1
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Tremolanti C, Angeloni E, Da Pozzo E, Germelli L, Giacomelli C, Scalzi E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Mensah-Nyagan AG, Martini C, Costa B. Human oligodendrocyte-like cell differentiation is promoted by TSPO-mediated endogenous steroidogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167174. [PMID: 38631406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) arise from oligodendrocyte precursor cells that, in case of demyelination, are recruited at the lesion site to remyelinate the axons and therefore restore the transmission of nerve impulses. It has been widely documented that exogenously administered steroid molecules are potent inducers of myelination. However, little is known about how neurosteroids produced de novo by OLs can impact this process. Here, we employed a human OL precursor cell line to investigate the role of de novo neurosteroidogenesis in the regulation of OLs differentiation, paying particular attention to the 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) which controls the rate-limiting step of the neurosteroidogenic process. Our results showed that, over the time of OL maturation, the availability of cholesterol, which is the neurosteroidogenesis initial substrate, and key members of the neurosteroidogenic machinery, including TSPO, were upregulated. In addition, OLs differentiation was impaired following neurosteroidogenesis inhibition and TSPO silencing. On the contrary, TSPO pharmacological stimulation promoted neurosteroidogenic function and positively impacted differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that de novo neurosteroidogenesis is actively involved in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of human OL differentiation. Moreover, since TSPO was able to promote OL differentiation through a positive modulation of the neurosteroid biosynthetic process, it could be exploited as a promising target to tackle demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elisa Angeloni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Germelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Eduardo Scalzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Ayikoé-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa. Italy.
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2
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Baglini E, Poggetti V, Cavallini C, Petroni D, Forini F, Nicolini G, Barresi E, Salerno S, Costa B, Iozzo P, Neglia D, Menichetti L, Taliani S, Da Settimo F. Targeting the Translocator Protein (18 kDa) in Cardiac Diseases: State of the Art and Future Opportunities. J Med Chem 2024; 67:17-37. [PMID: 38113353 PMCID: PMC10911791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria dysfunctions are typical hallmarks of cardiac disorders (CDs). The multiple tasks of this energy-producing organelle are well documented, but its pathophysiologic involvement in several manifestations of heart diseases, such as altered electromechanical coupling, excitability, and arrhythmias, is still under investigation. The human 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is a protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane whose expression is altered in different pathological conditions, including CDs, making it an attractive therapeutic and diagnostic target. Currently, only a few TSPO ligands are employed in CDs and cardiac imaging. In this Perspective, we report an overview of the emerging role of TSPO at the heart level, focusing on the recent literature concerning the development of TSPO ligands used for fighting and imaging heart-related disease conditions. Accordingly, targeting TSPO might represent a successful strategy to achieve novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to unravel the fundamental mechanisms and to provide solutions to still unanswered questions in CDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Baglini
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Debora Petroni
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Nicolini
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Patricia Iozzo
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Danilo Neglia
- Fondazione
CNR/Regione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Cardiovascular and Imaging
Departments, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute
of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
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3
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Barresi E, Robello M, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Viviano M, Salerno S, Da Settimo F, Taliani S. Indol-3-ylglyoxylamide as Privileged Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:997. [PMID: 37513909 PMCID: PMC10386336 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, indolylglyoxylamide-based derivatives have received much attention due to their application in drug design and discovery, leading to the development of a wide array of compounds that have shown a variety of pharmacological activities. Combining the indole nucleus, already validated as a "privileged structure," with the glyoxylamide function allowed for an excellent template to be obtained that is suitable to a great number of structural modifications aimed at permitting interaction with specific molecular targets and producing desirable therapeutic effects. The present review provides insight into how medicinal chemists have elegantly exploited the indolylglyoxylamide moiety to obtain potentially useful drugs, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting activity in in vivo models or reaching clinical trials. All in all, this information provides exciting new perspectives on existing data that can be useful in further design of indolylglyoxylamide-based molecules with interesting pharmacological profiles. The aim of this report is to present an update of collection data dealing with the employment of this moiety in the rational design of compounds that are able to interact with a specific target, referring to the last 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Robello
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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4
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Lissaman AC, Girling JE, Cree LM, Campbell RE, Ponnampalam AP. Androgen signalling in the ovaries and endometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad017. [PMID: 37171897 PMCID: PMC10663053 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad017] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of hormonal regulation within the female reproductive system is largely based on our knowledge of estrogen and progesterone signalling. However, while the important functions of androgens in male physiology are well known, it is also recognized that androgens play critical roles in the female reproductive system. Further, androgen signalling is altered in a variety of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, indicative of regulatory roles in endometrial and ovarian function. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between different androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, resulting in a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Evidence from animal knockout studies, in vitro experiments, and human data indicate that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and menstrual cycle stage-dependent, with important regulatory roles in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and follicular development in the ovaries. This review will discuss the expression and co-regulatory interactions of androgen receptors, highlighting the complexity of the androgen signalling pathway in the endometrium and ovaries, and the synthesis of androgens from additional alternative pathways previously disregarded as male-specific. Moreover, it will illustrate the challenges faced when studying androgens in female biology, and the need for a more in-depth, integrative view of androgen metabolism and signalling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna P Ponnampalam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa-Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
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5
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Angeloni E, Germelli L, Marchetti L, Da Pozzo E, Tremolanti C, Wetzel CH, Baglini E, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Costa B. The human microglial surveillant phenotype is preserved by de novo neurosteroidogenesis through the control of cholesterol homeostasis: Crucial role of 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166751. [PMID: 37169037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166751] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease-associated microglia commonly exhibit harmful cholesterol accumulation that impairs their ability to resolve the neuroinflammatory response, contributing to disease onset and progression. Neurosteroids, whose levels have been often found significantly altered in brain diseases, are the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules exerting beneficial effects on activities of brain cells, including microglia. For the first time, the impact of neurosteroidogenesis on cholesterol homeostasis for the immune surveillance phenotype maintenance was investigated in a human microglia in vitro model. To enhance and inhibit neurosteroidogenesis, pharmacological stimulation and knock-down of 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO), which is involved in the neurosteroidogenesis rate-limiting step, were used as experimental approaches, respectively. The obtained results point to an essential autocrine control of neurosteroidogenesis in orchestrating cholesterol trafficking in human microglia. TSPO pharmacological stimulation ensured cholesterol turnover by strengthening cholesterol efflux systems and preserving healthy immune surveillant phenotype. Conversely, TSPO knock-down induced an impairment of the controlled interplay among cholesterol synthesis, efflux, and metabolism mechanisms, leading to an excessive cholesterol accumulation and acquisition of a chronically activated dysfunctional phenotype. In this model, the exogenous neurosteroid administration restored proper the cholesterol clearance. The TSPO ability in promoting native neurosteroidogenesis opens the way to restore cholesterol homeostasis, and thus to maintain microglia proper functionality for the treatment of neuroinflammation-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Angeloni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Germelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Marchetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti, 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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6
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Aspesi D, Bass N, Kavaliers M, Choleris E. The role of androgens and estrogens in social interactions and social cognition. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00151-3. [PMID: 37080448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones are becoming increasingly recognized for their effects on cognition. Estrogens, in particular, have received attention for their effects on learning and memory that rely upon the functioning of various brain regions. However, the impacts of androgens on cognition are relatively under investigated. Testosterone, as well as estrogens, have been shown to play a role in the modulation of different aspects of social cognition. This review explores the impact of testosterone and other androgens on various facets of social cognition including social recognition, social learning, social approach/avoidance, and aggression. We highlight the relevance of considering not only the actions of the most commonly studied steroids (i.e., testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone), but also that of their metabolites and precursors, which interact with a plethora of different receptors and signalling molecules, ultimately modulating behaviour. We point out that it is also essential to investigate the effects of androgens, their precursors and metabolites in females, as prior studies have mostly focused on males. Overall, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of steroids such as androgens on behaviour is fundamental for a full understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition, including that of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Noah Bass
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph
| | - Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph; Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph.
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7
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The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO): a key multifunctional molecule in the nervous system. Biochem J 2022; 479:1455-1466. [PMID: 35819398 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220050] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), formerly known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is an evolutionary well-conserved protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO is involved in a variety of fundamental physiological functions and cellular processes. Its expression levels are regulated under many pathological conditions, therefore, TSPO has been proposed as a tool for diagnostic imaging and an attractive therapeutic drug target in the nervous system. Several synthetic TSPO ligands have thus been explored as agonists and antagonists for innovative treatments as neuroprotective and regenerative agents. In this review, we provide state-of-the-art knowledge of TSPO functions in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on its contribution to important physiological functions such as mitochondrial homeostasis, energy metabolism and steroidogenesis. We also report how it is involved in neuroinflammation, brain injury and diseases of the nervous system.
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8
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Abstract
Androgens are essential sex steroid hormones for both sexes. Testosterone (T) is the predominant androgen in males, while in adult females, T concentrations are about 15-fold lower and androgen precursors are converted to estrogens. T is produced primarily in testicular Leydig cells in men, while in women precursors are biosynthesised in the adrenal cortex and ovaries and converted into T in the periphery. The biosynthesis of T occurs via a series of enzymatic reactions in steroidogenic organs. Notably, the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone, may be synthesized from T in the classic pathway, however, alternate metabolic pathways also exist. The classic action of androgens on target organs is mediated through the androgen receptor, which regulates nuclear receptor gene transcription. However, the androgen-androgen receptor complex may also interact directly with membrane proteins or signaling molecules to exert more rapid effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge of androgen biosynthesis, mechanisms of action and endocrine effects in human biology, and relates these effects to respective human congenital and acquired disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Therina du Toit
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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9
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Zhang H, Wang H, Gao F, Yang J, Xu Y, Fu Y, Cai M, Zhang X, Yang Q, Tong K, Hu Y, Chen H, Ma C, He W, Zhang J. TSPO deficiency accelerates amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation by impairing microglial phagocytosis. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 106:292-303. [PMID: 34340010 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has placed inflammation and immune dysfunction at the center of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mitochondrial protein translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is highly upregulated in microglia and astrocytes in response to inflammatory stimulation. However, the biological action of TSPO in the pathogenesis of AD has not been determined to date. In this study, we showed that TSPO expression was upregulated in brain tissues from AD patients and AD model mice. APP/PS1 mice lacking TSPO generated significantly higher levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 peptides and more Aβ plaques, as well as enhanced microglial activation, in the brain. TSPO-deficient microglia cultured in vitro showed a significant decrease in the ability to phagocytose Aβ peptides or latex beads and generated more proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in response to Aβ peptides. Our findings suggest that TSPO has protective functions against neuroinflammation and Aβ pathogenesis in AD. TSPO may be a potential drug target for the development of drugs that have therapeutic or preventive effects in neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Menghua Cai
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Tong
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory for T Cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing, China.
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10
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Robello M, Barresi E, Baglini E, Salerno S, Taliani S, Settimo FD. The Alpha Keto Amide Moiety as a Privileged Motif in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Insights and Emerging Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3508-3545. [PMID: 33764065 PMCID: PMC8154582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers in drug discovery have taken advantage of the use of privileged structures to design innovative hit/lead molecules. The α-ketoamide motif is found in many natural products, and it has been widely exploited by medicinal chemists to develop compounds tailored to a vast range of biological targets, thus presenting clinical potential for a plethora of pathological conditions. The purpose of this perspective is to provide insights into the versatility of this chemical moiety as a privileged structure in drug discovery. After a brief analysis of its physical-chemical features and synthetic procedures to obtain it, α-ketoamide-based classes of compounds are reported according to the application of this motif as either a nonreactive or reactive moiety. The goal is to highlight those aspects that may be useful to understanding the perspectives of employing the α-ketoamide moiety in the rational design of compounds able to interact with a specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Robello
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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11
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De novo Neurosteroidogenesis in Human Microglia: Involvement of the 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063115. [PMID: 33803741 PMCID: PMC8003294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are potent modulators of microglial functions and are capable of counteracting their excessive reactivity. This action has mainly been ascribed to neuroactive steroids released from other sources, as microglia have been defined unable to produce neurosteroids de novo. Unexpectedly, immortalized murine microglia recently exhibited this de novo biosynthesis; herein, de novo neurosteroidogenesis was characterized in immortalized human microglia. The results demonstrated that C20 and HMC3 microglial cells constitutively express members of the neurosteroidogenesis multiprotein machinery-in particular, the transduceosome members StAR and TSPO, and the enzyme CYP11A1. Moreover, both cell lines produce pregnenolone and transcriptionally express the enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis. The high TSPO expression levels observed in microglia prompted us to assess its role in de novo neurosteroidogenesis. TSPO siRNA and TSPO synthetic ligand treatments were used to reduce and prompt TSPO function, respectively. The TSPO expression downregulation compromised the de novo neurosteroidogenesis and led to an increase in StAR expression, probably as a compensatory mechanism. The pharmacological TSPO stimulation the de novo neurosteroidogenesis improved in turn the neurosteroid-mediated release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that de novo neurosteroidogenesis occurs in human microglia, unravelling a new mechanism potentially useful for future therapeutic purposes.
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12
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Rivière G, Jaipuria G, Andreas LB, Leonov A, Giller K, Becker S, Zweckstetter M. Membrane-embedded TSPO: an NMR view. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2021; 50:173-180. [PMID: 33354729 PMCID: PMC8071791 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-020-01487-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Translocator Protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is a mitochondrial transmembrane protein commonly used as a biomarker for neuroinflammation and is also a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite intensive research efforts, the function of TSPO is still largely enigmatic. Deciphering TSPO structure in the native lipid environment is essential to gain insight into its cellular activities and to design improved diagnostic and therapeutic ligands. Here, we discuss the influence of lipid composition on the structure of mammalian TSPO embedded into lipid bilayers on the basis of solid-state NMR experiments. We further highlight that cholesterol can influence both the tertiary and quaternary TSPO structure and also influence TSPO localization in mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwladys Rivière
- Senior Research Group of Translational Structural Biology in Dementia, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Garima Jaipuria
- Senior Research Group of Translational Structural Biology in Dementia, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Loren B Andreas
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrei Leonov
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karin Giller
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Senior Research Group of Translational Structural Biology in Dementia, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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Gao ZW, Huang YY, Zhang JQ, Rong JY, Qiao GY, Chen N, Yu GD, Luo M, Liu XF. Paeoniflorin elicits the anti-proliferative effects on glioma cell via targeting translocator protein 18 KDa. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 145:115-121. [PMID: 33357769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As a natural compound isolated from Paeoniae radix, Paeoniflorin (PF) has been shown the antitumor effects in various types of human cancers including glioma, which is one of the serious tumors in central nervous system. Translocator protein 18 KDa (TSPO) has been shown to be relevant to the glioma aetiology. However, the regulation of PF in TSPO and neurosteriods biosynthesis on glioma is still unclear. In the present study, the glioma cell (U87 and U251) were cultured and used to quantify the bindings of PF on TSPO. Results indicated that there was not significant different between IC50 of PF and TSPO ligand PK11195. Moreover, PF exerted the anti-proliferative effects in glioma cell with a dose dependent inhibition from 12.5 to 100 μM in vitro. Consistent with the effects of PK11195, lowered levels on progesterone, allopregnanolone, as well as TSPO mRNA were induced by PF (25 and 50 μM). Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model with U87 cell-derived was significant inhibited by PF treatment, as well as the PK11195 administration. These results demonstrate that PF exerts its antitumor effects associated with the TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis in glioma cells could be a promising therapeutic agent for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yu-Yun Huang
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China
| | - Jing-Yu Rong
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China
| | - Guan-Ying Qiao
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yu
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, 528300, China.
| | - Min Luo
- Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Xiao-Fen Liu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, China Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510900, China.
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14
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An update into the medicinal chemistry of translocator protein (TSPO) ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112924. [PMID: 33081988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been discovered in 1977 as an alternative binding site for the benzodiazepine diazepam. It is an evolutionary well-conserved and tryptophan-rich 169-amino acids protein with five alpha helical transmembrane domains stretching the outer mitochondrial membrane, with the carboxyl-terminus in the cytosol and a short amino-terminus in the intermembrane space of mitochondrion. At this level, together with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), it forms the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). TSPO expression is ubiquitary, with higher levels in steroid producing tissues; in the central nervous system, it is mainly expressed in glial cells and in neurons. TSPO is implicated in a variety of fundamental cellular processes including steroidogenesis, heme biosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell life/death balance, oxidative stress. Altered TSPO expression has been found in some pathological conditions. In particular, high TSPO expression levels have been documented in cancer, neuroinflammation, and brain injury. Conversely, low TSPO expression levels have been evidenced in anxiety disorders. Therefore, TSPO is not only an interesting drug target for therapeutic purpose (anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, etc.), but also a valid diagnostic marker of related-diseases detectable by fluorescent or radiolabeled ligands. The aim of this report is to present an update of previous reviews dealing with the medicinal chemistry of TSPO and to highlight the most outstanding advances in the development of TSPO ligands as potential therapeutic or diagnostic tools, especially referring to the last five years.
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15
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Musicki B, Karakus S, La Favor JD, Chen H, Silva FH, Sturny M, Zirkin BR, Burnett AL. TSPO ligand FGIN-1-27 controls priapism in sickle cell mice via endogenous testosterone production. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3073-3082. [PMID: 32974910 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Priapism, a prolonged penile erection in the absence of sexual arousal, is common among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Hypogonadism is also common in patients with SCD. While the administration of exogenous testosterone reverses hypogonadism, it is contraceptive. We hypothesized that the stimulation of endogenous testosterone production decreases priapism by normalizing molecular signaling involved in penile erection without decreasing intratesticular testosterone production, which would affect fertility. Treatment of SCD mice with FGIN-1-27, a ligand for translocator protein (TSPO) that mobilizes cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, resulted in eugonadal levels of serum testosterone without decreasing intratesticular testosterone production. Normalized testosterone levels, in turn, decreased priapism. At the molecular level, TSPO restored phosphodiesterase 5 activity and decreased NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress in the penis, which are major molecular signaling molecules involved in penile erection and are dysregulated in SCD. These results indicate that pharmacologic activation of TSPO could be a novel, targetable pathway for treating hypogonadal men, particularly patients with SCD, without adverse effects on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Musicki
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Serkan Karakus
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin D La Favor
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fabio H Silva
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mikael Sturny
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arthur L Burnett
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Kikutani K, Giga H, Hosokawa K, Shime N, Aizawa H. Microglial translocator protein and stressor-related disorder. Neurochem Int 2020; 140:104855. [PMID: 32980493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of neuroinflammation in psychiatric disorders, molecular mechanism underlying it remains elusive. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), also known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a mitochondrial protein implicated in the synthesis of steroids in a variety of tissues. Multiple reports have shown increased expression of TSPO in the activated microglia in the CNS. Radioactive probes targeting TSPO have been developed and used for imaging assessment in neurological and psychiatric disorders to examine neuroinflammation. Recent studies revealed that the wide range of stressors ranging from psychological to physical insults induced TSPO in human, suggesting that this protein could be an important tool to explore the contribution of microglia in stressor-related disorders. In this review, we first overview the microglial activation with TSPO in a wide range of stressors in human and animal models to discuss prevalent roles of TSPO in response of CNS to stressors. With recent update of the signaling pathway revealing link connecting TSPO with neuroinflammatory effectors such as reactive oxygen species, we discuss TSPO as a therapeutic targeting tool for suppression of adverse effect of stressors on long-lasting changes in animal behaviors and activities. Targeting TSPO which mediates neuroinflammation under the stress might pave the way to develop therapeutic intervention and prophylaxis of stressor-related disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kikutani
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Giga
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Koji Hosokawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Shime
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Science, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aizawa
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan.
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17
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Tabrizi L, Thompson K, Mnich K, Chintha C, Gorman AM, Morrison L, Luessing J, Lowndes NF, Dockery P, Samali A, Erxleben A. Novel Pt(IV) Prodrugs Displaying Antimitochondrial Effects. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:3009-3023. [PMID: 32628022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The design, synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of a series of platinum(IV) prodrugs containing the axial ligand 3-(4-phenylquinazoline-2-carboxamido)propanoate (L3) are reported. L3 is a derivative of the quinazolinecarboxamide class of ligands that binds to the translocator protein (TSPO) at the outer mitochondrial membrane. The cytotoxicities of cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(L3)(OH)] (C-Pt1), cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(L3)(BZ)] (C-Pt2), trans-[Pt(DACH)(OX)(L3)(OH)] (C-Pt3), and trans-[Pt(DACH)(OX)(L3)(BZ)] (C-Pt4) (DACH: R,R-diaminocyclohexane, BZ: benzoate, OX: oxalate) in MCF-7 breast cancer and noncancerous MCF-10A epithelial cells were assessed and compared with those of cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and the free ligand L3. Moreover, the cellular uptake, ROS generation, DNA damage, and the effect on the mitochondrial function, mitochondrial membrane potential, and morphology were investigated. Molecular interactions of L3 in the TSPO binding site were studied using molecular docking. The results showed that complex C-Pt1 is the most effective Pt(IV) complex and exerts a multimodal mechanism involving DNA damage, potent ROS production, loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Tabrizi
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Kerry Thompson
- Anatomy, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Katarzyna Mnich
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Chetan Chintha
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Adrienne M Gorman
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Janna Luessing
- Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Noel F Lowndes
- Genome Stability Laboratory, Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Peter Dockery
- Anatomy, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Afshin Samali
- Apoptosis Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Andrea Erxleben
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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18
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Qiu ZK, Liu X, Chen Y, Wu RJ, Guan SF, Pan YY, Wang QB, Tang D, Zhu T, Chen JS. Translocator protein 18 kDa: a potential therapeutic biomarker for post traumatic stress disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:695-707. [PMID: 32172519 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widely regarded as a stress-related and trauma disorder. The symptoms of PTSD are characterized as a spectrum of vulnerabilities after the exposure to an extremely traumatic stressor. Considering as one of complex mental disorders, little progress has been made toward its diagnostic biomarkers, despite the involvement of PTSD has been studied. Many studies into the underlying neurobiology of PTSD implicated the dysfunction of neurosteroids biosynthesis and neuorinflammatory processes. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been considered as one of the promising therapeutic biomarkers for neurological stress disorders (like PTSD, depression, anxiety, et al) without the benzodiazepine-like side effects. This protein participates in the formation of neurosteroids and modulation of neuroinflammation. The review outlines current knowledge involving the role of TSPO in the neuropathology of PTSD and the anti-PTSD-like effects of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of Medical Supplies Center of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Jia Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Feng Guan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Yun Pan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Bo Wang
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C, Laneri S, Novellino E, Greco G. Exploiting the Indole Scaffold to Design Compounds Binding to Different Pharmacological Targets. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102331. [PMID: 32429433 PMCID: PMC7287756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several indole derivatives have been disclosed by our research groups that have been collaborating for nearly 25 years. The results of our investigations led to a variety of molecules binding selectively to different pharmacological targets, specifically the type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) chloride channel, the translocator protein (TSPO), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein, the A2B adenosine receptor (A2B AR) and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Herein, we describe how these works were conceived and carried out thanks to the versatility of indole nucleus to be exploited in the design and synthesis of drug-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (G.G.); Tel.: +39-050-2219547 (S.T.); +39-081-678645 (G.G.)
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20
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18-kDa translocator protein association complexes in the brain: From structure to function. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:114015. [PMID: 32387458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The outer mitochondrial membrane 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is highly conserved in organisms of different species and ubiquitously expressed throughout tissues, including the nervous system. In the healthy adult brain, TSPO expression levels are low and promptly modulated under different pathological conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory states, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Not surprisingly, several endogenous and synthetic molecules capable of binding TSPO have been proposed as drugs or diagnostic tools for brain diseases. The most studied biochemical function of TSPO is cholesterol translocation into mitochondria, which in turn affects the synthesis of steroids in the periphery and neurosteroids in the brain. In the last 30 years, roles for TSPO have also been suggested in other cellular processes, such as heme synthesis, apoptosis, autophagy, calcium signalling and reactive oxygen species production. Herein, we provide an overview of TSPO associations with different proteins, focusing particular attention on their related functions. Furthermore, recent TSPO-targeted therapeutic interventions are explored and discussed as prospect for innovative treatments in mental and brain diseases.
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21
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Betlazar C, Middleton RJ, Banati R, Liu GJ. The Translocator Protein (TSPO) in Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Immune Processes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020512. [PMID: 32102369 PMCID: PMC7072813 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The translocator protein (TSPO) is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein that is widely used as a biomarker of neuroinflammation, being markedly upregulated in activated microglia in a range of brain pathologies. Despite its extensive use as a target in molecular imaging studies, the exact cellular functions of this protein remain in question. The long-held view that TSPO plays a fundamental role in the translocation of cholesterol through the mitochondrial membranes, and thus, steroidogenesis, has been disputed by several groups with the advent of TSPO knockout mouse models. Instead, much evidence is emerging that TSPO plays a fundamental role in cellular bioenergetics and associated mitochondrial functions, also part of a greater role in the innate immune processes of microglia. In this review, we examine the more direct experimental literature surrounding the immunomodulatory effects of TSPO. We also review studies which highlight a more central role for TSPO in mitochondrial processes, from energy metabolism, to the propagation of inflammatory responses through reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. In this way, we highlight a paradigm shift in approaches to TSPO functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calina Betlazar
- Human Health, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia; (R.J.M.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (G-J.L.)
| | - Ryan J. Middleton
- Human Health, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia; (R.J.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Richard Banati
- Human Health, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia; (R.J.M.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Guo-Jun Liu
- Human Health, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia; (R.J.M.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (G-J.L.)
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22
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Azhar S, Dong D, Shen WJ, Hu Z, Kraemer FB. The role of miRNAs in regulating adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. J Mol Endocrinol 2020; 64:R21-R43. [PMID: 31671401 PMCID: PMC7202133 DOI: 10.1530/jme-19-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are endogenous noncoding single-stranded small RNAs of ~22 nucleotides in length that post-transcriptionally repress the expression of their various target genes. They contribute to the regulation of a variety of physiologic processes including embryonic development, differentiation and proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, hemostasis and inflammation. In addition, aberrant miRNA expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases including cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Steroid hormones regulate virtually every aspect of metabolism, and acute and chronic steroid hormone biosynthesis is primarily regulated by tissue-specific trophic hormones involving transcriptional and translational events. In addition, it is becoming increasingly clear that steroidogenic pathways are also subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulations including processes such as phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, protein‒protein interactions and regulation by specific miRNAs, although the latter is in its infancy state. Here, we summarize the recent advances in miRNA-mediated regulation of steroidogenesis with emphasis on adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Azhar
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dachuan Dong
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Shen
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology and College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fredric B Kraemer
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, California, USA
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Klee K, Storti F, Barben M, Samardzija M, Langmann T, Dunaief J, Grimm C. Systemic knockout of Tspo in mice does not affect retinal morphology, function and susceptibility to degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2019; 188:107816. [PMID: 31562844 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is a mitochondrial protein expressed by reactive microglia and astrocytes at the site of neuronal injury. Although TSPO function has not been fully determined, synthetic TSPO ligands have beneficial effects on different pathologies of the central nervous system, including the retina. Here, we studied the pattern of Tspo expression in the aging human retina and in two mouse models of retinal degeneration. Using a newly generated Tspo-KO mouse, we investigated the impact of the lack of TSPO on retinal morphology, function and susceptibility to degeneration. We show that TSPO was expressed in both human and mouse retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Tspo was induced in the mouse retina upon degeneration, but constitutively expressed in the RPE. Similarly, TSPO expression levels in healthy human retina and RPE were not differentially regulated during aging. Tspo-KO mice had normal retinal morphology and function up to 48 weeks of age. Photoreceptor loss caused either by exposure to excessive light levels or by a mutation in the phosphodiesterase 6b gene was not affected by the absence of Tspo. The reactivity states of retinal mononuclear phagocytes following light-damage were comparable in Tspo-KO and control mice. Our data suggest that lack of endogenous TSPO does not directly influence the magnitude of photoreceptor degeneration or microglia activation in these two models of retinal degeneration. We therefore hypothesize that the interaction of TSPO with its ligands may be required to modulate disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Klee
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Storti
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Maya Barben
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Marijana Samardzija
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
| | - Joshua Dunaief
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian Grimm
- Lab for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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24
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Da Pozzo E, Tremolanti C, Costa B, Giacomelli C, Milenkovic VM, Bader S, Wetzel CH, Rupprecht R, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Martini C. Microglial Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Phenotypes Are Modulated by Translocator Protein Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184467. [PMID: 31510070 PMCID: PMC6770267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A key role of the mitochondrial Translocator Protein 18 KDa (TSPO) in neuroinflammation has been recently proposed. However, little is known about TSPO-activated pathways underlying the modulation of reactive microglia. In the present work, the TSPO activation was explored in an in vitro human primary microglia model (immortalized C20 cells) under inflammatory stimulus. Two different approaches were used with the aim to (i) pharmacologically amplify or (ii) silence, by the lentiviral short hairpin RNA, the TSPO physiological function. In the TSPO pharmacological stimulation model, the synthetic steroidogenic selective ligand XBD-173 attenuated the activation of microglia. Indeed, it reduces and increases the release of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Such ligand-induced effects were abolished when C20 cells were treated with the steroidogenesis inhibitor aminoglutethimide. This suggests a role for neurosteroids in modulating the interleukin production. The highly steroidogenic ligand XBD-173 attenuated the neuroinflammatory response more effectively than the poorly steroidogenic ones, which suggests that the observed modulation on the cytokine release may be influenced by the levels of produced neurosteroids. In the TSPO silencing model, the reduction of TSPO caused a more inflamed phenotype with respect to scrambled cells. Similarly, during the inflammatory response, the TSPO silencing increased and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. In conclusion, the obtained results are in favor of a homeostatic role for TSPO in the context of dynamic balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators in the human microglia-mediated inflammatory response. Interestingly, our preliminary results propose that the TSPO expression could be stimulated by NF-κB during activation of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Tremolanti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Barbara Costa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Vladimir M. Milenkovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany; (V.M.M.); (S.B.); (C.H.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany; (V.M.M.); (S.B.); (C.H.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Christian H. Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany; (V.M.M.); (S.B.); (C.H.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Neurosciences, University of Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany; (V.M.M.); (S.B.); (C.H.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.P.); (C.T.); (C.G.); (S.T.); (F.D.S.); (C.M.)
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Bader S, Wolf L, Milenkovic VM, Gruber M, Nothdurfter C, Rupprecht R, Wetzel CH. Differential effects of TSPO ligands on mitochondrial function in mouse microglia cells. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:65-76. [PMID: 30954920 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), initially characterized as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a conserved outer mitochondrial membrane protein, implicated in cholesterol transport thereby affecting steroid hormone biosynthesis, as well as in general mitochondrial function related to bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and Ca2+ homeostasis. TSPO is highly expressed in steroidogenic tissues such as adrenal glands, but shows low expression in the central nervous system. During various disease states such as inflammation, neurodegeneration or cancer, the expression of mitochondrial TSPO in affected tissues is upregulated. The expression of TSPO can be traced for diagnostic purpose by high affinity radio-ligands. Moreover, the function of TSPO is modulated by synthetic as well as endogenous ligands with agonistic or antagonistic properties. Thus, TSPO ligands serve functions as both important biomarkers and putative therapeutic agents. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the effects of TSPO ligands on mouse BV-2 microglia cells, which express significant levels of TSPO, and analyzed the effect of XBD173, PK11195, and Ro5-4864, as well as the inflammatory reagent Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on neurosteroid synthesis and on basic mitochondrial functions such as oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca2+ homeostasis. Specific TSPO-dependent effects were separated from off-target effects by comparing lentiviral TSPO knockdown with shRNA scramble-controls and wild-type BV-2 cells. Our data demonstrate ligand-specific effects on different cellular functions in a TSPO-dependent or independent manner, providing evidence for both specific TSPO-mediated, as well as off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Bader
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Luisa Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Gruber
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93953 Regensburg, Germany.
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26
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Milenkovic VM, Slim D, Bader S, Koch V, Heinl ES, Alvarez-Carbonell D, Nothdurfter C, Rupprecht R, Wetzel CH. CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated TSPO Gene Knockout alters Respiration and Cellular Metabolism in Human Primary Microglia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133359. [PMID: 31323920 PMCID: PMC6651328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is an evolutionary conserved cholesterol binding protein localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane. It has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes including oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Since the expression of TSPO in activated microglia is upregulated in various neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, we set out to examine the role of TSPO in an immortalized human microglia C20 cell line. To this end, we performed a dual approach and used (i) lentiviral shRNA silencing to reduce TSPO expression, and (ii) the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate complete TSPO knockout microglia cell lines. Functional characterization of control and TSPO knockdown as well as knockout cells, revealed only low de novo steroidogenesis in C20 cells, which was not dependent on the level of TSPO expression or influenced by the treatment with TSPO-specific ligands. In contrast to TSPO knockdown C20 cells, which did not show altered mitochondrial function, the TSPO deficient knockout cells displayed a significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cytosolic Ca2+ levels, as well as reduced respiratory function. Performing the rescue experiment by lentiviral overexpression of TSPO in knockout cells, increased oxygen consumption and restored respiratory function. Our study provides further evidence for a significant role of TSPO in cellular and mitochondrial metabolism and demonstrates that different phenotypes of mitochondrial function are dependent on the level of TSPO expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dounia Slim
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Victoria Koch
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elena-Sofia Heinl
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Alvarez-Carbonell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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27
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Recent Developments in TSPO PET Imaging as A Biomarker of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133161. [PMID: 31261683 PMCID: PMC6650818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the brain and spinal cord, which can involve the activation of microglia and astrocytes. It is a common feature of many central nervous system disorders, including a range of neurodegenerative disorders. An overlap between activated microglia, pro-inflammatory cytokines and translocator protein (TSPO) ligand binding was shown in early animal studies of neurodegeneration. These findings have been translated in clinical studies, where increases in TSPO positron emission tomography (PET) signal occur in disease-relevant areas across a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. While this supports the use of TSPO PET as a biomarker to monitor response in clinical trials of novel neurodegenerative therapeutics, the clinical utility of current TSPO PET radioligands has been hampered by the lack of high affinity binding to a prevalent form of polymorphic TSPO (A147T) compared to wild type TSPO. This review details recent developments in exploration of ligand-sensitivity to A147T TSPO that have yielded ligands with improved clinical utility. In addition to developing a non-discriminating TSPO ligand, the final frontier of TSPO biomarker research requires developing an understanding of the cellular and functional interpretation of the TSPO PET signal. Recent insights resulting from single cell analysis of microglial phenotypes are reviewed.
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28
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Qiu ZK, Liu X, Tang D, Zhang Z, Fan QH, Pan YY, Chen YY, Huang MY, Zhu T, Wang YL, Cheng XF, Chen JS. Cytoprotective effects of paeoniflorin are associated with translocator protein 18 kDa. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:19-23. [PMID: 30075369 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.07.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is one of the important active components in peony that are known to produce the neuroprotective effects. However, the involved cytoprotective factors on brain astrocytes are remain unclear. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) and its downstream neurosteroids biosynthesis play a significant role in cytoprotection. Based on these, the role of TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis in the cytoprotective effects of PF is evaluated. The astrocyte cells were cultured and AC-5216 (TSPO ligand) was selected as the positive control drug. The cytoprotective effects of PF and the levels of neurosteroids were quantified by water-soluble tetrazolium assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The cytoprotective activities of PF were relevant to neurosteroids (e.g. progsterone and allopregnanolone) biosynthesis, while these effects were totally blocked by PK11195, trilostane and finasteride, respectively. In summary, the cytoprotective effects of PF maybe mediated by TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis. The findings may provide the new insights into the cytoprotective effects of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Qing-Hong Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yun-Yun Pan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ying-Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Mei-Yan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yu-Lu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, PR China
| | - Xiao-Fang Cheng
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Shenzhen LongGang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Shenzhen Hospital), Shenzhen 518172, PR China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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