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Chermon D, Birk R. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene rs925946 associates with Israeli females' obesity predisposition: An interaction between genetics, eating habits, and physical inactivity. Nutr Res 2024; 125:61-68. [PMID: 38503023 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.02.005] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The global obesity pandemic presents a pressing health challenge, with an increasing prevalence shaped by an intricate interplay of genetics and environment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in regulating feeding behavior and energy expenditure. BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms have been linked to obesity risk. We hypothesized that BDNF rs925946 is positively associated with obesity susceptibility in the Israeli population. We aimed to study BDNF rs925946 association with obesity susceptibility and its interaction with environmental factors, including eating habits, sugar-sweetened beverages, and physical activity. A data cohort of 4668 Israeli adults (≥18 years, Jewish) was analyzed. Participants' genotypic data for the BDNF rs925946 and lifestyle and eating behavior questionnaire data were analyzed for the association between obesity predisposition and gene-environment interactions. Female (n = 3259) BDNF rs925946 T-allele carriers had an elevated obesity odd (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.4, P = .02). BDNF rs925946 genotype interacted significantly with physical inactivity, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and eating habits score to enhance obesity odds (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.14-1.7; OR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.1-2.15; and OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-2.11, respectively). Our data demonstrated a significant association between BDNF rs925946 T-allele female carriers and a higher obesity predisposition, affected by modifiable lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyel Chermon
- Nutrition Department, Health Sciences Faculty, Ariel University, 407000, Israel
| | - Ruth Birk
- Nutrition Department, Health Sciences Faculty, Ariel University, 407000, Israel.
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Bow H, Dang C, Hillsbery K, Markowski C, Black M, Strand C. Food for Thought: The Effects of Feeding on Neurogenesis in the Ball Python, Python regius. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38657588 DOI: 10.1159/000539052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pythons are a well-studied model of postprandial physiological plasticity. Consuming a meal evokes a suite of physiological changes in pythons including one of the largest documented increases in post-feeding metabolic rates relative to resting values. However, little is known about how this plasticity manifests in the brain. Previous work has shown that cell proliferation in the python brain increases 6 days following meal consumption. This study aimed to confirm these findings and build on them in the long term by tracking the survival and maturation of these newly created cells across a 2-month period. METHODS We investigated differences in neural cell proliferation in ball pythons 6 days after a meal with immunofluorescence using the cell-birth marker 5-bromo-12'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). We investigated differences in neural cell maturation in ball pythons 2 months after a meal using double immunofluorescence for BrdU and a reptilian ortholog of the neuronal marker Fox3. RESULTS We did not find significantly greater rates of cell proliferation in snakes 6 days after feeding, but we did observe more new cells in neurogenic regions in fed snakes 2 months after the meal. Feeding was not associated with higher rates of neurogenesis, but snakes that received a meal had higher numbers of newly created nonneuronal cells than fasted controls. We documented particularly high cell survival rates in the olfactory bulbs and lateral cortex. CONCLUSION Consuming a meal stimulates cell proliferation in the brains of ball pythons after digestion is complete, although this effect emerged at a later time point in this study than expected. Higher rates of proliferation partially account for greater numbers of newly created non-neuronal cells in the brains of fed snakes 2 months after the meal, but our results also suggest that feeding may have a mild neuroprotective effect. We captured a slight trend toward higher cell survival rates in fed snakes, and survival rates were particularly high in brain regions associated with olfactory perception and processing. These findings shed light on the relationship between energy balance and the creation of new neural cells in the brains of ball pythons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bow
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Christina Dang
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Katherine Hillsbery
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Carly Markowski
- Biomedical Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Michael Black
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Christine Strand
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
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Ichimura-Shimizu M, Kurrey K, Miyata M, Dezawa T, Tsuneyama K, Kojima M. Emerging Insights into the Role of BDNF on Health and Disease in Periphery. Biomolecules 2024; 14:444. [PMID: 38672461 PMCID: PMC11048455 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040444] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that promotes the survival and growth of developing neurons. It also enhances circuit formation to synaptic transmission for mature neurons in the brain. However, reduced BDNF expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are reported to be associated with functional deficit and disease development in the brain, suggesting that BDNF is a crucial molecule for brain health. Interestingly, BDNF is also expressed in the hypothalamus in appetite and energy metabolism. Previous reports demonstrated that BDNF knockout mice exhibited overeating and obesity phenotypes remarkably. Therefore, we could raise a hypothesis that the loss of function of BDNF may be associated with metabolic syndrome and peripheral diseases. In this review, we describe our recent finding that BDNF knockout mice develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and recent reports demonstrating the role of one of the BDNF receptors, TrkB-T1, in some peripheral organ functions and diseases, and would provide an insight into the role of BDNF beyond the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Ichimura-Shimizu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.I.-S.); (K.T.)
| | - Khuleshwari Kurrey
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Misaki Miyata
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, 3-1 Yatsukaho, Hakusan 924-0838, Japan; (M.M.); (T.D.)
| | - Takuya Dezawa
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, 3-1 Yatsukaho, Hakusan 924-0838, Japan; (M.M.); (T.D.)
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.I.-S.); (K.T.)
| | - Masami Kojima
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, 3-1 Yatsukaho, Hakusan 924-0838, Japan; (M.M.); (T.D.)
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Harvey T, Rios M. The Role of BDNF and TrkB in the Central Control of Energy and Glucose Balance: An Update. Biomolecules 2024; 14:424. [PMID: 38672441 PMCID: PMC11048226 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040424] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The global rise in obesity and related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is alarming. Gaining a deeper insight into the central neural pathways and mechanisms that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis is crucial for developing effective interventions to combat this debilitating condition. A significant body of evidence from studies in humans and rodents indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling plays a key role in regulating feeding, energy expenditure, and glycemic control. BDNF is a highly conserved neurotrophin that signals via the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor to facilitate neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity and function. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanisms through which BDNF influences energy and glucose balance. This review will cover our current understanding of the brain regions, neural circuits, and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic actions of BDNF and TrkB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Harvey
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Maribel Rios
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Valle A, Castillo P, García-Rodríguez A, Palou A, Palou M, Picó C. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor as a Potential Mediator of the Beneficial Effects of Myo-Inositol Supplementation during Suckling in the Offspring of Gestational-Calorie-Restricted Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:980. [PMID: 38613013 PMCID: PMC11013066 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070980] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of myo-inositol (MI) supplementation during suckling against the detrimental effects of fetal energy restriction described in animal studies, particularly focusing on the potential connections with BDNF signaling. Oral physiological doses of MI or the vehicle were given daily to the offspring of control (CON) and 25%-calorie-restricted (CR) pregnant rats during suckling. The animals were weaned and then fed a standard diet until 5 months of age, when the diet was switched to a Western diet until 7 months of age. At 25 days and 7 months of age, the plasma BDNF levels and mRNA expression were analyzed in the hypothalamus and three adipose tissue depots. MI supplementation, especially in the context of gestational calorie restriction, promoted BDNF secretion and signaling at a juvenile age and in adulthood, which was more evident in the male offspring of the CR dams than in females. Moreover, the CR animals supplemented with MI exhibited a stimulated anorexigenic signaling pathway in the hypothalamus, along with improved peripheral glucose management and enhanced browning capacity. These findings suggest a novel connection between MI supplementation during suckling, BDNF signaling, and metabolic programming, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of MI during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valle
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Castillo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián García-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreu Palou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Palou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Catalina Picó
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Group of Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07010 Palma, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IAIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Tucker JAL, Bornath DPD, McCarthy SF, Hazell TJ. Leptin and energy balance: exploring Leptin's role in the regulation of energy intake and energy expenditure. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:87-95. [PMID: 36583502 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2022.2161135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a tonic appetite-regulating hormone, which is integral for the long-term regulation of energy balance. The current evidence suggests that the typical orexigenic or anorexigenic response of many of these appetite-regulating hormones, most notably ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK), require leptin to function whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is required for leptin to function, and these responses are altered when leptin injection or gene therapy is administered in combination with these same hormones or respective agonists. The appetite-regulatory pathway is complex, thus peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), orexin-A (OXA), and amylin also maintain ties to leptin, however these are less well understood. While reviews to date have focused on the existing relationships between leptin and the various neuropeptide modulators of appetite within the central nervous system (CNS) or it's role in thermogenesis, no review paper has synthesised the information regarding the interactions between appetite-regulating hormones and how leptin as a chronic regulator of energy balance can influence the acute appetite-regulatory response. Current evidence suggests that potential relationships exist between leptin and the circulating peripheral appetite hormones ghrelin, GLP-1, CCK, OXA and amylin to exhibit either synergistic or opposing effects on appetite inhibition. Though more research is warranted, leptin appears to be integral in both energy intake and energy expenditure. More specifically, functional leptin receptors appear to play an essential role in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A L Tucker
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Derek P D Bornath
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Seth F McCarthy
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Tom J Hazell
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada
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7
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Ichimura-Shimizu M, Kojima M, Suzuki S, Miyata M, Osaki Y, Matsui K, Mizui T, Tsuneyama K. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor knock-out mice develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Pathol 2023; 261:465-476. [PMID: 37781961 DOI: 10.1002/path.6204] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
While brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a growth factor associated with cognitive improvement and the alleviation of depression symptoms, is known to regulate food intake and body weight, the role of BDNF in peripheral disease is not fully understood. Here, we show that reduced BDNF expression is associated with weight gain and the chronic liver disease non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). At 10 months of age, BDNF-heterozygous (BDNF+/- ) mice developed symptoms of NASH: centrilobular/perivenular steatosis, lobular inflammation with infiltration of neutrophils, ballooning hepatocytes, and fibrosis of the liver. Obesity and higher serum levels of glucose and insulin - major pathologic features in human NASH - were dramatic. Dying adipocytes were surrounded by macrophages in visceral fat, suggesting that chronic inflammation occurs in peripheral organs. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) studies of the liver revealed that the most significantly enriched Gene Ontology term involved fatty acid metabolic processes and the modulation of neutrophil aggregation, pathologies that well characterise NASH. Gene expression analysis by RNA-seq also support the notion that BDNF+/- mice are under oxidative stress, as indicated by alterations in the expression of the cytochrome P450 family and a reduction in glutathione S-transferase p, an antioxidant enzyme. Histopathologic phenotypes of NASH were also observed in a knock-in mouse (BDNF+/pro ), in which the precursor BDNF is inefficiently converted into the mature form of BDNF. Lastly, as BDNF reduction causes overeating and subsequent obesity, a food restriction study was conducted in BDNF+/pro mice. Pair-fed BDNF+/pro mice developed hepatocellular damage and showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils in the liver, despite having body weights and blood parameters that were comparable to those of controls. This is the first report demonstrating that reduced BDNF expression plays a role in the pathogenic mechanism of NASH, which is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Ichimura-Shimizu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masami Kojima
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Ishikawa, Japan
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Osaka, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Misaki Miyata
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yui Osaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Konomi Matsui
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Mizui
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Osaka, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Liu Z, Xiao T, Liu H. Leptin signaling and its central role in energy homeostasis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1238528. [PMID: 38027481 PMCID: PMC10644276 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1238528] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin plays a critical role in regulating appetite, energy expenditure and body weight, making it a key factor in maintaining a healthy balance. Despite numerous efforts to develop therapeutic interventions targeting leptin signaling, their effectiveness has been limited, underscoring the importance of gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms through which leptin exerts its functions. While the hypothalamus is widely recognized as the primary site responsible for the appetite-suppressing and weight-reducing effects of leptin, other brain regions have also been increasingly investigated for their involvement in mediating leptin's action. In this review, we summarize leptin signaling pathways and the neural networks that mediate the effects of leptin, with a specific emphasis on energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxun Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Xiao
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Keeler JL, Kan C, Treasure J, Himmerich H. Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023. [PMID: 37823233 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychotherapeutic strategies have variable efficacy. The investigation of evidence-based treatments has so far been compounded by an underdeveloped understanding into the neurobiological changes associated with the acute stages of AN. There is converging evidence of deficiencies in neuroplasticity in AN. METHOD This paper provides an overview of neuroimaging, neuropsychological, molecular and qualitative findings relating to neuroplasticity in AN, translating these findings to the identification of novel biological and psychotherapeutic strategies. RESULTS Novel psychopharmacological approaches that may ameliorate deficiencies in neuroplasticity include medications such as ketamine, psilocybin and human recombinant leptin. Anti-inflammatory medications and brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetics may emerge as potential treatments following further research. Psychotherapeutic strategies that may target neuroplastic deficiencies, as well as having wider effects on identity, include imagery rescripting, memory specificity training, cognitive remediation therapy, exposure therapies, narrative therapies, cultural interventions (e.g. music and arts therapies) and yoga/mindfulness-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Treatments specifically targeted towards mitigating the neurobiological sequalae of AN are warranted, and emerging neurobiological and neuropsychological research utilising longitudinal designs and large sample sizes, as well as initial feasibility studies, are necessitated to bolster translational efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Louise Keeler
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
| | - Carol Kan
- Vincent Square Eating Disorder Service, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- King's College London, Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
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von Schnurbein J, Remy M, Brandt S, Manzoor J, Kohlsdorf K, Mahmood S, Hebebrand J, Wabitsch M. Positive effect of leptin substitution on mood and behaviour in patients with congenital leptin deficiency. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e13057. [PMID: 37226403 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND States of starvation are characterized by reduced physical activity and social withdrawal. This has been suggested to be mediated at least in part via reduced leptin concentrations. OBJECTIVE We therefore aimed to ascertain if leptin substitution in patients with congenital leptin deficiency (CLD) can improve physical activity and mood. METHODS Seven patients with CLD were filmed prior to and after short- and long-term substitution (2-21 days; 3-4 months) in a play situation. Six independent, blinded investigators ranked each video according to specifically developed scales concerning motor activity, social interaction, emotionality, and mood with higher scores representing improvements. RESULTS Short term metreleptin substitution significantly increased mean total score from 17.7 ± 4.1 to 22.6 ± 6.6 (p = 0.039), and mean scores for motor activity (4.1 ± 1.1 to 5.1 ± 1.5, p = 0.023) and social interaction (4.6 ± 1.1 to 6.2 ± 1.7, p = 0.016). After long term substitution means of all four single scales and of total score were even higher than at short-term follow-up. During a treatment pause of 3 months in two children, all four scale scores fell below substitution levels and rose again after restart. CONCLUSIONS Metreleptin substitution improved indices of physical activity and psychological wellbeing in patients with CLD. This suggests that reduced leptin concentrations might be in part responsible for emotional and behavioural changes seen during starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia von Schnurbein
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Miriam Remy
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Brandt
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jaida Manzoor
- The Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Katja Kohlsdorf
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Saqib Mahmood
- Human Genetics & Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
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DastAmooz S, Broujeni ST, Sarahian N. A primary study on rat fetal development and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels under the control of electromagnetic fields. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2347. [PMID: 37538938 PMCID: PMC10395370 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2347] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In previous researches, electromagnetic fields have been shown to adversely affect the behavior and biology of humans and animals; however, body growth and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were not evaluated. Objective The original investigation aimed to examine whether Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) exposure had adverse effects on spatial learning and motor function in rats and if physical activity could diminish the damaging effects of EMF exposure. In this study, we measured anthropometric measurements and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in pregnant rats' offspring to determine if Wi-Fi EMF also affected their growth. These data we report for the first time in this publication. Methods Twenty Albino-Wistar pregnant rats were divided randomly into EMF and control (CON) groups, and after delivery, 12 male fetuses were randomly selected. For assessing the body growth change of offspring beginning at delivery, then at 21 postnatal days, and finally at 56 post-natal days, the crown-rump length of the body was assessed using a digital caliper. Examining BDNF factor levels, an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA kit was taken. Bodyweight was recorded by digital scale. Results Outcomes of the anthropometric measurements demonstrated that EMF blocked body growth in rats exposed to EMF. The results of the BDNF test illustrated that the BDNF in the EMF liter group was remarkably decreased compared to the CON group. The results indicate that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and harm body growth in pregnant rats' offspring. Conclusions The results suggest that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and impair body growth in pregnant rats' offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima DastAmooz
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Shahzad Tahmasebi Broujeni
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Sarahian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Wu SK, Chen WJ, Chang JPC, Guu TW, Hsin MC, Huang CK, Mischoulon D, Capuron L, Su KP. Personalized Medicine of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Depression Treatment in Obese and Metabolically Dysregulated Patients. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1003. [PMID: 37373992 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13061003] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The co-occurrence of depression and obesity has become a significant public health concern worldwide. Recent studies have shown that metabolic dysfunction, which is commonly observed in obese individuals and is characterized by inflammation, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and hypertension, is a critical risk factor for depression. This dysfunction may induce structural and functional changes in the brain, ultimately contributing to depression's development. Given that obesity and depression mutually increase each other's risk of development by 50-60%, there is a need for effective interventions that address both conditions. The comorbidity of depression with obesity and metabolic dysregulation is thought to be related to chronic low-grade inflammation, characterized by increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP). As pharmacotherapy fails in at least 30-40% of cases to adequately treat major depressive disorder, a nutritional approach is emerging as a promising alternative. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are a promising dietary intervention that can reduce inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in patients with high levels of inflammation, including pregnant women with gestational diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and overweight individuals with major depressive disorder. Further efforts directed at implementing these strategies in clinical practice could contribute to improved outcomes in patients with depression, comorbid obesity, and/or metabolic dysregulation.
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Grants
- MOST 109-2320-B-038-057-MY3, 110-2321-B-006-004, 110-2811-B-039-507, 110-2320-B-039-048-MY2,110-2320-B-039-047-MY3, 110-2813-C-039-327-B, 110-2314-B-039-029-MY3, 111-2321-B-006-008, and NSTC 111-2314-B-039-041-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- ANHRF 109-31, 109-40, 110-13, 110-26, 110-44, 110-45, 111-27, 111-28, 111-47, 111-48, and 111-52 An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
- CMRC-CMA-2 Ministry of Education (MOE), Taiwan
- CMU 110-AWARD-02, 110-N-17, 1110-SR-73 China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- DMR-106-101, 106-227, 109-102, 109-244, 110-124, 111-245, 112-097, 112-086, 112-109, 112-232 and DMR-HHC-109-11, HHC-109-12, HHC-110-10, and HHC-111-8 China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet-Kei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan
| | - Jane Pei-Chen Chang
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Wei Guu
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin 651, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Che Hsin
- Body Science & Metabolic Disorders International Medical Centre (BMIMC), China Medical University & Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kun Huang
- Body Science & Metabolic Disorders International Medical Centre (BMIMC), China Medical University & Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lucile Capuron
- NutriNeuro, University of Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, UMR 1286, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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13
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Çerçi B, Gök A, Akyol A. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Its role in energy balance and cancer cachexia. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 71-72:105-116. [PMID: 37500391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.07.003] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the development of the central and peripheral nervous system during embryogenesis. In the mature central nervous system, BDNF is required for the maintenance and enhancement of synaptic transmissions and the survival of neurons. Particularly, it is involved in the modulation of neurocircuits that control energy balance through food intake, energy expenditure, and locomotion. Regulation of BDNF in the central nervous system is complex and environmental factors affect its expression in murine models which may reflect to phenotype dramatically. Furthermore, BDNF and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), as well as pan-neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is expressed in peripheral tissues in adulthood and their signaling is associated with regulation of energy balance. BDNF/TrkB signaling is exploited by cancer cells as well and BDNF expression is increased in tumors. Intriguingly, previously demonstrated roles of BDNF in regulation of food intake, adipose tissue and muscle overlap with derangements observed in cancer cachexia. However, data about the involvement of BDNF in cachectic cancer patients and murine models are scarce and inconclusive. In the future, knock-in and/or knock-out experiments with murine cancer models could be helpful to explore potential new roles for BDNF in the development of cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Çerçi
- Medical School, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşenur Gök
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Hacettepe University Transgenic Animal Technologies Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Aytekin Akyol
- Departmant of Pathology, Medical School, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Hacettepe University Transgenic Animal Technologies Research and Application Center, Sıhhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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14
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Chu P, Guo W, You H, Lu B. Regulation of Satiety by Bdnf-e2-Expressing Neurons through TrkB Activation in Ventromedial Hypothalamus. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050822. [PMID: 37238691 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcripts for Bdnf (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), driven by different promoters, are expressed in different brain regions to control different body functions. Specific promoter(s) that regulates energy balance remain unclear. We show that disruption of Bdnf promoters I and II but not IV and VI in mice (Bdnf-e1-/-, Bdnf-e2-/-) results in obesity. Whereas Bdnf-e1-/- exhibited impaired thermogenesis, Bdnf-e2-/- showed hyperphagia and reduced satiety before the onset of obesity. The Bdnf-e2 transcripts were primarily expressed in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a nucleus known to regulate satiety. Re-expressing Bdnf-e2 transcript in VMH or chemogenetic activation of VMH neurons rescued the hyperphagia and obesity of Bdnf-e2-/- mice. Deletion of BDNF receptor TrkB in VMH neurons in wildtype mice resulted in hyperphagia and obesity, and infusion of TrkB agonistic antibody into VMH of Bdnf-e2-/- mice alleviated these phenotypes. Thus, Bdnf-e2-transcripts in VMH neurons play a key role in regulating energy intake and satiety through TrkB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Chu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - He You
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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15
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Trinh S, Keller L, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J. The role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in anorexia nervosa. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106069. [PMID: 36878115 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor belonging to the neurotrophin family which plays a pivotal role in the differentiation, survival, and plasticity of neurons in the central nervous system. Evidence suggests that BDNF is an important signal molecule in the regulation of energy balance and thus implicated in body weight control. The discovery of BDNF-expressing neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus which is important in the regulation of energy intake, physical activity, and thermogenesis gives more evidence to the suggested participation of BDNF in eating behavior. Until now it remains questionable whether BDNF can be used as a reliable biomarker for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN) as available findings on BDNF levels in patients with AN are ambiguous. AN is an eating disorder characterized by a pathological low body weight in combination with a body image disturbance typically developing during adolescence. A severe drive for thinness leads to restrictive eating behavior often accompanied by physical hyperactivity. During therapeutic weight restoration an increase of BDNF expression levels seems desirable as it might improve neuronal plasticity and survival which is essential for learning processes and thereby essential for the success of the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients. On the contrary, the well-known anorexigenic effect of BDNF might favor relapse in patients as soon as the BDNF levels significantly increase during weight rehabilitation. The present review summarizes the association between BDNF and general eating behavior and especially focuses on the eating disorder AN. In this regard findings from preclinical AN studies (activity-based anorexia model) are outlined as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Trinh
- Institute for Neuroanatomy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Wendlingweg 2, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Lara Keller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Neuenhofer Weg 21, Aachen D-52074, Germany.
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16
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Mätlik K, Olfat S, Cowlishaw MC, Moreno ED, Ollila S, Andressoo JO. In vivo modulation of endogenous gene expression via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated 3'UTR editing. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13844. [PMID: 36923835 PMCID: PMC10009458 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13844] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) modulate gene expression levels by regulating mRNA stability and translation. We previously showed that the replacement of the negative regulatory elements from the 3'UTR of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) resulted in increased endogenous GDNF expression while retaining its normal spatiotemporal expression pattern. Here, we have developed a methodology for the generation of in vivo hyper- and hypomorphic alleles via 3'UTR targeting using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated excision of a long inhibitory sequence from Gdnf native 3'UTR in mouse zygotes increases the levels of endogenous GDNF with similar phenotypic alterations in embryonic kidney development as we described in GDNF constitutive and conditional hypermorphic mice. Furthermore, we show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting of 3'UTRs in vivo allows the modulation of the expression levels of two other morphogens, Gdf11 and Bdnf. Together, our work demonstrates the power of in vivo 3'UTR editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to create hyper- and hypomorphic alleles, suggesting wide applicability in studies on gene function and potentially, in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kärt Mätlik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Soophie Olfat
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mark Cary Cowlishaw
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eva Domenech Moreno
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saara Ollila
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Gliwińska A, Czubilińska-Łada J, Więckiewicz G, Świętochowska E, Badeński A, Dworak M, Szczepańska M. The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy, Depression, Schizophrenia, Anorexia Nervosa and Alzheimer's Disease as Highly Drug-Resistant Diseases: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020163. [PMID: 36831706 PMCID: PMC9953867 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the family of neurotrophins, which are growth factors with trophic effects on neurons. BDNF is the most widely distributed neurotrophin in the central nervous system (CNS) and is highly expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Its distribution outside the CNS has also been demonstrated, but most studies have focused on its effects in neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the advances in medicine in recent decades, neurological and psychiatric diseases are still characterized by high drug resistance. This review focuses on the use of BDNF in the developmental assessment, treatment monitoring, and pharmacotherapy of selected diseases, with a particular emphasis on epilepsy, depression, anorexia, obesity, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. The limitations of using a molecule with such a wide distribution range and inconsistent method of determination are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Gliwińska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-370-43-05; Fax: +48-32-370-42-92
| | - Justyna Czubilińska-Łada
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Gniewko Więckiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Badeński
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marta Dworak
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology with Dialysis Division for Children, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Maria Szczepańska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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18
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Lekk I, Cabrera-Cabrera F, Turconi G, Tuvikene J, Esvald EE, Rähni A, Casserly L, Garton DR, Andressoo JO, Timmusk T, Koppel I. Untranslated regions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA control its translatability and subcellular localization. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102897. [PMID: 36639028 PMCID: PMC9943900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuronal survival and growth during development. In the adult nervous system, BDNF is important for synaptic function in several biological processes such as memory formation and food intake. In addition, BDNF has been implicated in development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system. The Bdnf gene comprises several alternative untranslated 5' exons and two variants of 3' UTRs. The effects of these entire alternative UTRs on translatability have not been established. Using reporter and translating ribosome affinity purification analyses, we show that prevalent Bdnf 5' UTRs, but not 3' UTRs, exert a repressive effect on translation. However, contrary to previous reports, we do not detect a significant effect of neuronal activity on BDNF translation. In vivo analysis via knock-in conditional replacement of Bdnf 3' UTR by bovine growth hormone 3' UTR reveals that Bdnf 3' UTR is required for efficient Bdnf mRNA and BDNF protein production in the brain, but acts in an inhibitory manner in lung and heart. Finally, we show that Bdnf mRNA is enriched in rat brain synaptoneurosomes, with higher enrichment detected for exon I-containing transcripts. In conclusion, these results uncover two novel aspects in understanding the function of Bdnf UTRs. First, the long Bdnf 3' UTR does not repress BDNF expression in the brain. Second, exon I-derived 5' UTR has a distinct role in subcellular targeting of Bdnf mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lekk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Giorgio Turconi
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jürgen Tuvikene
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eli-Eelika Esvald
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Annika Rähni
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Laoise Casserly
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel R. Garton
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia; Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Indrek Koppel
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.
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19
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Xie X, Houtz J, Liao GY, Chen Y, Xu B. Genetic Val66Met BDNF Variant Increases Hyperphagia on Fat-rich Diets in Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:6984997. [PMID: 36631165 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad008] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
High prevalence of obesity is attributable in part to consumption of highly palatable, fat-rich foods. However, the mechanism controlling dietary fat intake is largely unknown. In this study we investigated the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of dietary fat intake in a mouse model that mimics the common human Val-to-Met (Val66Met) polymorphism that impairs BDNF release via the regulated secretory pathway. BdnfMet/Met mice gained weight much faster than wild-type (WT) mice and developed severe obesity due to marked hyperphagia when they were fed HFD. Hyperphagia in these mice worsened when the fat content in their diet was increased. Conversely, mice lacking leptin exhibited similar hyperphagia on chow and HFD. When 2 diets were provided simultaneously, WT and BdnfMet/Met mice showed a comparable preference for the more palatable diet rich in either fat or sucrose, indicating that increased hyperphagia on fat-rich diets in BdnfMet/Met mice is not due to enhanced hedonic drive. In support of this interpretation, WT and BdnfMet/Met mice increased calorie intake to a similar extent during the first day after chow was switched to HFD; however, WT mice decreased HFD intake faster than BdnfMet/Met mice in subsequent days. Furthermore, we found that refeeding after fasting or nocturnal feeding with HFD activated TrkB more strongly than with chow in the hypothalamus of WT mice, whereas TrkB activation under these 2 conditions was greatly attenuated in BdnfMet/Met mice. These results indicate that satiety factors generated during HFD feeding induce BDNF release to suppress excess dietary fat intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Jessica Houtz
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Guey-Ying Liao
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
- Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Baoji Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, University of Florida, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
- Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
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20
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Glucose and fructose directly stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in microglia. Neuroreport 2022; 33:583-589. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Wang J, Li L, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Bi Y. Extracellular vesicles mediate the communication of adipose tissue with brain and promote cognitive impairment associated with insulin resistance. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1264-1279.e8. [PMID: 36070680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes with obesity-related insulin resistance as the main manifestation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Adipose tissue plays an important role in this process. Here, we demonstrated that adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate inter-organ communication between adipose tissue and the brain, which can be transferred into the brain in a membrane protein-dependent manner and enriched in neurons, especially in the hippocampus. Further investigation suggests that adipose tissue-derived EVs from high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice or patients with diabetes induce remarkable synaptic loss and cognitive impairment. Depletion of miRNA cargo in these EVs significantly alleviates their detrimental effects on cognitive function. Collectively, these data suggest that targeting adipose tissue-derived EVs or their cargo miRNAs may provide a promising strategy for pharmaceutical interventions for cognitive impairment in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China; Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), NJU Institute of AI Biomedicine and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing 210008, China.
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22
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Liu J, Lai F, Hou Y, Zheng R. Leptin signaling and leptin resistance. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:363-384. [PMID: 37724323 PMCID: PMC10388810 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
With the prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities, studies aimed at revealing mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis have gained increasing interest. In 1994, the cloning of leptin was a milestone in metabolic research. As an adipocytokine, leptin governs food intake and energy homeostasis through leptin receptors (LepR) in the brain. The failure of increased leptin levels to suppress feeding and elevate energy expenditure is referred to as leptin resistance, which encompasses complex pathophysiological processes. Within the brain, LepR-expressing neurons are distributed in hypothalamus and other brain areas, and each population of the LepR-expressing neurons may mediate particular aspects of leptin effects. In LepR-expressing neurons, the binding of leptin to LepR initiates multiple signaling cascades including janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, etc., mediating leptin actions. These findings place leptin at the intersection of metabolic and neuroendocrine regulations, and render leptin a key target for treating obesity and associated comorbidities. This review highlights the main discoveries that shaped the field of leptin for better understanding of the mechanism governing metabolic homeostasis, and guides the development of safe and effective interventions to treat obesity and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Futing Lai
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Hou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruimao Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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23
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Aldhshan MS, Mizuno TM. Effect of environmental enrichment on aggression and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcript variants in group-housed male mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 433:113986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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24
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Gruber T, García-Cáceres C. Astroglial clean-up of satiety synapses. Nat Metab 2022; 4:505-506. [PMID: 35501600 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Gruber
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München & German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cristina García-Cáceres
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München & German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Turkkahraman D, Sirazi EC, Aykal G. Serum alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and agouti-related protein (AGRP) levels in children with Prader-Willi or Bardet-Biedl syndromes. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1031-1037. [PMID: 35098494 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although leptin/melanocortin pathway pathologies in hypothalamus are thought to be the main cause of early-onset obesity and hyperphagia in PWS and BBS, the exact mechanism is still not known. OBJECTIVE To measure serum concentrations of a-MSH, BDNF and AGRP in a group of children with BBS or PWS. METHODS We recruited 12 subjects with PWS, 12 subjects with BBS, 28 obese controls (OC) and 26 lean controls (LC) matched for age, sex and puberty. Serum a-MSH, BDNF and AGRP levels were measured by the ELISA method. RESULTS The mean a-MSH level was lower in PWS than those of OC and LC (3729 ± 1319, 5211 ± 829 and 5681 ± 565 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001), and mean a-MSH was lower in OC than LC (p < 0.05). The mean BDNF level of PWS was higher than those of OC and LC (565 ± 122, 482 ± 102 and 391 ± 74 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). On the other hand, mean a-MSH level of BBS was lower than those of OC and LC (4543 ± 658, 5211 ± 829 and 5681 ± 565 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001), and mean a-MSH was lower in OC than LC (p < 0.05). The mean BDNF level of BBS was higher than those of OC and LC (583 ± 115, 482 ± 102 and 391 ± 74 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). Additionally, both in PWS and BBS, the mean BDNF level was higher in OC than LC (p < 0.01). Regarding AGRP level, there was no difference both in BBS and PWS compared to OC. CONCLUSION We found that the serum a-MSH levels of PWS and BBS groups are significantly lower compared to those of obese and lean controls. Therefore, we can speculate that the circulating a-MSH level does properly reflect its central production, and the serum a-MSH level might be a good biomarker to detect a-MSH deficiency in individuals suspected to have BBS or PWS, and also in those with POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Turkkahraman
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - E C Sirazi
- Department of Pediatrics, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - G Aykal
- Department of Biochemistry, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
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26
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Wei L, Lai EC. Regulation of the Alternative Neural Transcriptome by ELAV/Hu RNA Binding Proteins. Front Genet 2022; 13:848626. [PMID: 35281806 PMCID: PMC8904962 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.848626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of alternative polyadenylation (APA) generates multiple 3' UTR isoforms for a given locus, which can alter regulatory capacity and on occasion change coding potential. APA was initially characterized for a few genes, but in the past decade, has been found to be the rule for metazoan genes. While numerous differences in APA profiles have been catalogued across genetic conditions, perturbations, and diseases, our knowledge of APA mechanisms and biology is far from complete. In this review, we highlight recent findings regarding the role of the conserved ELAV/Hu family of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in generating the broad landscape of lengthened 3' UTRs that is characteristic of neurons. We relate this to their established roles in alternative splicing, and summarize ongoing directions that will further elucidate the molecular strategies for neural APA, the in vivo functions of ELAV/Hu RBPs, and the phenotypic consequences of these regulatory paradigms in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wei
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Eric C. Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
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27
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Ekraminasab S, Dolatshahi M, Sabahi M, Mardani M, Rashedi S. The Interactions between Adipose Tissue Secretions and Parkinson's disease; The Role of Leptin. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:873-891. [PMID: 34989050 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15594] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite by acting on receptors in the hypothalamus, where it modifies food intake to maintain equilibrium with the body energy resources. Leptin and its receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may give neuronal survival signals. The potential of leptin to decrease/increase neuronal damage and neuronal plasticity in Parkinson's diseases (PD) is the subject of this review, which outlines our current knowledge of how leptin acts in the brain. Although leptin-mediated neuroprotective signaling results in neuronal death prevention, it can affect neuroinflammatory cascades and also neuronal plasticity which contribute to PD pathology. Other neuroprotective molecules, such as insulin and erythropoietin, share leptin-related signaling cascades, and therefore constitute a component of the neurotrophic effects mediated by endogenous hormones. With the evidence that leptin dysregulation causes increased neuronal vulnerability to damage in PD, using leptin as a target for therapeutic modification is an appealing and realistic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ekraminasab
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Dolatshahi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadmahdi Sabahi
- NeuroImaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Neurosurgery Research Group (NRG), Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahta Mardani
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Rashedi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Di Rosa MC, Zimbone S, Saab MW, Tomasello MF. The Pleiotropic Potential of BDNF beyond Neurons: Implication for a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111256. [PMID: 34833132 PMCID: PMC8625665 DOI: 10.3390/life11111256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents one of the most widely studied neurotrophins because of the many mechanisms in which it is involved. Among these, a growing body of evidence indicates BDNF as a pleiotropic signaling molecule and unveils non-negligible implications in the regulation of energy balance. BDNF and its receptor are extensively expressed in the hypothalamus, regions where peripheral signals, associated with feeding control and metabolism activation, and are integrated to elaborate anorexigenic and orexigenic effects. Thus, BDNF coordinates adaptive responses to fluctuations in energy intake and expenditure, connecting the central nervous system with peripheral tissues, including muscle, liver, and the adipose tissue in a complex operational network. This review discusses the latest literature dealing with the involvement of BDNF in the maintenance of energy balance. We have focused on the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which BDNF: (I) controls the mitochondrial function and dynamics; (II) influences thermogenesis and tissue differentiation; (III) mediates the effects of exercise on cognitive functions; and (IV) modulates insulin sensitivity and glucose transport at the cellular level. Deepening the understanding of the mechanisms exploited to maintain energy homeostasis will lay the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutical approaches to help people to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.D.R.); (M.W.S.)
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Stefania Zimbone
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Miriam Wissam Saab
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.D.R.); (M.W.S.)
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29
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Abstract
The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is a complex brain structure that is integral to many neuroendocrine functions, including glucose regulation, thermogenesis, and appetitive, social, and sexual behaviors. As such, it is of little surprise that the nucleus is under intensive investigation to decipher the mechanisms which underlie these diverse roles. Developments in genetic and investigative tools, for example the targeting of steroidogenic factor-1-expressing neurons, have allowed us to take a closer look at the VMH, its connections, and how it affects competing behaviors. In the current review, we aim to integrate recent findings into the literature and contemplate the conclusions that can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansi Khodai
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Simon M Luckman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Correspondence: Simon M. Luckman, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
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30
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Javed S, Lee YJ, Xu J, Huang WH. Temporal dissection of Rai1 function reveals brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential therapeutic target for Smith-Magenis syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:275-288. [PMID: 34463714 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of RAI1 is responsible for Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hyperphagia, obesity, and autistic features. We previously showed that constitutive inactivation of one or both copies of Rai1 in the germline or developing brain induces SMS-like neurobehavioral deficits and obesity in mice. By contrast, the postnatal function of Rai1 is unclear. Here, we globally deleted one or both copies of Rai1 during two postnatal developmental windows by generating an inducible Rai1 knockout mouse model. We found that delayed Rai1 deletion at 3 or 8 weeks of age had no effect on neurobehavioral functions but resulted in adult-onset obesity and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in the hypothalamus. Remarkably, genetic overexpression of human Bdnf in Rai1 heterozygous mice reversed SMS-like obesity, hyperphagia, metabolic syndrome-like features, and hyposociability. Increasing Bdnf signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) or the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) was sufficient to mediate the anti-obesity effect. Our work identifies the function of Rai1 in different temporal windows after birth and provides in vivo evidence that increasing Bdnf signaling is therapeutically effective in a preclinical mouse model of SMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Javed
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada.,Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada
| | - Yu-Ju Lee
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada.,Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada
| | - Jin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada.,Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec H3G 1A3, Canada
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31
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Rebelos E, Iozzo P, Guzzardi MA, Brunetto MR, Bonino F. Brain-gut-liver interactions across the spectrum of insulin resistance in metabolic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4999-5018. [PMID: 34497431 PMCID: PMC8384743 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i30.4999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly named "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" occurs in about one-third of the general population of developed countries worldwide and behaves as a major morbidity and mortality risk factor for major causes of death, such as cardiovascular, digestive, metabolic, neoplastic and neuro-degenerative diseases. However, progression of MAFLD and its associated systemic complications occur almost invariably in patients who experience the additional burden of intrahepatic and/or systemic inflammation, which acts as disease accelerator. Our review is focused on the new knowledge about the brain-gut-liver axis in the context of metabolic dysregulations associated with fatty liver, where insulin resistance has been assumed to play an important role. Special emphasis has been given to digital imaging studies and in particular to positron emission tomography, as it represents a unique opportunity for the noninvasive in vivo study of tissue metabolism. An exhaustive revision of targeted animal models is also provided in order to clarify what the available preclinical evidence suggests for the causal interactions between fatty liver, dysregulated endogenous glucose production and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Rebelos
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Patricia Iozzo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | | | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa 56121, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56121, Italy
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Napoli 80145, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Bonino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Napoli 80145, Italy
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32
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Li C, Meng F, Lei Y, Liu J, Liu J, Zhang J, Liu F, Liu C, Guo M, Lu XY. Leptin regulates exon-specific transcription of the Bdnf gene via epigenetic modifications mediated by an AKT/p300 HAT cascade. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3701-3722. [PMID: 33106599 PMCID: PMC8550971 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00922-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone with pleiotropic functions affecting appetite and mood. While leptin's role in the regulation of appetite has been extensively studied in hypothalamic neurons, its function in the hippocampus, where it regulates mood-related behaviors, is poorly understood. Here, we show that the leptin receptor (LepRb) colocalizes with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key player in the pathophysiology of major depression and the action of antidepressants, in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Leptin treatment increases, whereas deficiency of leptin or leptin receptors decreases, total Bdnf mRNA levels, with distinct expression profiles of specific exons, in the hippocampus. Epigenetic analyses reveal that histone modifications, but not DNA methylation, underlie exon-specific transcription of the Bdnf gene induced by leptin. This is mediated by stimulation of AKT signaling, which in turn activates histone acetyltransferase p300 (p300 HAT), leading to changes in histone H3 acetylation and methylation at specific Bdnf promoters. Furthermore, deletion of Bdnf in the dentate gyrus, or specifically in LepRb-expressing neurons, abolishes the antidepressant-like effects of leptin. These findings indicate that leptin, acting via an AKT-p300 HAT epigenetic cascade, induces exon-specific Bdnf expression, which in turn is indispensable for leptin-induced antidepressant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China.
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Fantao Meng
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Lei
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyan Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Cuilan Liu
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xin-Yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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33
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Khodabakhsh P, Pournajaf S, Mohaghegh Shalmani L, Ahmadiani A, Dargahi L. Insulin Promotes Schwann-Like Cell Differentiation of Rat Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5327-5337. [PMID: 34297315 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are considered potentially attractive candidates for transplantation therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, problems arising from the isolation and expansion of the SCs restrict their clinical applications. Establishing an alternative Schwann-like cell type is a prerequisite. Epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSCs) are well studied for their autologous accessibility, along with the ability to produce major neural crest derivatives and neurotrophic factors. In the current study, we explored insulin influence, a well-known growth factor, on directing EPI-NCSCs into the Schwann cell (SC) lineage. EPI-NCSCs were isolated from rat hair bulge explants. The viability of cells treated with a range of insulin concentrations (0.05-100 μg/ml) was defined by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h. The gene expression profiles of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, FGF-2, and IL-6), key regulators involved in the development of SC (EGR-1, SOX-10, c-JUN, GFAP, OCT-6, EGR-2, and MBP), and oligodendrocyte (PDGFR-α and NG-2) were quantified 1 and 9 days post-treatment with 0.05 and 5 μg/ml insulin. Furthermore, the protein expression of nestin (stemness marker), SOX-10, PDGFR-α, and MBP was analyzed following the long-term insulin treatment. Insulin downregulated the early-stage SC differentiation marker (EGR-1) and increased neurotrophins (BDNF and IL-6) and pro-myelinating genes, including OCT-6, SOX-10, EGR-2, and MBP, as well as oligodendrocyte differentiation markers, upon exposure for 9 days. Insulin can promote EPI-NCSC differentiation toward SC lineage and possibly oligodendrocytes. Thus, employing insulin might enhance the EPI-NCSCs efficiency in cell transplantation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariya Khodabakhsh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safura Pournajaf
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Mohaghegh Shalmani
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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34
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Braschi C, Capsoni S, Narducci R, Poli A, Sansevero G, Brandi R, Maffei L, Cattaneo A, Berardi N. Intranasal delivery of BDNF rescues memory deficits in AD11 mice and reduces brain microgliosis. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:1223-1238. [PMID: 32676979 PMCID: PMC8081712 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin essential for synaptic function, plasticity and neuronal survival, is evident early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), being apparent in subjects with mild cognitive impairment or mild AD, and both proBDNF and mature BDNF levels are positively correlated with cognitive measures. BDNF delivery is, therefore, considered of great interest as a potentially useful therapeutic strategy to contrast AD. Invasive BDNF administration has indeed been recently used in animal models of AD with promising results in rescuing memory deficits, synaptic density and cell loss. Here, we tested whether non-invasive intranasal administration of different BDNF concentrations after the onset of cognitive and anatomical deficits (6 months of age) could rescue neuropathological and memory deficits in AD11 mice, a model of NGF deprivation-induced neurodegeneration. In addition to AD hallmarks, we investigated BDNF effects on microglia presence in the brain of AD11 mice, since alterations in microglia activation have been associated with ageing-related cognitive decline and with the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. We found that intranasal delivery of 42 pmol BDNF (1 μM), but not PBS, was sufficient to completely rescue performance of AD11 mice both in the object recognition test and in the object context test. No further improvement was obtained with 420 pmol (10 μM) BDNF dose. The strong improvement in memory performance in BDNF-treated mice was not accompanied by an amelioration of AD-like pathology, Aβ burden, tau hyperphosphorylation and cholinergic deficit, but there was a dramatic decrease of CD11b immunoreactive brain microglia. These results reinforce the potential therapeutic uses of BDNF in AD and the non-invasive intranasal route as an effective delivery strategy of BDNF to the brain. They also strengthen the connection between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative dementia and suggest microglia as a possible mediator of BDNF therapeutic actions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Braschi
- Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Florence University, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Human Physiology Section, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Narducci
- Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Florence University, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Sansevero
- Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Lamberto Maffei
- Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Berardi
- Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Florence University, Florence, Italy.
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Pereira-Castro I, Moreira A. On the function and relevance of alternative 3'-UTRs in gene expression regulation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2021; 12:e1653. [PMID: 33843145 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Messanger RNA (mRNA) isoforms with alternative 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) are produced by alternative polyadenylation (APA), which occurs during transcription in most eukaryotic genes. APA fine-tunes gene expression in a cell-type- and cellular state-dependent manner. Selection of an APA site entails the binding of core cleavage and polyadenylation factors to a particular polyadenylation site localized in the pre-mRNA and is controlled by multiple regulatory determinants, including transcription, pre-mRNA cis-regulatory sequences, and protein factors. Alternative 3'-UTRs serve as platforms for specific RNA binding proteins and microRNAs, which regulate gene expression in a coordinated manner by controlling mRNA fate and function in the cell. Genome-wide studies illustrated the full extent of APA prevalence and revealed that specific 3'-UTR profiles are associated with particular cellular states and diseases. Generally, short 3'-UTRs are associated with proliferative and cancer cells, and long 3'-UTRs are mostly found in polarized and differentiated cells. Fundamental new insights on the physiological consequences of this widespread event and the molecular mechanisms involved have been revealed through single-cell studies. Publicly available comprehensive databases that cover all APA mRNA isoforms identified in many cellular states and diseases reveal specific APA signatures. Therapies tackling APA mRNA isoforms or APA regulators may be regarded as innovative and attractive tools for diagnostics or treatment of several pathologies. We highlight the function of APA and alternative 3'-UTRs in gene expression regulation, the control of these mechanisms, their physiological consequences, and their potential use as new biomarkers and therapeutic tools. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > 3' End Processing RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pereira-Castro
- Gene Regulation, i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Moreira
- Gene Regulation, i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Emet DC, Ozon A, Alikasifoglu A, Kandemir N, Gonc N. Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone is Elevated in Hypothalamic Obesity Associated with Childhood Craniopharyngioma. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2021; 29:402-408. [PMID: 33491320 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the peripheral concentrations of leptin and neuropeptides taking part in the melanocortin pathway in hypothalamic obesity (HO) associated with craniopharyngioma (CP) and to find a peripheral marker for diagnosis. METHODS Thirty-one patients (52% girls; median age 16 years) with CP were enrolled in the study group. They were grouped as CP with obesity (CPobesity , n = 17) and CP without obesity (CPnonobesity , n = 14). Two control groups without CP consisted of 27 children with obesity (OC) (55% girls; median age 13.8 years) and 25 children without obesity (normal control [NC]) (72% girls; median age 14.5 years). Obesity was defined as BMI percentile ≥ 95%. Fasting serum concentrations of leptin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) were measured in the groups. RESULTS Leptin and BDNF concentrations were correlated with BMI SD score (SDS) in controls (OC + NC) and CP. However, there was no correlation between α-MSH and BMI-SDS in CP or control groups. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI-SDS, α-MSH was found to be significantly higher in CPobesity than in other groups, whereas leptin and BDNF were comparable among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF, just like leptin, increased with BMI, regardless of hypothalamic damage. On the contrary, α-MSH concentration was significantly high in HO, designating a potential biomarker for HO in CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicle Canoruc Emet
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alev Ozon
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Alikasifoglu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurgun Kandemir
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Gonc
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Amadio P, Zarà M, Sandrini L, Ieraci A, Barbieri SS. Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: The Viewpoint of Platelets. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7560. [PMID: 33066277 PMCID: PMC7589256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major cause of morbidity and low quality of life among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and it is now considered as an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events. Increasing evidence indicates not only that depression worsens the prognosis of cardiac events, but also that a cross-vulnerability between the two conditions occurs. Among the several mechanisms proposed to explain this interplay, platelet activation is the more attractive, seeing platelets as potential mirror of the brain function. In this review, we dissected the mechanisms linking depression and CVD highlighting the critical role of platelet behavior during depression as trigger of cardiovascular complication. In particular, we will discuss the relationship between depression and molecules involved in the CVD (e.g., catecholamines, adipokines, lipids, reactive oxygen species, and chemokines), emphasizing their impact on platelet activation and related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Amadio
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanism, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Zarà
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanism, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.S.)
| | - Leonardo Sandrini
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanism, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.S.)
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanism, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.S.)
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38
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Yang Y, Xu Y. The central melanocortin system and human obesity. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:785-797. [PMID: 32976556 PMCID: PMC7816681 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and the associated comorbidities highlight the importance of understanding the regulation of energy homeostasis. The central melanocortin system plays a critical role in controlling body weight balance. Melanocortin neurons sense and integrate the neuronal and hormonal signals, and then send regulatory projections, releasing anorexigenic or orexigenic melanocortin neuropeptides, to downstream neurons to regulate the food intake and energy expenditure. This review summarizes the latest progress in our understanding of the role of the melanocortin pathway in energy homeostasis. We also review the advances in the identification of human genetic variants that cause obesity via mechanisms that affect the central melanocortin system, which have provided rational targets for treatment of genetically susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Bae B, Gruner HN, Lynch M, Feng T, So K, Oliver D, Mastick GS, Yan W, Pieraut S, Miura P. Elimination of Calm1 long 3'-UTR mRNA isoform by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing impairs dorsal root ganglion development and hippocampal neuron activation in mice. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1414-1430. [PMID: 32522888 PMCID: PMC7491327 DOI: 10.1261/rna.076430.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The majority of mouse and human genes are subject to alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA), which most often leads to the expression of two or more alternative length 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) mRNA isoforms. In neural tissues, there is enhanced expression of APA isoforms with longer 3'-UTRs on a global scale, but the physiological relevance of these alternative 3'-UTR isoforms is poorly understood. Calmodulin 1 (Calm1) is a key integrator of calcium signaling that generates short (Calm1-S) and long (Calm1-L) 3'-UTR mRNA isoforms via APA. We found Calm1-L expression to be largely restricted to neural tissues in mice including the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and hippocampus, whereas Calm1-S was more broadly expressed. smFISH revealed that both Calm1-S and Calm1-L were subcellularly localized to neural processes of primary hippocampal neurons. In contrast, cultured DRG showed restriction of Calm1-L to soma. To investigate the in vivo functions of Calm1-L, we implemented a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing strategy to delete a small region encompassing the Calm1 distal poly(A) site. This eliminated Calm1-L expression while maintaining expression of Calm1-S Mice lacking Calm1-L (Calm1ΔL/ΔL ) exhibited disorganized DRG migration in embryos, and reduced experience-induced neuronal activation in the adult hippocampus. These data indicate that Calm1-L plays functional roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongmin Bae
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Hannah N Gruner
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Maebh Lynch
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Ting Feng
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Kevin So
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Daniel Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Grant S Mastick
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Simon Pieraut
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
| | - Pedro Miura
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA
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40
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Martínez-Sánchez N. There and Back Again: Leptin Actions in White Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176039. [PMID: 32839413 PMCID: PMC7503240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a hormone discovered almost 30 years ago with important implications in metabolism. It is primarily produced by white adipose tissue (WAT) in proportion to the amount of fat. The discovery of leptin was a turning point for two principle reasons: on one hand, it generated promising expectations for the treatment of the obesity, and on the other, it changed the classical concept that white adipose tissue was simply an inert storage organ. Thus, adipocytes in WAT produce the majority of leptin and, although its primary role is the regulation of fat stores by controlling lipolysis and lipogenesis, this hormone also has implications in other physiological processes within WAT, such as apoptosis, browning and inflammation. Although a massive number of questions related to leptin actions have been answered, the necessity for further clarification facilitates constantly renewing interest in this hormone and its pathways. In this review, leptin actions in white adipose tissue will be summarized in the context of obesity.
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41
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Zhang Z, So K, Peterson R, Bauer M, Ng H, Zhang Y, Kim JH, Kidd T, Miura P. Elav-Mediated Exon Skipping and Alternative Polyadenylation of the Dscam1 Gene Are Required for Axon Outgrowth. Cell Rep 2020; 27:3808-3817.e7. [PMID: 31242415 PMCID: PMC7092717 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many metazoan genes express alternative long 3′ UTR isoforms in the nervous system, but their functions remain largely unclear. In Drosophila melanogaster, the Dscam1 gene generates short and long (Dscam1-L) 3′ UTR isoforms because of alternative polyadenylation (APA). Here, we found that the RNA-binding protein Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Visual System (Elav) impacts Dscam1 biogenesis at two levels, including regulation of long 3′ UTR biogenesis and skipping of an upstream exon (exon 19). MinION long-read sequencing confirmed the connectivity of this alternative splicing event to the long 3′ UTR. Knockdown or CRISPR deletion of Dscam1-L impaired axon outgrowth in Drosophila. The Dscam1 long 3′ UTR was found to be required for correct Elav-mediated skipping of exon 19. Elav thus co-regulates APA and alternative splicing to generate specific Dscam1 transcripts that are essential for neural development. This coupling of APA to alternative splicing might represent a new class of regulated RNA processing. Like most metazoan genes, Dscam1 expresses alternative short and long 3′ UTR mRNAs. Zhang et al. find that loss of Dscam1 long 3′ UTR transcripts impairs axon outgrowth in Drosophila. Long-read sequencing reveals that these long 3′ UTR mRNAs preferentially skip an upstream exon, altering Dscam1 amino acid sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Kevin So
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ryan Peterson
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Matthew Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Henry Ng
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Jung Hwan Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Thomas Kidd
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Pedro Miura
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.
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42
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Ieraci A, Barbieri SS, Macchi C, Amadio P, Sandrini L, Magni P, Popoli M, Ruscica M. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters food intake and hypothalamic BDNF expression in mice. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:9667-9675. [PMID: 32430940 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, a rising public health burden, is a multifactorial disease with an increased risk for patients to develop several pathological conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence suggests a relationship between the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and obesity, although the underlying mechanisms of this connection are still not completely understood. In the present study, we found that homozygous knock-in BDNFMet/Met mice were overweight and hyperphagic compared to wildtype BDNFVal/Val mice. Increased food intake was associated with reduction of total BDNF and BDNF1, BDNF4 and BDNF6 transcripts in the hypothalamus of BDNFMet/Met mice. In contrast, in the white adipose tissue total BDNF and Glut4 expression levels were augmented, while sirtuin 1 and leptin receptor (Ob-R) expression levels were reduced in BDNFMet/Met mice. Moreover, plasmatic leptin levels were decreased in BDNFMet/Met mice. However, BDNFVal/Val and BDNFMet/Met mice showed a similar response to the insulin tolerance test and glucose tolerance test. Altogether, these results suggest that BDNF Val66Met SNP strongly contributes to adipose tissue pathophysiology, resulting in reduced circulating leptin levels and hypothalamic expression of BDNF, which, in turn, promote increased food intake and overweight in BDNFMet/Met mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ieraci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Macchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Magni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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TrkB-expressing paraventricular hypothalamic neurons suppress appetite through multiple neurocircuits. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1729. [PMID: 32265438 PMCID: PMC7138837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The TrkB receptor is critical for the control of energy balance, as mutations in its gene (NTRK2) lead to hyperphagia and severe obesity. The main neural substrate mediating the appetite-suppressing activity of TrkB, however, remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that selective Ntrk2 deletion within paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) leads to severe hyperphagic obesity. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation or inhibition of TrkB-expressing PVH (PVHTrkB) neurons suppresses or increases food intake, respectively. PVHTrkB neurons project to multiple brain regions, including ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN). We find that PVHTrkB neurons projecting to LPBN are distinct from those to VMH, yet Ntrk2 deletion in PVH neurons projecting to either VMH or LPBN results in hyperphagia and obesity. Additionally, TrkB activation with BDNF increases firing of these PVH neurons. Therefore, TrkB signaling is a key regulator of a previously uncharacterized neuronal population within the PVH that impinges upon multiple circuits to govern appetite. The TrkB receptor is known to regulate obesity via appetite control, but the underlying neural circuits are not known. Here, the authors show that selective modulation of TrkB+ neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus regulates food intake via circuits to ventromedial hypothalamus and lateral parabrachial nucleus.
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44
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An JH, Jang EH, Kim AY, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Papakostas GI, Na EJ, Jang J, Yu HY, Hong JP, Jeon HJ. Ratio of plasma BDNF to leptin levels are associated with treatment response in major depressive disorder but not in panic disorder: A 12-week follow-up study. J Affect Disord 2019; 259:349-354. [PMID: 31465895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and the mood regulatory effect of leptin has been suggested in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated treatment response and pre-treatment leptin and BDNF in patients with MDD and with panic disorder (PD). METHODS We recruited 41 patients with MDD, 52 patients with PD, and 59 matched healthy controls. All subjects completed five visits (at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks), and both MDD and PD patients were treated with standard pharmacotherapy for 12 weeks. Plasma BDNF (pBDNF) and blood leptin levels were obtained along with a 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale rating (HDRS-17) score at every visit. RESULTS The ratio of pre-treatment pBDNF to leptin was significantly lower in patients with MDD and PD compared to healthy controls (p = 0.024), but was not associated with severity of depressive or anxiety symptoms. Pre-treatment pBDNF:leptin ratio was significantly higher in treatment responders than in non-responders (p = 0.012) in MDD but not in PD. This difference was larger in MDD patients with appetite loss (p = 0.034). In multivariate analysis, pre-treatment pBDNF:leptin ratio was significantly associated with treatment responsiveness (Adjusted Odds Ration [AOR] = 2.50, 95% CI 1.02-6.14) in MDD. LIMITATION small sample size; limited information on detailed pharmacological effects. CONCLUSIONS A relatively higher ratio of pre-treatment pBDNF to leptin was associated with greater treatment response in MDD but not in PD. Further research should focus on exploration of a link between BDNF and leptin underlying neuronal plasticity in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun An
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jang
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Young Kim
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George I Papakostas
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eun Jin Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Young Yu
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Pyo Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Medical Device Management & Research, and Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are best known to regulate mRNA-based processes, such as mRNA localization, mRNA stability, and translation. In addition, 3' UTRs can establish 3' UTR-mediated protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and thus can transmit genetic information encoded in 3' UTRs to proteins. This function has been shown to regulate diverse protein features, including protein complex formation or posttranslational modifications, but is also expected to alter protein conformations. Therefore, 3' UTR-mediated information transfer can regulate protein features that are not encoded in the amino acid sequence. This review summarizes both 3' UTR functions-the regulation of mRNA and protein-based processes-and highlights how each 3' UTR function was discovered with a focus on experimental approaches used and the concepts that were learned. This review also discusses novel approaches to study 3' UTR functions in the future by taking advantage of recent advances in technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mayr
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
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46
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Wang YH, Xu XX, Sun H, Han Y, Lei ZF, Wang YC, Yan HT, Yang XJ. Cord blood leptin DNA methylation levels are associated with macrosomia during normal pregnancy. Pediatr Res 2019; 86:305-310. [PMID: 31117117 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated an association between placental leptin (LEP) methylation levels and macrosomia without gestational diabetes mellitus (non-GDM). This study further explored the association between LEP methylation in cord blood and non-GDM macrosomia. METHOD We carried out a case-control study of 61 newborns with macrosomia (birth weight ≥4000 g) and 69 newborns with normal birth weight (2500-3999 g). Methylation in the LEP promoter region was mapped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS Average cord blood LEP methylation levels were lower in macrosomia newborns than in control newborns (P < 0.001). Eleven CpG sites were associated with macrosomia. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that low LEP methylation levels [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72-4.17], high pre-pregnancy body mass index (AOR = 7.44, 95% CI: 1.99-27.75), long gestational age (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.74-5.79), high cord blood LEP concentration (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.34-3.77), and male newborn gender (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.31-11.69) significantly increased the risk of macrosomia. CONCLUSIONS Lower cord blood LEP methylation levels and certain maternal and fetal factors are associated with non-GDM macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Huan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325027, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xi Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hao Sun
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, 310000, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zong-Feng Lei
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yao-Cheng Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Tao Yan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Jun Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, 325035, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Andreoli MF, Donato J, Cakir I, Perello M. Leptin resensitisation: a reversion of leptin-resistant states. J Endocrinol 2019; 241:R81-R96. [PMID: 30959481 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptin resistance refers to states in which leptin fails to promote its anticipated effects, frequently coexisting with hyperleptinaemia. Leptin resistance is closely associated with obesity and also observed in physiological situations such as pregnancy and in seasonal animals. Leptin resensitisation refers to the reversion of leptin-resistant states and is associated with improvement in endocrine and metabolic disturbances commonly observed in obesity and a sustained decrease of plasma leptin levels, possibly below a critical threshold level. In obesity, leptin resensitisation can be achieved with treatments that reduce body adiposity and leptinaemia, or with some pharmacological compounds, while physiological leptin resistance reverts spontaneously. The restoration of leptin sensitivity could be a useful strategy to treat obesity, maintain weight loss and/or reduce the recidivism rate for weight regain after dieting. This review provides an update and discussion about reversion of leptin-resistant states and modulation of the molecular mechanisms involved in each situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Andreoli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurodevelopment, Institute of Development and Paediatric Research (IDIP), La Plata Children's Hospital and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Argentine Research Council (CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isin Cakir
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET), National University of La Plata and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA)), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zou X, Zhong L, Zhu C, Zhao H, Zhao F, Cui R, Gao S, Li B. Role of Leptin in Mood Disorder and Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:378. [PMID: 31130833 PMCID: PMC6510114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The critical regulatory role of leptin in the neuroendocrine system has been widely reported. Significantly, leptin can improve learning and memory, affect hippocampal synaptic plasticity, exert neuroprotective efficacy and reduce the risk of several neuropsychiatric diseases. In terms of depression, leptin could modulate the levels of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors and reverse the dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). At the same time, leptin affects neurological diseases during the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. With regards to neurodegenerative diseases, leptin can affect them via neuroprotection, mainly including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review will summarize the mechanisms of leptin signaling within the neuroendocrine system with respect to these diseases and discuss the therapeutic potential of leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Zhong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Cuilin Zhu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haisheng Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuohui Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Xie X, Yang H, An JJ, Houtz J, Tan JW, Xu H, Liao GY, Xu ZX, Xu B. Activation of Anxiogenic Circuits Instigates Resistance to Diet-Induced Obesity via Increased Energy Expenditure. Cell Metab 2019; 29:917-931.e4. [PMID: 30661931 PMCID: PMC6507421 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are associated with body weight changes in humans. However, the mechanisms underlying anxiety-induced weight changes remain poorly understood. Using Emx1Cre/+ mice, we deleted the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cortex, hippocampus, and some amygdalar subregions. The resulting mutant mice displayed impaired GABAergic transmission and elevated anxiety. They were leaner when fed either a chow diet or a high-fat diet, owing to higher sympathetic activity, basal metabolic rate, brown adipocyte thermogenesis, and beige adipocyte formation, compared to control mice. BDNF re-expression in the amygdala rescued the anxiety and metabolic phenotypes in mutant mice. Conversely, anxiety induced by amygdala-specific Bdnf deletion or administration of an inverse GABAA receptor agonist increased energy expenditure. These results reveal that increased activities in anxiogenic circuits can reduce body weight by promoting adaptive thermogenesis and basal metabolism via the sympathetic nervous system and suggest that amygdalar GABAergic neurons are a link between anxiety and metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Haili Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Juan Ji An
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jessica Houtz
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ji-Wei Tan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Haifei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Guey-Ying Liao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Baoji Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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50
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TrkB-expressing neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus are necessary and sufficient to suppress homeostatic feeding. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3256-3261. [PMID: 30718415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1815744116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic evidence indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through the TrkB receptor plays a critical role in the control of energy balance. Mutations in the BDNF or the TrkB-encoding NTRK2 gene have been found to cause severe obesity in humans and mice. However, it remains unknown which brain neurons express TrkB to control body weight. Here, we report that TrkB-expressing neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) regulate food intake. We found that the DMH contains both glutamatergic and GABAergic TrkB-expressing neurons, some of which also express the leptin receptor (LepR). As revealed by Fos immunohistochemistry, a significant number of TrkB-expressing DMH (DMHTrkB) neurons were activated upon either overnight fasting or after refeeding. Chemogenetic activation of DMHTrkB neurons strongly suppressed feeding in the dark cycle when mice are physiologically hungry, whereas chemogenetic inhibition of DMHTrkB neurons greatly promoted feeding in the light cycle when mice are physiologically satiated, without affecting feeding in the dark cycle. Neuronal tracing revealed that DMHTrkB neurons do not innervate neurons expressing agouti-related protein in the arcuate nucleus, indicating that DMHTrkB neurons are distinct from previously identified LepR-expressing GABAergic DMH neurons that suppress feeding. Furthermore, selective Ntrk2 deletion in the DMH of adult mice led to hyperphagia, reduced energy expenditure, and obesity. Thus, our data show that DMHTrkB neurons are a population of neurons that are necessary and sufficient to suppress appetite and maintain physiological satiation. Pharmacological activation of these neurons could be a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of obesity.
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