developed two methods that enable visual, comprehensive, and quantitative analysis of peptidomimetics: peptide conformation distribution (PCD) plot and peptidomimetic analysis (PMA) map. These methods specifically examine multiple side-chain Cα-Cβ bonds of a peptide fragment motif and their corresponding bonds (pseudo-Cα-Cβ bonds) in a mimetic molecule instead of φ and ψ angles of a single amino acid in the traditional Ramachandran plot. The PCD plot is an alignment-free method, whereas the PMA map is an alignment-based method providing distinctive and complementary analysis. Results obtained from analysis using these two methods indicate our multifacial α-helix mimetic scaffold 12 as an excellent peptidomimetic that can precisely mimic the spatial positioning of side-chain functional groups of α-helix. These methods are useful for visualized and quantified evaluation of peptidomimetics and for the rational design of new mimetic scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Takashima
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshimori
- Chemoinformatics
& AI Research Group, Institute for Theoretical
Medicine, Inc., BW3M-20B, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Eiji Honda
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Tomonori Taguri
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Jun Ozawa
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Masaji Kasai
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shuto
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6,
Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Dai Takehara
- Research
and Development Department, PRISM BioLab
Co., Ltd., C21F-4110, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
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Higo J, Takashima H, Fukunishi Y, Yoshimori A. Generalized-ensemble method study: A helix-mimetic compound inhibits protein-protein interaction by long-range and short-range intermolecular interactions. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:956-969. [PMID: 33755222 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A heterocyclic compound mS-11 is a helix-mimetic designed to inhibit binding of an intrinsic disordered protein neural restrictive silence factor/repressor element 1 silencing factor (NRSF/REST) to a receptor protein mSin3B. We apply a generalized ensemble method, multi-dimensional virtual-system coupled molecular dynamics developed by ourselves recently, to a system consisting of mS-11 and mSin3B, and obtain a thermally equilibrated distribution, which is comprised of the bound and unbound states extensively. The lowest free-energy position of mS-11 coincides with the NRSF/REST position in the experimentally-determined NRSF/REST-mSin3B complex. Importantly, the molecular orientation of mS-11 is ordering in a wide region around mSin3B. The resultant binding scenario is: When mS-11 is distant from the binding site of mSin3B, mS-11 descends the free-energy slope toward the binding site maintaining the molecular orientation to be advantageous for binding. Then, finally a long and flexible hydrophobic sidechain of mS-11 fits into the binding site, which is the lowest-free-energy complex structure inhibiting NRSF/REST binding to mSin3B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Higo
- Graduate School of Simulation Studies, University of Hyogo, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hajime Takashima
- Department of Research and Development, PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd., Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Fukunishi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshimori
- Chemoinformatics & AI Research Group, Institute for Theoretical Medicine, Inc., Fujisawa, Japan
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Emerging mechanisms of valproic acid-induced neurotoxic events in autism and its implications for pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111322. [PMID: 33761592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a sort of mental disorder marked by deficits in cognitive and communication abilities. To date no effective cure for this pernicious disease has been available. Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum, antiepileptic drug, and it is also a potent teratogen. Epidemiological studies have shown that children exposed to VPA are at higher risk for ASD during the first trimester of their gestational development. Several animal and human studies have demonstrated important behavioral impairments and morphological changes in the brain following VPA treatment. However, the mechanism of VPA exposure-induced ASD remains unclear. Several factors are involved in the pathological phase of ASD, including aberrant excitation/inhibition of synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, diminished neurogenesis, oxidative stress, etc. In this review, we aim to outline the current knowledge of the critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VPA exposure-induced ASD. This review will give insight toward understanding the complex nature of VPA-induced neuronal toxicity and exploring a new path toward the development of novel pharmacological treatment against ASD.
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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12
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Mori N. [Brain and Neuronal Aging: Aged Brain Controls via Gene Expression Fidelity and Master Regulatory Factors]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:395-404. [PMID: 32115559 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00193-4] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Providing plausible strategies for brain aging protection should be a critical concern for countries with large elderly populations including Japan. Age-related cognitive impairments and movement disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are caused by neurodegeneration that primarily initiates in the hippocampus and the midbrain substantia nigra, respectively. Neurons are postmitotic, and therefore, the accuracy of cellular metabolism should be crucial for maintaining neural functions throughout their life. Thus accuracy of protein synthesis is a critical concern in discussing mechanisms of aging. The essence of the so-called "error catastrophe theory" of aging was on the fidelity of ribosomal translation and/or aminoacylation of tRNA. There is evidence that reduced protein synthesis accuracy results in neurodegeneration. Similarly, reduced proteostasis via autophagy and proteasomes in aging is crucial for protein quality control and well documented as a risk for aging. In both neurodegeneration and protein quality controls, various proteins are involved in their regulation, but recent evidence suggests that repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) could be a master regulatory protein that is crucial for orchestrating the neural protecting events in human brain aging. REST is induced in the aged brain, and protects neurons against oxidative stress and protein toxicity. Interestingly, REST is identical with neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), the master regulator of neural development. Thus NRSF/REST play important roles in both neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. In this review, I summarize the interesting scientific crossover, and discuss the potential use of NRSF/REST as a pharmaceutical target for controlling aging, particularly in relation to brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Mori
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine
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