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Emerging Roles of Cholinergic Receptors in Schwann Cell Development and Plasticity. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010041. [PMID: 36672549 PMCID: PMC9855772 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross talk between neurons and glial cells during development, adulthood, and disease, has been extensively documented. Among the molecules mediating these interactions, neurotransmitters play a relevant role both in myelinating and non-myelinating glial cells, thus resulting as additional candidates regulating the development and physiology of the glial cells. In this review, we summarise the contribution of the main neurotransmitter receptors in the regulation of the morphogenetic events of glial cells, with particular attention paid to the role of acetylcholine receptors in Schwann cell physiology. In particular, the M2 muscarinic receptor influences Schwann cell phenotype and the α7 nicotinic receptor is emerging as influential in the modulation of peripheral nerve regeneration and inflammation. This new evidence significantly improves our knowledge of Schwann cell development and function and may contribute to identifying interesting new targets to support the activity of these cells in pathological conditions.
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Notch Signal Mediates the Cross-Interaction between M2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Neuregulin/ErbB Pathway: Effects on Schwann Cell Proliferation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020239. [PMID: 35204740 PMCID: PMC8961597 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between axon and glial cells during development and in adulthood is mediated by several molecules. Among them are neurotransmitters and their receptors, which are involved in the control of myelinating and non-myelinating glial cell development and physiology. Our previous studies largely demonstrate the functional expression of cholinergic muscarinic receptors in Schwann cells. In particular, the M2 muscarinic receptor subtype, the most abundant cholinergic receptor expressed in Schwann cells, inhibits cell proliferation downregulating proteins expressed in the immature phenotype and triggers promyelinating differentiation genes. In this study, we analysed the in vitro modulation of the Neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/erbB pathway, mediated by the M2 receptor activation, through the selective agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE). M2 agonist treatment significantly downregulates NRG1 and erbB receptors expression, both at transcriptional and protein level, and causes the internalization and intracellular accumulation of the erbB2 receptor. Additionally, starting from our previous results concerning the negative modulation of Notch-active fragment NICD by M2 receptor activation, in this work, we clearly demonstrate that the M2 receptor subtype inhibits erbB2 receptors by Notch-1/NICD downregulation. Our data, together with our previous results, demonstrate the existence of a cross-interaction between the M2 receptor and NRG1/erbB pathway-Notch1 mediated, and that it is responsible for the modulation of Schwann cell proliferation/differentiation.
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Corsetti V, Perrone-Capano C, Salazar Intriago MS, Botticelli E, Poiana G, Augusti-Tocco G, Biagioni S, Tata AM. Expression of Cholinergic Markers and Characterization of Splice Variants during Ontogenesis of Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115499. [PMID: 34071104 PMCID: PMC8197147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons synthesize acetylcholine (ACh), in addition to their peptidergic nature. They also release ACh and are cholinoceptive, as they express cholinergic receptors. During gangliogenesis, ACh plays an important role in neuronal differentiation, modulating neuritic outgrowth and neurospecific gene expression. Starting from these data, we studied the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) expression in rat DRG neurons. ChAT and VAChT genes are arranged in a “cholinergic locus”, and several splice variants have been described. Using selective primers, we characterized splice variants of these cholinergic markers, demonstrating that rat DRGs express R1, R2, M, and N variants for ChAT and V1, V2, R1, and R2 splice variants for VAChT. Moreover, by RT-PCR analysis, we observed a progressive decrease in ChAT and VAChT transcripts from the late embryonic developmental stage (E18) to postnatal P2 and P15 and in the adult DRG. Interestingly, Western blot analyses and activity assays demonstrated that ChAT levels significantly increased during DRG ontogenesis. The modulated expression of different ChAT and VAChT splice variants during development suggests a possible differential regulation of cholinergic marker expression in sensory neurons and confirms multiple roles for ACh in DRG neurons, both in the embryo stage and postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Corsetti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
| | - Carla Perrone-Capano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michael Sebastian Salazar Intriago
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Botticelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
| | - Giancarlo Poiana
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
- Research Center of Neuroscience Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Augusti-Tocco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
- Research Center of Neuroscience Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
- Research Center of Neuroscience Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (M.S.S.I.); (E.B.); (G.P.); (G.A.-T.); (S.B.)
- Research Center of Neuroscience Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2822
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Gatta V, Mengod G, Reale M, Tata AM. Possible Correlation between Cholinergic System Alterations and Neuro/Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E153. [PMID: 32521719 PMCID: PMC7345633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although the etiology of MS is still unknown, both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Acetylcholine participates in the modulation of central and peripheral inflammation. The cells of the immune system, as well as microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes express cholinergic markers and receptors of muscarinic and nicotinic type. The role played by acetylcholine in MS has been recently investigated. In the present review, we summarize the evidence indicating the cholinergic dysfunction in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS patients and in the brains of the MS animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The correlation between the increased activity of the cholinergic hydrolyzing enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, the reduced levels of acetylcholine and the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines production were recently described in immune cells of MS patients. Moreover, the genetic polymorphisms for both hydrolyzing enzymes and the possible correlation with the altered levels of their enzymatic activity have been also reported. Finally, the changes in cholinergic markers expression in the central nervous system of EAE mice in peak and chronic phases suggest the involvement of the acetylcholine also in neuro-inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | | | - Marcella Reale
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies C. Darwin, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Research Center of Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Sabbir MG, Calcutt NA, Fernyhough P. Muscarinic Acetylcholine Type 1 Receptor Activity Constrains Neurite Outgrowth by Inhibiting Microtubule Polymerization and Mitochondrial Trafficking in Adult Sensory Neurons. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:402. [PMID: 29997469 PMCID: PMC6029366 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscarinic acetylcholine type 1 receptor (M1R) is a metabotropic G protein-coupled receptor. Knockout of M1R or exposure to selective or specific receptor antagonists elevates neurite outgrowth in adult sensory neurons and is therapeutic in diverse models of peripheral neuropathy. We tested the hypothesis that endogenous M1R activation constrained neurite outgrowth via a negative impact on the cytoskeleton and subsequent mitochondrial trafficking. We overexpressed M1R in primary cultures of adult rat sensory neurons and cell lines and studied the physiological and molecular consequences related to regulation of cytoskeletal/mitochondrial dynamics and neurite outgrowth. In adult primary neurons, overexpression of M1R caused disruption of the tubulin, but not actin, cytoskeleton and significantly reduced neurite outgrowth. Over-expression of a M1R-DREADD mutant comparatively increased neurite outgrowth suggesting that acetylcholine released from cultured neurons interacts with M1R to suppress neurite outgrowth. M1R-dependent constraint on neurite outgrowth was removed by selective (pirenzepine) or specific (muscarinic toxin 7) M1R antagonists. M1R-dependent disruption of the cytoskeleton also diminished mitochondrial abundance and trafficking in distal neurites, a disorder that was also rescued by pirenzepine or muscarinic toxin 7. M1R activation modulated cytoskeletal dynamics through activation of the G protein (Gα13) that inhibited tubulin polymerization and thus reduced neurite outgrowth. Our study provides a novel mechanism of M1R control of Gα13 protein-dependent modulation of the tubulin cytoskeleton, mitochondrial trafficking and neurite outgrowth in axons of adult sensory neurons. This novel pathway could be harnessed to treat dying-back neuropathies since anti-muscarinic drugs are currently utilized for other clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad G Sabbir
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Paul Fernyhough
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Calcutt NA, Smith DR, Frizzi K, Sabbir MG, Chowdhury SKR, Mixcoatl-Zecuatl T, Saleh A, Muttalib N, Van der Ploeg R, Ochoa J, Gopaul A, Tessler L, Wess J, Jolivalt CG, Fernyhough P. Selective antagonism of muscarinic receptors is neuroprotective in peripheral neuropathy. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:608-622. [PMID: 28094765 DOI: 10.1172/jci88321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons have the capacity to produce, release, and respond to acetylcholine (ACh), but the functional role of cholinergic systems in adult mammalian peripheral sensory nerves has not been established. Here, we have reported that neurite outgrowth from adult sensory neurons that were maintained under subsaturating neurotrophic factor conditions operates under cholinergic constraint that is mediated by muscarinic receptor-dependent regulation of mitochondrial function via AMPK. Sensory neurons from mice lacking the muscarinic ACh type 1 receptor (M1R) exhibited enhanced neurite outgrowth, confirming the role of M1R in tonic suppression of axonal plasticity. M1R-deficient mice made diabetic with streptozotocin were protected from physiological and structural indices of sensory neuropathy. Pharmacological blockade of M1R using specific or selective antagonists, pirenzepine, VU0255035, or muscarinic toxin 7 (MT7) activated AMPK and overcame diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. These antimuscarinic drugs prevented or reversed indices of peripheral neuropathy, such as depletion of sensory nerve terminals, thermal hypoalgesia, and nerve conduction slowing in diverse rodent models of diabetes. Pirenzepine and MT7 also prevented peripheral neuropathy induced by the chemotherapeutic agents dichloroacetate and paclitaxel or HIV envelope protein gp120. As a variety of antimuscarinic drugs are approved for clinical use against other conditions, prompt translation of this therapeutic approach to clinical trials is feasible.
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Kaneski CR, Brady RO, Hanover JA, Schueler UH. Development of a model system for neuronal dysfunction in Fabry disease. Mol Genet Metab 2016; 119:144-50. [PMID: 27471012 PMCID: PMC5031533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fabry disease is a glycosphingolipid storage disorder that is caused by a genetic deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (AGA, EC 3.2.1.22). It is a multisystem disease that affects the vascular, cardiac, renal, and nervous systems. One of the hallmarks of this disorder is neuropathic pain and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous dysfunction. The exact mechanism by which changes in AGA activity result in change in neuronal function is not clear, partly due to of a lack of relevant model systems. In this study, we report the development of an in vitro model system to study neuronal dysfunction in Fabry disease by using short-hairpin RNA to create a stable knock-down of AGA in the human cholinergic neuronal cell line, LA-N-2. We show that gene-silenced cells show specifically reduced AGA activity and store globotriaosylceramide. In gene-silenced cells, release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is significantly reduced, demonstrating that this model may be used to study specific neuronal functions such as neurotransmitter release in Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Kaneski
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Roscoe O Brady
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John A Hanover
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ulrike H Schueler
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Wang S, Jeffries E, Gao J, Sun L, You Z, Wang Y. Polyester with Pendent Acetylcholine-Mimicking Functionalities Promotes Neurite Growth. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:9590-9599. [PMID: 27010971 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Successful regeneration of nerves can benefit from biomaterials that provide a supportive biochemical and mechanical environment while also degrading with controlled inflammation and minimal scar formation. Herein, we report a neuroactive polymer functionalized by covalent attachment of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach). The polymer was readily synthesized in two steps from poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD), which previously demonstrated biocompatibility and biodegradation in vivo. Distinct from prior acetylcholine-biomimetic polymers, PSeD-Ach contains both quaternary ammonium and free acetyl moieties, closely resembling native acetylcholine structure. The polymer structure was confirmed via (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Hydrophilicity, charge, and thermal properties of PSeD-Ach were determined by tensiometer, zetasizer, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal gravimetric analysis, respectively. PC12 cells exhibited the greatest proliferation and neurite outgrowth on PSeD-Ach and laminin substrates, with no significant difference between these groups. PSeD-Ach yielded much longer neurite outgrowth than the control polymer containing ammonium but no the acetyl group, confirming the importance of the entire acetylcholine-like moiety. Furthermore, PSeD-Ach supports adhesion of primary rat dorsal root ganglions and subsequent neurite sprouting and extension. The sprouting rate is comparable to the best conditions from previous report. Our findings are significant in that they were obtained with acetylcholine-like functionalities in 100% repeating units, a condition shown to yield significant toxicity in prior publications. Moreover, PSeD-Ach exhibited favorable mechanical and degradation properties for nerve tissue engineering application. Humidified PSeD-Ach had an elastic modulus of 76.9 kPa, close to native neural tissue, and could well recover from cyclic dynamic compression. PSeD-Ach showed a gradual in vitro degradation under physiologic conditions with a mass loss of 60% within 4 weeks. Overall, this simple and versatile synthesis provides a useful tool to produce biomaterials for creating the appropriate stimulatory environment for nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Eric Jeffries
- Departments of Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Surgery, and the McGowan Institute, University of Pittsburgh , 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Jin Gao
- Departments of Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Surgery, and the McGowan Institute, University of Pittsburgh , 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Lijie Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei You
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Departments of Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Surgery, and the McGowan Institute, University of Pittsburgh , 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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Corsetti V, Mozzetta C, Biagioni S, Augusti Tocco G, Tata AM. The mechanisms and possible sites of acetylcholine release during chick primary sensory neuron differentiation. Life Sci 2012; 91:783-8. [PMID: 22922497 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 08/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, we evaluated the ability of differentiating embryonic chick DRG neurons to release and respond to acetylcholine (ACh). In particular, we investigated the neuronal soma and neurites as sites of ACh release, as well as the mechanism(s) underlying this release. MAIN METHODS ACh release from DRG explants in the Campenot chambers was measured by a chemiluminescent assay. Real-time PCR analysis was used to evaluate the expression of ChAT, VAChT, mediatophore and muscarinic receptor subtypes in DRGs at different developmental stages. KEY FINDINGS We found that ACh is released both within the central and lateral compartments of the Campenot chambers, indicating that ACh might be released from both the neuronal soma and fibers. Moreover, we observed that the expression of the ChAT and mediatophore increases during sensory neuron differentiation and during the post-hatching period, whereas VAChT expression decreases throughout development. Lastly, the kinetics of the m2 and m3 transcripts appeared to change differentially compared to the m4 transcript during the same developmental period. SIGNIFICANCE The data obtained demonstrate that the DRG sensory neurons are able to release ACh and to respond to ACh stimulation. ACh is released both by the soma and neurite compartments. The contribution of the mediatophore to ACh release appears to be more significant than that of VAChT, suggesting that the non-vesicular release of ACh might represent the preferential mechanism of ACh release in DRG neurons and possibly in non-cholinergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Corsetti
- Dept. of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Research Center of Neurobiology, Daniel Bovet, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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Zhou Z, Yu P, Geller HM, Ober CK. The role of hydrogels with tethered acetylcholine functionality on the adhesion and viability of hippocampal neurons and glial cells. Biomaterials 2011; 33:2473-81. [PMID: 22196899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In neural tissue engineering, designing materials with the right chemical cues is crucial in providing a permissive microenvironment to encourage and guide neuronal cell attachment and differentiation. Modifying synthetic hydrogels with biologically active molecules has become an increasingly important route in this field to provide a successful biomaterial and cell interaction. This study presents a strategy of using the monomer 2-methacryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (MAETAC) to provide tethered neurotransmitter acetylcholine-like functionality with a complete 2-acetoxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium segment, thereby modifying the properties of commonly used, non-adhesive PEG-based hydrogels. The effect of the functional monomer concentration on the physical properties of the hydrogels was systematically studied, and the resulting hydrogels were also evaluated for mice hippocampal neural cell attachment and growth. Results from this study showed that MAETAC in the hydrogels promotes neuronal cell attachment and differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner, different proportions of MAETAC monomer in the reaction mixture produce hydrogels with different porous structures, swollen states, and mechanical strengths. Growth of mice hippocampal cells cultured on the hydrogels showed differences in number, length of processes and exhibited different survival rates. Our results indicate that chemical composition of the biomaterials is a key factor in neural cell attachment and growth, and integration of the appropriate amount of tethered neurotransmitter functionalities can be a simple and effective way to optimize existing biomaterials for neuronal tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoli Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Some lumbar sympathetic neurons develop a glutamatergic phenotype after peripheral axotomy with a note on VGLUT₂-positive perineuronal baskets. Exp Neurol 2011; 230:258-72. [PMID: 21596036 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, including in primary afferent neurons. However, to date a glutamatergic phenotype of autonomic neurons has not been described. Therefore, we explored the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) types 1, 2 and 3 in lumbar sympathetic chain (LSC) and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) of naïve BALB/C mice, as well as after pelvic nerve axotomy (PNA), using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Colocalization with activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide was also examined. Sham-PNA, sciatic nerve axotomy (SNA) or naïve mice were included. In naïve mice, VGLUT(2)-like immunoreactivity (LI) was only detected in fibers and varicosities in LSC and MPG; no ATF-3-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were visible. In contrast, PNA induced upregulation of VGLUT(2) protein and transcript, as well as of ATF-3-LI in subpopulations of LSC neurons. Interestingly, VGLUT(2)-IR LSC neurons coexpressed ATF-3, and often lacked the noradrenergic marker TH. SNA only increased VGLUT(2) protein and transcript in scattered LSC neurons. Neither PNA nor SNA upregulated VGLUT(2) in MPG neurons. We also found perineuronal baskets immunoreactive either for VGLUT(2) or the acetylcholinergic marker VAChT in non-PNA MPGs, usually around TH-IR neurons. VGLUT(1)-LI was restricted to some varicosities in MPGs, was absent in LSCs, and remained largely unaffected by PNA or SNA. This was confirmed by the lack of expression of VGLUT(1) or VGLUT(3) mRNAs in LSCs, even after PNA or SNA. Taken together, axotomy of visceral and non-visceral nerves results in a glutamatergic phenotype of some LSC neurons. In addition, we show previously non-described MPG perineuronal glutamatergic baskets.
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12
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The effect of acetylcholine-like biomimetic polymers on neuronal growth. Biomaterials 2011; 32:3253-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Gumera C, Rauck B, Wang Y. Materials for central nervous system regeneration: bioactive cues. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c0jm04335d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Salani M, Anelli T, Tocco GA, Lucarini E, Mozzetta C, Poiana G, Tata AM, Biagioni S. Acetylcholine-induced neuronal differentiation: muscarinic receptor activation regulates EGR-1 and REST expression in neuroblastoma cells. J Neurochem 2009; 108:821-34. [PMID: 19187099 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05829.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are considered part of the signaling system active in nervous system development and we have previously reported that acetylcholine (ACh) is capable of enhancing neuronal differentiation in cultures of sensory neurons and N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells. To study the mechanism of ACh action, in this study, we demonstrate the ability of choline acetyltransferase-transfected N18TG2 clones (e.g. 2/4 clone) to release ACh. Analysis of muscarinic receptors showed the presence of M1-M4 subtypes and the activation of both IP(3) and cAMP signal transduction pathways. Muscarinic receptor activation increases early growth response factor-1 (EGR-1) levels and treatments with agonists, antagonists, and signal transduction enzyme inhibitors suggest a role for M3 subtype in EGR-1 induction. The role of EGR-1 in the enhancement of differentiation was investigated transfecting in N18TG2 cells a construct for EGR-1. EGR-1 clones show increased neurite extension and a decrease in Repressor Element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) expression: both these features have also been observed for the 2/4 clone. Transfection of this latter with EGR zinc-finger domain, a dominant negative inhibitor of EGR-1 action, increases REST expression, and decreases fiber outgrowth. The data reported suggest that progression of the clone 2/4 in the developmental program is dependent on ACh release and the ensuing activation of muscarinic receptors, which in turn modulate the level of EGR-1 and REST transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Salani
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Unità di Ricerca di Neurobiologia e Centro di Ricerca in Neurobiologia Daniel Bovet, Università La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro, Roma, Italy
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Yasuhara O, Aimi Y, Matsuo A, Kimura H. Distribution of a splice variant of choline acetyltransferase in the trigeminal ganglion and brainstem of the rat: comparison with calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P. J Comp Neurol 2008; 509:436-48. [PMID: 18521856 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rat trigeminal ganglion neurons have been shown to contain a splice variant of choline acetyltransferase (pChAT). Here we report the distribution pattern of pChAT-containing afferents from the trigeminal ganglion to the brainstem, compared with that of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), by use of the immunohistochemical techniques in the rat. Most of CGRP(+) SP(+) ganglion cells contain pChAT, whereas half of the pChAT(+) ganglion cells possess neither CGRP nor SP. In the brainstem, pChAT(+) nerve fibers are found exclusively in the trigeminal and solitary systems, although the distribution pattern differs from that of CGRP(+) or SP(+) fibers. First, the ventral portion of the principal sensory nucleus contains many pChAT(+) fibers, with few CGRP(+) or SP(+) fibers. Because this portion receives projections of nociceptive corneal afferents, a subpopulation of pChAT(+) CGRP(-) SP(-) primary afferents is most probably nonpeptidergic nociceptors innervating the cornea. Second, the superficial laminae of the medullary dorsal horn, the main target of nociceptive afferents, contain dense CGRP(+) and SP(+) fibers but sparse pChAT(+) fibers. Because pChAT occurs in most CGRP(+) SP(+) ganglion cells, such sparseness of pChAT(+) fibers implies poor transportation of pChAT to axon branchlets. Another important finding is that pChAT(+) axons are smooth and nonvaricose, whereas CGRP(+) or SP(+) fibers possess numerous varicosities. Our confocal microscopy suggests colocalization of these three markers in the same single axons in some brainstem regions. The difference in morphological appearance, nonvaricose or varicose, appears to reflect the difference in intraaxonal distribution between pChAT and CGRP or SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Yasuhara
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
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Matsumoto M, Xie W, Inoue M, Ueda H. Evidence for the tonic inhibition of spinal pain by nicotinic cholinergic transmission through primary afferents. Mol Pain 2007; 3:41. [PMID: 18088441 PMCID: PMC2234393 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-3-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have proposed that nerve injury-specific loss of spinal tonic cholinergic inhibition may play a role in the analgesic effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists on neuropathic pain. However, the tonic cholinergic inhibition of pain remains to be well characterized. Results Here, we show that choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) signals were localized not only in outer dorsal horn fibers (lamina I–III) and motor neurons in the spinal cord, but also in the vast majority of neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). When mice were treated with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) against ChAT, which decreased ChAT signals in the dorsal horn and DRG, but not in motor neurons, they showed a significant decrease in nociceptive thresholds in paw pressure and thermal paw withdrawal tests. Furthermore, in a novel electrical stimulation-induced paw withdrawal (EPW) test, the thresholds for stimulation through C-, Aδ- and Aβ-fibers were all decreased by AS-ODN-pretreatments. The administration of nicotine (10 nmol i.t.) induced a recovery of the nociceptive thresholds, decreased by the AS-ODN, in the mechanical, thermal and EPW tests. However, nicotine had no effects in control mice or treated with a mismatch scramble (MS)-ODN in all of these nociception tests. Conclusion These findings suggest that primary afferent cholinergic neurons produce tonic inhibition of spinal pain through nAChR activation, and that intrathecal administration of nicotine rescues the loss of tonic cholinergic inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki Matsumoto
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan.
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Augusti-Tocco G, Biagioni S, Tata AM. Acetylcholine and regulation of gene expression in developing systems. J Mol Neurosci 2007; 30:45-8. [PMID: 17192622 DOI: 10.1385/jmn:30:1:45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the major questions related to nervous system development is the identification of signals directing neuronal populations to specific phenotypes (e.g., cholinergic, adrenergic, or peptidergic neurons) and involved in cell-to-cell interactions. Although neurotrophins have long been known for their function in development, the neurotransmitter role as modulator of gene expression and differentiation has been recognized only recently. Evidence for the ability of various neurotransmitter molecules to influence various cellular events during neuron differentiation has been reported in several systems (Lauder and Schambra, 1999). We have focused our interest on acetylcholine (ACh) and its possible role in the regulation of neuron-specific gene expression, using different experimental systems: (1) neuroblastoma cell lines, as a model of cholinergic neuron differentiation; (2) dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons, which activate the expression of a cholinergic system early in development, in spite of their peptidergic or aminoacidergic neurotransmission; and (3) primary cultures of Schwann cells. Data obtained on each system will be described briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Augusti-Tocco
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Dussor GO, Jones DJ, Hulsebosch CE, Edell TA, Flores CM. The effects of chemical or surgical deafferentation on [3H]-acetylcholine release from rat spinal cord. Neuroscience 2005; 135:1269-76. [PMID: 16165286 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2005] [Revised: 07/06/2005] [Accepted: 07/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic modulation of nociceptive transmission through both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the spinal cord represents an important mechanism in pain signaling. However, what neuronal elements release acetylcholine and how release might change in response to deafferentation are unclear. The present studies demonstrated Ca++- and K+-dependent release of [3H]-acetylcholine from slices of regional areas of rat spinal cord. That [3H]-acetylcholine was synthesized from [3H]-choline was demonstrated by the lack of [3H]-acetylcholine release following incubation with either the choline uptake inhibitor hemicholinium or the choline acetyltransferase inhibitor bromoacetylcholine. Rats treated neonatally with capsaicin or with spinal nerve ligation as adults showed a significantly decreased K+-stimulated release of [3H]-acetylcholine from dorsal horn but not ventral horn lumbar spinal cord slices. In rats subjected to dorsal rhizotomy, while basal release from lumbar dorsal spinal cord slices was reduced, K+-stimulated [3H]-acetylcholine release, while decreased, was not significantly different compared with controls. The data presented here show that there are regional differences in the release of acetylcholine from spinal cord and that this release can be modulated by chemical or surgical deafferentation. These results also indicate that the source of acetylcholine in the dorsal cord originates mainly from resident somata and their collaterals, interneurons and/or descending terminals, with only very minor contributions coming from primary afferents. The present data help to further elucidate the role of acetylcholine in spinal signaling, particularly with respect to the effects of nerve injury and nociceptive neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- G O Dussor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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