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Wei L, Yuan Y, Yang Z, Li Y, Wang T, Hu S, Cai B, Wang G. Ginsenoside Rb1 reduced ischemic stroke-induced apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03292-4. [PMID: 39052059 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The neuroprotective function of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was lately emphasized. However, whether GRb1 plays a regulatory role on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated pathway in cerebral I/R damage is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the function of GRb1 in cerebral ischemia-induced ER stress and the underlying mechanism related to IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway. Longa method, cerebral infarct volume, and HE staining were used to evaluate the efficacy of GRb1 in mice with a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R). We also investigated the effect and mechanism of GRb1 against ischemic stroke using in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R) model. We found that GRb1 could improve neurological scores, infarct volume, and histological injury in ischemic mice. Ischemic attack also activated neuronal apoptosis and ER stress, and this effect was attenuated by GRb1. In addition, GRb1 significantly reduced I/R-induced IRE1-TRAF2 interaction, IRE1, and JNK phosphorylation. The present study also confirmed that GRb1 significantly improved OGD/R-induced PC12 cells injury. GRb1 could decrease ER stress in OGD/R-injured PC12 cells, which was reflected by the decreased expression of GRP78 and CHOP. The ER stress inducer tunicamycin partially prevented the effects of GRb1 on cell viability, ER stress, and apoptosis after OGD/R, whereas the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, GRb1 markedly decreased IRE1-TRAF2 interaction, IRE1, and JNK phosphorylation in the presence of OGD/R insult. Furthermore, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and IRE1 inhibitor DBSA pretreatment further promoted the inhibition of GRb1 on ER stress induction and cell damage induced by OGD/R. Molecular docking further elucidated that the mechanism by which GRb1 improves cerebral ischemia maybe related to its direct binding to the kinase domain of IRE1, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation of IRE1. Collectively, these results demonstrated that GRb1 reduced ischemic stroke-induced apoptosis through the ER stress-associated IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway and GRb1 has the potential as a protective drug for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangli Wei
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yuqi Yuan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Ziteng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Shenglin Hu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Biao Cai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Guangyun Wang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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2
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Zhao L, Qu HL, Zhang Y, Wu X, Ji QX, Zhang Z, Li D. ZL006 mitigates anxiety-like behaviors induced by closed head injury through modulation of the neural circuit from the medial prefrontal cortex to amygdala. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae237. [PMID: 38850218 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Closed head injury is a prevalent form of traumatic brain injury with poorly understood effects on cortical neural circuits. Given the emotional and behavioral impairments linked to closed head injury, it is vital to uncover brain functional deficits and their driving mechanisms. In this study, we employed a robust viral tracing technique to identify the alteration of the neural pathway connecting the medial prefrontal cortex to the basolateral amygdala, and we observed the disruptions in neuronal projections between the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral amygdala following closed head injury. Remarkably, our results highlight that ZL006, an inhibitor targeting PSD-95/nNOS interaction, stands out for its ability to selectively reverse these aberrations. Specifically, ZL006 effectively mitigates the disruptions in neuronal projections from the medial prefrontal cortex to basolateral amygdala induced by closed head injury. Furthermore, using chemogenetic approaches, we elucidate that activating the medial prefrontal cortex projections to the basolateral amygdala circuit produces anxiolytic effects, aligning with the therapeutic potential of ZL006. Additionally, ZL006 administration effectively mitigates astrocyte activation, leading to the restoration of medial prefrontal cortex glutamatergic neuron activity. Moreover, in the context of attenuating anxiety-like behaviors through ZL006 treatment, we observe a reduction in closed head injury-induced astrocyte engulfment, which may correlate with the observed decrease in dendritic spine density of medial prefrontal cortex glutamatergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shenyang Fifth People's Hospital, No. 188 Xingshun Street, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hui Ling Qu
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qian Xin Ji
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
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3
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Cerutti L, Brofiga M. Unraveling brain diseases: The promise of brain-on-a-chip models. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 405:110105. [PMID: 38460796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110105] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Brain disorders, encompassing a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric conditions, present a formidable challenge in modern medicine. Despite decades of research, the intricate complexity of the human brain still eludes comprehensive understanding, impeding the development of effective treatments. Recent advancements in microfluidics and tissue engineering have led to the development of innovative platforms known as "Brain-on-a-Chip" (BoC) i.e., advanced in vitro systems that aim to replicate the microenvironment of the brain with the highest possible fidelity. This technology offers a promising test-bed for studying brain disorders at the cellular and network levels, providing insights into disease mechanisms, drug screening, and, in perspective, the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the BoC models developed over the years to model and understand the onset and progression of some of the most severe neurological disorders in terms of incidence and debilitation (stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and epilepsy). We also report some of the cutting-edge therapeutic approaches whose effects were evaluated by means of these technologies. Finally, we discuss potential challenges, and future perspectives of the BoC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Cerutti
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Brofiga
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBIRS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; ScreenNeuroPharm s.r.l, Sanremo, Italy; Neurofacility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
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4
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Petersilie L, Heiduschka S, Nelson JS, Neu LA, Le S, Anand R, Kafitz KW, Prigione A, Rose CR. Cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) for the study of human neural cells in minimal networks. iScience 2024; 27:109415. [PMID: 38523789 PMCID: PMC10957451 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool for studying human neurodevelopment and related disorders. Here, we generated long-term cultures of cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) grown at the air-liquid interphase from regionalized cortical organoids. We show that cBOS host mature neurons and astrocytes organized in complex architecture. Whole-cell patch-clamp demonstrated subthreshold synaptic inputs and action potential firing of neurons. Spontaneous intracellular calcium signals turned into synchronous large-scale oscillations upon combined disinhibition of NMDA receptors and blocking of GABAA receptors. Brief metabolic inhibition to mimic transient energy restriction in the ischemic brain induced reversible intracellular calcium loading of cBOS. Moreover, metabolic inhibition induced a reversible decline in neuronal ATP as revealed by ATeam1.03YEMK. Overall, cBOS provide a powerful platform to assess morphological and functional aspects of human neural cells in intact minimal networks and to address the pathways that drive cellular damage during brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Heiduschka
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joel S.E. Nelson
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Louis A. Neu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Le
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruchika Anand
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl W. Kafitz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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5
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Giorgi C, Castelli V, d’Angelo M, Cimini A. Organoids Modeling Stroke in a Petri Dish. Biomedicines 2024; 12:877. [PMID: 38672231 PMCID: PMC11048104 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040877] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common neurological disorder, the second leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of disability. Unfortunately, the only approved drug for it is tissue plasminogen, but the therapeutic window is limited. In this context, preclinical studies are relevant to better dissect the underlying mechanisms of stroke and for the drug screening of potential therapies. Brain organoids could be relevant in this setting. They are derived from pluripotent stem cells or isolated organ progenitors that differentiate to form an organ-like tissue, exhibiting multiple cell types that self-organize to form a structure not unlike the organ in vivo. Brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural, and functional levels and have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain diseases including stroke. Brain organoids are a promising and powerful tool for ischemic stroke studies; however, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed, including the lack of vascularization and the many cell types that are typically present in the human brain. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of brain organoids as a novel model system for studying ischemic stroke, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages in the use of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
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6
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Zhang L, Bai XY, Sun KY, Li X, Zhang ZQ, Liu YD, Xiang Y, Liu XL. A New Perspective in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: Ferroptosis. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:815-833. [PMID: 38170383 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04096-3] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a common neurological disease. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that can maximize the improvement in ischemic stroke-induced nerve damage. Hence, treating ischemic stroke remains a clinical challenge. Ferroptosis has been increasingly studied in recent years, and it is closely related to the pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke. Iron overload, reactive oxygen species accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and glutamate accumulation associated with ferroptosis are all present in ischemic stroke. This article focuses on describing the relationship between ferroptosis and ischemic stroke and summarizes the relevant substances that ameliorate ischemic stroke-induced neurological damage by inhibiting ferroptosis. Finally, the problems in the treatment of ischemic stroke targeting ferroptosis are discussed, hoping to provide a new direction for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Xin Yue Bai
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Ke Yao Sun
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Xuan Li
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Zhao Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Yi Ding Liu
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Xiao Long Liu
- School of Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China.
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7
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Giorgi C, Lombardozzi G, Ammannito F, Scenna MS, Maceroni E, Quintiliani M, d’Angelo M, Cimini A, Castelli V. Brain Organoids: A Game-Changer for Drug Testing. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:443. [PMID: 38675104 PMCID: PMC11054008 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040443] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the second cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, no cure exists for these disorders, but the actual therapies are only able to ameliorate people's quality of life. Thus, there is an urgent need to test potential therapeutic approaches. Brain organoids are a possible valuable tool in the study of the brain, due to their ability to reproduce different brain regions and maturation stages; they can be used also as a tool for disease modelling and target identification of neurological disorders. Recently, brain organoids have been used in drug-screening processes, even if there are several limitations to overcome. This review focuses on the description of brain organoid development and drug-screening processes, discussing the advantages, challenges, and limitations of the use of organoids in modeling neurological diseases. We also highlighted the potential of testing novel therapeutic approaches. Finally, we examine the challenges and future directions to improve the drug-screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
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8
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Usatova VS, Mishina NM, Berestovoy MA, Ivanenko AV, Jappy D, Krut' VG, Sokolov RA, Moshchenko AA, Rozov A, Shevchenko EK, Belousov VV. Hydrogen peroxide is not generated intracellularly in human neural spheroids during ischemia-reperfusion. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:234-240. [PMID: 38158053 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered a primary source of damage during ischemic stroke. However, the precise timing of ROS production (during hypoxia or reperfusion) remains unclear. Cellular 3D spheroids are often proposed as an optimal alternative to both 2D cell cultures and animal models in modeling disease conditions. Here we report live imaging of hydrogen peroxide dynamics during the acute phase of hypoxia and reperfusion in human iPSC-derived neural spheroids, stably expressing fluorescent biosensor HyPer7. Contrary to previous reports, we did not observe a hydrogen peroxide production burst neither during hypoxia nor in course of reperfusion. Our data suggest either lack of oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion in spheroids or existence of different mechanisms of oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika S Usatova
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalie M Mishina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory of Synthetic Neurotechnologies, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Berestovoy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Ivanenko
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Viktoriya G Krut'
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory of Synthetic Neurotechnologies, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rostislav A Sokolov
- Laboratory of Synthetic Neurotechnologies, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Moshchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Rozov
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Evgeny K Shevchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Laboratory of Synthetic Neurotechnologies, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 121205, Moscow, Russia.
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9
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Miao ZW, Wang Z, Zheng SL, Wang SN, Miao CY. Anti-stroke biologics: from recombinant proteins to stem cells and organoids. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024:svn-2023-002883. [PMID: 38286483 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2023-002883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of biologics in various diseases has dramatically increased in recent years. Stroke, a cerebrovascular disease, is the second most common cause of death, and the leading cause of disability with high morbidity worldwide. For biologics applied in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke, alteplase is the only thrombolytic agent. Meanwhile, current clinical trials show that two recombinant proteins, tenecteplase and non-immunogenic staphylokinase, are most promising as new thrombolytic agents for acute ischaemic stroke therapy. In addition, stem cell-based therapy, which uses stem cells or organoids for stroke treatment, has shown promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. These strategies for acute ischaemic stroke mainly rely on the unique properties of undifferentiated cells to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. However, there is a still considerable journey ahead before these approaches become routine clinical use. This includes optimising cell delivery methods, determining the ideal cell type and dosage, and addressing long-term safety concerns. This review introduces the current or promising recombinant proteins for thrombolysis therapy in ischaemic stroke and highlights the promise and challenges of stem cells and cerebral organoids in stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Wei Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Li Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Na Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Yu Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Sridharan PS, Miller E, Pieper AA. Application of P7C3 Compounds to Investigating and Treating Acute and Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1616-1628. [PMID: 37651054 PMCID: PMC10684439 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01427-8] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading worldwide cause of disability, and there are currently no medicines that prevent, reduce, or reverse acute or chronic neurodegeneration in TBI patients. Here, we review the target-agnostic discovery of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/NADH-stabilizing P7C3 compounds through a phenotypic screen in mice and describe how P7C3 compounds have been applied to advance understanding of the pathophysiology and potential treatment of TBI. We summarize how P7C3 compounds have been shown across multiple laboratories to mitigate disease progression safely and effectively in a broad range of preclinical models of disease related to impaired NAD+/NADH metabolism, including acute and chronic TBI, and note the reported safety and neuroprotective efficacy of P7C3 compounds in nonhuman primates. We also describe how P7C3 compounds facilitated the recent first demonstration that chronic neurodegeneration 1 year after TBI in mice, the equivalent of many decades in people, can be reversed to restore normal neuropsychiatric function. We additionally review how P7C3 compounds have facilitated discovery of new pathophysiologic mechanisms of neurodegeneration after TBI. This includes the role of rapid TBI-induced tau acetylation that drives axonal degeneration, and the discovery of brain-derived acetylated tau as the first blood-based biomarker of neurodegeneration after TBI that directly correlates with the abundance of a therapeutic target in the brain. We additionally review the identification of TBI-induced tau acetylation as a potential mechanistic link between TBI and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Lastly, we summarize historical accounts of other successful phenotypic-based drug discoveries that advanced medical care without prior recognition of the specific molecular target needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethy S Sridharan
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Emiko Miller
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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11
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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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Fang J, Wang Z, Miao CY. Angiogenesis after ischemic stroke. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1305-1321. [PMID: 36829053 PMCID: PMC10310733 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to its high disability and mortality rates, stroke has been the second leading cause of death worldwide. Since the pathological mechanisms of stroke are not fully understood, there are few clinical treatment strategies available with an exception of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Angiogenesis is an important protective mechanism that promotes neural regeneration and functional recovery during the pathophysiological process of stroke. Thus, inducing angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area could effectively improve hemodynamics, and promote vascular remodeling and recovery of neurovascular function after ischemic stroke. In this review, we summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia registered in PubMed, and provide pro-angiogenic strategies for exploring the treatment of ischemic stroke, including endothelial progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, non-coding RNAs, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University / Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University / Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chao-Yu Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University / Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Modeling Central Nervous System Injury In Vitro: Current Status and Promising Future Strategies. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010094. [PMID: 36672601 PMCID: PMC9855387 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010094] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) injury, which occurs because of mechanical trauma or ischemia/hypoxia, is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern society. Until know, despite the fact that numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been undertaken, no significant neuroprotective strategies have been discovered that could be used in the brain trauma or ischemia treatment. Although there are many potential explanations for the failure of those studies, it is clear that there are questions regarding the use of experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro, when studying CNS injury and searching new therapeutics. Due to some ethical issues with the use of live animals in biomedical research, implementation of experimental strategies that prioritize the use of cells and tissues in the in vitro environment has been encouraged. In this review, we examined some of the most commonly used in vitro models and the most frequently utilized cellular platforms in the research of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia. We also proposed some future strategies that could improve the usefulness of these studies for better bench-to-bedside translational outcomes.
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