Embryonic expression and multifunctional actions of the natriuretic peptides and receptors in the developing nervous system

Developmental roles of natriuretic peptides and their receptors

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors are implicated in the physiological control of blood pressure, bone growth, and cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. They mediate their action through the modulation of intracellular levels of cGMP and cAMP, two second-messengers that have broad biological roles. In this review, we briefly describe the major players of this signaling pathway and their physiological roles in the adult, and discuss several reports describing their activity in the control of various aspects of embryonic development in several species. While the core components of this signaling pathway are well conserved, their functions have diverged in the embryo and the adult to control a diverse array of biological processes.

Pharmacological and Genetic Disruption of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (nppcl) Expression in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Causes Stunted Growth during Development

Human patients with mutations within NPPC or NPR2 genes (encoding C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B), respectively) display clinical signs associated with skeletal abnormalities, such as overgrowth or short stature. Mice with induced models of Nppc or Npr2 deletion display profound achondroplasia, dwarfism and early death. Recent pharmacological therapies to treat short stature are utilizing long-acting CNP analogues, but the effects of manipulating CNP expression during development remain unknown. Here, we use Danio rerio (zebrafish) as a model for vertebrate development, employing both pharmacological and reverse genetics approaches to alter expression of genes encoding CNP in zebrafish. Four orthologues of CNP were identified in zebrafish, and spatiotemporal expression profiling confirmed their presence during development. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that nppcl is the most likely the orthologue of mammalian CNP. Exogenous CNP treatment of developing zebrafish embryos resulted in impaired growth characteristics, such as body length, head width and eye diameter. This reduced growth was potentially caused by increased apoptosis following CNP treatment. Expression of endogenous nppcl was downregulated in these CNP-treated embryos, suggesting that negative feedback of the CNP system might influence growth during development. CRISPR knock-down of endogenous nppcl in developing zebrafish embryos also resulted in impaired growth characteristics. Collectively, these data suggest that CNP in zebrafish is crucial for normal embryonic development, specifically with regard to growth.

Retinal degeneration protein 3 controls membrane guanylate cyclase activities in brain tissue

The retinal degeneration protein RD3 is involved in regulatory processes of photoreceptor cells. Among its main functions is the inhibition of photoreceptor specific membrane guanylate cyclases during trafficking from the inner segment to their final destination in the outer segment. However, any physiological role of RD3 in non-retinal tissue is unsolved at present and specific protein targets outside of retinal tissue have not been identified so far. The family of membrane bound guanylate cyclases share a high homology of their amino acid sequences in their cytoplasmic domains. Therefore, we reasoned that membrane guanylate cyclases that are activated by natriuretic peptides are also regulated by RD3. We analyzed transcript levels of the rd3 gene and natriuretic peptide receptor genes Npr1 and Npr2 in the mouse retina, cerebellum, hippocampus, neocortex, and the olfactory bulb during development from the embryonic to the postnatal stage at P60. The rd3 gene showed a lower expression level than Npr1 and Npr2 (encoding for GC-A and GC-B, respectively) in all tested brain tissues, but was at least one order of magnitude higher in the retina. RD3 and natriuretic peptide receptor GCs co-express in the retina and brain tissue leading to functional tests. We expressed GC-A and GC-B in HEK293T cells and measured the inhibition of GCs by RD3 after activation by natriuretic peptides yielding inhibitory constants around 25 nM. Furthermore, endogenous GCs in astrocytes were inhibited by RD3 to a similar extent. We here show for the first time that RD3 can inhibit two hormone-stimulated GCs, namely GC-A and GC-B indicating a new regulatory feature of these hormone receptors.

Evolution of the membrane/particulate guanylyl cyclase: From physicochemical sensors to hormone receptors

Guanylyl cyclase (GC) is an enzyme that produces 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), one of the two canonical cyclic nucleotides used as a second messenger for intracellular signal transduction. The GCs are classified into two groups, particulate/membrane GCs (pGC) and soluble/cytosolic GCs (sGC). In relation to the endocrine system, pGCs include hormone receptors for natriuretic peptides (GC-A and GC-B) and guanylin peptides (GC-C), while sGC is a receptor for nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Comparing the functions of pGCs in eukaryotes, it is apparent that pGCs perceive various environmental factors such as light, temperature, and various external chemical signals in addition to endocrine hormones, and transmit the information into the cell using the intracellular signaling cascade initiated by cGMP, e.g., cGMP-dependent protein kinases, cGMP-sensitive cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels and cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases. Among vertebrate pGCs, GC-E and GC-F are localized on retinal epithelia and are involved in modifying signal transduction from the photoreceptor, rhodopsin. GC-D and GC-G are localized in olfactory epithelia and serve as sensors at the extracellular domain for external chemical signals such as odorants and pheromones. GC-G also responds to guanylin peptides in the urine, which alters sensitivity to other chemicals. In addition, guanylin peptides that are secreted into the intestinal lumen, a pseudo-external environment, act on the GC-C on the apical membrane for regulation of epithelial transport. In this context, GC-C and GC-G appear to be in transition from exocrine pheromone receptor to endocrine hormone receptor. The pGCs also exist in various deuterostome and protostome invertebrates, and act as receptors for environmental, exocrine and endocrine factors including hormones. Tracing the evolutionary history of pGCs, it appears that pGCs first appeared as a sensor for physicochemical signals in the environment, and then evolved to function as hormone receptors. In this review, the author proposes an evolutionary history of pGCs that highlights the emerging role of the GC/cGMP system for signal transduction in hormone action.

Regulation and Function of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) in Gonadotrope-Derived Cell Lines

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the most conserved member of the mammalian natriuretic peptide family, and is implicated in the endocrine regulation of growth, metabolism and reproduction. CNP is expressed throughout the body, but is particularly abundant in the central nervous system and anterior pituitary gland. Pituitary gonadotropes are regulated by pulsatile release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, to control reproductive function. GnRH and CNP reciprocally regulate their respective signalling pathways in αT3-1 gonadotrope cells, but effects of pulsatile GnRH stimulation on CNP expression has not been explored. Here, we examine the sensitivity of the natriuretic peptide system in LβT2 and αT3-1 gonadotrope cell lines to continuous and pulsatile GnRH stimulation, and investigate putative CNP target genes in gonadotropes. Multiplex RT-qPCR assays confirmed that primary mouse pituitary tissue express Nppc,Npr2 (encoding CNP and guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B), respectively) and Furin (a CNP processing enzyme), but failed to express transcripts for Nppa or Nppb (encoding ANP and BNP, respectively). Pulsatile, but not continuous, GnRH stimulation of LβT2 cells caused significant increases in Nppc and Npr2 expression within 4 h, but failed to alter natriuretic peptide gene expression in αT3-1 cells. CNP enhanced expression of cJun, Egr1, Nr5a1 and Nr0b1, within 8 h in LβT2 cells, but inhibited Nr5a1 expression in αT3-1 cells. Collectively, these data show the gonadotrope natriuretic peptide system is sensitive to pulsatile GnRH signalling, and gonadotrope transcription factors are putative CNP-target genes. Such findings represent additional mechanisms by which CNP may regulate reproductive function.

Environmental Enrichment Elicits a Transient Rise of Bioactive C-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Young but Not Aged Rats

Beneficial molecular and neuroplastic changes have been demonstrated in response to environmental enrichment (EE) in laboratory animals across the lifespan. Here, we investigated whether these effects extend to C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP), a widely expressed neuropeptide with putative involvement in neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, anxiety, and learning and memory. We determined the CNP response in 36 young (8-9 months) and 36 aged (22-23 months) male PVGc hooded rats that were rehoused with new cage mates in either standard laboratory cages or EE for periods of 14 or 28 days. Tissues were rapidly excised from four brain regions associated with memory formation (dorsal hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and mammillary bodies) plus the occipital cortex and hypothalamus, and immediately frozen. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure bioactive CNP and the amino-terminal fragment of proCNP, NTproCNP. Because CNP but not NTproCNP is rapidly degraded at source, NTproCNP reflects CNP production whereas the ratio NTproCNP:CNP is a biomarker of CNP's local degradation rate. EE increased CNP at 14 days in all brain regions in young, but not old rats; this effect in young rats was lost at 28 days in all regions of interest. NTproCNP:CNP ratio, but not NTproCNP, was reduced in all regions by EE at 14 days in young rats, but not in old rats, which suggests a period of reduced degradation or receptor mediated clearance, rather than increased production of CNP in these young EE rats. Aged rats tended to show reduced NTproCNP:CNP ratios but this did not occur in dorsal hippocampus or mammillary bodies. This is the first study demonstrating modulation of CNP protein concentrations, and the effect of age, in response to environmental stimulation. Furthermore, it is the first to show that changes in degradation rate in vivo may be an important component in determining CNP bioactivity in neural tissues.

Natriuretic Peptides and Normal Body Fluid Regulation

Natriuretic peptides are structurally related, functionally diverse hormones. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are delivered predominantly by the heart. Two C-type natriuretic peptides (CNPs) are paracrine messengers, notably in bone, brain, and vessels. Natriuretic peptides act by binding to the extracellular domains of three receptors, NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C of which the first two are guanylate cyclases. NPR-C is coupled to inhibitory proteins. Atrial wall stress is the major regulator of ANP secretion; however, atrial pressure changes plasma ANP only modestly and transiently, and the relation between plasma ANP and atrial wall tension (or extracellular volume or sodium intake) is weak. Absence and overexpression of ANP-related genes are associated with modest blood pressure changes. ANP augments vascular permeability and reduces vascular contractility, renin and aldosterone secretion, sympathetic nerve activity, and renal tubular sodium transport. Within the physiological range of plasma ANP, the responses to step-up changes are unimpressive; in man, the systemic physiological effects include diminution of renin secretion, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac preload. For BNP, the available evidence does not show that cardiac release to the blood is related to sodium homeostasis or body fluid control. CNPs are not circulating hormones, but primarily paracrine messengers important to ossification, nervous system development, and endothelial function. Normally, natriuretic peptides are not powerful natriuretic/diuretic hormones; common conclusions are not consistently supported by hard data. ANP may provide fine-tuning of reno-cardiovascular relationships, but seems, together with BNP, primarily involved in the regulation of cardiac performance and remodeling. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:1211-1249, 2018.

C-type natriuretic peptide functions as an innate neuroprotectant in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in mouse via natriuretic peptide receptor 2

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is the most common cause of brain injury in neonates, which leads to high neonatal mortality and severe neurological morbidity in later life (Vannucci, 2000; Volpe, 2001). Yet the molecular mechanisms of neuronal death and brain damage induced by neonatal HI remain largely elusive. Herein, using both in vivo and in vitro models, we determine an endogenous neuroprotectant role of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in preserving neuronal survival after HI brain injury in mouse pups. Postnatal day 7 (P7) mouse pups with CNP deficiency (Nppc^lbab/lbab) exhibit increased brain infarct size and worsened long-term locomotor function after neonatal HI compared with wildtype control (Nppc^+/+). In isolated primary cortical neurons, recombinant CNP dose-dependently protects primary neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) insult. This neuroprotective effect appears to be mediated through its cognate natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), in that antagonization of NPR2, but not NPR3, exacerbates neuronal death and counteracts the protective effect of CNP on primary neurons exposed to OGD insult. Immunoblot and confocal microscopy demonstrate the abundant expression of NPR2 in neurons of the neonatal brain and in isolated primary cortical neurons as well. Moreover, similar to CNP deficiency, administration of NPR2 antagonist P19 via intracerebroventricular injection prior to HI results in exacerbated neuronal death and brain injury after HI. Altogether, the present study indicates that CNP and its cognate receptor NPR2 mainly expressed in neurons represent an innate neuroprotective mechanism in neonatal HI brain injury.

Molecular Physiology of Membrane Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors

cGMP controls many cellular functions ranging from growth, viability, and differentiation to contractility, secretion, and ion transport. The mammalian genome encodes seven transmembrane guanylyl cyclases (GCs), GC-A to GC-G, which mainly modulate submembrane cGMP microdomains. These GCs share a unique topology comprising an extracellular domain, a short transmembrane region, and an intracellular COOH-terminal catalytic (cGMP synthesizing) region. GC-A mediates the endocrine effects of atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides regulating arterial blood pressure/volume and energy balance. GC-B is activated by C-type natriuretic peptide, stimulating endochondral ossification in autocrine way. GC-C mediates the paracrine effects of guanylins on intestinal ion transport and epithelial turnover. GC-E and GC-F are expressed in photoreceptor cells of the retina, and their activation by intracellular Ca(2+)-regulated proteins is essential for vision. Finally, in the rodent system two olfactorial GCs, GC-D and GC-G, are activated by low concentrations of CO2and by peptidergic (guanylins) and nonpeptidergic odorants as well as by coolness, which has implications for social behaviors. In the past years advances in human and mouse genetics as well as the development of sensitive biosensors monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of cGMP in living cells have provided novel relevant information about this receptor family. This increased our understanding of the mechanisms of signal transduction, regulation, and (dys)function of the membrane GCs, clarified their relevance for genetic and acquired diseases and, importantly, has revealed novel targets for therapies. The present review aims to illustrate these different features of membrane GCs and the main open questions in this field.

Atrial natriuretic peptide inhibits cell cycle activity of embryonic cardiac progenitor cells via its NPRA receptor signaling axis

The biological effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are mediated by natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs), which can either activate guanylyl cyclase (NPRA and NPRB) or inhibit adenylyl cyclase (NPRC) to modulate intracellular cGMP or cAMP, respectively. During cardiac development, ANP serves as an early maker of differentiating atrial and ventricular chamber myocardium. As development proceeds, expression of ANP persists in the atria but declines in the ventricles. Currently, it is not known whether ANP is secreted or the ANP-NPR signaling system plays any active role in the developing ventricles. Thus the primary aims of this study were to 1) examine biological activity of ANP signaling systems in embryonic ventricular myocardium, and 2) determine whether ANP signaling modulates proliferation/differentiation of undifferentiated cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and/or cardiomyocytes. Here, we provide evidence that ANP synthesized in embryonic day (E)11.5 ventricular myocytes is actively secreted and processed to its biologically active form. Notably, NPRA and NPRC were detected in E11.5 ventricles and exogenous ANP stimulated production of cGMP in ventricular cell cultures. Furthermore, we showed that exogenous ANP significantly decreased cell number and DNA synthesis of CPCs but not cardiomyocytes and this effect could be reversed by pretreatment with the NPRA receptor-specific inhibitor A71915. ANP treatment also led to a robust increase in nuclear p27 levels in CPCs compared with cardiomyocytes. Collectively, these data provide evidence that in the developing mammalian ventricles ANP plays a local paracrine role in regulating the balance between CPC proliferation and differentiation via NPRA/cGMP-mediated signaling pathways.

C-type natriuretic peptide modulates permeability of the blood-brain barrier

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is abundant in brain and is reported to exert autocrine function in vascular cells, but its effect on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability has not been clarified yet. Here, we examined this effect. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) of in vitro BBB model, composed of bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes, was significantly dose dependently decreased by CNP (1, 10, and 100 nmol/L). C-type natriuretic peptide treatment reduced both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The effects on TEER, mRNA, and protein expressions of ZO-1 were mimicked by cyclic GMP (cGMP) analog 8-bromo-cGMP (1 μmol/L) and reversed by protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cGMPS (100 μmol/L), thus implying the role of PKG and cGMP signaling in BBB function. Transcription factor JunD knockdown by small interfering RNA resulted in no change of permeability by CNP. In vivo study of mouse brain by fluorimetric analysis with intravenous administration of sodium fluorescein (40 mg/kg) also showed a significant increase in BBB permeability by CNP (10 nmol/kg, intravenously). These findings suggest that CNP modulates the BBB permeability by altering ZO-1 expression.

Expression of NPR-B in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia of the rat

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is an abundant neuropeptide in the central nervous system, which exerts its physiological effects through natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B). Recently, the CNP/NPR-B system has been recognized as an important regulator for the development of sensory axons. The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contains neurons transmitting several kinds of spinal sensory stimuli to the central nervous system. In this study, we characterized NPR-B receptor expression in the rat DRG, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining revealed that NPR-B was expressed in neuronal cell bodies and processes of the DRG, with NPR-B immunoreactivity mainly prominent in small and medium-sized DRG neurons. Double-immunolabeling showed that NPR-B was expressed in calcitonin gene-related peptide- and isolectin B4-positive neurons. Furthermore, NPR-B expression was co-localized with calcitonin gene-related peptide in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Together, our data suggest that the natriuretic peptides may perform several biological actions on sensory neurons via their binding to NPR-B in the DRG.

G-substrate: the cerebellum and beyond

The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) as an activator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) has stimulated extensive research on the NO-sGC-3':5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway. However, the restricted localization of pathway components and the lack of information on PKG substrates have hindered research seeking to examine the physiological roles of the NO-sGC-cGMP-PKG pathway. An excellent substrate for PKG is the G-substrate, which was originally discovered in the cerebellum. The role of G-substrate in the cerebellum and other brain structures has been revealed in recent years. This review discusses the relationship between the G-substrate and other components of the NO-sGC-cGMP-PKG pathway and describes the characteristics of the G-substrate gene and protein related to diseases. Finally, we discuss the physiological role of G-substrate in the cerebellum, where it regulates cerebellum-dependent long-term memory, and its role in the ventral tegmental area and retina, where it acts as an effective neuroprotectant.

Brain natriuretic peptide modulates the delayed rectifier outward K(+) current and promotes the proliferation of mouse Schwann cells

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may act as a neuromodulator via its associated receptors (natriuretic peptide receptors, NPRs) in the central nervous system (CNS), but few studies have reported its activity in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this study, we observed that BNP increased the tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA)-sensitive delayed rectifier outward potassium current (I(K)) in mouse Schwann cells (SCs) using whole-cell recording techniques. At concentrations of 1-100 nM, BNP reversibly activated I(K) in a dose-dependent manner, with modulating its steady-state activation and inactivation properties. The effect of BNP on I(K) was abolished by preincubation with the specific antagonist of NPR-A, and could not be mimicked by application of NPR-C agonist. These results were supported by immunocytochemical findings indicating that NPR-A was expressed in SCs. The application of 8-Br-guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) mimicked the effect of BNP on I(K), but BNP was unable to further increase I(K) after the application of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Genistein blocked I(K) and also completely eliminated the effects of BNP and cGMP on I(K). The selective K(V)2.1 subunit blocker, Jingzhaotoxin-III (JZTX-III), reduced I(K) amplitude by 30%, but did not abolish the increase effect of BNP on I(K) amplitude. In addition, BNP significantly stimulated SCs proliferation and this effect could be partly inhibited by TEA. Together these results suggest that BNP modulated I(K) probably via cGMP- and tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways by activation of NPR-A. This effect of BNP on I(K) in SCs might partly explain its effect on cell proliferation.

Functional module analysis reveals differential osteogenic and stemness potentials in human mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in bone marrow (BM)-MSCs are an attractive source for the regeneration of damaged tissues. Alternative postnatal, perinatal, and fetal sources of MSCs are also under intensive investigation. MSCs from the Wharton's jelly matrix of umbilical cord (WJ)-MSCs have higher pancreatic and endothelial differentiation potentials than BM-MSCs, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We compared the gene expression profiles, enriched canonical pathways, and genetic networks of BM-MSCs and WJ-MSCs. WJ-MSCs express more angiogenesis- and growth-related genes including epidermal growth factor and FLT1, whereas BM-MSCs express more osteogenic genes such as RUNX2, DLX5, and NPR3. The gene expression pattern of BM-MSCs is more similar to osteoblasts than WJ-MSCs, suggesting a better osteogenic potential. In contrast, WJ-MSCs are more primitive because they share more common genes with embryonic stem cells. BM-MSCs are more sensitive to environmental stimulations because their molecular signatures altered more significantly in different culture conditions. WJ-MSCs express genes enriched in vascular endothelial growth factor and PI3K-NFκB canonical pathways, whereas BM-MSCs express genes involved in antigen presentation and chemokine/cytokine pathways. Drylab results could be verified by wetlab experiments, in which BM-MSCs were more efficient in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, whereas WJ-MSCs proliferated better. WJ-MSCs thus constitute a promising option for angiogenesis, whereas BM-MSCs in bone remodeling. Our results reveal systematically the underlying genes and regulatory networks of 2 MSCs from unique ontological and anatomical origins, as well as the resulted phenotypes, thereby providing a better basis for cell-based therapy and the following mechanistic studies on MSC biology.

The membrane receptors guanylyl cyclase-A and -B undergo distinctive changes in post-translational modification during brain development

Temporal carbohydrate expression patterns at cell surfaces are thought to be of crucial regulatory significance during developmental processes. Hitherto, however, data on individual membrane proteins undergoing development-associated changes in glycosylation are sparsely. Here, we show that the two natriuretic peptide receptors, guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) and GC-B are subject to pronounced size alterations in the rat brain between postnatal day 1 and adult. Comparable size changes were not detectable for GC-A and GC-B in peripheral tissues and for three other membrane proteins (insulin receptor, insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose-6-phoshate receptor, neutral endopeptidase) in brain, indicating remarkable specificity. As revealed by treatments with carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, both GC-A and GC-B are hyperglycosylated at N-linked glycosylation sites in the developing brain. At postnatal day 1, the vast majority of GC-B (but not GC-A) molecules contain additionally an O-linked carbohydrate modification of about 1 kDa in mass and a further modification of similar size which is resistant to enzymatic removal. The glycoforms exhibited functional activity in membrane GC assays, indicating proper folding and signaling capability. These data link recently reported roles of natriuretic peptides during brain development for the first time with specific glycosylation states of their cyclic GMP-generating receptors.

Natriuretic peptide receptors are expressed in rat retinal ganglion cells

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) exert their actions through three membrane-bound receptors, which are known as NP receptors (NPRs: NPR-A, NPR-B and NPR-C). In this work we examined the expression of three NPRs in rat retinal ganglion cells (GCs), retrogradely labeled and intracellularly dye-injected, by double immunofluorescence labeling. In vertical sections, almost all GCs, retrogradely labeled by cholera toxin B, were stained by antibodies against the three NPRs. The labeling for three NPRs was observed mainly on the membranes of the somata of GCs, whereas the staining for NPR-A was also seen in the cytoplasm. Moreover, with tangential sections, almost all cells located in the ganglion cell layer were NPR-A, B, C immunoreactive. By combining with intracellular injection of Neurobiotin into GCs in whole mount retinas that enables to identify ON-, OFF- and ON-OFF-types of GCs according to arborization of their dendrites in the inner plexiform layer, we further demonstrated that NPRs were expressed in these major types of GCs.

Expression of guanylyl cyclase (GC)-A and GC-B during brain development: evidence for a role of GC-B in perinatal neurogenesis

Atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP) natriuretic peptide generate physiological effects via selective activation of two closely related membrane receptors with guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity, known as GC-A and GC-B. As yet, however, the discrete roles for ANP/GC-A vs. CNP/GC-B signaling in many mammalian tissues are still poorly understood. We here used receptor affinity labeling and GC assays to characterize comparatively GC-A/GC-B expression and functional activity during rat brain development. The study revealed that GC-B predominates in the developing and GC-A in the adult brain, with regional differences each between cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brain stem. Whereas GC-A levels nearly continuously increase between embryonal d 18 and adult, GC-B expression in brain is highest and widely distributed around postnatal d 1. The striking perinatal GC-B peak coincides with elevated expression of nestin, a marker protein for neural stem/progenitor cells. Immunohistochemical investigations revealed a cell body-restricted subcellular localization of GC-B and perinatal abundance of GC-B-expressing cells in regions high in nestin-expressing cells. However, and supported by examination of nestin-GFP transgenic mice, GC-B and nestin are not coexpressed in the same cells. Rather, GC-B(+) cells are distinguished by expression of NeuN, an early marker of differentiating neurons. These findings suggest that GC-B(+) cells represent neuronal fate-specific progeny of nestin(+) progenitors and raise the attention to specific and pronounced activities of CNP/GC-B signaling during perinatal brain maturation. The absence of this activity may cause the neurological disorders observed in GC-B-deficient mice.

Regulation of axonal development by natriuretic peptide hormones

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are a family of cardiac- and vascular-derived hormones that are well known for regulating blood pressure, but their expression in the brain poses an intriguing yet unanswered question concerning their roles in the nervous system. Here, we report several unique activities of these hormones in regulating axonal development of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the spinal cord. First, the C-type NP (CNP) is expressed in a restricted area of the dorsal spinal cord and provides a cue that is necessary for bifurcation of central sensory afferents. Second, in the culture of embryonic DRG neurons, CNP stimulates branch formation, induces axon outgrowth, and attracts growth cones. Furthermore, these activities are mediated by cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) signaling and can be elicited by other members of NP hormones. Thus, NPs represent a new class of extracellular factors that regulate key axonal processes during development. Because their receptors are present in many regions of the embryonic and adult brain, we propose that these hormones have wide influence on the development and function of the nervous system.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a bifurcation factor for sensory neurons

Neuronal circuits are shaped during development by the coordinated action of guidance factors and signals that regulate axonal branching. Unlike guidance cues, the molecules and signaling cascades that underlie axonal branching remain to be resolved. Here we show that the secreted molecule C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) induces a cGMP signaling cascade via its receptor particulate guanylyl cyclase Npr2 which is essential for sensory axon bifurcation at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) of the spinal cord. In contrast, another form of sensory axon branching-collateral formation-is not affected by this pathway. We also demonstrate that cGMP signaling via the nitric oxide-stimulated soluble guanylyl cyclase system (NO-GC) is dispensable for sensory axon branching. Functionally, the bifurcation error in CNP mutant mice is maintained at mature stages and results in a reduced input on secondary neurons as detected by patch-clamp recordings.

cGMP signalling in the mammalian brain: role in synaptic plasticity and behaviour

The second messenger cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) plays a crucial role in the control of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal homeostastis, but its effects on neuronal functions are less established. This review summarizes recent biochemical and functional data on the role of the cGMP signalling pathway in the mammalian brain, with a focus on the regulation of synaptic plasticity, learning, and other complex behaviours. Expression profiling, along with pharmacological and genetic manipulations, indicates important functions of nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGCs), cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGKs), and cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases (PDEs) as generators, effectors, and modulators of cGMP signals in the brain, respectively. In addition, neuronal cGMP signalling can be transmitted through cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) or hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels. The canonical NO/sGC/cGMP/cGK pathway modulates long-term changes of synaptic activity in the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, and other brain regions, and contributes to distinct forms of learning and memory, such as fear conditioning, motor adaptation, and object recognition. Behavioural studies indicate that cGMP signalling is also involved in anxiety, addiction, and the pathogenesis of depression and schizophrenia. At the molecular level, different cGK isoforms appear to mediate effects of cGMP on presynaptic transmitter release and postsynaptic functions. The cGKs have been suggested to modulate cytoskeletal organization, vesicle and AMPA receptor trafficking, and gene expression via phosphorylation of various substrates including VASP, RhoA, RGS2, hSERT, GluR1, G-substrate, and DARPP-32. These and other components of the cGMP signalling cascade may be attractive new targets for the treatment of cognitive impairment, drug abuse, and psychiatric disorders.

C-type natriuretic peptide is a Schwann cell-derived factor for development and function of sensory neurones

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is known to play important roles for neuronal development and neurite pathfinding. However, the regulatory mechanism that governs the synthesis of cGMP in the nervous system is not well defined. In the present study, we examined the role of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which increases intracellular cGMP upon binding to its receptor, guanylyl cyclase (GC)-B, in the peripheral nervous system. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CNP is demonstrated in Schwann cells, whereas GC-B mRNA is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones. In cultured DRG neurones, GC-B was demonstrated in dendrites of TrkA-positive cells, where it co-exists with cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI), the major intracellular mediator of cGMP actions. Addition of CNP in the culture medium increased the density of fine neurites, which was accompanied by the increase in phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, a cGKI substrate. Furthermore, in mice deficient for the CNP gene (CNP-KO), the numbers of TrkA-positive DRG neurones were diminished. Likewise, there were much less cGKI-positive neurones in DRG and cGKI-positive fibres in the dorsal spinal cord of CNP-KO than wild-type mice. Finally, the bone deformity-rescued CNP-KO mice displayed a decreased response to formalin-induced pain compared to wild-type. Taken together, these results suggest that CNP is derived from Schwann cells and plays an important role for the development and function of nociceptive sensory neurones.

Expression of natriuretic peptide-activated guanylate cyclases by cholinergic and dopaminergic amacrine cells of the rat retina

Recently, the natriuretic peptides were detected in the cholinergic and dopaminergic amacrine cells of the retina. We performed immunofluorescence labeling of rat retinal sections to examine the immunoreactivity of natriuretic peptide-activated guanylate cyclases (NPR-A and NPR-B) in the rat retina, in particular whether they were localized to dopaminergic and cholinergic amacrine cells. NPR-A and NPR-B immunoreactivity was detected in several layers of the retina including amacrine cells. In amacrine cells, both NPR-A and NPR-B were co-localized with tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of dopaminergic cells. NPR-B, but not NPR-A, was localized to amacrine cells expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), a marker of cholinergic cells. These findings suggest that natriuretic peptides have different regulatory systems in dopaminergic and cholinergic amacrine cells in rat retina.

NO/cGMP-dependent modulation of synaptic transmission

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional messenger in the CNS that can signal both in antero- and retrograde directions across synapses. Many effects of NO are mediated through its canonical receptor, the soluble guanylyl cyclase, and the second messenger cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). An increase of cGMP can also arise independently of NO via activation of membrane-bound particulate guanylyl cyclases by natriuretic peptides. The classical targets of cGMP are cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGKs), cyclic nucleotide hydrolysing phosphodiesterases, and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channels. The NO/cGMP/cGK signalling cascade has been linked to the modulation of transmitter release and synaptic plasticity by numerous pharmacological and genetic studies. This review focuses on the role of NO as a retrograde messenger in long-term potentiation of transmitter release in the hippocampus. Presynaptic mechanisms of NO/cGMP/cGK signalling will be discussed with recently identified potential downstream components such as CaMKII, the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, and regulators of G protein signalling. NO has further been suggested to increase transmitter release through presynaptic clustering of a-synuclein. Alternative modes of NO/cGMP signalling resulting in inhibition of transmitter release and long-term depression of synaptic activity will also be addressed, as well as anterograde NO signalling in the cerebellum. Finally, emerging evidence for cGMP signalling through CNG channels and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels will be discussed.

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors in the central nervous system

Natriuretic peptides (NPs), including atrial, brain and C-type NPs, are a family of structurally related but genetically distinct peptides. These peptides, along with their receptors (NPRs), are long known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological functions, such as diuresis, natriuresis, and blood flow. Recently, abundant evidence shows that NPs and NPRs are widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting possible roles of NPs in modulating physiological functions of the CNS. This review starts with a brief summary of relevant background information, such as molecular structures of NPs and NPRs and general intracellular mechanisms after activation of NPRs. We then provide a detailed description of the expression profiles of NPs and NPRs in the CNS and an in-depth discussion of how NPs are involved in neural development, neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission and neuroprotection through activation of NPRs.

The receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2 is essential for sensory axon bifurcation within the spinal cord

Sensory axonal projections into the spinal cord display a highly stereotyped pattern of T- or Y-shaped axon bifurcation at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ). Here, we provide evidence that embryonic mice with an inactive receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2 or deficient for cyclic guanosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) lack the bifurcation of sensory axons at the DREZ, i.e., the ingrowing axon either turns rostrally or caudally. This bifurcation error is maintained to mature stages. In contrast, interstitial branching of collaterals from primary stem axons remains unaffected, indicating that bifurcation and interstitial branching are processes regulated by a distinct molecular mechanism. At a functional level, the distorted axonal branching at the DREZ is accompanied by reduced synaptic input, as revealed by patch clamp recordings of neurons in the superficial layers of the spinal cord. Hence, our data demonstrate that Npr2 and cGKI are essential constituents of the signaling pathway underlying axonal bifurcation at the DREZ and neuronal connectivity in the dorsal spinal cord.

Natriuretic peptides are localized to rat retinal amacrine cells

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) may act as neuromodulators through activation of three specific receptor subtypes (NPRs). In the present study we examined the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on different subtypes of retinal amacrine cells (ACs) in rat by immunofluorescence double labeling. All three NPs were moderately expressed in dopaminergic and cholinergic ACs, stained by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), respectively. The immunostaining appeared on the membrane, cytoplasm and somatodendritic compartments of these ACs. In AII glycinergic ACs, labeled by parvalbumin (PV), however, only faint punctate staining, if any, was seen. These results suggest that NPs could be produced in ACs and play a neuromodulatory role in the inner retina. Together with a previous immunocytochemical study, showing that NPR-B is present in cultured rat GABAergic ACs, our results further suggest that NPs produced in ACs may also modulate their own activity.

The development of an aquatic bivalve model: evaluating the toxic effects on gametogenesis following 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) exposure in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

The objective of this study is to develop a gametogenesis protocol to serve as a model for evaluating the toxic effects of chemicals on oogenesis and spermatogenesis in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). The compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) was selected as a "proof of principle" toxicant to examine developmental toxicity in this invertebrate system. The studies were designed to: (1) test the model using 2,3,7,8-TCDD and (2) to use histopathological evaluations to characterize the effects on oocyte and sperm development during stages of gametogenesis. 2,3,7,8-TCDD at 10 pg/g resulted in significant histopathological gonadal lesions by day 14 of gametogenesis in both female and male oysters. These lesions resulted in complete inhibition of gonadogenesis. Studies also showed that a total body dose of 2 and 10 pg/g 2,3,7,8-TCDD caused adverse responses resulting in abnormal gametogenesis in female and male oysters, respectively, such as: (1) incomplete oocyte division, (2) inhibition of oocyte growth and maturation, (3) unsynchronized sperm development, and (4) inhibition of spermatogenesis. The eastern oyster is one of the most responsive invertebrate models tested to date for reproductive effects of chemicals. Therefore, the eastern oyster can be used as a sensitive toxicological model for examining the effects of dioxin-like compounds and other xenobiotics on gametogenesis. The reported studies show that environmentally relevant concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (2-10 pg/g) have a significant adverse effect on oyster gametogenesis.

Gene expression is differentially regulated by neurotransmitters in embryonic neuronal cortical culture

Neurotransmitters and their receptors have been involved in both proper brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. The role that nicotinic receptors play in immature cortical neurons was initially investigated by gene profiling using Affymetrix DNA arrays. Both short (15 min) and prolonged (18 h) treatments with nicotine did not induce modification in gene expression, whereas a significant down-regulation of c-fos protein levels was observed after 18 h treatment. Conversely, a brief treatment with the glutamatergic agonist NMDA triggered up-regulation of immediate early genes and transcription factors, which remained unaffected by pre-treatment for 18 h with nicotine. Calcium imaging studies revealed that NMDA activated a sustained increase in intracellular calcium concentration in the majority of neurons, whereas nicotine evoked only a transient calcium increase in a smaller percentage of neurons, suggesting that the calcium signalling response was correlated with activation of gene expression. Nicotine effects on immature cortical neurons perhaps do not require gene regulation but may be still acting on signalling pathways.

Paradoxical antagonism of PACAP receptor signaling by VIP in Xenopus oocytes via the type-C natriuretic peptide receptor

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the closely-related peptides BNP and CNP are highly conserved cardiovascular hormones. They bind to single transmembrane-spanning receptors, triggering receptor-intrinsic guanylyl cyclase activity. The "truncated" type-C natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-C) has long been called a clearance receptor because it lacks the intracellular guanylyl cyclase domain, though data suggest it might negatively couple to adenylyl cyclase via G(i). Here we report the molecular cloning and characterization of the Xenopus laevis type-C natriuretic peptide receptor (XNPR-C). Analysis confirms the presence of a short intracellular C-terminus, as well as a high similarity to fish and mammalian NPR-C. Injection of XNPR-C mRNA into Xenopus oocytes resulted in expression of high affinity [(125)I]ANP binding sites that were competitively and completely displaced by natriuretic analogs and the unrelated neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Measurement of cAMP levels in mRNA-injected oocytes revealed that XNPR-C is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. When XNPR-C was co-expressed with PAC(1) receptors for pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), VIP and natriuretic peptides counteracted the cAMP induction by PACAP. These results suggest that VIP and natriuretic peptides can potentially modulate the action of PACAP in cells where these receptors are co-expressed.

Modulation by brain natriuretic peptide of GABA receptors on rat retinal ON-type bipolar cells

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) may work as neuromodulators through their associated receptors [NP receptors (NPRs)]. By immunocytochemistry, we showed that NPR-A and NPR-B were expressed abundantly on both ON-type and OFF-type bipolar cells (BCs) in rat retina, including the dendrites, somata, and axon terminals. Whole-cell recordings made from isolated ON-type BCs further showed that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) suppressed GABAA receptor-, but not GABAC receptor-, mediated currents of the BCs, which was blocked by the NPR-A antagonist anantin. The NPR-C agonist c-ANF [des(Gln18, Ser19, Gln20, Leu21, Gly22)ANF(4-23)-NH2] did not suppress GABAA currents. The BNP effect on GABAA currents was abolished with preincubation with the pGC-A/B antagonist HS-142-1 but mimicked by application of 8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclomonophosphate. These results suggest that elevated levels of intracellular cGMP caused by activation of NPR-A may mediate the BNP effect. Internal infusion of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823 essentially blocked the BNP-induced reduction of GABAA currents. Moreover, calcium imaging showed that BNP caused a significant elevation of intracellular calcium that could be caused by increased calcium release from intracellular stores by PKG. The BNP effect was blocked by the ryanodine receptor modulators caffeine, ryanodine, and ruthenium red but not by the IP3 receptor antagonists heparin and xestospongin-C. Furthermore, the BNP effect was abolished after application of the blocker of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase thapsigargin and greatly reduced by the calmodulin inhibitors W-7 and calmidazolium. We therefore conclude that the increased calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive calcium stores by BNP may be responsible for the BNP-caused GABAA response suppression in ON-type BCs through stimulating calmodulin.

Delayed testicular aging in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) null mice

Age-related decline in male sex hormones is a direct consequence of testicular aging. These changes in the hormonal complement cause physiological disturbances affecting the quality of life for millions of aging men. To assess the influence on testicular aging of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), a polypeptide that regulates testicular steroidogenesis in vitro, we compared the testicular structure and function between C57BL/6 wild-type and PACAP-/- male mice, at 4 and 15 months of age. We show that, in 4-month-old PACAP-/- mice, steroidogenesis (evaluated by levels of testosterone, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and P450c17) was impaired. However, the testicular structure of these animals was not affected. At 15 months of age, wild-type testis displayed typical signs of aging (patchy seminiferous tubules, germ cell depletion, and vacuolization), whereas testicular structure was remarkably well conserved in PACAP-/- animals. The depletion of germ cells found in wild-type animals was associated with a higher content of peroxynitrites, a marker of reactive oxygen species, and a higher number of apoptotic cells compared with PACAP-/- mice. Our results show that testicular aging is delayed in PACAP-/- animals. Because the expression levels of steroidogenic factors are low and constant over time in knockout animals, a proposed mechanism for the protection against testicular degeneration is that production of reactive oxygen species, a byproduct of steroidogenesis that induces apoptosis, is down-regulated in PACAP-/- animals.

C-type natriuretic peptide modulates glutamate receptors on cultured rat retinal amacrine cells

C-type natriuretic peptide, widely distributed in the CNS, may work as a neuromodulator. In this work, we investigated modulation by C-type natriuretic peptide of functional properties of glutamate receptors in rat retinal GABAergic amacrine cells in culture. Immunocytochemical data revealed that natriuretic peptide receptor-B was strongly expressed on the membrane of cultured GABAergic amacrine cells. By whole cell recording techniques we further identified the glutamate receptor expressed on the GABAergic amacrine cells as an AMPA-preferring subtype. Incubation with C-type natriuretic peptide suppressed the AMPA receptor-mediated current of these cells in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing the efficacy and apparent affinity for glutamate. The effect of C-type natriuretic peptide was reversed by HS-142-1, a guanylyl cyclase-coupled natriuretic peptide receptor-A/B antagonist. Meanwhile, the selective natriuretic peptide receptor-C agonist cANF did not change the glutamate current. In conjunction with the immunocytochemical data, these results suggest that the C-type natriuretic peptide effect may be mediated by natriuretic peptide receptor-B. Furthermore, incubation of retinal cultures in the C-type natriuretic peptide-containing medium elevated cGMP immunoreactivity in the GABAergic amacrine cells, and the C-type natriuretic peptide effect on the glutamate current was mimicked by application of 8-Br-cGMP. It is therefore concluded that C-type natriuretic peptide may modulate the glutamate current by increasing the intracellular concentration of cGMP in these cells via activation of natriuretic peptide receptor-B.

Differential expression of genes at stages when regeneration can and cannot occur after injury to immature mammalian spinal cord

Comprehensive screens were made for genes that change their expression during a brief critical period in development when neonatal mammalian central nervous system (CNS) loses its capacity to regenerate. In newly born opossums older than 12 days regeneration ceases to occur in the cervical spinal cord. It continues for 5 more days in lumbar regions. The mRNA's expressed in cords that do and do not regenerate were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-based subtractive hybridization. The mRNAs extracted from cervical cords of animals aged 9 and 12 days were subtracted reciprocally, old from young and young from old. Additional subtractions were made between lumbar regions of 12 day-old cords (which can regenerate) and cervical regions (which cannot). Mini libraries of approximately 2000 opossum cDNA clones resulted from each subtraction. Many sequences were novel. Others that were expressed differentially were related to cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, motility, adhesion, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. A major task was to narrow the search and to eliminate genes that were not associated with regeneration. Clones from different subtractions were cross-hybridized. After those common to regenerating and nonregenerating cords were rejected, approximately 284 sequences of interest remained. Our results revealed novel sequences, as well as genes involved in transcription, cell signaling, myelin formation, growth cone motility, liver regeneration, and nucleic acid and protein management as the candidates important for neuroregeneration. For selected genes of potential interest for regeneration (for example cadherin, catenin, myelin basic protein), their temporal and spatial distributions and levels of expression in the CNS were measured by Northern blots, semiquantitative and real-time RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. Our experiments set the stage for testing the efficacy of candidate genes in turning on or off the capacity for spinal cord regeneration. Opossum spinal cords in vitro provide a reliable and rapid assay for axon outgrowth and synapse formation.