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Zloh M, Kutilek P, Hejda J, Fiserova I, Kubovciak J, Murakami M, Stofkova A. Visual stimulation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have protective effects in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. Life Sci 2024; 355:122996. [PMID: 39173995 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122996] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the therapeutic potential of visual stimulation (VS) and BDNF in murine experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). MAIN METHODS Mice were immunized by subcutaneous injection of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein in Freund's complete adjuvant and intravenous injection of pertussis toxin, and were then exposed to high-contrast VS 12 h/day (days 1-14 post-immunization). EAU severity was assessed by examining clinical score, visual acuity, inflammatory markers, and immune cells in the retina. The transcriptome of activated retinal cells was determined by RNA-seq using RNA immunoprecipitated in complex with phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6. The retinal levels of protein products of relevant upregulated genes were quantified. The effect of BDNF on EAU was tested in unstimulated mice by its daily topical ocular administration (days 8-14 post-immunization). KEY FINDINGS VS attenuated EAU development and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and numbers of immune cells in the retina (n = 10-20 eyes/group for each analysis). In activated retinal cells of control mice (n = 30 eyes/group), VS upregulated genes encoding immunomodulatory neuropeptides, of which BDNF and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) also showed increased mRNA and protein levels in the retina of VS-treated EAU mice (n = 6-10 eyes/group for each analysis). In unstimulated EAU mice, BDNF treatment mimicked the protective effects of VS by modulating the inflammatory and stem cell properties of Müller cells (n = 5 eyes/group for each analysis). SIGNIFICANCE VS effectively suppresses EAU, at least through enhancing retinal levels of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors, VIP and BDNF. Our findings also suggest BDNF as a promising therapeutic agent for uveitis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloslav Zloh
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrik Kutilek
- Department of Health Care and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hejda
- Department of Health Care and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Fiserova
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kubovciak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Masaaki Murakami
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Group of Quantum Immunology, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan; Division of Molecular Neuroimmunology, Department of Homeostatic Regulation, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi, Japan; Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andrea Stofkova
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Carvalho R, Santos L, Conde I, Leitão R, Ferreira HR, Gomes C, Silva AP, Schmitt F, Carvalho-Maia C, Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Paredes J, Ribeiro AS. Nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) is a secreted mediator for metastatic breast cancer tropism to the brain. J Pathol 2024; 264:132-147. [PMID: 39072726 DOI: 10.1002/path.6319] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastases are one of the most serious clinical problems in breast cancer (BC) progression, associated with lower survival rates and a lack of effective therapies. Thus, to dissect the early stages of the brain metastatic process, we studied the impact of brain organotropic BC cells' secretomes on the establishment of the brain pre-metastatic niche (PMN). We found that BC cells with specific tropism to the brain caused significant blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, as well as microglial activation, in both in vitro and in vivo models. Further, we searched for a brain-organotropic metastatic signature, as a promising source for the discovery of new biomarkers involved in brain metastatic progression. Of relevance, we identified VGF (nerve growth factor inducible) as a key mediator in this process, also impacting the BBB and microglial functions both in vitro and in vivo. In a series of human breast tumors, VGF was found to be expressed in both cancer cells and the adjacent stroma. Importantly, VGF-positive tumors showed a significantly worse prognosis and were associated with HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpression and triple-negative molecular signatures. Further clinical validation in primary tumors from metastatic BC cases showed a significant association between VGF and the brain metastatic location, clearly and significantly impacting on the prognosis of BC patients with brain metastasis. In conclusion, our study reveals a unique secretome signature for BC with a tropism for the brain, highlighting VGF as a crucial mediator in this process. Furthermore, its specific impact as a poor prognostic predictor for BC patients with brain metastasis opens new avenues to target VGF to control the progression of brain metastatic disease. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Carvalho
- Cancer Metastasis group, i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Santos
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- iCBR - Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Conde
- Cancer Metastasis group, i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Leitão
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- iCBR - Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Rs Ferreira
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- iCBR - Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- iCBR - Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Silva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- iCBR - Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Carvalho-Maia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC) & CI-IPOP@RISE (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC) & CI-IPOP@RISE (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC) & CI-IPOP@RISE (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Paredes
- Cancer Metastasis group, i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Sofia Ribeiro
- Cancer Metastasis group, i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wang H, He Y, Tang J, Liu Y, Wu C, Li C, Sun H, Sun L. (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine ameliorates PTSD-like behaviors during the reconsolidation phase of fear memory in rats by modulating the VGF/BDNF/GluA1 signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Behav Brain Res 2024; 476:115273. [PMID: 39326635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115273] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fear memory, a fundamental symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is improved by (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R, 6R)-HNK) administration. However, the phase of fear memory in which the injected drug is the most effective at mitigating PTSD-like effects remains unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effects of (2 R, 6 R)-HNK administration during three phases [acquisition (AP), reconsolidation (RP), and extinction (EP)] on PTSD-like behaviors in single prolonged stress (SPS) and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) rat models. The effects of VGF-inducible type of nerve growth factor (VGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and GluA1 on hippocampus (HIP) expression were also explored. METHODS SPS and CFC (SPSC) were used to establish a PTSD rat model. After lateral ventricle injection of 5 μL (2 R, 6 R)-HNK (0.5 nmol). Anxiety-depression-like behaviors were assessed in rats by the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT). Situational fear responses were evaluated in rodents by freezing behavior test (FBT) test. In addition, GluA1, VGF, and BDNF were assessed in the hippocampus by Western blot assay (WB) and Immunohistochemistry assay (IF). RESULTS SPSC procedure induced PTSD-like behaviors. The SPSC group had decreased spontaneous exploratory behavior and increased fear response. The (2R, 6R)-HNK group showed improved SPSC-induced reduction in GluA1, VGF, and BDNF levels in the HIP. During RP, anxiety and fear avoidance behaviors were alleviated, and the protein levels of GluA1, VGF, and BDNF in the HIP were restored. In contrast, no significant improvement was noted during AP and EP. CONCLUSIONS (2R,6R)-HNK modulates the VGF/BDNF/GluA1 signaling pathway in the hippocampus and improves PTSD-like behaviors during the reconsolidation phase of fear memory in rats, which may provide a new target for the clinical treatment and prevention of fear-related disorders such as PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, China; School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Yuxuan He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Jiahao Tang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Changjiang Li
- School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China
| | - Lin Sun
- School of Psychology, Shandong Second Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong 261053, PR China.
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Zhao W, Ma L, Deng D, Han L, Xu F, Zhang T, Wang Y, Huang S, Ding Y, Shu S, Chen X. BDNF-VGF Pathway Aggravates Incision Induced Acute Postoperative Pain via Upregulating the Neuroinflammation in Dorsal Root Ganglia. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04249-7. [PMID: 38829513 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04249-7] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of postoperative patients are troubled by postoperative pain. Effective treatments are still lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-VGF (non-acronymic) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in postoperative pain. Pain behaviors were assessed through measurements of paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). Transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify potential targets associated with postoperative pain. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were employed to further detect macrophage activation as well as the expression of BDNF, VGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Results showed that plantar incision induced both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Transcriptome analysis suggested that plantar incision caused upregulation of BDNF and VGF. The expressions of BDNF and VGF were upregulated in isolectin B4-positive (IB4+) and calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive (CGRP+) neurons, rather than neurofilament 200-positive (NF200+) neurons. The activation of BDNF-VGF pathway upregulated expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β and promoted the activation of macrophages. In conclusion, BDNF-VGF pathway aggravates acute postoperative pain by promoting macrophage activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which may provide a new target for the treatment of postoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lulin Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Daling Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Linlin Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shiqian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shaofang Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Morderer D, Wren MC, Liu F, Kouri N, Maistrenko A, Khalil B, Pobitzer N, Salemi M, Phinney BS, Dickson DW, Murray ME, Rossoll W. Probe-dependent Proximity Profiling (ProPPr) Uncovers Similarities and Differences in Phospho-Tau-Associated Proteomes Between Tauopathies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.585597. [PMID: 38585836 PMCID: PMC10996607 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.585597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies represent a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the abnormal aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein tau. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying the complexity of different types of tau pathology remain incompletely understood. Here we describe an approach for proteomic profiling of aggregate-associated proteomes on slides with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue that utilizes proximity labelling upon high preservation of aggregate morphology, which permits the profiling of pathological aggregates regardless of their size. To comprehensively investigate the common and unique protein interactors associated with the variety of tau lesions present across different human tauopathies, Alzheimer's disease (AD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), Pick's disease (PiD), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), were selected to represent the major tauopathy diseases. Implementation of our widely applicable Probe-dependent Proximity Profiling (ProPPr) strategy, using the AT8 antibody, permitted identification and quantification of proteins associated with phospho-tau lesions in well-characterized human post-mortem tissue. The analysis revealed both common and disease-specific proteins associated with phospho-tau aggregates, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention and biomarker development. Candidate validation through high-resolution co-immunofluorescence of distinct aggregates across disease and control cases, confirmed the association of retromer complex protein VPS35 with phospho-tau lesions across the studied tauopathies. Furthermore, we discovered disease-specific associations of proteins including ferritin light chain (FTL) and the neuropeptide precursor VGF within distinct pathological lesions. Notably, examination of FTL-positive microglia in CBD astrocytic plaques indicate a potential role for microglial involvement in the pathogenesis of these tau lesions. Our findings provide valuable insights into the proteomic landscape of tauopathies, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying tau pathology. This first comprehensive characterization of tau-associated proteomes across different tauopathies enhances our understanding of disease heterogeneity and provides a resource for future functional investigation, as well as development of targeted therapies and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Chou CH, Yen CH, Liu CJ, Tu HF, Lin SC, Chang KW. The upregulation of VGF enhances the progression of oral squamous carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:115. [PMID: 38528565 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03301-9] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent neoplasm worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis. VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF), a neuropeptide, plays critical roles in nerve and endocrine cell regulation. METHODS In this study, the TCGA datasets were initially screened, identifying the upregulation of VGF in various malignancies. We focused on OSCC cell lines, identifying the suppressor mRNA miR-432-5p as a negative regulator of VGF. Additionally, we examined the prognostic value of VGF expression in OSCC tumors and its impact on cellular functions. RESULTS VGF expression was found to be an independent prognostic predictor in OSCC tumors. Cells expressing VGF exhibited increased oncogenicity, influencing the proliferation and migration of oral mucosal fibroblast. Transcriptome analysis revealed associations between VGF and various pathological processes, including malignancies, exosome release, fibrosis, cell cycle disruption, and tumor immune suppression. Moreover, IL23R expression, a favorable OSCC prognostic factor, was inversely correlated with VGF expression. Exogenous IL23R expression was found to suppress VGF-associated mobility phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the multifaceted role of VGF in OSCC pathogenesis and introduces the miR-432-5p-VGF-IL23R regulatory axis as a critical mediator. The combined expression of VGF and IL23R emerges as a potent predictor of survival in oral carcinoma cases, suggesting potential implications for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hsien Chou
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Han Yen
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ji Liu
- Department of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Stomatology, Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Feng Tu
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Stomatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Wei Chang
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Dentistry, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Stomatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Gillis HL, Kalinina A, Xue Y, Yan K, Turcotte-Cardin V, Todd MAM, Young KG, Lagace D, Picketts DJ. VGF is required for recovery after focal stroke. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114326. [PMID: 36682400 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114326] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The high incidence of ischemic stroke worldwide and poor efficacy of neuroprotective drugs has increased the need for novel therapies in stroke recovery. Transcription of the neurosecretory protein VGF (non-acronym) is enhanced following ischemic stroke and proposed to be important for stroke recovery. To determine the requirement for VGF in recovery, we created Vgffl/fl:Nestin-Cre conditional knockout (Vgf cKO) mice and induced a photothrombotic focal ischemic stroke. Naïve Vgf cKO mice had significant less body weight in the absence of gross defects in brain size, cortical lamination, or deficits in locomotor activity compared to wildtype controls. Following a focal stroke, the Vgf cKO mice had greater deficits including impaired recovery of forepaw motor deficits at 2- and 4-weeks post stroke. The increase in deficits occurred in the absence of any difference in lesion size and was accompanied by a striking loss of stroke-induced migration of SVZ-derived immature neurons to the peri-infarct region. Importantly, exogenous adenoviral delivery of VGF (AdVGF) significantly improved recovery in the Vgf cKO mice and was able to rescue the immature neuron migration defect observed. Taken together, our results define a requirement for VGF in post stroke recovery and identify VGF peptides as a potential future therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Gillis
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Alena Kalinina
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yingben Xue
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Keqin Yan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Valérie Turcotte-Cardin
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Matthew A M Todd
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Kevin G Young
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Diane Lagace
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David J Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada; Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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8
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Tesfaye M, Wu J, Biedrzycki RJ, Grantz KL, Joseph P, Tekola-Ayele F. Prenatal social support in low-risk pregnancy shapes placental epigenome. BMC Med 2023; 21:12. [PMID: 36617561 PMCID: PMC9827682 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02701-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor social support during pregnancy has been linked to inflammation and adverse pregnancy and childhood health outcomes. Placental epigenetic alterations may underlie these links but are still unknown in humans. METHODS In a cohort of low-risk pregnant women (n = 301) from diverse ethnic backgrounds, social support was measured using the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI) during the first trimester. Placental samples collected at delivery were analyzed for DNA methylation and gene expression using Illumina 450K Beadchip Array and RNA-seq, respectively. We examined association between maternal prenatal social support and DNA methylation in placenta. Associated cytosine-(phosphate)-guanine sites (CpGs) were further assessed for correlation with nearby gene expression in placenta. RESULTS The mean age (SD) of the women was 27.7 (5.3) years. The median (interquartile range) of ESSI scores was 24 (22-25). Prenatal social support was significantly associated with methylation level at seven CpGs (PFDR < 0.05). The methylation levels at two of the seven CpGs correlated with placental expression of VGF and ILVBL (PFDR < 0.05), genes known to be involved in neurodevelopment and energy metabolism. The genes annotated with the top 100 CpGs were enriched for pathways related to fetal growth, coagulation system, energy metabolism, and neurodevelopment. Sex-stratified analysis identified additional significant associations at nine CpGs in male-bearing pregnancies and 35 CpGs in female-bearing pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that prenatal social support is linked to placental DNA methylation changes in a low-stress setting, including fetal sex-dependent epigenetic changes. Given the relevance of some of these changes in fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes, the findings signal important methylation targets for future research on molecular mechanisms of effect of the broader social environment on pregnancy and fetal outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00912132 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Markos Tesfaye
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism (SenSMet), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism & National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jing Wu
- Glotech, Inc., contractor for Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard J Biedrzycki
- Glotech, Inc., contractor for Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Grantz
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Paule Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism (SenSMet), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism & National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA.
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9
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High-Contrast Stimulation Potentiates the Neurotrophic Properties of Müller Cells and Suppresses Their Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158615. [PMID: 35955747 PMCID: PMC9369166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High-contrast visual stimulation promotes retinal regeneration and visual function, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that Müller cells (MCs), which express neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), could be key players in this retinal plasticity process. This hypothesis was tested by conducting in vivo and in vitro high-contrast stimulation of adult mice and MCs. Following stimulation, we examined the expression of BDNF and its inducible factor, VGF, in the retina and MCs. We also investigated the alterations in the expression of VGF, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and pro-inflammatory mediators in MCs, as well as their capacity to proliferate and develop a neurogenic or reactive gliosis phenotype after high-contrast stimulation and treatment with BDNF. Our results showed that high-contrast stimulation upregulated BDNF levels in MCs in vivo and in vitro. The additional BDNF treatment significantly augmented VGF production in MCs and their neuroprotective features, as evidenced by increased MC proliferation, neurodifferentiation, and decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory factors and the reactive gliosis marker GFAP. These results demonstrate that high-contrast stimulation activates the neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties of MCs, suggesting their possible direct involvement in retinal neuronal survival and improved functional outcomes in response to visual stimulation.
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10
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Ye Q, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Yu C, Zheng C, Yu H, Zhou D, Li X. Low VGF is associated with executive dysfunction in patients with major depressive disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 152:182-186. [PMID: 35738161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Executive dysfunction is considered to be one of the cognitive impairment dimensions that are easily observed in depression, but its underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. Study have shown that the neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) plays an important role in the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Previous studies have shown that VGF may be related to the psychopathology of depression and cognitive impairment. However, the correlation between VGF and executive dysfunction in MDD has not been investigated. METHODS A total of 35 MDD patients and 31 healthy control patients were enrolled in this study. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to measure the severity of depression, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to assess executive dysfunction. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum VGF in peripheral blood. RESULTS The level of serum VGF in MDD patients was significantly lower compared to that in the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Moreover, Response Administered (RA) scores, Response preservative errors (RPE), and Non-response preservative errors (NRPE) were all higher in the MDD group (all p < 0.05). In contrast, Categories Completed (CC) and Response Correct (RC) scores were lower (all p < 0.05). Further results showed a significant correlation between serum VGF with RA (r = -0.372, p = 0.028) and RPE scores (r = 0.507, p = 0.002) in patients with depression, while serum VGF showed no correlation with the severity of depression in either group. CONCLUSIONS VGF may play an important role in executive function dysfunction in MDD patients, and VGF levels may become a new marker for predicting executive function dysfunction in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Ye
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- The Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zan Chen
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China
| | - Chang Yu
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China
| | - Haihang Yu
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China.
| | - Xingxing Li
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, China.
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11
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Joshi R, Salton SRJ. Neurotrophin Crosstalk in the Etiology and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:932497. [PMID: 35909451 PMCID: PMC9335126 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.932497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the current progress in our understanding of the mechanisms by which growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and select neurotrophin-regulated gene products, such as VGF (non-acronymic) and VGF-derived neuropeptides, function in the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, with a discussion of the possible therapeutic applications of these growth factors to major depressive disorder (MDD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). BDNF and VEGF levels are generally decreased regionally in the brains of MDD subjects and in preclinical animal models of depression, changes that are associated with neuronal atrophy and reduced neurogenesis, and are reversed by conventional monoaminergic and novel ketamine-like antidepressants. Downstream of neurotrophins and their receptors, VGF was identified as a nerve growth factor (NGF)- and BDNF-inducible secreted protein and neuropeptide precursor that is produced and trafficked throughout the CNS, where its expression is greatly influenced by neuronal activity and exercise, and where several VGF-derived peptides modulate neuronal activity, function, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Moreover, levels of VGF are reduced in the CSF of AD subjects, where it has been repetitively identified as a disease biomarker, and in the hippocampi of subjects with MDD, suggesting possible shared mechanisms by which reduced levels of VGF and other proteins that are similarly regulated by neurotrophin signaling pathways contribute to and potentially drive the pathogenesis and progression of co-morbid neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly MDD and AD, opening possible therapeutic windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Joshi
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen R. J. Salton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Stephen R. J. Salton,
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12
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Podvin S, Jiang Z, Boyarko B, Rossitto LA, O’Donoghue A, Rissman RA, Hook V. Dysregulation of Neuropeptide and Tau Peptide Signatures in Human Alzheimer's Disease Brain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1992-2005. [PMID: 35758417 PMCID: PMC9264367 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction and loss occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, which results in cognitive deficits and brain neurodegeneration. Neuropeptides comprise the major group of synaptic neurotransmitters in the nervous system. This study evaluated neuropeptide signatures that are hypothesized to differ in human AD brain compared to age-matched controls, achieved by global neuropeptidomics analysis of human brain cortex synaptosomes. Neuropeptidomics demonstrated distinct profiles of neuropeptides in AD compared to controls consisting of neuropeptides derived from chromogranin A (CHGA) and granins, VGF (nerve growth factor inducible), cholecystokinin, and others. The differential neuropeptide signatures indicated differences in proteolytic processing of their proneuropeptides. Analysis of cleavage sites showed that dibasic residues at the N-termini and C-termini of neuropeptides were the main sites for proneuropeptide processing, and data also showed that the AD group displayed differences in preferred residues adjacent to the cleavage sites. Notably, tau peptide signatures differed in the AD compared to age-matched control human brain cortex synaptosomes. Unique tau peptides were derived from the tau protein through proteolysis using similar and differential cleavage sites in the AD brain cortex compared to the control. Protease profiles differed in the AD compared to control, indicated by proteomics data. Overall, these results demonstrate that dysregulation of neuropeptides and tau peptides occurs in AD brain cortex synaptosomes compared to age-matched controls, involving differential cleavage site properties for proteolytic processing of precursor proteins. These dynamic changes in neuropeptides and tau peptide signatures may be associated with the severe cognitive deficits of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Podvin
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zhenze Jiang
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ben Boyarko
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Leigh-Ana Rossitto
- Biomedical
Sciences Graduate Program, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anthony O’Donoghue
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Veterans
Affairs San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Biomedical
Sciences Graduate Program, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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13
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Wang Y, Qin X, Han Y, Li B. VGF: A prospective biomarker and therapeutic target for neuroendocrine and nervous system disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113099. [PMID: 35594706 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine regulatory polypeptide VGF (nerve growth factor inducible) was firstly found in the rapid induction of nerve growth factor on PC12 cells. It was selectively distributed in neurons and many neuroendocrine tissues. This paper reviewed the latest literatures on the gene structure, transcriptional regulation, protein processing, distribution and potential receptors of VGF. The neuroendocrine roles of VGF and its derived polypeptides in regulating energy, water electrolyte balance, circadian rhythm and reproductive activities were also summarized. Furthermore, based on the experimental evidence in vivo and in vitro, dysregulation of VGF in different neuroendocrine diseases and the possible mechanism mediated by VGF polypeptides were discussed. We next discussed the potential as the clinical diagnosis and therapy for VGF related diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Qin
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yun Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Plexin-A1 expression in the inhibitory neurons of infralimbic cortex regulates the specificity of fear memory in male mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1220-1230. [PMID: 34508226 PMCID: PMC9018853 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining appropriate levels of fear memory specificity is crucial for individual's survival and mental health, whereas overgeneralized fear commonly occurs in neuropsychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating fear memory specificity remain poorly understood. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is considered as a key brain region in fear memory regulation. Previous transcriptomic studies have identified that plexin-A1, a transmembrane receptor critical for axon development, was downregulated in the mPFC after fear memory training. In this study, we identified that learning-induced downregulation of the mRNA and protein levels of plexin-A1 specifically occurred in the inhibitory but not excitatory neurons in the infralimbic cortex (IL) of mPFC. Further studies of plexin-A1 by virus-mediated over-expression of functional mutants selectively in the IL inhibitory neurons revealed the critical roles of plexin-A1 for regulating memory specificity and anxiety. Moreover, our findings revealed that plexin-A1 regulated the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, a GABA synthetase, which in turn modulated the activity of IL and its downstream brain regions. Collectively, our findings elucidate the molecular modifier of IL inhibitory neurons in regulating memory specificity and anxiety, and provide candidates for developing therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of a series of fear generalization-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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