1
|
Colnot T, Dekant W. Grouping of short alkyl-chain branched carboxylic acids for developmental toxicity. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 151:105662. [PMID: 38866176 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105662] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Read-across (RAx) and grouping of chemicals into categories are well-known concepts in toxicology. Recently, ECHA proposed a grouping approach for branched-chain carboxylic acids (BCAs) including more than 60 branched-chain saturated carboxylic acids for hazard identification. Grouping was based only on structural considerations. Due to developmental effects of two members, ECHA postulated that "all short carbon chain acids … are likely reproductive and developmental toxicants". This work analyzes available data for BCAs. The number of compounds in the group can be significantly reduced by eliminating metal and organic salts of BCAs, compounds of unknown or variable composition, and complex reaction products or biological materials (UVCB compounds). For the resulting reduced number of compounds, grouping is supported by similar physicochemical data and expected similar biotransformation. However, analysis of adverse effects for compounds in the group and mechanistic information show that BCAs, as a class, do not cause developmental effects in rats. Rather, developmental toxicity is limited to selected BCAs with specific structures that share a common mode of action (histone deacetylase inhibition). Thus, the proposed grouping is unreasonably wide and the more detailed analyses show that structural similarity alone is not sufficient for grouping branched-chain carboxylic acids for developmental toxicity.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu S, Ellison C, Naciff J, Karb M, Obringer C, Yan G, Shan Y, Smith A, Wang X, Daston GP. Structure-activity relationship read-across and transcriptomics for branched carboxylic acids. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:343-356. [PMID: 36583546 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to use chemical similarity evaluations, transcriptional profiling, in vitro toxicokinetic data, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to support read-across for a series of branched carboxylic acids using valproic acid (VPA), a known developmental toxicant, as a comparator. The chemicals included 2-propylpentanoic acid (VPA), 2-ethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid (EHA), 2-methylnonanoic acid, 2-hexyldecanoic acid, 2-propylnonanoic acid (PNA), dipentyl acetic acid or 2-pentylheptanoic acid, octanoic acid (a straight chain alkyl acid), and 2-ethylhexanol. Transcriptomics was evaluated in 4 cell types (A549, HepG2, MCF7, and iCell cardiomyocytes) 6 h after exposure to 3 concentrations of the compounds, using the L1000 platform. The transcriptional profiling data indicate that 2- or 3-carbon alkyl substituents at the alpha position of the carboxylic acid (EHA and PNA) elicit a transcriptional profile similar to the one elicited by VPA. The transcriptional profile is different for the other chemicals tested, which provides support for limiting read-across from VPA to much shorter and longer acids. Molecular docking models for histone deacetylases, the putative target of VPA, provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the activity cliff elucidated by transcriptomics. In vitro toxicokinetic data were utilized in a PBPK model to estimate internal dosimetry. The PBPK modeling data show that as the branched chain increases, predicted plasma Cmax decreases. This work demonstrates how transcriptomics and other mode of action-based methods can improve read-across.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengde Wu
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Corie Ellison
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Jorge Naciff
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Michael Karb
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Cindy Obringer
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Gang Yan
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Yuqing Shan
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Alex Smith
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| | - George P Daston
- Global Product Stewardship, The Procter and Gamble Company, Mason, Ohio 45040, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spina Bifida: A Review of the Genetics, Pathophysiology and Emerging Cellular Therapies. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020022. [PMID: 35735913 PMCID: PMC9224552 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spina bifida is the most common congenital defect of the central nervous system which can portend lifelong disability to those afflicted. While the complete underpinnings of this disease are yet to be fully understood, there have been great advances in the genetic and molecular underpinnings of this disease. Moreover, the treatment for spina bifida has made great advancements, from surgical closure of the defect after birth to the now state-of-the-art intrauterine repair. This review will touch upon the genetics, embryology, and pathophysiology and conclude with a discussion on current therapy, as well as the first FDA-approved clinical trial utilizing stem cells as treatment for spina bifida.
Collapse
|
4
|
SAMe, Choline, and Valproic Acid as Possible Epigenetic Drugs: Their Effects in Pregnancy with a Special Emphasis on Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020192. [PMID: 35215304 PMCID: PMC8879727 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the functions and main effects on pregnancy outcomes of three agents that have the ability to induce epigenetic modifications: valproic acid (VPA), a well-known teratogen that is a histone deacetylase inhibitor; S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the most effective methyl donor; and choline, an important micronutrient involved in the one methyl group cycle and in the synthesis of SAMe. Our aim was to describe the possible effects of these compounds when administered during pregnancy on the developing embryo and fetus or, if administered postnatally, their effects on the developing child. These substances are able to modify gene expression and possibly alleviate neurobehavioral changes in disturbances that have epigenetic origins, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, Rett syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Valproic acid and SAMe are antagonistic epigenetic modulators whether administered in utero or postnatally. However, VPA is a major human teratogen and, whenever possible, should not be used by pregnant women. Most currently relevant data come from experimental animal studies that aimed to explore the possibility of using these substances as epigenetic modifiers and possible therapeutic agents. In experimental animals, each of these substances was able to alleviate the severity of several well-known diseases by inducing changes in the expression of affected genes or by other yet unknown mechanisms. We believe that additional studies are needed to further explore the possibility of using these substances, and similar compounds, for the treatment of ”epigenetic human diseases”.
Collapse
|
5
|
Verhelst S, Van Puyvelde B, Willems S, Daled S, Cornelis S, Corveleyn L, Willems E, Deforce D, De Clerck L, Dhaenens M. A large scale mass spectrometry-based histone screening for assessing epigenetic developmental toxicity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1256. [PMID: 35075221 PMCID: PMC8786925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxicoepigenetics is an emerging field that studies the toxicological impact of compounds on protein expression through heritable, non-genetic mechanisms, such as histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs). Due to substantial progress in the large-scale study of hPTMs, integration into the field of toxicology is promising and offers the opportunity to gain novel insights into toxicological phenomena. Moreover, there is a growing demand for high-throughput human-based in vitro assays for toxicity testing, especially for developmental toxicity. Consequently, we developed a mass spectrometry-based proof-of-concept to assess a histone code screening assay capable of simultaneously detecting multiple hPTM-changes in human embryonic stem cells. We first validated the untargeted workflow with valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. These results demonstrate the capability of mapping the hPTM-dynamics, with a general increase in acetylations as an internal control. To illustrate the scalability, a dose–response study was performed on a proof-of-concept library of ten compounds (1) with a known effect on the hPTMs (BIX-01294, 3-Deazaneplanocin A, Trichostatin A, and VPA), (2) classified as highly embryotoxic by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) (Methotrexate, and All-trans retinoic acid), (3) classified as non-embryotoxic by ECVAM (Penicillin G), and (4) compounds of abuse with a presumed developmental toxicity (ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Verhelst
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Van Puyvelde
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Willems
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Simon Daled
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Senne Cornelis
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Corveleyn
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ewoud Willems
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura De Clerck
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Dhaenens
- ProGenTomics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parodi C, Di Fede E, Peron A, Viganò I, Grazioli P, Castiglioni S, Finnell RH, Gervasini C, Vignoli A, Massa V. Chromatin Imbalance as the Vertex Between Fetal Valproate Syndrome and Chromatinopathies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654467. [PMID: 33959609 PMCID: PMC8093873 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to valproate (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, has been associated with fetal valproate spectrum disorders (FVSD), a clinical condition including congenital malformations, developmental delay, intellectual disability as well as autism spectrum disorder, together with a distinctive facial appearance. VPA is a known inhibitor of histone deacetylase which regulates the chromatin state. Interestingly, perturbations of this epigenetic balance are associated with chromatinopathies, a heterogeneous group of Mendelian disorders arising from mutations in components of the epigenetic machinery. Patients affected from these disorders display a plethora of clinical signs, mainly neurological deficits and intellectual disability, together with distinctive craniofacial dysmorphisms. Remarkably, critically examining the phenotype of FVSD and chromatinopathies, they shared several overlapping features that can be observed despite the different etiologies of these disorders, suggesting the possible existence of a common perturbed mechanism(s) during embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Parodi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Fede
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Peron
- Human Pathology and Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit-Epilepsy Center, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ilaria Viganò
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Grazioli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Castiglioni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee Y, Kim D, Lee CJ. Suppressive effects of valproic acid on caudal fin regeneration in adult zebrafish. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2020; 24:349-358. [PMID: 33456719 PMCID: PMC7782361 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2020.1860126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish can regenerate fins following injury through an epimorphic process that includes the formation of new tissues and reconstruction of the original morphology. In this study, the effects of valproic acid (VPA), a widely used anti-epileptic drug, on fin regeneration were studied after the caudal fin amputation of adult zebrafish. In the control group, zebrafish formed new tissues and reconstructed the original rays 14 days after amputation (dpa). Meanwhile, VPA treatments between 20 and 200 µM following amputation suppressed fin regeneration in a dose-dependent manner and altered morphological characteristics, such as bifurcation and segmentation, in the rays. Compared to the control, VPA also delayed blastema formation and decreased cell proliferation in the mesenchymal area of the regenerated fin. The mRNA expression of lef1, a downstream signaling gene in the Wnt pathway, was transiently increased in the regenerated fin of the control at 2 dpa; the same increase was not observed in the VPA-treated zebrafish. Sodium butyrate (SB), an histone deacetylase activity (HDAC) inhibitor, suppressed the fin regeneration without affecting the morphological characteristics of the regenerated ray. Furthermore, the transient increase of lef1 mRNA was not suppressed in the SB-treated zebrafish. These results suggested that VPA's suppressive effects on fin regeneration are partly mediated through decreased cell proliferation and lef1 mRNA expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunkyoung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dohee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chang-Joong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Meisig J, Dreser N, Kapitza M, Henry M, Rotshteyn T, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler J, Sachinidis A, Waldmann T, Leist M, Blüthgen N. Kinetic modeling of stem cell transcriptome dynamics to identify regulatory modules of normal and disturbed neuroectodermal differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12577-12592. [PMID: 33245762 PMCID: PMC7736781 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of transcriptome data sets are available, but approaches for their use in dynamic cell response modelling are few, especially for processes affected simultaneously by two orthogonal influencing variables. We approached this problem for neuroepithelial development of human pluripotent stem cells (differentiation variable), in the presence or absence of valproic acid (signaling variable). Using few basic assumptions (sequential differentiation states of cells; discrete on/off states for individual genes in these states), and time-resolved transcriptome data, a comprehensive model of spontaneous and perturbed gene expression dynamics was developed. The model made reliable predictions (average correlation of 0.85 between predicted and subsequently tested expression values). Even regulations predicted to be non-monotonic were successfully validated by PCR in new sets of experiments. Transient patterns of gene regulation were identified from model predictions. They pointed towards activation of Wnt signaling as a candidate pathway leading to a redirection of differentiation away from neuroepithelial cells towards neural crest. Intervention experiments, using a Wnt/beta-catenin antagonist, led to a phenotypic rescue of this disturbed differentiation. Thus, our broadly applicable model allows the analysis of transcriptome changes in complex time/perturbation matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Meisig
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Dreser
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marion Kapitza
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Rotshteyn
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), TU Dortmund University, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gebuijs IGE, Metz JR, Zethof J, Carels CEL, Wagener FADTG, Von den Hoff JW. The anti-epileptic drug valproic acid causes malformations in the developing craniofacial skeleton of zebrafish larvae. Mech Dev 2020; 163:103632. [PMID: 32668265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2020.103632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti-epileptic drug known to cause congenital craniofacial abnormalities, including orofacial clefts (OFC). The exact mechanisms by which VPA leads to craniofacial skeletal malformations are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of VPA on cartilage and bone formation in the zebrafish larval head during 1-13 hpf (early) and 25-37 hpf (late) development in which cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) arise and then proliferate and differentiate, respectively. Double-staining for cartilage and bone at 5 dpf revealed that VPA reduced cartilage and bone formation in a dose-dependent manner after both early or late exposure. Several different CNCC-derived cartilage and bone elements were affected in both groups. In the early group (100 μM VPA), the posterior head length and the ethmoid plate were reduced in length (both p < 0.01), while mineralization of 4 out of 9 bone elements was often lacking (all p < 0.01). In the late group (100 μM VPA), also the posterior head length was reduced as well as the length of the ceratohyals (both p < 0.01). Similar to early exposure, mineralization of 3 out of 9 bone elements was often lacking (all p < 0.01). These results indicate that both CNCC formation (early) and differentiation (late) are hampered by VPA treatment, of which the consequences for bone and cartilage formation are persistent at 5 dpf. Indeed, we also found that the expression of several genes related to cartilage and bone was upregulated at 5 dpf. These data indicate a compensatory reaction to the lack of cartilage and bone. Altogether, VPA seems to induce craniofacial malformations via disturbed CNCC function leading to defects in cartilage and bone formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I G E Gebuijs
- Department of Dentistry - Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J R Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Zethof
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - C E L Carels
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F A D T G Wagener
- Department of Dentistry - Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J W Von den Hoff
- Department of Dentistry - Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ádám Á, Kemecsei R, Company V, Murcia-Ramón R, Juarez I, Gerecsei LI, Zachar G, Echevarría D, Puelles E, Martínez S, Csillag A. Gestational Exposure to Sodium Valproate Disrupts Fasciculation of the Mesotelencephalic Dopaminergic Tract, With a Selective Reduction of Dopaminergic Output From the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:29. [PMID: 32581730 PMCID: PMC7290005 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is known to cause behavioral deficits of sociability, matching similar alterations in human autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Available data are scarce on the neuromorphological changes in VPA-exposed animals. Here, we focused on alterations of the dopaminergic system, which is implicated in motivation and reward, with relevance to social cohesion. Whole brains from 7-day-old mice born to mothers given a single injection of VPA (400 mg/kg b.wt.) on E13.5 were immunostained against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). They were scanned using the iDISCO method with a laser light-sheet microscope, and the reconstructed images were analyzed in 3D for quantitative morphometry. A marked reduction of mesotelencephalic (MT) axonal fascicles together with a widening of the MT tract were observed in VPA treated mice, while other major brain tracts appeared anatomically intact. We also found a reduction in the abundance of dopaminergic ventral tegmental (VTA) neurons, accompanied by diminished tissue level of DA in ventrobasal telencephalic regions (including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), olfactory tubercle, BST, substantia innominata). Such a reduction of DA was not observed in the non-limbic caudate-putamen. Conversely, the abundance of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra (SN) was increased, presumably due to a compensatory mechanism or to an altered distribution of TH+ neurons occupying the SN and the VTA. The findings suggest that defasciculation of the MT tract and neuronal loss in VTA, followed by diminished dopaminergic input to the ventrobasal telencephalon at a critical time point of embryonic development (E13-E14) may hinder the patterning of certain brain centers underlying decision making and sociability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Kemecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Verónica Company
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Raquel Murcia-Ramón
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Iris Juarez
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diego Echevarría
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Institute of Neuroscience (UMH-CSIC), University of Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Prenatal valproate in rodents as a tool to understand the neural underpinnings of social dysfunctions in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107477. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
13
|
Zachar G, Tóth AS, Gerecsei LI, Zsebők S, Ádám Á, Csillag A. Valproate Exposure in ovo Attenuates the Acquisition of Social Preferences of Young Post-hatch Domestic Chicks. Front Physiol 2019; 10:881. [PMID: 31379596 PMCID: PMC6646517 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is known to produce sociability deficits, resembling human autistic phenotypes, in several vertebrate species. Animals living in groups prefer the proximity of peers and have the ability to perceive and to respond to social signals for modifying behavior. Chicks of Galliform birds, known to display early preference behaviors, have been used extensively for adaptive learning studies. Young precocial birds seem to be useful models also for studying the effect of embryonic VPA treatment. Here, domestic chicken eggs were injected with sodium valproate (200 μl of 35 μmol/L solution) or with vehicle (distilled water) on the 14th day of incubation. After hatching, the chicks were tested for one-trial passive avoidance learning at day 1, vocalization due to isolation as a measure of stress level (day 2), approach preference to large versus small groups of age-matched conspecifics (day 5), and to those with normal versus blurred head features (day 7). In addition, we tested the preference of birds to conspecifics reared in group versus those reared in isolation (day 9), as well as the preference of chicks to familiar versus non-familiar conspecifics (day 21). Our findings confirm previous reports concerning an adverse effect of VPA on embryonic development, including a tendency for aborted or delayed hatching and, occasionally, for locomotor disorders in a small percentage of birds (eliminated from later studies). Otherwise, VPA treatment did not impair motor activity or distress level. Memory formation for the aversive stimulus and discrimination of colors were not impaired by VPA treatment either. Innate social predispositions manifested in approach preferences for the larger target group or for the birds with natural facial features remained unaffected by VPA exposure. The most prominent finding was attenuation of social exploration in VPA-exposed birds (expressed as the frequency of positional switches between two stimulus chicks after the first choice), followed by a deficit in the recognition of familiar conspecifics, unfolding at the end of the third week. Social exploration and recognition of familiar individuals are the key elements impaired at this stage. The results underline the importance of early social exploration in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András S Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Zsebők
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Arora V, Joshi A, Lall M, Agarwal S, Bijarnia Mahay S, Dua Puri R, Chander Verma I. Fetal valproate syndrome as a phenocopy of Kleefstra syndrome. Birth Defects Res 2018; 110:1205-1209. [PMID: 30151876 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Arora
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anju Joshi
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Meena Lall
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shruti Agarwal
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunita Bijarnia Mahay
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ratna Dua Puri
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ishwar Chander Verma
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Transcutaneous implantation of valproic acid-encapsulated dissolving microneedles induces hair regrowth. Biomaterials 2018; 167:69-79. [PMID: 29554482 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The interest in alternative material systems and delivery methods for treatment of androgenetic alopecia has been increasing in the recent decades. Topical application of valproic acid (VPA), an FDA-approved anticonvulsant drug, has been shown to effectively stimulate hair follicle (HF) regrowth by upregulating Wnt/β-catenin, a key pathway involved in initiation of HF development. Moreover, a majority of studies have suggested that cutaneous wound re-epithelialization is capable of inducing HF through Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we report fabrication and evaluation of a novel VPA-encapsulating dissolving microneedle (DMN-VPA) that creates minimally invasive dermal micro-wounds upon application, significantly improving the VPA delivery efficiency. DMN-VPA not only delivers encapsulated VPA with higher accuracy than topical application, it also stimulates wound re-epithelialization signals involved in HF regrowth. Through a series of in vivo studies, we show that micro-wounding-mediated implantation of DMN-VPA upregulates expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, alkaline phosphatase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, loricrin and HF stem cell markers, including keratin 15, and CD34 more effectively than topical application.
Collapse
|
16
|
Diaz-Perez JA, Joyce JC, Cibull TL, Victor TA. Development of Pityriasis Amiantacea after Valproic Acid Therapy. Int J Trichology 2018; 10:237-239. [PMID: 30607045 PMCID: PMC6290282 DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_53_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present the case of a 16-year-old male who developed pityriasis amiantacea (PA) after the use of valproic acid. We propose that the keratinocyte proliferative activity of valproic acid mediated through the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and subsequent activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could play a role in the development of PA. We additionally review the most relevant characteristics of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Diaz-Perez
- Department of Pathology, Northshore University Health System, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Jackson Health System, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joel C Joyce
- Division of Dermatology, Northshore University Health System, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas L Cibull
- Department of Pathology, Northshore University Health System, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas A Victor
- Department of Pathology, Northshore University Health System, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yi JJ, Paranjape SR, Walker MP, Choudhury R, Wolter JM, Fragola G, Emanuele MJ, Major MB, Zylka MJ. The autism-linked UBE3A T485A mutant E3 ubiquitin ligase activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting the proteasome. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:12503-12515. [PMID: 28559284 PMCID: PMC5535025 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.788448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase whose dysfunction is linked to autism, Angelman syndrome, and cancer. Recently, we characterized a de novo autism-linked UBE3A mutant (UBE3AT485A) that disrupts phosphorylation control of UBE3A activity. Through quantitative proteomics and reporter assays, we found that the UBE3AT485A protein ubiquitinates multiple proteasome subunits, reduces proteasome subunit abundance and activity, stabilizes nuclear β-catenin, and stimulates canonical Wnt signaling more effectively than wild-type UBE3A. We also found that UBE3AT485A activates Wnt signaling to a greater extent in cells with low levels of ongoing Wnt signaling, suggesting that cells with low basal Wnt activity are particularly vulnerable to UBE3AT485A mutation. Ligase-dead UBE3A did not stimulate Wnt pathway activation. Overexpression of several proteasome subunits reversed the effect of UBE3AT485A on Wnt signaling. We also observed that subunits that interact with UBE3A and affect Wnt signaling are located along one side of the 19S regulatory particle, indicating a previously unrecognized spatial organization to the proteasome. Altogether, our findings indicate that UBE3A regulates Wnt signaling in a cell context-dependent manner and that an autism-linked mutation exacerbates these signaling effects. Our study has broad implications for human disorders associated with UBE3A gain or loss of function and suggests that dysfunctional UBE3A might affect additional proteins and pathways that are sensitive to proteasome activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Yi
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Smita R Paranjape
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Matthew P Walker
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Rajarshi Choudhury
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Justin M Wolter
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Giulia Fragola
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael B Major
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Mark J Zylka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kwan V, Unda BK, Singh KK. Wnt signaling networks in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:45. [PMID: 27980692 PMCID: PMC5137220 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9176-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic factors play a major role in the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability (ID). The underlying genetic factors have become better understood in recent years due to advancements in next generation sequencing. These studies have uncovered a vast number of genes that are impacted by different types of mutations (e.g., de novo, missense, truncation, copy number variations). Abstract Given the large volume of genetic data, analyzing each gene on its own is not a feasible approach and will take years to complete, let alone attempt to use the information to develop novel therapeutics. To make sense of independent genomic data, one approach is to determine whether multiple risk genes function in common signaling pathways that identify signaling “hubs” where risk genes converge. This approach has led to multiple pathways being implicated, such as synaptic signaling, chromatin remodeling, alternative splicing, and protein translation, among many others. In this review, we analyze recent and historical evidence indicating that multiple risk genes, including genes denoted as high-confidence and likely causal, are part of the Wingless (Wnt signaling) pathway. In the brain, Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that plays an instrumental role in developing neural circuits and adult brain function. Conclusions We will also review evidence that pharmacological therapies and genetic mouse models further identify abnormal Wnt signaling, particularly at the synapse, as being disrupted in ASDs and contributing to disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vickie Kwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Brianna K Unda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Karun K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kugler J, Kemler R, Luch A, Oelgeschläger M. Editor's Highlight: Identification and Characterization of Teratogenic Chemicals Using Embryonic Stem Cells Isolated From a Wnt/β-Catenin-Reporter Transgenic Mouse Line. Toxicol Sci 2016; 152:382-94. [PMID: 27208078 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw094] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are commonly used for the analysis of gene function in embryonic development and provide valuable models for human diseases. In recent years, ESCs have also become an attractive tool for toxicological testing, in particular for the identification of teratogenic compounds. We have recently described a Bmp-reporter ESC line as a new tool to identify teratogenic compounds and to characterize the molecular mechanisms mediating embryonic toxicity. Here we describe the use of a Wnt/β-Catenin-reporter ESC line isolated from a previously described mouse line that carries the LacZ reporter gene under the control of a β-Catenin responsive promoter. The reporter ESC line stably differentiates into cardiomyocytes within 12 days. The reporter was endogenously induced between day 3-5 of differentiation reminiscent of its expression in vivo, in which strong LacZ activity is detected around gastrulation. Subsequently its expression becomes restricted to mesodermal cells and cells undergoing an epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The Wnt/β-Catenin-dependent expression of the reporter protein allowed quantification of dose- and time-dependent effects of teratogenic chemicals. In particular, valproic acid reduced reporter activity on day 7 whereas retinoic acid induced reporter activity on day 5 at concentrations comparable to the ones inhibiting the formation of functional cardiomyocytes, the classical read-out of the embryonic stem cell test (EST). In addition, we were also able to show distinct effects of teratogenic chemicals on the Wnt/β-Catenin-reporter compared with the previously described Bmp-reporter ESCs. Thus, different reporter cell lines provide complementary tools for the identification and analysis of potentially teratogenic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Kugler
- *Department of Chemical & Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Rolf Kemler
- Emeritus Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- *Department of Chemical & Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Oelgeschläger
- Department of Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gardner NM, Riley RT, Showker JL, Voss KA, Sachs AJ, Maddox JR, Gelineau-van Waes JB. Elevated nuclear sphingoid base-1-phosphates and decreased histone deacetylase activity after fumonisin B1 treatment in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 298:56-65. [PMID: 26905748 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by a common fungal contaminant of corn. Administration of FB1 to pregnant LM/Bc mice induces exencephaly in embryos, and ingestion of FB1-contaminated food during early pregnancy is associated with increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) in humans. FB1 inhibits ceramide synthase enzymes in sphingolipid biosynthesis, causing sphinganine (Sa) and bioactive sphinganine-1-phosphate (Sa1P) accumulation in blood, cells, and tissues. Sphingosine kinases (Sphk) phosphorylate Sa to form Sa1P. Upon activation, Sphk1 associates primarily with the plasma membrane, while Sphk2 is found predominantly in the nucleus. In cells over-expressing Sphk2, accumulation of Sa1P in the nuclear compartment inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, causing increased acetylation of histone lysine residues. In this study, FB1 treatment in LM/Bc mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) resulted in significant accumulation of Sa1P in nuclear extracts relative to cytoplasmic extracts. Elevated nuclear Sa1P corresponded to decreased histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and increased histone acetylation at H2BK12, H3K9, H3K18, and H3K23. Treatment of LM/Bc MEFs with a selective Sphk1 inhibitor, PF-543, or with ABC294640, a selective Sphk2 inhibitor, significantly reduced nuclear Sa1P accumulation after FB1, although Sa1P levels remained significantly increased relative to basal levels. Concurrent treatment with both PF-543 and ABC294640 prevented nuclear accumulation of Sa1P in response to FB1. Other HDAC inhibitors are known to cause NTDs, so these results suggest that FB1-induced disruption of sphingolipid metabolism leading to nuclear Sa1P accumulation, HDAC inhibition, and histone hyperacetylation is a potential mechanism for FB1-induced NTDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gardner
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, United States.
| | - Ronald T Riley
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, GA 30605, United States
| | - Jency L Showker
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, GA 30605, United States
| | - Kenneth A Voss
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, GA 30605, United States
| | - Andrew J Sachs
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, United States
| | - Joyce R Maddox
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gardner NM, Riley RT, Showker JL, Voss KA, Sachs AJ, Maddox JR, Gelineau-van Waes JB. Elevated Nuclear and Cytoplasmic FTY720-Phosphate in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Suggests the Potential for Multiple Mechanisms in FTY720-Induced Neural Tube Defects. Toxicol Sci 2015; 150:161-8. [PMID: 26719367 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FTY720 (fingolimod) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. FTY720 treatment in pregnant inbred LM/Bc mice results in approximately 60% of embryos having a neural tube defect (NTD). Sphingosine kinases (Sphk1, Sphk2) phosphorylate FTY720 in vivo to form the bioactive metabolite FTY720-1-phosphate (FTY720-P). Cytoplasmic FTY720-P is an agonist for 4 of the 5 sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors (S1P1, 3-5) and can also act as a functional antagonist of S1P1, whereas FTY720-P generated in the nucleus inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), leading to increased histone acetylation. This study demonstrates that treatment of LM/Bc mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with FTY720 results in a significant accumulation of FTY720-P in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. Elevated nuclear FTY720-P is associated with decreased HDAC activity and increased histone acetylation at H3K18 and H3K23 in LM/Bc MEFs. Treatment of LM/Bc MEFs with FTY720 and a selective Sphk2 inhibitor, ABC294640, significantly reduces the amount of FTY720-P that accumulates in the nucleus. The data provide insight into the relative amounts of FTY720-P generated in the nuclear versus cytoplasmic subcellular compartments after FTY720 treatment and the specific Sphk isoforms involved. The results of this study suggest that FTY720-induced NTDs may involve multiple mechanisms, including: (1) sustained and/or altered S1P receptor activation and signaling by FTY720-P produced in the cytoplasm and (2) HDAC inhibition and histone hyperacetylation by FTY720-P generated in the nucleus that could lead to epigenetic changes in gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gardner
- *Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 and
| | - Ronald T Riley
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, Georgia 30605
| | - Jency L Showker
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, Georgia 30605
| | - Kenneth A Voss
- USDA-ARS, Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Athens, Georgia 30605
| | - Andrew J Sachs
- *Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 and
| | - Joyce R Maddox
- *Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 and
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Epigenetic therapy restores normal hematopoiesis in a zebrafish model of NUP98–HOXA9-induced myeloid disease. Leukemia 2015; 29:2086-97. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
23
|
The Role of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Disrupted Hippocampal Neurogenesis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Potential Therapeutic Target? Neurochem Res 2015; 40:1319-32. [PMID: 26012365 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common clinical neurological disorders. One of the major pathological findings in temporal lobe epilepsy is hippocampal sclerosis, characterized by massive neuronal loss and severe gliosis. The epileptogenesis process of temporal lobe epilepsy usually starts with initial precipitating insults, followed by neurodegeneration, abnormal hippocampus circuitry reorganization, and the formation of hypersynchronicity. Experimental and clinical evidence strongly suggests that dysfunctional neurogenesis is involved in the epileptogenesis. Recent data demonstrate that neurogenesis is induced by acute seizures or precipitating insults, whereas the capacity of neuronal recruitment and proliferation substantially decreases in the chronic phase of epilepsy. Participation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neurogenesis reveals its importance in epileptogenesis; its dysfunction contributes to the structural and functional abnormality of temporal lobe epilepsy, while rescuing this pathway exerts neuroprotective effects. Here, we summarize data supporting the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the epileptogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy. We also propose that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may serve as a promising therapeutic target for temporal lobe epilepsy treatment.
Collapse
|
24
|
Kugler J, Tharmann J, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Kemler R, Luch A, Oelgeschläger M. A Bmp Reporter Transgene Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Model as a Tool to Identify and Characterize Chemical Teratogens. Toxicol Sci 2015; 146:374-85. [PMID: 26001961 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were first isolated from mouse embryos more than 30 years ago. They have proven invaluable not only in generating genetically modified mice that allow for analysis of gene function in tissue development and homeostasis but also as models for genetic disease. In addition, ESCs in vitro are finding inroads in pharmaceutical and toxicological testing, including the identification of teratogenic compounds. Here, we describe the use of a bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp)-reporter ESC line, isolated from a well-characterized transgenic mouse line, as a new tool for the identification of chemical teratogens. The Bmp-mediated expression of the green fluorescent protein enabled the quantification of dose- and time-dependent effects of valproic acid as well as retinoic acid. Significant effects were detectable at concentrations that were comparable to the ones observed in the classical embryonic stem cell test, despite the fact that the reporter gene is expressed in distinct cell types, including endothelial and endodermal cells. Thus these cells provide a valuable new tool for the identification and characterization of relevant mechanisms of embryonic toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Kugler
- *German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemicals and Product Safety Berlin, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Tharmann
- *German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemicals and Product Safety Berlin, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Kemler
- Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Emeritus Laboratory, 79108 Freiburg, Germany and
| | - Andreas Luch
- *German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemicals and Product Safety Berlin, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Oelgeschläger
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Experimental Toxicology and Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chu T, Zhou H, Lu L, Kong X, Wang T, Pan B, Feng S. Valproic acid-mediated neuroprotection and neurogenesis after spinal cord injury: from mechanism to clinical potential. Regen Med 2014; 10:193-209. [PMID: 25485637 DOI: 10.2217/rme.14.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is difficult to treat because of secondary injury. Valproic acid (VPA) is clinically approved for mood stabilization, but also counteracts secondary damage to functionally rescue SCI in animal models by improving neuroprotection and neurogenesis via inhibition of HDAC and GSK-3. However, a comprehensive review summarizing the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of VPA for SCI and the issues affecting clinical trials is lacking, limiting future research on VPA and impeding its translation into clinical therapy for SCI. This article presents the current status of VPA treatment for SCI, emphasizing interactions between enhanced neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Crucial issues are discussed to optimize its clinical potential as a safe and effective treatment for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Chu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mowery TM, Wilson SM, Kostylev PV, Dina B, Buchholz JB, Prieto AL, Garraghty PE. Embryological exposure to valproic acid disrupts morphology of the deep cerebellar nuclei in a sexually dimorphic way. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 40:15-23. [PMID: 25447790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is diagnosed in males at a much higher rate than females. For this reason, the majority of autism research has used male subjects exclusively. However; more recent studies using genetic sex as a factor find that the development of the male and female brain is differentially affected by ASD. That is, the natural sex-specific differences that exist between male and female brains lead to sexually dimorphic expressions of autism. Here we investigate the putative sexual dimorphism that exists in the deep cerebellar nuclei of male and female rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA) on embryological day 12.5. We find natural sex-specific differences in adult nucleus area, length, and estimated cell populations. Therefore VPA exposure during embryology creates some sex-specific deficits such as higher cell counts in the VPA males and lower cell counts in the VPA females. At the same time, some effects of VPA exposure occur regardless of sex. That is, smaller nucleus area and length lead to truncated nuclei in both VPA males and females. These deficits are more pronounced in the VPA males suggesting that genetic sex could play a role in teratogenic susceptibility to VPA. Taken together our results suggests that VPA exposure induces sexually dimorphic aberrations in morphological development along a mediolateral gradient at a discrete region of the hindbrain approximate to rhombomere (R) 1 and 2. Sex-specific disruption of the local and long-range projections emanating from this locus of susceptibility could offer a parsimonious explanation for the brain-wide neuroanatomical variance reported in males and females with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Mowery
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
| | - Sarah M Wilson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Polina V Kostylev
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Blair Dina
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Jennifer B Buchholz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Anne L Prieto
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Preston E Garraghty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shi QQ, Zuo GW, Feng ZQ, Zhao LC, Luo L, You ZM, Li DY, Xia J, Li J, Chen DL. Effect of Trichostatin A on Anti HepG2 Liver Carcinoma Cells: Inhibition of HDAC Activity and Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:7849-55. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.18.7849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
28
|
Ryu S, Lee Y, Hyun MY, Choi SY, Jeong KH, Park YM, Kang H, Park KY, Armstrong CA, Johnson A, Song PI, Kim BJ. Mycophenolate antagonizes IFN-γ-induced catagen-like changes via β-catenin activation in human dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:16800-15. [PMID: 25247578 PMCID: PMC4200814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150916800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, various immunosuppressant drugs have been shown to induce hair growth in normal hair as well as in alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia; however, the responsible mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the influence of mycophenolate (MPA), an immunosuppressant, on the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and on the growth of human hair follicles following catagen induction with interferon (IFN)-γ. IFN-γ was found to reduce β-catenin, an activator of hair follicle growth, and activate glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and enhance expression of the Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 and catagen inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. IFN-γ inhibited expression of ALP and other dermal papillar cells (DPCs) markers such as Axin2, IGF-1, and FGF 7 and 10. MPA increased β-catenin in IFN-γ-treated hDPCs leading to its nuclear accumulation via inhibition of GSK3β and reduction of DKK-1. Furthermore, MPA significantly increased expression of ALP and other DPC marker genes but inhibited expression of TGF-β2. Therefore, we demonstrate for the first time that IFN-γ induces catagen-like changes in hDPCs and in hair follicles via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and that MPA stabilizes β-catenin by inhibiting GSK3β leading to increased β-catenin target gene and DP signature gene expression, which may, in part, counteract IFN-γ-induced catagen in hDPCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunhyo Ryu
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Yonghee Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Moo Yeol Hyun
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Sun Young Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Kwan Ho Jeong
- Department of Dermatology, St. Paul's Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Young Min Park
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Hoon Kang
- Department of Dermatology, St. Paul's Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Kui Young Park
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| | - Cheryl A Armstrong
- Department of Dermatology, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO 80204, USA.
| | - Andrew Johnson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Peter I Song
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Beom Joon Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 137-701, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
de Jong E, van Beek L, Piersma AH. Comparison of osteoblast and cardiomyocyte differentiation in the embryonic stem cell test for predicting embryotoxicity in vivo. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 48:62-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
30
|
Bauman J, Shaheen M, Verschraegen CF, Belinsky SA, Houman Fekrazad M, Lee FC, Rabinowitz I, Ravindranathan M, Jones DV. A Phase I Protocol of Hydralazine and Valproic Acid in Advanced, Previously Treated Solid Cancers. Transl Oncol 2014; 7:S1936-5233(14)00020-5. [PMID: 24746712 PMCID: PMC4792814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Smokers experience aberrant gene promoter methylation in their bronchial cells, which may predispose to the development of neoplasia. Hydralazine is a DNA demethylating agent, and valproic acid is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and both have modest but synergistic anticancer activity in vitro. We conducted a phase I trial combining valproic acid and hydralazine to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of hydralazine in combination with a therapeutic dose of valproic acid in patients with advanced, unresectable, and previously treated solid cancers. Twenty females and nine males were enrolled, with a median age of 57 years and a median ECOG performance status of 0. Grade 1 lymphopenia and fatigue were the most common adverse effects. Three subjects withdrew for treatment-related toxicities occurring after the DLT observation period, including testicular edema, rash, and an increase in serum lipase accompanied by hyponatremia in one subject each. A true MTD of hydralazine in combination with therapeutic doses of valproic acid was not reached in this trial, and the planned upper limit of hydralazine investigated in this combination was 400 mg/day without grade 3 or 4 toxicities. A median number of two treatment cycles were delivered. One partial response by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria was observed, and five subjects experienced stable disease for 3 to 6 months. The combination of hydralazine and valproic acid is simple, nontoxic, and might be appropriate for chemoprevention or combination with other cancer treatments. This trial supports further investigation of epigenetic modification as a new therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bauman
- University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Monte Shaheen
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | | | | | | | - Fa-Chyi Lee
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | | | | | - Dennie V Jones
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jo SJ, Shin H, Park YW, Paik SH, Park WS, Jeong YS, Shin HJ, Kwon O. Topical valproic acid increases the hair count in male patients with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, comparative, clinical feasibility study using phototrichogram analysis. J Dermatol 2014; 41:285-91. [PMID: 24533507 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), a widely used anticonvulsant, inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3β and activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is associated with hair growth cycle and anagen induction. To assess the efficacy of topical VPA for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Male patients with moderate AGA underwent treatment with either VPA (sodium valproate, 8.3%) or placebo spray for 24 weeks. The primary end-point for efficacy was the change in hair count during treatment, which was assessed by phototrichogram analysis. Of the 40 patients enrolled in the study, 27 (n = 15, VPA group; n = 12, placebo group) completed the entire protocol with good compliance. No statistical differences in age, hair loss duration and total hair count at baseline were found between the groups. The mean change in total hair count was significantly higher in the VPA group than in the placebo group (P = 0.047). Both groups experienced mostly mild and self-limited adverse events, but their differences in prevalence rates were similar between the two groups (P = 0.72). A subject treated with topical VPA developed ventricular tachycardia, but it did not seem to be related to the VPA spray. Topical VPA increased the total hair counts of our patients; therefore, it is a potential treatment option for AGA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Jin Jo
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Waldmann T, Rempel E, Balmer NV, König A, Kolde R, Gaspar JA, Henry M, Hescheler J, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Leist M. Design principles of concentration-dependent transcriptome deviations in drug-exposed differentiating stem cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2014; 27:408-20. [PMID: 24383497 PMCID: PMC3958134 DOI: 10.1021/tx400402j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Information on design principles
governing transcriptome changes
upon transition from safe to hazardous drug concentrations or from
tolerated to cytotoxic drug levels are important for the application
of toxicogenomics data in developmental toxicology. Here, we tested
the effect of eight concentrations of valproic acid (VPA; 25–1000
μM) in an assay that recapitulates the development of human
embryonic stem cells to neuroectoderm. Cells were exposed to the drug
during the entire differentiation process, and the number of differentially
regulated genes increased continuously over the concentration range
from zero to about 3000. We identified overrepresented transcription
factor binding sites (TFBS) as well as superordinate cell biological
processes, and we developed a gene ontology (GO) activation profiler,
as well as a two-dimensional teratogenicity index. Analysis of the
transcriptome data set by the above biostatistical and systems biology
approaches yielded the following insights: (i) tolerated (≤25
μM), deregulated/teratogenic (150–550 μM), and
cytotoxic (≥800 μM) concentrations could be differentiated.
(ii) Biological signatures related to the mode of action of VPA, such
as protein acetylation, developmental changes, and cell migration,
emerged from the teratogenic concentrations range. (iii) Cytotoxicity
was not accompanied by signatures of newly emerging canonical cell
death/stress indicators, but by catabolism and decreased expression
of cell cycle associated genes. (iv) Most, but not all of the GO groups
and TFBS seen at the highest concentrations were already overrepresented
at 350–450 μM. (v) The teratogenicity index reflected
this behavior, and thus differed strongly from cytotoxicity. Our findings
suggest the use of the highest noncytotoxic drug concentration for
gene array toxicogenomics studies, as higher concentrations possibly
yield wrong information on the mode of action, and lower drug levels
result in decreased gene expression changes and thus a reduced power
of the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Waldmann
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for in Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Application of “Omics” Technologies to In Vitro Toxicology. METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0521-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
|
34
|
Stempin S, Andres S, Bumke Scheer M, Rode A, Nau H, Seidel A, Lampen A. Valproic acid and its derivatives enhanced estrogenic activity but not androgenic activity in a structure dependent manner. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 42:49-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
35
|
Developmental exposure to valproic acid alters the expression of microRNAs involved in neurodevelopment in zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2013; 40:46-58. [PMID: 24126255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Congenital malformations are a prevalent cause of infant mortality in the United States and their induction has been linked to a variety of factors, including exposure to teratogens. However, the molecular mechanisms of teratogenicity are not fully understood. MicroRNAs are an important group of small, non-coding RNAs that regulate mRNA expression. MicroRNA roles in early embryonic development are well established, and their disruption during development can cause abnormalities. We hypothesized that developmental exposure to teratogens such as valproic acid alters microRNA expression profiles in developing embryos. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines. To examine the effects of valproic acid on microRNA expression during development, we used zebrafish embryos as a model vertebrate developmental system. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to valproic acid (1mM) or vehicle control (ethanol) starting from 4h post-fertilization (hpf) and sampled at 48 and 96hpf to determine the miRNA expression profiles prior to and after the onset of developmental defects. At 96hpf, 95% of the larvae showed skeletal deformities, abnormal swimming behavior, and pericardial effusion. Microarray expression profiling was done using Agilent zebrafish miRNA microarrays. Microarray results revealed changes in miRNA expression at both time points. Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed at 48hpf and 22 miRNAs were altered at 96hpf. Among them, six miRNAs (miR-16a, 18c, 122, 132, 457b, and 724) were common to both time points. Bioinformatic target prediction and examination of published literature revealed that these miRNAs target several genes involved in the normal functioning of the central nervous system. These results suggest that the teratogenic effects of valproic acid could involve altered miRNA expression.
Collapse
|
36
|
Przybylak KR, Schultz TW. Informing Chemical Categories through the Development of Adverse Outcome Pathways. CHEMICAL TOXICITY PREDICTION 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/9781849734400-00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, the AOP concept has been briefly described together with its usefulness in chemical category formation and the development of the SARs. It presents how the AOP should be developed, assessed and reported. The main advantage of the AOP in grouping chemicals is the categorisation of compounds based on both intrinsic chemical and biological activity. Such categories of chemicals which share not only MIE but also one or more early key events are more toxicologically meaningful than categories based solely on the MIE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K R Przybylak
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Pharmacy and Chemistry Byrom Street Liverpool L3 3AF England
| | - T. W. Schultz
- University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine 2407 River Drive Knoxville TN 37996 USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tonk ECM, Robinson JF, Verhoef A, Theunissen PT, Pennings JLA, Piersma AH. Valproic acid-induced gene expression responses in rat whole embryo culture and comparison across in vitro developmental and non-developmental models. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 41:57-66. [PMID: 23811354 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic evaluations may improve toxicity prediction of in vitro-based developmental models. In this study, transcriptomics was used to identify VPA-induced gene expression changes in rat whole embryo culture (WEC). Furthermore, VPA-induced responses were compared across in vitro-based developmental models, such as the cardiac and neural embryonic stem cells (ESTc and ESTn, respectively) and the zebrafish embryotoxicity model. VPA-induced gene regulation in WEC corresponded with observed morphological effects and previously suggested mechanisms of toxicity. Gene Ontology term-directed analysis showed conservation of VPA-induced gene expression changes across in vitro-based developmental models, with ESTc and ESTn exhibiting complementary responses. Furthermore, comparison of in vitro-based developmental and non-developmental models revealed that more generalized VPA-induced effects can be detected using non-developmental models whereas developmental models provide added value when assessing developmental-specific effects. These analyses can be used to optimize test batteries for the detection of developmental toxicants in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C M Tonk
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jo SJ, Choi SJ, Yoon SY, Lee JY, Park WS, Park PJ, Kim KH, Eun HC, Kwon O. Valproic acid promotes human hair growth in in vitro culture model. J Dermatol Sci 2013; 72:16-24. [PMID: 23810771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Catenin, the transducer of Wnt signaling, is critical for the development and growth of hair follicles. In the absence of Wnt signals, cytoplasmic β-catenin is phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 and then degraded. Therefore, inhibition of GSK-3 may enhance hair growth via β-catenin stabilization. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and a mood-stabilizing drug that has been used for decades. Recently, valproic acid was reported to inhibit GSK-3β in neuronal cells, but its effect on human hair follicles remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of VPA on human hair growth. METHODS We investigated the effect of VPA on cultured human dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells and on an in vitro culture of human hair follicles, which were obtained from scalp skin samples of healthy volunteers. Anagen induction by valproic acid was evaluated using C57BL/6 mice model. RESULTS Valproic acid not only enhanced the viability of human dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells but also promoted elongation of the hair shaft and reduced catagen transition of human hair follicles in organ culture model. Valproic acid treatment of human dermal papilla cells led to increased β-catenin levels and nuclear accumulation and inhibition of GSK-3β by phosphorylation. In addition, valproic acid treatment accelerated the induction of anagen hair in 7-week-old female C57BL/6 mice. CONCLUSIONS Valproic acid enhanced human hair growth by increasing β-catenin and therefore may serve as an alternative therapeutic option for alopecia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Jin Jo
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Evaluation of an alternative in vitro test battery for detecting reproductive toxicants. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 38:53-64. [PMID: 23511061 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The application of alternative methods in developmental and reproductive toxicology is challenging in view of the complexity of mechanisms involved. A battery of complementary test systems may provide a better prediction of developmental and reproductive toxicity than single assays. We tested twelve compounds with varying mechanisms of toxic action in an assay battery including 24 CALUX transcriptional activation assays, mouse cardiac embryonic stem cell test, ReProGlo assay, zebrafish embryotoxicity assay, and two CYP17 and two CYP19 activity assays. The battery correctly detected 11/12 compounds tested, with one false negative occurring, which could be explained by the absence of the specific mechanism of action of this compound in the battery. Toxicokinetic modeling revealed that toxic concentrations were in the range expected from in vivo reproductive toxicity data. This study illustrates added value of combining assays that contain complementary biological processes and mechanisms, increasing predictive value of the battery over individual assays.
Collapse
|
40
|
Chiu CT, Wang Z, Hunsberger JG, Chuang DM. Therapeutic potential of mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid: beyond bipolar disorder. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:105-42. [PMID: 23300133 PMCID: PMC3565922 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid (VPA) are traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder (BD), a severe mental illness arising from complex interactions between genes and environment that drive deficits in cellular plasticity and resiliency. The therapeutic potential of these drugs in other central nervous system diseases is also gaining support. This article reviews the various mechanisms of action of lithium and VPA gleaned from cellular and animal models of neurologic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical evidence is included when available to provide a comprehensive perspective of the field and to acknowledge some of the limitations of these treatments. First, the review describes how action at these drugs' primary targets--glycogen synthase kinase-3 for lithium and histone deacetylases for VPA--induces the transcription and expression of neurotrophic, angiogenic, and neuroprotective proteins. Cell survival signaling cascades, oxidative stress pathways, and protein quality control mechanisms may further underlie lithium and VPA's beneficial actions. The ability of cotreatment to augment neuroprotection and enhance stem cell homing and migration is also discussed, as are microRNAs as new therapeutic targets. Finally, preclinical findings have shown that the neuroprotective benefits of these agents facilitate anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and disease-specific neuroprotection. These mechanisms can be compared with dysregulated disease mechanisms to suggest core cellular and molecular disturbances identifiable by specific risk biomarkers. Future clinical endeavors are warranted to determine the therapeutic potential of lithium and VPA across the spectrum of central nervous system diseases, with particular emphasis on a personalized medicine approach toward treating these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Tso Chiu
- Molecular Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wlodarczyk BJ, Palacios AM, George TM, Finnell RH. Antiepileptic drugs and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Med Genet A 2012; 158A:2071-90. [PMID: 22711424 PMCID: PMC3402584 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of epilepsy in women of reproductive age remains a clinical challenge. While most women with epilepsy (WWE) require anticonvulsant drugs for adequate control of their seizures, the teratogenicity associated with some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a risk that needs to be carefully addressed. Antiepileptic medications are also used to treat an ever broadening range of medical conditions such as bipolar disorder, migraine prophylaxis, cancer, and neuropathic pain. Despite the fact that the majority of pregnancies of WWE who are receiving pharmacological treatment are normal, studies have demonstrated that the risk of having a pregnancy complicated by a major congenital malformation is doubled when comparing the risk of untreated pregnancies. Furthermore, when AEDs are used in polytherapy regimens, the risk is tripled, especially when valproic acid (VPA) is included. However, it should be noted that the risks are specific for each anticonvulsant drug. Some investigations have suggested that the risk of teratogenicity is increased in a dose-dependent manner. More recent studies have reported that in utero exposure to AEDs can have detrimental effects on the cognitive functions and language skills in later stages of life. In fact, the FDA just issued a safety announcement on the impact of VPA on cognition (Safety Announcement 6-30-2011). The purpose of this document is to review the most commonly used compounds in the treatment of WWE, and to provide information on the latest experimental and human epidemiological studies of the effects of AEDs in the exposed embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan J Wlodarczyk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78723, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Balmer NV, Weng MK, Zimmer B, Ivanova VN, Chambers SM, Nikolaeva E, Jagtap S, Sachinidis A, Hescheler J, Waldmann T, Leist M. Epigenetic changes and disturbed neural development in a human embryonic stem cell-based model relating to the fetal valproate syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:4104-14. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
|
43
|
Balch C, Naegeli K, Nam S, Ballard B, Hyslop A, Melki C, Reilly E, Hur MW, Nephew KP. A unique histone deacetylase inhibitor alters microRNA expression and signal transduction in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 13:681-93. [PMID: 22549158 PMCID: PMC3408973 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.20086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated potent antineoplastic activity of a distinctive histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), AR42, against chemoresistant CP70 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, in follow-up to that work, we explored AR42 global mechanisms-of-action by examining drug-associated, genome-wide microRNA and mRNA expression profiles, which differed from those of the well-studied HDACI vorinostat. Expression of microRNA genes in negative correlation with their "target" coding gene (mRNA) transcripts, and transcription factor genes with expression positively correlated with coding genes having their cognate binding sites, were identified and subjected to gene ontology analyses. Those evaluations showed AR42 gene expression patterns to negatively correlate with Wnt signaling (> 18-fold induction of SFRP1), the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (40% decreased ATF1), and cell cycle progression (33-fold increased 14-3-3σ). By contrast, AR42 transcriptome alterations correlated positively with extrinsic ("death receptor") apoptosis (> 2.3-fold upregulated DAPK) and favorable ovarian cancer histopathology and prognosis. Inhibition of Wnt signaling was experimentally validated by: (1) > 2.6-fold reduced Wnt reporter activity; and (2) 36% reduction in nuclear, activated β-catenin. Likely AR42 induction of multiple (type I or type II autophagic) cell death cascades was further supported by 57% decreased reliance upon reactive oxygen, increased mitochondrial membrane disruption, and caspase independence, as compared with vorinostat. Taken together, we demonstrate distinct antineoplastic pathway alterations, in aggressive ovarian cancer cells, following treatment with a promising HDACI, AR42. These combined computational and experimental approaches may also represent a straightforward means for mechanistic studies of other promising antineoplastics, and/or the identification of agents that may complement epigenetic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Curt Balch
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer; Indiana University; Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Kaleb Naegeli
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Seungyoon Nam
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Brett Ballard
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Alan Hyslop
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Christina Melki
- Department of Biochemistry; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
| | | | - Man-Wook Hur
- College of Medicine; Yonsi University; Seoul, Korea
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer; Indiana University; Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis, IN USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zapotocky M, Mejstrikova E, Smetana K, Stary J, Trka J, Starkova J. Valproic acid triggers differentiation and apoptosis in AML1/ETO-positive leukemic cells specifically. Cancer Lett 2012; 319:144-153. [PMID: 22261333 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) has extensive effects on leukemic blasts through its inhibition of histone deacetylases. The main goal of this study was to identify the subgroup of patients who may benefit most from VPA treatment. We examined the significance of t(8;21) chromosomal aberration for VPA treatment response among acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients by direct comparison of AML1/ETO-negative vs. positive leukemic cell-lines as well as bone marrow blasts from AML patients. In t(8;21) AML, leukemogenesis is supposed to be induced via aberrant recruitment of histone deacetylases. AML cell lines of different genotypes (Kasumi-1, Kasumi-6, MV4;11, K562) and diagnostic bone marrow samples from patients were treated with VPA. VPA induced apoptosis in AML1/ETO-positive and MLL-AF4-positive cells in a dose-dependent manner. Differentiation, as indicated by changes in immunophenotype, was observed only in AML1/ETO-positive cells. VPA increased the expression of AML1 target genes - PU.1, C/EBPa, BPI and IGFBP7 only in AML1/ETO-positive cells. This AML1/ETO-specific effect was confirmed also using patient blasts isolated at the time of diagnosis. AML1/ETO-positive leukemia shows specific mechanism of VPA residing from differentiation followed by apoptosis that is accompanied by an increase in the expression of repressed AML1 target genes. Our data suggest that AML1/ETO-positive patients might derive the greatest benefit from VPA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zapotocky
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ester Mejstrikova
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Charles University, 1st Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stary
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Trka
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Julia Starkova
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Selderslaghs IWT, Blust R, Witters HE. Feasibility study of the zebrafish assay as an alternative method to screen for developmental toxicity and embryotoxicity using a training set of 27 compounds. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 33:142-54. [PMID: 21871558 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
To anticipate to increased testing needs for reproductive toxicity and 3R approaches, we studied zebrafish embryo/larva as an alternative for animal testing for developmental toxicity and embryotoxicity and evaluated a training set of 27 compounds with a standardized protocol. The classification of compounds in the zebrafish embryo/larva assay, based on a prediction model using a TI (teratogenic index) cut-off value of 2, was compared to available animal and human data. When comparing the classification of compounds in the zebrafish embryo/larva assay to available animal classification, a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 100% were obtained. The predictive values obtained in comparison to a limited set of human data were 50, 60% respectively for teratogens, non-teratogens. Overall, we demonstrated that the zebrafish embryo/larva assay, may be used as screening tool for prioritization of compounds and could contribute to reduction of animal experiments in the field of developmental toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid W T Selderslaghs
- VITO NV, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, CARDAM, Centre for Advanced R&D on Alternative Methods, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wlodarczyk BJ, Palacios AM, Chapa CJ, Zhu H, George TM, Finnell RH. Genetic basis of susceptibility to teratogen induced birth defects. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2011; 157C:215-26. [PMID: 21766441 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.30314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Birth defects remain the leading cause of infant death in US. The field of teratology has been focused on the causes and underlying mechanisms of birth defects for decades, yet our understanding of these critical issues remain unacceptably vague. Conclusions from years of animal and human studies made it clear that the vast majority of birth defects have multifactorial origins, with contributions from environmental and genetic factors. The environment comprises not only of the physical, biological, and chemical external environment surrounding the pregnant woman, but it also includes the internal environment of the woman's body that interact with the developing embryo in a complex fashion. The importance of maternal and embryonic genetic factors consisting of countless genetic variants/mutations that exist within every individual contribute to birth defect susceptibility is only now being more fully appreciated. This great complexity of the genome and its diversity within individuals and populations seems to be the principal reason why the same teratogenic exposure can induce severe malformation in one embryo, while fail to do so to other exposed embryos. As the interaction between genetic and environmental factors has long been recognized as the first "Principle of Teratology" by Wilson and Warkany [1965. Teratology: Principles and techniques. Chicago: University of Chicago Press], it is only recently that the appropriate investigative tools have been developed with which to fully investigate this fundamental principle. The introduction of high throughput technologies like whole genome sequencing or genome-wide association studies are promising to deliver an enormous amount of new data that will shed light on the genomic factors that contribute susceptibility to environmental teratogens. In this review, we attempt to summarize the epidemiological and experimental literature concerning birth defects whose phenotypic expression can be clearly related to the interactions between several select environmental factors and those genetic pathways in which they are most likely to have significant modifying effects. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan J Wlodarczyk
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin, TX 78723, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
While a distinct minicolumnar phenotype seems to be an underlying factor in a significant portion of cases of autism, great attention is being paid not only to genetics but to epigenetic factors which may lead to development of the conditions. Here we discuss the indivisible role the molecular environment plays in cellular function, particularly the pivotal position which the transcription factor and adhesion molecule, β-catenin, occupies in cellular growth. In addition, the learning environment is not only integral to postnatal plasticity, but the prenatal environment plays a vital role during corticogenesis, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis as well. To illustrate these points in the case of autism, we review important findings in genetics studies (e.g., PTEN, TSC1/2, FMRP, MeCP2, Neurexin-Neuroligin) and known epigenetic factors (e.g., valproic acid, estrogen, immune system, ultrasound) which may predispose towards the minicolumnar and connectivity patterns seen in the conditions, showing how one-gene mutational syndromes and exposure to certain CNS teratogens may ultimately lead to comparable phenotypes. This in turn may shed greater light on how environment and complex genetics combinatorially give rise to a heterogenetic group of conditions such as autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Williams
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tureci E, Asan Z, Eser M, Tanriverdi T, Alkan F, Erdincler P. The effects of valproic acid and levetiracetam on chicken embryos. J Clin Neurosci 2011; 18:816-20. [PMID: 21507647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
For patients with epilepsy, anti-epileptic medication is generally the first line of treatment, but treating pregnant women with epilepsy can be a challenge. Standard anti-epileptic medications have caused developmental abnormalities, so much effort has been put into developing antiepileptic medications with minimal teratogenic effects. In this experimental study, the new-generation anti-epileptic medication levetiracetam and the standard anti-epileptic medication valproic acid were compared in terms of teratogenicity by studying embryonic development in 360 fertile White-Leghorn chicken eggs (conception day 0). We found that levetiracetam may cause severe developmental abnormalities, and is likely not safe for use in pregnant women. As expected, valproic acid caused more frequent developmental abnormalities than levetiracetam, and the risk increased still further when both drugs were administered in combination. Levetiracetam should be used cautiously in pregnant women with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ercan Tureci
- Department of Anesthesiology, Section of Neuroanesthesiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ho E, Dashwood RH. Dietary manipulation of histone structure and function. JOURNAL OF NUTRIGENETICS AND NUTRIGENOMICS 2011; 3:231-8. [PMID: 21474954 DOI: 10.1159/000324359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ho
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Iwata K, Matsuzaki H, Takei N, Manabe T, Mori N. Animal models of autism: an epigenetic and environmental viewpoint. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2010; 2:37-44. [PMID: 23861630 PMCID: PMC3661233 DOI: 10.4137/jcnsd.s6188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder of social behavior, which is more common in males than in females. The causes of autism are unknown; there is evidence for a substantial genetic component, but it is likely that a combination of genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors contribute to its complex pathogenesis. Rodent models that mimic the behavioral deficits of autism can be useful tools for dissecting both the etiology and molecular mechanisms. This review discusses animal models of autism generated by prenatal or neonatal environmental challenges, including virus infection and exposure to valproic acid (VPA) or stress. Studies of viral infection models suggest that interleukin-6 can influence fetal development and programming. Prenatal exposure to the histone deacetylase inhibitor VPA has been linked to autism in children, and male VPA-exposed rats exhibit a spectrum of autistic-like behaviors. The experience of prenatal stress produces male-specific behavioral abnormalities in rats. These effects may be mediated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation resulting in alterations to the transcriptome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Iwata
- Osaka Hamamatsu Joint Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|