1
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He Z, Botchway BOA, Zhang Y, Liu X. Triptolide activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway to improve Alzheimer disease. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:173-182. [PMID: 37624431 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01278-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with pathological features of accumulated amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and the significant inflammatory environment. These features modify the living microenvironment for nerve cells, causing the damage, dysfunction, and death. Progressive neuronal loss directly leads to cognitive decline in AD patients and is closely related to brain inflammation. Therefore, impairing inflammation via signaling pathways may facilitate either the prevention or delay of the degenerative process. Triptolide has been evidenced to possess potent anti-inflammatory effect. In this review, we elaborate on two signaling pathways (the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways) that are involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoting He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Benson O A Botchway
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Bupa Cromwell Hospital, Kensington, London, UK
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China.
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2
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Jiang S, Wan F, Lian H, Lu Z, Li X, Cao D, Jiang Y, Li J. Friend or foe? The dual role of triptolide in the liver, kidney, and heart. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114470. [PMID: 36868013 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, a controversial natural compound due to its significant pharmacological activities and multiorgan toxicity, has gained much attention since it was isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. However, in addition to its severe toxicity, triptolide also presents powerful therapeutic potency in the same organs, such as the liver, kidney, and heart, which corresponds to the Chinese medicine theory of You Gu Wu Yun (anti-fire with fire) and deeply interested us. To determine the possible mechanisms involved in the dual role of triptolide, we reviewed related articles about the application of triptolide in both physiological and pathological conditions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the two main ways triptolide exerts different roles, and the cross-talk between NF-κB and Nrf2 may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the dual role of triptolide and may represent the scientific connotation of You Gu Wu Yun. For the first time, we present a review of the dual role of triptolide in the same organ and propose the possible scientific connotation of the Chinese medicine theory of You Gu Wu Yun, hoping to promote the safe and efficient use of triptolide and other controversial medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hui Lian
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhihao Lu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xueming Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yangyu Jiang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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3
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Sundaramoorthy TH, Castanho I. The Neuroepigenetic Landscape of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Epigenet Insights 2022; 15:25168657221135848. [PMID: 36353727 PMCID: PMC9638687 DOI: 10.1177/25168657221135848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate and invertebrate models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have been paramount to our understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions; however, the brain epigenetic landscape is less well established in these disease models. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs are among commonly studied mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. Genome-wide studies and candidate studies of specific methylation marks, histone marks, and microRNAs have demonstrated the dysregulation of these mechanisms in models of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the studies to date are scarce and inconclusive and the implications of many of these changes are still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize epigenetic changes reported to date in the brain of vertebrate and invertebrate models used to study neurodegenerative diseases, specifically diseases affecting the aging population. We also discuss caveats of epigenetic research so far and the use of disease models to understand neurodegenerative diseases, with the aim of improving the use of model organisms in this context in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Castanho
- University of Exeter Medical School,
University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA
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4
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Cui Y, Jiang X, Feng J. The therapeutic potential of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1024955. [PMID: 36339550 PMCID: PMC9626530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1024955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases are complex diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord, with numerous etiologies and pathogenesis not yet fully elucidated. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (TWHF) is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use in China and is widely used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. With the rapid development of modern technology, the two main bioactive components of TWHF, triptolide and celastrol, have been found to have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects and can be used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, including neurological diseases. In this paper, we summarize the preclinical studies of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, brain and spinal cord injury, and epilepsy. In addition, we review the mechanisms of action of triptolide and celastrol in neurological diseases, their toxicity, related derivatives, and nanotechnology-based carrier system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueran Cui
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuejiao Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Juan Feng,
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5
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Xu P, Wu Z, Peng Y, Gao J, Zheng F, Tan J, Xu J, Wang T. Neuroprotection of Triptolide against Amyloid-Beta1-42-induced toxicity via the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K-mediated Autophagy Pathway. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210938. [PMID: 35946645 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide is a natural active compound that has significant neuroprotective properties and shows promising effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that autophagy occurs in AD. In this study, we determined whether autophagy regulated by triptolide ameliorates neuronal death caused by amyloid-Beta1-42 (Aβ1-42). We examined the effects of triptolide on cell viability, autophagy, apoptosis, and the protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamysin/70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (Akt/mTOR/p70S6K) signaling pathway in PC12 cells. The results indicated that triptolide treatment exhibited a cytoprotective effect against cell injury induced by Aβ1-42. Triptolide also reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival by decreasing autophagosome accumulation and inducing autophagic degradation. Furthermore, our results also showed that activating the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K mechanism was one reason for the protection of triptolide. Triptolide treatment protected against Aβ1-42-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing autophagosome accumulation, and inducing autophagic degradation in PC12 cells. These findings also suggest that the reduction of autophagosome accumulation observed in triptolide-treated cells was Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway dependent. Overall, triptolide exhibits a neuron protective effect and this study provides new insight into AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjuan Xu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yanfei Peng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Junzhen Tan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Department of Neurology, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
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6
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Chu C, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Pang Y, Niu Y, Zhang R. Identification of ceRNA network to explain the mechanism of cognitive dysfunctions induced by PS NPs in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113785. [PMID: 35753268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics breaking down of larger plastics into smaller ones (microplastics and nanoplastic) as potential threats to the ecosystem. Previous studies demonstrate that the central nervous system (CNS) is a vulnerable target of nanoplastics. However, the potentially epigenetic biomarkers of nanoplastic neurotoxicity in rodent models are still unknown. The present research aimed to determine the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in the process of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) exposure-induced nerve injury. The study was designed to investigate whether 25 nm PS NPs could cause learning dysfunction and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in mice. A total of 40 mice were divided into 4 groups and were exposed to PS NPs (0, 10, 25, 50 mg/kg). Chronic toxicity was introduced in mice by administration of oral gavage for 6 months. The evaluation included assessment of their behavior, pathological investigation and determination of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage. RNA-Seq was performed to detect the expression levels of circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in PFC samples of mice treated with 0 and 50 mg/kg PS NPs. The results indicated that exposure of mice to PS NPs caused a dose-dependent cognitive decline. ROS levels and DNA damage were increased in the PFC following exposure of the mice to PS NPs. A total of 987 mRNAs, 29 miRNAs and 67 circRNAs demonstrated significant differences between the 0 and 50 mg/kg PS NPs groups. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that PS NPs may induce major injury in the synaptic function. A total of 96 mRNAs, which were associated with synaptic dysfunction were identified. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network containing 27 circRNAs, 19 miRNAs and 35 synaptic dysfunction-related mRNAs was constructed. The present study provided insight into the molecular events associated with nanoplastic toxicity and induction of cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Department of Preventative Ophthalmology, Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, 200040, China
| | - Yaling Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Qingping Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yaxian Pang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yujie Niu
- Deportment Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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7
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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8
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Guo W, Ma H, Wang CZ, Wan JY, Yao H, Yuan CS. Epigenetic Studies of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Pleiotropic Role of DNA Methylation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:790321. [PMID: 34950039 PMCID: PMC8688941 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.790321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating knowledge has been achieved on DNA methylation participating in numerous cellular processes and multiple human diseases; however, few studies have addressed the pleiotropic role of DNA methylation in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). CHM has been used worldwide for the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases. Newly developed epigenetic techniques have brought great opportunities for the development of CHM. In this review, we summarize the DNA methylation studies and portray the pleiotropic role of DNA methylation in CHM. DNA methylation serves as a mediator participating in plant responses to environmental factors, and thus affecting CHM medicinal plants growth and bioactive compound biosynthesis which are vital for therapeutic effects. Furthermore, DNA methylation helps to uncover the pharmaceutical mechanisms of CHM formulae, herbs, and herbal-derived compounds. It also provides scientific validation for constitution theory and other essential issues of CHM. This newly developed field of DNA methylation is up-and-coming to address many complicated scientific questions of CHM; it thus not only promotes disease treatment but also facilitates health maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Han Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chong-Zhi Wang
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jin-Yi Wan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqiang Yao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Su Yuan
- Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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9
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Zeng Y, Li Y, Shen H, Lin N, Zhang J. Tripchlorolide attenuates β-amyloid generation by inducing NEP activity in N2a/APP695 cells. Transl Neurosci 2021; 12:301-308. [PMID: 34316383 PMCID: PMC8294110 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2020-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegeneration disease. The previous work from our research group demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of tripchlorolide (T4) in AD animal models. Materials and methods Neprilysin (NEP) is known as an important physiological amyloid-β protein (Aβ) peptide-degrading enzyme in the brain due to its apparent rate-limiting function. In this study, we explored the effect of NEP on AD model N2a/APP695 cells. Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to assess the expression of proteins, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to evaluate RNA levels. Cell vitality was detected by the MTT assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using a ROS activity assay kit. Results We discovered that T4 was able to enhance the enzyme activity of NEP. T4 administration decreased the protein levels of the soluble amyloid precursor protein. In further experiments, we found that by using thiorphan the secretion of Aβ, oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and inflammatory factors, which were suppressed by T4, were reversed. Due to its ability to attenuate Aβ generation and to protect neurons against the neurotoxicity of Aβ, T4 may be a potential therapy in the regulation of Aβ-related pathology in AD by affecting NEP activity. Conclusion Tripchlorolide attenuates Aβ generation by inducing NEP activity in N2a/APP695 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yongkun Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361002, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
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10
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Srancikova A, Bacova Z, Bakos J. The epigenetic regulation of synaptic genes contributes to the etiology of autism. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:791-802. [PMID: 33939901 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms greatly affect the developing brain, as well as the maturation of synapses with pervasive, long-lasting consequences on behavior in adults. Substantial evidence exists that implicates dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this review explains the role of enzymes involved in DNA methylation and demethylation in neurodevelopment by emphasizing changes of synaptic genes and proteins. Epigenetic causes of sex-dependent differences in the brain are analyzed in conjunction with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Special attention is devoted to the epigenetic regulation of the melanoma-associated antigen-like gene 2 (MAGEL2) found in Prader-Willi syndrome, which is known to be accompanied by autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Srancikova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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11
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Dufort-Gervais J, Provost C, Charbonneau L, Norris CM, Calon F, Mongrain V, Brouillette J. Neuroligin-1 is altered in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease patients and mouse models, and modulates the toxicity of amyloid-beta oligomers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6956. [PMID: 32332783 PMCID: PMC7181681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63255-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss occurs early and correlates with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptotoxicity is driven, at least in part, by amyloid-beta oligomers (Aβo), but the exact synaptic components targeted by Aβo remain to be identified. We here tested the hypotheses that the post-synaptic protein Neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) is affected early in the process of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, and specifically by Aβo, and that it can modulate Aβo toxicity. We found that hippocampal NLGN1 was decreased in patients with AD in comparison to patients with mild cognitive impairment and control subjects. Female 3xTg-AD mice also showed a decreased NLGN1 level in the hippocampus at an early age (i.e., 4 months). We observed that chronic hippocampal Aβo injections initially increased the expression of one specific Nlgn1 transcript, which was followed by a clear decrease. Lastly, the absence of NLGN1 decreased neuronal counts in the dentate gyrus, which was not the case in wild-type animals, and worsens impairment in spatial learning following chronic hippocampal Aβo injections. Our findings support that NLGN1 is impacted early during neurodegenerative processes, and that Aβo contributes to this effect. Moreover, our results suggest that the presence of NLGN1 favors the cognitive prognosis during Aβo-driven neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dufort-Gervais
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Chloé Provost
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Neuroscience Unit, Research Center - CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jonathan Brouillette
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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