1
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Liu Y, Yao Y, Fang W, Wang X, Lu W. Combinatorial therapy with sub-effective Ro25-6981 and ZL006 ameliorates depressive-like behavior in single or combined stressed male mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 730:150385. [PMID: 39002200 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150385] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Major depression is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder that poses a significant challenge to health. However, development of an effective therapy for the disease has long been difficult. Here, we investigate the efficacy of a novel combinatorial treatment employing sub-effective doses of Ro25-6981, an antagonist targeting GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, in conjunction with ZL006, an inhibitor of the PSD95/nNOS, on mouse models of depression. We employed social isolation, chronic restraint stress, or a combination of both to establish a depressed mouse model. Treatment with the drug combination reduced depressive-like behaviors without affecting locomotor activity in mice subjected to social isolation or chronic restraint stress. Furthermore, the combination therapy ameliorated depressive-like behaviors induced by combined stress of chronic restraint followed by social isolation. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combined treatment downregulated the hippocampal nitric oxide level. However, the therapeutic benefits of this combination were negated by the activation of NMDA receptors with a low dose of NMDA or by increasing nitric oxide levels with l-arginine. Moreover, the combinatorial treatment had negligible effects on object memory and contextual fear memory. Our data establish a combined therapy paradigm, providing a potential strategy targeting major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiu Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yilan Yao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Weiqing Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xuemeng Wang
- Department of the First Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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2
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Wall RV, Basavarajappa D, Klistoner A, Graham S, You Y. Mechanisms of Transsynaptic Degeneration in the Aging Brain. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2149-2167. [PMID: 39191395 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.03019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A prominent feature in many neurodegenerative diseases involves the spread of the pathology from the initial site of damage to anatomically and functionally connected regions of the central nervous system (CNS), referred to as transsynaptic degeneration (TSD). This review covers the possible mechanisms of both retrograde and anterograde TSD in various age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including synaptically and glial mediated changes contributing to TDS and their potential as therapeutic targets. This phenomenon is well documented in clinical and experimental studies spanning various neurodegenerative diseases and their respective models, with a significant emphasis on the visual pathway, to be explored herein. With the increase in the aging population and subsequent rise in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshana Vander Wall
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Alexander Klistoner
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart Graham
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
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3
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Peterson L, Nguyen J, Ghani N, Rodriguez-Echemendia P, Qiao H, Guwn SY, Man HY, Kantak KM. Molecular mechanisms underlying sex and treatment-dependent differences in an animal model of cue-exposure therapy for cocaine relapse prevention. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425447. [PMID: 39176383 PMCID: PMC11339646 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425447] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment combined with the glycine transporter-1 inhibitor Org24598 (EE+ORG) during cocaine-cue extinction (EXT) inhibited reacquisition of 1.0 mg/kg cocaine self-administration in male but not female rats in a previous investigation. In this investigation, we determined if this treatment benefit in males required EXT training and ascertained the molecular basis for the observed sex difference in treatment efficacy. Nine groups of male rats trained to self-administer 1.0 mg/kg cocaine or receiving yoked-saline underwent EXT or NoEXT with or without EE and/or ORG. Next, they underwent reacquisition of cocaine self-administration or were sacrificed for molecular analysis of 9 protein targets indicative of neuroplasticity in four brain regions. Two groups of female rats trained to self-administer 1.0 mg/kg cocaine also underwent EXT with or without EE + ORG and were sacrificed for molecular analysis, as above. EE + ORG facilitated the rate of EXT learning in both sexes, and importantly, the therapeutic benefit of EE + ORG for inhibiting cocaine relapse required EXT training. Males were more sensitive than females to neuroplasticity-inducing effects of EE + ORG, which prevented reductions in total GluA1 and PSD95 proteins selectively in basolateral amygdala of male rats trained to self-administer cocaine and receiving EXT. Females were deficient in expression of multiple protein targets, especially after EE + ORG. These included total GluA1 and PSD95 proteins in basolateral amygdala, and total TrkB protein in basolateral amygdala, dorsal hippocampus, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Together, these results support the clinical view that sex-specific pharmacological and behavioral treatment approaches may be needed during cue exposure therapy to inhibit cocaine relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Nguyen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Naveed Ghani
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Hui Qiao
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sun Young Guwn
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Kantak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Zhang H, Xu L, He Y, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Yu Q, Liu Y, Wang X, Zhang A, Wang K, Fang Y, Chen S. Tat-NR2B9c attenuates oxidative stress via inhibition of PSD95-NR2B-nNOS complex after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. Neuropharmacology 2024; 251:109905. [PMID: 38521229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109905] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays important roles in the pathogenesis of early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Tat-NR2B9c has shown efficacy as a neuroprotective agent in several studies. Here, we identified the neuroprotective role of Tat-NR2B9c after SAH and its related mechanisms. The results showed that Tat-NR2B9c treatment attenuated oxidative stress, therefore alleviated neuronal apoptosis and neurological deficits after SAH. Tat-NR2B9c treatment could alleviate mitochondrial vacuolization induced by SAH. Compared to SAH + vehicle group, Tat-NR2B9c resulted in the decrease of Acetylated superoxide dismutase2 (Ac-SOD2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved-caspase3 (CC3) protein expression, and the up-regulation of Sirtunin 3 (Sirt3) and Bcl-2 protein level. Moreover, Tat-NR2B9c attenuated excitotoxicity by inhibiting the interaction of PSD95-NR2B-nNOS. Our results demonstrated that Tat-NR2B9c inhibited oxidative stress via inhibition of PSD95-NR2B-nNOS complex formation after SAH. Tat-NR2B9c may serve as a potential treatment for SAH induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longbiao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yezhao He
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yibo Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anke Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaikai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanjian Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Fronza MG, Ferreira BF, Pavan-Silva I, Guimarães FS, Lisboa SF. "NO" Time in Fear Response: Possible Implication of Nitric-Oxide-Related Mechanisms in PTSD. Molecules 2023; 29:89. [PMID: 38202672 PMCID: PMC10779493 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010089] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent fear responses and altered neurotransmitter functioning due to traumatic experiences. Stress predominantly affects glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Activation of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDAR) can trigger the formation of a complex comprising postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD95), the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and its adaptor protein (NOS1AP). This complex is pivotal in activating nNOS and nitric oxide (NO) production, which, in turn, activates downstream pathways that modulate neuronal signaling, including synaptic plasticity/transmission, inflammation, and cell death. The involvement of nNOS and NOS1AP in the susceptibility of PTSD and its comorbidities has been widely shown. Therefore, understanding the interplay between stress, fear, and NO is essential for comprehending the maintenance and progression of PTSD, since NO is involved in fear acquisition and extinction processes. Moreover, NO induces post-translational modifications (PTMs), including S-nitrosylation and nitration, which alter protein function and structure for intracellular signaling. Although evidence suggests that NO influences synaptic plasticity and memory processing, the specific role of PTMs in the pathophysiology of PTSD remains unclear. This review highlights pathways modulated by NO that could be relevant to stress and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G. Fronza
- Pharmacology Departament, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (M.G.F.); (B.F.F.); (I.P.-S.)
| | - Bruna F. Ferreira
- Pharmacology Departament, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (M.G.F.); (B.F.F.); (I.P.-S.)
| | - Isabela Pavan-Silva
- Pharmacology Departament, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (M.G.F.); (B.F.F.); (I.P.-S.)
| | - Francisco S. Guimarães
- Pharmacology Departament, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (M.G.F.); (B.F.F.); (I.P.-S.)
| | - Sabrina F. Lisboa
- Pharmacology Departament, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; (M.G.F.); (B.F.F.); (I.P.-S.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil
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Zhu LJ, Li F, Zhu DY. nNOS and Neurological, Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A 20-Year Story. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1439-1453. [PMID: 37074530 PMCID: PMC10113738 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01060-7] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, nitric oxide (NO), a free gas with multitudinous bioactivities, is mainly produced from the oxidation of L-arginine by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). In the past 20 years, the studies in our group and other laboratories have suggested a significant involvement of nNOS in a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular, the interactions between the PDZ domain of nNOS and its adaptor proteins, including post-synaptic density 95, the carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand of nNOS, and the serotonin transporter, significantly influence the subcellular localization and functions of nNOS in the brain. The nNOS-mediated protein-protein interactions provide new attractive targets and guide the discovery of therapeutic drugs for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we summarize the work on the roles of nNOS and its association with multiple adaptor proteins on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dong-Ya Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Marazziti D, Carmassi C, Cappellato G, Chiarantini I, Massoni L, Mucci F, Arone A, Violi M, Palermo S, De Iorio G, Dell’Osso L. Novel Pharmacological Targets of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1731. [PMID: 37629588 PMCID: PMC10455314 DOI: 10.3390/life13081731] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychopathological condition with a heterogeneous clinical picture that is complex and challenging to treat. Its multifaceted pathophysiology still remains an unresolved question and certainly contributes to this issue. The pharmacological treatment of PTSD is mainly empirical and centered on the serotonergic system. Since the therapeutic response to prescribed drugs targeting single symptoms is generally inconsistent, there is an urgent need for novel pathogenetic hypotheses, including different mediators and pathways. This paper was conceived as a narrative review with the aim of debating the current pharmacological treatment of PTSD and further highlighting prospective targets for future drugs. The authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature available and selected all the papers that fulfilled the purpose of the present work. The results showed that most of the current pharmacological treatments for PTSD are symptom-based and show only partial benefits; this largely reflects the limited knowledge of its neurobiology. Growing, albeit limited, data suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, opioids, glutamate, cannabinoids, oxytocin, neuropeptide Y, and microRNA may play a role in the development of PTSD and could be targeted for novel treatments. Indeed, recent research indicates that examining different pathways might result in the development of novel and more efficient drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Cappellato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Ilaria Chiarantini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Miriam Violi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Giovanni De Iorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
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Ge Y, Wang YT. GluN2B-containing NMDARs in the mammalian brain: pharmacology, physiology, and pathology. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1190324. [PMID: 37324591 PMCID: PMC10264587 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1190324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is critical for promoting physiological synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability. As a major subpopulation of the NMDAR, the GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs have distinct pharmacological properties, physiological functions, and pathological relevance to neurological diseases compared with other NMDAR subtypes. In mature neurons, GluN2B-containing NMDARs are likely expressed as both diheteromeric and triheteromeric receptors, though the functional importance of each subpopulation has yet to be disentangled. Moreover, the C-terminal region of the GluN2B subunit forms structural complexes with multiple intracellular signaling proteins. These protein complexes play critical roles in both activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival and death signaling, thus serving as the molecular substrates underlying multiple physiological functions. Accordingly, dysregulation of GluN2B-containing NMDARs and/or their downstream signaling pathways has been implicated in neurological diseases, and various strategies to reverse these deficits have been investigated. In this article, we provide an overview of GluN2B-containing NMDAR pharmacology and its key physiological functions, highlighting the importance of this receptor subtype during both health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ge
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Sadeghi MA, Hemmati S, Nassireslami E, Yousefi Zoshk M, Hosseini Y, Abbasian K, Chamanara M. Targeting neuronal nitric oxide synthase and the nitrergic system in post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3057-3082. [PMID: 36029333 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Current pharmacological approaches to treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lack adequate effectiveness. As a result, identifying new molecular targets for drug development is necessary. Furthermore, fear learning and memory in PTSD can undergo different phases, such as fear acquisition, consolidation, and extinction. Each phase may involve different cellular pathways and brain regions. As a result, effective management of PTSD requires mindfulness of the timing of drug administration. One of the molecular targets currently under intense investigation is the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR). However, despite the therapeutic efficacy of drugs targeting NMDAR, their translation into clinical use has been challenging due to their various side effects. One possible solution to this problem is to target signaling proteins downstream to NMDAR to improve targeting specificity. One of these proteins is the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which is activated following calcium influx through the NMDAR. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we review the literature on the pharmacological modulation of nNOS in animal models of PTSD to evaluate its therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we attempt to decipher the inconsistencies observed between the findings of these studies based on the specific phase of fear learning which they had targeted. RESULTS Inhibition of nNOS may inhibit fear acquisition and recall, while not having a significant effect on fear consolidation and extinction. However, it may improve extinction consolidation or reconsolidation blockade. CONCLUSIONS Modulation of nNOS has therapeutic potential against PTSD and warrants further development for use in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Sadeghi
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hemmati
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yasaman Hosseini
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Abbasian
- Management and Health Economics Department, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Postsynaptic signaling at glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102585. [PMID: 35738196 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of glutamatergic synapses plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. In addition to mediating excitatory synaptic transmission, postsynaptic glutamate receptors interact with various membrane and intracellular proteins. They form structural and/or signaling synaptic protein complexes and thereby play diverse postsynaptic functions. Recently, several postsynaptic protein complexes have been associated with various neurological diseases and hence, have been characterized as important therapeutic targets. Moreover, novel small molecules and therapeutic peptides targeting and modulating the activities of these protein complexes have been discovered, some of which have advanced through preclinical translational research and/or clinical studies. This article describes the recent investigation of eight key protein complexes associated with the postsynaptic ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors as therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.
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11
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Medeiros KAAL, Almeida-Souza TH, Silva RS, Santos HF, Santos EV, Gois AM, Leal PC, Santos JR. Involvement of nitric oxide in the neurobiology of fear-like behavior. Nitric Oxide 2022; 124:24-31. [PMID: 35533947 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fear is an emotional reaction that arises in dangerous situations, inducing the adaptation to an existing condition. This behavior was conserved in all vertebrates throughout evolution and is observed in mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The neurocircuitry of fear involves areas of the limbic system, cortical regions, midbrain, and brainstem. These areas communicate with each other so that there is an expression of fear and memory formation to deal with the same situation at another time. The effect of nitric oxide (NO) on fear modulation has been explored. NO is a gaseous compound that easily diffuses through the cell membrane and is produced through the oxidation reaction of l-Arginine to l-citrulline catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Activating the intracellular NO receptor (soluble guanylyl cyclase enzyme - sGC) triggers an enzymatic cascade that can culminate in plastic events in the neuron. NOS inhibitors induce anxiolytic-like responses in fear modulation, whereas NO donors promote fear- and anxiety-like behaviors. This review describes the neurobiology of fear in mammals and non-mammals, how NO is produced in the central nervous system, and how NO acts in fear-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty A A L Medeiros
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Thiago H Almeida-Souza
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo S Silva
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Heitor F Santos
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Eliziane V Santos
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Auderlan M Gois
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Pollyana C Leal
- Graduate Program of Dentistry, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | - José R Santos
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
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Targeting PSD95/nNOS by ZL006 alleviates social isolation-induced heightened attack behavior in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:267-276. [PMID: 34661719 PMCID: PMC8521491 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06000-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Deregulated attack behaviors have devastating social consequences; however, satisfactory clinical management for the behavior is still an unmet need so far. Social isolation (SI) has been common during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have detrimental effects on mental health, including eliciting heightened attack behavior. OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore whether injection of ZL006 can alleviate SI-induced escalation of attack behavior in mice. METHODS Pharmacological tools, biochemical methods, and behavioral tests were used to explore the potential therapeutic effects of ZL006 targeting postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95)/neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) pathway on escalation of attack behavior induced by SI in mice. RESULTS ZL006 mitigated SI-induced escalated attack behaviors and elevated nitric oxide (NO) level in the cortex of the SI mice. The beneficial effects of ZL006 lasted for at least 72 h after a single injection of ZL006. Potentiation of NO levels by L-arginine blocked the effects of ZL006. Moreover, a sub-effective dose of 7-NI in combination with a sub-effective dose of ZL006 decreased both SI-induced escalated attack behaviors and NO levels in mice subjected to SI. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of the PSD95/nNOS pathway in mediating SI-induced escalation of attack behavior. ZL006 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating aggressive behaviors.
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13
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Kourosh-Arami M, Hosseini N, Mohsenzadegan M, Komaki A, Joghataei MT. Neurophysiologic implications of neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Rev Neurosci 2021; 31:617-636. [PMID: 32739909 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and chemical properties of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) have made it a key mediator in many physiological functions and signaling transduction. The NOS monomer is inactive, but the dimer form is active. There are three forms of NOS, which are neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial (eNOS) nitric oxide synthase. nNOS regulates nitric oxide (NO) synthesis which is the mechanism used mostly by neurons to produce NO. nNOS expression and activation is regulated by some important signaling proteins, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB), calmodulin (CaM), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)/HSP70. nNOS-derived NO has been implicated in modulating many physiological functions, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, neurogenesis, etc. In this review, we have summarized recent studies that have characterized structural features, subcellular localization, and factors that regulate nNOS function. Finally, we have discussed the role of nNOS in the developing brain under a wide range of physiological conditions, especially long-term potentiation and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Kourosh-Arami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Nasrin Hosseini
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Monireh Mohsenzadegan
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Allied Medical College, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Department of Physiology, Medical College, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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14
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Hippocampal overexpression of NOS1AP promotes endophenotypes related to mental disorders. EBioMedicine 2021; 71:103565. [PMID: 34455393 PMCID: PMC8403735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP; previously named CAPON) is linked to the glutamatergic postsynaptic density through interaction with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). NOS1AP and its interaction with nNOS have been associated with several mental disorders. Despite the high levels of NOS1AP expression in the hippocampus and the relevance of this brain region in glutamatergic signalling as well as mental disorders, a potential role of hippocampal NOS1AP in the pathophysiology of these disorders has not been investigated yet. METHODS To uncover the function of NOS1AP in hippocampus, we made use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses to overexpress murine full-length NOS1AP or the NOS1AP carboxyterminus in the hippocampus of mice. We investigated these mice for changes in gene expression, neuronal morphology, and relevant behavioural phenotypes. FINDINGS We found that hippocampal overexpression of NOS1AP markedly increased the interaction of nNOS with PSD-95, reduced dendritic spine density, and changed dendritic spine morphology at CA1 synapses. At the behavioural level, we observed an impairment in social memory and decreased spatial working memory capacity. INTERPRETATION Our data provide a mechanistic explanation for a highly selective and specific contribution of hippocampal NOS1AP and its interaction with the glutamatergic postsynaptic density to cross-disorder pathophysiology. Our findings allude to therapeutic relevance due to the druggability of this molecule. FUNDING This study was funded in part by the DFG, the BMBF, the Academy of Finland, the NIH, the Japanese Society of Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and the European Community.
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15
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Zhao X, Wilson K, Uteshev V, He JJ. Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ameliorates HIV-associated neurology and neuropathology. Brain 2021; 144:3355-3370. [PMID: 34196664 PMCID: PMC8677536 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy are primarily manifested as impaired behaviours, glial activation/neuroinflammation and compromised neuronal integrity, for which there are no effective treatments currently available. In the current study, we used doxycycline-inducible astrocyte-specific HIV Tat transgenic mice (iTat), a surrogate HAND model, and determined effects of PNU-125096, a positive allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) on Tat-induced behavioural impairments and neuropathologies. We showed that PNU-125096 treatment significantly improved locomotor, learning and memory deficits of iTat mice while inhibited glial activation and increased PSD-95 expression in the cortex and hippocampus of iTat mice. Using α7 nAChR knockout mice, we showed that α7 nAChR knockout eliminated the protective effects of PNU-125096 on iTat mice. In addition, we showed that inhibition of p38 phosphorylation by SB239063, a p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor exacerbated Tat neurotoxicity in iTat mice. Last, we used primary mouse cortical individual cultures and neuron-astrocytes co-cultures and in vivo staining of iTat mouse brain tissues and showed that glial activation was directly involved in the interplay among Tat neurotoxicity, α7 nAChR activation and the p38 MAPK signalling pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrated for the first time that α7 nAChR activation led to protection against HAND and suggested that α7 nAChR modulator PNU-125096 holds significant promise for development of therapeutics for HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Kelly Wilson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Victor Uteshev
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences of University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Johnny J He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.,School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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16
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Gu Y, Zhu D. nNOS-mediated protein-protein interactions: promising targets for treating neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. J Biomed Res 2020; 35:1-10. [PMID: 33402546 PMCID: PMC7874267 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.34.20200108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and affect the health of billions of people. Nitric oxide (NO), a free gas with multitudinous bioactivities, is mainly produced from the oxidation of L-arginine by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brain. Inhibiting nNOS benefits a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including stroke, depression and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, and drug addiction. Due to critical roles of nNOS in learning and memory and synaptic plasticity, direct inhibition of nNOS may cause severe side effects. Importantly, interactions of several proteins, including post-synaptic density 95 (PSD-95), carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand of nNOS (CAPON) and serotonin transporter (SERT), with the PSD/Disc-large/ZO-1 homologous (PDZ) domain of nNOS have been demonstrated to influence the subcellular distribution and activity of the enzyme in the brain. Therefore, it will be a preferable means to interfere with nNOS-mediated protein-protein interactions (PPIs), which do not lead to undesirable effects. Herein, we summarize the current literatures on nNOS-mediated PPIs involved in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, and the discovery of drugs targeting the PPIs, which is expected to provide potential targets for developing novel drugs and new strategy for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Dongya Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Institution of Stem Cell and Neuroregeneration, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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17
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Chachlaki K, Prevot V. Nitric oxide signalling in the brain and its control of bodily functions. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5437-5458. [PMID: 31347144 PMCID: PMC7707094 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a versatile molecule that plays key roles in the development and survival of mammalian species by endowing brain neuronal networks with the ability to make continual adjustments to function in response to moment-to-moment changes in physiological input. Here, we summarize the progress in the field and argue that NO-synthetizing neurons and NO signalling in the brain provide a core hub for integrating sensory- and homeostatic-related cues, control key bodily functions, and provide a potential target for new therapeutic opportunities against several neuroendocrine and behavioural abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Chachlaki
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainJean‐Pierre Aubert Research Centre, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- School of MedicineUniversity of LilleLilleFrance
- CHU LilleFHU 1,000 days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainJean‐Pierre Aubert Research Centre, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- School of MedicineUniversity of LilleLilleFrance
- CHU LilleFHU 1,000 days for HealthLilleFrance
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18
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Lin YY, Yu TY, Quan H, Chen YJ, Liu XY, Huang DY. Association Between PSD95 Gene 3′UTR Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1389-1402. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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19
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Sohn JMB, de Souza STF, Raymundi AM, Bonato J, de Oliveira RMW, Prickaerts J, Stern CA. Persistence of the extinction of fear memory requires late-phase cAMP/PKA signaling in the infralimbic cortex. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 172:107244. [PMID: 32376452 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fear extinction is a form of new learning that inhibits expression of the original fear memory without erasing the conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus association. Much is known about the mechanisms that underlie the acquisition of extinction, but the way in which fear extinction is maintained has been scarcely explored. Evidence suggests that protein kinase A (PKA) in the frontal cortex might be related to the persistence of extinction. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) specifically hydrolyzes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The present study evaluated the effect of the selective PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast (ROF; 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg given i.p.) on acquisition and consolidation of the extinction of fear memory in male Wistar rats in a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. When administered before acquisition, 0.1 mg/kg ROF disrupted short-term (1 day) extinction recall. In contrast, 0.03 mg/kg ROF administration in the late consolidation phase (3 h after extinction learning) but not in the early phase immediately after learning improved long-term extinction recall at 11 days, suggesting potentiation of the persistence of extinction. This effect of ROF requires the first (day 1) exposure to the context. A similar effect was observed when 9 ng ROF or 30 µM 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cAMP (PKA activator) was directly infused in the infralimbic cortex (IL), a brain region necessary for memory extinction. The PKA activity-dependent ROF-induced effect in the IL was correlated with an increase in its brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression, while blockade of PKA with 10 µM H89 in the IL abolished the ROF-induced increase in BDNF expression and prevented the effect of ROF on extinction recall. These effects were not associated with changes in anxiety-like behavior or general exploratory behavior. Altogether, these findings suggest that cAMP-PKA activity in the IL during the late consolidation phase after extinction learning underlies the persistence of extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Maria Raymundi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Bonato
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, University of Maastricht, the Netherlands
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20
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Qu W, Liu NK, Wu X, Wang Y, Xia Y, Sun Y, Lai Y, Li R, Shekhar A, Xu XM. Disrupting nNOS-PSD95 Interaction Improves Neurological and Cognitive Recoveries after Traumatic Brain Injury. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3859-3871. [PMID: 31989159 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and the resulting neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, directly inhibiting NMDARs or nNOS produces adverse side effects because they play key physiological roles in the normal brain. Since interaction of nNOS-PSD95 is a key step in NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity, we investigated whether disrupting nNOS-PSD95 interaction with ZL006, an inhibitor of nNOS-PSD95 interaction, attenuates NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity. In cortical neuronal cultures, ZL006 treatment significantly reduced glutamate-induced neuronal death. In a mouse model of controlled cortical impact (CCI), administration of ZL006 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) at 30 min postinjury significantly inhibited nNOS-PSD95 interaction, reduced TUNEL- and phospho-p38-positive neurons in the motor cortex. ZL006 treatment also significantly reduced CCI-induced cortical expression of apoptotic markers active caspase-3, PARP-1, ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38). Functionally, ZL006 treatment significantly improved neuroscores and sensorimotor performance, reduced somatosensory and motor deficits, reversed CCI-induced memory deficits, and attenuated cognitive impairment. Histologically, ZL006 treatment significantly reduced the brain lesion volume. These findings collectively suggest that blocking nNOS-PSD95 interaction represents an attractive strategy for ameliorating consequences of TBI and that its action is mediated via inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and p38 MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Qu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yongzhi Xia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yvonne Lai
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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21
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Xu Y, Cantwell L, Molosh AI, Plant LD, Gazgalis D, Fitz SD, Dustrude ET, Yang Y, Kawano T, Garai S, Noujaim SF, Shekhar A, Logothetis DE, Thakur GA. The small molecule GAT1508 activates brain-specific GIRK1/2 channel heteromers and facilitates conditioned fear extinction in rodents. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:3614-3634. [PMID: 31953327 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are targets of Gi/o-protein-signaling systems that inhibit cell excitability. GIRK channels exist as homotetramers (GIRK2 and GIRK4) or heterotetramers with nonfunctional homomeric subunits (GIRK1 and GIRK3). Although they have been implicated in multiple conditions, the lack of selective GIRK drugs that discriminate among the different GIRK channel subtypes has hampered investigations into their precise physiological relevance and therapeutic potential. Here, we report on a highly-specific, potent, and efficacious activator of brain GIRK1/2 channels. Using a chemical screen and electrophysiological assays, we found that this activator, the bromothiophene-substituted small molecule GAT1508, is specific for brain-expressed GIRK1/2 channels rather than for cardiac GIRK1/4 channels. Computational models predicted a GAT1508-binding site validated by experimental mutagenesis experiments, providing insights into how urea-based compounds engage distant GIRK1 residues required for channel activation. Furthermore, we provide computational and experimental evidence that GAT1508 is an allosteric modulator of channel-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate interactions. Through brain-slice electrophysiology, we show that subthreshold GAT1508 concentrations directly stimulate GIRK currents in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and potentiate baclofen-induced currents. Of note, GAT1508 effectively extinguished conditioned fear in rodents and lacked cardiac and behavioral side effects, suggesting its potential for use in pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. In summary, our findings indicate that the small molecule GAT1508 has high specificity for brain GIRK1/2 channel subunits, directly or allosterically activates GIRK1/2 channels in the BLA, and facilitates fear extinction in a rodent model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Lucas Cantwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Andrei I Molosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Leigh D Plant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Dimitris Gazgalis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Stephanie D Fitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Erik T Dustrude
- Department of Psychiatry, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Yuchen Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Takeharu Kawano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Sami F Noujaim
- Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
| | - Diomedes E Logothetis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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22
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Tao WY, Yu LJ, Jiang S, Cao X, Chen J, Bao XY, Li F, Xu Y, Zhu XL. Neuroprotective effects of ZL006 in Aβ 1-42-treated neuronal cells. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:2296-2305. [PMID: 32594052 PMCID: PMC7749460 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.285006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ZL006 is shown to reduce over-produced nitric oxide and oxidative stress in ischemic stroke by interrupting the interaction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and postsynaptic density protein 95. However, few studies are reported on the role of ZL006 in AD. To investigate whether ZL006 exerted neuroprotective effects in AD, we used Aβ1–42 to treat primary cortical neurons and N2a neuroblastoma cells as an in vitro model of AD. Cortical neurons were incubated with ZL006 or dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 hours and treated with Aβ1–42 or NH3•H2O for another 24 hours. The results of cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and calcein-acetoxymethylester/propidium iodide staining showed that ZL006 pretreatment rescued the neuronal death induced by Aβ1–42. Fluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect oxidative stress and apoptosis-related proteins in each group of cells. Results showed that ZL006 pretreatment decreased neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by Aβ1–42. The results of CCK8 assay showed that inhibition of Akt or NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cortical neurons abolished the protective effects of ZL006. Moreover, similar results were also observed in N2a neuroblastoma cells. ZL006 inhibited N2a cell death and oxidative stress induced by Aβ1–42, while inhibition of Akt or Nrf2 abolished the protective effect of ZL006. These results demonstrated that ZL006 reduced Aβ1–42-induced neuronal damage and oxidative stress, and the mechanisms might be associated with the activation of Akt/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Tao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin-Jie Yu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Su Jiang
- Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin-Yu Bao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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23
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Translating preclinical findings in clinically relevant new antipsychotic targets: focus on the glutamatergic postsynaptic density. Implications for treatment resistant schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:795-827. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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Chong PS, Poon CH, Fung ML, Guan L, Steinbusch HWM, Chan YS, Lim WL, Lim LW. Distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in adult male Sprague-Dawley rat brain. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:151437. [PMID: 31492421 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal NOS (nNOS) accounts for most of the NO production in the nervous system that modulates synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Although previous studies have selectively described the localisation of nNOS in specific brain regions, a comprehensive distribution profile of nNOS in the brain is lacking. Here we provided a detailed morphological characterization on the rostro-caudal distribution of neurons and fibres exhibiting positive nNOS-immunoreactivity in adult Sprague-Dawley rat brain. Our results demonstrated that neurons and fibres in the brain regions that exhibited high nNOS immunoreactivity include the olfactory-related areas, intermediate endopiriform nucleus, Islands of Calleja, subfornical organ, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, parafascicular thalamic nucleus, superior colliculus, lateral terminal nucleus, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe nucleus, supragenual nucleus, nucleus of the trapezoid body, and the cerebellum. Moderate nNOS immunoreactivity was detected in the cerebral cortex, caudate putamen, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and the spinal cord. Finally, low NOS immunoreactivity were found in the corpus callosum, fornix, globus pallidus, anterior commissure, and the dorsal hippocampal commissure. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive view of the morphology and localisation of nNOS immunoreactivity in the brain that would contribute to a better understanding of the role played by nNOS in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pit Shan Chong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Chi Him Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Man Lung Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Li Guan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Harry W M Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience and European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Wei Ling Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia.
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