1
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Guo Y, Wang Q, Chen S, Xu C. Functions of amyloid precursor protein in metabolic diseases. Metabolism 2021; 115:154454. [PMID: 33248065 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane precursor protein that is widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues in the liver and pancreas, adipose tissue, and myotubes. APP can be cleaved by proteases in two different ways to produce a variety of short peptides, each with different physiological properties and functions. APP peptides generated by non-amyloidogenic processing can positively influence metabolism, while the peptides produced by amyloidogenic processing have the opposite effects. Here, we summarize the regulatory effects of APP and its cleavage peptides on metabolism in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. In addition, abnormal expression and function of APP and APP-derived peptides are associated with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Pharmacological intervention of APP function or reduction of the production of peptides derived from amyloidogenic processing may be effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and they may also provide new guidance for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qinqiu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shenghui Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Chengfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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2
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Yuksel M, Tacal O. Trafficking and proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein and secretases in Alzheimer's disease development: An up-to-date review. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 856:172415. [PMID: 31132354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is predicted to affect 1 in 85 persons worldwide by 2050, results in progressive loss of neuronal functions, leading to impairments in memory and cognitive abilities. As being one of the major neuropathological hallmarks of AD, senile plaques mainly consist of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which are derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) via the sequential cleavage by β- and γ-secretases. Although the overproduction and accumulation of Aβ peptides are at the center of AD research, the new discoveries point out to the complexity of the disease development. In this respect, it is crucial to understand the processing and the trafficking of APP, the enzymes involved in its processing, the cleavage products and their therapeutic potentials. This review summarizes the salient features of APP processing focusing on APP, the canonical secretases as well as the novel secretases and the cleavage products with an update of the recent developments. We also discussed the intracellular trafficking of APP and secretases in addition to their potential in AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Yuksel
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ozden Tacal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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3
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Fragkouli A, Koukouraki P, Vlachos IS, Paraskevopoulou MD, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Doxakis E. Neuronal ELAVL proteins utilize AUF-1 as a co-partner to induce neuron-specific alternative splicing of APP. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44507. [PMID: 28291226 PMCID: PMC5349543 DOI: 10.1038/srep44507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aβ peptide that accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease brain, derives from proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that exists in three main isoforms derived by alternative splicing. The isoform APP695, lacking exons 7 and 8, is predominately expressed in neurons and abnormal neuronal splicing of APP has been observed in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Herein, we demonstrate that expression of the neuronal members of the ELAVL protein family (nELAVLs) correlate with APP695 levels in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we provide evidence that nELAVLs regulate the production of APP695; by using a series of reporters we show that concurrent binding of nELAVLs to sequences located both upstream and downstream of exon 7 is required for its skipping, whereas nELAVL-binding to a highly conserved U-rich sequence upstream of exon 8, is sufficient for its exclusion. Finally, we report that nELAVLs block APP exon 7 or 8 definition by reducing the binding of the essential splicing factor U2AF65, an effect facilitated by the concurrent binding of AUF-1. Our study provides new insights into the regulation of APP pre-mRNA processing, supports the role for nELAVLs as neuron-specific splicing regulators and reveals a novel function of AUF1 in alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolia Fragkouli
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou str, 11527, Athens Greece
| | - Pelagia Koukouraki
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou str, 11527, Athens Greece
| | - Ioannis S Vlachos
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece.,DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical &Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Maria D Paraskevopoulou
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece.,DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical &Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece.,DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical &Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou str, 11527, Athens Greece
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4
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Lim D, Strucken EM, Choi BH, Chai HH, Cho YM, Jang GW, Kim TH, Gondro C, Lee SH. Genomic Footprints in Selected and Unselected Beef Cattle Breeds in Korea. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151324. [PMID: 27023061 PMCID: PMC4811422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Korean Hanwoo cattle have been subjected to intensive artificial selection over the past four decades to improve meat production traits. Another three cattle varieties very closely related to Hanwoo reside in Korea (Jeju Black and Brindle) and in China (Yanbian). These breeds have not been part of a breeding scheme to improve production traits. Here, we compare the selected Hanwoo against these similar but presumed to be unselected populations to identify genomic regions that have been under recent selection pressure due to the breeding program. Rsb statistics were used to contrast the genomes of Hanwoo versus a pooled sample of the three unselected population (UN). We identified 37 significant SNPs (FDR corrected) in the HW/UN comparison and 21 known protein coding genes were within 1 MB to the identified SNPs. These genes were previously reported to affect traits important for meat production (14 genes), reproduction including mammary gland development (3 genes), coat color (2 genes), and genes affecting behavioral traits in a broader sense (2 genes). We subsequently sequenced (Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform) 10 individuals of the brown Hanwoo and the Chinese Yanbian to identify SNPs within the candidate genomic regions. Based on allele frequency differences, haplotype structures, and literature research, we singled out one non-synonymous SNP in the APP gene (APP: c.569C>T, Ala199Val) and predicted the mutational effect on the protein structure. We found that protein-protein interactions might be impaired due to increased exposed hydrophobic surfaces of the mutated protein. The APP gene has also been reported to affect meat tenderness in pigs and obesity in humans. Meat tenderness has been linked to intramuscular fat content, which is one of the main breeding goals for brown Hanwoo, potentially supporting a causal influence of the herein described nsSNP in the APP gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajeong Lim
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Eva M. Strucken
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW Australia
| | - Bong Hwan Choi
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Ha Chai
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Min Cho
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Gul Won Jang
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Division of Animal Genomics & Bioinformatics, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Jeonju 565–851, Republic of Korea
| | - Cedric Gondro
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW Australia
| | - Seung Hwan Lee
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chung Nam National University, Daejeon 305–764, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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5
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Gupta S, Verma S, Mantri S, Berman NE, Sandhir R. Targeting MicroRNAs in Prevention and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:397-418. [PMID: 26359796 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are key regulators of gene expression. They act on wide range of targets by binding to mRNA via imperfect complementarity at 3' UTR. Evidence suggests that miRNAs regulate many biological processes including neuronal development, differentiation, and disease. Altered expression of several miRNAs has been reported in many neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Many miRNAs are altered in these diseases, but miRNA 15, miRNA 21, and miRNA 146a have been shown to play critical role in many neurodegenerative conditions. As these miRNAs regulate many genes, miRNA targeted approaches would allow concurrently targeting of multiple effectors of pathways that regulate disease progression. In this review, we describe the role of miRNAs in various NDDs and their potential as therapeutic tools in prevention and treatment of neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Savita Verma
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Shrikant Mantri
- Computational Biology Laboratory, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, Punjab, 160071, India
| | - Nancy E Berman
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Rajat Sandhir
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
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6
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Pushing the annotation of cellular activities to a higher resolution: Predicting functions at the isoform level. Methods 2015; 93:110-8. [PMID: 26238263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In past decades, the experimental determination of protein functions was expensive and time-consuming, so numerous computational methods were developed to speed up and guide the process. However, most of these methods predict protein functions at the gene level and do not consider the fact that protein isoforms (translated from alternatively spliced transcripts), not genes, are the actual function carriers. Now, high-throughput RNA-seq technology is providing unprecedented opportunities to unravel protein functions at the isoform level. In this article, we review recent progress in the high-resolution functional annotations of protein isoforms, focusing on two methods developed by the authors. Both methods can integrate multiple RNA-seq datasets for comprehensively characterizing functions of protein isoforms.
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7
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Jo EH, Ahn JS, Mo JS, Yoon JH, Ann EJ, Baek HJ, Lee HJ, Kim SH, Kim MY, Park HS. Akt1 phosphorylates Nicastrin to regulate its protein stability and activity. J Neurochem 2015; 134:799-810. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hye Jo
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Ji-Seon Ahn
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Jung-Soon Mo
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Yoon
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Ann
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jin Baek
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Lee
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Seol-Hee Kim
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
| | - Hee-Sae Park
- Hormone Research Center; School of Biological Sciences and Technology; Chonnam National University; Gwangju Korea
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8
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van der Kant R, Goldstein LSB. Cellular functions of the amyloid precursor protein from development to dementia. Dev Cell 2015; 32:502-15. [PMID: 25710536 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a key player in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Aβ fragments of APP are the major constituent of AD-associated amyloid plaques, and mutations or duplications of the gene coding for APP can cause familial AD. Here we review the roles of APP in neuronal development, signaling, intracellular transport, and other aspects of neuronal homeostasis. We suggest that APP acts as a signaling nexus that transduces information about a range of extracellular conditions, including neuronal damage, to induction of intracellular signaling events. Subtle disruptions of APP signaling functions may be major contributors to AD-causing neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik van der Kant
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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9
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Dawkins E, Small DH. Insights into the physiological function of the β-amyloid precursor protein: beyond Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2014; 129:756-69. [PMID: 24517464 PMCID: PMC4314671 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been extensively studied for its role as the precursor of the β-amyloid protein (Aβ) of Alzheimer's disease. However, the normal function of APP remains largely unknown. This article reviews studies on the structure, expression and post-translational processing of APP, as well as studies on the effects of APP in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that the published data provide strong evidence that APP has a trophic function. APP is likely to be involved in neural stem cell development, neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth and neurorepair. However, the mechanisms by which APP exerts its actions remain to be elucidated. The available evidence suggests that APP interacts both intracellularly and extracellularly to regulate various signal transduction mechanisms. This article reviews studies on the structure, expression and post-translational processing of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), as well as studies on the effects of APP in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that the published data provide strong evidence that APP has a trophic function. APP is likely to be involved in neural stem cell development, neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth and neurorepair. However, the mechanisms by which APP exerts its actions remain to be elucidated. The available evidence suggests that APP interacts both intracellularly and extracellularly to regulate various signal transduction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Dawkins
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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10
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Mo JS, Yoon JH, Hong JA, Kim MY, Ann EJ, Ahn JS, Kim SM, Baek HJ, Lang F, Choi EJ, Park HS. Phosphorylation of nicastrin by SGK1 leads to its degradation through lysosomal and proteasomal pathways. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37111. [PMID: 22590650 PMCID: PMC3349648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The gamma-secretase complex is involved in the intramembranous proteolysis of a variety of substrates, including the amyloid precursor protein and the Notch receptor. Nicastrin (NCT) is an essential component of the gamma-secretase complex and functions as a receptor for gamma-secretase substrates. In this study, we determined that serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) markedly reduced the protein stability of NCT. The SGK1 kinase activity was decisive for NCT degradation and endogenous SGK1 inhibited gamma-secretase activity. SGK1 downregulates NCT protein levels via proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. Furthermore, SGK1 directly bound to and phosphorylated NCT on Ser437, thereby promoting protein degradation. Collectively, our findings indicate that SGK1 is a gamma-secretase regulator presumably effective through phosphorylation and degradation of NCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Soon Mo
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Yoon
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Hong
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Ann
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Seon Ahn
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Man Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jin Baek
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eui-Ju Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sae Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Hormone Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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11
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Burgess JK, Weckmann M. Matrikines and the lungs. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 134:317-37. [PMID: 22366287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a complex network of fibrous and nonfibrous molecules that not only provide structure to the lung but also interact with and regulate the behaviour of the cells which it surrounds. Recently it has been recognised that components of the extracellular matrix proteins are released, often through the action of endogenous proteases, and these fragments are termed matrikines. Matrikines have biological activities, independent of their role within the extracellular matrix structure, which may play important roles in the lung in health and disease pathology. Integrins are the primary cell surface receptors, characterised to date, which are used by the matrikines to exert their effects on cells. However, evidence is emerging for the need for co-factors and other receptors for the matrikines to exert their effects on cells. The potential for matrikines, and peptides derived from these extracellular matrix protein fragments, as therapeutic agents has recently been recognised. The natural role of these matrikines (including inhibitors of angiogenesis and possibly inflammation) make them ideal targets to mimic as therapies. A number of these peptides have been taken forward into clinical trials. The focus of this review will be to summarise our current understanding of the role, and potential for highly relevant actions, of matrikines in lung health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- Cell Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Mills JD, Janitz M. Alternative splicing of mRNA in the molecular pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 33:1012.e11-24. [PMID: 22118946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a post-transcriptional process that occurs in multiexon genes, and errors in this process have been implicated in many human diseases. Until recently, technological limitations prevented AS from being examined at the genome-wide scale. With the advent of new technologies, including exon arrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques (e.g., RNA-Seq), a higher resolution view of the human transcriptome is now available. This is particularly applicable in the study of neurodegenerative brain diseases (NBDs), such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, because the brain has the greatest amount of alternative splicing of all human tissues. Although many of the AS events associated with these disorders were initially identified using low-throughput methodologies, genome-wide analysis allows for more in-depth studies, marking a new chapter in transcript exploration. In this review, the latest technologies used to study the transcriptome and the AS genes that have been associated with a number of neurodegenerative brain diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Dominic Mills
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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13
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Courtney E, Kornfeld S, Janitz K, Janitz M. Transcriptome profiling in neurodegenerative disease. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 193:189-202. [PMID: 20800617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gene expression and splicing patterns (that occur prior to the onset and during the progression of complex diseases) have become a major focus of neurodegenerative disease research. These signature patterns of gene expression provide clues about the mechanisms involved in the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs. With the development of array technologies and the very recent RNA-seq technique, our understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease is expanding exponentially. Here, we review the technologies involved in gene expression and splicing analysis and the related literature on three common neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Courtney
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Shen C, Chen Y, Liu H, Zhang K, Zhang T, Lin A, Jing N. Hydrogen peroxide promotes Abeta production through JNK-dependent activation of gamma-secretase. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:17721-30. [PMID: 18436531 PMCID: PMC2427353 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800013200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of senile plaques composed of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD), and Abeta is generated through the sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta- and gamma-secretase. Although oxidative stress has been implicated in the AD pathogenesis by inducing Abeta production, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we show that the pro-oxidant H(2)O(2) promotes Abeta production through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent activation of gamma-secretase. Treatment with H(2)O(2) induced significant increase in the levels of intracellular and secreted Abeta in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Although gamma-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP or C99 was enhanced upon H(2)O(2) treatment, expression of APP or its alpha/beta-secretase-mediated cleavage was not affected. Silencing of the stress-activated JNK by small interfering RNA or the specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 reduced H(2)O(2)-induced gamma-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP. JNK activity was augmented in human brain tissues from AD patients and active JNK located surrounding the senile plaques in the brain of AD model mouse. Our data suggest that oxidative stress-activated JNK may contribute to senile plaque expansion through the promotion of gamma-secretase-mediated APP cleavage and Abeta production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyong Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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15
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Wang C, Bian W, Xia C, Zhang T, Guillemot F, Jing N. Visualization of bHLH transcription factor interactions in living mammalian cell nuclei and developing chicken neural tube by FRET. Cell Res 2006; 16:585-98. [PMID: 16775630 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cr.7310076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family play important roles in vertebrate neurogenesis. In this study, confocal microscopy-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is used to monitor bHLH protein-protein interactions under various physiological conditions. Tissue-specific bHLH activators, NeuroD1, Mash1, Neurogenin1 (Ngn1), Neurogenin2 (Ngn2), and ubiquitous expressed E47 protein are tagged with enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) and enhanced cyan fluorescence protein (ECFP), respectively. The subcellular localization and mobility of bHLH fusion proteins are examined in HEK293 cells. By transient transfection and in ovo electroporation, four pairs of tissue-specific bHLH activators and E47 protein are over-expressed in HEK293 cells and developing chick embryo neural tube. With the acceptor photobleaching method, FRET could be detected between these bHLH protein pairs in the nuclei of transfected cells and developing neural tubes. Mash1/E47 and Ngn2/E47 FRET pairs show higher FRET efficiencies in the medial and the lateral half of chick embryo neural tube, respectively. It suggests that these bHLH protein pairs formed functional DNA-protein complexes with regulatory elements of their downstream target genes in the specific regions. This work will help one understand the behaviours of bHLH factors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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Kuyumcu-Martinez NM, Cooper TA. Misregulation of alternative splicing causes pathogenesis in myotonic dystrophy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 44:133-59. [PMID: 17076268 PMCID: PMC4127983 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-34449-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM), the most common form of adult onset muscular dystrophy, affects skeletal muscle, heart, and the central nervous system (CNS). Mortality results primarily from muscle wasting and cardiac arrhythmias. There are two forms of the disease: DM1 and DM2. DM1, which constitutes 98% of cases, is caused by a CTG expansion in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the DMPK gene. DM2 is caused by a CCTG expansion in the first intron of the ZNF9 gene. RNA containing CUG- or CCUG-expanded repeats are transcribed but are retained in the nucleus in foci. Disease pathogenesis results primarily from a gain of function of the expanded RNAs, which alter developmentally regulated alternative splicing as well as pathways of muscle differentiation. The toxic RNA has been implicated in sequestration of splicing regulators and transcription factors thereby causing specific symptoms of the disease. Here we review the proposed mechanisms for the toxic effects of the expanded repeats and discuss the molecular mechanisms of splicing misregulation and disease pathogenesis.
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