1
|
Guida N, Serani A, Sanguigno L, Mascolo L, Cuomo O, Fioriniello S, Marano D, Ragione FD, Anzilotti S, Brancaccio P, Molinaro P, Pignataro G, Annunziato L, Formisano L. Stroke Causes DNA Methylation at Ncx1 Heart Promoter in the Brain Via DNMT1/MeCP2/REST Epigenetic Complex. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e030460. [PMID: 38456444 PMCID: PMC11010005 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND REST (Repressor-Element 1 [RE1]-silencing transcription factor) inhibits Na+/Ca2+exchanger-1 (Ncx1) transcription in neurons through the binding of RE1 site on brain promoter (Br) after stroke. We identified a new putative RE1 site in Ncx1 heart promoter (Ht) sequence (Ht-RE1) that participates in neuronal Ncx1 transcription. Because REST recruits DNA-methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) and MeCP2 (methyl-CpG binding protein 2) on different neuronal genes, we investigated the role of this complex in Ncx1 transcriptional regulation after stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS Luciferase experiments performed in SH-SY5Y cells demonstrated that Br activity was selectively decreased by REST, whereas Ht activity was reduced by DNMT1, MeCP2, and REST. Notably, site-direct mutagenesis of Ht-RE1 prevented REST-dependent downregulation of Ncx1. Furthermore, in temporoparietal cortex of 8-week-old male wild-type mice (C57BL/6) subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, DNMT1, MeCP2, and REST binding to Ht promoter was increased, with a consequent DNA promoter hypermethylation. Intracerebroventricular injection of siREST prevented DNMT1/MeCP2 binding to Ht and Ncx1 downregulation, thus causing a reduction in stroke-induced damage. Consistently, in cortical neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation plus reoxygenation Ncx1 knockdown counteracted neuronal protection induced by the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. For comparisons between 2 experimental groups, Student's t test was used, whereas for more than 2 experimental groups, 1-way ANOVA was used, followed by Tukey or Newman Keuls. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS If the results of this study are confirmed in humans, it could be asserted that DNMT1/MeCP2/REST complex disruption could be a new pharmacological strategy to reduce DNA methylation of Ht in the brain, ameliorating stroke damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Guida
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Angelo Serani
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Luigi Mascolo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Salvatore Fioriniello
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso"National Research Council of ItalyNapoliItaly
| | - Domenico Marano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso"National Research Council of ItalyNapoliItaly
| | - Floriana Della Ragione
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso"National Research Council of ItalyNapoliItaly
| | | | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Pasquale Molinaro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | | | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine“Federico II” University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu T, Cao L, Duan J, Li Y, Li Y, Hu Z, Li S, Zhang M, Wang G, Guo F, Lu J. Uncovering the role of FOXA2 in the Development of Human Serotonin Neurons. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303884. [PMID: 37679064 PMCID: PMC10646255 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Directed differentiation of serotonin neurons (SNs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides a valuable tool for uncovering the mechanism of human SN development and the associated neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies report that FOXA2 is expressed by serotonergic progenitors (SNPs) and functioned as a serotonergic fate determinant in mouse. However, in the routine differentiation experiments, it is accidentally found that less SNs and more non-neuronal cells are obtained from SNP stage with higher percentage of FOXA2-positive cells. This phenomenon prompted them to question the role of FOXA2 as an intrinsic fate determinant for human SN differentiation. Herein, by direct differentiation of engineered hPSCs into SNs, it is found that the SNs are not derived from FOXA2-lineage cells; FOXA2-knockout hPSCs can still differentiate into mature and functional SNs with typical serotonergic identity; FOXA2 overexpression suppresses the SN differentiation, indicating that FOXA2 is not intrinsically required for human SN differentiation. Furthermore, repressing FOXA2 expression by retinoic acid (RA) and dynamically modulating Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway promotes human SN differentiation. This study uncovers the role of FOXA2 in human SN development and improves the differentiation efficiency of hPSCs into SNs by repressing FOXA2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lining Cao
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jinjin Duan
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yingqi Li
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - You Li
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhangsen Hu
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuanqing Li
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Meihui Zhang
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guanhao Wang
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Suzhou Institute of Tongji University, Suzhou, 215101, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sant'Anna R, Robbs BK, de Freitas JA, Dos Santos PP, König A, Outeiro TF, Foguel D. The alpha-synuclein oligomers activate nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) modulating synaptic homeostasis and apoptosis. Mol Med 2023; 29:111. [PMID: 37596531 PMCID: PMC10439599 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00704-8] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble oligomeric forms of alpha-synuclein (aSyn-O) are believed to be one of the main toxic species in Parkinson's disease (PD) leading to degeneration. aSyn-O can induce Ca2+ influx, over activating downstream pathways leading to PD phenotype. Calcineurin (CN), a phosphatase regulated by Ca2+ levels, activates NFAT transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, growth, and survival. METHODS Here, using a combination of cell toxicity and gene regulation assays performed in the presence of classical inhibitors of the NFAT/CN pathway, we investigate NFAT's role in neuronal degeneration induced by aSyn-O. RESULTS aSyn-O are toxic to neurons leading to cell death, loss of neuron ramification and reduction of synaptic proteins which are reversed by CN inhibition with ciclosporin-A or VIVIT, a NFAT specific inhibitor. aSyn-O induce NFAT nuclear translocation and transactivation. We found that aSyn-O modulates the gene involved in the maintenance of synapses, synapsin 1 (Syn 1). Syn1 mRNA and protein and synaptic puncta are drastically reduced in cells treated with aSyn-O which are reversed by NFAT inhibition. CONCLUSIONS For the first time a direct role of NFAT in aSyn-O-induced toxicity and Syn1 gene regulation was demonstrated, enlarging our understanding of the pathways underpinnings synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Sant'Anna
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Bloco E sala 42, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Bruno K Robbs
- Departamento de Ciência Básica, Instituto de Saúde de Nova Friburgo, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Nova Friburgo, RJ, 28625-650, Brazil
| | - Júlia Araújo de Freitas
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Bloco E sala 42, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annekatrin König
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Debora Foguel
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Bloco E sala 42, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The NRSF/REST transcription factor in hallmarks of cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical relevance. Biochimie 2023; 206:116-134. [PMID: 36283507 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), or neuron restrictive silencing factor (NRSF), was first identified as a repressor of neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissue. Interestingly, this transcription factor may act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic role in developing neuroendocrine and other tumors in patients. The hallmarks of cancer include six biological processes, including proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, and activating invasion and metastasis. In addition to two emerging hallmarks, the reprogramming of energy metabolism and evasion of the immune response are all implicated in the development of human tumors. It is essential to know the role of these processes as they will affect the outcome of alternatives for cancer treatment. Various studies in this review demonstrate that NRSF/REST affects the different hallmarks of cancer that could position NRSF/REST as an essential target in the therapy and diagnosis of certain types of cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Roy SK, Richard SA, Xu Y. Genome-wide Association Studies of REST Gene Associated Neurological Diseases/traits with Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Curr Neurovasc Res 2023; 20:410-422. [PMID: 37518996 PMCID: PMC10556398 DOI: 10.2174/1567202620666230727153306] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to explore the connections between genotypes and phenotypes by comparing the genotype frequencies of genetic changes in individuals with similar origins but distinct traits. OBJECTIVES The aim is to employ the GWAS catalog to identify and investigate the various correlations between genotypes and phenotypes of the REST gene. METHODS In this study, we utilized a large dataset of GWAS comprising 62,218,976 individuals in 112 studies and 122 associations with 122 traits (www.ebi.ac.uk/gwas/genes/REST) from European, Asian, Hispanic, African ancestry up to 28 February 2023. Protein-association network evaluation and gene ontology enrichment study was utilized to evaluate the biological function of the discovered gene modules. RESULTS We identified several associations for both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders linked to REST, as well as its mapped gene modules and their functional relationship networks. CONCLUSION This work offers fresh insights into identifying risk loci of neurological disorders caused by REST.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, P.R. China
- People’s Hospital of Luanchuan, Henan, 471599, Luoyang, P.R. China
| | - Sagor Kumar Roy
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, P.R. China
| | - Seidu A. Richard
- Institute of Neuroscience, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou, 450000, P.R. China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450000, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao J, Huai J. Role of primary aging hallmarks in Alzheimer´s disease. Theranostics 2023; 13:197-230. [PMID: 36593969 PMCID: PMC9800733 DOI: 10.7150/thno.79535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, which severely threatens the health of the elderly and causes significant economic and social burdens. The causes of AD are complex and include heritable but mostly aging-related factors. The primary aging hallmarks include genomic instability, telomere wear, epigenetic changes, and loss of protein stability, which play a dominant role in the aging process. Although AD is closely associated with the aging process, the underlying mechanisms involved in AD pathogenesis have not been well characterized. This review summarizes the available literature about primary aging hallmarks and their roles in AD pathogenesis. By analyzing published literature, we attempted to uncover the possible mechanisms of aberrant epigenetic markers with related enzymes, transcription factors, and loss of proteostasis in AD. In particular, the importance of oxidative stress-induced DNA methylation and DNA methylation-directed histone modifications and proteostasis are highlighted. A molecular network of gene regulatory elements that undergoes a dynamic change with age may underlie age-dependent AD pathogenesis, and can be used as a new drug target to treat AD.
Collapse
|
7
|
van Vliet EA, Hildebrand MS, Mills JD, Brennan GP, Eid T, Masino SA, Whittemore V, Bindila L, Wang KK, Patel M, Perucca P, Reid CA. A companion to the preclinical common data elements for genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics data in rodent epilepsy models. A report of the TASK3-WG4 omics working group of the ILAE/AES joint translational TASK force. Epilepsia Open 2022. [PMID: 35950645 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The International League Against Epilepsy/American Epilepsy Society (ILAE/AES) Joint Translational Task Force established the TASK3 working groups to create common data elements (CDEs) for various preclinical epilepsy research disciplines. The aim of the CDEs is to improve the standardization of experimental designs across a range of epilepsy research-related methods. Here, we have generated CDE tables with key parameters and case report forms (CRFs) containing the essential contents of the study protocols for genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics in rodent models of epilepsy, with a specific focus on adult rats and mice. We discuss the important elements that need to be considered for genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics methodologies, providing a rationale for the parameters that should be collected. This is the first in a two-part series of omics papers with the second installment to cover proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics in adult rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin A van Vliet
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael S Hildebrand
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James D Mills
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gary P Brennan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Susan A Masino
- Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department, Life Sciences Center, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Bindila
- Clinical Lipidomics Unit, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kevin K Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Piero Perucca
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Bladin-Berkovic Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fear VS, Forbes CA, Anderson D, Rauschert S, Syn G, Shaw N, Jamieson S, Ward M, Baynam G, Lassmann T. CRISPR single base editing, neuronal disease modelling and functional genomics for genetic variant analysis: pipeline validation using Kleefstra syndrome EHMT1 haploinsufficiency. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:69. [PMID: 35139903 PMCID: PMC8827184 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over 400 million people worldwide are living with a rare disease. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) identifies potential disease causative genetic variants. However, many are identified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and require functional laboratory validation to determine pathogenicity, and this creates major diagnostic delays. Methods In this study we test a rapid genetic variant assessment pipeline using CRISPR homology directed repair to introduce single nucleotide variants into inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), followed by neuronal disease modelling, and functional genomics on amplicon and RNA sequencing, to determine cellular changes to support patient diagnosis and identify disease mechanism. Results As proof-of-principle, we investigated an EHMT1 (Euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1; EHMT1 c.3430C > T; p.Gln1144*) genetic variant pathogenic for Kleefstra syndrome and determined changes in gene expression during neuronal progenitor cell differentiation. This pipeline rapidly identified Kleefstra syndrome in genetic variant cells compared to healthy cells, and revealed novel findings potentially implicating the key transcription factors REST and SP1 in disease pathogenesis. Conclusion The study pipeline is a rapid, robust method for genetic variant assessment that will support rare diseases patient diagnosis. The results also provide valuable information on genome wide perturbations key to disease mechanism that can be targeted for drug treatments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02740-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa S Fear
- Translational Genetics, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Catherine A Forbes
- Translational Genetics, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Denise Anderson
- Computational Biology, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sebastian Rauschert
- Computational Biology, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Genevieve Syn
- Computational Biology, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole Shaw
- Translational Genetics, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sarra Jamieson
- Computational Biology, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Michelle Ward
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Genetic Services of WA, Subiaco, Australia
| | - Gareth Baynam
- Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, 6008, Australia.,Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Genetic Services of WA, Subiaco, Australia
| | - Timo Lassmann
- Translational Genetics, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Computational Biology, Precision Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prestigio C, Ferrante D, Marte A, Romei A, Lignani G, Onofri F, Valente P, Benfenati F, Baldelli P. REST/NRSF drives homeostatic plasticity of inhibitory synapses in a target-dependent fashion. eLife 2021; 10:e69058. [PMID: 34855580 PMCID: PMC8639147 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The repressor-element 1-silencing transcription/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) controls hundreds of neuron-specific genes. We showed that REST/NRSF downregulates glutamatergic transmission in response to hyperactivity, thus contributing to neuronal homeostasis. However, whether GABAergic transmission is also implicated in the homeostatic action of REST/NRSF is unknown. Here, we show that hyperactivity-induced REST/NRSF activation, triggers a homeostatic rearrangement of GABAergic inhibition, with increased frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and amplitude of evoked IPSCs in mouse cultured hippocampal neurons. Notably, this effect is limited to inhibitory-onto-excitatory neuron synapses, whose density increases at somatic level and decreases in dendritic regions, demonstrating a complex target- and area-selectivity. The upscaling of perisomatic inhibition was occluded by TrkB receptor inhibition and resulted from a coordinated and sequential activation of the Npas4 and Bdnf gene programs. On the opposite, the downscaling of dendritic inhibition was REST-dependent, but BDNF-independent. The findings highlight the central role of REST/NRSF in the complex transcriptional responses aimed at rescuing physiological levels of network activity in front of the ever-changing environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Prestigio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Daniele Ferrante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
| | - Alessandra Romei
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square HouseLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Franco Onofri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of GenovaGenovaItaly
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenovaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Strawn M, Samal A, Sarker MB, Dhakal P, Behura SK. Relevance of microRNAs to the regulation of the brain-placental axis in mice. Placenta 2021; 112:123-131. [PMID: 34332202 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of fetal brain is intricately dependent upon placental functions. Recently, we showed that the placenta and fetal brain express genes in a coordinated manner in mice. But, how the brain-placental axis is regulated at the molecular level remains poorly understood. The microRNAs (miRNAs) play diverse roles in pregnancy including regulation of placenta function as well as brain development. Thus, we hypothesized that specific miRNAs are expressed in the placenta and fetal brain to coordinate gene regulation in the brain-placental axis. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we performed deep sequencing of small RNAs in mouse placenta and fetal brain of both sexes. RESULTS The findings study show that miRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression in the placenta and fetal brain. Our data provides evidence that fetal sex influences the regulation of miRNAs between the placenta and fetal brain. Functional annotation of known target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs show that they are significantly enriched with specific signaling and transporter pathways. DISCUSSION Together, the results of this study suggest that placental miRNAs are potent regulators of fetal brain development in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Strawn
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ananya Samal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | | | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Buffolo F, Petrosino V, Albini M, Moschetta M, Carlini F, Floss T, Kerlero de Rosbo N, Cesca F, Rocchi A, Uccelli A, Benfenati F. Neuroinflammation induces synaptic scaling through IL-1β-mediated activation of the transcriptional repressor REST/NRSF. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:180. [PMID: 33589593 PMCID: PMC7884694 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with synapse dysfunction and cognitive decline in patients and animal models. One candidate for translating the inflammatory stress into structural and functional changes in neural networks is the transcriptional repressor RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) that regulates the expression of a wide cluster of neuron-specific genes during neurogenesis and in mature neurons. To study the cellular and molecular pathways activated under inflammatory conditions mimicking the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) environment, we analyzed REST activity in neuroblastoma cells and mouse cortical neurons treated with activated T cell or microglia supernatant and distinct pro-inflammatory cytokines. We found that REST is activated by a variety of neuroinflammatory stimuli in both neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons, indicating that a vast transcriptional change is triggered during neuroinflammation. While a dual activation of REST and its dominant-negative splicing isoform REST4 was observed in N2a neuroblastoma cells, primary neurons responded with a pure full-length REST upregulation in the absence of changes in REST4 expression. In both cases, REST upregulation was associated with activation of Wnt signaling and increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin, a well-known intracellular transduction pathway in neuroinflammation. Among single cytokines, IL-1β caused a potent and prompt increase in REST transcription and translation in neurons, which promoted a delayed and strong synaptic downscaling specific for excitatory synapses, with decreased frequency and amplitude of spontaneous synaptic currents, decreased density of excitatory synaptic connections, and decreased frequency of action potential-evoked Ca2+ transients. Most important, the IL-1β effects on excitatory transmission were strictly REST dependent, as conditional deletion of REST completely occluded the effects of IL-1β activation on synaptic transmission and network excitability. Our results demonstrate that REST upregulation represents a new pathogenic mechanism for the synaptic dysfunctions observed under neuroinflammatory conditions and identify the REST pathway as therapeutic target for EAE and, potentially, for multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Buffolo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Petrosino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Albini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Carlini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas Floss
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Kerlero de Rosbo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Singh S, Singh TG, Rehni AK. An Insight into Molecular Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Epileptogenesis. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:750-779. [PMID: 32914725 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200910153827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disease with abnormal neural activity involving the activation of various intracellular signalling transduction mechanisms. The molecular and system biology mechanisms responsible for epileptogenesis are not well defined or understood. Neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and Epigenetic modification elicit epileptogenesis. The excessive neuronal activities in the brain are associated with neurochemical changes underlying the deleterious consequences of excitotoxicity. The prolonged repetitive excessive neuronal activities extended to brain tissue injury by the activation of microglia regulating abnormal neuroglia remodelling and monocyte infiltration in response to brain lesions inducing axonal sprouting contributing to neurodegeneration. The alteration of various downstream transduction pathways resulted in intracellular stress responses associating endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, activation of nucleases, proteases mediated neuronal death. The recently novel pharmacological agents modulate various receptors like mTOR, COX-2, TRK, JAK-STAT, epigenetic modulators and neurosteroids are used for attenuation of epileptogenesis. Whereas the various molecular changes like the mutation of the cell surface, nuclear receptor and ion channels focusing on repetitive episodic seizures have been explored by preclinical and clinical studies. Despite effective pharmacotherapy for epilepsy, the inadequate understanding of precise mechanisms, drug resistance and therapeutic failure are the current fundamental problems in epilepsy. Therefore, the novel pharmacological approaches evaluated for efficacy on experimental models of epilepsy need to be identified and validated. In addition, we need to understand the downstream signalling pathways of new targets for the treatment of epilepsy. This review emphasizes on the current state of novel molecular targets as therapeutic approaches and future directions for the management of epileptogenesis. Novel pharmacological approaches and clinical exploration are essential to make new frontiers in curing epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shareen Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ashish Kumar Rehni
- Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratories, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Soga T, Nakajima S, Kawaguchi M, Parhar IS. Repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor /neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) in social stress and depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110053. [PMID: 32739332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extreme stress is closely linked with symptoms of depression. Chronic social stress can cause structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes are associated with dysfunction of neuroprotective signalling that is necessary for cell survival, growth, and maturation. Reduced neuronal numbers and volume of brain regions have been found in depressed patients, which may be caused by decreased cell survival and increased cell death. Elucidating the mechanism underlying the degeneration of the neuroprotective system in social stress-induced depression is important for developing neuroprotective measures. The Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) also known as Neuron-Restrictive Silencing Factor (NRSF) has been reported as a neuroprotective molecule in certain neurological disorders. Decreased expression levels of REST/NRSF in the nucleus can induce death-related gene expression, leading to neuronal death. Under physiological stress conditions, REST/NRSF over expression is known to activate neuronal survival in the brain. Alterations in REST/NRSF expression in the brain has been reported in stressed animal models and in the post-mortem brain of patients with depression. Here, we highlight the neuroprotective function of REST/NRSF and discuss dysregulation of REST/NRSF and neuronal damage during social stress and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Shingo Nakajima
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Maiko Kawaguchi
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yoshizaki K, Kimura R, Kobayashi H, Oki S, Kikkawa T, Mai L, Koike K, Mochizuki K, Inada H, Matsui Y, Kono T, Osumi N. Paternal age affects offspring via an epigenetic mechanism involving REST/NRSF. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51524. [PMID: 33399271 PMCID: PMC7857438 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced paternal age can have deleterious effects on various traits in the next generation. Here, we establish a paternal‐aging model in mice to understand the molecular mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetics. Whole‐genome target DNA methylome analyses of sperm from aged mice reveal more hypo‐methylated genomic regions enriched in REST/NRSF binding motifs. Gene set enrichment analyses also reveal the upregulation of REST/NRSF target genes in the forebrain of embryos from aged fathers. Offspring derived from young mice administrated with a DNA de‐methylation drug phenocopy the abnormal vocal communication of pups derived from aged fathers. In conclusion, hypo‐methylation of sperm DNA can be a key molecular feature modulating neurodevelopmental programs in offspring by causing fluctuations in the expression of REST/NRSF target genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaichi Yoshizaki
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Disease Model, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Kimura
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisato Kobayashi
- NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Embryology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.,The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Oki
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takako Kikkawa
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lingling Mai
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kohei Koike
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kentaro Mochizuki
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Inada
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Laboratory of Health and Sports Science, Division of Biomedical Engineering for Health and Welfare, Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan.,Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kono
- The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development-Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
González-Mundo I, Pérez-Vielma NM, Gómez-López M, Fleury A, Correa-Basurto J, Rosales-Hernández MC, Sixto-López Y, Martínez-Godinez MDLÁ, Domínguez-López A, Miliar-García A. DNA methylation of the RE-1 silencing transcription factor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gene expression of antioxidant enzyme in patients with late-onset Alzheimer disease. Exp Gerontol 2020; 136:110951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
16
|
Carminati E, Buffolo F, Rocchi A, Michetti C, Cesca F, Benfenati F. Mild Inactivation of RE-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) Reduces Susceptibility to Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:580. [PMID: 31998079 PMCID: PMC6965066 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RE-1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) controls several steps in neural development by modulating the expression of a wide range of neural genes. Alterations in REST expression have been associated with the onset of epilepsy; however, whether such alterations are deleterious or represent a protective homeostatic response remains elusive. To study the impact of REST modulation on seizure propensity, we developed a tool for its negative modulation in vivo. The tool is composed of the paired-amphipathic helix 1 (PAH1) domain, a competitive inhibitor of REST activation by mSin3, fused to the light-oxygen-voltage sensing 2 (LOV2) domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1, a molecular switch to alternatively hide or expose the PAH1 inhibitor. We employed the C450A and I539E light-independent AsLOV2 variants to mimic the closed (inactive) and open (active) states of LOV2-PAH1, respectively. Recombinant AAV1/2 viral particles (rAAVs) allowed LOV2-PAH1 expression in HEK293T cells and primary neurons, and efficiently transduced hippocampal neurons in vivo. mRNA expression analysis revealed an increased expression of several neuronal genes in the hippocampi of mice expressing the open probe. AAV-transduced mice received a single dose of kainic acid (KA), a treatment known to induce a transient increase of REST levels in the hippocampus. Remarkably, mice expressing the active variant displayed a reduced number of KA-induced seizures, which were less severe compared to mice carrying the inactive probe. These data support the validity of our tool to modulate REST activity in vivo and the potential impact of REST modulation on epileptogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Carminati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Buffolo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jiang Q, Lin D, Huang H, Wang G, Ye H. DNA Methylation Inhibits the Expression of CFSH in Mud Crab. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:163. [PMID: 32328029 PMCID: PMC7160318 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crustacean female sex hormone (CFSH) is a key regulator of crustacean sex differentiation. The expression of Sp-CFSH in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain showed a tissue-specific and gender-variant pattern. To explore the role of DNA methylation in Sp-CFSH expression, the 5'-flanking region of Sp-CFSH was cloned, and one CpG island containing 12 CpG sites was found. Results of sodium bisulfite sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation showed that CpG island methylation was stable in the eyestalk ganglion during ovarian development of the females, which was significantly lower than that in the muscle of the females and in the eyestalk ganglion of the males. Such results suggested that the involvement of DNA methylation in regulating Sp-CFSH expression followed an eyestalk ganglion-specific and gender-variant pattern. The analysis of CpG dinucleotide site methylation and activity of the site-directed mutation (SDM) reporter vector further demonstrated that methylation inhibited Sp-CFSH expression by blocking the binding of transcription factor Sp1. The finding suggested for the first time the involvement of CpG methylation in the regulation of Sp-CFSH expression.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kaptan Z, Dar KA, Kapucu A, Bulut H, Üzüm G. Effect of enriched environment and predictable chronic stress on spatial memory in adolescent rats: Predominant expression of BDNF, nNOS, and interestingly malondialdehyde in the right hippocampus. Brain Res 2019; 1721:146326. [PMID: 31299186 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the mechanisms that promote divergence of function between left and right in the hippocampus, which is most affected by external factors and critical for spatial memory. We investigated the levels of memory-related mediators in the left and right hippocampus and spatial memory in rats exposed to predictable chronic stress (PCS) and an enriched environment (EE) during adolescence. Twenty-eight-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (standard cages), PCS (15 min/day immobilization stress for four weeks), and EE (one hour/day environmentally enriched cages for four weeks) groups. After the applications, spatial memory was tested with the Morris water maze, and the serum levels of corticosterone were evaluated. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which are critical for synaptic plasticity; malondialdehyde (MDA; lipid-peroxidation indicator); protein carbonyl (protein-oxidation indicator); and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant enzyme) were evaluated in the left and right hippocampus. Corticosterone levels in both the PCS and EE groups did not change compared with control. In both the PCS and EE groups, spatial memory improved and BDNF was increased in both halves of the hippocampus, still there was an asymmetry. nNOS levels were increased in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions of the right hippocampus in both PCS and EE groups. MDA levels were increased but PCO levels were decreased in the right hippocampus in both the PCS and EE groups, but SOD did not change in either half of the hippocampus. Our results suggest that both PCS and EE improved spatial memory by increasing BDNF and nNOS in the right hippocampus and that, interestingly; MDA could be the physiological signal molecule in the right hippocampus for spatial memory process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zülal Kaptan
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Akgün Dar
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Kapucu
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Turkey
| | - Huri Bulut
- Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Turkey
| | - Gülay Üzüm
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Samodien E, Pheiffer C, Erasmus M, Mabasa L, Louw J, Johnson R. Diet-induced DNA methylation within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and dysregulated leptin and insulin signaling in the pathophysiology of obesity. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:3131-3145. [PMID: 31660128 PMCID: PMC6804761 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates continue to rise in an unprecedented manner in what could be the most rapid population‐scale shift in human phenotype ever to occur. Increased consumption of unhealthy, calorie‐dense foods, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, is the main factor contributing to a positive energy balance and the development of obesity. Leptin and insulin are key hormones implicated in pathogenesis of this disorder and are crucial for controlling whole‐body energy homeostasis. Their respective function is mediated by the counterbalance of anorexigenic and orexigenic neurons located within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Dysregulation of leptin and insulin signaling pathways within this brain region may contribute not only to the development of obesity, but also systemically affect the peripheral organs, thereby manifesting as metabolic diseases. Although the exact mechanisms detailing how these hypothalamic nuclei contribute to disease pathology are still unclear, increasing evidence suggests that altered DNA methylation may be involved. This review evaluates animal studies that have demonstrated diet‐induced DNA methylation changes in genes that regulate energy homeostasis within the arcuate nucleus, and elucidates possible mechanisms causing hypothalamic leptin and insulin resistance leading to the development of obesity and metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Samodien
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa.,Department of Medical Physiology Stellenbosch University Tygerberg South Africa
| | - Melisse Erasmus
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa.,Department of Medical Physiology Stellenbosch University Tygerberg South Africa
| | - Lawrence Mabasa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa
| | - Johan Louw
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology University of Zululand KwaDlangezwa South Africa
| | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform South African Medical Research Council. Tygerberg Cape Town South Africa.,Department of Medical Physiology Stellenbosch University Tygerberg South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sp1 in Astrocyte Is Important for Neurite Outgrowth and Synaptogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:261-277. [PMID: 31317491 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01694-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we found that Sp1 was highly expressed in astrocytes, implying that Sp1 might be important for the function of astrocytes. Sp1/GFAP-Cre-ERT2 conditional knockout mice were constructed to study the role of Sp1 in astrocytes. Knockout of Sp1 in astrocytes altered astrocytic morphology and decreased GFAP expression in the cortex and hippocampus but did not affect cell viability. Loss of Sp1 in astrocytes decreased the number of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. Conditioned medium from primary astrocytes with Sp1 knockout disrupted neuronal dendritic outgrowth and synapse formation, resulting in abnormal learning, memory, and motor behavior. Sp1 knockout in astrocytes altered gene expression, including decreasing the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 and Cfb and increasing the expression of C1q and C4Bp, thereby affecting neurite outgrowth and synapse formation, resulting in disordered neuron function. Studying these gene regulations might be beneficial to understanding neuronal development and brain injury prevention.
Collapse
|
21
|
Chronic lead exposure decreases the expression of Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) through Repressor element-1 silencing transcription (REST). Toxicol Lett 2019; 306:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
22
|
In Vitro Neuroprotection of Rat Hippocampal Neurons by Manninotriose and Astragaloside IV Against Corticosterone-Induced Toxicity. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123339. [PMID: 30562980 PMCID: PMC6321307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A chronically elevated glucocorticoid level impairs memory and cognition. Manninotriose is the main oligosaccharide of Prepared Radix Rehmanniae, and Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the primary ingredient of Astragali Radix; they have been reported to possess neuroprotective effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Manninotriose and AS-IV on corticosterone (CORT) induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Primary cultured hippocampal neurons from newborn Sprague Dawley rats were treated with CORT in the absence or presence of Manninotriose and AS-IV. Cell Counting Kit-8 experiments and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)/propidium iodide (PI) double staining were conducted to assess the activity and survival rate of neurons. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), zinc finger protein (Zif268) and synapsin 1 (SYN1). DNA methylation of the gene promoter was assessed by bisulfite sequencing (BSP) analysis. The results demonstrated that pre-treatment with Manninotriose and AS-IV significantly improved cell viability and survival rate, and ameliorated the downregulation of GR, Zif268 and SYN1 genes in CORT injured neurons. BSP analysis revealed that CORT was able to improve the CpG island methylation rate of SYN1. AS-IV was observed to decrease the hypermethylation of the SYN1 gene induced by CORT. The results of the present study indicated that Manninotriose and AS-IV may have a protective effect against CORT-induced damage and the downregulation of learning and memory associated genes in hippocampal neurons. Regulation of DNA methylation may be important in the pharmaceutical activities of AS-IV. Thus, Manninotriose and AS-IV may be effective agents against learning and memory impairment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramírez Martínez L, Vargas Mejía M, Espadamala J, Gomez N, Lizcano JM, López-Bayghen E. Neuronal Growth Factor regulates Brain Specific Kinase 1 expression by inhibiting promoter methylation and promoting Sp1 recruitment. Neurochem Int 2018; 120:213-223. [PMID: 30196145 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain specific kinases (BRSKs) are serine/threonine kinases, preferentially expressed in the brain after Embryonic Day 12. Although BRSKs are crucial neuronal development factors and regulation of their enzymatic activity has been widely explored, little is known of their transcriptional regulation. In this work, we show that Neuronal Growth Factor (NGF) increased the expression of Brsk1 in PC12 cells. Furthermore, during neuronal differentiation, Brsk1 mRNA increased through a MAPK-dependent Sp1 activation. To gain further insight into this regulation, we analyzed the transcriptional activity of the Brsk1 promoter in PC12 cells treated with NGF. Initially, we defined the minimal promoter region (-342 to +125 bp) responsive to NGF treatment. This region had multiple Sp1 binding sites, one of which was within a CpG island. In vitro binding assays showed that NGF-induced differentiation increased Sp1 binding to this site and that DNA methylation inhibited Sp1 binding. In vitro methylation of the Brsk1 promoter reduced its transcriptional activity and impaired the NGF effect. To evaluate the participation of DNA methyltransferases in Brsk1 gene regulation, the 5'Aza-dC inhibitor was used. 5'Aza-dC acted synergistically with NGF to promote Brsk1 promoter activity. Accordingly, DNMT3B overexpression abolished the response of the Brsk1 promoter to NGF. Surprisingly, we found Dnmt3b to be a direct target of NGF regulation, via the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, our results provide evidence of a novel mechanism of Brsk1 transcriptional regulation changing the promoter's methylation status, which was incited by the NGF-induced neuronal differentiation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Ramírez Martínez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07360, Mexico; Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07360, Mexico
| | - Miguel Vargas Mejía
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07360, Mexico
| | - Josep Espadamala
- Institut de Neurociencies i Departament de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Néstor Gomez
- Institut de Neurociencies i Departament de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Lizcano
- Institut de Neurociencies i Departament de Bioquímica i Biología Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther López-Bayghen
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07360, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hasegawa S, Imai M, Yamasaki M, Takahashi N, Fukui T. Transcriptional regulation of acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase by Sp1 in neuroblastoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 495:652-658. [PMID: 29137983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS) is the enzyme responsible for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis in the cytosol. We have previously shown that AACS has an important role in normal neuronal development and that knockdown of SREBP-2, which orchestrates cholesterol synthesis, resulted in the downregulation of AACS mRNA levels. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional mechanism of AACS in Neuro-2a, neuroblastoma cells. Luciferase assay showed that the minimal core promoter of the mouse AACS gene is located in a region with 110 bps upstream from the transcription start site. Mutagenesis studies showed that the Sp1 binding site was crucial for AACS promoter activity. ChIP assay and DNA affinity precipitation assay showed that Sp1 binds to the Sp1 binding site on the promoter region of AACS. Moreover, overexpression of Sp1 increased AACS mRNA levels. Knockdown of AACS resulted in a decrease in histone deacetylase 9, associated with gene silencing. These results suggest that Sp1 regulates gene expression of AACS in Neuro-2a cells and ketone body utilization affects the balance of histone acetylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Hasegawa
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Imai
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Fukui
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Large-Scale Analysis of Drug Side Effects via Complex Regulatory Modules Composed of microRNAs, Transcription Factors and Gene Sets. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5962. [PMID: 28729650 PMCID: PMC5519677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the occurrence mechanism of drug-induced side effects (SEs) is critical for design of drug target and new drug development. The expression of genes in biological processes is regulated by transcription factors(TFs) and/or microRNAs. Most of previous studies were focused on a single level of gene or gene sets, while studies about regulatory relationships of TFs, miRNAs and biological processes are very rare. Discovering the complex regulating relations among TFs, gene sets and miRNAs will be helpful for researchers to get a more comprehensive understanding about the mechanism of side reaction. In this study, a framework was proposed to construct the relationship network of gene sets, miRNAs and TFs involved in side effects. Through the construction of this network, the potential complex regulatory relationship in the occurrence process of the side effects was reproduced. The SE-gene set network was employed to characterize the significant regulatory SE-gene set interaction and molecular basis of accompanied side effects. A total of 117 side effects complex modules including four types of regulating patterns were obtained from the SE-gene sets-miRNA/TF complex regulatory network. In addition, two cases were used to validate the complex regulatory modules which could more comprehensively interpret occurrence mechanism of side effects.
Collapse
|
26
|
Selective lowering of synapsins induced by oligomeric α-synuclein exacerbates memory deficits. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4648-E4657. [PMID: 28533388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704698114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that soluble oligomeric forms of amyloid proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, or α-synuclein (αSyn) might be the major deleterious species for neuronal function in these diseases. Here, we found an abnormal accumulation of oligomeric αSyn species in AD brains by custom ELISA, size-exclusion chromatography, and nondenaturing/denaturing immunoblotting techniques. Importantly, the abundance of αSyn oligomers in human brain tissue correlated with cognitive impairment and reductions in synapsin expression. By overexpressing WT human αSyn in an AD mouse model, we artificially enhanced αSyn oligomerization. These bigenic mice displayed exacerbated Aβ-induced cognitive deficits and a selective decrease in synapsins. Following isolation of various soluble αSyn assemblies from transgenic mice, we found that in vitro delivery of exogenous oligomeric αSyn but not monomeric αSyn was causing a lowering in synapsin-I/II protein abundance. For a particular αSyn oligomer, these changes were either dependent or independent on endogenous αSyn expression. Finally, at a molecular level, the expression of synapsin genes SYN1 and SYN2 was down-regulated in vivo and in vitro by αSyn oligomers, which decreased two transcription factors, cAMP response element binding and Nurr1, controlling synapsin gene promoter activity. Overall, our results demonstrate that endogenous αSyn oligomers can impair memory by selectively lowering synapsin expression.
Collapse
|
27
|
Cervera-Juanes R, Wilhelm LJ, Park B, Grant KA, Ferguson B. Genome-wide analysis of the nucleus accumbens identifies DNA methylation signals differentiating low/binge from heavy alcohol drinking. Alcohol 2017; 60:103-113. [PMID: 27866807 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-use disorders encompass a range of drinking levels and behaviors, including low, binge, and heavy drinking. In this regard, investigating the neural state of individuals who chronically self-administer lower doses of alcohol may provide insight into mechanisms that prevent the escalation of alcohol use. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms that stabilizes adaptations in gene expression and has been associated with alcohol use. Thus, we investigated DNA methylation, gene expression, and the predicted neural effects in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) of male rhesus macaques categorized as "low" or "binge" drinkers, compared to "alcohol-naïve" and "heavy" drinkers based on drinking patterns during a 12-month alcohol self-administration protocol. Using genome-wide CpG-rich region enrichment and bisulfite sequencing, the methylation levels of 2.6 million CpGs were compared between alcohol-naïve (AN), low/binge (L/BD), and heavy/very heavy (H/VHD) drinking subjects (n = 24). Through regional clustering analysis, we identified nine significant differential methylation regions (DMRs) that specifically distinguished ANs and L/BDs, and then compared those DMRs among H/VHDs. The DMRs mapped to genes encoding ion channels, receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and cAMP, NF-κβ and Wnt signaling pathway proteins. Two of the DMRs, linked to PDE10A and PKD2L2, were also differentially methylated in H/VHDs, suggesting an alcohol-dose independent effect. However, two other DMRs, linked to the CCBE1 and FZD5 genes, had L/BD methylation levels that significantly differed from both ANs and H/VHDs. The remaining five DMRs also differentiated L/BDs and ANs. However, H/VHDs methylation levels were not distinguishable from either of the two groups. Functional validation of two DMRs, linked to FZD5 and PDE10A, support their role in regulating gene expression and exon usage, respectively. In summary, the findings demonstrate that L/BD is associated with unique DNA methylation signatures in the primate NAcc, and that the methylation signatures identify synaptic genes that may play a role in preventing the escalation of alcohol use.
Collapse
|
28
|
Autism, epilepsy, and synaptopathies: a not rare association. Neurol Sci 2017; 38:1353-1361. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-2974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
29
|
Transcriptional mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor-induced expression of protein kinase CβII in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43228. [PMID: 28233872 PMCID: PMC5324130 DOI: 10.1038/srep43228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A key feature of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells is overexpressed protein kinase CβII (PKCβII), an S/T kinase important in the pathogenesis of this and other B cell malignancies. The mechanisms contributing to enhanced transcription of the gene coding for PKCβII, PRKCB, in CLL cells remain poorly described, but could be important because of potential insight into how the phenotype of these cells is regulated. Here, we show that SP1 is the major driver of PKCβII expression in CLL cells where enhanced association of this transcription factor with the PRKCB promoter is likely because of the presence of histone marks permissive of gene activation. We also show how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates PRKCB promoter function in CLL cells, stimulating PKCβ gene transcription via increased association of SP1 and decreased association of STAT3. Taken together, these results are the first to demonstrate a clear role for SP1 in the up regulation of PKCβII expression in CLL cells, and the first to link SP1 with the pathogenesis of this and potentially other B cell malignancies where PKCβII is overexpressed.
Collapse
|
30
|
Quaranta MT, Spinello I, Paolillo R, Macchia G, Boe A, Ceccarini M, Labbaye C, Macioce P. Identification of β-Dystrobrevin as a Direct Target of miR-143: Involvement in Early Stages of Neural Differentiation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156325. [PMID: 27223470 PMCID: PMC4880309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that results in a gradual breakdown of muscle, is associated to mild to severe cognitive impairment in about one-third of dystrophic patients. The brain dysfunction is independent of the muscular pathology, occurs early, and is most likely due to defects in the assembly of the Dystrophin-associated Protein Complex (DPC) during embryogenesis. We have recently described the interaction of the DPC component β-dystrobrevin with members of complexes that regulate chromatin dynamics, and suggested that β-dystrobrevin may play a role in the initiation of neuronal differentiation. Since oxygen concentrations and miRNAs appear as well to be involved in the cellular processes related to neuronal development, we have studied how these factors act on β-dystrobrevin and investigated the possibility of their functional interplay using the NTera-2 cell line, a well-established model for studying neurogenesis. We followed the pattern of expression and regulation of β-dystrobrevin during the early stages of neuronal differentiation induced by exposure to retinoic acid (RA) under hypoxia as compared with normoxia, and found that β-dystrobrevin expression is regulated during RA-induced differentiation of NTera-2 cells. We also found that β-dystrobrevin pattern is delayed under hypoxic conditions, together with a delay in the differentiation and an increase in the proliferation rate of cells. We identified miRNA-143 as a direct regulator of β-dystrobrevin expression, demonstrated that β-dystrobrevin is expressed in the nucleus and showed that, in line with our previous in vitro results, β-dystrobrevin is a repressor of synapsin I in live cells. Altogether the newly identified regulatory pathway miR-143/β-dystrobrevin/synapsin I provides novel insights into the functions of β-dystrobrevin and opens up new perspectives for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuronal involvement in muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Quaranta
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Spinello
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Paolillo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Macchia
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Ceccarini
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Catherine Labbaye
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
A long non-coding RNA, BC048612 and a microRNA, miR-203 coordinate the gene expression of neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) adhesion protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:533-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
32
|
Regulation of neural gene transcription by optogenetic inhibition of the RE1-silencing transcription factor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 113:E91-100. [PMID: 26699507 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1507355112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics provides new ways to activate gene transcription; however, no attempts have been made as yet to modulate mammalian transcription factors. We report the light-mediated regulation of the repressor element 1 (RE1)-silencing transcription factor (REST), a master regulator of neural genes. To tune REST activity, we selected two protein domains that impair REST-DNA binding or recruitment of the cofactor mSin3a. Computational modeling guided the fusion of the inhibitory domains to the light-sensitive Avena sativa light-oxygen-voltage-sensing (LOV) 2-phototrophin 1 (AsLOV2). By expressing AsLOV2 chimeras in Neuro2a cells, we achieved light-dependent modulation of REST target genes that was associated with an improved neural differentiation. In primary neurons, light-mediated REST inhibition increased Na(+)-channel 1.2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcription and boosted Na(+) currents and neuronal firing. This optogenetic approach allows the coordinated expression of a cluster of genes impinging on neuronal activity, providing a tool for studying neuronal physiology and correcting gene expression changes taking place in brain diseases.
Collapse
|
33
|
Yan YX, Zhao JX, Han S, Zhou NJ, Jia ZQ, Yao SJ, Cao CL, Wang YL, Xu YN, Zhao J, Yan YL, Cui HX. Tetramethylpyrazine induces SH-SY5Y cell differentiation toward the neuronal phenotype through activation of the PI3K/Akt/Sp1/TopoIIβ pathway. Eur J Cell Biol 2015; 94:626-41. [PMID: 26518113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an active compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Chuanxiong. Previously, we have shown that TMP induces human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell differentiation toward the neuronal phenotype by targeting topoisomeraseIIβ (TopoIIβ), a protein implicated in neural development. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate whether the transcriptional factors specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and nuclear factor Y (NF-Y), in addition to the upstream signaling pathways ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt, are involved in modulating TopoIIβ expression in the neuronal differentiation process. We demonstrated that SH-SY5Y cells treated with TMP (80μM) terminally differentiated into neurons, characterized by increased neuronal markers, tubulin βIII and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), and increased neurite outgrowth, with no negative effect on cell survival. TMP also increased the expression of TopoIIβ, which was accompanied by increased expression of Sp1 in the differentiated neuron-like cells, whereas NF-Y protein levels remained unchanged following the differentiation progression. We also found that the phosphorylation level of Akt, but not ERK1/2, was significantly increased as a result of TMP stimulation. Furthermore, as established by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway increased Sp1 binding to the promoter of the TopoIIβ gene. Blockage of PI3K/Akt was shown to lead to subsequent inhibition of TopoIIβ expression and neuronal differentiation. Collectively, the results indicate that the PI3K/Akt/Sp1/TopoIIβ signaling pathway is necessary for TMP-induced neuronal differentiation. Our findings offer mechanistic insights into understanding the upstream regulation of TopoIIβ in neuronal differentiation, and suggest potential applications of TMP both in neuroscience research and clinical practice to treat relevant diseases of the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xin Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jun-Xia Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Na-Jing Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Jia
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Sheng-Jie Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Cui-Li Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yan-Nan Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yun-Li Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China.
| | - Hui-Xian Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Brain Aging and Cognitive Neuroscience, Hebei, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Maximal Expression of the Evolutionarily Conserved Slit2 Gene Promoter Requires Sp1. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 36:955-964. [PMID: 26456684 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Slit2 is a neural axon guidance and chemorepellent protein that stimulates motility in a variety of cell types. The role of Slit2 in neural development and neoplastic growth and migration has been well established, while the genetic mechanisms underlying regulation of the Slit2 gene have not. We identified the core and proximal promoter of Slit2 by mapping multiple transcriptional start sites, analyzing transcriptional activity, and confirming sequence homology for the Slit2 proximal promoter among a number of species. Deletion series and transient transfection identified the Slit2 proximal promoter as within 399 base pairs upstream of the start of transcription. A crucial region for full expression of the Slit2 proximal promoter lies between 399 base pairs and 296 base pairs upstream of the start of transcription. Computer modeling identified three transcription factor-binding consensus sites within this region, of which only site-directed mutagenesis of one of the two identified Sp1 consensus sites inhibited transcriptional activity of the Slit2 proximal promoter (-399 to +253). Bioinformatics analysis of the Slit2 proximal promoter -399 base pair to -296 base pair region shows high sequence conservation over twenty-two species, and that this region follows an expected pattern of sequence divergence through evolution.
Collapse
|
35
|
The Transcription Repressor REST in Adult Neurons: Physiology, Pathology, and Diseases. eNeuro 2015; 2:eN-REV-0010-15. [PMID: 26465007 PMCID: PMC4596026 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0010-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
REST [RE1-silencing transcription factor (also called neuron-restrictive silencer factor)] is known to repress thousands of possible target genes, many of which are neuron specific. To date, REST repression has been investigated mostly in stem cells and differentiating neurons. Current evidence demonstrates its importance in adult neurons as well. Low levels of REST, which are acquired during differentiation, govern the expression of specific neuronal phenotypes. REST-dependent genes encode important targets, including transcription factors, transmitter release proteins, voltage-dependent and receptor channels, and signaling proteins. Additional neuronal properties depend on miRNAs expressed reciprocally to REST and on specific splicing factors. In adult neurons, REST levels are not always low. Increases occur during aging in healthy humans. Moreover, extensive evidence demonstrates that prolonged stimulation with various agents induces REST increases, which are associated with the repression of neuron-specific genes with appropriate, intermediate REST binding affinity. Whether neuronal increases in REST are protective or detrimental remains a subject of debate. Examples of CA1 hippocampal neuron protection upon depolarization, and of neurodegeneration upon glutamate treatment and hypoxia have been reported. REST participation in psychiatric and neurological diseases has been shown, especially in Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease, as well as epilepsy. Distinct, complex roles of the repressor in these different diseases have emerged. In conclusion, REST is certainly very important in a large number of conditions. We suggest that the conflicting results reported for the role of REST in physiology, pathology, and disease depend on its complex, direct, and indirect actions on many gene targets and on the diverse approaches used during the investigations.
Collapse
|
36
|
Pourié G, Martin N, Bossenmeyer-Pourié C, Akchiche N, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Geoffroy A, Jeannesson E, El Hajj Chehadeh S, Mimoun K, Brachet P, Koziel V, Alberto JM, Helle D, Debard R, Leininger B, Daval JL, Guéant JL. Folate- and vitamin B12-deficient diet during gestation and lactation alters cerebellar synapsin expression via impaired influence of estrogen nuclear receptor α. FASEB J 2015; 29:3713-25. [PMID: 26018677 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-264267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency in the methyl donors vitamin B12 and folate during pregnancy and postnatal life impairs proper brain development. We studied the consequences of this combined deficiency on cerebellum plasticity in offspring from rat mothers subjected to deficient diet during gestation and lactation and in rat neuroprogenitor cells expressing cerebellum markers. The major proteomic change in cerebellum of 21-d-old deprived females was a 2.2-fold lower expression of synapsins, which was confirmed in neuroprogenitors cultivated in the deficient condition. A pathway analysis suggested that these proteomic changes were related to estrogen receptor α (ER-α)/Src tyrosine kinase. The influence of impaired ER-α pathway was confirmed by abnormal negative geotaxis test at d 19-20 and decreased phsophorylation of synapsins in deprived females treated by ER-α antagonist 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP). This effect was consistent with 2-fold decreased expression and methylation of ER-α and subsequent decreased ER-α/PPAR-γ coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α) interaction in deficiency condition. The impaired ER-α pathway led to decreased expression of synapsins through 2-fold decreased EGR-1/Zif-268 transcription factor and to 1.7-fold reduced Src-dependent phosphorylation of synapsins. The treatment of neuroprogenitors with either MPP or PP1 (4-(4'-phenoxyanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline, 6,7-dimethoxy-N-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-4-quinazolinamine, SKI-1, Src-l1) Src inhibitor produced similar effects. In conclusion, the deficiency during pregnancy and lactation impairs the expression of synapsins through a deregulation of ER-α pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Pourié
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Nicolas Martin
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Carine Bossenmeyer-Pourié
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Nassila Akchiche
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Guéant-Rodriguez
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Andréa Geoffroy
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Elise Jeannesson
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Khalid Mimoun
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Patrick Brachet
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Violette Koziel
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Alberto
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Deborah Helle
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Renée Debard
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Brigitte Leininger
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Jean-Luc Daval
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 954, Nutrition-Genetics and Environmental Exposure, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Center, Nancy University, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Human Nutrition Unit, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1019 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/University of Auvergne, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Centre of Theix, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Oasi Maria Santissima-Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Schmidt U, Buell DR, Ionescu IA, Gassen NC, Holsboer F, Cox MB, Novak B, Huber C, Hartmann J, Schmidt MV, Touma C, Rein T, Herrmann L. A role for synapsin in FKBP51 modulation of stress responsiveness: Convergent evidence from animal and human studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:43-58. [PMID: 25459892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Both the molecular co-chaperone FKBP51 and the presynaptic vesicle protein synapsin (alternatively spliced from SYN1-3) are intensively discussed players in the still insufficiently explored pathobiology of psychiatric disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To address their still unknown interaction, we compared the expression levels of synapsin and five other neurostructural and HPA axis related marker proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus of restrained-stressed and unstressed Fkbp5 knockout mice and corresponding wild-type littermates. In addition, we compared and correlated the gene expression levels of SYN1, SYN2 and FKBP5 in three different online datasets comprising expression data of human healthy subjects as well as of predominantly medicated patients with different psychiatric disorders. In summary, we found that Fkbp5 deletion, which we previously demonstrated to improve stress-coping behavior in mice, prevents the stress-induced decline in prefrontal cortical (pc), but not in hippocampal synapsin expression. Accordingly, pc, but not hippocampal, synapsin protein levels correlated positively with a more active mouse stress coping behavior. Searching for an underlying mechanism, we found evidence that deletion of Fkbp5 might prevent stress-induced pc synapsin loss, at least in part, through improvement of pc Akt kinase activity. These results, together with our finding that FKBP5 and SYN1 mRNA levels were regulated in opposite directions in the PFC of schizophrenic patients, who are known for exhibiting an altered stress-coping behavior, provide the first evidence of a role for pc synapsin in FKBP51 modulation of stress responsiveness. This role might extend to other tissues, as we found FKBP5 and SYN1 levels to correlate inversely not only in human PFC samples but also in other expression sites. The main limitation of this study is the small number of individuals included in the correlation analyses. Future studies will have to verify the here-postulated role of the FKBP51-Akt kinase-synapsin pathway in stress responsiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schmidt
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany.
| | - Dominik R Buell
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany
| | - Irina A Ionescu
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils C Gassen
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Germany
| | - Florian Holsboer
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc B Cox
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Bozidar Novak
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Huber
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob Hartmann
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Germany
| | - Chadi Touma
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Germany
| | - Theo Rein
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Germany
| | - Leonie Herrmann
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tao H, Yang JJ, Shi KH, Deng ZY, Li J. DNA methylation in cardiac fibrosis: new advances and perspectives. Toxicology 2014; 323:125-9. [PMID: 25017140 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.07.002] [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] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by net accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the cardiac interstitium, and contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. More specifically, cardiac fibroblasts are activated by a variety of pathological stimuli, thereby undergoing proliferation, differentiation to myofibroblasts, and production of various cytokines and ECM proteins. Thus, understanding the biological processes of cardiac fibroblasts will provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism, which often occurs in response to environmental stimuli and is crucial in regulating gene expression. The aberrant methylation of CpG island promoters of selected genes is the prominent epigenetic mechanism by which gene transcription can be effectively silenced. Aberrant hypermethylation of a few selected genes such as RASSF1A plays an important role in facilitating fibrotic fibroblast activation and in driving fibrosis. In this review we will discuss the mechanisms of DNA methylation and their implications for cardiac fibroblasts activation and fibrosis. Control of DNA methylation may serve as a new strategy for anti-fibrotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; Cardiovascular Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kai-Hu Shi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; Cardiovascular Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Zi-Yu Deng
- Department of Scientific and Educational, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Unmethylated state of 5′ upstream CpG islands may be necessary but not sufficient for the testis-enriched expression of ZNF230/Znf230. Genes Genomics 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
40
|
Hedegaard C, Kjaer-Sorensen K, Madsen LB, Henriksen C, Momeni J, Bendixen C, Oxvig C, Larsen K. Porcine synapsin 1: SYN1 gene analysis and functional characterization of the promoter. FEBS Open Bio 2013; 3:411-20. [PMID: 24251104 PMCID: PMC3821028 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapsin 1 (SYN1) is a phosphoprotein involved in nerve signal transmission. The porcine SYN1 promoter orthologue was cloned and characterized to provide a means of expressing a transgene specifically in neurons. The nucleotide sequence of the promoter displayed a high degree of conservation of elements responsible for neuron-specific expression. Expression analysis of SYN1 demonstrated presence of transcript during embryonic development. Analysis of GFP expression in transgenic zebrafish embryos suggests that the pig SYN1 promoter directs expression in neuronal cells. Thus, the SYN1 promoter is a good candidate for use in the generation of pig models of human neurodegenerative disorders. The porcine synapsin1 (SYN1) promoter was cloned and characterized. SYN1 mRNA expression is detected in brain during embryo development. The SYN1 gene is mapped to pig chromosome X. Porcine SYN1 directs GFP expression in neuronal cells of transgenic zebrafish.
Collapse
Key Words
- Ab, antibody
- BSG, basal ganglia
- BST, brain stem
- CBE, cerebellum
- CMV, cytomegalovirus
- Chr, chromosome
- FB, forebrain
- FCO, frontal cortex
- GFP
- GFP, green fluorescent protein
- HB, hindbrain
- HIP, hippocampus
- LLG, lateral line ganglion
- MB, midbrain
- NRSE, neuron restrictive silencer element
- Neuron-specific promoter
- OC, optic chiasm
- ON, olfactory neuron
- Pig
- R, retina
- REST, RE1-silencing transcription factor
- TG, trigeminal ganglion
- TSS, transcription start site
- Transgenic
- WPRE, Woodchuck hepatitits virus Post-transcriptional Regulatory Element
- Zebrafish
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claus Hedegaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele DK-8830, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yu Z, Kong Q, Kone BC. Aldosterone reprograms promoter methylation to regulate αENaC transcription in the collecting duct. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 305:F1006-13. [PMID: 23926181 PMCID: PMC3798741 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00407.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone increases tubular Na(+) absorption largely by increasing α-epithelial Na(+) channel (αENaC) transcription in collecting duct principal cells. How aldosterone reprograms basal αENaC transcription to high-level activity in the collecting duct is incompletely understood. Promoter methylation, a covalent but reversible epigenetic process, has been implicated in the control of gene expression in health and disease. We investigated the role of promoter methylation/demethylation in the epigenetic control of basal and aldosterone-stimulated αENaC transcription in mIMCD3 collecting duct cells. Bisulfite treatment and sequencing analysis after treatment of the cells with the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) identified clusters of methylated cytosines in a CpG island near the transcription start site of the αENaC promoter. 5-Aza-CdR treatment or small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of DNMT3b or methyl-CpG-binding domain protein (MBD)-4 derepressed basal αENaC transcription, indicating that promoter methylation suppresses basal αENaC transcription. Aldosterone triggered a time-dependent decrease in 5mC and DNMT3b and a concurrent enrichment in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and ten-eleven translocation (Tet)2 at the αENaC promoter, consistent with active demethylation. 5-Aza-CdR mimicked aldosterone by enhancing Sp1 binding to the αENaC promoter. We conclude that DNMT3b- and MBD4-dependent methylation of the αENaC promoter limits basal αENaC transcription, in part by limiting Sp1 binding and trans-activation. Aldosterone stimulates the dispersal of DNMT3b and recruitment of Tet2 to demethylate the αENaC promoter to induce αENaC transcription. These results disclose a novel epigenetic mechanism for the control of basal and aldosterone-induced αENaC transcription that adds to previously described epigenetic controls exerted by histone modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yu
- Div. of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The Univ. of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin, MSB 5.124, Houston, TX 77030.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ikegame T, Bundo M, Sunaga F, Asai T, Nishimura F, Yoshikawa A, Kawamura Y, Hibino H, Tochigi M, Kakiuchi C, Sasaki T, Kato T, Kasai K, Iwamoto K. DNA methylation analysis of BDNF gene promoters in peripheral blood cells of schizophrenia patients. Neurosci Res 2013; 77:208-14. [PMID: 23973796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoters are associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Epigenetic changes in BDNF were reported not only in brain tissues but also in other tissues, including peripheral blood cells (PBC) and saliva. We examined DNA methylation levels of BDNF promoters I and IV using genomic DNA derived from PBC of healthy controls (n=100), and patients with schizophrenia (n=100), all from the Japanese population, by pyrosequencing. The examined CpG sites were chosen based on previous epigenetic studies that reported altered DNA methylation. We found a significantly higher level of methylation at BDNF promoter I in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls, although the difference was small. Subsequent analysis revealed that in controls, the methylation level of BDNF promoters was associated with sex, and the methylation difference observed in promoter I was more prominent in male patients with schizophrenia. Epigenetic alteration of BDNF in the PBC might reflect the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and could be a potential biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tempei Ikegame
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|