GDNF-induced neurite formation was stimulated by protein kinase inhibitors and suppressed by Ras inhibitors

Concerted interaction of TGF-β and GDNF mediates neuronal differentiation

The glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is crucial for ureteric bud morphogenesis, spermatogenesis, and development of the enteric nervous system and is a potent survival factor for various neuronal populations. However, the impact of GDNF, at least on cell survival, was found to depend strongly on the presence of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). In this study, we investigate the role of TGF-β in GDNF-induced neuronal differentiation. In a cell culture paradigm of N2aGT cells (neuroblastoma cell line), we show that TGF-β signaling localizes the GDNF ligand-binding receptor GFRa1 to the cell surface, which is a known mechanism by which TGF-β is able to facilitate GDNF signaling. TGF-β-mediated GDNF signaling slightly elevated the phosphorylation state of Ret, the canonical coreceptor for the GPI-linked (glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol) GFRa1. On the basis of morphological as well as immunocytological data, we finally show that GDNF-mediated neuronal differentiation is intensified when GDNF and TGF-β act in concert.

Control of secondary granule release in neutrophils by Ral GTPase

Neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte; PMN) inflammatory functions, including cell adhesion, diapedesis, and phagocytosis, are dependent on the mobilization and release of various intracellular granules/vesicles. In this study, we found that treating PMN with damnacanthal, a Ras family GTPase inhibitor, resulted in a specific release of secondary granules but not primary or tertiary granules and caused dysregulation of PMN chemotactic transmigration and cell surface protein interactions. Analysis of the activities of Ras members identified Ral GTPase as a key regulator during PMN activation and degranulation. In particular, Ral was active in freshly isolated PMN, whereas chemoattractant stimulation induced a quick deactivation of Ral that correlated with PMN degranulation. Overexpression of a constitutively active Ral (Ral23V) in PMN inhibited chemoattractant-induced secondary granule release. By subcellular fractionation, we found that Ral, which was associated with the plasma membrane under the resting condition, was redistributed to secondary granules after chemoattractant stimulation. Blockage of cell endocytosis appeared to inhibit Ral translocation intracellularly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Ral is a critical regulator in PMN that specifically controls secondary granule release during PMN response to chemoattractant stimulation.

Herbimycin A induces sympathetic neuron survival and protects against hypoxia

We have examined how herbimycin affects the survival and neuritogenesis of avian sympathetic neurons. Herbimycin promoted sympathetic neuron survival and neuritogenesis. At higher concentrations (> or = 100 ng/ml), herbimycin still enhanced neuron survival but blocked neuritogenesis. Addition of herbimycin (10-30 ng/ml) to neurons cultured in the presence of NGF or retinal conditioned medium altered neuronal morphology, with an increase in the number of neurites. Addition of NGF during hypoxia rescued 52% of the neurons compared to 14% survival in control conditions. Herbimycin alone rescued about 50% of the neurons. In the presence of NGF and 100 ng/ml herbimycin, 81% of the neurons survived hypoxia. Our results show that herbimycin promotes survival of chick sympathetic neurons and potentiates the effects of NGF.

Internalization of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor GFR alpha 1 in the absence of the ret tyrosine kinase coreceptor

1. Glial cell-derived neurothrophic factor (GDNF) interacts with a cell surface receptor, GFRalpha1, that is linked via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) lipid to the cell membrane. The neurotrophic activities of GDNF are mediated by binding to GFRalpha1 and further interaction of the GDNF-GFRalpha1 complex with a coreceptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the c-Ret protooncogene. There is also evidence for the existence of cell signaling by GDNF and GFRalpha1 in the absence of Ret. 2. To further delineate the Ret-dependent and -independent functions of GDNF, cellular internalization of GDNF and GFRalpha1 was examined in cells lines and primary neurons. 3. Relative to other GPI-anchored receptors, efficient endocytosis (approximately 30-40% of total surface-bound ligand internalized after 2 min) of GNDF and GFRalpha1 was observed in neuroblastoma and transfected-fibroblast cell lines that lack Ret. Primary hippocampal neurons from transgenic mice that express a wild-type GFRalpha1 together with a mutant, tyrosine kinase-inactive Ret also internalized GDNF efficiently (approximately 20% of total surface-bound ligand internalized after 2 min). We also observed a ligand dependence for GFRalpha1 internalization in the cell lines that lack Ret. Furthermore, a comparison in the presence and absence of Ret indicates that this coreceptor tyrosine kinase slows internalization at early time points. 4. The data suggest different mechanisms of internalization for GDNF-GFRalpha1 in the absence and presence of the Ret coreceptor.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor complex are expressed in the auditory nerve of the mature rat cochlea

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a survival factor for many neuronal cell types which signals through a heterodimer receptor consisting of GDNF-family receptor alpha 1 (GFRalpha-1) and Ret (rearranged during transformation). GDNF expression has previously been reported in the inner hair cells of the rat cochlea, with expression of GFRalpha-1 but not Ret in the cell bodies of the auditory nerve (spiral ganglion cells), using in situ hybridization. The present study used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunocytochemistry to examine GDNF, GFRalpha-1 and Ret in the adult rat auditory nerve. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed expression of GDNF and the two receptor components, GFRalpha-1 and Ret, in the modiolar subfraction of the cochlea containing spiral ganglion cells. A shorter mRNA splice variant for GDNF was also detected. Immunocytochemistry showed immunostaining in the modiolus for GDNF, GFRalpha-1 and Ret that was confined to spiral ganglion cells. When RT-PCR expression levels were compared to the expression in the substantia nigra, GFRalpha-1 expression levels were similar, Ret mRNA was lower in the modiolus and GDNF expression was higher in the modiolus. However, when GDNF was further assessed using Western blot, while GDNF protein was found in the modiolus it was at lower levels than in substantia nigra tissue. These results demonstrate that GDNF and both of its receptor components are found in spiral ganglion cells of the adult rat cochlea. Along with the previous report of GDNF in inner hair cells, these new results provide a basis for the role of GDNF as a survival factor for the auditory nerve, as suggested by previous studies.

Immunophilin ligands and GDNF enhance neurite branching or elongation from developing dopamine neurons in culture

Neurotrophic effects of immunophilin ligands have been shown in animal models of peripheral and central nervous system insult. To investigate the specific growth-promoting effects of these compounds, we examined the effects of various immunophilin ligands on primary dopamine (DA) neurons in culture and compared these with a well-known DA trophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In neuronal cultures from Embryonic Day 14 ventral mesencephalon, enhanced elongation of DA neurites was observed with immunophilin ligands, which inhibited the phosphatase activity of calcineurin (FK506 and cyclosporin A) when compared to vehicle-treated cultures. This elongation was also observed with GDNF, known to exert its trophic effects through phosphorylation-dependent pathways. In contrast, immunophilin ligands that do not inhibit calcineurin (rapamycin and V-10,367) increased branching of DA neurites, suggesting that elongation is dependent upon maintained phosphorylation while branching is not. In addition, both V-10,367 and rapamycin antagonized the elongation effects of FK506 and induced branching. The antagonism of elongation (and reappearance of branching) illustrates the intrinsic abilities of developing DA neurons to either elongate or branch, but not both. We show that the immunophilin FKBP12 (12-kDa FK506-binding protein) is expressed in ventral mesencephalic neuronal cultures and colocalizes with DA neurons. This work elucidates the specific growth-promoting effects by which GDNF and immunophilin ligands modify developmental growth processes of DA neurons, via their interactions with intracellular targets.

Divergent roles for Ras and Rap in the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by interleukin-1

We have found that lethal toxin from Clostridium sordellii, which specifically inactivates the low molecular weight G proteins Ras, Rap, and Rac, inhibits the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by interleukin-1 (IL-1) in EL4.NOB-1 cells and primary fibroblasts. The target protein involved appeared to be Ras, because transient transfections with dominant negative RasN17 inhibited p38 MAPK activation by IL-1. Furthermore, transfections of cells with constitutively active RasVHa-activated p38 MAPK. Further evidence for Ras involvement came from the observation that IL-1 caused a rapid activation of Ras in the cells and from the inhibitory effects of the Ras inhibitors manumycin A and damnacanthal. Toxin B from Clostridium difficile, which inactivates Rac, Cdc42, and Rho, was without effect. Dominant negative versions of Rac (RacN17) or Rap (Rap1AN17) did not inhibit the response. Intriguingly, transfection of cells with dominant negative Rap1AN17 activated p38 MAPK. Furthermore, constitutively active Rap1AV12 inhibited p38 MAPK activation by IL-1, consistent with Rap antagonizing Ras function. IL-1 also activated Rap in the cells, but with slower kinetics than Ras. Our studies therefore provide clear evidence using multiple approaches for Ras as a signaling component in the activation of p38 MAPK by IL-1, with Rap having an inhibitory effect.

Mechanism of damnacanthal-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in human dermal fibroblasts

Damnacanthal is a potent and selective inhibitor of p56(lck) tyrosine kinase in a variety of tissues. We have found, however, using the Ca(2+) microfluorimetry technique, that damnacanthal releases intracellular Ca(2+) stores and promotes Ca(2+) entry in human dermal fibroblasts. The effect of damnacanthal on the peak [Ca(2+)](i) values and the latent time to the peak was concentration-dependent. Damnacanthal releases Ca(2+) from thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+) stores, and the Ca(2+) stores responding to damnacanthal were overlapped with those of bradykinin. Damnacanthal-induced Ca(2+) entry was mediated by voltage-dependent and voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels. This effect of damnacanthal on intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization was also observed in cultured bovine coronary endothelial cells but not demonstrated in freshly isolated rat basilar smooth muscle cells. Our study suggests that damnacanthal increases intracellular Ca(2+) by releasing Ca(2+) from internal stores and promoting Ca(2+) entry. The relationship between the actions of damnacanthal on tyrosine kinase and intracellular Ca(2+) requires further investigation.

Effect of the nonpeptide neurotrophic compound SR 57746A on the phenotypic survival of purified mouse motoneurons

1. Neurotrophic factors have been used for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, their use is limited by their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, their short half life and their side effects. SR 57746A is a new orally active compound that exhibits in vivo and in vitro neurotrophic effects in several experimental models. 2. We show here that SR 57746A (1 microM) increases the phenotypic survival of embryonic purified mouse motoneurons in vitro to the same extent as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (100 ng ml-1), and increases the outgrowth and number of their neurites. It acts in a dose-dependent manner up to 1 microM which is the optimal concentration. Above this concentration, its neurotrophic effect decreases. 3. Genistein (10 microM), a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also increases the phenotypic survival and differentiation of mouse motoneurons. It does not act in a synergistic or additive manner with SR 57746A. However, at concentrations equal or superior to 25 microM, it decreases the survival of motoneurons. This suggests that the neurotrophic effect of genistein is due to a favourable alteration of equilibrium between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated states of proteins involved in survival and differentiation of motoneurons. 4. Like genistein, SR 57746A should be used at a critical concentration (1 microM) to exert its optimal effects. Since SR 57746A does not act synergistically with genistein, it is likely that its mechanism of action involves a pathway similar to that affected by this tyrosine kinase inhibitor. 5. At the present time, SR 57746A is the only orally active compound and the only synthetic compound shown to be active on motoneurons in vitro. It should thus be considered as a good candidate for the treatment of motoneuron diseases.

Enovin, a member of the glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family with growth promoting activity on neuronal cells. Existence and tissue-specific expression of different splice variants

Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin and persephin are neurotrophic factors involved in neuroneal differentiation, development and maintenance. They act on different types of neuroneal cells and signal through a receptor complex composed of a specific ligand-binding subunit of the GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRalpha) family together with a common signaling partner, the cRET protein tyrosine kinase. We describe the molecular cloning, expression, chromosomal localization and functional characterization of enovin, a fourth GDNF family member almost identical to the recently described artemin. We show the occurence in most tissues of several differently spliced mRNA variants for enovin, of which only two are able to translate into functional enovin protein. Some tissues seem to express only nonfunctional transcripts. These observations may underlie a complex transcriptional regulation pattern. Enovin mRNA expression is detectable in all adult and fetal human tissues examined, but expression levels are highest in peripheral tissues including prostate, placenta, pancreas, heart and kidney. This tissue distribution pattern is in accordance with that of GFRalpha-3, which here is shown to be the preferred ligand-binding receptor for enovin (Kd = 3.1 nM). The human enovin gene is localized on chromosome 1, region p31.3-p32. In vitro, enovin stimulates neurite outgrowth and counteracts taxol-induced neurotoxicity in staurosporine-differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The peripheral expression pattern of enovin and its receptor together with its effects on neuroneal cells suggest that enovin might be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in general and peripheral neuropathies in particular.

Enhancement of spontaneous transmitter release at neonatal mouse neuromuscular junctions by the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)

1. The acute effects of neurotrophic factors on the frequency of spontaneous transmitter release (miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs)) from motor nerve terminals has been examined in skeletal muscles of neonatal mice aged between 9 and 20 days. The following factors were tested at a concentration of 50 ng ml-1: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In some experiments, the responses to 2 microM LaCl3 and 10 mM K+, or to 2-5 nM purified alpha-latrotoxin (alpha-LTX) were also measured. 2. Neither BDNF, NT-3, NT-4, LIF, IGF-1 or IGF-2 - singly or in combination - caused any significant change in MEPP frequency. GDNF, however, produced a highly significant, 2-fold increase in neurotransmitter release that was reproduced in fourteen muscles. 3. Potentiation of MEPP frequency in GDNF was of the same order as that induced by tetanic stimulation or substitution of the bathing medium with hypertonic saline; but substantially less than that induced either by lanthanum ions or alpha-latrotoxin. 4. The data suggest that concentrations of GDNF that produce maximal enhancement of motoneurone survival in vitro and in vivo also produce acute, non-saturating enhancement in transmitter release at immature mammalian neuromuscular synapses. Taken together with other reports, these findings suggest that GDNF may mediate both functional and structural plasticity of neonatal neuromuscular junctions.

The survival-promoting effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor on axotomized corticospinal neurons in vivo is mediated by an endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor mechanism

Autocrine trophic functions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been proposed for many central neurons because this neurotrophin displays striking colocalization with its receptor trkB within the CNS. In the cortex, the distribution patterns of BDNF and trkB expression are almost identical. Corticospinal neurons (CSNs) are a major cortical long-distance projecting system. They are localized in layer V of the somatosensory cortex, and their axons project into the spinal cord where they contribute to the innervation of spinal motoneurons. We have shown recently that adult CSNs express trkB mRNA and are rescued from axotomy-induced death by BDNF treatment. Half of the axotomized CSNs survived without BDNF infusions. These findings raise the possibility that endogenous cortical BDNF is involved in the trophic support of this neuronal population. To test the hypothesis that endogenous cortical BDNF promotes survival of adult CSNs, we infused the BDNF-neutralizing affinity-purified antibody RAB to axotomized and unlesioned CSNs for 7 d. This treatment resulted in increased death of axotomized CSNs. Survival of unlesioned CSNs was not affected by RAB treatment. In situ hybridizations for BDNF and trkB mRNA revealed that virtually all CSNs express trkB, whereas only half of them express BDNF. Thus, autocrine/paracrine mechanisms are likely to contribute to the endogenous BDNF protection of axotomized CSNs. We have demonstrated previously that, in addition to BDNF, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) also rescue CSNs from axotomy-induced death. We now show that the rescuing by GDNF requires the presence of endogenous cortical BDNF, implicating a central role of this neurotrophin in the trophic support of axotomized CSNs and a trophic cross-talk between BDNF and GDNF regarding the maintenance of lesioned CSNs. In contrast, NT-3 promotes survival of axotomized CSNs even when endogenous cortical BDNF is neutralized by RAB, indicating a potential of compensatory mechanisms for the trophic support of CSNs.