1
|
Sekerková G, Kilic S, Cheng YH, Fredrick N, Osmani A, Kim H, Opal P, Martina M. Phenotypical, genotypical and pathological characterization of the moonwalker mouse, a model of ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106492. [PMID: 38575093 PMCID: PMC11089908 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106492] [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] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a comprehensive study of the morphological, functional, and genetic features of moonwalker (MWK) mice, a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a gain of function of the TRPC3 channel. These mice show numerous behavioral symptoms including tremor, altered gait, circling behavior, impaired motor coordination, impaired motor learning and decreased limb strength. Cerebellar pathology is characterized by early and almost complete loss of unipolar brush cells as well as slowly progressive, moderate loss of Purkinje cell (PCs). Structural damage also includes loss of synaptic contacts from parallel fibers, swollen ER structures, and degenerating axons. Interestingly, no obvious correlation was observed between PC loss and severity of the symptoms, as the phenotype stabilizes around 2 months of age, while the cerebellar pathology is progressive. This is probably due to the fact that PC function is severely impaired much earlier than the appearance of PC loss. Indeed, PC firing is already impaired in 3 weeks old mice. An interesting feature of the MWK pathology that still remains to be explained consists in a strong lobule selectivity of the PC loss, which is puzzling considering that TRPC is expressed in every PC. Intriguingly, genetic analysis of MWK cerebella shows, among other alterations, changes in the expression of both apoptosis inducing and resistance factors possibly suggesting that damaged PCs initiate specific cellular pathways that protect them from overt cell loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Sekerková
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Sumeyra Kilic
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yen-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Natalie Fredrick
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Anne Osmani
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Haram Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marco Martina
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 300 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Scarcella M, Scerra G, Ciampa M, Caterino M, Costanzo M, Rinaldi L, Feliciello A, Anzilotti S, Fiorentino C, Renna M, Ruoppolo M, Pavone LM, D’Agostino M, De Pasquale V. Metabolic rewiring and autophagy inhibition correct lysosomal storage disease in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB. iScience 2024; 27:108959. [PMID: 38361619 PMCID: PMC10864807 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108959] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are lysosomal disorders with neurological involvement for which no cure exists. Here, we show that recombinant NK1 fragment of hepatocyte growth factor rescues substrate accumulation and lysosomal defects in MPS I, IIIA and IIIB patient fibroblasts. We investigated PI3K/Akt pathway, which is of crucial importance for neuronal function and survival, and demonstrate that PI3K inhibition abolishes NK1 therapeutic effects. We identified that autophagy inhibition, by Beclin1 silencing, reduces MPS IIIB phenotype and that NK1 downregulates autophagic-lysosome (ALP) gene expression, suggesting a possible contribution of autophagosome biogenesis in MPS. Indeed, metabolomic analyses revealed defects of mitochondrial activity accompanied by anaerobic metabolism and inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which acts on metabolism and autophagy, rescues lysosomal defects. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of MPS IIIB physiopathology, supporting the development of new promising approaches based on autophagy inhibition and metabolic rewiring to correct lysosomal pathology in MPSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melania Scarcella
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Scerra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariangela Ciampa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serenella Anzilotti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via F. de Sanctis, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Renna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Michele Pavone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo D’Agostino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria De Pasquale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cepparulo P, Brancaccio P, Sirabella R, Anzilotti S, Guida N, Laudati G, Valsecchi V, Vinciguerra A, Viscardi V, D'Esposito L, Formisano L, Annunziato L, Pignataro G, Cuomo O. miR135a administration ameliorates brain ischemic damage by preventing TRPM7 activation during brain ischemia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14448. [PMID: 37718696 PMCID: PMC10916440 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14448] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND miRNA-based strategies have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in several neurodegenerative diseases. Unregulated cation influx is implicated in several cellular mechanisms underlying neural cell death during ischemia. The brain constitutively active isoform of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) represents a glutamate excitotoxicity-independent pathway that significantly contributes to the pathological Ca2+ overload during ischemia. AIMS In the light of these premises, inhibition of TRPM7 may be a reasonable strategy to reduce ischemic injury. Since TRPM7 is a putative target of miRNA135a, the aim of the present paper was to evaluate the role played by miRNA135a in cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the specific objectives of the present paper were: (1) to evaluate miR135a expression in temporoparietal cortex of ischemic rats; (2) to investigate the effect of the intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of miR135a on ischemic damage and neurological functions; and (3) to verify whether miR135a effects may be mediated by an alteration of TRPM7 expression. METHODS miR135a expression was evaluated by RT- PCR and FISH assay in temporoparietal cortex of ischemic rats. Ischemic volume and neurological functions were determined in rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) after miR135a intracerebroventricular perfusion. Target analysis was performed by Western blot. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that, in brain cortex, 72 h after ischemia, miR135a expression increased, while TRPM7 expression was parallelly downregulated. Interestingly, miR135a icv perfusion strongly ameliorated the ischemic damage and improved neurological functions, and downregulated TRPM7 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS The early prevention of TRPM7 activation is protective during brain ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Cepparulo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - P. Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - R. Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - S. Anzilotti
- Department of Science and TechnologyUniversity of SannioBeneventoItaly
| | - N. Guida
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - G. Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - V. Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - A. Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity “Politecnica delle Marche”AnconaItaly
| | - V. Viscardi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - L. D'Esposito
- Veterinary Service CenterUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - L. Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - G. Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - O. Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu QN, Qi J, Liu ZK, Luo XJ, Yu K, Lu YX, Wang Y, Jin Y, Liu J, Huang LY, Zeng ZL, Zheng Y, Xu RH, Liu ZX. HIPK3 maintains sensitivity to platinum drugs and prevents disease progression in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 584:216643. [PMID: 38246220 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
In the realm of cancer therapeutics and resistance, kinases play a crucial role, particularly in gastric cancer (GC). Our study focused on platinum-based chemotherapy resistance in GC, revealing a significant reduction in homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3 (HIPK3) expression in platinum-resistant tumors through meticulous analysis of transcriptome datasets. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that HIPK3 knockdown enhanced tumor proliferation and metastasis, while upregulation had the opposite effect. We identified the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) as a transcriptional regulator of HIPK3 and uncovered HIPK3's role in downregulating the morphogenesis regulator microtubule-associated protein (MAP7) through ubiquitination. Phosphoproteome profiling revealed HIPK3's inhibitory effects on mTOR and Wnt pathways crucial in cell proliferation and movement. A combined treatment strategy involving oxaliplatin, rapamycin, and IWR1-1-endo effectively overcame platinum resistance induced by reduced HIPK3 expression. Monitoring HIPK3 levels could serve as a GC malignancy and platinum resistance indicator, with our proposed treatment strategy offering novel avenues for reversing resistance in gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Nian Wu
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Jingjing Qi
- Tumor Epigenetics Laboratory, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenbergerstraße 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Ze-Kun Liu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jing Luo
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Kai Yu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Yun-Xin Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Li-Yun Huang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Zhao-Lei Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sardina F, Conte A, Paladino S, Pierantoni GM, Rinaldo C. HIPK2 in the physiology of nervous system and its implications in neurological disorders. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119465. [PMID: 36935052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
HIPK2 is an evolutionary conserved serine/threonine kinase with multifunctional roles in stress response, embryonic development and pathological conditions, such as cancer and fibrosis. The heterogeneity of its interactors and targets makes HIPK2 activity strongly dependent on the cellular context, and allows it to modulate multiple signaling pathways, ultimately regulating cell fate and proliferation. HIPK2 is highly expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and its genetic ablation causes neurological defects in mice. Moreover, HIPK2 is involved in processes, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress response and protein aggregate accumulation, and pathways, including TGF-β and BMP signaling, that are crucial in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Here, we review the data about the role of HIPK2 in neuronal development, survival, and homeostasis, highlighting the implications in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and pointing out HIPK2 potentiality as therapeutic target and diagnostic or prognostic marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Sardina
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - S Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - G M Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - C Rinaldo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), c/o Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Conte A, Valente V, Paladino S, Pierantoni GM. HIPK2 in cancer biology and therapy: Recent findings and future perspectives. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110491. [PMID: 36241057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates and regulates a plethora of transcriptional regulators and chromatin modifiers. The heterogeneity of its interactome allows HIPK2 to modulate several cellular processes and signaling pathways, ultimately regulating cell fate and proliferation. Because of its p53-dependent pro-apoptotic activity and its downregulation in many tumor types, HIPK2 is traditionally considered a bone fide tumor suppressor gene. However, recent findings revealed that the role of HIPK2 in the pathogenesis of cancer is much more complex, ranging from tumor suppressive to oncogenic, strongly depending on the cellular context. Here, we review the very recent data emerged in the last years about the involvement of HIPK2 in cancer biology and therapy, highlighting the various alterations of this kinase (downregulation, upregulation, mutations and/or delocalization) in dependence on the cancer types. In addition, we discuss the recent advancement in the understanding the tumor suppressive and oncogenic functions of HIPK2, its role in establishing the response to cancer therapies, and its regulation by cancer-associated microRNAs. All these data strengthen the idea that HIPK2 is a key player in many types of cancer; therefore, it could represent an important prognostic marker, a factor to predict therapy response, and even a therapeutic target itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Valeria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Campanile M, Cuomo O, Brancaccio P, Vinciguerra A, Casamassa A, Pastorino O, Volpicelli F, Gentile MT, Amoroso S, Annunziato L, Colucci-D Amato L, Pignataro G. Ruta graveolens water extract (RGWE) ameliorates ischemic damage and improves neurological deficits in a rat model of transient focal brain ischemia. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113587. [PMID: 36029540 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The limited therapeutic options for ischemic stroke treatment render necessary the identification of new strategies. In recent years, it has been shown that natural compounds may represent a valid therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Ruta graveolens water extract (RGWE) in an in vivo experimental model of brain ischemia. METHODS RGWE effects on ischemic damage and neurological function were evaluated in adult rats subjected to transient occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery (tMCAO), receiving two intraperitoneal injections of RGWE, 100 and 300 min after the induction of ischemia. In addition, astroglial and microglial activation was measured as GFAP and IBA-1 expression by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis. RESULTS Treatment with RGWE containing 10 mg/kg of Rutin, the major component, ameliorates the ischemic damage and improves neurological performances. Interestingly, the pro-inflammatory states of astrocytes and microglia, respectively detected by using C3 and iNOS markers, were significantly reduced in ipsilateral cortical and striatal areas in ischemic RGWE-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS RGWE shows a neuroprotective effect on brain infarct volume extent in a transient focal cerebral ischemia model and this effect was paralleled by the prevention of pro-inflammatory astroglial and microglial activation. Collectively, our findings support the idea that natural compounds may represent potential therapeutic opportunities against ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Campanile
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Olga Pastorino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Floriana Volpicelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Amoroso
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche", Via Tronto 10/A, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Luca Colucci-D Amato
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy; InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences (CIRN), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brancaccio P, Anzilotti S, Cuomo O, Vinciguerra A, Campanile M, Herchuelz A, Amoroso S, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Preconditioning in hypoxic-ischemic neonate mice triggers Na +-Ca 2+ exchanger-dependent neurogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:318. [PMID: 35831286 PMCID: PMC9279453 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01089-z] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To identify alternative interventions in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, researchers’ attention has been focused to the study of endogenous neuroprotective strategies. Based on the preconditioning concept that a subthreshold insult may protect from a subsequent harmful event, we aimed at identifying a new preconditioning protocol able to enhance Ca2+-dependent neurogenesis in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxia ischemia (HI). To this purpose, we also investigated the role of the preconditioning-linked protein controlling ionic homeostasis, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). Hypoxic Preconditioning (HPC) was reproduced by exposing P7 mice to 20’ hypoxia. HI was induced by isolating and cutting the right common carotid artery. A significant reduction in ischemic damage was observed in mice subjected to 20’ hypoxia followed,3 days later, by 60’ HI, thus suggesting that 20’ hypoxia functions as preconditioning stimulus. HPC promoted neuroblasts proliferation in the dentate gyrus mirrored by an increase of NCX1 and NCX3-positive cells and an improvement of behavioral motor performances in HI mice. An attenuation of HPC neuroprotection as well as a reduction in the expression of neurogenesis markers, including p57 and NeuroD1, was observed in preconditioned mice lacking NCX1 or NCX3. In summary, PC in neonatal mice triggers a neurogenic process linked to ionic homeostasis maintenance, regulated by NCX1 and NCX3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - S Anzilotti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - O Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - A Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Campanile
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - A Herchuelz
- Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapeutique-Faculté de Médecine Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - S Amoroso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, School of Medicine, University "Politecnica delle Marche", 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - L Annunziato
- IRCCS Synlab SDN S.p.A, via Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - G Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hop Mice Display Synchronous Hindlimb Locomotion and a Ventrally Fused Lumbar Spinal Cord Caused by a Point Mutation in Ttc26. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0518-21.2022. [PMID: 35210288 PMCID: PMC8925726 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0518-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the spinal circuits controlling locomotion is critical for unravelling the mechanisms controlling the production of gaits. Development of the circuits governing left-right coordination relies on axon guidance molecules such as ephrins and netrins. To date, no other class of proteins have been shown to play a role during this process. Here, we have analyzed hop mice, which walk with a characteristic hopping gait using their hindlimbs in synchrony. Fictive locomotion experiments suggest that a local defect in the ventral spinal cord contributes to the aberrant locomotor phenotype. Hop mutant spinal cords had severe morphologic defects, including the absence of the ventral midline and a poorly defined border between white and gray matter. The hop mice represent the first model where, exclusively found in the lumbar domain, the left and right components of the central pattern generators (CPGs) are fused with a synchronous hindlimb gait as a functional consequence. These defects were associated with abnormal developmental processes, including a misplaced notochord and reduced induction of ventral progenitor domains. Whereas the underlying mutation in hop mice has been suggested to lie within the Ttc26 gene, other genes in close vicinity have been associated with gait defects. Mouse embryos carrying a CRISPR replicated point mutation within Ttc26 displayed an identical morphologic phenotype. Thus, our data suggest that the assembly of the lumbar CPG network is dependent on fully functional TTC26 protein.
Collapse
|
10
|
Anzilotti S, Valsecchi V, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Laudati G, Tedeschi V, Petrozziello T, Frecentese F, Magli E, Hassler B, Cuomo O, Formisano L, Secondo A, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Prolonged NCX activation prevents SOD1 accumulation, reduces neuroinflammation, ameliorates motor behavior and prolongs survival in a ALS mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105480. [PMID: 34411705 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105480] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalance in cellular ionic homeostasis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) is a membrane antiporter that, operating in a bidirectional way, couples the exchange of Ca2+ and Na + ions in neurons and glial cells, thus controlling the intracellular homeostasis of these ions. Among the three NCX genes, NCX1 and NCX2 are widely expressed within the CNS, while NCX3 is present only in skeletal muscles and at lower levels of expression in selected brain regions. ALS mice showed a reduction in the expression and activity of NCX1 and NCX2 consistent with disease progression, therefore we aimed to investigate their role in ALS pathophysiology. Notably, we demonstrated that the pharmacological activation of NCX1 and NCX2 by the prolonged treatment of SOD1G93A mice with the newly synthesized compound neurounina: (1) prevented the reduction in NCX activity observed in spinal cord; (2) preserved motor neurons survival in the ventral spinal horn of SOD1G93A mice; (3) prevented the spinal cord accumulation of misfolded SOD1; (4) reduced astroglia and microglia activation and spared the resident microglia cells in the spinal cord; (5) improved the lifespan and mitigated motor symptoms of ALS mice. The present study highlights the significant role of NCX1 and NCX2 in the pathophysiology of this neurodegenerative disorder and paves the way for the design of a new pharmacological approach for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Petrozziello
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Brenda Hassler
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
De Biase D, Valente V, Conte A, Cammarota F, Boccella N, D’Esposito L, d’Aquino I, Paciello O, Paladino S, Pierantoni GM. Phenotypic Effects of Homeodomain-Interacting Protein Kinase 2 Deletion in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158294. [PMID: 34361060 PMCID: PMC8348407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates various transcriptional and chromatin regulators, thus modulating numerous important cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and oxidative stress. The role of HIPK2 in the pathogenesis of cancer and fibrosis is well established, and evidence of its involvement in the homeostasis of multiple organs has been recently emerging. We have previously demonstrated that Hipk2-null (Hipk2-KO) mice present cerebellar alterations associated with psychomotor abnormalities and that the double ablation of HIPK2 and its interactor HMGA1 causes perinatal death due to respiratory failure. To identify other alterations caused by the loss of HIPK2, we performed a systematic morphological analysis of Hipk2-KO mice. Post-mortem examinations and histological analysis revealed that Hipk2 ablation causes neuronal loss, neuronal morphological alterations, and satellitosis throughout the whole central nervous system (CNS); a myopathic phenotype characterized by variable fiber size, mitochondrial proliferation, sarcoplasmic inclusions, morphological alterations at neuromuscular junctions; and a cardiac phenotype characterized by fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These data demonstrate the importance of HIPK2 in the physiology of skeletal and cardiac muscles and of different parts of the CNS, thus suggesting its potential relevance for different new aspects of human pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Biase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (I.d.); (O.P.)
| | - Valeria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.V.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Andrea Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.V.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Cammarota
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.V.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Nicola Boccella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Lucia D’Esposito
- Centro Servizi Veterinari, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ilaria d’Aquino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (I.d.); (O.P.)
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (I.d.); (O.P.)
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.V.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (G.M.P.); Tel.: +39-081-7464574 (S.P.); +39-081-7463156 (G.M.P.)
| | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.V.); (A.C.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (G.M.P.); Tel.: +39-081-7464574 (S.P.); +39-081-7463156 (G.M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
HIPK2 phosphorylates HDAC3 for NF-κB acetylation to ameliorate colitis-associated colorectal carcinoma and sepsis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021798118. [PMID: 34244427 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021798118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although inflammation is critical for the clearance of pathogens, uncontrolled inflammation also contributes to the development of multiple diseases such as cancer and sepsis. Since NF-κB-mediated transactivation in the nucleus is pivotal downstream of various stimuli to induce inflammation, searching the nuclear-localized targets specifically regulating NF-κB activation will provide important therapeutic application. Here, we have identified that homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2), a nuclear serine/threonine kinase, increases its expression in inflammatory macrophages. Importantly, HIPK2 deficiency or overexpression could enhance or inhibit inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages, respectively. HIPK2-deficient mice were more susceptible to LPS-induced endotoxemia and CLP-induced sepsis. Adoptive transfer of Hipk2 +/- bone marrow cells (BMs) also aggravated AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer. Mechanistically, HIPK2 bound and phosphorylated histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) at serine 374 to inhibit its enzymatic activity, thus reducing the deacetylation of p65 at lysine 218 to suppress NF-κB activation. Notably, the HDAC3 inhibitors protected wild-type or Hipk2 -/- BMs-reconstituted mice from LPS-induced endotoxemia. Our findings suggest that the HIPK2-HDAC3-p65 module in macrophages restrains excessive inflammation, which may represent a new layer of therapeutic mechanism for colitis-associated colorectal cancer and sepsis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Natale S, Anzilotti S, Petrozziello T, Ciccone R, Serani A, Calabrese L, Severino B, Frecentese F, Secondo A, Pannaccione A, Fiorino F, Cuomo O, Vinciguerra A, D'Esposito L, Sadile AG, Cabib S, Di Renzo G, Annunziato L, Molinaro P. Genetic Up-Regulation or Pharmacological Activation of the Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger 1 (NCX1) Enhances Hippocampal-Dependent Contextual and Spatial Learning and Memory. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2358-2376. [PMID: 32048166 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) participates in the maintenance of neuronal Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis, and it is highly expressed at synapse level of some brain areas involved in learning and memory processes, including the hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala. Furthermore, NCX1 increases Akt1 phosphorylation and enhances glutamate-mediated Ca2+ influx during depolarization in hippocampal and cortical neurons, two processes involved in learning and memory mechanisms. We investigated whether the modulation of NCX1 expression/activity might influence learning and memory processes. To this aim, we used a knock-in mouse overexpressing NCX1 in hippocampal, cortical, and amygdala neurons (ncx1.4over) and a newly synthesized selective NCX1 stimulating compound, named CN-PYB2. Both ncx1.4over and CN-PYB2-treated mice showed an amelioration in spatial learning performance in Barnes maze task, and in context-dependent memory consolidation after trace fear conditioning. On the other hand, these mice showed no improvement in novel object recognition task which is mainly dependent on non-spatial memory and displayed an increase in the active phosphorylated CaMKIIα levels in the hippocampus. Interestingly, both of these mice showed an increased level of context-dependent anxiety.Altogether, these results demonstrate that neuronal NCX1 participates in spatial-dependent hippocampal learning and memory processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Natale
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Petrozziello
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelo Serani
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Calabrese
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia D'Esposito
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Cabib
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Renzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Molinaro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Valsecchi V, Anzilotti S, Serani A, Laudati G, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Cuomo O, Pignataro G, Annunziato L. miR-206 Reduces the Severity of Motor Neuron Degeneration in the Facial Nuclei of the Brainstem in a Mouse Model of SMA. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1154-1166. [PMID: 32075715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disease affecting infants caused by alterations of the survival motor neuron gene, which results in progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Although an effective treatment for SMA patients has been recently developed, the molecular pathway involved in selective MN degeneration has not been yet elucidated. In particular, miR-206 has been demonstrated to play a relevant role in the regeneration of neuromuscular junction in several MN diseases, and particularly it is upregulated in the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, spinal cord, and serum of SMA mice. In the present paper, we demonstrated that miR-206 was transiently upregulated also in the brainstem of the mouse model of SMA, SMAΔ7, in the early phase of the disease paralleling MN degeneration and was down-regulated in the late symptomatic phase. To prevent this downregulation, we intracerebroventricularly injected miR-206 in SMA pups, demonstrating that miR-206 reduced the severity of SMA pathology, slowing down disease progression, increasing survival rate, and improving behavioral performance of mice. Interestingly, exogenous miRNA-206-induced upregulation caused a reduction of the predicted target sodium calcium exchanger isoform 2, NCX2, one of the main regulators of intracellular [Ca2+] and [Na+]. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR-206 might exert part of its neuroprotective effect modulating NCX2 expression in SMA disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Angelo Serani
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cuomo O, Cepparulo P, Anzilotti S, Serani A, Sirabella R, Brancaccio P, Guida N, Valsecchi V, Vinciguerra A, Molinaro P, Formisano L, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Anti-miR-223-5p Ameliorates Ischemic Damage and Improves Neurological Function by Preventing NCKX2 Downregulation after Ischemia in Rats. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:1063-1071. [PMID: 31791013 PMCID: PMC6906731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, NCKX2, is a new promising stroke neuroprotective target. However, because no pharmacological activator of NCKX2 is still available, microRNA (miRNA) may represent an alternative method to modulate NCKX2 expression. In particular, by bioinformatics analysis, miR-223-5p emerged as a possible modulator of NCKX2 expression. In the light of these premises, the aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate miR-223-5p and NCKX2 expression in the temporoparietal cortex and striatum of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion; (2) to evaluate whether miR-223-5p targets the 3′ UTR of the NCKX2 transcript; and (3) to evaluate the effect of miR-223-5p modulation on brain ischemic volume and neurological deficits. Our results showed that miR-223-5p expression increased in a time-dependent manner in the striatum of ischemic rats in parallel with NCKX2 downregulation, and that the transfection of cortical neurons with miR-223-5p induced a reduction of NCKX2 expression. Moreover, a luciferase assay showed that miR-223-5p specifically interacts with the NCKX2 3′ UTR subregion (+7037 to +8697), thus repressing NCKX2 translation. More interestingly, intracerebroventricular infusion of anti-miR-223-5p prevented NCKX2 downregulation after ischemia, thus promoting neuroprotection. The present findings support the idea that blocking miR-223-5p by antimiRNA is a reasonable strategy to reduce the neurodetrimental effect induced by NCKX2 downregulation during brain ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Cepparulo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Serani
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Molinaro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Double knock-out of Hmga1 and Hipk2 genes causes perinatal death associated to respiratory distress and thyroid abnormalities in mice. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:747. [PMID: 31582725 PMCID: PMC6776533 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The serine–threonine kinase homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) modulates important cellular functions during development, acting as a signal integrator of a wide variety of stress signals, and as a regulator of transcription factors and cofactors. We have previously demonstrated that HIPK2 binds and phosphorylates High-Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1), an architectural chromatinic protein ubiquitously expressed in embryonic tissues, decreasing its binding affinity to DNA. To better define the functional role of HIPK2 and HMGA1 interaction in vivo, we generated mice in which both genes are disrupted. About 50% of these Hmga1/Hipk2 double knock-out (DKO) mice die within 12 h of life (P1) for respiratory failure. The DKO mice present an altered lung morphology, likely owing to a drastic reduction in the expression of surfactant proteins, that are required for lung development. Consistently, we report that both HMGA1 and HIPK2 proteins positively regulate the transcriptional activity of the genes encoding the surfactant proteins. Moreover, these mice display an altered expression of thyroid differentiation markers, reasonably because of a drastic reduction in the expression of the thyroid-specific transcription factors PAX8 and FOXE1, which we demonstrate here to be positively regulated by HMGA1 and HIPK2. Therefore, these data indicate a critical role of HIPK2/HMGA1 cooperation in lung and thyroid development and function, suggesting the potential involvement of their impairment in the pathogenesis of human lung and thyroid diseases.
Collapse
|
17
|
Cao L, Yang G, Gao S, Jing C, Montgomery RR, Yin Y, Wang P, Fikrig E, You F. HIPK2 is necessary for type I interferon-mediated antiviral immunity. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/573/eaau4604. [PMID: 30890658 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau4604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Precise control of interferons (IFNs) is crucial to maintain immune homeostasis. Here, we demonstrated that homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) was required for the production of type I IFNs in response to RNA virus infection. HIPK2 deficiency markedly impaired IFN production in macrophages after vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection, and HIPK2-deficient mice were more susceptible to lethal VSV disease than were wild-type mice. After VSV infection, HIPK2 was cleaved by active caspases, which released a hyperactive, N-terminal fragment that translocated to the nucleus and further augmented antiviral responses. In part, HIPK2 interacted with ELF4 and promoted its phosphorylation at Ser369, which enabled Ifn-b transcription. In addition, HIPK2 production was stimulated by type I IFNs to further enhance antiviral immunity. These data suggest that the kinase activity and nuclear localization of HIPK2 are essential for the production of type I IFNs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Cao
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA.,Department of Parasitology, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Shandian Gao
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ruth R Montgomery
- Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Penghua Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MA 20815, USA
| | - Fuping You
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Holmes G, O'Rourke C, Motch Perrine SM, Lu N, van Bakel H, Richtsmeier JT, Jabs EW. Midface and upper airway dysgenesis in FGFR2-related craniosynostosis involves multiple tissue-specific and cell cycle effects. Development 2018; 145:dev.166488. [PMID: 30228104 DOI: 10.1242/dev.166488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Midface dysgenesis is a feature of more than 200 genetic conditions in which upper airway anomalies frequently cause respiratory distress, but its etiology is poorly understood. Mouse models of Apert and Crouzon craniosynostosis syndromes exhibit midface dysgenesis similar to the human conditions. They carry activating mutations of Fgfr2, which is expressed in multiple craniofacial tissues during development. Magnetic resonance microscopy of three mouse models of Apert and Crouzon syndromes revealed decreased nasal passage volume in all models at birth. Histological analysis suggested overgrowth of the nasal cartilage in the two Apert syndrome mouse models. We used tissue-specific gene expression and transcriptome analysis to further dissect the structural, cellular and molecular alterations underlying midface and upper airway dysgenesis in Apert Fgfr2+/S252W mutants. Cartilage thickened progressively during embryogenesis because of increased chondrocyte proliferation in the presence of Fgf2 Oral epithelium expression of mutant Fgfr2, which resulted in a distinctive nasal septal fusion defect, and premature facial suture fusion contributed to the overall dysmorphology. Midface dysgenesis in Fgfr2-related craniosynostosis is a complex phenotype arising from the combined effects of aberrant signaling in multiple craniofacial tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Holmes
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Courtney O'Rourke
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Susan M Motch Perrine
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Na Lu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Joan T Richtsmeier
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cerullo P, Brancaccio P, Anzilotti S, Vinciguerra A, Cuomo O, Fiorino F, Severino B, Di Vaio P, Di Renzo G, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. Acute and long-term NCX activation reduces brain injury and restores behavioral functions in mice subjected to neonatal brain ischemia. Neuropharmacology 2018; 135:180-191. [PMID: 29551690 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HI) accounts for the majority of developmental, motor and cognitive deficits in children, leading to life-long neurological impairments. Since the plasmamembrane sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) plays a fundamental role in maintaining ionic homeostasis during adult brain ischemia, in the present work we aimed to demonstrate (1)the involvement of NCX in the pathophysiology of neonatal HI and (2)a possible NCX-based pharmacological intervention. HI was induced in neonatal mice at postnatal day 7(P7) by unilateral cut of the right common carotid artery, followed by 60 min exposure to 8%O2. Expression profiles of NCX isoforms from embryos stage to adulthood was evaluated in the hippocampus of hypoxic-ischemic and control mice. To assess the effect of NCX pharmacological stimulation, brain infarct volume was evaluated in brain sections, obtained at several time intervals after systemic administration of the newly synthesized NCX activator neurounina. Moreover, the long term effect of NCX activation was evaluated in adult mice (P60) subjected to neonatal HI and daily treated with neurounina for three weeks. Hypoxic-ischemic insult induced a reduction of NCX1 and NCX3 expression starting from day 7 until day 60. Notably, 8 weeks after HI induction in P7 mice, NCX pharmacological stimulation not only reduced infarct volume but improved also motor behaviour, spatial and visual memory. The present study highlights the significant role of NCX in the evolution of neonatal brain injury and in the learning and memory processes that are impaired in mice injured in the neonatal period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Cerullo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Montesano, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Montesano, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Di Vaio
- Department Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Montesano, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Renzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Preconditioning, induced by sub-toxic dose of the neurotoxin L-BMAA, delays ALS progression in mice and prevents Na +/Ca 2+ exchanger 3 downregulation. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:206. [PMID: 29434186 PMCID: PMC5833681 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preconditioning (PC) is a phenomenon wherein a mild insult induces resistance to a later, severe injury. Although PC has been extensively studied in several neurological disorders, no studies have been performed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we hypothesize that a sub-toxic acute exposure to the cycad neurotoxin beta-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) is able to delay ALS progression in SOD1 G93A mice and that NCX3, a membrane transporter able to handle the deregulation of ionic homeostasis occurring during ALS, takes part to this neuroprotective effect. Preconditioning effect was examined on disease onset and duration, motor functions, and motor neurons in terms of functional declines and severity of histological damage in male and female mice. Our findings demonstrate that a sub-toxic dose of L-BMAA works as preconditioning stimulus and is able to delay ALS onset and to prolong ALS mice survival. Interestingly, preconditioning prevented NCX3 downregulation in SOD1 G93A mice spinal cord, leading to an increased number of motor neurons associated to a reduced astrogliosis, and reduced the denervation of neuromuscular junctions observed in SOD1 G93A mice. These protective effects were mitigated in ncx3+/− mice. This study established for the first time an animal model of preconditioning in ALS and candidates NCX3 as a new therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
21
|
Conte A, Paladino S, Bianco G, Fasano D, Gerlini R, Tornincasa M, Renna M, Fusco A, Tramontano D, Pierantoni GM. High mobility group A1 protein modulates autophagy in cancer cells. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1948-1962. [PMID: 28777374 PMCID: PMC5635219 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) is an architectural chromatin protein whose overexpression is a feature of malignant neoplasias with a causal role in cancer initiation and progression. HMGA1 promotes tumor growth by several mechanisms, including increase of cell proliferation and survival, impairment of DNA repair and induction of chromosome instability. Autophagy is a self-degradative process that, by providing energy sources and removing damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, allows cell survival under stress conditions. On the other hand, hyper-activated autophagy can lead to non-apoptotic programmed cell death. Autophagy deregulation is a common feature of cancer cells in which has a complex role, showing either an oncogenic or tumor suppressor activity, depending on cellular context and tumor stage. Here, we report that depletion of HMGA1 perturbs autophagy by different mechanisms. HMGA1-knockdown increases autophagosome formation by constraining the activity of the mTOR pathway, a major regulator of autophagy, and transcriptionally upregulating the autophagy-initiating kinase Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1). Consistently, functional experiments demonstrate that HMGA1 binds ULK1 promoter region and negatively regulates its transcription. On the other hand, the increase in autophagosomes is not associated to a proportionate increase in their maturation. Overall, the effects of HMGA1 depletion on autophagy are associated to a decrease in cell proliferation and ultimately impact on cancer cells viability. Importantly, silencing of ULK1 prevents the effects of HMGA1-knockdown on cellular proliferation, viability and autophagic activity, highlighting how these effects are, at least in part, mediated by ULK1. Interestingly, this phenomenon is not restricted to skin cancer cells, as similar results have been observed also in HeLa cells silenced for HMGA1. Taken together, these results clearly indicate HMGA1 as a key regulator of the autophagic pathway in cancer cells, thus suggesting a novel mechanism through which HMGA1 can contribute to cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaia Bianco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Gerlini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Mara Tornincasa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Renna
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Tramontano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples 'Federico II' and Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) of CNR, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|