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Sharma GP, Frei AC, Narayanan J, Gasperetti T, Veley D, Amjad A, Albano K, Fish BL, Himburg HA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes immune reconstitution following radiation injury via activation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259042. [PMID: 34695155 PMCID: PMC8544859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the nerve growth factor family which has been extensively studied for its roles in neural development, long-term memory, brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. BDNF signaling through tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) stimulates neuronal cell survival. For this reason, small molecule TrkB agonists are under pre-clinical develoment for the treatment of a range of neurodegenerative diseases and injuries. Our laboratory recently reported BDNF is secreted by pro-regenerative endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) which support hematopoietic reconstitution following total body irradiation (TBI). Here we report BDNF-TrkB signaling plays a novel regenerative role in bone marrow and thymic regeneration following radiation injury. Exogenous administration of BDNF or TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) following myelosuppressive radiation injury promoted faster recovery of mature blood cells and hematopoietic stem cells capable of multi-lineage reconstitution. BDNF promotes hematopoietic regeneration via activation of PDGFRα+ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which increase secretion of hematopoietic cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to TrkB activation. These data suggest pharmacologic activation of the BDNF pathway with either BDNF or 7,8-DHF may be beneficial for treatment of radiation or chemotherapy induced myelosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru Prasad Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Anne C. Frei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jayashree Narayanan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Tracy Gasperetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Dana Veley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Asma Amjad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Katherine Albano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Brian L. Fish
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Himburg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
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2
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Wang N, Tian B. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autoimmune inflammatory diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1292. [PMID: 34630647 PMCID: PMC8461510 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent studies reported that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also exists in the peripheral blood to regulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of lymphocytes. Besides the role of BDNF in neuron repair, circulatory BDNF also enhances the proliferation and reduces apoptosis of lymphocytes. Peripheral lymphocytes express both BDNF and its receptors. Increasing evidence has indicated that altered BDNF serum levels significantly affect patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases and may also be linked to the pathogenesis of diseases. For instance, systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune inflammatory disease involving multiple organs, is frequently linked to altered B lymphocyte function, imbalance of T-cell subpopulations and loss of immune tolerance, which dysregulates the immune regulatory network with excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The present review summarized studies that suggest a potential link between circulatory BDNF and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Bailing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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McKay TB, Seyed-Razavi Y, Ghezzi CE, Dieckmann G, Nieland TJF, Cairns DM, Pollard RE, Hamrah P, Kaplan DL. Corneal pain and experimental model development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 71:88-113. [PMID: 30453079 PMCID: PMC6690397 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is a valuable tissue for studying peripheral sensory nerve structure and regeneration due to its avascularity, transparency, and dense innervation. Somatosensory innervation of the cornea serves to identify changes in environmental stimuli at the ocular surface, thereby promoting barrier function to protect the eye against injury or infection. Due to regulatory demands to screen ocular safety of potential chemical exposure, a need remains to develop functional human tissue models to predict ocular damage and pain using in vitro-based systems to increase throughput and minimize animal use. In this review, we summarize the anatomical and functional roles of corneal innervation in propagation of sensory input, corneal neuropathies associated with pain, and the status of current in vivo and in vitro models. Emphasis is placed on tissue engineering approaches to study the human corneal pain response in vitro with integration of proper cell types, controlled microenvironment, and high-throughput readouts to predict pain induction. Further developments in this field will aid in defining molecular signatures to distinguish acute and chronic pain triggers based on the immune response and epithelial, stromal, and neuronal interactions that occur at the ocular surface that lead to functional outcomes in the brain depending on severity and persistence of the stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Yashar Seyed-Razavi
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Gabriela Dieckmann
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Rachel E Pollard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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Tian B, Yang C, Wang J, Hou X, Zhao S, Li Y, Yang P. Peripheral blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and tyrosine kinase B expression on T lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus: Implications for systemic involvement. Cytokine 2019; 123:154764. [PMID: 31255912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) is the specific receptor for BDNF. Our aim in this study was to investigate serum BDNF level and TrkB expression on peripheral blood T cell surface in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explore potential relationship between serum BDNF and SLE. METHODS Samples from fifty SLE patients and thirty healthy controls were evaluated. Serum BDNF level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the percentages of TrkB expression on the surface of CD3 + CD4 + and CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes were measured by flow cytometry. The SLE patients were divided into subgroups according to whether they exhibited brain, kidney or lung involvement, and whether the disease was active or inactive. RESULTS Serum BDNF levels in SLE patients were decreased when compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Comparing with the SLE individuals without systemic involvement, the BDNF levels were decreased in SLE patients with lupus nephritis (p = 0.042) and in SLE patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations (p = 0.04). On the other hand, the BDNF level was significantly increased in the inactive SLE group (p < 0.001) compared to the active SLE group. In addition, the percentages of TrkB expression on CD3 + CD4 + and CD3 + CD8 + T cell surface in SLE were significantly higher (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively) than that in the controls. CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF level combined with TrkB expression on T cell surface can reflect SLE activity. It is possible that BDNF may be used as a potential serological biomarker for disease activity of SLE. In addition, the significant decrease in serum BDNF level may imply systemic involvement of SLE, as well as, possibly, differentiate neuropsychiatric SLE from hormone-induced mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshu Yang
- Department of 1st Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujia Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingting Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China.
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Fontanesi C, Kvint S, Frazzitta G, Bera R, Ferrazzoli D, Di Rocco A, Rebholz H, Friedman E, Pezzoli G, Quartarone A, Wang HY, Ghilardi MF. Intensive Rehabilitation Enhances Lymphocyte BDNF-TrkB Signaling in Patients With Parkinson's Disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:411-8. [PMID: 26253177 DOI: 10.1177/1545968315600272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background In a combined animal and human study, we have previously found that a 5-day treatment that enhances cortical plasticity also facilitates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling and increases activated TrkB and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) association in both the cortex and the peripheral lymphocytes. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), in general, show decreased cortical plasticity, as demonstrated by electrophysiological and behavioral studies. Here, we test the hypothesis that an exercise program that improves motor function and seems to slow down symptom progression can enhance BDNF-TrkB signaling in lymphocytes. Methods A total of 16 patients with PD underwent a 4-week multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT), which included aerobic training and physical and occupational therapy. Blood was collected before and after 2 and 4 weeks of MIRT. Lymphocytes were isolated to examine BDNF-TrkB signaling induced by incubation with recombinant human BDNF. TrkB signaling complexes, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-2 and protein-kinase-B were immunoprecipitated; the content of immunocomplexes was determined by Western blotting. Results After MIRT, all patients showed improvement in motor function. TrkB interaction with NMDAR and BDNF-TrkB signaling increased in peripheral lymphocytes at receptor, intracellular mediator, and downstream levels. The decrements in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale II (UPDRSII) and total scores were significantly correlated with the increases in TrkB signaling at receptor, intracellular mediator, and NMDAR interaction levels. Conclusions The significant correlation between reduced UPDRS scores and the changes in lymphocyte activity suggest that enhanced BDNF-TrkB signaling in lymphocyte and reduced severity of PD symptoms may be related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fontanesi
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Svetlana Kvint
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rossana Bera
- "Moriggia Pelascini" Hospital, Gravedona ed Uniti, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Di Rocco
- The Fresco Institute for Parkinson's & Movement Disorders, NYU-Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heike Rebholz
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eitan Friedman
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Angelo Quartarone
- The Fresco Institute for Parkinson's & Movement Disorders, NYU-Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Department of Neuroscience, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Hoau-Yan Wang
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Felice Ghilardi
- Sophie Davis School for Biomedical Education at CCNY, CUNY, New York, NY, USA The Fresco Institute for Parkinson's & Movement Disorders, NYU-Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Linker RA, Lee DH, Flach AC, Litke T, van den Brandt J, Reichardt HM, Lingner T, Bommhardt U, Sendtner M, Gold R, Flügel A, Lühder F. Thymocyte-derived BDNF influences T-cell maturation at the DN3/DN4 transition stage. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1326-38. [PMID: 25627579 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuronal survival, regeneration, and plasticity. Emerging evidence also indicates an essential role for BDNF outside the nervous system, for instance in immune cells. We therefore investigated the impact of BDNF on T cells using BDNF knockout (KO) mice and conditional KO mice lacking BDNF specifically in this lymphoid subset. In both settings, we observed diminished T-cell cellularity in peripheral lymphoid organs and an increase in CD4(+) CD44(+) memory T cells. Analysis of thymocyte development revealed diminished total thymocyte numbers, accompanied by a significant increase in CD4/CD8 double-negative (DN) thymocytes due to a partial block in the transition from the DN3 to the DN4 stage. This was neither due to increased thymocyte apoptosis nor defects in the expression of the TCR-β chain or the pre-TCR. In contrast, pERK but not pAKT levels were diminished in DN3 BDNF-deficient thymocytes. BDNF deficiency in T cells did not result in gross deficits in peripheral acute immune responses nor in changes of the homeostatic proliferation of peripheral T cells. Taken together, our data reveal a critical autocrine and/or paracrine role of T-cell-derived BDNF in thymocyte maturation involving ERK-mediated TCR signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf A Linker
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - De-Hyung Lee
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne-Christine Flach
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Litke
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens van den Brandt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen, Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holger M Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen, Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Lingner
- DNA Microarray and Deep-Sequencing Facility, Department of Developmental Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Bommhardt
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexander Flügel
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fred Lühder
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute for Multiple Sclerosis Research, The Hertie Foundation and MPI for Experimental Medicine, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
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Gridley DS, Mao XW, Stodieck LS, Ferguson VL, Bateman TA, Moldovan M, Cunningham CE, Jones TA, Slater JM, Pecaut MJ. Changes in mouse thymus and spleen after return from the STS-135 mission in space. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75097. [PMID: 24069384 PMCID: PMC3777930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous results with flight (FLT) mice showed abnormalities in thymuses and spleens that have potential to compromise immune defense mechanisms. In this study, the organs were further evaluated in C57BL/6 mice after Space Shuttle Atlantis returned from a 13-day mission. Thymuses and spleens were harvested from FLT mice and ground controls housed in similar animal enclosure modules (AEM). Organ and body mass, DNA fragmentation and expression of genes related to T cells and cancer were determined. Although significance was not obtained for thymus mass, DNA fragmentation was greater in the FLT group (P<0.01). Spleen mass alone and relative to body mass was significantly decreased in FLT mice (P<0.05). In FLT thymuses, 6/84 T cell-related genes were affected versus the AEM control group (P<0.05; up: IL10, Il18bp, Il18r1, Spp1; down: Ccl7, IL6); 15/84 cancer-related genes had altered expression (P<0.05; up: Casp8, FGFR2, Figf, Hgf, IGF1, Itga4, Ncam1, Pdgfa, Pik3r1, Serpinb2, Sykb; down: Cdc25a, E2F1, Mmp9, Myc). In the spleen, 8/84 cancer-related genes were affected in FLT mice compared to AEM controls (P<0.05; up: Cdkn2a; down: Birc5, Casp8, Ctnnb1, Map2k1, Mdm2, NFkB1, Pdgfa). Pathway analysis (apoptosis signaling and checkpoint regulation) was used to map relationships among the cancer–related genes. The results showed that a relatively short mission in space had a significant impact on both organs. The findings also indicate that immune system aberrations due to stressors associated with space travel should be included when estimating risk for pathologies such as cancer and infection and in designing appropriate countermeasures. Although this was the historic last flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, exploration of space will undoubtedly continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S. Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Louis S. Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Virginia L. Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ted A. Bateman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maria Moldovan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher E. Cunningham
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Tamako A. Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Jerry M. Slater
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
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Defective neuromuscular junction organization and postnatal myogenesis in mice with severe spinal muscular atrophy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2011; 70:444-61. [PMID: 21572339 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e31821cbd8b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed pathologic analysis was performed on Smn(-/-);SMN2 mice as a mouse model for human type I spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We provide new data concerning changes in the spinal cord, neuromuscular junctions and muscle cells, and in the organs of the immune system. The expression of 10 synaptic proteins was analyzed in 3-dimensionally reconstructed neuromuscular junctions by confocal microscopy. In addition to defects in postsynaptic occupancy, there was a marked reduction in calcitonin gene-related peptide and Rab3A in the presynaptic motor terminals of some, but not all, of the skeletal muscles analyzed. Defects in the organization of presynaptic nerve terminals were also detected by electron microscopy. Moreover, degenerative changes in muscle cells, defective postnatal muscle growth, and prominent muscle satellite cell apoptosis were also observed. All of these changes occurred in the absence of massive loss of spinal cord motoneurons. On the other hand, astroglia, but not microglia, increased in the ventral horn of newborn SMA mice. In skeletal muscles, the density of interstitial macrophages was significantly reduced, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was downregulated. These findings raise questions regarding the primary contribution of a muscle cell defect to the SMA phenotype.
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Abstract
Neurotrophins control cell survival. Therefore, we examined whether HIV-1 reduces neurotrophin levels. Serum of HIV-positive individuals exhibited lower concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not of other neurotrophins, than HIV-negative individuals. In addition, R5 and X4 strains of HIV-1 decreased BDNF expression in T cells. Our results support the hypothesis that reduced levels of BDNF may be a risk factor for T-cell apoptosis and for neurological complications associated with HIV-1 infection.
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De Santi L, Annunziata P, Sessa E, Bramanti P. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB receptor in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2009; 287:17-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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García-Suárez O, Pérez-Pinera P, Laurà R, Germana A, Esteban I, Cabo R, Silos-Santiago I, Cobo JL, Vega JA. TrkB is necessary for the normal development of the lung. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 167:281-91. [PMID: 19523540 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Normal development of the lung requires coordinated activation of cascades of signaling pathways initiated by growth factors signaling through their receptors. TrkB and its ligands, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4, belong to the neurotrophin family of growth factors, which are expressed in a large variety of non-neuronal tissues including the lung. Aberrant neurotrophin signaling underlies the pathogenesis of several lung-related pathologies, including asthma and lung cancer, however, little is known about the role of neurotrophins in the embryonic development of the lung. To fill this gap in knowledge, we analyzed the pattern of TrkB expression in the murine lung and we observed that TrkB is expressed in alveolar macrophages, type II pneumocytes, neuroepithelial bodies and nerves. Analysis of the structure of lung from mice deficient in TrkB revealed that absence of TrkB signaling results in thinner bronchial epithelium and apparent larger air space, and, more importantly, lack of neuroepithelial bodies, an important reduction in the density of nerve fibres in the bronchial smooth muscle, submucous plexus in bronchioles, and pulmonary artery walls. These findings suggest TrkB is essential for the normal development of the lung and the nervous system in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- O García-Suárez
- Departamentos de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, C/Julián Claveria s/n, Oviedo, Spain
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12
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De Santi L, Cantalupo L, Tassi M, Raspadori D, Cioni C, Annunziata P. Higher expression of BDNF receptor gp145trkB is associated with lower apoptosis intensity in T cell lines in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2008; 277:65-70. [PMID: 18992902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2008.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Revised: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Conflicting data exist on expression of gp145trkB, the high affinity receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), on peripheral blood immunocompetent cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). We analyzed expression of gp145trkB by western blotting and flow cytometry in myelin basic protein (MBP)- and ovalbumin (OVA)-T cell lines prepared from 12 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 12 normal healthy subjects (NHS) and correlated it with activation-induced apoptosis. We found a higher percentage of gp145trkB-expressing MBP-T cells in MS patients than in NHS (p=0.011). gp145trkB was mainly expressed by CD8(+) T cells to a higher extent in MS patients than in NHS (p=0.04). MBP-T cell lines from MS patients showed significantly lower apoptosis intensity than those from NHS (p=0.011). We found also a significant negative correlation between gp145trkB expression and apoptosis intensity in MS patients only (p=0.02). OVA-T cell lines showed a gp145trkB expression similar to that of MBP-T cell lines, with a higher expression in MS patients than NHS, and similar correlations with apoptosis intensity in MS. These findings suggest that gp145trkB is mainly expressed on T cell lines from MS patients and that the BDNF/gp145trkB axis is involved in the regulation of peripheral T cell apoptosis in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo De Santi
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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13
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Berzi A, Ayata CK, Cavalcante P, Falcone C, Candiago E, Motta T, Bernasconi P, Hohlfeld R, Mantegazza R, Meinl E, Farina C. BDNF and its receptors in human myasthenic thymus: implications for cell fate in thymic pathology. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 197:128-39. [PMID: 18555538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Here we show that in myasthenic thymus several cell types, including thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and immune cells, were the source and the target of the neurotrophic factor brain-derived growth factor (BDNF). Interestingly, many actively proliferating medullary thymocytes expressed the receptor TrkB in vivo in involuted thymus, while this population was lost in hyperplastic or neoplastic thymuses. Furthermore, in hyperplastic thymuses the robust coordinated expression of BDNF in the germinal centers together with the receptor p75NTR on all proliferating B cells strongly suggests that this factor regulates germinal center reaction. Finally, all TEC dying of apoptosis expressed BDNF receptors, indicating that this neurotrophin is involved in TEC turnover. In thymomas both BDNF production and receptor expression in TEC were strongly hindered. This may represent an attempt of tumour escape from cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Berzi
- Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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14
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Pérez-Piñera P, García-Suarez O, Prieto JG, Germana A, Ciriaco E, del Valle ME, Vega JA. Thymocyte depletion affects neurotrophin receptor expression in thymic stromal cells. J Anat 2006; 208:231-8. [PMID: 16441567 PMCID: PMC2100187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymocytes and thymic stromal cells cross-talk in a bidirectional manner within the thymus, thus contributing to the generation of mature T-cells. The thymic stromal cells in the rat express the high- (TrkA, TrkB) and low-affinity (p75NTR) receptors for neurotrophins. In this study we analysed the regulation of TrkA, TrkB and p75NTR expression in the rat thymus by thymocytes. We induced thymocyte apoptosis by administration of corticoids in rats, and then analysed the expression and distribution of these receptors 1, 4 and 10 days later. Thymocyte death was assessed by the activation of caspase-3 in cells undergoing apoptosis. We observed massive thymocyte apoptosis 1 day after injection and, to a lesser extent, after 4 days, which was parallel with a reduction in the density of thymic epithelial cells normally expressing TrkA and p75NTR. Furthermore, TrkA expression was found in cortical thymic epithelial cells, which normally lack this receptor. The expression of TrkB was restricted to a subset of macrophage-dendritic cells, and remained unchanged with treatment. The normal pattern of neurotrophin receptor expression was almost completely restored by day 10. The results demonstrate that the expression of neurotrophin receptors by thymic epithelial cells, but not by macrophage-dendritic cells, is regulated by thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pérez-Piñera
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
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15
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García-Suárez O, González-Martínez T, Perez-Perez M, Germana A, Blanco-Gélaz MA, Monjil DF, Ciriaco E, Silos-Santiago I, Vega JA. Expression of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB in the mouse liver. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 211:465-73. [PMID: 16763809 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-006-0098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins acting through Trk signal-transducing receptors play essential roles in the nervous system, and probably in some non-neuronal tissues. In the present study, we used RT-PCR, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and cellular localization of TrkB in the mouse liver, from newborns to 6 months. Furthermore, the structure of the liver in mice carrying a mutation in the trkB gene, resulting in a non-functional protein, was studied. The analysis of the DNA sequence showed that hepatic trkB gene is identical to the cerebral one, and TrkB mRNA and TrkB full-length protein (145 kDa) were detected at all the ages sampled. Immunohistochemistry revealed age-dependent changes in the pattern of TrkB expression. From 0 to 15 days, the TrkB was detected in morphologically and immunohistochemically identified monocyte-macrophage-dendric cells scattered throughout the organ, while in animals 3- and 6-months-old it was restricted to nerve fibres. Interestingly, there was a parallelism between TrkB expression by monocyte-macrophage-dendric cells and the presence of hepatic erythroblastic islands. In agreement with a possible role of TrkB on hepatic haematopoiesis, the liver of 15 days old TrkB (-/-) mice still contained erythroblastic islands, whereas they were absent in the wild-type littermates. Another striking finding was the absence of nerve profiles in the TrkB (-/-) animals. All together, present results support the role of TrkB in the murine liver in maintaining the innervation of the organ, and more importantly throughout an unknown mechanism in controlling the hepatic haematopoietic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- O García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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16
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García-Suárez O, González-Martínez T, Germana A, Monjil DF, Torrecilla JR, Laurà R, Silos-Santiago I, Guate JL, Vega JA. Expression of TrkB in the murine kidney. Microsc Res Tech 2006; 69:1014-20. [PMID: 17013912 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins acting through Trk signal-transducing receptors play essential roles in the nervous system, and probably in some nonneuronal tissues. In the present study we used Western-blot and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and cellular localization of TrkB in the mouse kidney. Furthermore, the structure and ultrastructure of the kidney in mice carrying a mutation in the trkB gene were analyzed. TrkB in the kidney was identical to the cerebral one (145 kDa). Since the antibody used recognize a sequence within the tyrosine-kinase domain of TrkB, the renal TrkB receptor identified here must be regarded as able to mediate biological effects of their ligands. TrkB immunoreactivity was restricted to the juxtaglomerular apparatus, including differentiated vascular cells and extaglomerular mesangial cells. In these cells, TrkB colocalized with renin. The structural analysis revealed no major changes in the kidney structure of TrkB-deficient mice, with the exception of a significant reduction of the glomerular area. Nevertheless, in these animals there was an apparent increase in the number of extraglomerular mesangial cells (which retain the ability to synthesize renin) and absence of the macula densa. Taken together, these results strongly suggest a role of TrkB and their ligands in the control of the normal development and maintenance of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, and Servicio de Urología, Hospital Clinico, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain
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17
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Nassenstein C, Braun A, Nockher WA, Renz H. Neurotrophin effects on eosinophils in allergic inflammation. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2005; 5:204-11. [PMID: 15842958 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-005-0039-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Elevated neurotrophin concentrations have been shown in nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids as well as in the sera of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Concentration of nerve growth factor correlated with disease severity, bronchial hyperreactivity, and levels of mediators released from eosinophils. Due to the release of cationic proteins, oxygen species, and cytokines after degranulation, eosinophils contribute to tissue damage and can influence airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. It has been hypothesized that neurotrophins may be involved in the development of eosinophilia and in activation of these cells. The aim of this review is to elucidate the direct and indirect mechanisms of neurotrophins contributing to eosinophilia in allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nassenstein
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Hospital of the Philipps University, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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18
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Lommatzsch M, Quarcoo D, Schulte-Herbrüggen O, Weber H, Virchow JC, Renz H, Braun A. Neurotrophins in murine viscera: a dynamic pattern from birth to adulthood. Int J Dev Neurosci 2005; 23:495-500. [PMID: 15978771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2005.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2004] [Revised: 05/18/2005] [Accepted: 05/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that target-derived neurotrophins regulate the function of visceral neurons after birth. However, the postnatal profile of neurotrophin supply from internal organs is poorly described. In this study, we compared neurotrophin concentrations in lysates of murine peripheral target tissues (lung, heart, liver, colon, spleen, thymus, kidney and urinary bladder) at different time points after birth. In most organs, there was a decrease of neurotrophin concentrations in the first weeks after birth. In contrast, there were characteristic increases of specific neurotrophins during adolescence or adulthood. These increases were found for nerve growth factor (NGF) in the heart, thymus, kidney and liver, for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lung, and for neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in the colon. In conclusion, we show that neurotrophins display a very differential and dynamic profile in internal organs after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Lommatzsch
- Department of Pneumology, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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19
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Nørsett KG, Laegreid A, Langaas M, Wörlund S, Fossmark R, Waldum HL, Sandvik AK. Molecular characterization of rat gastric mucosal response to potent acid inhibition. Physiol Genomics 2005; 22:24-32. [PMID: 15827235 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00245.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Potent acid inhibition with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is widely used in clinical medicine, especially for gastroesophageal reflux disease. PPIs cause profound changes in the intragastric environment with near-neutral pH and increase serum concentration of the gastric secretagogue hormone gastrin. Long-term hypergastrinemia increases mucosal thickness and enterochromaffin-like cell density in gastric corpus mucosa and results in development of gastric carcinoids in experimental animals. Our aim was to study responses to potent acid inhibition by characterizing genome-wide gene expression changes in gastric corpus mucosa in rats dosed with the PPI omeprazole. Nine rats received 400 micromol/kg omeprazole daily for 10 wk. Seven rats received vehicle only. Analysis of gastric corpus with microarrays representing 11,848 genes identified 134 genes with changed gene expression levels in omeprazole-dosed rats. Several of the identified genes were previously known to be affected by potent acid inhibition. Of the 62 genes with known functions that changed gene expression levels after PPI dosing, 27 are known to be involved in proliferation and apoptosis and immune, inflammatory, and stress responses. Our study indicates that microarray analysis can detect relevant gene expression changes in the complex gastric tissue, and that cellular processes involved in cell growth and defense responses are strongly affected by PPI dosing. Many genes are identified that were not previously known to be affected by inhibition of gastric acid secretion or that have unknown biological functions. Characterization of the roles of these genes may give new insight into molecular responses to treatment with PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin G Nørsett
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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20
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Schuhmann B, Dietrich A, Sel S, Hahn C, Klingenspor M, Lommatzsch M, Gudermann T, Braun A, Renz H, Nockher WA. A role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor in B cell development. J Neuroimmunol 2005; 163:15-23. [PMID: 15885304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2004] [Revised: 01/31/2005] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrated a significant reduction of B lymphocytes in the blood, spleen and bone marrow of BDNF deficient mice. The observed developmental block in bone marrow B cell development was linked specifically to the Pre-BII stage. B lymphocytes express the BDNF receptors p75NTR and TrkB(gp95), while no BDNF expression was found. However, a strong BDNF expression was demonstrated in bone marrow stromal cells. An increase of intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i in B lymphocytes after BDNF application confirms a direct responsiveness of B lymphocytes to BDNF. In conclusion, these results suggest a role of BDNF for normal B lymphocyte development through paracrine effects in the bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Schuhmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital, Philipps-Universität, Baldingerstrasse, 35033 Marburg, Germany
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21
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Sclabas GM, Fujioka S, Schmidt C, Li Z, Frederick WA, Yang W, Yokoi K, Evans DB, Abbruzzese JL, Hess KR, Zhang W, Fidler IJ, Chiao PJ. Overexpression of Tropomysin-Related Kinase B in Metastatic Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2005. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.440.11.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and most pancreatic cancers develop locally advanced disease or metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The mechanisms by which it invades and metastasizes are not known.
Experimental Design: To identify the genes involved in pancreatic cancer metastasis, we analyzed the gene expression profiles between highly metastatic Colo357L3.6pl and parental Colo357FG pancreatic cancer cell lines using cDNA microarrays and confirmed differential gene expression by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and immunologic analysis of 54 samples from pancreatic cancer patients. The correlation with clinical outcome was also examined. The possible signaling pathways involved with tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) were analyzed.
Results: Our findings showed that TrkB was overexpressed in the highly metastatic Colo357L3.6pl cells, which correlated with perineural invasion (P = 0.026), positive retroperitoneal margin (P = 0.0005), and shorter latency to development of liver metastasis (Cox proportional hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8; P = 0.01) in patient samples. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 were activated and Elk-1 and AP-1 DNA binding activity was induced in Colo357L3.6pl cells. Furthermore, interleukin 8 and vascular endothelial growth factor were more strongly expressed in Colo357L3.6pl than Colo357FG cells, and these findings were confirmed in Colo357L3.6pl and Colo357FG orthotopic tumors.
Conclusion: These results suggest that overexpression of TrkB and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and AP-1, which may in turn induce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin 8, may mediate the cardinal clinical features of locally aggressive growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Our results also imply that TrkB receptor may be a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Zhang
- 4Pathology,
- 7The Program in Cancer Biology, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Isaiah J. Fidler
- 2Cancer Biology,
- 7The Program in Cancer Biology, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul J. Chiao
- 1Surgical Oncology, Departments of
- 6Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and
- 7The Program in Cancer Biology, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas
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22
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Coppola V, Barrick CA, Southon EA, Celeste A, Wang K, Chen B, Haddad EB, Yin J, Nussenzweig A, Subramaniam A, Tessarollo L. Ablation of TrkA function in the immune system causes B cell abnormalities. Development 2004; 131:5185-95. [PMID: 15459109 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA is widely expressed in non-neural tissues suggesting pleiotropic functions outside the nervous system. Based on pharmacological and immuno-depletion experiments, it has been hypothesized that NGF plays an important role in the normal development and function of the immune system. However, attempts to unravel these functions by conventional gene targeting in mice have been hampered by the early postnatal lethality caused by null mutations. We have developed a novel 'reverse conditional' gene targeting strategy by which TrkA function is restored specifically in the nervous system. Mice lacking TrkA in non-neuronal tissues are viable and appear grossly normal. All major immune system cell populations are present in normal numbers and distributions. However, mutant mice have elevated serum levels of certain immunoglobulin classes and accumulate B1 cells with aging. These data, confirmed in a classical reconstitution model using embryonic fetal liver from TrkA-null mice, demonstrate that endogenous NGF modulates B cell development through TrkA in vivo. Furthermore, they demonstrate that many of the dramatic effects previously reported by pharmacological or immuno-depletion approaches do not reflect physiological developmental roles of TrkA in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Coppola
- Neural Development Group, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
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23
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Abstract
Neurotrophins are growth factors that exert multiple actions on neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Neurotrophin receptors are expressed on central and peripheral neurons, lymphocytes, monocytes, mast cells, and fibroblasts. In accordance with the distribution of their receptors, neurotrophins control the development and function of neurons and regulate inflammatory processes. Production of neurotrophins is altered in asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. Evidence from animal models has implicated nerve growth factor (NGF) as a mediator of pulmonary inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and airway hyperreactivity, all of which are hallmarks of asthma. NGF regulates the growth of lung tumor cells and cultured lung fibroblasts. Thus neurotrophins, particularly NGF, are candidate molecules for regulating disease processes in asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Hoyle
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, SL-9, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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24
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Nassenstein C, Kerzel S, Braun A. Neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in allergic asthma. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 146:347-67. [PMID: 14699973 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)46022-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophins nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and NT-4 play a pivotal role in the development of the nervous system. Despite their well-known effects on neurons, elevated neurotrophin concentrations have been observed under pathological conditions in sera of patients with inflammatory disorders. Patients with asthma feature both airway inflammation and an abnormal airway reactivity to many unspecific stimuli, referred to as airway hyperresponsiveness, which is, at least partly, neuronally controlled. Interestingly, these patients show increased levels of neurotrophins in the blood as well as locally in the lung. It has been demonstrated that neurotrophin release from immune cells is triggered by allergen contact. The presence of neurotrophins and the neurotrophin receptors p75 (p75NTR), tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), TrkB and TrkC have been described in several immune cells. There is strong evidence for an involvement of neurotrophins in regulation of hematopoiesis and, in addition, in modulation of immune cell function in mature cells circulating in blood or resting in lymphatic organs and peripheral tissues. The aim of this review is to demonstrate possible roles of neurotrophins during an allergic reaction in consideration of the temporospatial compartimentalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nassenstein
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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25
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Vega JA, García-Suárez O, Germanà A. Vertebrate thymus and the neurotrophin system. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 237:155-204. [PMID: 15380668 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)37004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An immunomodulary role has been proposed for growth factors included in the family of neurotrophins. This is supported by the presence of both neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in the immune organs and some immunocompetent cells, the in vitro and in vivo effects of the neurotrophins on the immune cells, and the structural changes of lymphoid organs in mice deficient in neurotrophins and their receptors. The current data strongly indicate that neurotrophins regulate the biology of thymic stromal cells and T cells, including survival, and are involved in the thymic organogenesis. This review compiles the available data about the occurrence and distribution of neurotrophins and their signaling receptors (Trk proteins and p75(NTR)) in the vertebrate thymus and the possible contribution of these molecules to the thymic microenvironment and, therefore, to the T cells differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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26
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Nockher WA, Renz H. Neurotrophins in inflammatory lung diseases: modulators of cell differentiation and neuroimmune interactions. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2003; 14:559-78. [PMID: 14563357 DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6101(03)00071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases represent a group of severe diseases with increasing prevalence as well as epidemiological importance. Inflammatory lung diseases could result from allergic or infectious genesis. There is growing evidence that the immune and nervous system are closely related not only in physiological but also in pathological reactions in the lung. Extensive communications between neurons and immune cells are responsible for the magnitude of airway inflammation and the development of airway hyperreactivity, a consequence of neuronal dysregulation. Neurotrophins are molecules regulating and controlling this crosstalk between the immune and peripheral nervous system (PNS) during inflammatory lung diseases. They are constitutively expressed by resident lung cells and produced in increasing quantities by immune cells invading the airways under inflammatory conditions. They act as activation, differentiation and survival factors for cells of both the immune and nervous system. This article will review the most recent data of neurotrophin signaling in the normal and inflamed lung and as yet unexplored, roles of neurotrophins in the complex communication within the neuroimmune network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Andreas Nockher
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg 35033, Germany.
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27
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García-Suárez O, Pérez-Pérez M, Germanà A, Esteban I, Germanà G. Involvement of growth factors in thymic involution. Microsc Res Tech 2003; 62:514-23. [PMID: 14635145 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The thymus undergoes an age-dependent degenerative process which is mainly characterized by a progressive loss of lymphoid tissue. Thymic involution is particularly important in relation to immunosenescence and its various associated diseases; this fact has prompted many studies aimed at understanding the causes and mechanisms of thymic degeneration which may, ultimately, lead to the possibility of manipulating it. In this sense, one of the aspects which has deserved most attention is the thymic microenvironment, and more precisely, the many growth factors to which the cells present in the organ are exposed. Thus, the levels of several of such factors have been reported to undergo age-dependent changes in the thymus, which may point at an influence on the regression of the organ. In this article we consider which growth factors and growth factor receptors occur in the vertebrate thymus. Then, focusing on those whose influences are better documented, i.e., neurotrophins, cytokines and IGFs, we discuss their potential role in the organ and the possibility of their being involved in thymic involution.
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28
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Abstract
The neurotrophins are a family of polypeptide growth factors that are essential for the development and maintenance of the vertebrate nervous system. In recent years, data have emerged indicating that neurotrophins could have a broader role than their name might suggest. In particular, the putative role of NGF and its receptor TrkA in immune system homeostasis has become a much studied topic, whereas information on the other neurotrophins is scarce in this regard. This paper reviews what is known about the expression and possible functions of neurotrophins and their receptors in different immune tissues and cells, as well as recent data obtained from studies of transgenic mice in our laboratory. Results from studies to date support the idea that neurotrophins may regulate some immune functions. They also play an important role in the development of the thymus and in the survival of thymocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
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29
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Pérez-Pérez M, García-Suárez O, Esteban I, Germanà A, Fariñas I, Naves FJ, Vega JA. p75NTR in the spleen: age-dependent changes, effect of NGF and 4-methylcatechol treatment, and structural changes in p75NTR-deficient mice. THE ANATOMICAL RECORD. PART A, DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2003; 270:117-28. [PMID: 12524687 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.10010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In addition to their well-known actions within the nervous system, neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in immune system functioning, as demonstrated by their wide distribution in lymphoid tissues and their in vitro actions on immunocompetent cells. Nevertheless, the in vivo roles of neurotrophin-receptor systems in lymphoid tissues, as well as the scope of their influence throughout development and adulthood, are yet to be clarified. In the present study, we used combined morphological and immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the presence and cellular localization of p75NTR, the pan-neurotrophin receptor protein, in rat spleen from newborns to aging individuals, and the structural and innervation changes in the spleens of p75NTR-deficient mice. In rats, p75NTR was expressed by splenic nerve fibers and dendritic cells in an age-regulated fashion, with maximal expression detected at 2 weeks. Consistently, the spleens of newborn mice lacking this receptor protein showed no signs of ingrowing sympathetic fibers, along with an absence of defined white pulp areas. The present findings suggest a prolonged role of p75NTR in the physiology of the spleen; at least during the embryonic development period, the receptor may be critical for correct innervation and compartmentalization processes to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pérez-Pérez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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