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Talaee N, Azadvar S, Khodadadi S, Abbasi N, Asli-Pashaki ZN, Mirabzadeh Y, Kholghi G, Akhondzadeh S, Vaseghi S. Comparing the effect of fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on the level of BDNF and depression in preclinical and clinical studies: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:983-1016. [PMID: 38558317 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03680-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysfunction is one of the most important mechanisms underlying depression. It seems that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improve depression via affecting BDNF level. In this systematic review, for the first time, we aimed to review the effect of three SSRIs including fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on both depression and BDNF level in preclinical and clinical studies. PubMed electronic database was searched, and 193 articles were included in this study. After reviewing all manuscripts, only one important difference was found: subjects. We found that SSRIs induce different effects in animals vs. humans. Preclinical studies showed many controversial effects, while human studies showed only two effects: improvement of depression, with or without the improvement of BDNF. However, most studies used chronic SSRIs treatment, while acute SSRIs were not effectively used and evaluated. In conclusion, it seems that SSRIs are reliable antidepressants, and the improvement effect of SSRIs on depression is not dependent to BDNF level (at least in human studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Talaee
- Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shataw Azadvar
- Department of Power Electronic, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khodadadi
- Student Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahal Abbasi
- Department of Health Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yasaman Mirabzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, 1419815477, Iran.
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2
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Hori H, Fukushima H, Nagayoshi T, Ishikawa R, Zhuo M, Yoshida F, Kunugi H, Okamoto K, Kim Y, Kida S. Fear memory regulation by the cAMP signaling pathway as an index of reexperiencing symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02453-4. [PMID: 38409596 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02453-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder associated with traumatic memory, yet its etiology remains unclear. Reexperiencing symptoms are specific to PTSD compared to other anxiety-related disorders. Importantly, reexperiencing can be mimicked by retrieval-related events of fear memory in animal models of traumatic memory. Recent studies revealed candidate PTSD-associated genes that were related to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate the tight linkage between facilitated cAMP signaling and PTSD by analyzing loss- and gain-of-cAMP signaling effects on fear memory in mice and the transcriptomes of fear memory-activated mice and female PTSD patients with reexperiencing symptoms. Pharmacological and optogenetic upregulation or downregulation of cAMP signaling transduction enhanced or impaired, respectively, the retrieval and subsequent maintenance of fear memory in mice. In line with these observations, integrative mouse and human transcriptome analysis revealed the reduced mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), an enzyme that degrades cAMP, in the peripheral blood of PTSD patients showing more severe reexperiencing symptoms and the mouse hippocampus after fear memory retrieval. Importantly, more severe reexperiencing symptoms and lower PDE4B mRNA levels were correlated with decreased DNA methylation of a locus within PDE4B, suggesting the involvement of methylation in the mechanism of PTSD. These findings raise the possibility that the facilitation of cAMP signaling mediating the downregulation of PDE4B expression enhances traumatic memory, thereby playing a key role in the reexperiencing symptoms of PTSD patients as a functional index of these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Hotaka Fukushima
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Taikai Nagayoshi
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Rie Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fuyuko Yoshida
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Kenichi Okamoto
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Kida
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
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Cherra SJ, Lamb R. Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1352731. [PMID: 38463630 PMCID: PMC10920261 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1352731] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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Mitroshina EV, Marasanova EA, Vedunova MV. Functional Dimerization of Serotonin Receptors: Role in Health and Depressive Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16416. [PMID: 38003611 PMCID: PMC10671093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216416] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of depressive disorder constitutes a pressing challenge in the fields of psychiatry and neurobiology. Depression represents one of the most prevalent forms of mental and behavioral disorders globally. Alterations in dimerization capacity can influence the functional characteristics of serotonin receptors and may constitute a contributing factor to the onset of depressive disorders. The objective of this review is to consolidate the current understanding of interactions within the 5-HT receptor family and between 5-HT receptors and members of other receptor families. Furthermore, it aims to elucidate the role of such complexes in depressive disorders and delineate the mechanisms through which antidepressants exert their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Mitroshina
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Avenue, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (E.A.M.)
| | - Ekaterina A. Marasanova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Avenue, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (E.A.M.)
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Avenue, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (E.A.M.)
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, HSE University, St. Profsoyuznaya, 33, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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Cong YF, Liu FW, Xu L, Song SS, Shen XR, Liu D, Hou XQ, Zhang HT. Rolipram Ameliorates Memory Deficits and Depression-Like Behavior in APP/PS1/tau Triple Transgenic Mice: Involvement of Neuroinflammation and Apoptosis via cAMP Signaling. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:585-598. [PMID: 37490542 PMCID: PMC10519811 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) and depression often cooccur, and inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) has been shown to ameliorate neurodegenerative illness. Therefore, we explored whether PDE4 inhibitor rolipram might also improve the symptoms of comorbid AD and depression. METHODS APP/PS1/tau mice (10 months old) were treated with or without daily i.p. injections of rolipram for 10 days. The animal groups were compared in behavioral tests related to learning, memory, anxiety, and depression. Neurochemical measures were conducted to explore the underlying mechanism of rolipram. RESULTS Rolipram attenuated cognitive decline as well as anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. These benefits were attributed at least partly to the downregulation of amyloid-β, Amyloid precursor protein (APP), and Presenilin 1 (PS1); lower tau phosphorylation; greater neuronal survival; and normalized glial cell function following rolipram treatment. In addition, rolipram upregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) to reduce apoptosis; it also downregulated interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α to restrain neuroinflammation. Furthermore, rolipram increased cAMP, PKA, 26S proteasome, EPAC2, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 while decreasing EPAC1. CONCLUSIONS Rolipram may mitigate cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior by reducing amyloid-β pathology, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. These effects may be mediated by stimulating cAMP/PKA/26S and cAMP/exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)/ERK signaling pathways. This study suggests that PDE4 inhibitor rolipram can be an effective target for treatment of comorbid AD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Cong
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Wang Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Li Xu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Song
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xu-Ri Shen
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Dong Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Qin Hou
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
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Zhang T, Musheshe N, van der Veen CHJTM, Kessels HW, Dolga A, De Deyn P, Eisel U, Schmidt M. The Expression of Epac2 and GluA3 in an Alzheimer's Disease Experimental Model and Postmortem Patient Samples. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2096. [PMID: 37626593 PMCID: PMC10452319 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain. Recent studies indicated that memory retrieval, rather than memory formation, was impaired in the early stage of AD. Our previous study reported that pharmacological activation of hippocampal Epac2 promoted memory retrieval in C57BL/6J mice. A recent study suggested that pharmacological inhibition of Epac2 prevented synaptic potentiation mediated by GluA3-containing AMPARs. In this study, we aimed to investigate proteins associated with Epac2-mediated memory in hippocampal postmortem samples of AD patients and healthy controls compared with the experimental AD model J20 and wild-type mice. Epac2 and phospho-Akt were downregulated in AD patients and J20 mice, while Epac1 and phospho-ERK1/2 were not altered. GluA3 was reduced in J20 mice and tended to decrease in AD patients. PSD95 tended to decrease in AD patients and J20. Interestingly, AKAP5 was increased in AD patients but not in J20 mice, implicating its role in tau phosphorylation. Our study points to the downregulation of hippocampal expression of proteins associated with Epac2 in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Nshunge Musheshe
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
| | - Christina H. J. T. M. van der Veen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
| | - Helmut W. Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Amalia Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter De Deyn
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Experimental Neurobiology Unit, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (T.Z.); (N.M.); (C.H.J.T.M.v.d.V.); (A.D.)
- Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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7
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McDew-White M, Lee E, Premadasa LS, Alvarez X, Okeoma CM, Mohan M. Cannabinoids modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis in HIV/SIV infection by reducing neuroinflammation and dysbiosis while concurrently elevating endocannabinoid and indole-3-propionate levels. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:62. [PMID: 36890518 PMCID: PMC9993397 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the advent of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic disease, an estimated 30-50% of people living with HIV (PLWH) exhibit cognitive and motor deficits collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). A key driver of HAND neuropathology is chronic neuroinflammation, where proinflammatory mediators produced by activated microglia and macrophages are thought to inflict neuronal injury and loss. Moreover, the dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in PLWH, consequent to gastrointestinal dysfunction and dysbiosis, can lead to neuroinflammation and persistent cognitive impairment, which underscores the need for new interventions. METHODS We performed RNA-seq and microRNA profiling in basal ganglia (BG), metabolomics (plasma) and shotgun metagenomic sequencing (colon contents) in uninfected and SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) administered vehicle (VEH/SIV) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (THC/SIV). RESULTS Long-term, low-dose THC reduced neuroinflammation and dysbiosis and significantly increased plasma endocannabinoid, endocannabinoid-like, glycerophospholipid and indole-3-propionate levels in chronically SIV-infected RMs. Chronic THC potently blocked the upregulation of genes associated with type-I interferon responses (NLRC5, CCL2, CXCL10, IRF1, IRF7, STAT2, BST2), excitotoxicity (SLC7A11), and enhanced protein expression of WFS1 (endoplasmic reticulum stress) and CRYM (oxidative stress) in BG. Additionally, THC successfully countered miR-142-3p-mediated suppression of WFS1 protein expression via a cannabinoid receptor-1-mediated mechanism in HCN2 neuronal cells. Most importantly, THC significantly increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridia including indole-3-propionate (C. botulinum, C. paraputrificum, and C. cadaveris) and butyrate (C. butyricum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum) producers in colonic contents. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of long-term, low-dose THC to positively modulate the MGBA by reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing endocannabinoid levels and promoting the growth of gut bacterial species that produce neuroprotective metabolites, like indole-3-propionate. The findings from this study may benefit not only PLWH on cART, but also those with no access to cART and more importantly, those who fail to suppress the virus under cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina McDew-White
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Eunhee Lee
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Lakmini S Premadasa
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Xavier Alvarez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595-1524, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 West Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78227-5302, USA.
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Virwani PD, Cai L, Yeung PKK, Qian G, Chen Y, Zhou L, Wong JWH, Wang Y, Ho JWK, Lau KK, Qian PY, Chung SK. Deficiency of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)-1 in mice augments glucose intolerance, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis associated with Western diet. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:187. [PMID: 36329549 PMCID: PMC9635209 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota (GM) dysregulation, known as dysbiosis, has been proposed as a crucial driver of obesity associated with "Western" diet (WD) consumption. Gut dysbiosis is associated with increased gut permeability, inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, host metabolic pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of gut dysbiosis are still elusive. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) plays a critical role in cell-cell junction formation and insulin secretion. Here, we used homozygous Epac1-knockout (Epac1-/-), Epac2-knockout (Epac2-/-), and wild-type (WT) mice to investigate the role of Epac proteins in mediating gut dysbiosis, gut permeability, and inflammation after WD feeding. RESULTS The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNA showed that the baseline GM of Epac2-/-, but not Epac1-/-, mice was represented by a significantly higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and significant alterations in several taxa compared to WT mice, suggesting that Epac2-/- mice had gut dysbiosis under physiological conditions. However, an 8-week WD led to a similar gut microbiome imbalance in mice regardless of genotype. While Epac1 deficiency modestly exacerbated the WD-induced GM dysbiosis, the WD-fed Epac2-/- mice had a more significant increase in gut permeability than corresponding WT mice. After WD feeding, Epac1-/-, but not Epac2-/-, mice had significantly higher mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and F4/80 in the epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT), increased circulating lipocalin-2 protein and more severe glucose intolerance, suggesting greater inflammation and insulin resistance in WD-fed Epac1-/- mice than corresponding WT mice. Consistently, Epac1 protein expression was significantly reduced in the EWAT of WD-fed WT and Epac2-/- mice. CONCLUSION Despite significantly dysregulated baseline GM and a more pronounced increase in gut permeability upon WD feeding, WD-fed Epac2-/- mice did not exhibit more severe inflammation and glucose intolerance than corresponding WT mice. These findings suggest that the role of gut dysbiosis in mediating WD-associated obesity may be context-dependent. On the contrary, we demonstrate that deficiency of host signaling protein, Epac1, drives inflammation and glucose intolerance which are the hallmarks of WD-induced obesity. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Dinesh Virwani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Ocean Science and Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. China
| | - Patrick Ka Kit Yeung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Gordon Qian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Yingxian Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Jason Wing Hon Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Joshua Wing Kei Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Kui Kai Lau
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Department of Ocean Science and Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458 China
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Faculty of Medicine; Faculty of Innovation Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region (S.A.R.), China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau S.A.R., China
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9
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Pan Y, Liu J, Ren J, Luo Y, Sun X. Epac: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Vascular Diseases: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:929152. [PMID: 35910387 PMCID: PMC9330031 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.929152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular diseases affect the circulatory system and comprise most human diseases. They cause severe symptoms and affect the quality of life of patients. Recently, since their identification, exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac) have attracted increasing scientific interest, because of their role in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, a well-known signal transduction pathway. The role of Epac in cardiovascular disease and cancer is extensively studied, whereas their role in kidney disease has not been comprehensively explored yet. In this study, we aimed to review recent studies on the regulatory effects of Epac on various vascular diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer. Accumulating evidence has shown that both Epac1 and Epac2 play important roles in vascular diseases under both physiological and pathological conditions. Additionally, there has been an increasing focus on Epac pharmacological modulators. Therefore, we speculated that Epac could serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiahui Ren
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
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10
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Dong X, Chen Y, Lu J, Huang S, Pei G. β-arrestin 2 and Epac2 cooperatively mediate DRD1-stimulated proliferation of human neural stem cells and growth of human cerebral organoids. Stem Cells 2022; 40:857-869. [PMID: 35772103 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac046] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) reportedly relay specific signals, such as dopamine and serotonin, to regulate neurogenic processes though the underlying signaling pathways are not fully elucidated. Based on our previous work which demonstrated Dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) effectively induces the proliferation of human neural stem cells, here we continued to show the knockout of β-arrestin 2 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology significantly weakened the DRD1-induced proliferation and neurosphere growth. Furthermore, inhibition of the downstream p38 MAPK by its specific inhibitors or small hairpin RNA mimicked the weakening effect of β-arrestin 2 knockout. In addition, blocking of Epac2, a PKA independent signal pathway, by its specific inhibitors or small hairpin RNA also significantly reduced DRD1-induced effects. Simultaneous inhibition of β-arrestin 2/p38 MAPK and Epac2 pathways nearly abolished the DRD1-stimulated neurogenesis, indicating the cooperative contribution of both pathways. Consistently, the expansion and folding of human cerebral organoids as stimulated by DRD1 were also mediated cooperatively by both β-arrestin 2/p38 MAPK and Epac2 pathways. Taken together, our results reveal that GPCRs apply at least two different signal pathways to regulate neurogenic processes in a delicate and balanced manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Uli Schwarz Quantitative Biology Core Facility, Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Pei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Li M, Li F, Chen J, Su H, Chen G, Cao J, Li J, Dong L, Yu Z, Wang Y, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Wei Q, Li Q, Chai K. Mechanistic insights on cytotoxicity of KOLR, Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees leaf derived active ingredient, by targeting signaling complexes of phosphodiesterase 3B and rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3540-3554. [PMID: 35703011 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein signaling complexes play important roles in prevention of several cancer types and can be used for development of targeted therapy. The roles of signaling complexes of phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) and Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3), which are two important enzymes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) metabolism, in cancer have not been fully explored. In the current study, a natural product Kaempferol-3-O-(3'',4''-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside designated as KOLR was extracted from Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees leaves. KOLR exhibited higher cytotoxic effects against BxCP-3 pancreatic cancer cell line. In BxPC-3 cells, the KOLR could enhance the formation of RAPGEF 3/ PDE3B protein complex to inhibit the activation of Rap-1 and PI3K-AKT pathway, thereby promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell metastasis. Mutation of RAPGEF3 G557A or low expression of PDE3B inactivated the binding action of KOLR resulting in KOLR resistance. The findings of this study show that PDE3B/RAPGEF3 complex is a potential therapeutic cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Li
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabin Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - He Su
- The second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang zhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanping Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jili Cao
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liyao Dong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhihong Yu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Nursing Department, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 903th Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Fermentation Resources and Application in Universities of Sichuan Province, Yibin University, Yibin, Sichuan, China
| | - Qun Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kequn Chai
- Cancer Institute of Integrated tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Qazi SR, Irfan M, Ramzan Z, Jahanzaib M, Khan MZ, Nasir M, Shakeel M, Khan IA. Identification of putative genetic variants in major depressive disorder patients in Pakistan. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2283-2292. [PMID: 35040003 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07050-0] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a polygenic, and highly prevalent disorder affecting 322 million people globally. It results in several psychological changes which adversely affect different dimensions of life and may lead to suicide. METHODS Whole exome sequencing of 15 MDD patients, enrolled at the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Karachi, was performed using NextSeq500. Different bioinformatics tools and databases like ANNOVAR, ALoFT, and GWAS were used to identify both common and rare variants associated with the pathogenesis of MDD. RESULTS A total of 1985 variations were identified in 479 MDD-related genes. Several SNPs including rs1079610, rs11750538, rs1799913, rs1801131, rs2230267, rs2231187, rs3819976, rs4314963, rs56265970, rs587780434, rs6330, rs75111588, rs7596487, and rs9624909 were prioritized due to their deleteriousness and frequency difference between the patients and the South Asian population. A non-synonymous variation rs56265970 (BCR) had 26% frequency in patients and was not found in the South Asian population; a multiallelic UTR-5' insertion rs587780434 (RELN) was present with an allelic frequency of 70% in patients whereas 22% in the SAS population. Genetic alterations in PABPC1 genes, a stress-associated gene also had higher allele frequency in the cases than in the normal population. CONCLUSION This present study identifies both common and rare variants in the genes associated with the pathogenesis of MDD in Pakistani patients. Genetic variations in BCR, RELN, and stress-associated PABPC1 suggest potential roles in the pathogenesis of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rizwan Qazi
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Zoobia Ramzan
- Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, 75280, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jahanzaib
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Maleeha Zaman Khan
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Mahrukh Nasir
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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13
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Zhong J, Yu Q, Zheng N, Su J, Zheng X, Zheng L, Chen X. Gene polymorphisms of insulin secretion signaling pathway associated with clopidogrel resistance in Han Chinese population. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23970. [PMID: 34609028 PMCID: PMC8605143 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the loss of responsiveness to insulin, diabetes mellitus (DM) patients develop increased platelet reactivity and reduced response to antiplatelet agents. Nevertheless, the relationship between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the signal pathway gene of insulin secretion and the effect of clopidogrel is elusive. METHODS Blood samples were collected from patients administered with dual-antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel, 75 mg, once daily and aspirin, 100 mg, once daily) after 5 days and completed test within 4 h. The VerifyNow P2Y12 assay was used to measure the platelet functions, and the results were expressed as a P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU). Notably, the selected SNPs were analyzed to demonstrate the functionality of genetic variants. RESULTS Analysis of the study population showed that old age, lower plasma albumin (ALB) level, higher creatinine (CREA) level, higher uric acid (UA) level, lower platelet (PLT) count, and lower plateletcrit (PCT) potentially increased the risk of clopidogrel resistance. In a single-nucleotide polymorphism rs6056209 of the PCLB1 gene, the AG genotype was a risk factor for clopidogrel resistance (p < 0.05, OR = 1.574). Similarly, the CC and AG genotype in GNAS rs7121 and CCKAR rs1800857 were protective factors (p < 0.05, OR = 0.094; p <0.05, OR = 0.491). TT was a protective factor in rs10814274 of the CREB3 gene (p < 0.05, OR = 0.444). In the RAPGEF4 gene polymorphism rs17746510, TG was the protective genotype, and the TT genotype was a risk factor for clopidogrel resistance. GCG rs5645 was confirmed; there was a relationship between genotypes containing A or G and clopidogrel resistance. CONCLUSION Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of insulin secretion signaling pathway genes trigger clopidogrel resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Zhong
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Department of CardiologyNingbo Second HospitalNingboChina
| | - Qinglin Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Internal MedicineNingbo First HospitalNingboChina
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of CardiologyNingbo Second HospitalNingboChina
| | - Jia Su
- Department of CardiologyNingbo First HospitalNingboChina
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of GeriatricsNingbo First HospitalNingboChina
| | - Liangrong Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesFirst Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Department of CardiologyNingbo First HospitalNingboChina
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14
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Wang J, He M, Guo W, Zhang Y, Sui X, Lin J, Liu X, Li H, Li J, Yang Q, Kan M, Zhang Z, Ming S, Qu X, Li N. Microbiome-Metabolomics Reveals Endogenous Alterations of Energy Metabolism by the Dushen Tang to Attenuate D-Galactose-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6649085. [PMID: 34136571 PMCID: PMC8175156 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6649085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging affects the brain function in elderly individuals, and Dushen Tang (DST) is widely used for the treatment of senile diseases. In this study, the protective effect of DST against memory impairment was evaluated through the Morris water maze (MWM) test and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A joint analysis was also performed using LC-MS metabolomics and the microbiome. The MWM test showed that DST could significantly improve the spatial memory and learning abilities of rats with memory impairment, and the TEM analysis showed that DST could reduce neuronal damage in the hippocampus of rats with memory impairment. Ten potential biomarkers involving pyruvate metabolism, the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, and other metabolic pathways were identified by the metabolomic analysis, and it was found that 3-hydroxybutyric acid and lactic acid were involved in the activation of cAMP signaling pathways. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that DST could regulate the structure of the gut microbiota in rats with memory impairment, and these effects were manifested as changes in energy metabolism. These findings suggest that DST exerts a good therapeutic effect on rats with memory impairment and that this effect might be mainly achieved by improving energy metabolism. These findings might lead to the potential development of DST as a drug for the treatment of rats with memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Min He
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- Leiden University—European Center for Chinese Medicine, Leiden University, 2333CC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanhong Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xin Sui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Jianan Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xiaoran Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hui Li
- Qian Wei Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Jing Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Mo Kan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Zhuang Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Sitong Ming
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xiaobo Qu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Na Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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15
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Zhang Q, Fan Z, Xue W, Sun F, Zhu H, Huang D, Wang Z, Dong L. Vitexin regulates Epac and NLRP3 and ameliorates chronic cerebral hypoperfusion injury. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 99:1079-1087. [PMID: 33915055 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), as a critical factor of chronic cerebrovascular diseases, has greatly influenced the health of patients with vascular dementia. Vitexin, a flavone C-glycoside (apigenin-8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside) that belongs to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-ischemic properties; however, the putative protective effects of vitexin on the CCH need further investigation. In the current study, the role of vitexin and its underlying mechanism were investigated with permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) in rats as well as mouse hippocampal neuronal (HT22) cells with oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury model. The results demonstrated that vitexin improved cognitive dysfunction as well as alleviated pathological neuronal damage in hematoxylin plus eosin (HE) and TUNEL results. The decreased levels of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1), Epac2, Ras-associated protein 1 (Rap1), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) were reversed by vitexin in rats with CCH. Furthermore, this study indicated that vitexin alleviated CCH-induced inflammation injuries by reducing the expression of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and cleaved caspase-3. In vitro, vitexin increased the expression of Epac1 and Epac2, decreased the activation of the NLRP3-mediated inflammation, and improved cell viability. Taken together, our findings suggest that vitexin can reduce the degree of the progressing pathological damage in the cortex and hippocampus and inhibit further deterioration of cognitive function in rats with CCH. Epac and NLRP3 can be regulated by vitexin in vivo and in vitro, which provides enlightenment for the protection of CCH injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research and Development of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhijia Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research and Development of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fanfan Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research and Development of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaqing Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dake Huang
- Synthetic Laboratory of School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuyi Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research and Development of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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16
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Abstract
The well-known second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates the morphology and physiology of neurons and thus higher cognitive brain functions. The discovery of exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap GTPases has shed light on protein kinase A (PKA)-independent functions of cAMP signaling in neural tissues. Studies of cAMP-Epac-mediated signaling in neurons under normal and disease conditions also revealed its diverse contributions to neurodevelopment, synaptic remodeling, and neurotransmitter release, as well as learning, memory, and emotion. In this mini-review, the various roles of Epac isoforms, including Epac1 and Epac2, highly expressed in neural tissues are summarized, and controversies or issues are highlighted that need to be resolved to uncover the critical functions of Epac in neural tissues and the potential for a new therapeutic target of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungmin Lee
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neural Circuitry and Physiology, Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
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17
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Peng Q, Kong Y, Shi L, Yan Y, Yao Y, Wen Y, Liang Y, Lai C, Deng Z, Yan H. The Epac2 coding gene (RAPGEF4) rs3769219 polymorphism is associated with protection against major depressive disorder in the Chinese Han population. Neurosci Lett 2020; 738:135361. [PMID: 32905835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135361] [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: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been demonstrated to be associated with the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD). A recent study indicated that deletion of the Epac2 gene (RAPGEF4) caused downregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. This study aimed to analyze the association between genetic variants of the RAPGEF4 gene and the risk of MDD. METHODS We recruited 502 patients with MDD and 504 healthy controls who matched for age and gender. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples and genotyping was performed by next-generation sequencing. In addition, we conducted subgroup analysis according to the gender and recurrence, respectively. RESULTS We found no significant association between RAPGEF4 gene rs3769219 variant and MDD in all subjects. However, the A-allele and GA + AA genotypes at rs3769219 were significantly associated with a reduced risk of MDD in the male population but not in the female population. Similarly, our study identified the A-allele and GA + AA genotypes at rs3769219 as protective factors for recurrent MDD (rMDD). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that RAPGEF4 gene rs3769219 mutation is associated with a reduced risk of MDD in male population and rMDD in total population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510515, China
| | - Yanying Kong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510180 China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510010 China
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510515, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Medical District of Guigang, 923th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guigang, Postal Code: 537105 China
| | - Yuguan Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510370 China
| | - Yumin Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510515, China
| | - Chongfa Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510010 China
| | - Zhirong Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510010 China
| | - Huacheng Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Postal Code: 510507, China.
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18
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Roh M, Lee H, Seo H, Lim CS, Park P, Choi JE, Kwak JH, Lee J, Kaang BK, McHugh TJ, Lee K. Perseverative stereotypic behavior of Epac2 KO mice in a reward-based decision making task. Neurosci Res 2020; 161:8-17. [PMID: 33007326 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Successfully navigating dynamic environments requires balancing the decision to stay at an optimal choice with that to switch to an alternative to acquire new knowledge. However, the genetic factors and cellular activity shaping this "stay or switch" action decision remains largely unidentified. Here we find that mice carrying a deletion of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (Epac2) gene, a putative autism locus, exhibit perseverative "stay" behavior in a dynamic foraging task. Anatomical analysis found that the loss of Epac2 resulted in a significant decrease in the density of PV-expressing interneurons in the ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsal striatum (dSTR). Further, in vitro whole cell patch clamp recordings of PV+ GABAergic interneurons in the dSTR revealed altered neural activity in Epac2 KO mice in response to dopamine. Our findings highlight a potential role of Epac2 in structural changes and neural responses of PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons in the ventrolateral OFC and dSTR during value-based reinforcement learning and link Epac2 function to abnormal decision-making processes and perseverative behaviors seen in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mootaek Roh
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Hyunhyo Seo
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, South Korea
| | - Pojeong Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ja Eun Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Kwak
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Juhyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea.
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19
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Wang P, Luchowska-Stańska U, van Basten B, Chen H, Liu Z, Wiejak J, Whelan P, Morgan D, Lochhead E, Barker G, Rehmann H, Yarwood SJ, Zhou J. Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Noncyclic Nucleotide Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1) Regulators. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5159-5184. [PMID: 32340447 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) play a central role in various biological functions, and activation of the EPAC1 protein has shown potential benefits for the treatment of various human diseases. Herein, we report the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of a series of noncyclic nucleotide EPAC1 activators. Several potent EPAC1 binders were identified including 25g, 25q, 25n, 25u, 25e, and 25f, which promote EPAC1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity in vitro. These agonists can also activate EPAC1 protein in cells, where they exhibit excellent selectivity toward EPAC over protein kinase A and G protein-coupled receptors. Moreover, 25e, 25f, 25n, and 25u exhibited improved selectivity toward activation of EPAC1 over EPAC2 in cells. Of these, 25u was found to robustly inhibit IL-6-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and subsequent induction of the pro-inflammatory vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) cell-adhesion protein. These novel EPAC1 activators may therefore act as useful pharmacological tools for elucidation of EPAC function and promising drug leads for the treatment of relevant human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Boy van Basten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jolanta Wiejak
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Padraic Whelan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - David Morgan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Emma Lochhead
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Graeme Barker
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Holger Rehmann
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Centre of Biomedical Genetics and Cancer Genomics Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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20
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Kelly MP, Heckman PRA, Havekes R. Genetic manipulation of cyclic nucleotide signaling during hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory formation. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 190:101799. [PMID: 32360536 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have underscored the importance of cyclic nucleotide signaling in memory formation and synaptic plasticity. In recent years, several new genetic techniques have expanded the neuroscience toolbox, allowing researchers to measure and modulate cyclic nucleotide gradients with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we will provide an overview of studies using genetic approaches to interrogate the role cyclic nucleotide signaling plays in hippocampus-dependent memory processes and synaptic plasticity. Particular attention is given to genetic techniques that measure real-time changes in cyclic nucleotide levels as well as newly-developed genetic strategies to transiently manipulate cyclic nucleotide signaling in a subcellular compartment-specific manner with high temporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michy P Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, VA Bldg1, 3(rd) Fl, D-12, Columbia, 29209, SC, USA.
| | - Pim R A Heckman
- Neurobiology Expertise Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Neurobiology Expertise Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
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21
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So WK, Kim HK, Chen Y, Jeong SH, Yeung PKK, Chow BCK, Han J, Chung SK. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) 1 plays an essential role in stress-induced exercise capacity by regulating PGC-1α and fatty acid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:195-216. [PMID: 31955265 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) mediates cAMP-mediated cell signal independent of protein kinase A (PKA). Mice lacking Epac1 displayed metabolic defect suggesting possible functional involvement of skeletal muscle and exercise capacity. Epac1 was highly expressed, but not Epac 2, in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. The exercise significantly increased protein expression of Epac 1 in EDL and soleus muscle of wild-type (WT) mice. A global proteomics and pathway analyses revealed that Epac 1 deficiency mainly affected "the energy production and utilization" process in the skeletal muscle. We have tested their forced treadmill exercise tolerance. Epac1-/- mice exhibited significantly reduced exercise capacity in the forced treadmill exercise and lower number of type 1 fibers than WT mice. The basal protein level of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was reduced in the Epac1-/- mice. Furthermore, increasing expression of PGC-1α by exercise was also significantly attenuated in the skeletal muscle of Epac1-/- mice. The expressions of downstream target genes of PGC-1α, which involved in uptake and oxidation of fatty acids, ERRα and PPARδ, and fatty acid content were lower in muscles of Epac1-/-, suggesting a role of Epac1 in forced treadmill exercise capacity by regulating PGC-1α pathway and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Taken together, Epac1 plays an important role in exercise capacity by regulating PGC-1α and fatty acid metabolism in the skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Kin So
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, BK21 Project Team, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yingxian Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Seung Hun Jeong
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, BK21 Project Team, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Patrick Ka Kit Yeung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Billy C K Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Jin Han
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, BK21 Project Team, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
| | - Sookja K Chung
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Taipa, Macau. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. .,United International College, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai, China.
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22
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Seo H, Lee K. Cell-specific expression of Epac2 in the subventricular and subgranular zones. Mol Brain 2019; 12:113. [PMID: 31870404 PMCID: PMC6929441 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim cAMP signal transduction cascade activation is important in regulating neurogenesis in adult rodents by increasing the proliferation of newborn cells. Although the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ) both contain large populations of neural stem/precursor cells; it remains unclear whether an alternative target of cAMP, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2), is involved in adult neurogenesis in the V-SVZ and SGZ. Here, we investigated the cell-specific expression of Epac2 protein in the V-SVZ and SGZ of the adult mouse brain. Methods Immunohistochemical analyses were performed using antibodies against Epac2, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), doublecortin (DCX), and beta-catenin, to examine the co-localization of Epac2 protein and neural stem/precursor cells in the V-SVZ and SGZ in three 8-week-old male mice. Results In the V-SVZ of the lateral ventricle, most GFAP-positive adult neural stem cells (NSC, defined as type B cells) and 75% of DCX-positive migrating neuroblasts (type A cells) expressed Epac2 proteins. Ninety-three percent of beta-catenin-positive ependymal cells (type E cells), which are in direct contact with NSCs and the ventricles, also expressed Epac2 protein. Similarly, in the SGZ of the hippocampus, Epac2-immunopositive signals were shown by 83% of GFAP-positive radial-glia-like NSCs (type 1 cells), 86% of DCX-positive transiently amplifying cells (type 2 and type 3 cells), and 71% of DCX-positive immature neurons. The present data suggest that a PKA-independent cAMP signaling pathway via Epac2 may be party to adult neurogenesis in the V-SVZ and the SGZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunhyo Seo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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23
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EPAC1 and EPAC2 promote nociceptor hyperactivity associated with chronic pain after spinal cord injury. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN 2019; 7:100040. [PMID: 31890991 PMCID: PMC6926371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2019.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with electrical hyperactivity (spontaneous and evoked) in primary nociceptors. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling is an important contributor to nociceptor excitability, and knockdown of the cAMP effector, exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC), has been shown to relieve pain-like responses in several chronic pain models. To examine potentially distinct roles of each EPAC isoform (EPAC1 and 2) in maintaining chronic pain, we used rat and mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). Pharmacological inhibition of EPAC1 or 2 in a rat SCI model was sufficient to reverse SCI-induced nociceptor hyperactivity, indicating that EPAC1 and 2 signaling activity are complementary, with both required to maintain hyperactivity. However, EPAC activation was not sufficient to induce similar hyperactivity in nociceptors from naïve rats, and we observed no change in EPAC protein expression after SCI. In the mouse SCI model, inhibition of both EPAC isoforms through a combination of pharmacological inhibition and genetic deletion was required to reverse SCI-induced nociceptor hyperactivity. This was consistent with our finding that neither EPAC1-/- nor EPAC2-/- mice were protected against SCI-induced chronic pain as assessed with an operant mechanical conflict test. Thus, EPAC1 and 2 activity may play a redundant role in mouse nociceptors, although no corresponding change in EPAC protein expression levels was detected after SCI. Despite some differences between these species, our data demonstrate a fundamental role for both EPAC1 and EPAC2 in mechanisms maintaining nociceptor hyperactivity and chronic pain after SCI.
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24
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Sawamoto A, Okuyama S, Nakajima M, Furukawa Y. Citrus flavonoid 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone induces BDNF via cAMP/ERK/CREB signaling and reduces phosphodiesterase activity in C6 cells. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:653-658. [PMID: 31195342 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with onset of several central nervous system disorders, e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain. In our previous in vivo studies using ischemic and depression mouse models, we revealed that citrus flavonoid 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) exerts neuroprotective effects by enhancing the expression of BDNF in astrocytes within the hippocampus. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the mechanism of BDNF induction by HMF in vitro using rat C6 glioma cells. METHODS C6 glioma cells were treated with HMF (10 μM) or HMF + U0126 (10 μM), HMF + H89 (1 μM), or HMF + K252a (200 nM) for 48 h. The protein level of mature BDNF (m-BDNF), phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) and phosphorylated-cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB) were measured using western blot analysis. To clarify the mechanism of HMF for increasing m-BDNF, the inhibitory effect of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) and PDE4D, and intracellular cAMP levels were examined by ELISA. RESULTS Our findings revealed that the m-BDNF-inducing activity of HMF was abolished by U0126 but not by H89 or K252a. HMF was found to phosphorylate (activate) ERK and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), a BDNF transcription factor. HMF inhibited PDE4B and PDE4D activity. Moreover, 10 μM HMF elevated intracellular cAMP levels in C6 cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that HMF might exert its neuroprotective effects by inducing m-BDNF expression in C6 cells, model cell line of astrocytes, via the activation of cAMP/ERK/CREB signaling and inhibiting PDE4B or PDE4D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sawamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8578, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Okuyama
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8578, Japan.
| | - Mitsunari Nakajima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8578, Japan.
| | - Yoshiko Furukawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8578, Japan.
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25
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Xie Z, Penzes P, Srivastava DP. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 is required for corticotropin-releasing hormone-mediated spine loss. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:3108-3114. [PMID: 31199033 PMCID: PMC6821562 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone is produced in response to acute and chronic stress. Previous studies have shown that activation of the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) by corticotropin-releasing hormone results in the rapid loss of dendritic spines which correlates with cognitive dysfunction associated with stress. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC2), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rap, plays a critical role in regulating dendritic spine morphology and has been linked with CRHR1 signalling. In this study, we have tested whether EPAC2 links corticotropin-releasing hormone with dendritic spine remodelling. In primary rat cortical neurons, we show that CRHR1 is highly enriched in the dendritic spines. Furthermore, we find that EPAC2 and CRHR1 co-localize in cortical neurons and that acute exposure to corticotropin-releasing hormone induces spine loss. To establish whether EPAC2 was required for corticotropin-releasing hormone-mediated spine loss, we knocked-down EPAC2 in cortical neurons using a short hairpin RNA-mediated approach. In the presence of Epac2 knocked-down, corticotropin-releasing hormone was no longer able to induce spine loss. Taken together, our data indicate that EPAC2 is required for the rapid loss of dendritic spines induced by corticotropin-releasing hormone and may ultimately contribute to responses to acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Xie
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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26
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Jones KA, Sumiya M, Woolfrey KM, Srivastava DP, Penzes P. Loss of EPAC2 alters dendritic spine morphology and inhibitory synapse density. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 98:19-31. [PMID: 31059774 PMCID: PMC6639166 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
EPAC2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that regulates GTPase activity of the small GTPase Rap and Ras and is highly enriched at synapses. Activation of EPAC2 has been shown to induce dendritic spine shrinkage and increase spine motility, effects that are necessary for synaptic plasticity. These morphological effects are dysregulated by rare mutations of Epac2 associated with autism spectrum disorders. In addition, EPAC2 destabilizes synapses through the removal of synaptic GluA2/3-containing AMPA receptors. Previous work has shown that Epac2 knockout mice (Epac2−/−) display abnormal social interactions, as well as gross disorganization of the frontal cortex and abnormal spine motility in vivo. In this study we sought to further understand the cellular consequences of knocking out Epac2 on the development of neuronal and synaptic structure and organization of cortical neurons. Using primary cortical neurons generated from Epac2+/+ or Epac2−/− mice, we confirm that EPAC2 is required for cAMP-dependent spine shrinkage. Neurons from Epac2−/− mice also displayed increased synaptic expression of GluA2/3-containing AMPA receptors, as well as of the adhesion protein N-cadherin. Intriguingly, analysis of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic proteins revealed that loss of EPAC2 resulted in altered expression of vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) but not vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1), indicating an altered ratio of excitatory and inhibitory synapses onto neurons. Finally, examination of cortical neurons located within the anterior cingulate cortex further revealed subtle deficits in the establishment of dendritic arborization in vivo. These data provide evidence that loss of EPAC2 enhances the stability of excitatory synapses and increases the number of inhibitory inputs. EPAC2 is required for cAMP-dependent spine remodeling. Loss of EPAC2 results in over-stabilized excitatory synapses. Loss of EPAC2 results in an increase in inhibitory input onto neurons. EPAC2 is required for correct dendritic arborization and spine formation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Jones
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK
| | - Michiko Sumiya
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin M Woolfrey
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK; Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 8NU, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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FCPR16, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:62-75. [PMID: 30391306 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The canonical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors produce antidepressant-like effects in a variety of animal models. However, severe side effects, particularly vomiting and nausea, limit their clinical application. FCPR16 is a novel PDE4 inhibitor with less vomiting potential. However, whether it will exert an antidepressant-like effect remains unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of FCPR16 in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Our results showed that FCPR16 produced antidepressant-like effects in multiple behavioral tests, including a forced swimming test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test and novelty suppression feeding test. Simultaneously, data indicated that FCPR16 enhanced the levels of several proteins, including cAMP, brain derived neurotrophic factor, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (EPAC-2), synapsin1, postsynaptic density protein 95, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2, which were downregulated by CUMS in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The number of DCX+ cells in the hippocampus of CUMS mice was increased after FCPR16 treatment. Moreover, treatment with FCPR16 resulted in decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in mice challenged with CUMS. Consistently, the mRNA levels of microglial M1 markers (iNOS and TNF-α) were downregulated, while M2 markers (Arginase 1 and CD206) were upregulated in CUMS-exposed mice after FCPR16 treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that FCPR16 inhibited the activation of microglial cells and increased the number of CD206+ in CUMS-exposed mice. Collectively, these results suggested that FCPR16 is a potential compound with effects against depressive-like behaviors, and the antidepressant-like effect of FCPR16 is possibly mediated through activation of the cAMP-mediated signaling pathways and inhibition of neuroinflammation in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
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28
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Yu H, Zhong J, Niu B, Zhong Q, Xiao J, Xie J, Lin M, Zhou Z, Xu J, Wang H. Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 4 by FCPR03 Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Prevents Dendritic Spine Loss in Mice Hippocampi. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 22:143-156. [PMID: 30407503 PMCID: PMC6377503 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphodiesterase 4 is a promising target for developing novel antidepressants. However, prototype phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors show severe side effects, including nausea and vomiting. N-Isopropyl-3-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-difluoromethoxy benzamide (FCPR03) is a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor with little emetic potential. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of FCPR03 on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced, depressive-like behaviors in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The depression model of mice was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress. Forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test were used to assess depressive-like behaviors. Golgi-staining was utilized to analyze dendritic morphology and spine density. The level of cAMP was measured by enzyme-linked immnosorbent assay assay. Western blot was used to evaluate protein levels of phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein, protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and brain derived neurotrophic factor in both hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Postsynaptic density protein 95 and synapsin 1 were also detected by western blot in the hippocampi. RESULTS Treatment with FCPR03 (0.5-1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) increased consumption of sucrose in the sucrose preference test in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. FCPR03 shortened the immobility time in forced swim test and tail suspension test without affecting locomotor activity. Furthermore, chronic unpredictable mild stress decreased the dendritic spine density and dendritic length in the hippocampus. This change was accompanied by decreased expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 and synapsin 1. Interestingly, FCPR03 prevented dendritic spine loss and increased synaptic protein levels. Moreover, the levels of cAMP, phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein, and brain derived neurotrophic factor were elevated in chronic unpredictable mild stress-challenged mice after treatment with FCPR03. In addition, FCPR03 also enhanced the phosphorylation of both protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that FCPR03 could prevent both depressive-like behaviors and spine loss induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in the mice hippocampi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Zhong
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Niu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuping Zhong
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiao Xiao
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Xie
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manna Lin
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhen Zhou
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangping Xu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Correspondence: Haitao Wang, PhD, Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China ()
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Deletion of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac) causes defects in hippocampal signaling in female mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200935. [PMID: 30048476 PMCID: PMC6062027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate essential roles for the exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP 1 and 2 (Epac1 and Epac2; here collectively referred to as Epac) in the brain. In the hippocampus, Epac contributes to the control of neuronal growth and differentiation and has been implicated in memory and learning as well as in anxiety and depression. In the present study we address the hypothesis that Epac affects hippocampal cellular responses to acute restraint stress. Stress causes activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is essential for proper feedback regulation of the stress response, both in the brain and along the HPA axis. In the hippocampus, GR expression is regulated by cAMP and the brain enriched micro RNA miR-124. Epac has been associated with miR-124 expression in hippocampal neurons, but not in regulation of GR. We report that hippocampal expression of Epac1 and Epac2 increased in response to acute stress in female wild type mice. In female mice genetically deleted for Epac, nuclear translocation of GR in response to restraint stress was significantly delayed, and moreover, miR-124 expression was decreased in these mice. Male mice lacking Epac also showed abnormalities in miR-124 expression, but the phenotype was less profound than in females. Serum corticosterone levels were slightly altered immediately after stress in both male and female mice deleted for Epac. The presented data indicate that Epac1 and Epac2 are involved in controlling cellular responses to acute stress in the mouse hippocampus and provide novel insights into the underlying transcriptional and signaling networks. Interestingly, we observe sex specific differences when Epac is deleted. As the incidence and prevalence of stress-related diseases are higher in women than in men, the Epac knockout models might serve as genetic tools to further elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying differences between male and female with regard to regulation of stress.
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30
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Robichaux WG, Cheng X. Intracellular cAMP Sensor EPAC: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutics Development. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:919-1053. [PMID: 29537337 PMCID: PMC6050347 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00025.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on one family of the known cAMP receptors, the exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs), also known as the cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMP-GEFs). Although EPAC proteins are fairly new additions to the growing list of cAMP effectors, and relatively "young" in the cAMP discovery timeline, the significance of an EPAC presence in different cell systems is extraordinary. The study of EPACs has considerably expanded the diversity and adaptive nature of cAMP signaling associated with numerous physiological and pathophysiological responses. This review comprehensively covers EPAC protein functions at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and pathophysiological levels; and in turn, the applications of employing EPAC-based biosensors as detection tools for dissecting cAMP signaling and the implications for targeting EPAC proteins for therapeutic development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Robichaux
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
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31
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Russart KLG, Huk D, Nelson RJ, Kirschner LS. Elevated aggressive behavior in male mice with thyroid-specific Prkar1a and global Epac1 gene deletion. Horm Behav 2018; 98:121-129. [PMID: 29289659 PMCID: PMC5828986 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in circulating thyroid hormone concentrations are associated with several psychological and behavioral disorders. In humans, behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be associated with thyroid disease. The Tpo-Cre;Prkar1aflox/flox;Epac1-/- (R1A-Epac1KO) mice, originally bred to investigate the role of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac1) in follicular thyroid cancer, displayed self-mutilating and aggressive behaviors during casual observation. To assess these atypical responses, behavioral testing was conducted with the R1A-Epac1KO mice, as well as their single knockout counterparts, the thyroid-specific Prkar1a-/- and global Epac1-/- mice. Mice of all three genotypes demonstrated increased aggressive behavior against an intruder mouse. In addition, Epac1-/- mice increased response to an auditory stimulus, and the Prkar1a-/- and R1A-Epac1KO mice increased swimming behavior in the Porsolt forced swim test. Both Prkar1a-/- mice and R1A-Epac1KO mice have increased circulating thyroxine and corticosterone concentrations. Although hyperthyroidism has not been previously associated with aggression, increased thyroid hormone signaling might contribute to the increased aggressive response to the intruder mouse, as well as the increased swimming response. Mice with a genetic background of Tpo-Cre;Prkar1aflox/flox;Epac1-/- are aggressive, and both the thyroid-specific knockout of Prkar1a and global knockout of Epac1 likely contribute to this aggressive behavior. This study supports the hypothesis that altered thyroid signaling and aggressive behavior are linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L G Russart
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Danielle Huk
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lawrence S Kirschner
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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32
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Zhou D, Zhang Z, Liu L, Li C, Li M, Yu H, Cai X, Sun X, Shen X, Wang J, Geng J, Wang C, Shi Y. The antidepressant-like effects of biperiden may involve BDNF/TrkB signaling-mediated BICC1 expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 157:47-57. [PMID: 28216067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that neuronal muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M-AchR) antagonists have antidepressant-like properties. Despite the recent interest in bicaudal C homolog 1 gene (BICC1) as a target for the treatment of depression, the upstream signaling molecules that regulate BICC1 are unknown, and very few studies have addressed the involvement of BICC1 in the antidepressant-like effects of the selective M1-AchR inhibitor, biperiden. Growing evidence indicates that activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling may be involved in antidepressant-like activities. In this study, we investigated the role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in the regulation of BICC1 expression in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model of depression. Furthermore, we also examined whether BDNF/TrkB signaling contributes to the antidepressant-like effects of biperiden via down-regulation of BICC1 in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. Our current data show that CUS exposure induced significant depression-like behaviors, down-regulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling and up-regulation of BICC1 in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. However, biperiden significantly alleviated the CUS-induced abnormalities. Moreover, we found that the effects of biperiden were antagonized by pretreatment with the TrkB antagonist K252a. Our results indicate that BDNF/TrkB signaling may be the major upstream mediator of BICC1 involvement in the antidepressant-like effects of biperiden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Zhou
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Lingjiang Liu
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Chenli Li
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Hanjie Yu
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Xiongxiong Cai
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Xin Sun
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Xinbei Shen
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jinting Wang
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Geng
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
| | - Yaosheng Shi
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, PR China; Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Medical School of Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
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