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Sapolsky R. 2022 ISPNE Bruce McEwen Lifetime Achievement award: Stress, from molecules to societies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 154:106274. [PMID: 37163880 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The International Society for Psychoneuroendocrinology meeting in Chicago in 2022 was thrilled to recognize Dr. Robert Sapolsky with the Bruce McEwen Lifetime Achievement award. This is the second year for the award to be named to honor Bruce McEwen and it marks the completion of a special issue edited by Blazej Miziak and Robert Paul Juster in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology dedicated to Bruce's legacy and the unfathomable contribution of Allostatic Load to the stress field. Yet, as our award winner writes, Bruce's legacy is more than scientific as he was well known for mentorship and being an exemplary person, theorist, and scientist. Perhaps understandably for a career favored by humble introverts and shy reclusives, the science shines in the spotlight and personal reflections are cut to accommodate word count limits. For scholars entering the field, stargazing at larger than life luminaries in the field is thrilling yet intimidating as it feels impossible that these experts have the same doubts and distractions as the rest of us primates. Thus, Psychoneuroendocrinology is thrilled to kick off the first perspectives piece in the Cell to Selves series with Dr. Robert Sapolsky sharing that, like his Baboon troops in Kenya, he too sometimes has a bad-hair day. This paper is a written version of a lecture I gave on September 8th, 2022, when receiving the first Bruce McEwen Lifetime Achievement Award from the ISPNE. This was a bittersweet honor; Bruce was my graduate advisor at Rockefeller University and over the next forty years, he was my mentor, teacher and father figure. His death in 2020 left a hole in my life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sapolsky
- Departments of Biology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of biological, psychological, and social factors in medicine has benefited from increasingly precise stress response biomarkers. Mitochondria, a subcellular organelle with its own genome, produce the energy required for life and generate signals that enable stress adaptation. An emerging concept proposes that mitochondria sense, integrate, and transduce psychosocial and behavioral factors into cellular and molecular modifications. Mitochondrial signaling might in turn contribute to the biological embedding of psychological states. METHODS A narrative literature review was conducted to evaluate evidence supporting this model implicating mitochondria in the stress response, and its implementation in behavioral and psychosomatic medicine. RESULTS Chronically, psychological stress induces metabolic and neuroendocrine mediators that cause structural and functional recalibrations of mitochondria, which constitutes mitochondrial allostatic load. Clinically, primary mitochondrial defects affect the brain, the endocrine system, and the immune systems that play a role in psychosomatic processes, suggesting a shared underlying mechanistic basis. Mitochondrial function and dysfunction also contribute to systemic physiological regulation through the release of mitokines and other metabolites. At the cellular level, mitochondrial signaling influences gene expression and epigenetic modifications, and modulates the rate of cellular aging. CONCLUSIONS This evidence suggests that mitochondrial allostatic load represents a potential subcellular mechanism for transducing psychosocial experiences and the resulting emotional responses-both adverse and positive-into clinically meaningful biological and physiological changes. The associated article in this issue of Psychosomatic Medicine presents a systematic review of the effects of psychological stress on mitochondria. Integrating mitochondria into biobehavioral and psychosomatic research opens new possibilities to investigate how psychosocial factors influence human health and well-being across the life-span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Picard
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, The H. Houston Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bruce S. McEwen
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Pålsson E, Figueras C, Johansson AGM, Ekman CJ, Hultman B, Östlind J, Landén M. Neurocognitive function in bipolar disorder: a comparison between bipolar I and II disorder and matched controls. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:165. [PMID: 23758923 PMCID: PMC3691847 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits have been documented in patients with bipolar disorder. Further, it has been suggested that the degree and type of cognitive impairment differ between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, but data is conflicting and remains inconclusive. This study aimed to clarify the suggested differences in cognitive impairment between patients with bipolar I and II disorder in a relatively large, clinically stable sample while controlling for potential confounders. METHODS 67 patients with bipolar I disorder, 43 with bipolar II disorder, and 86 randomly selected population-based healthy controls were compared. A number of neuropsychological tests were administered, assessing verbal and visual memory and executive functions. Patients were in a stable phase during testing. RESULTS Patients with bipolar type I and type II were cognitively impaired compared to healthy controls, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two subtypes. The strongest predictor of cognitive impairment within the patient group was current antipsychotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that the type and degree of cognitive dysfunction is similar in bipolar I and II patients. Notably, treatment with antipsychotics - but not a history of psychosis - was associated with more severe cognitive impairment. Given that patients with bipolar I disorder are more likely to be on antipsychotic drugs, this might explain why some previous studies have found that patients with type I bipolar disorder are more cognitively impaired than those with type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Pålsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Clara Figueras
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anette GM Johansson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Ekman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Hultman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Östlind
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Psychobiological allostasis: resistance, resilience and vulnerability. Trends Cogn Sci 2011; 15:576-84. [PMID: 22078931 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The brain and body need to adapt constantly to changing social and physical environments. A key mechanism for this adaptation is the 'stress response', which is necessary and not negative in and of itself. The term 'stress', however, is ambiguous and has acquired negative connotations. We argue that the concept of allostasis can be used instead to describe the mechanisms employed to achieve stability of homeostatic systems through active intervention (adaptive plasticity). In the context of allostasis, resilience denotes the ability of an organism to respond to stressors in the environment by means of the appropriate engagement and efficient termination of allostatic responses. In this review, we discuss the neurobiological and organismal factors that modulate resilience, such as growth factors, chaperone molecules and circadian rhythms, and highlight its consequences for cognition and behavior.
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Wang H, Luo M, Li C, Wang G. Propofol post-conditioning induced long-term neuroprotection and reduced internalization of AMPAR GluR2 subunit in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. J Neurochem 2011; 119:210-9. [PMID: 21790606 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07400.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that propofol (20 mg/kg/h) post-conditioning provided acute (up to 24 h) neuroprotection in rats with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. In this study, we extend these data by examining long-term protection and exploring underlying mechanisms involving AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit internalization. Rats were treated with propofol 20 mg/kg/h after 60 min of occlusion (beginning of reperfusion for 4 h). Propofol post-conditioning reduced infarct volume and improved spatial memory deficiencies (up to 28 days) induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Additionally, Propofol post-conditioning promoted neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus, as measured by bromodeoxyuridine and neuron-specific nuclear protein immunofluorescence-double staining at day 28 after reperfusion. Finally, propofol post-conditioning increased the surface expression of AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit, thus inhibited the internalization of this part until 28 days after stroke. In conclusion, our data suggest that propofol post-conditioning provides long-term protection against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Furthermore, we found that the inhibition of AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit internalization may contributed to this long-term neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Boison D. Cell and gene therapies for refractory epilepsy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:115-25. [PMID: 18615179 DOI: 10.2174/157015907780866938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2006] [Revised: 03/07/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the development of antiepileptic drugs, refractory epilepsy remains a major clinical problem affecting up to 35% of patients with partial epilepsy. Currently, there are few therapies that affect the underlying disease process. Therefore, novel therapeutic concepts are urgently needed. The recent development of experimental cell and gene therapies may offer several advantages compared to conventional systemic pharmacotherapy: (i) Specificity to underlying pathogenetic mechanisms by rational design; (ii) specificity to epileptogenic networks by focal delivery; and (iii) avoidance of side effects. A number of naturally occurring brain substances, such as GABA, adenosine, and the neuropeptides galanin and neuropeptide Y, may function as endogenous anticonvulsants and, in addition, may interact with the process of epileptogenesis. Unfortunately, the systemic application of these compounds is compromised by limited bioavailability, poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier, or the widespread systemic distribution of their respective receptors. Therefore, in recent years a new field of cell and gene-based neuropharmacology has emerged, aimed at either delivering endogenous anticonvulsant compounds by focal intracerebral transplantation of bioengineered cells (ex vivo gene therapy), or by inducing epileptogenic brain areas to produce these compounds in situ (in vivo gene therapy). In this review, recent efforts to develop GABA-, adenosine-, galanin-, and neuropeptide Y- based cell and gene therapies are discussed. The neurochemical rationales for using these compounds are discussed, the advantages of focal applications are highlighted and preclinical cell transplantation and gene therapy studies are critically evaluated. Although many promising data have been generated recently, potential problems, such as long-term therapeutic efficacy, long-term safety, and efficacy in clinically relevant animal models, need to be addressed before clinical applications can be contemplated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlev Boison
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research, Portland, OR 97232, USA.
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Anti-glucocorticoid gene therapy reverses the impairing effects of elevated corticosterone on spatial memory, hippocampal neuronal excitability, and synaptic plasticity. J Neurosci 2010; 30:1712-20. [PMID: 20130180 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4402-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Moderate release of the major stress hormones, glucocorticoids (GCs), improves hippocampal function and memory. In contrast, excessive or prolonged elevations produce impairments. Enzymatic degradation and reformation of GCs help to maintain optimal levels within target tissues, including the brain. We hypothesized that expressing a GC-degrading enzyme in hippocampal neurons would attenuate the negative impact of an excessive elevation in GC levels on synaptic physiology and spatial memory. We tested this by expressing 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type II) in dentate gyrus granule cells during a 3 d GC treatment followed by examination of synaptic responses in hippocampal slices or spatial performance in the Morris water maze. In adrenalectomized rats with basal GC replacement, additional GC treatments for 3 d reduced synaptic strength and promoted the expression of long-term depression at medial perforant path synapses, increased granule cell and CA1 pyramidal cell excitability, and impaired spatial reference memory (without influencing learning). Expression of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (type II), mostly in mature dentate gyrus granule cells, reversed the effects of high GC levels on granule cell and pyramidal cell excitability, perforant path synaptic plasticity, and spatial memory. These data demonstrate the ability of neuroprotective gene expression limited to a specific cell population to both locally and trans-synaptically offset neurophysiological disruptions produced by prolonged increases in circulating stress hormones. This report supplies the first physiological explanation for previously demonstrated cognitive sparing by anti-stress gene therapy approaches and lends additional insight into the hippocampal processes that are important for memory.
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Mitra R, Ferguson D, Sapolsky RM. SK2 potassium channel overexpression in basolateral amygdala reduces anxiety, stress-induced corticosterone secretion and dendritic arborization. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:847-55, 827. [PMID: 19204724 PMCID: PMC2763614 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2009.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala is critical for generation of anxiety. In addition, exposure to both stress and glucocorticoids induces anxiety. Demonstrated ability of the amygdala to change in response to stress and glucocorticoids could thus be important therapeutic target for anxiety management. Several studies have reported a relationship between anxiety and dendritic arborization of the amygdaloid neurons. In this study we employed a gene therapeutic approach to reduce anxiety and dendritic arborization of the amygdala neurons. Specifically, we overexpressed SK2 potassium channel in the basolateral amygdala using a herpes simplex viral system. Our choice of therapeutic cargo was guided by the indications that activation of the amygdala might underlie anxiety and that SK2 could reduce neuronal activation by exerting inhibitory influence on action potentials. We report that SK2 overexpression reduced anxiety and stress-induced corticosterone secretion at a systemic level. SK2 overexpression also reduced dendritic arborization of the amygdala neurons. Hence, SK2 is a potential gene therapy candidate molecule that can be used against stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mitra
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Ferguson D, Sapolsky R. Overexpression of mineralocorticoid and transdominant glucocorticoid receptor blocks the impairing effects of glucocorticoids on memory. Hippocampus 2008; 18:1103-11. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Results from animal models suggest gene therapy is a promising new approach for the treatment of epilepsy. Several candidate genes such as neuropeptide Y and galanin have been demonstrated in preclinical studies to have a positive effect on seizure activity. For a successful gene therapy-based treatment, efficient delivery of a transgene to target neurons is also essential. To this end, advances have been made in the areas of cell transplantation and in the development of recombinant viral vectors for gene delivery. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors in particular show promise for gene therapy of neurological disorders due to their neuronal tropism, lack of toxicity, and stable persistence in neurons, which results in robust, long-term expression of the transgene. rAAV vectors have been recently used in phase I clinical trials of Parkinson's disease with an excellent safety profile. Prior to commencement of phase I trials for gene therapy of epilepsy, further preclinical studies are ongoing including evaluation of the therapeutic benefit in chronic models of epileptogenesis, as well as assessment of safety in toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Riban
- Department of Molecular Virology, The Ohio State University, Biological Research Tower, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Ferguson D, Lin S, Sapolsky R. Viral vector-mediated blockade of the endocrine stress-response modulates non-spatial memory. Neurosci Lett 2008; 437:1-4. [PMID: 18423865 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 01/31/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Stress results in the release of glucocorticoids (GCs) which at high levels, impair performance on hippocampus-dependent tasks. Estrogen is neurotrophic and can rescue stress-induced memory impairments. Here we report the use of a viral vector to overexpress a chimeric gene (ER/GR) that converts the deleterious effects of glucocorticoids into beneficial estrogenic effects. A short immobilization stress regimen was sufficient to impair non-spatial memory. In contrast, viral vector-mediated overexpression of ER/GR in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus protected against stress-induced impairments of non-spatial memory. These data add to the growing evidence that increasing estrogenic signaling can protect against the impairing effects of stress on non-spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deveroux Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA.
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Anti-apoptotic therapy with a Tat fusion protein protects against excitotoxic insults in vitro and in vivo. Exp Neurol 2007; 210:602-7. [PMID: 18207142 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2006] [Revised: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A number of gene therapy approaches have been developed for protecting neurons from necrotic neurological insults. Such therapies are limited by the need for transcription and translation of the protective protein, delaying therapeutic impact. As an alternative, we explore the neuroprotective potential of protein therapy, using a fusion protein comprised of the death-suppressing BH4 domain of the Bcl-xL protein and the protein transduction domain of the human immunodeficiency virus Tat protein. This fusion protein decreased neurotoxicity caused by the excitotoxins glutamate and kainic acid in primary hippocampal cultures, and decreased hippocampal damage in vivo in an excitotoxic seizure model.
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Nangaku M, Izuhara Y, Takizawa S, Yamashita T, Fujii-Kuriyama Y, Ohneda O, Yamamoto M, van Ypersele de Strihou C, Hirayama N, Miyata T. A novel class of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors induces angiogenesis and exerts organ protection against ischemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2007; 27:2548-54. [PMID: 17932321 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.107.148551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) plays a pivotal role in the adaptation to ischemic conditions. Its activity is modulated by an oxygen-dependent hydroxylation of proline residues by prolyl hydroxylases (PHD). METHODS AND RESULTS We discovered 2 unique compounds (TM6008 and TM6089), which inhibited PHD and stabilized HIF activity in vitro. Our docking simulation studies based on the 3-dimensional structure of human PHD2 disclosed that they preferentially bind to the active site of PHD. Whereas PHD inhibitors previously reported inhibit PHD activity via iron chelation, TM6089 does not share an iron chelating motif and is devoid of iron chelating activity. In vitro Matrigel assays and in vivo sponge assays demonstrated enhancement of angiogenesis by local administration of TM6008 and TM6089. Their oral administration stimulated HIF activity in various organs of transgenic rats expressing a hypoxia-responsive reporter vector. No acute toxicity was observed up to 2 weeks after a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg for TM6008. Oral administration of TM6008 protected neurons in a model of cerebrovascular disease. The protection was associated with amelioration of apoptosis but independent of enhanced angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The present study uncovered beneficial effects of novel PHD inhibitors preferentially binding to the active site of PHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaomi Nangaku
- Institute of Medical Sciences and Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
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Sung JH, Zhao H, Roy M, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Viral caspase inhibitor p35, but not crmA, is neuroprotective in the ischemic penumbra following experimental stroke. Neuroscience 2007; 149:804-12. [PMID: 17945431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 07/09/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, a predominant cause of neuronal death after stroke, can be executed in a caspase-dependent or apoptosis inducing factor (AIF)-dependent manner. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors expressing caspase inhibitors p35 and crmA have been shown to be neuroprotective against various excitotoxic insults. Here we further evaluated the possible neuroprotective role of p35 and crmA in a rat stroke model. Overexpression of p35, but not crmA, significantly increased neuronal survival. Results of double immunofluorescence staining indicate that compared with neurons infected with crmA or control vectors, p35-infected neurons had less active caspase-3 expression, cytosolic cytochrome c and nuclear AIF translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Sung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive R200, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
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Noe' F, Nissinen J, Pitkänen A, Gobbi M, Sperk G, During M, Vezzani A. Gene therapy in epilepsy: the focus on NPY. Peptides 2007; 28:377-83. [PMID: 17196301 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2006] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy represents an innovative and promising alternative for the treatment of epileptic patients who are resistant to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Among the various approaches for the application of gene therapy in the treatment of CNS disorders, recombinant viral vectors have been most widely used so far. Several gene targets could be used to correct the compromized balance between inhibitory and excitatory transmission in epilepsy. Transduction of neuropeptide genes such as galanin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in specific brain areas in experimental models of seizures resulted in significant anticonvulsant effects. In particular, the long-lasting NPY over-expression obtained in the rat hippocampus using intracerebral application of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors reduced the generalization of seizures from their site of onset, delayed acquisition of fully kindled seizures and afforded neuroprotection. These results establish a proof-of-principle for the applicability of AAV-NPY vectors for the inhibition of seizures in epilepsy. Additional investigations are required to demonstrate a therapeutic role of gene therapy in chronic models of seizures and to address in more detail safety concerns and possible side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Noe'
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Eritrea 62, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Nicholas A, Munhoz CD, Ferguson D, Campbell L, Sapolsky R. Enhancing cognition after stress with gene therapy. J Neurosci 2006; 26:11637-43. [PMID: 17093085 PMCID: PMC6674785 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3122-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal function is essential for the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of spatial memory. High circulating levels of glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenal steroid hormones secreted during stress, have been shown to impair both acquisition and retrieval and can either impair or enhance consolidation, depending on experimental conditions. In contrast, estrogen can enhance spatial memory performance and can block the deleterious effects of GCs on such performance. We therefore constructed a chimeric gene ("ER/GR") containing the hormone-binding domain of the GC receptor and the DNA binding domain of the estrogen receptor; as a result, ER/GR transduces deleterious GC signals into beneficial estrogenic ones. We show here that acute immobilization stress, before acquisition and retrieval phases, increases latencies for male rats in a hidden platform version of the Morris water maze. This impairment is blocked by hippocampal expression of the ER/GR transgene. ER/GR expression also blocks decreases in platform crossings caused by acute stress, either after acquisition or before retrieval. Three days of stress before acquisition produces an estrogen-like enhancement of performance in ER/GR-treated rats. Moreover, ER/GR blocks the suppressive effects of GCs on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor central to hippocampal-dependent cognition and plasticity, instead producing an estrogenic increase in BDNF expression. Thus, ER/GR expression enhances spatial memory performance and blocks the impairing effects of GCs on such performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicholas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020, USA.
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Davis AS, Zhao H, Sun GH, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Gene therapy using SOD1 protects striatal neurons from experimental stroke. Neurosci Lett 2006; 411:32-6. [PMID: 17110031 PMCID: PMC1716259 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 08/24/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species contribute to neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. Prior studies using transgenic animals have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of the antioxidant, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In this study, we investigated whether SOD1 overexpression using gene therapy techniques in non-transgenic animals would increase neuronal survival. A neurotropic, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) vector containing the SOD1 gene was injected into the striatum either before or after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Striatal neuron survival at 2 days was improved by 52% when vector was delivered 12-15 h prior to ischemia and by 53% when vector delivery was delayed 2 h following ischemia. These data add to the growing literature, which suggests that an antioxidant approach, perhaps by employing gene therapy techniques, may be beneficial in the treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis S Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive R200, Stanford, CA 94305-5237, United States
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Garrity-Moses ME, Teng Q, Liu J, Tanase D, Boulis NM. Neuroprotective adeno-associated virus Bcl-xL gene transfer in models of motor neuron disease. Muscle Nerve 2006; 32:734-44. [PMID: 16116646 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent work implicates excitotoxicity-induced apoptosis as the mechanism triggering motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our laboratory has previously utilized glutamate excitotoxicity in vitro to study this process. The present experiment tests whether overexpression of the gene for Bcl-xL can inhibit excitotoxicity in this model system. To track Bcl-xL expression, the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted in-frame, upstream of the Bcl-xL gene. The GFP-Bcl-xL gene was then cloned into an adeno-associated viral (AAV2) vector. GFP expression in both SH-SY5Y and embryonic day 15 (E15) motor neurons (MNs) peaked 48 hours after infection. Bcl-xL expression in SH-SY5Y cells significantly reduced terminal deoxy-UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and maintained cell density after glutamate exposure. Similarly, Bcl-xL expression inhibited the development of TUNEL staining in E15 MNs and supported cell density after glutamate exposure. These findings suggest that AAV-mediated expression of genes for antiapoptotic proteins may provide a means for ALS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Garrity-Moses
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, NB 2 120, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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da Cruz MTG, Cardoso ALC, de Almeida LP, Simões S, de Lima MCP. Tf-lipoplex-mediated NGF gene transfer to the CNS: neuronal protection and recovery in an excitotoxic model of brain injury. Gene Ther 2006; 12:1242-52. [PMID: 15815700 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of efficient systems for in vivo gene transfer to the central nervous system (CNS) may provide a useful therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of several neurological disorders. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of nonviral gene therapy to the CNS mediated by cationic liposomes. We present evidence of the successful delivery and expression of both a reporter and a therapeutic gene in the rodent brain, as evaluated by immunohistochemical assays. Our results indicate that transferrin-associated cationic liposome/DNA complexes (Tf-lipoplexes) allow a significant enhancement of transfection activity as compared to plain complexes, and that 8/1 (+/-) Tf-lipoplexes constitute the best formulation to mediate in vivo gene transfer. We demonstrated that Tf-lipoplex-mediated nerve growth factor transgene expression attenuates the morphological damages of the kainic acid-induced lesion as assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) vital staining. These findings suggest the usefulness of these lipid-based vectors in mediating the delivery of therapeutic genes to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Girão da Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3126, Coimbra, Portugal
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20
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common, chronic neurologic disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Experimental modeling and clinical neuroimaging of patients has shown that certain seizures are capable of causing neuronal death. Such brain injury may contribute to epileptogenesis, impairments in cognitive function or the epilepsy phenotype. Research into cell death after seizures has identified the induction of the molecular machinery of apoptosis. Here, the authors review the clinical and experimental evidence for apoptotic cell death pathway function in the wake of seizure activity. We summarize work showing intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) apoptotic pathway function after seizures, activation of the caspase and Bcl-2 families of cell death modulators and the acute and chronic neuropathologic impact of intervening in these molecular cascades. Finally, we describe evolving data on nonlethal roles for these proteins in neuronal restructuring and cell excitability that have implications for shaping the epilepsy phenotype. This review highlights the work to date on apoptosis pathway signaling during seizure-induced neuronal death and epileptogenesis, and speculates on how emerging roles in brain remodeling and excitability have enriched the number of therapeutic strategies for protection against seizure-damage and epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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21
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Liang ZQ, Wang XX, Wang Y, Chuang DM, DiFiglia M, Chase TN, Qin ZH. Susceptibility of striatal neurons to excitotoxic injury correlates with basal levels of Bcl-2 and the induction of P53 and c-Myc immunoreactivity. Neurobiol Dis 2005; 20:562-73. [PMID: 15922606 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2005.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2004] [Revised: 03/08/2005] [Accepted: 04/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present studies evaluated the potential contribution of Bcl-2, p53, and c-Myc to the differential vulnerability of striatal neurons to the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QA). In normal rat striatum, Bcl-2 immunoreactivity (Bcl-2-i) was most intense in large aspiny interneurons including choline acetyltransferase positive (CAT+) and parvalbumin positive (PARV+) neurons, but low in a majority of medium-sized neurons. In human brain, intense Bcl-2-i was seen in large striatal neurons but not in medium-sized spiny projection neurons. QA produced degeneration of numerous medium-sized neurons, but not those enriched in Bcl-2-i. Many Bcl-2-i-enriched interneurons including those with CAT+ and PARV+ survived QA injection, while medium-sized neurons labeled for calbindin D-28K (CAL D-28+) did not. In addition, proapoptotic proteins p53-i and c-Myc-i were robustly induced in medium-sized neurons, but not in most large neurons. The selective vulnerability of striatal medium spiny neurons to degeneration in a rodent model of Huntington's disease appears to correlate with their low levels of Bcl-2-i and high levels of induced p53-i and c-Myc-i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Qin Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, Soochow University School of Medicine, Suzhou 215007, P.R. China
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22
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Abstract
The generation of viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus, which are capable of stable transduction of neurons, offers an attractive strategy for introducing novel genes into the brain, resulting in a long-lasting production of specific proteins. An alternative approach to achieving transgene expression in brain is to graft cells that are genetically engineered to produce neuroactive substances. Neuroactive peptides, adenosine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, are agents that can be delivered by gene and cell therapy with potential utility in epilepsy therapy.
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23
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Abstract
HSV triggers and blocks apoptosis in cell type-specific fashion. This review discusses present understanding of the role of apoptosis and signaling cascades in neuronal pathogenesis and survival and summarizes present findings relating to the modulation of these strictly balanced processes by HSV infection. Underscored are the findings that HSV-1, but not HSV-2, triggers apoptosis in CNS neurons and causes encephalitis in adult subjects. Mechanisms responsible for the different outcomes of infection with the two HSV serotypes are described, including the contribution of viral antiapoptotic genes, notably the HSV-2 gene ICP10PK. Implications for the potential use of HSV vectors in future therapeutic developments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Aurelian
- Virology/Immunology Laboratories, University of Maryland, Bressler, Room 4-023, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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24
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Bliss TM, Ip M, Cheng E, Minami M, Pellerin L, Magistretti P, Sapolsky RM. Dual-gene, dual-cell type therapy against an excitotoxic insult by bolstering neuroenergetics. J Neurosci 2005; 24:6202-8. [PMID: 15240812 PMCID: PMC6729663 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0805-04.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that glutamate activates the generation of lactate from glucose in astrocytes; this lactate is shuttled to neurons that use it as a preferential energy source. We explore this multicellular "lactate shuttle" with a novel dual-cell, dual-gene therapy approach and determine the neuroprotective potential of enhancing this shuttle. Viral vector-driven overexpression of a glucose transporter in glia enhanced glucose uptake, lactate efflux, and the glial capacity to protect neurons from excitotoxicity. In parallel, overexpression of a lactate transporter in neurons enhanced lactate uptake and neuronal resistance to excitotoxicity. Finally, overexpression of both transgenes in the respective cell types provided more protection than either therapy alone, demonstrating that a dual-cell, dual-gene therapy approach gives greater neuroprotection than the conventional single-cell, single-gene strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonya M Bliss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5020, USA
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25
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Caleo M, Cenni MC. Anterograde transport of neurotrophic factors: possible therapeutic implications. Mol Neurobiol 2004; 29:179-96. [PMID: 15126685 DOI: 10.1385/mn:29:2:179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2003] [Accepted: 10/06/2003] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The actions of neurotrophic factors are classically thought to be mediated by their retrograde transport from target tissues to the cell bodies. There is now evidence that specific trophic factors are trafficked anterogradely along peripheral and central axons and released to postsynaptic cells. This review focuses on recent experiments that demonstrate the involvement of the anterograde transfer of neurotrophic factors in various physiological processes, including the regulation of developmental neuronal death, the modulation of synaptic transmission, and the control of axonal and dendritic architecture. The authors also discuss whether anterograde transport of exogenous trophic factors can be exploited to protect damaged postsynaptic neurons and spare their function. This issue has clear implications for possible therapeutic applications of neurotrophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caleo
- Istituto di Neuroscienze del CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, via G. Moruzzi, 1 - 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Zhao H, Yenari MA, Cheng D, Barreto-Chang OL, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Bcl-2 transfection via herpes simplex virus blocks apoptosis-inducing factor translocation after focal ischemia in the rat. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2004; 24:681-92. [PMID: 15181376 DOI: 10.1097/01.wcb.0000127161.89708.a5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis plays a critical role in many neurologic diseases, including stroke. Cytochrome c release and activation of various caspases are known to occur after focal and global ischemia. However, recent reports indicate that caspase-independent pathways may also be involved in ischemic damage. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a novel flavoprotein that helps mediate caspase-independent apoptotic cell death. AIF translocates from mitochondria to nuclei where it induces caspase-independent DNA fragmentation. Bcl-2, a mitochondrial membrane protein, protects against apoptotic and necrotic death induced by different insults, including cerebral ischemia. In the present study, Western blots confirmed that AIF was normally confined to mitochondria but translocated to nuclei or cytosol 8, 24, and 48 hours after onset of ischemia. Overall, AIF protein levels also increased after stroke. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated that nuclear AIF translocation occurred in the peri-infarct region but not in the ischemic core where only some cytosolic AIF release was observed. Our data also suggest that AIF translocated into nuclei after cytochrome c was released into the cytosol. Bcl-2 transfection in the peri-infarct region blocked nuclear AIF translocation and improved cortical neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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27
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Zhao H, Yenari MA, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Mild postischemic hypothermia prolongs the time window for gene therapy by inhibiting cytochrome C release. Stroke 2004; 35:572-7. [PMID: 14726551 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000110787.42083.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We showed previously that Bcl-2 overexpression with the use of herpes simplex viral (HSV) vectors improved striatal neuron survival when delivered 1.5 hours after stroke but not when delivered 5 hours after stroke onset. Here we determine whether hypothermia prolongs the therapeutic window for gene therapy. METHODS Rats were subjected to focal ischemia for 1 hour. Hypothermia (33 degrees C) was induced 2 hours after insult and maintained for 3 hours. Five hours after ischemia onset, HSV vectors expressing Bcl-2 plus beta-gal or beta-gal alone were injected into each striatum. Rats were killed 2 days later. RESULTS Striatal neuron survival of Bcl-2-treated, hypothermic animals was improved 2- to 3-fold over control-treated, hypothermic animals and Bcl-2-treated, normothermic animals. Neuron survival among normothermic, Bcl-2-treated animals was not different from control normothermics or control hypothermics. Double immunostaining of cytochrome c and beta-gal demonstrated that Bcl-2 plus hypothermia significantly reduced cytochrome c release. CONCLUSIONS Postischemic mild hypothermia extended the time window for gene therapy neuroprotection using Bcl-2 and reduced cytochrome c release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
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28
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Dumas TC, Powers EC, Tarapore PE, Sapolsky RM. Overexpression of calbindin D28k in dentate gyrus granule cells alters mossy fiber presynaptic function and impairs hippocampal-dependent memory. Hippocampus 2004; 14:701-9. [PMID: 15318329 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.10210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Calcium is a key signaling ion for induction of synaptic plasticity processes that are believed to influence cognition. Mechanisms regulating activity-induced increases in neuronal calcium and related synaptic modifications are not fully understood. Moreover, involvement of specific synapses in discrete aspects of spatial learning remains to be elucidated. We used herpes simplex amplicons to overexpress calbindin D(28k) (CaBP) selectively in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. We then examined the effects on hippocampal network activity by recording evoked synaptic responses in vivo and in vitro and analyzing hippocampal-dependent behavior. Relative to Lac-Z- and sham-infected controls, CaBP overexpression increased mossy fiber (MF-CA3) excitatory postsynaptic potentials and reduced paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), suggesting an increase in presynaptic strength. Additionally, CaBP overexpression reduced long-term potentiation (LTP), caused a frequency-dependent inhibition of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), and impaired spatial navigation. Thus, increasing CaBP levels selectively in the DG disrupts MF-CA3 presynaptic function and impairs spatial cognition. The results demonstrate the power of gene delivery in the study of the neural substrates of learning and memory and suggest that mossy fiber synaptic plasticity is critical for long-term spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Dumas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
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29
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Sekikawa S, Kawai Y, Fujiwara A, Takeda K, Tegoshi T, Uchikawa R, Yamada M, Arizono N. Alterations in hexose, amino acid and peptide transporter expression in intestinal epithelial cells during Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in the rat. Int J Parasitol 2003; 33:1419-26. [PMID: 14527524 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(03)00183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis induces various types of cytological alterations in the intestinal villus epithelium. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of hexose, peptide and amino acid transporters in the small intestinal epithelium after infection. Brown-Norway rats were infected with 2000 N. brasiliensis L3 larvae and villus epithelial cells were isolated at various time points after infection. Expression of hexose transporters Na(+)/glucose cotransporter SGLT1 and glucose transporter GLUT-1, -2 and -5, a peptide transporter (PepT1) and an amino acid transporter (LAT2) was examined by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR studies of separated jejunal epithelial cells showed that expression levels of GLUT5, PepT1 and LAT2 were significantly decreased 7 and 14 days after infection, while these changes were not observed in the ileal epithelium. Although the apical surface glucose transporter SGLT1 showed no significant alteration in mRNA expression, Western blotting analyses of jejunal epithelial cell lysate showed a marked decrease. Contrary to SGLT1, GLUT5, PepT1 and LAT2, expression of GLUT1, which is essential in maintaining high rates of glucose influx, was significantly up-regulated in the jejunal epithelium 7 and 14 days after infection in reverse transcription-PCR as in Western blotting analyses. Immunohistochemical studies showed that GLUT1 immunoreactivity was localised to the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells 7 days after infection. These results show that N. brasiliensis infection results in an increase in GLUT1 and a decrease in various hexose, amino acid and peptide transporter expression in jejunal epithelial cells. Up-regulation of GLUT1 might be a compensatory response in injured epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyuji Sekikawa
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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30
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Vasconcellos APS, Tabajara AS, Ferrari C, Rocha E, Dalmaz C. Effect of chronic stress on spatial memory in rats is attenuated by lithium treatment. Physiol Behav 2003; 79:143-9. [PMID: 12834784 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9384(03)00113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress is known to alter cognitive functions, such as memory, and it has been linked to the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Chronic lithium treatment is used in some psychiatric disorders and has been suggested to act upon mechanisms which can enhance neuronal viability. The purpose of this work is to investigate a possible effect of lithium treatment in a chronic stress model. Adult male Wistar rats were divided in two groups, control and chronically stressed, treated either with normal chow or with chow containing LiCl for 40 days. Stress treatment was a chronic variable stress model, consisting of different stressors which were applied in a random fashion, once a day, every day. Memory was assessed by using the water maze task. The results demonstrated a marked decrease in reference memory in the water maze task in chronically stressed rats. This effect was attenuated by lithium treatment in all the parameters considered. No effect was observed in the working memory. These results indicate that lithium treatment may counteract some effects of chronic stress situations, particularly concerning spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P S Vasconcellos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600 (Anexo) Lab. 32, 90035-003, RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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31
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Zhao H, Yenari MA, Cheng D, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Bcl-2 overexpression protects against neuron loss within the ischemic margin following experimental stroke and inhibits cytochrome c translocation and caspase-3 activity. J Neurochem 2003; 85:1026-36. [PMID: 12716434 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01756.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-2 protects against both apoptotic and necrotic death induced by several cerebral insults. We and others have previously demonstrated that defective herpes simplex virus vectors expressing Bcl-2 protect against various insults in vitro and in vivo, including cerebral ischemia. Because the infarct margin may be a region that is most amenable to treatment, we first determined whether gene transfer to the infarct margin is possible using a focal ischemia model. Since ischemic injury with and without reperfusion may occur by different mechanisms, we also determined whether Bcl-2 protects against focal cerebral ischemic injury either with or without reperfusion in rats. Bax expression, cytochrome c translocation and activated caspase-3 expression were also assessed. Viral vectors overexpressing Bcl-2 were delivered to the infarct margin. Reperfusion resulted in larger infarcts than permanent occlusion. Bcl-2 overexpression significantly improved neuron survival in both ischemia models. Bcl-2 overexpression did not alter overall Bax expression, but inhibited cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 activation. Thus, we provide the first evidence that gene transfer to the infarct margin is feasible, that overexpression of Bcl-2 protects against damage to the infarct margin induced by ischemia with and without reperfusion, and that Bcl-2 overexpression using gene therapy attenuates apoptosis-related proteins. This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive R200, Stanford, CA 94305-5327, USA
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32
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Liou AKF, Clark RS, Henshall DC, Yin XM, Chen J. To die or not to die for neurons in ischemia, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy: a review on the stress-activated signaling pathways and apoptotic pathways. Prog Neurobiol 2003; 69:103-42. [PMID: 12684068 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-0082(03)00005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
After a severe episode of ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or epilepsy, it is typical to find necrotic cell death within the injury core. In addition, a substantial number of neurons in regions surrounding the injury core have been observed to die via the programmed cell death (PCD) pathways due to secondary effects derived from the various types of insults. Apart from the cell loss in the injury core, cell death in regions surrounding the injury core may also contribute to significant losses in neurological functions. In fact, it is the injured neurons in these regions around the injury core that treatments are targeting to preserve. In this review, we present our cumulated understanding of stress-activated signaling pathways and apoptotic pathways in the research areas of ischemic injury, TBI and epilepsy and that gathered from concerted research efforts in oncology and other diseases. However, it is obvious that our understanding of these pathways in the context of acute brain injury is at its infancy stage and merits further investigation. Hopefully, this added research effort will provide a more detailed knowledge from which better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat these acute brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K F Liou
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, S526 Biomedical Science Tower, 3500 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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33
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Provision of brain-derived neurotrophic factor via anterograde transport from the eye preserves the physiological responses of axotomized geniculate neurons. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 12514226 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-01-00287.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophic factors of the nerve growth factor family (neurotrophins) have been shown to promote neuronal survival after brain injury and in various models of neurodegenerative conditions. However, it has not been determined whether neurotrophin treatment results in the maintenance of function of the rescued cells. Here we have used the retrograde degeneration of geniculate neurons as a model system to evaluate neuronal rescue and sparing of function after administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Death of geniculate neurons was induced by a visual cortex lesion in adult rats, and exogenous BDNF was delivered to the axotomized geniculate cells via anterograde transport after injection into the eye. By microelectrode recordings from the geniculate in vivo we have measured several physiological parameters such as contrast threshold, spatial resolution (visual acuity), signal-to-noise ratio, temporal resolution, and response latency. In control lesioned animals we found that geniculate cell dysfunction precedes the onset of neuronal death, indicating that an assessment of neuronal number per se is not predictive of functional performance. The administration of BDNF resulted in a highly significant cell-saving effect up to 2 weeks after the cortical damage and maintained nearly normal physiological responses in the geniculate. This preservation of function in adult axotomized neurons suggests possible therapeutic applications of BDNF.
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Sapolsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Gilbert Laboratory, Stanford, California 94305-5020, USA.
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35
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Caleo M, Medini P, von Bartheld CS, Maffei L. Provision of brain-derived neurotrophic factor via anterograde transport from the eye preserves the physiological responses of axotomized geniculate neurons. J Neurosci 2003; 23:287-96. [PMID: 12514226 PMCID: PMC6742152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophic factors of the nerve growth factor family (neurotrophins) have been shown to promote neuronal survival after brain injury and in various models of neurodegenerative conditions. However, it has not been determined whether neurotrophin treatment results in the maintenance of function of the rescued cells. Here we have used the retrograde degeneration of geniculate neurons as a model system to evaluate neuronal rescue and sparing of function after administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Death of geniculate neurons was induced by a visual cortex lesion in adult rats, and exogenous BDNF was delivered to the axotomized geniculate cells via anterograde transport after injection into the eye. By microelectrode recordings from the geniculate in vivo we have measured several physiological parameters such as contrast threshold, spatial resolution (visual acuity), signal-to-noise ratio, temporal resolution, and response latency. In control lesioned animals we found that geniculate cell dysfunction precedes the onset of neuronal death, indicating that an assessment of neuronal number per se is not predictive of functional performance. The administration of BDNF resulted in a highly significant cell-saving effect up to 2 weeks after the cortical damage and maintained nearly normal physiological responses in the geniculate. This preservation of function in adult axotomized neurons suggests possible therapeutic applications of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caleo
- Istituto di Neuroscienze del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche and Scuola Normale Superiore, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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36
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Howard S, Bottino C, Brooke S, Cheng E, Giffard RG, Sapolsky R. Neuroprotective effects of bcl-2 overexpression in hippocampal cultures: interactions with pathways of oxidative damage. J Neurochem 2002; 83:914-23. [PMID: 12421364 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.01198.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of bcl-2protects neurons from numerous necrotic insults, both in vitro and in vivo. While the bulk of such protection is thought to arise from Bcl-2 blocking cytochrome c release from mitochondria, thereby blocking apoptosis, the protein can target other steps in apoptosis, and can protect against necrotic cell death as well. There is evidence that these additional actions may be antioxidant in nature, in that Bcl-2 has been reported to protect against generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS), to increase antioxidant defenses and to decrease levels of ROS and of oxidative damage. Despite this, there are also reports arguing against either the occurrence, or the importance of these antioxidant actions. We have examined these issues in neuron-enriched primary hippocampal cultures, with overexpression of bcl-2 driven by a herpes simplex virus amplicon: (i) Bcl-2 protected strongly against glutamate, whose toxicity is at least partially ROS-dependent. Such protection involved reduction in mitochondrially derived superoxide. Despite that, Bcl-2 had no effect on levels of lipid peroxidation, which is thought to be the primary locus of glutamate-induced oxidative damage; (ii) Bcl-2 was also mildly protective against the pro-oxidant adriamycin. However, it did so without reducing levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide or lipid peroxidation; (iii) Bcl-2 protected against permanent anoxia, an insult likely to involve little to no ROS generation. These findings suggest that Bcl-2 can have antioxidant actions that may nonetheless not be central to its protective effects, can protect against an ROS generator without targeting steps specific to oxidative biochemistry, and can protect in the absence of ROS generation. Thus, the antioxidant actions of Bcl-2 are neither necessary nor sufficient to explain its protective actions against these insults in hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Howard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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37
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Abstract
Herpes Simplex Viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) cause central nervous system (CNS) disease ranging from benign aseptic meningitis to fatal encephalitis. In adults, CNS infection with HSV-2 is most often associated with aseptic meningitis while HSV-1 frequently produces severe, focal encephalitis associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recent studies suggested that the distinct neurological outcome of CNS infection with the two viruses may be due to their distinct modulation of apoptotic cell death: HSV-1 triggers neuronal apoptosis, while HSV-2 is neuroprotective. Apoptosis also occurs in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Down's syndrome, and determines the loss of specific neuronal populations and the decline in cognitive functions. Notwithstanding, the therapy of these disorders may rely on the use of replication-defective HSV-1 vectors to deliver anti-apoptotic transgenes to the CNS. However, the recent discovery of a neuroprotective activity innate to the HSV-2 genome (the ICP10 PK gene) suggests that: i) ICP10 PK may constitute a novel therapeutic approach by targeting both the apoptotic cell death and the cognitive decline, and ii) HSV-2 may be more suitable than HSV-1 as a vector for targeting neuronal disease.
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38
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Abstract
Significant advances have been made in the treatment of epilepsy over the past decades. However, despite the development of various novel antiepileptic drugs, about one third of patients with epilepsy is resistant to current pharmacotherapies. Even in patients in whom pharmacotherapy is efficacious, current antiepileptic drugs do not seem to affect the progression or underlying natural history of epilepsy. Furthermore, there is currently no drug available which prevents the development of epilepsy, e.g. after head trauma. Thus, there are at least three important goals for the future. (1) Better understanding of processes leading to epilepsy, thus allowing to create therapies aimed at the prevention of epilepsy in patients at risk; (2) improved understanding of biological mechanisms of pharmacoresistance, allowing to develop drugs for reversal or prevention of resistance; and (3) development of disease-modifying therapies, inhibiting the progression of epilepsy. The ultimate goal would be a drug combining these three properties, thus resulting in a complete cure for epilepsy. In this review, the current status of antiepileptic therapies is critically assessed, and innovative approaches for future therapies are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 17, Hannover, Germany.
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Caleo M, Cenni MC, Costa M, Menna E, Zentilin L, Giadrossi S, Giacca M, Maffei L. Expression of BCL-2 via adeno-associated virus vectors rescues thalamic neurons after visual cortex lesion in the adult rat. Eur J Neurosci 2002; 15:1271-7. [PMID: 11994121 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.01962.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Lesions of the mammalian visual cortex cause the retrograde degeneration of the thalamic neurons projecting to the damaged cortex. The proto-oncogene bcl-2 is known to inhibit neuronal apoptosis induced by a variety of noxious stimuli and preserve the functional integrity of the injured cells. Here we have tested whether the overexpression of bcl-2 via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is able to protect the neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus after visual cortex ablation in adult rats. Recombinant AAV vectors encoding Bcl-2 (AAV-Bcl-2) or green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP) as a control were stereotaxically injected into the geniculate. Three weeks after vector injection, the ipsilateral visual cortex was removed by aspiration, and cell survival was assessed 2 weeks later. We found that 20% of the geniculate neurons were transduced by the Bcl-2 vector. These cells were completely protected from death following cortical ablation. Delivery of AAV-GFP transduced an identical number of geniculate neurons but had no effect on cell survival after lesion. The total number of surviving geniculate neurons was found to be significantly higher in animals injected with AAV-Bcl-2 than in rats injected with AAV-GFP or in control lesioned rats. These data indicate that Bcl-2 gene therapy with AAV vectors represents an effective treatment to promote neuronal survival after central nervous system insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caleo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, P.zza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Roozendaal B, Phillips RG, Power AE, Brooke SM, Sapolsky RM, McGaugh JL. Memory retrieval impairment induced by hippocampal CA3 lesions is blocked by adrenocortical suppression. Nat Neurosci 2001; 4:1169-71. [PMID: 11713467 DOI: 10.1038/nn766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that in rats, partial hippocampal lesions or selective ablation of the CA3 subfield can disrupt retrieval of spatial memory and that hippocampal damage disinhibits hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA)-axis activity, thereby elevating plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin and corticosterone. Here we report evidence that attenuation of CA3 lesion-induced increases in circulating corticosterone levels with the synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, administered shortly before water-maze retention testing, blocks the impairing effects of the lesion on memory retrieval. These findings suggest that elevated adrenocortical activity is critical in mediating memory retrieval deficits induced by hippocampal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Roozendaal
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3800, USA.
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Dumas TC, Sapolsky RM. Gene therapy against neurological insults: sparing neurons versus sparing function. Trends Neurosci 2001; 24:695-700. [PMID: 11718873 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)01956-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing knowledge of neuron death mediators has led to gene therapy techniques for neuroprotection. Overexpression of numerous genes enhances survival after necrotic or neurodegenerative damage. Nonetheless, although encouraging, little is accomplished if a neuron is spared from death, but not from dysfunction. This article reviews neuroprotection experiments that include some measure of function, and synthesizes basic principles relating to its maintenance. Variations in gene delivery systems, including virus-type and latency between damage onset and vector delivery, probably impact the therapeutic outcome. Additionally, functional sparing might depend on factors related to insult severity, neuron type involved or the step in the death cascade that is targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Dumas
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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42
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Abstract
The use of gene transfer systems to study cell function makes it apparent that overexpression of a transgene can restore or improve the function of a protein and positively influence cell function in a predetermined manner for purposes of counterbalancing cellular pathophysiology. The ability of some gene transfer vehicles to produce transgene product within hours of delivery positions gene transfer as a unique pharmaceutical administration system that can quickly affect production of biologic response modifiers in a highly compartmentalized fashion. This approach can be expected to overcome many of the adverse effects and high costs of systemic delivery of recombinant pharmaceuticals. This review highlights recent advances toward development of gene therapies for acute illnesses with particular emphasis on preclinical models of disease. In this context, a growing body of data suggests that gene therapies for polygenic and non-genetic diseases such as asthma, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizures, acute myocardial infarction, endovascular thrombosis, and infections may someday be options for the treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Factor
- Pulmonary and Critical Medicine, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA.
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Abstract
In recent years, the first attempts have been made to apply gene transfer technology to protect neurons from death following neurological insults. There has been sufficient progress in this area that it becomes plausible to consider similar gene therapy approaches meant to delay aspects of aging of the nervous system. In this review, we briefly consider such progress and how it might be applied to the realm of the aging brain. Specifically, we consider: (a) the means of delivery of such therapeutic genes; (b) the choice of such genes; and (c) technical elaborations in gene delivery systems which can more tightly regulate the magnitude and duration of transgene protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- W O Ogle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA.
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44
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Yenari MA, Dumas TC, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Gene therapy for treatment of cerebral ischemia using defective herpes simplex viral vectors. Neurol Res 2001; 23:543-52. [PMID: 11474812 DOI: 10.1179/016164101101198802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances have been made over the past few years concerning the cellular and molecular events underlying neuron death. Recently, it is becoming increasingly clear that some of the genes induced during cerebral ischemia may actually serve to rescue the cell from death. However, the injured cell may not be capable of expressing protein at levels high enough to be protective. One of the most exciting arenas of such interventions is the use of viral vectors to deliver potentially neuroprotective genes at high levels. Neurotrophic herpes simplex viral strains are an obvious choice for gene therapy to the brain, and we have utilized bipromoter vectors that are capable of transferring various genes to neurons. Using this system in experimental models of stroke, cardiac arrest and excitotoxicity, we have found that it is possible to enhance neuron survival against such cerebral insults by over-expressing genes that target various facets of injury. These include energy restoration by the glucose transporter (GLUT-1), buffering calcium excess by calbindin, preventing protein malfolding or aggregation by stress proteins and inhibiting apoptotic death by BCL-2. We show that in some cases, gene therapy is also effective after the onset of injury, and also address whether successful gene therapy necessarily spares function. Although gene therapy is limited to the few hundred cells the vector is capable of transfecting, we consider the possibility of such gene therapy becoming relevant to clinical neurology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Yenari
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Yenari MA, Dumas TC, Sapolsky RM, Steinberg GK. Gene therapy for treatment of cerebral ischemia using defective herpes simplex viral vectors. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 939:340-57. [PMID: 11462790 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03643.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances have been made over the past few years concerning the cellular and molecular events underlying neuron death. Recently, it is becoming increasingly clear that some of genes induced during cerebral ischemia may actually serve to rescue the cell from death. However, the injured cell may not be capable of expressing protein at high enough levels to be protective. One of the most exciting arenas of such interventions is the use of viral vectors to deliver potentially neuroprotective genes at high levels. Neurotropic herpes simplex viral (HSV) strains are an obvious choice for gene therapy to the brain, and we have used bipromoter vectors that are capable of transferring various genes to neurons. Using this system in experimental models of stroke, cardiac arrest, and excitotoxicity, we have found that it is possible to enhance neuron survival against such cerebral insults by overexpressing genes that target various facets of injury. These include energy restoration by the glucose transporter (GLUT-1), buffering calcium excess by calbindin, preventing protein malfolding or aggregation by stress proteins and inhibiting apoptotic death by BCL-2. We show that in some cases, gene therapy is also effective after the onset of injury, and also address whether successful gene therapy necessarily spares function. Although gene therapy is limited to the few hundred cells the vector is capable of transfecting, we consider the possibility of such gene therapy becoming relevant to clinical neurology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Yenari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California, USA.
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