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Yang GN, Sun YBY, Roberts PK, Moka H, Sung MK, Gardner-Russell J, El Wazan L, Toussaint B, Kumar S, Machin H, Dusting GJ, Parfitt GJ, Davidson K, Chong EW, Brown KD, Polo JM, Daniell M. Exploring single-cell RNA sequencing as a decision-making tool in the clinical management of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101286. [PMID: 38969166 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled the identification of novel gene signatures and cell heterogeneity in numerous tissues and diseases. Here we review the use of this technology for Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). FECD is the most common indication for corneal endothelial transplantation worldwide. FECD is challenging to manage because it is genetically heterogenous, can be autosomal dominant or sporadic, and progress at different rates. Single-cell RNA sequencing has enabled the discovery of several FECD subtypes, each with associated gene signatures, and cell heterogeneity. Current FECD treatments are mainly surgical, with various Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors used to promote endothelial cell metabolism and proliferation following surgery. A range of emerging therapies for FECD including cell therapies, gene therapies, tissue engineered scaffolds, and pharmaceuticals are in preclinical and clinical trials. Unlike conventional disease management methods based on clinical presentations and family history, targeting FECD using scRNA-seq based precision-medicine has the potential to pinpoint the disease subtypes, mechanisms, stages, severities, and help clinicians in making the best decision for surgeries and the applications of therapeutics. In this review, we first discuss the feasibility and potential of using scRNA-seq in clinical diagnostics for FECD, highlight advances from the latest clinical treatments and emerging therapies for FECD, integrate scRNA-seq results and clinical notes from our FECD patients and discuss the potential of applying alternative therapies to manage these cases clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N Yang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu B Y Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Philip Ke Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Vienna, 18-20 Währinger Gürtel, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hothri Moka
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Min K Sung
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jesse Gardner-Russell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Layal El Wazan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridget Toussaint
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satheesh Kumar
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather Machin
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, Level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geraint J Parfitt
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kathryn Davidson
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Elaine W Chong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karl D Brown
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jose M Polo
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Mark Daniell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, Level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Vicidomini R, Choudhury SD, Han TH, Nguyen TH, Nguyen P, Opazo F, Serpe M. Versatile nanobody-based approach to image, track and reconstitute functional Neurexin-1 in vivo. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6068. [PMID: 39025931 PMCID: PMC11258300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50462-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are key adhesion proteins that coordinate extracellular and intracellular synaptic components. Nonetheless, the low abundance of these multidomain proteins has complicated any localization and structure-function studies. Here we combine an ALFA tag (AT)/nanobody (NbALFA) tool with classic genetics, cell biology and electrophysiology to examine the distribution and function of the Drosophila Nrx-1 in vivo. We generate full-length and ΔPDZ ALFA-tagged Nrx-1 variants and find that the PDZ binding motif is key to Nrx-1 surface expression. A PDZ binding motif provided in trans, via genetically encoded cytosolic NbALFA-PDZ chimera, fully restores the synaptic localization and function of NrxΔPDZ-AT. Using cytosolic NbALFA-mScarlet intrabody, we achieve compartment-specific detection of endogenous Nrx-1, track live Nrx-1 transport along the motor neuron axons, and demonstrate that Nrx-1 co-migrates with Rab2-positive vesicles. Our findings illustrate the versatility of the ALFA system and pave the way towards dissecting functional domains of complex proteins in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vicidomini
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Saumitra Dey Choudhury
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Centralized Core Research Facility-Microscopy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tae Hee Han
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tho Huu Nguyen
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Nguyen
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Department of Neuro and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mihaela Serpe
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Middonti E, Astanina E, Vallariello E, Hoza RM, Metovic J, Spadi R, Cristiano C, Papotti M, Allavena P, Novelli F, Parab S, Cappello P, Scarpa A, Lawlor R, Di Maio M, Arese M, Bussolino F. A neuroligin-2-YAP axis regulates progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1886-1908. [PMID: 38413734 PMCID: PMC11014856 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00104-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a dismal prognosis that arises from precursor lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). Progression from low- to high-grade PanINs is considered as tumor initiation, and a deeper understanding of this switch is needed. Here, we show that synaptic molecule neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is expressed by pancreatic exocrine cells and plays a crucial role in the regulation of contact inhibition and epithelial polarity, which characterize the switch from low- to high-grade PanIN. NLGN2 localizes to tight junctions in acinar cells, is diffusely distributed in the cytosol in low-grade PanINs and is lost in high-grade PanINs and in a high percentage of advanced PDACs. Mechanistically, NLGN2 is necessary for the formation of the PALS1/PATJ complex, which in turn induces contact inhibition by reducing YAP function. Our results provide novel insights into NLGN2 functions outside the nervous system and can be used to model PanIN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Middonti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Elena Astanina
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vallariello
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Roxana Maria Hoza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jasna Metovic
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Rosella Spadi
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Carmen Cristiano
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Division of Pathology at Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- IRCCS, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Sushant Parab
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita Lawlor
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, 10128, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
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Andresen AMS, Taylor RS, Grimholt U, Daniels RR, Sun J, Dobie R, Henderson NC, Martin SAM, Macqueen DJ, Fosse JH. Mapping the cellular landscape of Atlantic salmon head kidney by single cell and single nucleus transcriptomics. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 146:109357. [PMID: 38181891 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomics is the current gold standard for global gene expression profiling, not only in mammals and model species, but also in non-model fish species. This is a rapidly expanding field, creating a deeper understanding of tissue heterogeneity and the distinct functions of individual cells, making it possible to explore the complexities of immunology and gene expression on a highly resolved level. In this study, we compared two single cell transcriptomic approaches to investigate cellular heterogeneity within the head kidney of healthy farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We compared 14,149 cell transcriptomes assayed by single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) with 18,067 nuclei transcriptomes captured by single nucleus RNA-Seq (snRNA-seq). Both approaches detected eight major cell populations in common: granulocytes, heamatopoietic stem cells, erythrocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, thrombocytes, B cells, NK-like cells, and T cells. Four additional cell types, endothelial, epithelial, interrenal, and mesenchymal cells, were detected in the snRNA-seq dataset, but appeared to be lost during preparation of the single cell suspension submitted for scRNA-seq library generation. We identified additional heterogeneity and subpopulations within the B cells, T cells, and endothelial cells, and revealed developmental trajectories of heamatopoietic stem cells into differentiated granulocyte and mononuclear phagocyte populations. Gene expression profiles of B cell subtypes revealed distinct IgM and IgT-skewed resting B cell lineages and provided insights into the regulation of B cell lymphopoiesis. The analysis revealed eleven T cell sub-populations, displaying a level of T cell heterogeneity in salmon head kidney comparable to that observed in mammals, including distinct subsets of cd4/cd8-negative T cells, such as tcrγ positive, progenitor-like, and cytotoxic cells. Although snRNA-seq and scRNA-seq were both useful to resolve cell type-specific expression in the Atlantic salmon head kidney, the snRNA-seq pipeline was overall more robust in identifying several cell types and subpopulations. While scRNA-seq displayed higher levels of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, snRNA-seq captured more transcription factor genes. However, only scRNA-seq-generated data was useful for cell trajectory inference within the myeloid lineage. In conclusion, this study systematically outlines the relative merits of scRNA-seq and snRNA-seq in Atlantic salmon, enhances understanding of teleost immune cell lineages, and provides a comprehensive list of markers for identifying major cell populations in the head kidney with significant immune relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard S Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rose Ruiz Daniels
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jianxuan Sun
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Dobie
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel A M Martin
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Macqueen
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
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Proteomic Profiling of Intra-Islet Features Reveals Substructure-Specific Protein Signatures. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100426. [PMID: 36244662 PMCID: PMC9706166 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their diminutive size, islets of Langerhans play a large role in maintaining systemic energy balance in the body. New technologies have enabled us to go from studying the whole pancreas to isolated whole islets, to partial islet sections, and now to islet substructures isolated from within the islet. Using a microfluidic nanodroplet-based proteomics platform coupled with laser capture microdissection and field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry, we present an in-depth investigation of protein profiles specific to features within the islet. These features include the islet-acinar interface vascular tissue, inner islet vasculature, isolated endocrine cells, whole islet with vasculature, and acinar tissue from around the islet. Compared to interface vasculature, unique protein signatures observed in the inner vasculature indicate increased innervation and intra-islet neuron-like crosstalk. We also demonstrate the utility of these data for identifying localized structure-specific drug-target interactions using existing protein/drug binding databases.
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Pergolizzi M, Bizzozero L, Maione F, Maldi E, Isella C, Macagno M, Mariella E, Bardelli A, Medico E, Marchiò C, Serini G, Di Nicolantonio F, Bussolino F, Arese M. The neuronal protein Neuroligin 1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by modulating the APC/β-catenin pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:266. [PMID: 36056393 PMCID: PMC9438340 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely incurable when diagnosed at the metastatic stage. Despite some advances in precision medicine for this disease in recent years, new molecular targets, as well as prognostic/predictive markers, are highly needed. Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) is a transmembrane protein that interacts at the synapse with the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis Coli (APC), which is heavily involved in the pathogenesis of CRC and is a key player in the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Methods After performing expression studies of NLGN1 on human CRC samples, in this paper we used in vitro and in vivo approaches to study CRC cells extravasation and metastasis formation capabilities. At the molecular level, the functional link between APC and NLGN1 in the cancer context was studied. Results Here we show that NLGN1 is expressed in human colorectal tumors, including clusters of aggressive migrating (budding) single tumor cells and vascular emboli. We found that NLGN1 promotes CRC cells crossing of an endothelial monolayer (i.e. Trans-Endothelial Migration or TEM) in vitro, as well as cell extravasation/lung invasion and differential organ metastatization in two mouse models. Mechanistically, NLGN1 promotes APC localization to the cell membrane and co-immunoprecipitates with some isoforms of this protein stimulates β-catenin translocation to the nucleus, upregulates mesenchymal markers and WNT target genes and induces an “EMT phenotype” in CRC cell lines Conclusions In conclusion, we have uncovered a novel modulator of CRC aggressiveness which impacts on a critical pathogenetic pathway of this disease, and may represent a novel therapeutic target, with the added benefit of carrying over substantial knowledge from the neurobiology field. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02465-4.
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Ardalan M, Chumak T, Quist A, Hermans E, Hoseinpoor Rafati A, Gravina G, Jabbari Shiadeh SM, Svedin P, Alabaf S, Hansen B, Wegener G, Westberg L, Mallard C. Reelin cells and sex-dependent synaptopathology in autism following postnatal immune activation. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4400-4422. [PMID: 35474185 PMCID: PMC9545289 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with considerably increased risk in male infants born preterm and with neonatal infection. Here, we investigated the role of postnatal immune activation on hippocampal synaptopathology by targeting Reelin+ cells in mice with ASD-like behaviours. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH C57/Bl6 mouse pups of both sexes received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg·kg-1 ) on postnatal day (P) 5. At P45, animal behaviour was examined by marble burying and sociability test, followed by ex vivo brain MRI diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Hippocampal synaptogenesis, number and morphology of Reelin+ cells, and mRNA expression of trans-synaptic genes, including neurexin-3, neuroligin-1, and cell-adhesion molecule nectin-1, were analysed at P12 and P45. KEY RESULTS Social withdrawal and increased stereotypic activities in males were related to increased mean diffusivity on MRI-DKI and overgrowth in hippocampus together with retention of long-thin immature synapses on apical dendrites, decreased volume and number of Reelin+ cells as well as reduced expression of trans-synaptic and cell-adhesion molecules. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The study provides new insights into sex-dependent mechanisms that may underlie ASD-like behaviour in males following postnatal immune activation. We identify GABAergic interneurons as core components of dysmaturation of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus following postnatal infection and provide cellular and molecular substrates for the MRI findings with translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Tetyana Chumak
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Alexandra Quist
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Eva Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Developmental Origins of Disease, Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's HospitalUtrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Ali Hoseinpoor Rafati
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Giacomo Gravina
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Setareh Alabaf
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Brian Hansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience‐SKSAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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Morphogenesis of vascular and neuronal networks and the relationships between their remodeling processes. Brain Res Bull 2022; 186:62-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Serova OV, Gantsova EA, Deyev IE, Petrenko AG. Tissue-Specific Expression of Neurexin-1α Isoforms in Rat Organs. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162022020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract—
Neurexins are a family of synaptic adhesion proteins that play a key role in synapse formation and maintenance. Neurexins undergo extensive alternative splicing at six sites (SS1–SS6) resulting in expression of multiplicity of different isoforms. Alternative splicing regulates the functional activity of neurexins in different types of tissues and cells and presumably plays a key role in determining the specificity of the interaction of various neurons. In this study, we have investigated the pattern of tissue expression of neurexin-1α mRNA isoforms including an insert in the recently discovered splice site SS6 using TaqMan Real-Time PCR in different organs of Wistar rats. The isoform containing the insert in the SS6 site was found only in neural tissues suggesting its potential functional importance. Position of the SS6 insert in the hinge region between the LNS5 and LNS6 domains increases variability of possible conformations of the molecule which may represent an additional mechanism for regulating functional activity of the neurexin-1α in the brain.
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Kennedy II DE, Mody P, Gout JF, Tan W, Seo KS, Olivier AK, Rosch JW, Thornton JA. Contribution of Puma to Inflammatory Resolution During Early Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:886901. [PMID: 35694536 PMCID: PMC9177954 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.886901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of cells at the site of infection is a requirement for shutdown of inflammatory signaling, avoiding tissue damage, and preventing progression of sepsis. Puma+/+ and Puma-/- mice were challenged with TIGR4 strain pneumococcus and cytokines were quantitated from lungs and blood using a magnetic bead panel analysis. Puma-/- mice exhibited higher lung and blood cytokine levels of several major inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, G-CSF, RANTES, IL-12, IFN-ϒ, and IP-10. Puma-/- mice were more susceptible to bacterial dissemination and exhibited more weight loss than their wild-type counterparts. RNA sequencing analysis of whole pulmonary tissue revealed Puma-dependent regulation of Nrxn2, Adam19, and Eln. Enrichment of gene ontology groups differentially expressed in Puma-/- tissues were strongly correlated to IFN-β and -ϒ signaling. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the role of Puma in prohibition of the cytokine storm during bacterial pneumonia. These findings further suggest a role for targeting immunomodulation of IFN signaling during pulmonary inflammation. Additionally, our findings suggest previously undemonstrated roles for genes encoding regulatory and binding proteins during the early phase of the innate immune response of pneumococcal pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Kennedy II
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Perceus Mody
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Jean-Francois Gout
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Keun Seok Seo
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Alicia K. Olivier
- Department of Population and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Jason W. Rosch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Justin A. Thornton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
- *Correspondence: Justin A. Thornton,
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12
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Bizzozero L, Pergolizzi M, Pascal D, Maldi E, Villari G, Erriquez J, Volante M, Serini G, Marchiò C, Bussolino F, Arese M. Tumoral Neuroligin 1 Promotes Cancer-Nerve Interactions and Synergizes with the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Cells 2022; 11:280. [PMID: 35053395 PMCID: PMC8774081 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many nervous proteins are expressed in cancer cells. In this report, we asked whether the synaptic protein neuroligin 1 (NLGN1) was expressed by prostatic and pancreatic carcinomas; in addition, given the tendency of these tumors to interact with nerves, we asked whether NLGN1 played a role in this process. Through immunohistochemistry on human tissue microarrays, we showed that NLGN1 is expressed by prostatic and pancreatic cancer tissues in discrete stages and tumor districts. Next, we performed in vitro and in vivo assays, demonstrating that NLGN1 promotes cancer cell invasion and migration along nerves. Because of the established role of the neurotrophic factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in tumor-nerve interactions, we assessed a potential NLGN1-GDNF cooperation. We found that blocking GDNF activity with a specific antibody completely inhibited NLGN1-induced in vitro cancer cell invasion of nerves. Finally, we demonstrated that, in the presence of NLGN1, GDNF markedly activates cofilin, a cytoskeletal regulatory protein, altering filopodia dynamics. In conclusion, our data further prove the existence of a molecular and functional cross-talk between the nervous system and cancer cells. NLGN1 was shown here to function along one of the most represented neurotrophic factors in the nerve microenvironment, possibly opening new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bizzozero
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | - Margherita Pergolizzi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | - Davide Pascal
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | - Elena Maldi
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Giulia Villari
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | | | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Guido Serini
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.M.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
| | - Marco Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.B.); (M.P.); (D.P.); (G.V.); (M.V.); (G.S.); (F.B.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
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13
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Tsou PS, Palisoc PJ, Ali M, Khanna D, Sawalha AH. Genome-Wide Reduction in Chromatin Accessibility and Unique Transcription Factor Footprints in Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts in Scleroderma Skin. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1501-1513. [PMID: 33586346 DOI: 10.1002/art.41694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular complications. This study was undertaken to examine the chromatin landscape and transcription factor footprints in SSc, using an assay for genome-wide chromatin accessibility. METHODS Dermal endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy controls and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed to assess genome-wide chromatin accessibility at a read depth of ~150 million reads per sample. Transcription factor footprinting and motif binding analysis were performed, followed by functional experiments. RESULTS Chromatin accessibility was significantly reduced in dcSSc patients compared to healthy controls. Differentially accessible chromatin loci were enriched in pathways and gene ontologies involved in the nervous system, cell membrane projections and cilia motility, nuclear and steroid receptors, and nitric oxide. In addition, chromatin binding of transcription factors SNAI2, ETV2, and ELF1 was significantly increased in dcSSc ECs, while recruitment of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was enriched in dcSSc fibroblasts. We found significant down-regulation of the neuronal gene NRXN1 and up-regulation of SNAI2 and ETV2 in dcSSc ECs. In dcSSc fibroblasts, down-regulation of the neuronal gene ENTPD1 and up-regulation of RUNX2 were confirmed. Further functional analysis revealed that ETV2 and NRXN1 dysregulation affected angiogenesis in ECs, while ENTPD1 enhanced profibrotic properties in dcSSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Our data identify the chromatin blueprint of dcSSc, and suggest that neuronal-related characteristics of SSc ECs and fibroblasts could be a culprit for dysregulated angiogenesis and enhanced fibrosis. Targeting the key pathways and transcription factors identified might present novel therapeutic approaches in SSc.
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14
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Burganova G, Bridges C, Thorn P, Landsman L. The Role of Vascular Cells in Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:667170. [PMID: 33981287 PMCID: PMC8109179 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.667170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-producing β-cells constitute the majority of the cells in the pancreatic islets. Dysfunction of these cells is a key factor in the loss of glucose regulation that characterizes type 2 diabetes. The regulation of many of the functions of β-cells relies on their close interaction with the intra-islet microvasculature, comprised of endothelial cells and pericytes. In addition to providing islet blood supply, cells of the islet vasculature directly regulate β-cell activity through the secretion of growth factors and other molecules. These factors come from capillary mural pericytes and endothelial cells, and have been shown to promote insulin gene expression, insulin secretion, and β-cell proliferation. This review focuses on the intimate crosstalk of the vascular cells and β-cells and its role in glucose homeostasis and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzel Burganova
- Department of Cell and Development Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Claire Bridges
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Thorn
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Limor Landsman
- Department of Cell and Development Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Limor Landsman,
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15
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Comoletti D, Trobiani L, Chatonnet A, Bourne Y, Marchot P. Comparative mapping of selected structural determinants on the extracellular domains of cholinesterase-like cell-adhesion molecules. Neuropharmacology 2020; 184:108381. [PMID: 33166544 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion generally involves formation of homophilic or heterophilic protein complexes between two cells to form transcellular junctions. Neural cell-adhesion members of the α/β-hydrolase fold superfamily of proteins use their extracellular or soluble cholinesterase-like domain to bind cognate partners across cell membranes, as illustrated by the neuroligins. These cell-adhesion molecules currently comprise the synaptic organizers neuroligins found in all animal phyla, along with three proteins found only in invertebrates: the guidance molecule neurotactin, the glia-specific gliotactin, and the basement membrane protein glutactin. Although these proteins share a cholinesterase-like fold, they lack one or more residues composing the catalytic triad responsible for the enzymatic activity of the cholinesterases. Conversely, they are found in various subcellular localisations and display specific disulfide bonding and N-glycosylation patterns, along with individual surface determinants possibly associated with recognition and binding of protein partners. Formation of non-covalent dimers typical of the cholinesterases is documented for mammalian neuroligins, yet whether invertebrate neuroligins and their neurotactin, gliotactin and glutactin relatives also form dimers in physiological conditions is unknown. Here we provide a brief overview of the localization, function, evolution, and conserved versus individual structural determinants of these cholinesterase-like cell-adhesion proteins. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: From Bench to Bedside to Battlefield'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Comoletti
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand; Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Laura Trobiani
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Arnaud Chatonnet
- Lab 'Dynamique Musculaire et Métabolisme', Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE) / Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Bourne
- Lab 'Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB)', Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)/Aix-Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Marchot
- Lab 'Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB)', Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)/Aix-Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, Marseille, France.
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16
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Yang C, Eleftheriadou M, Kelaini S, Morrison T, González MV, Caines R, Edwards N, Yacoub A, Edgar K, Moez A, Ivetic A, Zampetaki A, Zeng L, Wilkinson FL, Lois N, Stitt AW, Grieve DJ, Margariti A. Targeting QKI-7 in vivo restores endothelial cell function in diabetes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3812. [PMID: 32732889 PMCID: PMC7393072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays a key role in diabetic complications. This study discovers significant upregulation of Quaking-7 (QKI-7) in iPS cell-derived ECs when exposed to hyperglycemia, and in human iPS-ECs from diabetic patients. QKI-7 is also highly expressed in human coronary arterial ECs from diabetic donors, and on blood vessels from diabetic critical limb ischemia patients undergoing a lower-limb amputation. QKI-7 expression is tightly controlled by RNA splicing factors CUG-BP and hnRNPM through direct binding. QKI-7 upregulation is correlated with disrupted cell barrier, compromised angiogenesis and enhanced monocyte adhesion. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and mRNA-decay assays reveal that QKI-7 binds and promotes mRNA degradation of downstream targets CD144, Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1), and TNF-α-stimulated gene/protein 6 (TSG-6). When hindlimb ischemia is induced in diabetic mice and QKI-7 is knocked-down in vivo in ECs, reperfusion and blood flow recovery are markedly promoted. Manipulation of QKI-7 represents a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Yang
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Sophia Kelaini
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Thomas Morrison
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Marta Vilà González
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Rachel Caines
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nicola Edwards
- Centre for Bioscience in the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15GD, UK
| | - Andrew Yacoub
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Kevin Edgar
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Arya Moez
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Aleksandar Ivetic
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Anna Zampetaki
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Lingfang Zeng
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, The James Black Centre, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Fiona L Wilkinson
- Centre for Bioscience in the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15GD, UK
| | - Noemi Lois
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Alan W Stitt
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - David J Grieve
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Andriana Margariti
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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17
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Zatkova M, Reichova A, Bacova Z, Bakos J. Activation of the Oxytocin Receptor Modulates the Expression of Synaptic Adhesion Molecules in a Cell-Specific Manner. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:171-180. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Modulation of Angiopoietin 2 release from endothelial cells and angiogenesis by the synaptic protein Neuroligin 2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:165-171. [PMID: 29709479 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.04.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic protein Neuroligin 2, similarly to its isoform Neuroligin 1, is produced by endothelial cells, but its activity in the vascular context remains unknown. This study aimed at verifying the hypothesis that Neuroligin 2, in parallel with its extraneuronal involvement in pancreatic beta cells exocytosis, modulated cytokine release from endothelial cells and consequently angiogenesis. We used in vitro approaches to modulate Neuroligin 2 expression and Neuroligin 2 null mice to test our hypotheses. In vitro, upon VEGF stimulation, Neuroligin 2 silencing strongly reduces Angiopoietin 2 release in the medium and increases the endothelial cell retention of Weibel Palade Bodies, the specialized organelles that store Angiopoietin 2 and various other cytokines. On the contrary, Neuroligin 2 overexpression almost depletes cells of Weibel Palade Bodies, independent of VEGF. In vivo, both the retina and tumor xenografts grown in NLGN2- null mice display an immature vasculature, with lower pericyte coverage and lower Tie2 phosphorylation. At the molecular level NLGN2 colocalizes with its neuronal partner collibystin, a CDC42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, which is also expressed by endothelial cells and in turn modulates Angiopoietin 2 release. Neuroligin 2, an inhibitory synaptic protein, modulates a peculiar aspect of vascular function and could represent a novel target of therapy in various fields, from tumor angiogenesis to vascular diseases.
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19
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Arese M, Bussolino F, Pergolizzi M, Bizzozero L, Pascal D. Tumor progression: the neuronal input. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:89. [PMID: 29666812 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.01.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the challenges of cancer is its heterogeneity and rapid capacity to adapt. Notwithstanding significant progress in the last decades in genomics and precision medicine, new molecular targets and therapies appear highly necessary. One way to approach this complex problem is to consider cancer in the context of its cellular and molecular microenvironment, which includes nerves. The peripheral nerves, the topic of this review, modulate the biological behavior of the cancer cells and influence tumor progression, including the events related to the metastatic spread of the disease. This mechanism involves the release of neurotransmitters directly into the microenvironment and the activation of the corresponding membrane receptors. While this fact appears to complicate further the molecular landscape of cancer, the neurotransmitters are highly investigated molecules, and often are already targeted by well-developed drugs, a fact that can help finding new therapies at a fraction of the cost and time needed for new medicines (through the so-called drug repurposing). Moreover, the modulation of tumor progression by neurotransmitters can probably explain the long-recognized effects of psychological factors on the burden of cancer. We begin with an introduction on the tumor-nervous-connections and a description of the perineural invasion and neoneurogenesis, the two most important interaction patterns of cancer and nerves. Next, we discuss the most recent data that unequivocally demonstrate the necessity of the nervous system for tumor onset and growth. We introduce the molecular players of the tumor-nervous-connections by citing the role of three main families: neurotropic factors, axon guidance molecules, and neurotransmitters. Finally, we review the role the most important neurotransmitters in tumor biology and we conclude by analyzing the significance of the presented data for cancer therapy, with all the potential advantages and caveats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Vascular Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Pergolizzi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Bizzozero
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Pascal
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO, IRCCS, Turin, Italy
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20
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Dumas SJ, Bru-Mercier G, Courboulin A, Quatredeniers M, Rücker-Martin C, Antigny F, Nakhleh MK, Ranchoux B, Gouadon E, Vinhas MC, Vocelle M, Raymond N, Dorfmüller P, Fadel E, Perros F, Humbert M, Cohen-Kaminsky S. NMDA-Type Glutamate Receptor Activation Promotes Vascular Remodeling and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Circulation 2018; 137:2371-2389. [PMID: 29444988 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.029930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive proliferation and apoptosis resistance in pulmonary vascular cells underlie vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Specific treatments for PAH exist, mostly targeting endothelial dysfunction, but high pulmonary arterial pressure still causes heart failure and death. Pulmonary vascular remodeling may be driven by metabolic reprogramming of vascular cells to increase glutaminolysis and glutamate production. The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a major neuronal glutamate receptor, is also expressed on vascular cells, but its role in PAH is unknown. METHODS We assessed the status of the glutamate-NMDAR axis in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and controls through mass spectrometry imaging, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. We measured the glutamate release from cultured pulmonary vascular cells using enzymatic assays and analyzed NMDAR regulation/phosphorylation through Western blot experiments. The effect of NMDAR blockade on human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation was determined using a BrdU incorporation assay. We assessed the role of NMDARs in vascular remodeling associated to pulmonary hypertension, in both smooth muscle-specific NMDAR knockout mice exposed to chronic hypoxia and the monocrotaline rat model of pulmonary hypertension using NMDAR blockers. RESULTS We report glutamate accumulation, upregulation of the NMDAR, and NMDAR engagement reflected by increases in GluN1-subunit phosphorylation in the pulmonary arteries of human patients with PAH. Kv channel inhibition and type A-selective endothelin receptor activation amplified calcium-dependent glutamate release from human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell, and type A-selective endothelin receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor activation led to NMDAR engagement, highlighting crosstalk between the glutamate-NMDAR axis and major PAH-associated pathways. The platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced proliferation of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells involved NMDAR activation and phosphorylated GluN1 subunit localization to cell-cell contacts, consistent with glutamatergic communication between proliferating human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via NMDARs. Smooth-muscle NMDAR deficiency in mice attenuated the vascular remodeling triggered by chronic hypoxia, highlighting the role of vascular NMDARs in pulmonary hypertension. Pharmacological NMDAR blockade in the monocrotaline rat model of pulmonary hypertension had beneficial effects on cardiac and vascular remodeling, decreasing endothelial dysfunction, cell proliferation, and apoptosis resistance while disrupting the glutamate-NMDAR pathway in pulmonary arteries. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a dysregulation of the glutamate-NMDAR axis in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and identify vascular NMDARs as targets for antiremodeling treatments in PAH.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Calcium/pharmacology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacology
- Endothelin-1/pharmacology
- Glutamic Acid/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Endothelin/chemistry
- Receptors, Endothelin/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J Dumas
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Gilles Bru-Mercier
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Audrey Courboulin
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Marceau Quatredeniers
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Catherine Rücker-Martin
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Fabrice Antigny
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Morad K Nakhleh
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Benoit Ranchoux
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Elodie Gouadon
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Maria-Candida Vinhas
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Matthieu Vocelle
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Nicolas Raymond
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Peter Dorfmüller
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Elie Fadel
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Frédéric Perros
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
| | - Marc Humbert
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
- AP-HP Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (M.H.)
| | - Sylvia Cohen-Kaminsky
- INSERM UMR-S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.).
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France (S.J.D., G.B.-M., A.C., M.Q., C.R.-M, F.A., M.K.N., B.R., E.G., M.-C.V., M.V., N.R., P.D., E.F., F.P., M.H., S.C.-K.)
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21
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Constructing Bayesian networks by integrating gene expression and copy number data identifies NLGN4Y as a novel regulator of prostate cancer progression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:68688-68707. [PMID: 27626693 PMCID: PMC5356583 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the heterogeneity of prostate cancer (PCa) and identify novel underlying drivers, we constructed integrative molecular Bayesian networks (IMBNs) for PCa by integrating gene expression and copy number alteration data from published datasets. After demonstrating such IMBNs with superior network accuracy, we identified multiple sub-networks within IMBNs related to biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa and inferred the corresponding key drivers. The key drivers regulated a set of common effectors including genes preferentially expressed in neuronal cells. NLGN4Y—a protein involved in synaptic adhesion in neurons—was ranked as the top gene closely linked to key drivers of myogenesis subnetworks. Lower expression of NLGN4Y was associated with higher grade PCa and an increased risk of BCR. We show that restoration of the protein expression of NLGN4Y in PC-3 cells leads to decreased cell proliferation, migration and inflammatory cytokine expression. Our results suggest that NLGN4Y is an important negative regulator in prostate cancer progression. More importantly, it highlights the value of IMBNs in generating biologically and clinically relevant hypotheses about prostate cancer that can be validated by independent studies.
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22
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Cheng L, Shan L, Kim I. Multilevel Gaussian graphical model for multilevel networks. J Stat Plan Inference 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jspi.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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23
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Gouy A, Daub JT, Excoffier L. Detecting gene subnetworks under selection in biological pathways. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e149. [PMID: 28934485 PMCID: PMC5766194 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in high throughput sequencing technologies have created a gap between data production and functional data analysis. Indeed, phenotypes result from interactions between numerous genes, but traditional methods treat loci independently, missing important knowledge brought by network-level emerging properties. Therefore, detecting selection acting on multiple genes affecting the evolution of complex traits remains challenging. In this context, gene network analysis provides a powerful framework to study the evolution of adaptive traits and facilitates the interpretation of genome-wide data. We developed a method to analyse gene networks that is suitable to evidence polygenic selection. The general idea is to search biological pathways for subnetworks of genes that directly interact with each other and that present unusual evolutionary features. Subnetwork search is a typical combinatorial optimization problem that we solve using a simulated annealing approach. We have applied our methodology to find signals of adaptation to high-altitude in human populations. We show that this adaptation has a clear polygenic basis and is influenced by many genetic components. Our approach, implemented in the R package signet, improves on gene-level classical tests for selection by identifying both new candidate genes and new biological processes involved in adaptation to altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Gouy
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Berne, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joséphine T. Daub
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Universitat Pompeu Fabra – CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurent Excoffier
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Berne, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Abstract
The evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons is an enigmatic subject that inspires much debate. Non-bilaterian metazoans, both with and without neurons and their closest relatives already contain many components of the molecular toolkits for synapse functions. The origin of these components and their assembly into ancient synaptic signaling machineries are particularly important in light of recent findings on the phylogeny of non-bilaterian metazoans. The evolution of synapses and neurons are often discussed only from a metazoan perspective leaving a considerable gap in our understanding. By taking an integrative approach we highlight the need to consider different, but extremely relevant phyla and to include the closest unicellular relatives of metazoans, the ichthyosporeans, filastereans and choanoflagellates, to fully understand the evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of when and how the first pre- and postsynaptic signaling machineries evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Burkhardt
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Simon G Sprecher
- Institute of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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25
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Fiala O, Pitule P, Hosek P, Liska V, Sorejs O, Bruha J, Vycital O, Buchler T, Poprach A, Topolcan O, Finek J. The association of miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-664-3p expression profiles with outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317709283. [PMID: 28714375 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317709283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in several important cancer-related processes including cell adhesion, proliferation, and tumour angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is routinely used in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, but, so far, no reliable biomarker predicting response to bevacizumab has been established. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the association of miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-664-3p tumour expression levels with outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab. The study included 63 patients. For the assessment of microRNA expression, gene-specific TaqMan assays were used. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-126-3p were 8.8 and 20.6 months versus 13.5 months and median overall survival was not reached for patients with high expression ( p = 0.0064 and p = 0.0027), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-126-5p were 9.0 and 22.2 months versus 12.0 and 23.4 months for patients with high expression ( p = 0.2113 and 0.6858), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-664-3p were 9.1 and 22.5 months versus 8.8 and 23.4 months for patients with high expression ( p = 0.2542 and p = 0.1922), respectively. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed that miR-126-3p expression was significantly associated with progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.28, p = 0.0053) and also with overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.18, p = 0.0046). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the expression of miR-126-3p in the tumour tissue was associated with outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Fiala
- 1 Department of Oncology and Radiotherapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,2 Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Pitule
- 2 Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hosek
- 2 Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Liska
- 2 Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,3 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Sorejs
- 1 Department of Oncology and Radiotherapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bruha
- 3 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Vycital
- 3 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Buchler
- 4 Department of Oncology and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Poprach
- 5 Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Topolcan
- 6 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jindrich Finek
- 1 Department of Oncology and Radiotherapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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26
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Peikon ID, Kebschull JM, Vagin VV, Ravens DI, Sun YC, Brouzes E, Corrêa IR, Bressan D, Zador AM. Using high-throughput barcode sequencing to efficiently map connectomes. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e115. [PMID: 28449067 PMCID: PMC5499584 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of a neural circuit is determined by the details of its synaptic connections. At present, the only available method for determining a neural wiring diagram with single synapse precision-a 'connectome'-is based on imaging methods that are slow, labor-intensive and expensive. Here, we present SYNseq, a method for converting the connectome into a form that can exploit the speed and low cost of modern high-throughput DNA sequencing. In SYNseq, each neuron is labeled with a unique random nucleotide sequence-an RNA 'barcode'-which is targeted to the synapse using engineered proteins. Barcodes in pre- and postsynaptic neurons are then associated through protein-protein crosslinking across the synapse, extracted from the tissue, and joined into a form suitable for sequencing. Although our failure to develop an efficient barcode joining scheme precludes the widespread application of this approach, we expect that with further development SYNseq will enable tracing of complex circuits at high speed and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D. Peikon
- Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Justus M. Kebschull
- Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Vasily V. Vagin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Diana I. Ravens
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Eric Brouzes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Dario Bressan
- Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Anthony M. Zador
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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27
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Durand N, Chertemps T, Bozzolan F, Maïbèche M. Expression and modulation of neuroligin and neurexin in the olfactory organ of the cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:210-221. [PMID: 26749290 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Carboxylesterases are enzymes widely distributed within living organisms. In insects, they have been mainly involved in dietary metabolism and detoxification function. Interestingly, several members of this family called carboxylesterase-like adhesion molecules (CLAMs) have lost their catalytic properties and are mainly involved in neuro/developmental functions. CLAMs include gliotactins, neurotactins, glutactins, and neuroligins. The latter have for binding partner the neurexin. In insects, the function of these proteins has been mainly studied in Drosophila central nervous system or neuromuscular junction. Some studies suggested a role of neuroligins and neurexin in sensory processing but CLAM expression within sensory systems has not been investigated. Here, we reported the identification of 5 putative CLAMs expressed in the olfactory system of the model pest insect Spodoptera littoralis. One neuroligin, Slnlg4-yll and its putative binding partner neurexin SlnrxI were the most expressed in the antennae and were surprisingly associated with olfactory sensilla. In addition, both transcripts were upregulated in male antennae after mating, known to modulate the sensitivity of the peripheral olfactory system in S. littoralis, suggesting that these molecules could be involved in sensory plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Durand
- Sorbonne Universités UPMC - Univ Paris 06, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de 'Environnement de Paris, INRA, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle, F-75252, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Chertemps
- Sorbonne Universités UPMC - Univ Paris 06, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de 'Environnement de Paris, INRA, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle, F-75252, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Bozzolan
- Sorbonne Universités UPMC - Univ Paris 06, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de 'Environnement de Paris, INRA, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle, F-75252, Paris, France
| | - Martine Maïbèche
- Sorbonne Universités UPMC - Univ Paris 06, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de 'Environnement de Paris, INRA, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle, F-75252, Paris, France
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28
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Craven KE, Gore J, Wilson JL, Korc M. Angiogenic gene signature in human pancreatic cancer correlates with TGF-beta and inflammatory transcriptomes. Oncotarget 2016; 7:323-41. [PMID: 26586478 PMCID: PMC4808001 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are hypovascular, but overexpress pro-angiogenic factors and exhibit regions of microvasculature. Using RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we previously reported that ∼12% of PDACs have an angiogenesis gene signature with increased expression of multiple pro-angiogenic genes. By analyzing the recently expanded TCGA dataset, we now report that this signature is present in ∼35% of PDACs but that it is mostly distinct from an angiogenesis signature present in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). These PDACs exhibit a transcriptome that reflects active TGF-β signaling, and up-regulation of several pro-inflammatory genes, and many members of JAK signaling pathways. Moreover, expression of SMAD4 and HDAC9 correlates with endothelial cell abundance in PDAC tissues. Concomitantly targeting the TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) kinase with SB505124 and JAK1-2 with ruxolitinib suppresses JAK1 phosphorylation and blocks proliferative cross-talk between human pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and human endothelial cells (ECs), and these anti-proliferative effects were mimicked by JAK1 silencing in ECs. By contrast, either inhibitor alone does not suppress their enhanced proliferation in 3D co-cultures. These findings suggest that targeting both TGF-β and JAK1 signaling could be explored therapeutically in the 35% of PDAC patients whose cancers exhibit an angiogenesis gene signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Craven
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jesse Gore
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Julie L Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Murray Korc
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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29
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Dworschak GC, Crétolle C, Hilger A, Engels H, Korsch E, Reutter H, Ludwig M. Comprehensive review of the duplication 3q syndrome and report of a patient with Currarino syndrome and de novo duplication 3q26.32-q27.2. Clin Genet 2016; 91:661-671. [PMID: 27549440 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Partial duplications of the long arm of chromosome 3, dup(3q), are a rare but well-described condition, sharing features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Around two thirds of cases are derived from unbalanced translocations, whereas pure dup(3q) have rarely been reported. Here, we provide an extensive review of the literature on dup(3q). This search revealed several patients with caudal malformations and anomalies, suggesting that caudal malformations or anomalies represent an inherent phenotypic feature of dup(3q). In this context, we report a patient with a pure de novo duplication 3q26.32-q27.2. The patient had the clinical diagnosis of Currarino syndrome (CS) (characterized by the triad of sacral anomalies, anorectal malformations and a presacral mass) and additional features, frequently detected in patients with a dup(3q). Mutations within the MNX1 gene were found to be causative in CS but no MNX1 mutation could be detected in our patient. Our comprehensive search for candidate genes located in the critical region of the duplication 3q syndrome, 3q26.3-q27, revealed a so far neglected phenotypic overlap of dup(3q) and the Pierpont syndrome, associated with a mutation of the TBL1XR1 gene on 3q26.32.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Dworschak
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - C Crétolle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.,National Reference Centre for Rare Diseases on Anorectal Malformations and Rare Pelvic Anomalies, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - A Hilger
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - H Engels
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - E Korsch
- Clinic for Pediatric Diseases, Kliniken der Stadt Köln GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Reutter
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Ludwig
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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30
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Gross AM, Kreisberg JF, Ideker T. Analysis of Matched Tumor and Normal Profiles Reveals Common Transcriptional and Epigenetic Signals Shared across Cancer Types. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142618. [PMID: 26555223 PMCID: PMC4640835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the transcriptional regulatory changes that are most widespread in solid tumors, we performed a pan-cancer analysis using over 600 pairs of tumors and adjacent normal tissues profiled in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Frequency of upregulation was calculated across mRNA expression levels, microRNA expression levels and CpG methylation sites and is provided here as a resource. Frequent tumor-associated alterations were identified using a simple statistical approach. Many of the identified changes were consistent with the increased rate of cell division in cancer, such as the overexpression of cell cycle genes and hypermethylation of PRC2 binding sites. However, we also identified proliferation-independent alterations, which highlight novel pathways essential to tumor formation. Nearly all of the GABA receptors are frequently downregulated, with the gene encoding the delta subunit (GABRD) strongly upregulated as the notable exception. Metabolic genes are also frequently downregulated, particularly alcohol dehydrogenases and others consistent with the decreased role of oxidative phosphorylation in cancerous cells. Alterations in the composition of GABA receptors and metabolism may play a key role in the differentiation of cancer cells, independent of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Gross
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jason F. Kreisberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Trey Ideker
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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31
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Sung YJ, de Las Fuentes L, Schwander KL, Simino J, Rao DC. Gene-smoking interactions identify several novel blood pressure loci in the Framingham Heart Study. Am J Hypertens 2015; 28:343-54. [PMID: 25189868 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpu149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are among the most significant health problems in the United States. Blood pressure (BP) variability has a genetic component, and most of the genetic variance remains to be identified. One promising strategy for gene discovery is genome-wide analysis of interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and environmental factors related to cardiovascular diseases. METHODS We investigated SNP-smoking interaction effects on BP in genome-wide data in 6,889 participants from the Framingham Heart Study. We performed the standard 1 degree of freedom (df) test of the interaction effect and the joint 2 df test of main and interaction effects. Three smoking measures were used: cigarettes per day (CPD), pack years of smoking, and smoking status. RESULTS We identified 7 significant and 21 suggestive BP loci. Identified through the joint 2 df test, significant SBP loci include: rs12149862 (P = 3.65×10(-9)) in CYB5B, rs2268365 (P = 4.85×10(-8)) in LRP2, rs133980 (P = 1.71×10(-8) with CPD and P = 1.07×10(-8) with pack-years) near MN1, and rs12634933 (P = 4.05×10(-8)) in MECOM. Through 1 df interaction analysis, 1 suggestive SBP locus at SNP rs8010717 near NRXN3 was identified using all 3 smoking measures (P = 3.27×10(-7) with CPD, P = 1.03×10(-7) with pack-years, and P = 1.19×10(-7) with smoking status). CONCLUSIONS Several of these BP loci are biologically plausible, providing physiological connection to BP regulation. Our study demonstrates that SNP-smoking interactions can enhance gene discovery and provide insight into novel pathways and mechanisms regulating BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun J Sung
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri;
| | - Lisa de Las Fuentes
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Karen L Schwander
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jeannette Simino
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Dabeeru C Rao
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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32
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Belanger-Nelson E, Freyburger M, Pouliot P, Beaumont E, Lesage F, Mongrain V. Brain hemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in Neuroligin-1 knockout mice. Neuroscience 2015; 289:242-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
The neurexin family of cell adhesion proteins consists of three members in
vertebrates and has homologs in several invertebrate species. In mammals, each
neurexin gene encodes an α-neurexin in which the extracellular portion is long,
and a β-neurexin in which the extracellular portion is short. As a result of
alternative splicing, both major isoforms can be transcribed in many variants,
contributing to distinct structural domains and variability. Neurexins act
predominantly at the presynaptic terminal in neurons and play essential roles in
neurotransmission and differentiation of synapses. Some of these functions require
the formation of trans-synaptic complexes with postsynaptic proteins such as
neuroligins, LRRTM proteins or cerebellin. In addition, rare mutations and
copy-number variations of human neurexin genes have been linked to autism and
schizophrenia, indicating that impairments of synaptic function sustained by
neurexins and their binding partners may be relevant to the pathomechanism of these
debilitating diseases.
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Boisen MK, Dehlendorff C, Linnemann D, Nielsen BS, Larsen JS, Østerlind K, Nielsen SE, Tarpgaard LS, Qvortrup C, Pfeiffer P, Holländer NH, Keldsen N, Hansen TF, Jensen BB, Høgdall EVS, Jensen BV, Johansen JS. Tissue microRNAs as predictors of outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with first line Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin with or without Bevacizumab. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109430. [PMID: 25329796 PMCID: PMC4198118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We tested the hypothesis that expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer tissue can predict effectiveness of bevacizumab added to capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPEOX) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Experimental Design Patients with mCRC treated with first line CAPEOX and bevacizumab (CAPEOXBEV): screening (n = 212) and validation (n = 121) cohorts, or CAPEOX alone: control cohort (n = 127), were identified retrospectively and archival primary tumor samples were collected. Expression of 754 miRNAs was analyzed in the screening cohort using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays and expression levels were related to time to disease progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). Significant miRNAs from the screening study were analyzed in all three cohorts using custom PCR arrays. In situ hybridization (ISH) was done for selected miRNAs. Results In the screening study, 26 miRNAs were significantly correlated with outcome in multivariate analyses. Twenty-two miRNAs were selected for further study. Higher miR-664-3p expression and lower miR-455-5p expression were predictive of improved outcome in the CAPEOXBEV cohorts and showed a significant interaction with bevacizumab effectiveness. The effects were strongest for OS. Both miRNAs showed high expression in stromal cells. Higher expression of miR-196b-5p and miR-592 predicted improved outcome regardless of bevacizumab treatment, with similar effect estimates in all three cohorts. Conclusions We have identified potentially predictive miRNAs for bevacizumab effectiveness and additional miRNAs that could be related to chemotherapy effectiveness or prognosis in patients with mCRC. Our findings need further validation in large cohorts, preferably from completed randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mogens K. Boisen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Christian Dehlendorff
- Statistics, Bioinformatics and Registry, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte Linnemann
- Department of Pathology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Jim S. Larsen
- Department of Oncology, Roskilde Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kell Østerlind
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svend E. Nielsen
- Department of Oncology and Palliation, Hillerød Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | | | - Camilla Qvortrup
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Pfeiffer
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Nina Keldsen
- Department of Oncology, Herning Hospital, Herning, Denmark
| | | | - Brita B. Jensen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Ingrid Hospital, Nuuk, Greenland
- Department of Oncology, Sydvestjysk Hospital, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | | | - Benny V. Jensen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Julia S. Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Low JT, Zavortink M, Mitchell JM, Gan WJ, Do OH, Schwiening CJ, Gaisano HY, Thorn P. Insulin secretion from beta cells in intact mouse islets is targeted towards the vasculature. Diabetologia 2014; 57:1655-63. [PMID: 24795086 PMCID: PMC4079948 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS We set out to test the hypothesis that insulin secretion from beta cells is targeted towards the vasculature. METHODS The spatial location of granule fusion was identified by live-cell two-photon imaging of mouse pancreatic beta cells within intact islets, using sulforhodamine B labelling. Three-dimensional (3D) immunofluorescence of pancreatic slices was used to identify the location of proteins associated with neuronal synapses. RESULTS We demonstrated an asymmetric, non-random, distribution of sites of insulin granule fusion in response to glucose and focal targeting of insulin granule secretion to the beta cell membrane facing the vasculature. 3D immunofluorescence of islets showed that structural proteins, such as liprin, piccolo and Rab2-interacting molecule, normally associated with neuronal presynaptic targeting, were present in beta cells and enriched at the vascular face. In contrast, we found that syntaxin 1A and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP25) were relatively evenly distributed across the beta cells. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our results show that beta cells in situ, within intact islets, are polarised and target insulin secretion. This evidence for an 'endocrine synapse' has wide implications for our understanding of stimulus-secretion coupling in healthy islets and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun T Low
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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36
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Samarelli AV, Riccitelli E, Bizzozero L, Silveira TN, Seano G, Pergolizzi M, Vitagliano G, Cascone I, Carpentier G, Bottos A, Primo L, Bussolino F, Arese M. Neuroligin 1 induces blood vessel maturation by cooperating with the α6 integrin. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:19466-76. [PMID: 24860089 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.530972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptic protein Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1), a cell adhesion molecule, is critical for the formation and consolidation of synaptic connectivity and is involved in vascular development. The mechanism through which NLGN1 acts, especially in vascular cells, is unknown. Here, we aimed at deepening our knowledge on the cellular activities and molecular pathways exploited by endothelial NLGN1 both in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the phenotypic consequences of NLGN1 expression modulation in endothelial cells through in vitro angiogenesis assays and the mouse postnatal retinal angiogenesis model. We demonstrate that NLGN1, whereas not affecting endothelial cell proliferation or migration, modulates cell adhesion to the vessel stabilizing protein laminin through cooperation with the α6 integrin, a specific laminin receptor. Finally, we show that in vivo, NLGN1 and α6 integrin preferentially colocalize in the mature retinal vessels, whereas NLGN1 deletion causes an aberrant VE-cadherin, laminin and α6 integrin distribution in vessels, along with significant structural defects in the vascular tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Valeria Samarelli
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Elena Riccitelli
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Laura Bizzozero
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Tatiana Nunes Silveira
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Giorgio Seano
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Cell Migration
| | - Margherita Pergolizzi
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Grazia Vitagliano
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- the Laboratoire CRRET, Faculté des Sciences et Technologie, Université Paris Est Créteil Val de Marne, 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Gilles Carpentier
- the Laboratoire CRRET, Faculté des Sciences et Technologie, Université Paris Est Créteil Val de Marne, 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil Cedex, France
| | - Alessia Bottos
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology
| | - Luca Primo
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Cell Migration
| | - Federico Bussolino
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Vascular Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute,10060 Candiolo, Torino Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- From the Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School and Laboratory of Neurovascular Biology, Candiola Cancer Institute,10060 Candiola, Torino, Italy.
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Yadav S, Cotlarciuc I, Munroe PB, Khan MS, Nalls MA, Bevan S, Cheng YC, Chen WM, Malik R, McCarthy NS, Holliday EG, Speed D, Hasan N, Pucek M, Rinne PE, Sever P, Stanton A, Shields DC, Maguire JM, McEvoy M, Scott RJ, Ferrucci L, Macleod MJ, Attia J, Markus HS, Sale MM, Worrall BB, Mitchell BD, Dichgans M, Sudlow C, Meschia JF, Rothwell PM, Caulfield M, Sharma P. Genome-wide analysis of blood pressure variability and ischemic stroke. Stroke 2013; 44:2703-2709. [PMID: 23929743 PMCID: PMC3904673 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.113.002186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure (vBP) is associated with ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether such variability has genetic causes and whether genetic variants associated with BP variability are also associated with ischemic stroke. METHODS A Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) for loci influencing BP variability was undertaken in 3802 individuals from the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcome Trial (ASCOT) study, in which long-term visit-to-visit and within-visit BP measures were available. Because BP variability is strongly associated with ischemic stroke, we genotyped the sentinel single nucleotide polymorphism in an independent ischemic stroke population comprising 8624 cases and 12 722 controls and in 3900 additional (Scandinavian) participants from the ASCOT study to replicate our findings. RESULTS The ASCOT discovery GWAS identified a cluster of 17 correlated single nucleotide polymorphisms within the NLGN1 gene (3q26.31) associated with BP variability. The strongest association was with rs976683 (P=1.4×10(-8)). Conditional analysis of rs976683 provided no evidence of additional independent associations at the locus. Analysis of rs976683 in patients with ischemic stroke found no association for overall stroke (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.97-1.07; P=0.52) or its subtypes: cardioembolic (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.97-1.16; P=0.17), large vessel disease (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89-1.07; P=0.60), and small vessel disease (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.97-1.17; P=0.19). No evidence for association was found between rs976683 and BP variability in the additional (Scandinavian) ASCOT participants (P=0.18). CONCLUSIONS We identified a cluster of single nucleotide polymorphisms at the NLGN1 locus showing significant association with BP variability. Follow-up analyses did not support an association with risk of ischemic stroke and its subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunaina Yadav
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Ioana Cotlarciuc
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia B. Munroe
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Muhammad S Khan
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Nalls
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steve Bevan
- Stroke and Dementia Research Centre, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Yu-Ching Cheng
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rainer Malik
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Medical Centre, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Nina S McCarthy
- Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth G Holliday
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Douglas Speed
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nazeeha Hasan
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Pucek
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E. Rinne
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Sever
- International Centre for Circulatory Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Alice Stanton
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis C Shields
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jane M Maguire
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurosciences, Gosford Hospital, Central Coast Area Health, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark McEvoy
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney J Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Genetics, Hunter Area Pathology Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA
| | - Mary J Macleod
- Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - John Attia
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Stroke and Dementia Research Centre, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Michele M Sale
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bradford B Worrall
- Departments of Neurology and Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Braxton D Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Medical Centre, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Cathy Sudlow
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James F Meschia
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter M Rothwell
- Department of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Caulfield
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Imperial College Cerebrovascular Research Unit (ICCRU), Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
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Roher AE, Maarouf CL, Malek-Ahmadi M, Wilson J, Kokjohn TA, Daugs ID, Whiteside CM, Kalback WM, Macias MP, Jacobson SA, Sabbagh MN, Ghetti B, Beach TG. Subjects harboring presenilin familial Alzheimer's disease mutations exhibit diverse white matter biochemistry alterations. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2013; 2:187-207. [PMID: 24093083 PMCID: PMC3783832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia impacts all facets of higher order cognitive function and is characterized by the presence of distinctive pathological lesions in the gray matter (GM). The profound alterations in GM structure and function have fostered the view that AD impacts are primarily a consequence of GM damage. However, the white matter (WM) represents about 50% of the cerebrum and this area of the brain is substantially atrophied and profoundly abnormal in both sporadic AD (SAD) and familial AD (FAD). We examined the WM biochemistry by ELISA and Western blot analyses of key proteins in 10 FAD cases harboring mutations in the presenilin genes PSEN1 and PSEN2 as well as in 4 non-demented control (NDC) individuals and 4 subjects with SAD. The molecules examined were direct substrates of PSEN1 such as Notch-1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP). In addition, apolipoproteins, axonal transport molecules, cytoskeletal and structural proteins, neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins were examined. PSEN-FAD subjects had, on average, higher amounts of WM amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides compared to SAD, which may play a role in the devastating dysfunction of the brain. However, the PSEN-FAD mutations we examined did not produce uniform increases in the relative proportions of Aβ42 and exhibited substantial variability in total Aβ levels. These observations suggest that neurodegeneration and dementia do not depend solely on enhanced Aβ42 levels. Our data revealed additional complexities in PSEN-FAD individuals. Some direct substrates of γ-secretase, such as Notch, N-cadherin, Erb-B4 and APP, deviated substantially from the NDC group baseline for some, but not all, mutation types. Proteins that were not direct γ-secretase substrates, but play key structural and functional roles in the WM, likewise exhibited varied concentrations in the distinct PSEN mutation backgrounds. Detailing the diverse biochemical pathology spectrum of PSEN mutations may offer valuable insights into dementia progression and the design of effective therapeutic interventions for both SAD and FAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Roher
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Chera L Maarouf
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Michael Malek-Ahmadi
- Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Jeffrey Wilson
- Department of Economics, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ 85287
| | - Tyler A Kokjohn
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
- Department of Microbiology, Midwestern University School of MedicineGlendale, AZ 85308
| | - Ian D Daugs
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Charisse M Whiteside
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Walter M Kalback
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - MiMi P Macias
- The Longtine Center for Neurodegenerative Biochemistry, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
| | - Sandra A Jacobson
- Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
- University of Arizona College of MedicinePhoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
- University of Arizona College of MedicinePhoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Thomas G Beach
- Civin Laboratory for Neuropathology, Banner Sun Health Research InstituteSun City, AZ 85351
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Shi L, Chang X, Zhang P, Coba MP, Lu W, Wang K. The functional genetic link of NLGN4X knockdown and neurodevelopment in neural stem cells. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:3749-60. [PMID: 23710042 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations in NLGN4X (neuroligin 4), including point mutations and copy number variants (CNVs), have been associated with susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, it is unclear how mutations in NLGN4X result in neurodevelopmental defects. Here, we used neural stem cells (NSCs) as in vitro models to explore the impacts of NLGN4X knockdown on neurodevelopment. Using two shRNAmir-based vectors targeting NLGN4X and one control shRNAmir vector, we modulated NLGN4X expression and differentiated these NSCs into mature neurons. We monitored the neurodevelopmental process at Weeks 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6, based on morphological analysis and whole-genome gene expression profiling. At the cellular level, in NSCs with NLGN4X knockdown, we observed increasingly delayed neuronal development and compromised neurite formation, starting from Week 2 through Week 6 post differentiation. At the molecular level, we identified multiple pathways, such as neurogenesis, neuron differentiation and muscle development, which are increasingly disturbed in cells with NLGN4X knockdown. Notably, several postsynaptic genes, including DLG4, NLGN1 and NLGN3, also have decreased expression. Based on in vitro models, NLGN4X knockdown directly impacts neurodevelopmental process during the formation of neurons and their connections. Our functional genomics study highlights the utility of NSCs models in understanding the functional roles of CNVs in affecting neurodevelopment and conferring susceptibility to neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Shi
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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40
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Pregno G, Frola E, Graziano S, Patrizi A, Bussolino F, Arese M, Sassoè-Pognetto M. Differential regulation of neurexin at glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:35. [PMID: 23576952 PMCID: PMC3616244 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurexins (Nrxs) have emerged as potential determinants of synaptic specificity, but little is known about their localization at central synapses. Here we show that Nrxs have a remarkably selective localization at distinct types of glutamatergic synapses and we reveal an unexpected ontogenetic regulation of Nrx expression at GABAergic synapses. Our data indicate that synapses are specified by molecular interactions that involve both Nrx-dependent and Nrx-independent mechanisms. We propose that differences in the spatio-temporal profile of Nrx expression may contribute to specify the molecular identity of synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pregno
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Torino, Italy
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41
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Genome-wide association analysis identifies a susceptibility locus for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Nat Genet 2013; 45:518-21. [PMID: 23502781 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, severe disease resulting from progressive obliteration of small-caliber pulmonary arteries by proliferating vascular cells. PAH can occur without recognized etiology (idiopathic PAH), be associated with a systemic disease or occur as a heritable form, with BMPR2 mutated in approximately 80% of familial and 15% of idiopathic PAH cases. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on 2 independent case-control studies for idiopathic and familial PAH (without BMPR2 mutations), including a total of 625 cases and 1,525 healthy individuals. We detected a significant association at the CBLN2 locus mapping to 18q22.3, with the risk allele conferring an odds ratio for PAH of 1.97 (1.59-2.45; P = 7.47 × 10(-10)). CBLN2 is expressed in the lung, and its expression is higher in explanted lungs from individuals with PAH and in endothelial cells cultured from explanted PAH lungs.
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Torres-Martin M, Lassaletta L, San-Roman-Montero J, De Campos JM, Isla A, Gavilan J, Melendez B, Pinto GR, Burbano RR, Castresana JS, Rey JA. Microarray analysis of gene expression in vestibular schwannomas reveals SPP1/MET signaling pathway and androgen receptor deregulation. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:848-62. [PMID: 23354516 PMCID: PMC3597452 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas are benign neoplasms that arise from the vestibular nerve. The hallmark of these tumors is the biallelic inactivation of neurofibromin 2 (NF2). Transcriptomic alterations, such as the neuregulin 1 (NRG1)/ErbB2 pathway, have been described in schwannomas. In this study, we performed a whole transcriptome analysis in 31 vestibular schwannomas and 9 control nerves in the Affymetrix Gene 1.0 ST platform, validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using TaqMan Low Density arrays. We performed a mutational analysis of NF2 by PCR/denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), as well as a microsatellite marker analysis of the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 22q. The microarray analysis demonstrated that 1,516 genes were deregulated and 48 of the genes were validated by qRT-PCR. At least 2 genetic hits (allelic loss and/or gene mutation) in NF2 were found in 16 tumors, seven cases showed 1 hit and 8 tumors showed no NF2 alteration. MET and associated genes, such as integrin, alpha 4 (ITGA4)/B6, PLEXNB3/SEMA5 and caveolin-1 (CAV1) showed a clear deregulation in vestibular schwannomas. In addition, androgen receptor (AR) downregulation may denote a hormonal effect or cause in this tumor. Furthermore, the osteopontin gene (SPP1), which is involved in merlin protein degradation, was upregulated, which suggests that this mechanism may also exert a pivotal role in schwannoma merlin depletion. Finally, no major differences were observed among tumors of different size, histological type or NF2 status, which suggests that, at the mRNA level, all schwannomas, regardless of their molecular and clinical characteristics, may share common features that can be used in their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Torres-Martin
- Research Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain.
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Guo S, Zhou Y, Xing C, Lok J, Som AT, Ning M, Ji X, Lo EH. The vasculome of the mouse brain. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52665. [PMID: 23285140 PMCID: PMC3527566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood vessel is no longer viewed as passive plumbing for the brain. Increasingly, experimental and clinical findings suggest that cerebral endothelium may possess endocrine and paracrine properties – actively releasing signals into and receiving signals from the neuronal parenchyma. Hence, metabolically perturbed microvessels may contribute to central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. Furthermore, cerebral endothelium can serve as sensors and integrators of CNS dysfunction, releasing measurable biomarkers into the circulating bloodstream. Here, we define and analyze the concept of a brain vasculome, i.e. a database of gene expression patterns in cerebral endothelium that can be linked to other databases and systems of CNS mediators and markers. Endothelial cells were purified from mouse brain, heart and kidney glomeruli. Total RNA were extracted and profiled on Affymetrix mouse 430 2.0 micro-arrays. Gene expression analysis confirmed that these brain, heart and glomerular preparations were not contaminated by brain cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or neurons), cardiomyocytes or kidney tubular cells respectively. Comparison of the vasculome between brain, heart and kidney glomeruli showed that endothelial gene expression patterns were highly organ-dependent. Analysis of the brain vasculome demonstrated that many functionally active networks were present, including cell adhesion, transporter activity, plasma membrane, leukocyte transmigration, Wnt signaling pathways and angiogenesis. Analysis of representative genome-wide-association-studies showed that genes linked with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke were detected in the brain vasculome. Finally, comparison of our mouse brain vasculome with representative plasma protein databases demonstrated significant overlap, suggesting that the vasculome may be an important source of circulating signals in blood. Perturbations in cerebral endothelial function may profoundly affect CNS homeostasis. Mapping and dissecting the vasculome of the brain in health and disease may provide a novel database for investigating disease mechanisms, assessing therapeutic targets and exploring new biomarkers for the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Guo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SG); (EHL)
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Changhong Xing
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Josephine Lok
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Angel T. Som
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - MingMing Ning
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Clinical Proteomics Research Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xunming Ji
- Cerebrovascular Research Center, XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Eng H. Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Clinical Proteomics Research Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SG); (EHL)
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McGuire TF, Sajithlal GB, Lu J, Nicholls RD, Prochownik EV. In vivo evolution of tumor-derived endothelial cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37138. [PMID: 22623986 PMCID: PMC3356387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of a malignant tumor beyond a certain, limited size requires that it first develop an independent blood supply. In addition to providing metabolic support, this neovasculature also allows tumor cells to access the systemic circulation, thus facilitating metastatic dissemination. The neovasculature may originate either from normal blood vessels in close physical proximity to the tumor and/or from the recruitment of bone marrow-derived endothelial cell (EC) precursors. Recent studies have shown that human tumor vasculature ECs may also arise directly from tumor cells themselves and that the two populations have highly similar or identical karyotypes. We now show that, during the course of serial in vivo passage, these tumor-derived ECs (TDECs) progressively acquire more pronounced EC-like properties. These include higher-level expression of EC-specific genes and proteins, a greater capacity for EC-like behavior in vitro, and a markedly enhanced propensity to incorporate into the tumor vasculature. In addition, both vessel density and size are significantly increased in neoplasms derived from mixtures of tumor cells and serially passaged TDECs. A comparison of early- and late-passage TDECs using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism profiling showed the latter cells to have apparently evolved by a process of clonal expansion of a population with a distinct pattern of interstitial chromosomal gains and losses affecting a relatively small number of genes. The majority of these have established roles in vascular development, tumor suppression or epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These studies provide direct evidence that TDECs have a strong evolutionary capacity as a result of their inherent genomic instability. Consequently such cells might be capable of escaping anti-angiogenic cancer therapies by generating resistant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence F. McGuire
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gangadharan B. Sajithlal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jie Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Nicholls
- Birth Defect Laboratories, Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Suckow AT, Zhang C, Egodage S, Comoletti D, Taylor P, Miller MT, Sweet IR, Chessler SD. Transcellular neuroligin-2 interactions enhance insulin secretion and are integral to pancreatic β cell function. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:19816-26. [PMID: 22528485 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.280537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is dependent on interactions between neighboring β cells. Elucidation of the reasons why this cell-to-cell contact is essential will probably yield critical insights into β cell maturation and function. In the central nervous system, transcellular protein interactions (i.e. interactions between proteins on the surfaces of different cells) involving neuroligins are key mediators of synaptic functional development. We previously demonstrated that β cells express neuroligin-2 and that insulin secretion is affected by changes in neuroligin-2 expression. Here we show that the effect of neuroligin-2 on insulin secretion is mediated by transcellular interactions. Neuroligin-2 binds with nanomolar affinity to a partner on the β cell surface and contributes to the increased insulin secretion brought about by β cell-to-β cell contact. It does so in a manner seemingly independent of interactions with neurexin, a known binding partner. As in the synapse, transcellular neuroligin-2 interactions enhance the functioning of the submembrane exocytic machinery. Also, as in the synapse, neuroligin-2 clustering is important. Neuroligin-2 in soluble form, rather than presented on a cell surface, decreases insulin secretion by rat islets and MIN-6 cells, most likely by interfering with endogenous neuroligin interactions. Prolonged contact with neuroligin-2-expressing cells increases INS-1 β cell proliferation and insulin content. These results extend the known parallels between the synaptic and β cell secretory machineries to extracellular interactions. Neuroligin-2 interactions are one of the few transcellular protein interactions thus far identified that directly enhance insulin secretion. Together, these results indicate a significant role for transcellular neuroligin-2 interactions in the establishment of β cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur T Suckow
- Department of Medicine and Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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Rissone A, Foglia E, Sangiorgio L, Cermenati S, Nicoli S, Cimbro S, Beltrame M, Bussolino F, Cotelli F, Arese M. The synaptic proteins β-neurexin and neuroligin synergize with extracellular matrix-binding vascular endothelial growth factor a during zebrafish vascular development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012; 32:1563-72. [PMID: 22516065 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.243006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine the in vivo functions of the synaptic proteins neurexins and neuroligins in embryonic vascular system development using zebrafish as animal model. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, we show that the knockdown of the α-form of neurexin 1a induces balance defects and reduced locomotory activity, whereas β-neurexin 1a and neuroligin 1 morphants present defects in sprouting angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, in particular in the caudal plexus and subintestinal vessels. Coinjection of low doses of morpholinos for β-neurexin 1a and neuroligin 1 together or in combination with morpholinos targeting the -heparin--binding isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (encoded by the VEGFAb gene) recapitulates the observed abnormalities, suggesting synergistic activity of these molecules. Similar coinjection experiments with morpholinos, targeting the enzyme heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 2, confirm the presence of a functional correlation between extracellular matrix maturation and β-neurexin 1a or neuroligin 1. CONCLUSIONS Our data represent the first in vivo evidence of the role of neurexin and neuroligin in embryonic blood vessel formation and provide insights into their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rissone
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Italy.
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Mosedale M, Egodage S, Calma RC, Chi NW, Chessler SD. Neurexin-1α contributes to insulin-containing secretory granule docking. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:6350-61. [PMID: 22235116 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.299081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are a family of transmembrane, synaptic adhesion molecules. In neurons, neurexins bind to both sub-plasma membrane and synaptic vesicle-associated constituents of the secretory machinery, play a key role in the organization and stabilization of the presynaptic active zone, and help mediate docking of synaptic vesicles. We have previously shown that neurexins, like many other protein constituents of the neurotransmitter exocytotic machinery, are expressed in pancreatic β cells. We hypothesized that the role of neurexins in β cells parallels their role in neurons, with β-cell neurexins helping to mediate insulin granule docking and secretion. Here we demonstrate that β cells express a more restricted pattern of neurexin transcripts than neurons, with a clear predominance of neurexin-1α expressed in isolated islets. Using INS-1E β cells, we found that neurexin-1α interacts with membrane-bound components of the secretory granule-docking machinery and with the granule-associated protein granuphilin. Decreased expression of neurexin-1α, like decreased expression of granuphilin, reduces granule docking at the β-cell membrane and improves insulin secretion. Perifusion of neurexin-1α KO mouse islets revealed a significant increase in second-phase insulin secretion with a trend toward increased first-phase secretion. Upon glucose stimulation, neurexin-1α protein levels decrease. This glucose-induced down-regulation may enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. We conclude that neurexin-1α is a component of the β-cell secretory machinery and contributes to secretory granule docking, most likely through interactions with granuphilin. Neurexin-1α is the only transmembrane component of the docking machinery identified thus far. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of insulin granule docking and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrie Mosedale
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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48
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Mikulska K, Strzelecki J, Balter A, Nowak W. Nanomechanical unfolding of α-neurexin: A major component of the synaptic junction. Chem Phys Lett 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2011.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Bottos A, Rissone A, Bussolino F, Arese M. Neurexins and neuroligins: synapses look out of the nervous system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:2655-66. [PMID: 21394644 PMCID: PMC11115133 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The scientific interest in the family of the so-called nervous vascular parallels has been growing steadily for the past 15 years, either by addition of new members to the group or, lately, by deepening the analysis of established concepts and mediators. Proteins governing both neurons and vascular cells are known to be involved in events such as cell fate determination and migration/guidance but not in the last and apparently most complex step of nervous system development, the formation and maturation of synapses. Hence, the recent addition to this family of the specific synaptic proteins, Neurexin and Neuroligin, is a double innovation. The two proteins, which were thought to be "simple" adhesive links between the pre- and post-synaptic sides of chemical synapses, are in fact extremely complex and modulate the most subtle synaptic activities. We will discuss the relevant data and the intriguing challenge of transferring synaptic activities to vascular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bottos
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Strada prov 142, km 3, 95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Alberto Rissone
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Strada prov 142, km 3, 95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Strada prov 142, km 3, 95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Torino, IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, Strada prov 142, km 3, 95, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy
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50
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The molecular genetics of autism spectrum disorders: genomic mechanisms, neuroimmunopathology, and clinical implications. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2011:398636. [PMID: 22937247 PMCID: PMC3420760 DOI: 10.1155/2011/398636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have become increasingly common in recent years. The discovery of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and accompanying copy number variations within the genome has increased our understanding of the architecture of the disease. These genetic and genomic alterations coupled with epigenetic phenomena have pointed to a neuroimmunopathological mechanism for ASD. Model animal studies, developmental biology, and affective neuroscience laid a foundation for dissecting the neural pathways impacted by these disease-generating mechanisms. The goal of current autism research is directed toward a systems biological approach to find the most basic genetic and environmental causes to this severe developmental disease. It is hoped that future genomic and neuroimmunological research will be directed toward finding the road toward prevention, treatment, and cure of ASD.
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