1
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Shanks HRC, Chen K, Reiman EM, Blennow K, Cummings JL, Massa SM, Longo FM, Börjesson-Hanson A, Windisch M, Schmitz TW. p75 neurotrophin receptor modulation in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:1761-1770. [PMID: 38760589 PMCID: PMC11186782 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02977-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) signaling pathways substantially overlap with degenerative networks active in Alzheimer disease (AD). Modulation of p75NTR with the first-in-class small molecule LM11A-31 mitigates amyloid-induced and pathological tau-induced synaptic loss in preclinical models. Here we conducted a 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase 2a safety and exploratory endpoint trial of LM11A-31 in 242 participants with mild to moderate AD with three arms: placebo, 200 mg LM11A-31 and 400 mg LM11A-31, administered twice daily by oral capsules. This trial met its primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. Within the prespecified secondary and exploratory outcome domains (structural magnetic resonance imaging, fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers), significant drug-placebo differences were found, consistent with the hypothesis that LM11A-31 slows progression of pathophysiological features of AD; no significant effect of active treatment was observed on cognitive tests. Together, these results suggest that targeting p75NTR with LM11A-31 warrants further investigation in larger-scale clinical trials of longer duration. EU Clinical Trials registration: 2015-005263-16 ; ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03069014 .
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Grants
- R35 AG071476 NIA NIH HHS
- P30 AG072980 NIA NIH HHS
- SG-23-1038904 QC Alzheimer's Association
- 2022-00732 Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council)
- P20 GM109025 NIGMS NIH HHS
- R01 AG053798 NIA NIH HHS
- R35AG71476 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- ZEN-21-848495 Alzheimer's Association
- R01 AG051596 NIA NIH HHS
- P20GM109025 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
- 453677 Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Instituts de Recherche en Santé du Canada)
- P20 AG068053 NIA NIH HHS
- 2017-00915 Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council)
- U01 AG024904 NIA NIH HHS
- R01AG053798 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- R25 AG083721-01 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- R25 AG083721 NIA NIH HHS
- Jonathan and Joshua Memorial Foundation Government of Ontario
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)
- State of Arizona
- Alzheimer’s Association
- the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the County Councils, the ALF-agreement (#ALFGBG-715986 and #ALFGBG-965240), the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation (#AF-930351, #AF-939721 and #AF-968270), Hjärnfonden, Sweden (#FO2017-0243 and #ALZ2022-0006), La Fondation Recherche Alzheimer (FRA), Paris, France, the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Familjen Rönströms Stiftelse, Stockholm, Sweden.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
- Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
- Ted and Maria Quirk Endowment; Joy Chambers-Grundy Endowment.
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- National Institutes of Aging (NIA AD Pilot Trial 1R01AG051596) PharmatrophiX (Menlo Park, California)
- Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (176677)
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R C Shanks
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Downtown, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Eric M Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey L Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Stephen M Massa
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Anne Börjesson-Hanson
- Clinical Trials, Department of Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Taylor W Schmitz
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Yao R, Yamada K, Izawa S, Kito T, Sawada H, Chihara T, Aizu N, Iwata D, Nishii K. FNDC5/irisin mediates the protective effects of Innovative theta-shaking exercise on mouse memory. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29090. [PMID: 38638979 PMCID: PMC11024559 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
As a passive motion and non-invasive treatment, theta-shaking exercise is considered an alternative to traditional active exercise for slowing down brain ageing. Here, we studied the influence of theta-shaking exercise on fibronectin type III domain containing 5/irisin (FNDC5/irisin) in the anterior nucleus of the thalamus, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex (ATN-HPC-MPFC). Further, we assessed memory in senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP-10 mice) using a behavioural test to confirm the protective effect of theta-shaking exercise against age-related memory decline. SAMP-10 mice were subjected to theta-shaking exercise for 9-30 weeks. Mice then performed the T-maze test and passive avoidance task. Immunohistochemical analysis and ELISA were used to assess FNDC5/irisin, nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT4/5) expression in the ATN-HPC-MPFC. In the shaking group, FNDC5 was locally upregulated within the hippocampus and MPFC area rather than exhibiting even distribution throughout brain tissue. Irisin levels were generally higher in the control group. Meanwhile, hippocampal NGF levels were significantly higher in the shaking group, with no differences noted in neurotrophin levels. Theta-shaking preserved normal neurons in certain sub-regions. However, no beneficial changes in neuronal density were noted in the ATN. Theta-shaking exercise positively affects memory function in SAMP-10 mice. FNDC5 upregulation and higher levels of NGF, along with the potential involvement of irisin, may have contributed to the preservation of normal neuronal density in the hippocampus and MPFC subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhong Yao
- Physical Therapy Course, Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nihon Institute of Medical Science, Irumagun, Saitama 350-0435, Japan
| | - Kouji Yamada
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Sho Izawa
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Takumi Kito
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kinjo University, Hakusan, Ishikawa 924-8511, Japan
| | - Hirohide Sawada
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Nursing and Medical Care, Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University, Yokkaichi, Mie 512-8045, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chihara
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Nursing and Medical Care, Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University, Yokkaichi, Mie 512-8045, Japan
| | - Naoki Aizu
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Daiki Iwata
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Nursing and Medical Care, Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University, Yokkaichi, Mie 512-8045, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nishii
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
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3
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Santi MD, Carvalho D, Dapueto R, Bentura M, Zeni M, Martínez-González L, Martínez A, Peralta MA, Rey A, Giglio J, Ortega MG, Savio E, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Arredondo F. Prenylated Flavanone Isolated from Dalea Species as a Potential Multitarget-Neuroprotector in an In Vitro Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:23. [PMID: 38578482 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00703-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a neurodegenerative process that has not yet been prevented, reversed, or stopped. Continuing with the search for natural pharmacological treatments, flavonoids are a family of compounds with proven neuroprotective effects and multi-targeting behavior. The American genus Dalea L. (Fabaceae) is an important source of bioactive flavonoids. In this opportunity, we tested the neuroprotective potential of three prenylated flavanones isolated from Dalea species in a new in vitro pre-clinical AD model previously developed by us. Our approach consisted in exposing neural cells to conditioned media (3xTg-AD ACM) from neurotoxic astrocytes derived from hippocampi and cortices of old 3xTg-AD mice, mimicking a local neurodegenerative microenvironment. Flavanone 1 and 3 showed a neuroprotective effect against 3xTg-AD ACM, being 1 more active than 3. The structural requirements to afford neuroprotective activity in this model are a 5'-dimethylallyl and 4'-hydroxy at the B ring. In order to search the mechanistic performance of the most active flavanone, we focus on the flavonoid-mediated regulation of GSK-3β-mediated tau phosphorylation previously reported. Flavanone 1 treatment decreased the rise of hyperphosphorylated tau protein neuronal levels induced after 3xTg-AD ACM exposure and inhibited the activity of GSK-3β. Finally, direct exposure of these neurotoxic 3xTg-AD astrocytes to flavanone 1 resulted in toxicity to these cells and reduced the neurotoxicity of 3xTg-AD ACM as well. Our results allow us to present compound 1 as a natural prenylated flavanone that could be used as a precursor to development and design of future drug therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Santi
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Carvalho
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
- Área de Matemática - DETEMA, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosina Dapueto
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuela Bentura
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maia Zeni
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Loreto Martínez-González
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avda Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avda Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Mariana A Peralta
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Farmacognosia, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Haya de la torre y Medina Allende, Edificio Ciencias II, X5000HUA Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Rey
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Giglio
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria G Ortega
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Farmacognosia, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Haya de la torre y Medina Allende, Edificio Ciencias II, X5000HUA Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Savio
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Florencia Arredondo
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay.
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4
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Hu W, Kong X, Cui Y, Wang H, Gao J, Wang X, Chen S, Li X, Li S, Che F, Wan Q. Surfeit Locus Protein 4 as a Novel Target for Therapeutic Intervention in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2033-2048. [PMID: 37843800 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03687-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Surfeit locus protein 4 (SURF4) functions as a cargo receptor that is capable of transporting newly formed proteins from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum into vesicles and Golgi bodies. However, the role of SURF4 in the central nervous system remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of SURF4 and its underlying mechanisms in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats, and whether it can be used effectively for novel therapeutic intervention. We also examined whether transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) can exert a neuroprotective effect via SURF4-dependent signalling. Following cerebral I/R injury in rats, a significant increase was observed in the expression of SURF4. In both I/R injury and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) insult, suppressing the expression of SURF4 demonstrated a neuroprotective effect, while overexpression of SURF4 resulted in increased neuronal death. We further showed that the levels of nerve growth factor precursor (proNGF), p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), sortilin, and PTEN were increased following cerebral I/R injury, and that SURF4 acted through the PTEN/proNGF signal pathway to regulate neuronal viability. We demonstrated that tDCS treatment reduced SURF4 expression and decreased the infarct volume after cerebral I/R injury. Together, this study indicates that SURF4 plays a critical role in ischemic neuronal injury and may serve as a molecular target for the development of therapeutic strategies in acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Hu
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
- Department of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingchen Gao
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiyuran Wang
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Shujun Chen
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Shifang Li
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Central Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, 27 East Jiefang Road, Linyi, China.
| | - Qi Wan
- Institute of Neuroregeneration & Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Street, Qingdao, China.
- Qingdao Gui-Hong Intelligent Medical Technology Co. Ltd, Qingdao High-tech Industrial Development District, 7 Fenglong Road, Qingdao, China.
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5
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Malerba F, Florio R, Arisi I, Zecca C, Dell’Abate MT, Logroscino G, Cattaneo A. Cerebrospinal fluid level of proNGF as potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with frontotemporal dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 15:1298307. [PMID: 38332808 PMCID: PMC10850263 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1298307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an extremely heterogeneous and complex neurodegenerative disease, exhibiting different phenotypes, genetic backgrounds, and pathological states. Due to these characteristics, and to the fact that clinical symptoms overlap with those of other neurodegenerative diseases or psychiatric disorders, the diagnosis based only on the clinical evaluation is very difficult. The currently used biomarkers help in the clinical diagnosis, but are insufficient and do not cover all the clinical needs. Methods By the means of a new immunoassay, we have measured and analyzed the proNGF levels in 43 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from FTD patients, and compared the results to those obtained in CSF from 84 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 15 subjective memory complaints (SMC) and 13 control subjects. Results A statistically significant difference between proNGF levels in FTD compared to AD, SMC and controls subjects was found. The statistical models reveal that proNGF determination increases the accuracy of FTD diagnosis, if added to the clinically validated CSF biomarkers. Discussion These results suggest that proNGF could be included in a panel of biomarkers to improve the FTD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology – National Research Council (IFT-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” at “Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico” Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dell’Abate
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” at “Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico” Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” at “Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico” Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
- BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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6
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Gao J, Li L. Enhancement of neural regeneration as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:444. [PMID: 37614437 PMCID: PMC10443056 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia worldwide, has gradually become a global health concern for society and individuals with the process of global ageing. Although extensive research has been carried out on AD, the etiology and pathological mechanism of the disease are still unclear, and there is no specific drug to cure or delay AD progression. The exploration of enhancing nerve regeneration in AD has gradually attracted increasing attention. In the current review, the existing therapeutic strategies were summarized to induce nerve regeneration which can increase the number of neurons, and improve the survival of neurons, the plasticity of synapses and synaptic activity. The strategies include increasing neurotrophic expression (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor), inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (such as donepezil, tacrine, rivastigmine and galanthamine), elevating histone deacetylase levels (such as RGFP-966, Tasquinimod, CM-414 and 44B), stimulating the brain by physiotherapy (such as near-infrared light, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation) and transplanting exogenous neural stem cells. However, further evaluations need to be performed to determine the optimal treatment. The present study reviews recent interventions for enhancing adult neurogenesis and attempts to elucidate their mechanisms of action, which may provide a theoretical basis for inducing nerve regeneration to fight against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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7
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Carvalho D, Diaz-Amarilla P, Dapueto R, Santi MD, Duarte P, Savio E, Engler H, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Arredondo F. Transcriptomic Analyses of Neurotoxic Astrocytes Derived from Adult Triple Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mice. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:487-515. [PMID: 37318736 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease have been classically studied from a purely neuronocentric point of view. More recent evidences support the notion that other cell populations are involved in disease progression. In this sense, the possible pathogenic role of glial cells like astrocytes is increasingly being recognized. Once faced with tissue damage signals and other stimuli present in disease environments, astrocytes suffer many morphological and functional changes, a process referred as reactive astrogliosis. Studies from murine models and humans suggest that these complex and heterogeneous responses could manifest as disease-specific astrocyte phenotypes. Clear understanding of disease-associated astrocytes is a necessary step to fully disclose neurodegenerative processes, aiding in the design of new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. In this work, we present the transcriptomics characterization of neurotoxic astrocytic cultures isolated from adult symptomatic animals of the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD). According to the observed profile, 3xTg-AD neurotoxic astrocytes show various reactivity features including alteration of the extracellular matrix and release of pro-inflammatory and proliferative factors that could result in harmful effects to neurons. Moreover, these alterations could be a consequence of stress responses at the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria as well as of concomitant metabolic adaptations. Present results support the hypothesis that adaptive changes of astrocytic function induced by a stressed microenvironment could later promote harmful astrocyte phenotypes and further accelerate or induce neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Carvalho
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Diaz-Amarilla
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosina Dapueto
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Daniela Santi
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- College of Dentistry, Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, 10010, USA
| | - Pablo Duarte
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eduardo Savio
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Henry Engler
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, 1800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan A Abin-Carriquiry
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Laboratorio de Biofármacos, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Florencia Arredondo
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Área I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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8
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Boxy P, Nykjær A, Kisiswa L. Building better brains: the pleiotropic function of neurotrophic factors in postnatal cerebellar development. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1181397. [PMID: 37251644 PMCID: PMC10213292 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1181397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum is a multifunctional brain region that controls diverse motor and non-motor behaviors. As a result, impairments in the cerebellar architecture and circuitry lead to a vast array of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurotrophins and neurotrophic growth factors play essential roles in the development as well as maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system which is crucial for normal brain function. Their timely expression throughout embryonic and postnatal stages is important for promoting growth and survival of both neurons and glial cells. During postnatal development, the cerebellum undergoes changes in its cellular organization, which is regulated by a variety of molecular factors, including neurotrophic factors. Studies have shown that these factors and their receptors promote proper formation of the cerebellar cytoarchitecture as well as maintenance of the cerebellar circuits. In this review, we will summarize what is known on the neurotrophic factors' role in cerebellar postnatal development and how their dysregulation assists in developing various neurological disorders. Understanding the expression patterns and signaling mechanisms of these factors and their receptors is crucial for elucidating their function within the cerebellum and for developing therapeutic strategies for cerebellar-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Boxy
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Nykjær
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lilian Kisiswa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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9
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Palasz E, Wilkaniec A, Stanaszek L, Andrzejewska A, Adamczyk A. Glia-Neurotrophic Factor Relationships: Possible Role in Pathobiology of Neuroinflammation-Related Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076321. [PMID: 37047292 PMCID: PMC10094105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) play an important role in maintaining homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) by regulating the survival, differentiation, maturation, and development of neurons and by participating in the regeneration of damaged tissues. Disturbances in the level and functioning of NTFs can lead to many diseases of the nervous system, including degenerative diseases, mental diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Each CNS disease is characterized by a unique pathomechanism, however, the involvement of certain processes in its etiology is common, such as neuroinflammation, dysregulation of NTFs levels, or mitochondrial dysfunction. It has been shown that NTFs can control the activation of glial cells by directing them toward a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory phenotype and activating signaling pathways responsible for neuronal survival. In this review, our goal is to outline the current state of knowledge about the processes affected by NTFs, the crosstalk between NTFs, mitochondria, and the nervous and immune systems, leading to the inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and thus the inhibition of the development and progression of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Palasz
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Anna Wilkaniec
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luiza Stanaszek
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Andrzejewska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Center for Advanced Imaging Research, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (A.A.)
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10
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Tiberi A, Carucci NM, Testa G, Rizzi C, Pacifico P, Borgonovo G, Arisi I, D’Onofrio M, Brandi R, Gan WB, Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. Reduced levels of NGF shift astrocytes toward a neurotoxic phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1165125. [PMID: 37143894 PMCID: PMC10151754 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1165125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is critical for neuronal physiology during development and adulthood. Despite the well-recognized effect of NGF on neurons, less is known about whether NGF can actually affect other cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). In this work, we show that astrocytes are susceptible to changes in ambient levels of NGF. First, we observe that interfering with NGF signaling in vivo via the constitutive expression of an antiNGF antibody induces astrocytic atrophy. A similar asthenic phenotype is encountered in an uncleavable proNGF transgenic mouse model (TgproNGF#72), effectively increasing the brain proNGF levels. To examine whether this effect on astrocytes is cell-autonomous, we cultured wild-type primary astrocytes in the presence of antiNGF antibodies, uncovering that a short incubation period is sufficient to potently and rapidly trigger calcium oscillations. Acute induction of calcium oscillations by antiNGF antibodies is followed by progressive morphological changes similar to those observed in antiNGF AD11 mice. Conversely, incubation with mature NGF has no effect on either calcium activity nor on astrocytic morphology. At longer timescales, transcriptomic analysis revealed that NGF-deprived astrocytes acquire a proinflammatory profile. In particular, antiNGF-treated astrocytes show upregulation of neurotoxic transcripts and downregulation of neuroprotective mRNAs. Consistent with that data, culturing wild-type neurons in the presence of NGF-deprived astrocytes leads to neuronal cell death. Finally, we report that in both awake and anesthetized mice, astrocytes in layer I of the motor cortex respond with an increase in calcium activity to acute NGF inhibition using either NGF-neutralizing antibodies or a TrkA-Fc NGF scavenger. Moreover, in vivo calcium imaging in the cortex of the 5xFAD neurodegeneration mouse model shows an increased level of spontaneous calcium activity in astrocytes, which is significantly reduced after acute administration of NGF. In conclusion, we unveil a novel neurotoxic mechanism driven by astrocytes, triggered by their sensing and reacting to changes in the levels of ambient NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tiberi
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Wen-Biao Gan
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Simona Capsoni
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonino Cattaneo,
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11
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Salasova A, Monti G, Andersen OM, Nykjaer A. Finding memo: versatile interactions of the VPS10p-Domain receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:74. [PMID: 36397124 PMCID: PMC9673319 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The family of VPS10p-Domain (D) receptors comprises five members named SorLA, Sortilin, SorCS1, SorCS2 and SorCS3. While their physiological roles remain incompletely resolved, they have been recognized for their signaling engagements and trafficking abilities, navigating a number of molecules between endosome, Golgi compartments, and the cell surface. Strikingly, recent studies connected all the VPS10p-D receptors to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. In addition, they have been also associated with diseases comorbid with AD such as diabetes mellitus and major depressive disorder. This systematic review elaborates on genetic, functional, and mechanistic insights into how dysfunction in VPS10p-D receptors may contribute to AD etiology, AD onset diversity, and AD comorbidities. Starting with their functions in controlling cellular trafficking of amyloid precursor protein and the metabolism of the amyloid beta peptide, we present and exemplify how these receptors, despite being structurally similar, regulate various and distinct cellular events involved in AD. This includes a plethora of signaling crosstalks that impact on neuronal survival, neuronal wiring, neuronal polarity, and synaptic plasticity. Signaling activities of the VPS10p-D receptors are especially linked, but not limited to, the regulation of neuronal fitness and apoptosis via their physical interaction with pro- and mature neurotrophins and their receptors. By compiling the functional versatility of VPS10p-D receptors and their interactions with AD-related pathways, we aim to further propel the AD research towards VPS10p-D receptor family, knowledge that may lead to new diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for AD patients.
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12
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Alfonsetti M, d’Angelo M, Castelli V. Neurotrophic factor-based pharmacological approaches in neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1220-1228. [PMID: 36453397 PMCID: PMC9838155 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.358619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a physiological event dependent on multiple pathways that are linked to lifespan and processes leading to cognitive decline. This process represents the major risk factor for aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The incidence of all these pathologies increases exponentially with age. Research on aging biology has currently focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms leading to the development of those pathologies. Cognitive deficit and neurodegeneration, common features of aging-related pathologies, are related to the alteration of the activity and levels of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. For this reason, treatments that modulate neurotrophin levels have acquired a great deal of interest in preventing neurodegeneration and promoting neural regeneration in several neurological diseases. Those treatments include both the direct administration of neurotrophic factors and the induced expression with viral vectors, neurotrophins' binding with biomaterials or other molecules to increase their bioavailability but also cell-based therapies. Considering neurotrophins' crucial role in aging pathologies, here we discuss the involvement of several neurotrophic factors in the most common brain aging-related diseases and the most recent therapeutic approaches that provide direct and sustained neurotrophic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Alfonsetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy,Correspondence to: Vanessa Castelli, .
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13
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Zhang Y, Gao X, Bai X, Yao S, Chang YZ, Gao G. The emerging role of furin in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:39. [PMID: 35996194 PMCID: PMC9395820 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin is an important mammalian proprotein convertase that catalyzes the proteolytic maturation of a variety of prohormones and proproteins in the secretory pathway. In the brain, the substrates of furin include the proproteins of growth factors, receptors and enzymes. Emerging evidence, such as reduced FURIN mRNA expression in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients or schizophrenia patients, has implicated a crucial role of furin in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, compared to cancer and infectious diseases, the aberrant expression of furin and its pharmaceutical potentials in neurological diseases remain poorly understood. In this article, we provide an overview on the physiological roles of furin and its substrates in the brain, summarize the deregulation of furin expression and its effects in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and discuss the implications and current approaches that target furin for therapeutic interventions. This review may expedite future studies to clarify the molecular mechanisms of furin deregulation and involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, and to develop new diagnosis and treatment strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xiaoqin Gao
- Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050027, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Guofen Gao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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14
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Capsoni S, Arisi I, Malerba F, D’Onofrio M, Cattaneo A, Cherubini E. Targeting the Cation-Chloride Co-Transporter NKCC1 to Re-Establish GABAergic Inhibition and an Appropriate Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance in Selective Neuronal Circuits: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:783. [PMID: 35741668 PMCID: PMC9221351 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, depolarizes and excites immature neurons because of an initially higher intracellular chloride concentration [Cl-]i due to the delayed expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 at birth. Depolarization-induced calcium rise via NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels is instrumental in shaping neuronal circuits and in controlling the excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance in selective brain areas. An E/I imbalance accounts for cognitive impairment observed in several neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data on the mechanisms by which alterations of GABAergic signaling alter the E/I balance in cortical and hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of cation-chloride co-transporters in this process. In particular, we discuss the NGF and AD relationship and how mice engineered to express recombinant neutralizing anti-NGF antibodies (AD11 mice), which develop a neurodegenerative pathology reminiscent of that observed in AD patients, exhibit a depolarizing action of GABA due to KCC2 impairment. Treating AD and other forms of dementia with bumetanide, a selective KCC2 antagonist, contributes to re-establishing a proper E/I balance in selective brain areas, leading to amelioration of AD symptoms and the slowing down of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Enrico Cherubini
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
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15
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A Microglial Function for the Nerve Growth Factor: Predictions of the Unpredictable. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111835. [PMID: 35681529 PMCID: PMC9180430 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the only immune cell population present in the brain parenchyma. Their vantage position in the central nervous system (CNS) enables these myeloid cells to perform the most disparate of tasks: from the classical immune functions of fighting infections and surveilling the extracellular space for pathogens and damage, to sculpting the neuronal circuitry by pruning unnecessary synapses and assisting neurons in spine formation, aiding in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. The neurotrophin field has always been dominated by the neurocentric view that the primary target of these molecules must be neurons: this holds true even for the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which owes its popularity in the neuroscience community to its trophic and tropic activity towards sensory and sympathetic neurons in the peripheral nervous system, and cholinergic neurons in the CNS. The increasing evidence that microglia are an integral part of neuronal computation calls for a closer look as to whether these glial cells are capable of responding directly to NGF. In this review, we will first outline evidence in support of a role for NGF as a molecule mediating neuroimmune communication. Then, we will illustrate some of those non-immune features that have made microglial cells one of the hottest topics of this last decade. In conclusion, we will discuss evidence in support of a microglial function for NGF.
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16
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Li Y, Wu F, Zhou M, Zhou J, Cui S, Guo J, Wu J, He L. ProNGF/NGF Modulates Autophagy and Apoptosis through PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK Signaling Pathways following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6098191. [PMID: 35391929 PMCID: PMC8983267 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6098191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
NGF is involved in the process of autophagy; however, the underlying mechanisms of proNGF/NGF on autophagy in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) remain unclear. This study explored the potential pathway of proNGF/NGF in mediating autophagy and apoptosis and thereby contributed to poststroke neurological rehabilitation. In this study, PC12 cell lines and male SD rats were used to simulate CIR; it was found that within 24 h reperfusion, proNGF was the predominant form of Ngf while after 24 h NGF was produced by proNGF transformation. The mature NGF was found to protect neurons against autophagic and apoptotic damage caused by CIR, but proNGF can cause both autophagic and apoptotic neuronal damage. The protective effect of NGF is associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK pathway and, as well as the change of autophagy-related proteins. On the other hand, proNGF promoted the ERK pathway increasing autophagy and affected the apoptosis-related proteins in vivo and in vitro. These results were also verified in male SD rats with CIR that neurological deficit caused by CIR can be rescued by recombinant and wild-type NGF, and vice-versa by proNGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fengbo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Muke Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuhui Cui
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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17
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Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. Getting Into the Brain: The Intranasal Approach to Enhance the Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Painless Derivative in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:773347. [PMID: 35360160 PMCID: PMC8961408 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.773347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) holds a great potential as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurological diseases. However, its safe and effective delivery to the brain is limited by the fact that NGF needs to be selectively targeted to the brain, to avoid severe side effects such as pain and to bypass the blood brain barrier. In this perspective, we will summarize the different approaches that have been used, or are currently applied, to deliver NGF to the brain, during preclinical and clinical trials to develop NGF as a therapeutic drug for Alzheimer’s disease. We will focus on the intranasal delivery of NGF, an approach that is used to deliver proteins to the brain in a non-invasive, safe, and effective manner minimizing systemic exposure. We will also describe the main experimental facts related to the effective intranasal delivery of a mutant form of NGF [painless NGF, human nerve growth factor painless (hNGFp)] in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and compare it to other ways to deliver NGF to the brain. We will also report new data on the application of intranasal delivery of hNGFp in Down Syndrome mouse model. These new data extend the therapeutic potential of hNGFp for the treatment of the dementia that is progressively associated to Down Syndrome. In conclusion, we will show how this approach can be a promising strategy and a potential solution for other unmet medical needs of safely and effectively delivering this neuroprotective neurotrophin to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Capsoni,
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute–Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
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18
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Aygun H, Akin AT, Kızılaslan N, Sumbul O, Karabulut D. Probiotic supplementation alleviates absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rat by increasing neurotrophic factors and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108588. [PMID: 35152169 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on absence epilepsy and anxiety-and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD Fourteen male WAG/Rij rats (absence-epileptic) and seven male Wistar rats (nonepileptic) were used. The effects of probiotic VSL#3 (12.86 bn living bacteria/kg/day for 30 day/gavage) on absence seizures, and related psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated in WAG/Rij rats. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by the open-field test and depression-like behavior by the forced swimming test. In addition, the brain tissues of rats were evaluated histopathologically for nerve growth factor [NGF], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], SRY sex-determining region Y-box 2 [SOX2] and biochemically for nitric oxide [NO], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] ,and Interleukin-6 [IL-6]. RESULTS Compared to Wistar rats, WAG/Rij rats exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and had lower BDNF, NGF and SOX2 immunoreactivity, and higher TNF-α, IL-6 levels in brain tissue. VSL#3 supplementation reduced the duration and number of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) and exhibited anxiolytic or anti-depressive effect. VSL#3 supplement also increased the NGF immunoreactivity while decreasing IL-6, TNF-α and NO levels in WAG/Rij rat brain. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study showed that neurotrophins, SOX2 deficiency, and pro-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy. Our data support the hypothesis that the probiotics have anti-inflammatory effect. The present study is the first to show the positive effects of probiotic bacteria on absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Aygun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Ali Tugrul Akin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Literature, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nildem Kızılaslan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa Tokat, Turkey
| | - Orhan Sumbul
- Department of Neurology Faculty of Medicine University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Derya Karabulut
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
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19
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Manni L, Conti G, Chiaretti A, Soligo M. Intranasal Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurotrauma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:754502. [PMID: 34867367 PMCID: PMC8635100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.754502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s, the development of a pharmacology based on nerve growth factor (NGF) has been postulated for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This hypothesis was based on the rescuing effect of the neurotrophin on the cholinergic phenotype of the basal forebrain neurons, primarily compromised during the development of AD. Subsequently, the use of NGF was put forward to treat a broader spectrum of neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, degenerative retinopathies, severe brain traumas and neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. While supported by solid rational assumptions, the progress of a pharmacology founded on these hypotheses has been hampered by the difficulty of conveying NGF towards the brain parenchyma without resorting to invasive and risky delivery methods. At the end of the last century, it was shown that NGF administered intranasally to the olfactory epithelium was able to spread into the brain parenchyma. Notably, after such delivery, pharmacologically relevant concentration of exogenous NGF was found in brain areas located at considerable distances from the injection site along the rostral-caudal axis. These observations paved the way for preclinical characterization and clinical trials on the efficacy of intranasal NGF for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and of the consequences of brain trauma. In this review, a summary of the preclinical and clinical studies published to date will be attempted, as well as a discussion about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and the possible development of the pharmacology based on intranasal conveyance of NGF to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Emergency, Intensive Pediatric Therapy and Pediatric Trauma Center, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
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20
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Malerba F, Arisi I, Florio R, Zecca C, Dell'Abate MT, Bruni Ercole B, Camerini S, Casella M, Logroscino G, Cattaneo A. proNGF Measurement in Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples of a Large Cohort of Living Patients With Alzheimer's Disease by a New Automated Immunoassay. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:741414. [PMID: 34776928 PMCID: PMC8579109 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.741414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for an accurate diagnosis, to conceive new strategies of treatments, and for monitoring the efficacy of potential disease-modifying therapies in clinical trials. proNGF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represent a promising diagnostic biomarker for AD, but its validation was hampered by the absence of a reliable immunoassay. In the literature, proNGF is currently measured in postmortem brain tissue by semiquantitative immunoblot. Here we describe the development and validation of a new method to measure proNGF in the CSF of living patients. This method, based on molecular size separation by capillary electrophoresis, is automated and shows a 40-fold increase in sensitivity with respect to the proNGF immunoblot, largely used in literature, and is robust, specific, and scalable to high-throughput. We have measured proNGF in the cerebrospinal fluid of 84 living patients with AD, 13 controls, and 15 subjective memory complaints (SMC) subjects. By comparing the proNGF levels in the three groups, we found a very significant difference between proNGF levels in AD samples compared with both controls and SMC subjects, while no significant difference was found between SMC and controls. Because of the development of this new immunoassay, we are ready to explore the potentiality of proNGF as a new biomarker for AD or subgroups thereof, as well as for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology - National Research Council (IFT-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dell'Abate
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Bruno Bruni Ercole
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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21
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March B, Lockhart KR, Faulkner S, Smolny M, Rush R, Hondermarck H. ELISA-based quantification of neurotrophic growth factors in urine from prostate cancer patients. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:888-896. [PMID: 34761171 PMCID: PMC8565200 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive procedures are needed for prostate cancer management, and urine represents a potential source of new biomarkers with translational value. Recent evidence has shown that the growth of new nerves in the tumor microenvironment is essential to prostate cancer progression. Neurotrophic growth factors are expressed by prostate cancer cells and contribute to prostate tumor innervation, but their presence in urine is unclear. In the present study, we have assayed the concentration of neurotrophic factors in the urine of prostate cancer patients. Urine was collected from a prospective cohort of 45 men with prostate cancer versus 30 men without cancer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and proBDNF, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4/5, and glia-derived neurotrophic growth factor. The results show that neurotrophic factors are detectable in various concentrations in both cancer and healthy urine, but no significant difference was found. Also, no association was observed between neurotrophic factor concentrations and prostate cancer grade. This study is the first quantification of neurotrophins in urine, and although no significant differences were observed between prostate cancer patients versus those without prostate cancer, or between prostate cancers of various grades, the potential value of neurotrophins for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis warrants further investigations in larger patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden March
- School of Biomedical Sciences & PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew LambtonNSWAustralia
- School of Medicine & Public HealthThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Department of UrologyJohn Hunter HospitalNew Lambton HeightsNSWAustralia
| | | | - Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences & PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | | | - Robert Rush
- Biosensis Pty LtdThebartonSAAustralia
- Department of Human PhysiologyFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences & PharmacyThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew LambtonNSWAustralia
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22
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Dahlström M, Madjid N, Nordvall G, Halldin MM, Vazquez-Juarez E, Lindskog M, Sandin J, Winblad B, Eriksdotter M, Forsell P. Identification of Novel Positive Allosteric Modulators of Neurotrophin Receptors for the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction. Cells 2021; 10:1871. [PMID: 34440640 PMCID: PMC8391421 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and results in severe neurodegeneration and progressive cognitive decline. Neurotrophins are growth factors involved in the development and survival of neurons, but also in underlying mechanisms for memory formation such as hippocampal long-term potentiation. Our aim was to identify small molecules with stimulatory effects on the signaling of two neurotrophins, the nerve growth factor (NGF) and the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). To identify molecules that could potentiate neurotrophin signaling, 25,000 molecules were screened, which led to the identification of the triazinetrione derivatives ACD855 (Ponazuril) and later on ACD856, as positive allosteric modulators of tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) receptors. ACD855 or ACD856 potentiated the cellular signaling of the neurotrophin receptors with EC50 values of 1.9 and 3.2 or 0.38 and 0.30 µM, respectively, for TrkA or TrkB. ACD855 increased acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus by 40% and facilitated long term potentiation in rat brain slices. The compounds acted as cognitive enhancers in a TrkB-dependent manner in several different behavioral models. Finally, the age-induced cognitive dysfunction in 18-month-old mice could be restored to the same level as found in 2-month-old mice after a single treatment of ACD856. We have identified a novel mechanism to modulate the activity of the Trk-receptors. The identification of the positive allosteric modulators of the Trk-receptors might have implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's diseases and other diseases characterized by cognitive impairment.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/enzymology
- Brain/physiopathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cognition/drug effects
- Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy
- Cognitive Dysfunction/enzymology
- Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology
- Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Humans
- Male
- Maze Learning/drug effects
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Nootropic Agents/pharmacology
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, trkA/agonists
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Receptor, trkB/agonists
- Receptor, trkB/metabolism
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/agonists
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Small Molecule Libraries
- Triazines/pharmacology
- Mice
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Märta Dahlström
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden;
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Nather Madjid
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Magnus M. Halldin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erika Vazquez-Juarez
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Maria Lindskog
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden;
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Pontus Forsell
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (M.D.); (N.M.); (G.N.); (M.M.H.); (J.S.)
- AlzeCure Foundation, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (E.V.-J.); (M.L.); (B.W.)
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23
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Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Rats Impairs Spatial Learning and Memory in Offspring by Disrupting Balance of the TrkA/p75 NTR Signal Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4237-4250. [PMID: 33966253 PMCID: PMC8487421 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy can adversely affect the neurodevelopment of the offspring. The balance of nerve growth factor (NGF)-related tropomyosin receptor kinase A/p75 neurotrophin receptor (TrkA/p75NTR) signaling in the hippocampus is important in brain development, and whether it affects cognitive function in maternal SCH’s offspring is not clear. In this study, we found that compared with the control (CON) group, expression of proliferation-related proteins [NGF, p-TrkA, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB)] decreased in the hippocampus of the offspring in the SCH group, overt hypothyroidism (OHT) group, and the group with levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment for SCH from gestational day 17 (E17). In contrast, expression of apoptosis-related proteins [pro-NGF, p75NTR, phospho-C-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3] was increased. The two groups with treatment with L-T4 for SCH from E10 and E13, respectively, showed no significant difference compared with the CON group. L-T4 treatment enhanced relative expression of NGF by increasing NGF/proNGF ratio in offspring from maternal SCH rats. In conclusion, L-T4 treatment for SCH from early pregnancy dramatically ameliorated cognitive impairment via TrkA/p75NTR signaling, which involved activation of the neuronal proliferation and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in SCH rats’ offspring.
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Luo M, Shi X, Guo Q, Li S, Zhang Q, Sun X, Piao F. 2,5-Hexanedione induced apoptosis in rat spinal cord neurons and VSC4.1 cells via the proNGF/p75NTR and JNK pathways. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20204264. [PMID: 33792642 PMCID: PMC8035625 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20204264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that n-hexane induces nerve injury via neuronal apoptosis induced by its active metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Studies have confirmed that pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF), a precursor of mature nerve growth factor (mNGF), might activate apoptotic signaling by binding to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in neurons. Therefore, we studied the mechanism of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with 400 mg/kg HD once a day for 5 weeks, and VSC4.1 cells were treated with 10, 20, and 40 mM HD in vitro. Results showed that HD effectively induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, it up-regulated proNGF and p75NTR levels, activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun, and disrupted the balance between B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Our findings revealed that the proNGF/p75NTR signaling pathway was involved in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis; it can serve as a theoretical basis for further exploration of the neurotoxic mechanisms of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaoxia Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Environment Hygiene Division, Dalian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Shuangyue Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
| | - Xiuyan Sun
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
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Chung DY, Song KM, Choi MJ, Limanjaya A, Ghatak K, Ock J, Yin GN, Hong CH, Hong SS, Suh JK, Ryu JK. Neutralizing antibody to proNGF rescues erectile function by regulating the expression of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury. Andrology 2021; 9:329-341. [PMID: 32696589 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical prostatectomy induces some degree of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) and causes denervation-induced pathologic changes in cavernous vasculature, regardless of the advances in surgical techniques and robotic procedures. The precursor for nerve growth factor (proNGF) is known to be involved in neuronal cell apoptosis and microvascular dysfunction through its receptor p75NTR . OBJECTIVES To determine the expression of proNGF/p75NTR and the efficacy of proNGF neutralizing antibody (anti-proNGF-Ab) in a mouse model of ED induced by CNI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Age-matched 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice were distributed into three groups: sham group and bilateral CNI group treated with intracavernous injections of PBS (20 μL) or of anti-proNGF-Ab (20 µg in 20 μL of PBS) on days -3 and 0. Two weeks after treatment, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of cavernous nerve. Penis tissues from a separate group of animals were harvested for further analysis. We also determined the efficacy of anti-proNGF-Ab on neural preservation in major pelvic ganglion (MPG) ex vivo. RESULTS We observed increased penile expression of proNGF and p75NTR after CNI. Intracavernous administration of anti-proNGF-Ab increased nNOS and neurofilament expression probably by enhancing the production of neurotrophic factors, such as neurotrophin-3, NGF, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Anti-proNGF-Ab preserved the integrity of cavernous sinusoids, such as pericytes, endothelial cells, and endothelial cell-to-cell junctions, possibly by controlling angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor) and induced endogenous eNOS phosphorylation in CNI mice. And finally, treatment with anti-proNGF-Ab rescued erectile function in CNI mice. Anti-proNGF-Ab also enhanced neurite sprouting from MPG exposed to lipopolysaccharide. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The preservation of damaged cavernous neurovasculature through inhibition of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway may be a novel strategy to treat radical prostatectomy-induced erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo Yong Chung
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang-Moon Song
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Choi
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kalyan Ghatak
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chang Hee Hong
- Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Drug Development, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Urology, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
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26
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Eriksdotter M, Mitra S. Gene and cell therapy for the nucleus basalis of Meynert with NGF in Alzheimer's disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:219-229. [PMID: 34225964 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment for the most common of the dementia disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been known for decades that the central cholinergic system is important for memory. The cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain with its cortical and hippocampal projections degenerate in AD and thus contribute to the cognitive decline characteristic of AD. This knowledge led to the development of the currently approved treatment for AD, with inhibitors of acetylcholine-esterase targeting the cholinergic system with beneficial but mild effects. In recent years, other approaches to influence the degenerating cholinergic system in AD focusing on nerve growth factor (NGF) have been undertaken. NGF is required for the survival and function of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, the most important being the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). Since there is a lack of NGF and its receptors in the AD forebrain, the hypothesis is that local delivery of NGF to the nbM could revive the cholinergic circuitry and thereby restore cognitive functions. Since NGF does not pass through the blood-brain barrier, approaches involving cerebral injections of genetically modified cells or viral vectors or implantation of encapsulated cells in the nbM in AD patients have been used. These attempts have been partially successful but also have limitations, which are presented and discussed here. In conclusion, these trials point to the importance of further development of NGF-related therapies in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Yin GN, Ock J, Limanjaya A, Minh NN, Hong SS, Yang T, Longo FM, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Oral Administration of the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Modulator, LM11A-31, Improves Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2020; 18:17-28. [PMID: 33243690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can not only induce cavernous nerve injury (CNI), but also causes cavernous hypoxia and cavernous structural changes, which lead to a poor response to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral administration of LM11A-31, a small molecule p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) ligand and proNGF antagonist, in a mouse model of bilateral CNI, which mimics nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. METHODS 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham operation and CNI groups. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: phosphate-buffered saline and LM11A-31 (50 mg/kg/day) being administered once daily starting 3 days before CNI via oral gavage. 2 weeks after CNI, we measured erectile function by electrical stimulation of the bilateral cavernous nerve. The penis was harvested for histologic examination and Western blot analysis. The major pelvic ganglia was harvested and cultured for assays of ex vivo neurite outgrowth. OUTCOMES Intracavernous pressure, neurovascular regeneration in the penis, in vivo or ex vivo functional evaluation, and cell survival signaling were measured. RESULTS Erectile function was decreased in the CNI group (44% of the sham operation group), while administration of LM11A-31 led to a significant improvement of erectile function (70% of the sham operation group) in association with increased neurovascular content, including cavernous endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal processes. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses showed significantly increased p75NTR expression in the dorsal nerve of CNI mice, which was attenuated by LM11A-31 treatment. Protein expression of active PI3K, AKT, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase was increased, and cell death and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling was significantly attenuated after LM11A-31 treatment. Furthermore, LM11A-31 promoted neurite sprouting in cultured major pelvic ganglia after lipopolysaccharide exposure. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS LM11A-31 may be used as a strategy to treat erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy or in men with neurovascular diseases. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Unlike biological therapeutics, such as proteins, gene therapies, or stem cells, the clinical application of LM11A-31 would likely be relatively less complex and low cost. Our study has some limitations. Future studies will assess the optimal dosing and duration of the compound. Given its plasma half-life of approximately 1 hour, it is possible that dosing more than once per day will provide added efficacy. CONCLUSION Specific inhibition of the proNGF-p75NTR degenerative signaling via oral administration of LM11A-31 represents a novel therapeutic strategy for erectile dysfunction induced by nerve injury. Yin GN, Ock J, Limanjaya A, et al. Oral Administration of the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Modulator, LM11A-31, Improves Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2021;18:17-28.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Nan Yin
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ock
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Anita Limanjaya
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Naht Minh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Drug Development, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jun-Kyu Suh
- National Research Center for Sexual Medicine and Department of Urology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Soligo M, Protto V, Chiaretti A, Piccinin S, De Stefano ME, Nisticò R, Bracci-Laudiero L, Manni L. Effects of intranasally-delivered pro-nerve growth factors on the septo-hippocampal system in healthy and diabetic rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 176:108223. [PMID: 32681844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF) is the predominant form of NGF in the brain and its levels increase in neurodegenerative diseases. The balance between NGF receptors may explain the contradictory biological activities of proNGF. However, the specific role of the two main proNGF variants is mostly unexplored. proNGF-A is prevalently expressed in healthy brain, while proNGF-B content increases in the neuro-degenerating brain. Recently we have investigated in vitro the biological action of native mouse proNGF variants. To gain further insights into the specific functions of the two proNGFs, here we intranasally delivered mouse-derived proNGF-A and proNGF-B to the brain parenchyma of healthy and diabetic rats, the latter characterized by dysfunction in spatial learning and memory, in the septo-hippocampal circuitry and by relative increase in proNGF-B hippocampal levels. Exogenous proNGF-B induces depression of hippocampal DG-LTP and impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis in healthy animals, with concomitant decrease in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and cholinergic fibers projecting to the hippocampus. proNGF-A, while ineffective in healthy animals, rescues the diabetes-induced impairment in DG-LTP and hippocampal neurogenesis, promoting the concomitant recovery of the basal forebrain cholinergic phenotype. Our experimental evidences suggest that the balance between different proNGFs may influence the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Protto
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci-Laudiero
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy; Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy.
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29
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Linnerbauer M, Rothhammer V. Protective Functions of Reactive Astrocytes Following Central Nervous System Insult. Front Immunol 2020; 11:573256. [PMID: 33117368 PMCID: PMC7561408 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.573256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play important roles in numerous central nervous system disorders including autoimmune inflammatory, hypoxic, and degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the spatial and temporal context, activated astrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis, progression, and recovery of disease. Recent progress in the dissection of transcriptional responses to varying forms of central nervous system insult has shed light on the mechanisms that govern the complexity of reactive astrocyte functions. While a large body of research focuses on the pathogenic effects of reactive astrocytes, little is known about how they limit inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration. However, these protective astrocyte pathways might be of relevance for the understanding of the underlying pathology in disease and may lead to novel targeted approaches to treat autoimmune inflammatory and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In this review article, we have revisited the emerging concept of protective astrocyte functions and discuss their role in the recovery from inflammatory and ischemic disease as well as their role in degenerative disorders. Focusing on soluble astrocyte derived mediators, we aggregate the existing knowledge on astrocyte functions in the maintenance of homeostasis as well as their reparative and tissue-protective function after acute lesions and in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we give an outlook of how these mediators may guide future therapeutic strategies to tackle yet untreatable disorders of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Linnerbauer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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30
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Different responses of PC12 cells to different pro-nerve growth factor protein variants. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104498. [PMID: 31278975 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104498] [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: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to explore the innovative hypothesis that different transcript/protein variants of a pro-neurotrophin may generate different biological outcomes in a cellular system. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is important in the development and progression of neurodegenerative and cancer conditions. Mature NGF (mNGF) originates from a precursor, proNGF, produced in mouse in two major variants, proNGF-A and proNGF-B. Different receptors bind mNGF and proNGF, generating neurotrophic or neurotoxic outcomes. It is known that dysregulation in the proNGF/mNGF ratio and in NGF-receptors expression affects brain homeostasis. To date, however, the specific roles of the two major proNGF variants remain unexplored. Here we attempted a first characterization of the possible differential effects of proNGF-A and proNGF-B on viability, differentiation and endogenous ngf gene expression in the PC12 cell line. We also investigated the differential involvement of NGF receptors in the actions of proNGF. We found that native mouse mNGF, proNGF-A and proNGF-B elicited different effects on PC12 cell survival and differentiation. Only mNGF and proNGF-A promoted neurotrophic responses when all NGF receptors are exposed at the cell surface. Tropomyosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) blockade inhibited cell differentiation, regardless of which NGF was added to culture media. Only proNGF-A exerted a pro-survival effect when TrkA was inhibited. Conversely, proNGF-B exerted differentiative effects when the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) was antagonized. Stimulation with NGF variants differentially regulated the autocrine production of distinct proNgf mRNA. Overall, our findings suggest that mNGF and proNGF-A may elicit similar neurotrophic effects, not necessarily linked to activation of the same NGF-receptor, while the action of proNGF-B may be determined by the NGF-receptors balance. Thus, the proposed involvement of proNGF/NGF on the development and progression of neurodegenerative and tumor conditions may depend on the NGF-receptors balance, on specific NGF trancript expression and on the proNGF protein variant ratio.
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31
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Corvaglia V, Cilli D, Scopa C, Brandi R, Arisi I, Malerba F, La Regina F, Scardigli R, Cattaneo A. ProNGF Is a Cell-Type-Specific Mitogen for Adult Hippocampal and for Induced Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1223-1237. [PMID: 31132299 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of proNGF, the precursor of nerve growth factor (NGF), in the biology of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) is still unclear. Here, we analyzed adult hippocampal neurogenesis in AD11 transgenic mice, in which the constitutive expression of anti-NGF antibody leads to an imbalance of proNGF over mature NGF. We found increased proliferation of progenitors but a reduced neurogenesis in the AD11 dentate gyrus (DG)-hippocampus (HP). Also in vitro, AD11 hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferated more, but were unable to differentiate into morphologically mature neurons. By treating wild-type hippocampal progenitors with the uncleavable form of proNGF (proNGF-KR), we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on aNSCs at low concentration. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was specifically addressed to the radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells through the induction of cyclin D1 expression. These cells express high levels of p75NTR , as demonstrated by immunofluorescence analyses performed ex vivo on RGL cells isolated from freshly dissociated HP-DG or selected in vitro from NSCs by leukemia inhibitory factor. Clonogenic assay performed in the absence of mitogens showed that RGLs respond to proNGF-KR by reactivating their proliferation and thus leading to neurospheres formation. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was further exploited in the expansion of mouse-induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). Chronic exposure of iNSCs to proNGF-KR increased their proliferation. Altogether, we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on hippocampal and iNSCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1223-1237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Corvaglia
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Domenica Cilli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Chiara Scopa
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Department of Biology, University "Roma Tre", Italy
| | | | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Scardigli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
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32
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Choucry AM, Al-Shorbagy MY, Attia AS, El-Abhar HS. Pharmacological Manipulation of Trk, p75NTR, and NGF Balance Restores Memory Deficit in Global Ischemia/Reperfusion Model in Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:78-90. [PMID: 30863991 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01284-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Long-term memory impairment is reported in more than 50% of cardiac arrest survivors. Monosialoganglioside (GM1) provided neuroprotection in experimental models of stroke but failed to replicate its promise clinically for unknown reasons. GM1 stimulates the release of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is synthesized as a precursor protein (pro-NGF) that either mediates apoptosis through the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) or is cleaved by the protease furin (FUR) to yield mature NGF, the latter supporting survival through tropomyosin kinase receptor (Trk). The flavanol epicatechin (EPI) inhibits p75NTR-mediated signaling and apoptosis by pro-NGF. The aim of the current work is to test whether these two drugs affect, or communicate with, each other in the setting of CNS injuries. Using the two-vessel occlusion model of global ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), we tested if pharmacological modulation of Trk, p75NTR, and NGF balance with GM1, EPI, and their combination, can correct the memory deficit that follows this insult. Finally, we tested if FUR insufficiency and/or p75NTR-mediated apoptosis negatively affect the neurotherapeutic effect of GM1. Key proteins for Trk and p75NTR, FUR, and both forms of NGF were assessed. All treatment regiments successfully improved spatial memory retention and acquisition. A week after the insult, most Trk and p75NTR proteins were normal, but pro/mature NGF ratio remained sharply elevated and was associated with the poorest memory performance. Pharmacological correction of this balance was achieved by reinforcing Trk and p75NTR signaling. GM1 increased FUR levels, while concomitant administration of EPI weakened GM1 effect on pro-survival Trk and p75NTR mediators. GM1 neuroprotection is therefore not limited by FUR but could be dependent on p75NTR. Graphical Abstract "."
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohamed Choucry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.,Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Muhammad Yusuf Al-Shorbagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt. .,School of Pharmacy, New Giza University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Sherif Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Hanan Salah El-Abhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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33
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Nguyen NM, Song KM, Choi MJ, Ghatak K, Kwon MH, Ock J, Yin GN, Ryu JK, Suh JK. Inhibition of proNGF and p75NTR Pathway Restores Erectile Function Through Dual Angiogenic and Neurotrophic Effects in the Diabetic Mouse. J Sex Med 2019; 16:351-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Mitra S, Behbahani H, Eriksdotter M. Innovative Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease-With Focus on Biodelivery of NGF. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:38. [PMID: 30804738 PMCID: PMC6370742 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal protein modification, inflammation and memory impairment. Aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau proteins are medical diagnostic features. Loss of memory in AD has been associated with central cholinergic dysfunction in basal forebrain, from where the cholinergic circuitry projects to cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Various reports link AD progression with declining activity of cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain. The neurotrophic molecule, nerve growth factor (NGF), plays a major role in the maintenance of cholinergic neurons integrity and function, both during development and adulthood. Numerous studies have also shown that NGF contributes to the survival and regeneration of neurons during aging and in age-related diseases such as AD. Changes in neurotrophic signaling pathways are involved in the aging process and contribute to cholinergic and cognitive decline as observed in AD. Further, gradual dysregulation of neurotrophic factors like NGF and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been reported during AD development thus intensifying further research in targeting these factors as disease modifying therapies against AD. Today, there is no cure available for AD and the effects of the symptomatic treatment like cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are transient and moderate. Although many AD treatment studies are being carried out, there has not been any breakthrough and new therapies are thus highly needed. Long-term effective therapy for alleviating cognitive impairment is a major unmet need. Discussion and summarizing the new advancements of using NGF as a potential therapeutic implication in AD are important. In summary, the intent of this review is describing available experimental and clinical data related to AD therapy, priming to gain additional facts associated with the importance of NGF for AD treatment, and encapsulated cell biodelivery (ECB) as an efficient tool for NGF delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Homira Behbahani
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Aging Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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35
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Cattaneo A, Capsoni S. Painless Nerve Growth Factor: A TrkA biased agonist mediating a broad neuroprotection via its actions on microglia cells. Pharmacol Res 2018; 139:17-25. [PMID: 30391352 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease, based on its well known actions on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. However, because of its pro-nociceptive activity, in current clinical trials NGF has to be administered intraparenchymally into the brain by neurosurgery via cell or gene therapy approaches. To prevent the NGF pain-inducing collateral effects, thus avoiding the necessity for local brain injection, we developed painless NGF (hNGFp), based on the human genetic disease Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy type V (HSAN V). hNGFp has similar neurotrophic activity as wild type human NGF, but its pain sensitizing activity is tenfold lower. Pharmacologically, hNGFp is a biased receptor agonist of NGF TrkA receptor. The results of recent studies shed new light on the neuroprotective mechanism by hNGFp and are highly relevant for the planning of NGF-based clinical trials. The intraparenchymal delivery of hNGFp, as used in clinical trials, was simulated in the 5xFAD mouse model and found to be inefficacious in reducing Aβ plaque load. On the contrary, the same dose of hNGFp administered intranasally, which was rather widely biodistributed in the brain and did not induce pain sensitization, blocked APP processing into amyloid and restored synaptic plasticity and memory in this aggressive neurodegeneration model. This potent and broad neuroprotection by hNGFp was found to be mediated by hNGFp actions on glial cells. hNGFp increases inflammatory proteins such as the soluble TNFα receptor II and the chemokine CXCL12. Independent work has shown that NGF has a potent anti-inflammatory action on microglia and steers them towards a neuroprotective phenotype. These studies demonstrate that microglia cells are a new target cell of NGF in the brain and have therapeutic significance: i) they establish that the neuroprotective actions of hNGFp relies on a widespread exposure of the brain, ii) they identify a new anti-neurodegenerative pathway, linking hNGFp to inflammatory chemokines and cytokines via microglia, a common target for new therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative diseases, iii) they extend the neuroprotective potential of hNGFp beyond its classical cholinergic target, thereby widening the range of neurological diseases for which this neurotrophic factor might be used therapeutically, iv) they help interpreting the results of current NGF clinical trials in AD and the design of future trials with this new potent therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Roma, Italy.
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Section of Human Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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36
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Postmortem Brain, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Blood Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:289-300. [PMID: 29956088 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggest that aberrations of neurotrophic factors are involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but clinical data were inconsistent. Therefore, a meta-analysis on neurotrophic factor levels in AD is necessary. We performed a systematic review of blood, CSF, and post-mortem brain neurotrophic factor levels in patients with AD compared with controls and quantitatively summarized the clinical data in blood and CSF with a meta-analytical technique. A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 98 articles in this study (with samples more than 9000). Random effects meta-analysis demonstrated that peripheral blood BDNF levels were significantly decreased in AD patients compared with controls. However, blood NGF, IGF, and VEGF did not show significant differences between cases and controls. In CSF, random effects meta-analysis showed significantly deceased BDNF and increased NGF levels in patients with AD, whereas IGF and VEGF did not show significant differences between the AD group and control group. In addition, 23 post-mortem studies were included in the systematic review. Although data from post-mortem brains were not always consistent across studies, most studies suggested decreased BDNF and increased (pro)NGF levels in hippocampus and neocortex of patients with AD. These results provide strong clinical evidence that AD is accompanied by an aberrant neurotrophin profile, and future investigations into neurotrophins as biomarkers (especially CSF BDNF and NGF) and therapeutic targets for AD may be warranted.
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37
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Mañucat-Tan NB, Saadipour K, Wang YJ, Bobrovskaya L, Zhou XF. Cellular Trafficking of Amyloid Precursor Protein in Amyloidogenesis Physiological and Pathological Significance. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:812-830. [PMID: 29797184 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of excess intracellular or extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is generated from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta secretase-1 (BACE1) and gamma secretase (γ-secretase) within the cells. The endocytic trafficking of APP facilitates amyloidogenesis while at the cell surface, APP is predominantly processed in a non-amyloidogenic manner. Several adaptor proteins bind to both APP and BACE1, regulating their trafficking and recycling along the secretory and endocytic pathways. The phosphorylation of APP at Thr668 and BACE1 at Ser498, also influence their trafficking. Neurotrophins and proneurotrophins also influence APP trafficking through their receptors. In this review, we describe the molecular trafficking pathways of APP and BACE1 that lead to Aβ generation, the involvement of different signaling molecules or adaptor proteins regulating APP and BACE1 subcellular localization. We have also discussed how neurotrophins could modulate amyloidogenesis through their receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noralyn Basco Mañucat-Tan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
| | - Khalil Saadipour
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
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38
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Saadipour K, Mañucat-Tan NB, Lim Y, Keating DJ, Smith KS, Zhong JH, Liao H, Bobrovskaya L, Wang YJ, Chao MV, Zhou XF. p75 neurotrophin receptor interacts with and promotes BACE1 localization in endosomes aggravating amyloidogenesis. J Neurochem 2018; 144:302-317. [PMID: 28869759 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and dysregulation of neurotrophic signaling, causing synaptic dysfunction, loss of memory, and cell death. The expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor is elevated in the brain of AD patients, suggesting its involvement in this disease. However, the exact mechanism of its action is not yet clear. Here, we show that p75 interacts with beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1), and this interaction is enhanced in the presence of Aβ. Our results suggest that the colocalization of BACE1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) is increased in the presence of both Aβ and p75 in cortical neurons. In addition, the localization of APP and BACE1 in early endosomes is increased in the presence of Aβ and p75. An increased phosphorylation of APP-Thr668 and BACE1-Ser498 by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the presence of Aβ and p75 could be responsible for this localization. In conclusion, our study proposes a potential involvement in amyloidogenesis for p75, which may represent a future therapeutic target for AD. Cover Image for this Issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.14163.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadipour
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology & Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noralyn B Mañucat-Tan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Yoon Lim
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Damien J Keating
- Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Kevin S Smith
- Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Jin-Hua Zhong
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Hong Liao
- New Drug Screening Centre, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Moses V Chao
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology & Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
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39
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Inducible overexpression of endothelial proNGF as a mouse model to study microvascular dysfunction. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:746-757. [PMID: 29253516 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Impaired maturation of nerve growth factor precursor (proNGF) and its accumulation has been reported in several neurodegenerative diseases, myocardial infarction and diabetes. To elucidate the direct impact of proNGF accumulation identified the need to create a transgenic model that can express fully mutated cleavage-resistant proNGF. Using Cre-Lox technology, we developed an inducible endothelial-specific proNGF transgenic mouse (proNGFLoxp) that overexpresses GFP-conjugated cleavage-resistant proNGF123 when crossed with VE-cadherin-CreERT2 (Cre). Expression of proNGF, inflammatory mediators, NGF and VEGF was evaluated by PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. EC-proNGF overexpression was confirmed using colocalization of anti-proNGF within retinal vasculature. EC-proNGF did not cause retinal neurotoxicity or marked glial activation at 4-weeks. Microvascular preparation from Cre-proNGF mice showed significant imbalance of proNGF/NGF ratio, enhanced expression of TNF-α and p75NTR, and tendency to impair TrkA phosphorylation compared to controls. EC-proNGF overexpression triggered mRNA expression of p75NTR and inflammatory mediators in both retina and renal cortex compared to controls. EC-proNGF expression induced vascular permeability including breakdown of BRB and albuminuria in the kidney without affecting VEGF level at 4-weeks. Histopathological changes were assessed after 8-weeks and the results showed that EC-proNGF triggered formation of occluded (acellular) capillaries, hall mark of retinal ischemia. EC-proNGF resulted in glomerular enlargement and kidney fibrosis, hall mark of renal dysfunction. We have successfully created an inducible mouse model that can dissect the contribution of autocrine direct action of cleavage-resistant proNGF on systemic microvascular abnormalities in both retina and kidney, major targets for microvascular complication.
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Schwarz E. Cystine knot growth factors and their functionally versatile proregions. Biol Chem 2017; 398:1295-1308. [PMID: 28771427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The cystine knot disulfide pattern has been found to be widespread in nature, since it has been detected in proteins from plants, marine snails, spiders and mammals. Cystine knot proteins are secreted proteins. Their functions range from defense mechanisms as toxins, e.g. ion channel or enzyme inhibitors, to hormones, blood factors and growth factors. Cystine knot proteins can be divided into two superordinate groups. (i) The cystine knot peptides, also referred to - with other non-cystine knot proteins - as knottins, with linear and cyclic polypeptide chains. (ii) The cystine knot growth factor family, which is in the focus of this article. The disulfide ring structure of the cystine knot peptides is made up by the half-cystines 1-4 and 2-5, and the threading disulfide bond is formed by the half-cystines, 3-6. In the growth factor group, the disulfides of half-cystines 1 and 4 pass the ring structure formed by the half-cystines 2-5 and 3-6. In this review, special emphasis will be devoted to the growth factor cystine knot proteins and their proregions. The latter have shifted into the focus of scientific interest as their important biological roles are just to be unravelled.
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Zha JS, Zhu BL, Liu L, Lai YJ, Long Y, Hu XT, Deng XJ, Wang XF, Yan Z, Chen GJ. Phorbol esters dPPA/dPA promote furin expression involving transcription factor CEBPβ in neuronal cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:60159-60172. [PMID: 28947961 PMCID: PMC5601129 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Using high-throughput small molecule screening targeting furin gene, we identified that phorbol esters dPPA (12-Deoxyphorbol 13-phenylacetate 20-acetate) and dPA (12-Deoxyphorbol 13-acetate) significantly increased furin protein and mRNA expression in SH-SY5Y cells. This effect was prevented by PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitor calphostin C but not Ro318220, suggesting that the C1 domain, rather than the catalytic domain of PKC plays an important role. Luciferase assay revealed that nucleotides -7925 to -7426 were sufficient to mediate dPPA/dPA enhancement of furin P1 promoter activity. RNA interference of transcriptional factors CEBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β) and GATA1 revealed that knockdown of CEBPβ significantly attenuated the effect of dPPA on furin expression. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK and PI3K but not TGFβ receptor diminished the up-regulation of furin by dPPA. These results suggested that in neuronal cells, transcriptional activation of furin by dPPA/dPA may be initiated by C1 domain containing proteins including PKC; the intracellular signaling involves ERK and PI3K and transcription factor CEBPβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Si Zha
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bing-Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu-Jie Lai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xue-Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Guo-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing 400016, China
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42
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Nanotechnological strategies for nerve growth factor delivery: Therapeutic implications in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res 2017; 120:68-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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43
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Miranda A, Cordeiro T, dos Santos Lacerda Soares TM, Ferreira R, Simões e Silva A. Kidney–brain axis inflammatory cross-talk: from bench to bedside. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:1093-1105. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20160927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data suggest that individuals at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, and dementia. This risk is generally explained by the high prevalence of both symptomatic and subclinical ischemic cerebrovascular lesions. However, other potential mechanisms, including cytokine/chemokine release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), circulating and local formation of trophic factors and of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) molecules, could also be involved, especially in the absence of obvious cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we discuss experimental and clinical evidence for the role of these mechanisms in kidney–brain cross-talk. In addition, we hypothesize potential pathways for the interactions between kidney and brain and their pathophysiological role in neuropsychiatric and cognitive changes found in patients with CKD. Understanding the pathophysiologic interactions between renal impairment and brain function is important in order to minimize the risk for future cognitive impairment and to develop new strategies for innovative pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Silva Miranda
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago Macedo Cordeiro
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Novaes Ferreira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Simões e Silva
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica (LIIM), Faculdade de Medicina, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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44
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Gibon J, Barker PA. Neurotrophins and Proneurotrophins: Focus on Synaptic Activity and Plasticity in the Brain. Neuroscientist 2017; 23:587-604. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858417697037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins have been intensively studied and have multiple roles in the brain. Neurotrophins are first synthetized as proneurotrophins and then cleaved intracellularly and extracellularly. Increasing evidences demonstrate that proneurotrophins and mature neurotrophins exerts opposing role in the central nervous system. In the present review, we explore the role of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT4) and their respective proform in cellular processes related to learning and memory. We focused on their roles in synaptic activity and plasticity in the brain with an emphasis on long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and basal synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and the temporal lobe area. We also discuss new findings on the role of the Val66Met polymorphism on the BDNF propeptide on synaptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Gibon
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Philip A. Barker
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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45
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Fasulo L, Brandi R, Arisi I, La Regina F, Berretta N, Capsoni S, D'Onofrio M, Cattaneo A. ProNGF Drives Localized and Cell Selective Parvalbumin Interneuron and Perineuronal Net Depletion in the Dentate Gyrus of Transgenic Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:20. [PMID: 28232789 PMCID: PMC5299926 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ProNGF, the precursor of mature Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), is the most abundant NGF form in the brain and increases markedly in the cortex in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), relative to mature NGF. A large body of evidence shows that the actions of ProNGF and mature NGF are often conflicting, depending on the receptors expressed in target cells. TgproNGF#3 mice, expressing furin-cleavage resistant proNGF in CNS neurons, directly reveal consequences of increased proNGF levels on brain homeostasis. Their phenotype clearly indicates that proNGF can be a driver of neurodegeneration, including severe learning and memory behavioral deficits, cholinergic deficits, and diffuse immunoreactivity for A-beta and A-beta-oligomers. In aged TgproNGF#3 mice spontaneous epileptic-like events are detected in entorhinal cortex-hippocampal slices, suggesting occurrence of excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. In this paper, we investigate the molecular events linking increased proNGF levels to the epileptiform activity detected in hippocampal slices. The occurrence of spontaneous epileptiform discharges in the hippocampal network in TgproNGF#3 mice suggests an impaired inhibitory interneuron homeostasis. In the present study, we detect the onset of hippocampal epileptiform events at 1-month of age. Later, we observe a regional- and cellular-selective Parvalbumin interneuron and perineuronal net (PNN) depletion in the dentate gyrus (DG), but not in other hippocampal regions of TgproNGF#3 mice. These results demonstrate that, in the hippocampus, the DG is selectively vulnerable to altered proNGF/NGF signaling. Parvalbumin interneuron depletion is also observed in the amygdala, a region strongly connected to the hippocampus and likewise receiving cholinergic afferences. Transcriptome analysis of TgproNGF#3 hippocampus reveals a proNGF signature with broad down-regulation of transcription. The most affected mRNAs modulated at early times belong to synaptic transmission and plasticity and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene families. Moreover, alterations in the expression of selected BDNF splice variants were observed. Our results provide further mechanistic insights into the vicious negative cycle linking proNGF and neurodegeneration, confirming the regulation of E/I homeostasis as a crucial mediating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fasulo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy; European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-MontalciniRome, Italy
| | - Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Berretta
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, Italy
| | - Mara D'Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy; European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-MontalciniRome, Italy
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46
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Di Matteo P, Calvello M, Luin S, Marchetti L, Cattaneo A. An Optimized Procedure for the Site-Directed Labeling of NGF and proNGF for Imaging Purposes. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:4. [PMID: 28210618 PMCID: PMC5288393 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are growth factors of fundamental importance for the development, survival and maintenance of different neuronal and non-neuronal populations. Over the years, the use of labeled neurotrophins has helped in the study of their biological functions, leading to a better understanding of the processes that regulate their transport, traffic, and signaling. However, the diverse and heterogeneous neurotrophin labeling strategies adopted so far have often led to poorly reproducible protocols and sometimes conflicting conclusions. Here we present a robust, reliable, and fast method to obtain homogeneous preparations of fluorescent proNGF and NGF with 1:1 labeling stoichiometry. This strategy is well suited for several applications, ranging from advanced imaging techniques such as single particle tracking, to analyses that require large amounts of neurotrophins such as in vivo monitoring of protein biodistribution. As a proof of the quality of the labeled NGF and proNGF preparations, we provide a quantitative analysis of their colocalization with proteins involved in the signaling endosome function and sorting. This new analysis allowed demonstrating that proNGF localizes at a sub-population of endosomes not completely overlapped to the one hosting NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Di Matteo
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Luin
- NEST Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze - CNR Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Marchetti
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNRPisa, Italy; Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaPisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR Pisa, Italy
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47
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Galvez-Contreras AY, Campos-Ordonez T, Gonzalez-Castaneda RE, Gonzalez-Perez O. Alterations of Growth Factors in Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:126. [PMID: 28751869 PMCID: PMC5507945 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factors (GFs) are cytokines that regulate the neural development. Recent evidence indicates that alterations in the expression level of GFs during embryogenesis are linked to the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this concise review, we summarize the current evidence that supports the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 2, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, neurotrophins 3 and 4, and epidermal growth factor in the pathogenesis of ADHD and ASD. We also highlight the potential use of these GFs as clinical markers for diagnosis and prognosis of these neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Y Galvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Unidad de Atencion en Neurosciencias, Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Tania Campos-Ordonez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico.,Medical Science PhD Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Rocio E Gonzalez-Castaneda
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico.,El Colegio de Colima, Colima, Mexico
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48
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Paoletti F, de Chiara C, Kelly G, Covaceuszach S, Malerba F, Yan R, Lamba D, Cattaneo A, Pastore A. Conformational Rigidity within Plasticity Promotes Differential Target Recognition of Nerve Growth Factor. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:83. [PMID: 28083536 PMCID: PMC5183593 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), the prototype of the neurotrophin family, is essential for maintenance and growth of different neuronal populations. The X-ray crystal structure of NGF has been known since the early '90s and shows a β-sandwich fold with extensive loops that are involved in the interaction with its binding partners. Understanding the dynamical properties of these loops is thus important for molecular recognition. We present here a combined solution NMR/molecular dynamics study which addresses the question of whether and how much the long loops of NGF are flexible and describes the N-terminal intrinsic conformational tendency of the unbound NGF molecule. NMR titration experiments allowed identification of a previously undetected epitope of the anti-NGF antagonist antibody αD11 which will be of crucial importance for future drug lead discovery. The present study thus recapitulates all the available structural information and unveils the conformational versatility of the relatively rigid NGF loops upon functional ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | | | - Geoff Kelly
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Biomedical NMR Centre, The Francis Crick Institute London, UK
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Robert Yan
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondon, UK; Molecular Medicine Department, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
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49
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Malerba F, Paoletti F, Cattaneo A. NGF and proNGF Reciprocal Interference in Immunoassays: Open Questions, Criticalities, and Ways Forward. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:63. [PMID: 27536217 PMCID: PMC4971159 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis between mature neurotrophin NGF and its precursor proNGF is thought to be crucial in physiology and in pathological states. Therefore, the measurement of the relative amounts of NGF and proNGF could serve as a footprint for the identification of disease states, for diagnostic purposes. Since NGF is part of proNGF, their selective identification with anti-NGF antibodies is not straightforward. Currently, many immunoassays for NGF measurement are available, while the proNGF assays are few and not validated by published information. The question arises, as to whether the commercially available assays are able to distinguish between the two forms. Also, since in biological samples the two forms coexist, are the measurements of one species affected by the presence of the other? We describe experiments addressing these questions. For the first time, NGF and proNGF were measured together and tested in different immunoassays. Unexpectedly, NGF and proNGF were found to reciprocally interfere with the experimental outcome. The interference also calls into question the widely used NGF ELISA methods, applied to biological samples where NGF and proNGF coexist. Therefore, an immunoassay, able to distinguish between the two forms is needed. We propose possible ways forward, toward the development of a selective assay. In particular, the use of the well validated anti-NGF αD11 antibody in an alphaLISA assay with optimized incubation times would be a solution to avoid the interference in the measurement of a mixed sample containing NGF and proNGF. Furthermore, we explored the possibility of measuring proNGF in a biological sample. But the available commercial kit for the detection of proNGF does not allow the measurement of proNGF in mouse brain tissues. Therefore, we validated an SPR approach for the measurement of proNGF in a biological sample. Our experiments help in understanding the technical limits in the measurement of the NGF/proNGF ratio in biological samples, and propose concrete solutions toward the solution of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malerba
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Paoletti
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
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50
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De Nadai T, Marchetti L, Di Rienzo C, Calvello M, Signore G, Di Matteo P, Gobbo F, Turturro S, Meucci S, Viegi A, Beltram F, Luin S, Cattaneo A. Precursor and mature NGF live tracking: one versus many at a time in the axons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20272. [PMID: 26829890 PMCID: PMC4735336 DOI: 10.1038/srep20272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical view of nerve growth factor (NGF) action in the nervous system is linked to its retrograde axonal transport. However, almost nothing is known on the trafficking properties of its unprocessed precursor proNGF, characterized by different and generally opposite biological functions with respect to its mature counterpart. Here we developed a strategy to fluorolabel both purified precursor and mature neurotrophins (NTs) with a controlled stoichiometry and insertion site. Using a single particle tracking approach, we characterized the axonal transport of proNGF versus mature NGF in living dorsal root ganglion neurons grown in compartmentalized microfluidic devices. We demonstrate that proNGF is retrogradely transported as NGF, but with a lower flux and a different distribution of numbers of neurotrophins per vesicle. Moreover, exploiting a dual-color labelling technique, we analysed the transport of both NT forms when simultaneously administered to the axon tips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa De Nadai
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Marchetti
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy.,NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmine Di Rienzo
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Signore
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Di Matteo
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Gobbo
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Meucci
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Viegi
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Beltram
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Luin
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto di Neuroscienze - CNR, Pisa, Italy
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