1
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Ritter AJ, Wallace A, Ronaghi N, Sanford J. junctionCounts: comprehensive alternative splicing analysis and prediction of isoform-level impacts to the coding sequence. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae093. [PMID: 39131822 PMCID: PMC11310779 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is emerging as an important regulatory process for complex biological processes. Transcriptomic studies therefore commonly involve the identification and quantification of alternative processing events, but the need for predicting the functional consequences of changes to the relative inclusion of alternative events remains largely unaddressed. Many tools exist for the former task, albeit each constrained to its own event type definitions. Few tools exist for the latter task; each with significant limitations. To address these issues we developed junctionCounts, which captures both simple and complex pairwise AS events and quantifies them with straightforward exon-exon and exon-intron junction reads in RNA-seq data, performing competitively among similar tools in terms of sensitivity, false discovery rate and quantification accuracy. Its partner utility, cdsInsertion, identifies transcript coding sequence (CDS) information via in silico translation from annotated start codons, including the presence of premature termination codons. Finally, findSwitchEvents connects AS events with CDS information to predict the impact of individual events to the isoform-level CDS. We used junctionCounts to characterize splicing dynamics and NMD regulation during neuronal differentiation across four primates, demonstrating junctionCounts' capacity to robustly characterize AS in a variety of organisms and to predict its effect on mRNA isoform fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Ritter
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Andrew Wallace
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Neda Ronaghi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Jeremy R Sanford
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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2
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Canonico B, Carloni S, Montanari M, Ambrogini P, Papa S, Alonso-Alconada D, Balduini W. Melatonin Modulates Cell Cycle Dynamics and Promotes Hippocampal Cell Proliferation After Ischemic Injury in Neonatal Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6910-6919. [PMID: 38358438 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Promoting neural cell proliferation may represent an important strategy for enhancing brain repair after developmental brain injury. The present study aimed to assess the effects of melatonin on cell proliferation after an ischemic injury in the developing hippocampus, focusing on cell cycle dynamics. After in vivo neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), hippocampal cell cycle dynamics were assessed by flow cytometry, together with histological evaluation of dentate gyrus cellularity and proliferation. Melatonin significantly increased the number of proliferating cells in the G2/M phase as well as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin (DCX) labeling reduced by HI. In vivo BrdU labeling revealed a higher BrdU-positivity in the dentate gyrus of ischemic rats treated with melatonin, an effect followed by increased cellularity and preserved hippocampal tissue integrity. These results indicate that the protective effect of melatonin after ischemic injury in neonatal rats may rely on the modulation of cell cycle dynamics of newborn hippocampal cells and increased cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Canonico
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mariele Montanari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ambrogini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Stefano Papa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Daniel Alonso-Alconada
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
| | - Walter Balduini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
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3
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Gonçalves JIB, de Castro VR, Martins WA, Xavier FAC, Da Costa JC, Neto EP, Palmini A, Marinowic DR. Case Report: Molecular Analyses of Cell-Cycle-Related Genes in Cortical Brain Tissue of a Patient with Rasmussen Encephalitis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8487. [PMID: 39126055 PMCID: PMC11313535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) stands as a rare neurological disorder marked by progressive cerebral hemiatrophy and epilepsy resistant to medical treatment. Despite extensive study, the primary cause of RE remains elusive, while its histopathological features encompass cortical inflammation, neuronal degeneration, and gliosis. The underlying molecular mechanisms driving disease progression remain largely unexplored. In this case study, we present a patient with RE who underwent hemispherotomy and has remained seizure-free for over six months, experiencing gradual motor improvement. Furthermore, we conducted molecular analysis on the excised brain tissue, unveiling a decrease in the expression of cell-cycle-associated genes coupled with elevated levels of BDNF and TNF-α proteins. These findings suggest the potential involvement of cell cycle regulators in the progression of RE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinicius Rosa de Castro
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil;
- Epilepsy Surgery Program, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-001, Brazil; (W.A.M.); (E.P.N.); (A.P.)
| | - William Alves Martins
- Epilepsy Surgery Program, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-001, Brazil; (W.A.M.); (E.P.N.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Jaderson Costa Da Costa
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (J.I.B.G.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.D.C.)
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil;
| | - Eliseu Paglioli Neto
- Epilepsy Surgery Program, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-001, Brazil; (W.A.M.); (E.P.N.); (A.P.)
| | - André Palmini
- Epilepsy Surgery Program, Saint Lucas Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-001, Brazil; (W.A.M.); (E.P.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Daniel Rodrigo Marinowic
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (J.I.B.G.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.D.C.)
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Medical School, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil;
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4
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Fernandes C, Forny-Germano L, Andrade MM, Lyra E Silva NM, Ramos-Lobo AM, Meireles F, Tovar-Moll F, Houzel JC, Donato J, De Felice FG. Leptin receptor reactivation restores brain function in early-life Lepr-deficient mice. Brain 2024; 147:2706-2717. [PMID: 38650574 PMCID: PMC11292908 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excessive fat accumulation that impacts the body and brain health. Insufficient leptin or leptin receptor (LepR) is involved in the disease pathogenesis. Leptin is involved with several neurological processes, and it has crucial developmental roles. We have previously demonstrated that leptin deficiency in early life leads to permanent developmental problems in young adult mice, including an imbalance in energy homeostasis, alterations in melanocortin and the reproductive system and a reduction in brain mass. Given that in humans, obesity has been associated with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment, it is important to determine the long-term consequences of early-life leptin deficiency on brain structure and memory function. Here, we demonstrate that leptin-deficient (LepOb) mice exhibit altered brain volume, decreased neurogenesis and memory impairment. Similar effects were observed in animals that do not express the LepR (LepRNull). Interestingly, restoring the expression of LepR in 10-week-old mice reverses brain atrophy, in addition to neurogenesis and memory impairments in older animals. Our findings indicate that leptin deficiency impairs brain development and memory, which are reversible by restoring leptin signalling in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fernandes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Leticia Forny-Germano
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mayara M Andrade
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Natalia M Lyra E Silva
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences & Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Meireles
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tovar-Moll
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Jean Christophe Houzel
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences & Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
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Hernández-del Caño C, Varela-Andrés N, Cebrián-León A, Deogracias R. Neurotrophins and Their Receptors: BDNF's Role in GABAergic Neurodevelopment and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8312. [PMID: 39125882 PMCID: PMC11311851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their receptors are distinctly expressed during brain development and play crucial roles in the formation, survival, and function of neurons in the nervous system. Among these molecules, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has garnered significant attention due to its involvement in regulating GABAergic system development and function. In this review, we summarize and compare the expression patterns and roles of neurotrophins and their receptors in both the developing and adult brains of rodents, macaques, and humans. Then, we focus on the implications of BDNF in the development and function of GABAergic neurons from the cortex and the striatum, as both the presence of BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms and disruptions in BDNF levels alter the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. This imbalance has different implications in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rett syndrome (RTT), and schizophrenia (SCZ). Altogether, evidence shows that neurotrophins, especially BDNF, are essential for the development, maintenance, and function of the brain, and disruptions in their expression or signaling are common mechanisms in the pathophysiology of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Hernández-del Caño
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.H.-d.C.); (N.V.-A.); (A.C.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Natalia Varela-Andrés
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.H.-d.C.); (N.V.-A.); (A.C.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cebrián-León
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.H.-d.C.); (N.V.-A.); (A.C.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén Deogracias
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.H.-d.C.); (N.V.-A.); (A.C.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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6
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Goldman C, Kareva T, Sarrafha L, Schuldt BR, Sahasrabudhe A, Ahfeldt T, Blanchard JW. Genetically Encoded and Modular SubCellular Organelle Probes (GEM-SCOPe) reveal lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction driven by PRKN knockout. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.594886. [PMID: 38979135 PMCID: PMC11230217 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.594886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular processes including lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated in the development of many diseases. Quantitative visualization of mitochondria and lysosoesl is crucial to understand how these organelles are dysregulated during disease. To address a gap in live-imaging tools, we developed GEM-SCOPe (Genetically Encoded and Modular SubCellular Organelle Probes), a modular toolbox of fluorescent markers designed to inform on localization, distribution, turnover, and oxidative stress of specific organelles. We expressed GEM-SCOPe in differentiated astrocytes and neurons from a human pluripotent stem cell PRKN-knockout model of Parkinson's disease and identified disease-associated changes in proliferation, lysosomal distribution, mitochondrial transport and turnover, and reactive oxygen species. We demonstrate GEM-SCOPe is a powerful panel that provide critical insight into the subcellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease in human cells. GEM-SCOPe can be expanded upon and applied to a diversity of cellular models to glean an understanding of the mechanisms that promote disease onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Goldman
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatyana Kareva
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lily Sarrafha
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Braxton R. Schuldt
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abhishek Sahasrabudhe
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim Ahfeldt
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel W. Blanchard
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Lead Contact
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7
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Trainito A, Gugliandolo A, Chiricosta L, Salamone S, Pollastro F, Mazzon E, Lui M. Cannabinol Regulates the Expression of Cell Cycle-Associated Genes in Motor Neuron-like NSC-34: A Transcriptomic Analysis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1340. [PMID: 38927547 PMCID: PMC11201772 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are reported to have neuroprotective properties and play a role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity in in vitro and in vivo models. Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid produced by the degradation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Cannabis sativa L. and exhibits anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we explored the biological effects of 20 µM CBN (6.20 µg/mL) on differentiated NSC-34 cells by MTT assay and next-generation sequencing analysis on the transcriptome. KEGG and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses have been performed to evaluate potential CBN-associated processes. Our results highlighted the absence of any cytotoxic effect of CBN. The comparative transcriptomic analysis pointed out the downregulation of Cdkn2a, Cdkn2c and Cdkn2d genes, which are known to suppress the cell cycle. Ccne2, Cdk2, Cdk7, Anapc11, Anapc10, Cdc23, Cdc16, Anapc4, Cdc27, Stag1, Smc3, Smc1a, Nipbl, Pds5a, Pds5b, and Wapl genes, renowned for their role as cell cycle progression activators, were instead upregulated. Our work suggests that CBN regulates the expression of many genes related to the cell cycle, which are required for axonal maturation, migration, and synaptic plasticity, while not affecting the expression of genes involved in cell death or tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Trainito
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (A.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Agnese Gugliandolo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (A.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Luigi Chiricosta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (A.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Stefano Salamone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (A.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Maria Lui
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (A.G.); (M.L.)
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8
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Ferguson R, Goold R, Coupland L, Flower M, Tabrizi SJ. Therapeutic validation of MMR-associated genetic modifiers in a human ex vivo model of Huntington disease. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:1165-1183. [PMID: 38749429 PMCID: PMC11179424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.015] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathological huntingtin (HTT) trinucleotide repeat underlying Huntington disease (HD) continues to expand throughout life. Repeat length correlates both with earlier age at onset (AaO) and faster progression, making slowing its expansion an attractive therapeutic approach. Genome-wide association studies have identified candidate variants associated with altered AaO and progression, with many found in DNA mismatch repair (MMR)-associated genes. We examine whether lowering expression of these genes affects the rate of repeat expansion in human ex vivo models using HD iPSCs and HD iPSC-derived striatal medium spiny neuron-enriched cultures. We have generated a stable CRISPR interference HD iPSC line in which we can specifically and efficiently lower gene expression from a donor carrying over 125 CAG repeats. Lowering expression of each member of the MMR complexes MutS (MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6), MutL (MLH1, PMS1, PMS2, and MLH3), and LIG1 resulted in characteristic MMR deficiencies. Reduced MSH2, MSH3, and MLH1 slowed repeat expansion to the largest degree, while lowering either PMS1, PMS2, or MLH3 slowed it to a lesser degree. These effects were recapitulated in iPSC-derived striatal cultures where MutL factor expression was lowered. CRISPRi-mediated lowering of key MMR factor expression to levels feasibly achievable by current therapeutic approaches was able to effectively slow the expansion of the HTT CAG tract. We highlight members of the MutL family as potential targets to slow pathogenic repeat expansion with the aim to delay onset and progression of HD and potentially other repeat expansion disorders exhibiting somatic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Ferguson
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Robert Goold
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Lucy Coupland
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael Flower
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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9
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Gutiérrez-Hurtado IA, Sánchez-Méndez AD, Becerra-Loaiza DS, Rangel-Villalobos H, Torres-Carrillo N, Gallegos-Arreola MP, Aguilar-Velázquez JA. Loss of the Y Chromosome: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Age Inference, and Implications for Men's Health. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4230. [PMID: 38673816 PMCID: PMC11050192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084230] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Until a few years ago, it was believed that the gradual mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) was a normal age-related process. However, it is now known that mLOY is associated with a wide variety of pathologies in men, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and many types of cancer. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that generate mLOY in men have not been studied so far. This task is of great importance because it will allow focusing on possible methods of prophylaxis or therapy for diseases associated with mLOY. On the other hand, it would allow better understanding of mLOY as a possible marker for inferring the age of male samples in cases of human identification. Due to the above, in this work, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, presenting the most relevant information on the possible molecular mechanisms by which mLOY is generated, as well as its implications for men's health and its possible use as a marker to infer age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzae Adonai Gutiérrez-Hurtado
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Astrid Desireé Sánchez-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Morfológico Forenses y Medicina Molecular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
- Doctorado en Genética Humana, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | - Héctor Rangel-Villalobos
- Instituto de Investigación en Genética Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega, Universidad de Guadalajara, Ocotlán 47820, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Norma Torres-Carrillo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Martha Patricia Gallegos-Arreola
- División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Alonso Aguilar-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Morfológico Forenses y Medicina Molecular, Departamento de Morfología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
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10
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Al-Khateeb ZF, Boumenar H, Adebimpe J, Shekerzade S, Henson SM, Tremoleda JL, Michael-Titus AT. The cellular senescence response and neuroinflammation in juvenile mice following controlled cortical impact and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114714. [PMID: 38325653 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114714] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability and increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms linking TBI to neurodegeneration remain to be defined. It has been proposed that the induction of cellular senescence after injury could amplify neuroinflammation and induce long-term tissue changes. The induction of a senescence response post-injury in the immature brain has yet to be characterised. We carried out two types of brain injury in juvenile CD1 mice: invasive TBI using controlled cortical impact (CCI) and repetitive mild TBI (rmTBI) using weight drop injury. The analysis of senescence-related signals showed an increase in γH2AX-53BP1 nuclear foci, p53, p19ARF, and p16INK4a expression in the CCI group, 5 days post-injury (dpi). At 35 days, the difference was no longer statistically significant. Gene expression showed the activation of different senescence pathways in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres in the injured mice. CCI-injured mice showed a neuroinflammatory early phase after injury (increased Iba1 and GFAP expression), which persisted for GFAP. After CCI, there was an increase at 5 days in p16INK4, whereas in rmTBI, a significant increase was seen at 35 dpi. Both injuries caused a decrease in p21 at 35 dpi. In rmTBI, other markers showed no significant change. The PCR array data predicted the activation of pathways connected to senescence after rmTBI. These results indicate the induction of a complex cellular senescence and glial reaction in the immature mouse brain, with clear differences between an invasive brain injury and a repetitive mild injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra F Al-Khateeb
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Hasna Boumenar
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joycee Adebimpe
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shenel Shekerzade
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siân M Henson
- Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jordi L Tremoleda
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adina T Michael-Titus
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Wu D, Sun JKL, Chow KHM. Neuronal cell cycle reentry events in the aging brain are more prevalent in neurodegeneration and lead to cellular senescence. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002559. [PMID: 38652714 PMCID: PMC11037540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that terminally differentiated neurons in the brain may recommit to a cell cycle-like process during neuronal aging and under disease conditions. Because of the rare existence and random localization of these cells in the brain, their molecular profiles and disease-specific heterogeneities remain unclear. Through a bioinformatics approach that allows integrated analyses of multiple single-nucleus transcriptome datasets from human brain samples, these rare cell populations were identified and selected for further characterization. Our analyses indicated that these cell cycle-related events occur predominantly in excitatory neurons and that cellular senescence is likely their immediate terminal fate. Quantitatively, the number of cell cycle re-engaging and senescent neurons decreased during the normal brain aging process, but in the context of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), these cells accumulate instead. Transcriptomic profiling of these cells suggested that disease-specific differences were predominantly tied to the early stage of the senescence process, revealing that these cells presented more proinflammatory, metabolically deregulated, and pathology-associated signatures in disease-affected brains. Similarly, these general features of cell cycle re-engaging neurons were also observed in a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons identified in the Parkinson's disease (PD)-Lewy body dementia (LBD) model. An extended analysis conducted in a mouse model of brain aging further validated the ability of this bioinformatics approach to determine the robust relationship between the cell cycle and senescence processes in neurons in this cross-species setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacquelyne Ka-Li Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kim Hei-Man Chow
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Nexus of Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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12
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Romero-Zerbo SY, Valverde N, Claros S, Zamorano-Gonzalez P, Boraldi F, Lofaro FD, Lara E, Pavia J, Garcia-Fernandez M, Gago B, Martin-Montañez E. New molecular mechanisms to explain the neuroprotective effects of insulin-like growth factor II in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00049-3. [PMID: 38341032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the hallmarks of Parkinsońs Disease (PD) is oxidative distress, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) has been proven to have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in some neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. Consequently, there isgrowing interest in understanding the different mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of this hormone. OBJECTIVES To clarify the mechanism of action of IGF-II involved in the protective effect of this hormone. METHODS The present study was carried out on a cellular model PD based on the incubation of dopaminergic cells (SN4741) in a culture with the toxic 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), in the presence of IGF-II. This model undertakes proteomic analyses in order to understand which molecular cell pathways might be involved in the neuroprotective effect of IGF-II. The most important proteins found in the proteomic study were tested by Western blot, colorimetric enzymatic activity assay and immunocytochemistry. Along with the proteomic study, mitochondrial morphology and function were also studied by transmission electron microscopy and oxygen consumption rate. The cell cycle was also analysed using 7AAd/BrdU staining, and flow cytometry. RESULTS The results obtained indicate that MPP+, MPP++IGF-II treatment and IGF-II, when compared to control, modified the expression of 197, 246 proteins and 207 respectively. Some of these proteins were found to be involved in mitochondrial structure and function, and cell cycle regulation. Including IGF-II in the incubation medium prevents the cell damage induced by MPP+, recovering mitochondrial function and cell cycle dysregulation, and thereby decreasing apoptosis. CONCLUSION IGF-II improves mitochondrial dynamics by promoting the association of Mitofilin with mitochondria, regaining function and redox homeostasis. It also rebalances the cell cycle, reducing the amount of apoptosis and cell death by the regulation of transcription factors, such as Checkpoint kinase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana-Yanina Romero-Zerbo
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Nadia Valverde
- Departamento de Farmacología y Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Silvia Claros
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Pablo Zamorano-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Federica Boraldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita. Patologia Generale, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia 4112, Italy
| | - Francesco-Demetrio Lofaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita. Patologia Generale, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia 4112, Italy
| | - Estrella Lara
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Jose Pavia
- Departamento de Farmacología y Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain.
| | - Maria Garcia-Fernandez
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain.
| | - Belen Gago
- Departamento de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Elisa Martin-Montañez
- Departamento de Farmacología y Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Malaga 29010, Spain
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13
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Martí-Clúa J. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling: historical perspectives, factors influencing the detection, toxicity, and its implications in the neurogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:302-308. [PMID: 37488882 PMCID: PMC10503596 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The halopyrimidine 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) is an exogenous marker of DNA synthesis. Since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies against BrdU, an increasing number of methodologies have been used for the immunodetection of this synthesized bromine-tagged base analogue into replicating DNA. BrdU labeling is widely used for identifying neuron precursors and following their fate during the embryonic, perinatal, and adult neurogenesis in a variety of vertebrate species including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Due to BrdU toxicity, its incorporation into replicating DNA presents adverse consequences on the generation, survival, and settled patterns of cells. This may lead to false results and misinterpretation in the identification of proliferative neuroblasts. In this review, I will indicate the detrimental effects of this nucleoside during the development of the central nervous system, as well as the reliability of BrdU labeling to detect proliferating neuroblasts. Moreover, it will show factors influencing BrdU immunodetection and the contribution of this nucleoside to the study of prenatal, perinatal, and adult neurogenesis. Human adult neurogenesis will also be discussed. It is my hope that this review serves as a reference for those researchers who focused on detecting cells that are in the synthetic phase of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Martí-Clúa
- Unidad de Citología e Histología. Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, de Fisiologia i d’Immunologia. Facultad de Biociencias. Institut de Neurociències. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Rani N, Sahu M, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Triaging between post-translational modification of cell cycle regulators and their therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102174. [PMID: 38135008 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, present challenges in healthcare because of their complicated etiologies and absence of healing remedies. Lately, the emerging role of post-translational modifications (PTMs), in the context of cell cycle regulators, has garnered big interest as a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. The review explores the problematic panorama of PTMs on cell cycle regulators and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. We delve into the dynamic phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, Glycation, and Neddylation that modulate the key cell cycle regulators, consisting of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and their inhibitors. The dysregulation of these PTMs is related to aberrant cell cycle in neurons, which is one of the factors involved in neurodegenerative pathologies. Moreover, the effect of exogenous activation of CDKs and CDK inhibitors through PTMs on the signaling cascade was studied in postmitotic conditions of NDDs. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of CDK inhibitors and associated alteration in PTMs were discussed. Lastly, we explored the putative mechanism of PTMs to restore normal neuronal function that might reverse NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Rani
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042
| | - Mehar Sahu
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042; Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana, India.
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042.
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15
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Adelman JW, Rosas-Rogers S, Schumacher ML, Mokry RL, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Human cytomegalovirus induces significant structural and functional changes in terminally differentiated human cortical neurons. mBio 2023; 14:e0225123. [PMID: 37966250 PMCID: PMC10746155 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02251-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent viral pathogen that can cause serious neurological deficits in infants experiencing an in utero infection. Also, as a life-long infection, HCMV has been associated with several diseases in the adult brain. HCMV is known to infect early neural progenitor cells, but whether it also infects terminally differentiated neurons is still debated. Here, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells into neurons for 84-120 days to test the ability of HCMV to infect terminally differentiated neurons and assess the downstream functional consequences. We discovered that mature human neurons are highly permissive to HCMV infection, exhibited late replication hallmarks, and produced infectious virus. Moreover, infection in terminally differentiated neurons essentially eliminated neuron function. These results demonstrate that terminally differentiated human neurons are permissive to HCMV infection, which can significantly alter both structural and functional features of this mature neuron population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob W. Adelman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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16
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Manuel MTA, Tayo LL. Navigating the Gene Co-Expression Network and Drug Repurposing Opportunities for Brain Disorders Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1564. [PMID: 38002524 PMCID: PMC10669457 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurocognitive impairment refers to a spectrum of disorders characterized by a decline in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, which are often linked to structural or functional abnormalities in the brain. While its exact etiology remains elusive, genetic factors play a pivotal role in disease onset and progression. This study aimed to identify highly correlated gene clusters (modules) and key hub genes shared across neurocognition-impairing diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), and glioma. Herein, the microarray datasets AD (GSE5281), HAND (GSE35864), glioma (GSE15824), and PD (GSE7621) were used to perform Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify highly preserved modules across the studied brain diseases. Through gene set enrichment analysis, the shared modules were found to point towards processes including neuronal transcriptional dysregulation, neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, hallmarks of many neurocognitive disorders. These modules were used in constructing protein-protein interaction networks to identify hub genes shared across the diseases of interest. These hub genes were found to play pivotal roles in processes including protein homeostasis, cell cycle regulation, energy metabolism, and signaling, all associated with brain and CNS diseases, and were explored for their drug repurposing experiments. Drug repurposing based on gene signatures highlighted drugs including Dorzolamide and Oxybuprocaine, which were found to modulate the expression of the hub genes in play and may have therapeutic implications in neurocognitive disorders. While both drugs have traditionally been used for other medical purposes, our study underscores the potential of a combined WGCNA and drug repurposing strategy for searching for new avenues in the simultaneous treatment of different diseases that have similarities in gene co-expression networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Timothy Artuz Manuel
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines;
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Lemmuel L. Tayo
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines;
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1200, Philippines
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17
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Wang Y, Li Q, Ma Z, Xu H, Peng F, Chen B, Ma B, Qin L, Lan J, Li Y, Lan D, Li J, Wang S, Fu W. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Alleviates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Death in Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15666. [PMID: 37958650 PMCID: PMC10649918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining normal functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is essential for oocyte development and maturation. The dysfunction of GCs impairs nutrition supply and estrogen secretion by follicles, thus negatively affecting the breeding capacity of farm animals. Impaired GCs is generally associated with declines in Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which triggers un-controlled oxidative stress, and the oxidative stress, thus, attack the subcellular structures and cause cell damage. β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a NAD+ precursor, has demonstrated well-known antioxidant properties in several studies. In this study, using two types of ovarian GCs (mouse GCs (mGCs) and human granulosa cell line (KGN)) as cell models, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of NMN on gene expression patterns and antioxidant capacity of both mGCs and KGN that were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). As shown in results of the study, mGCs that were exposed to H2O2 significantly altered the gene expression patterns, with 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared with those of the control group. Furthermore, adding NMN to H2O2-cultured mGCs displayed 621 DEGs. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in key pathways like cell cycle, senescence, and cell death. Using RT-qPCR, CCK8, and β-galactosidase staining, we found that H2O2 exposure on mGCs obviously reduced cell activity/mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cellular senescence. Notably, NMN supplementation partially prevented these H2O2-induced abnormalities. Moreover, these similar beneficial effects of NMN on antioxidant capacity were confirmed in the KGN cell models that were exposed to H2O2. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that NMN supplementation protects against H2O2-induced impairments in gene expression pattern, cell cycle arrest, and cell death in ovarian GCs through boosting NAD+ levels and provide potential strategies to ameliorate uncontrolled oxidative stress in ovarian GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunduan Wang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Zifeng Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongmei Xu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Feiyu Peng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bo Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Linmei Qin
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiachen Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Yueyue Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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18
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Petrović N, Essack M, Šami A, Perry G, Gojobori T, Isenović ER, Bajić VP. MicroRNA networks linked with BRCA1/2, PTEN, and common genes for Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer share highly enriched pathways that may unravel targets for the AD/BC comorbidity treatment. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 106:107925. [PMID: 37487248 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107925] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of various cellular processes including pathological conditions. MiRNA networks have been extensively researched in age-related degenerative diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and heart failure. Thus, miRNA has been studied from different approaches, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico including miRNA networks. Networks linking diverse biomedical entities unveil information not readily observable by other means. This work focuses on biological networks related to Breast cancer susceptibility 1 (BRCA1) in AD and breast cancer (BC). Using various bioinformatics approaches, we identified subnetworks common to AD and BC that suggest they are linked. According to our results, miR-107 was identified as a potentially good candidate for both AD and BC treatment (targeting BRCA1/2 and PTEN in both diseases), accompanied by miR-146a and miR-17. The analysis also confirmed the involvement of the miR-17-92 cluster, and miR-124-3p, and highlighted the importance of poorly researched miRNAs such as mir-6785 mir-6127, mir-6870, or miR-8485. After filtering the in silico analysis results, we found 49 miRNA molecules that modulate the expression of at least five genes common to both BC and AD. Those 49 miRNAs regulate the expression of 122 genes in AD and 93 genes in BC, from which 26 genes are common genes for AD and BC involved in neuron differentiation and genesis, cell differentiation and migration, regulation of cell cycle, and cancer development. Additionally, the highly enriched pathway was associated with diabetic complications, pointing out possible interplay among molecules underlying BC, AD, and diabetes pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Petrović
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Health and Environment, "VINČA "Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia; Department for Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Magbubah Essack
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center, Computer (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Šami
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitatsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - George Perry
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Takashi Gojobori
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center, Computer (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Esma R Isenović
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Health and Environment, "VINČA "Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladan P Bajić
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Health and Environment, "VINČA "Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
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19
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Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. Neurodevelopmental disorders and microcephaly: how apoptosis, the cell cycle, tau and amyloid-β precursor protein APPly. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201723. [PMID: 37808474 PMCID: PMC10556256 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies promote new interest in the intersectionality between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's Disease. We have reported high levels of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (APP) and secreted APP-alpha (sAPPa ) and low levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides 1-40 and 1-42 (Aβ40, Aβ42) in plasma and brain tissue from children with ASD. A higher incidence of microcephaly (head circumference less than the 3rd percentile) associates with ASD compared to head size in individuals with typical development. The role of Aβ peptides as contributors to acquired microcephaly in ASD is proposed. Aβ may lead to microcephaly via disruption of neurogenesis, elongation of the G1/S cell cycle, and arrested cell cycle promoting apoptosis. As the APP gene exists on Chromosome 21, excess Aβ peptides occur in Trisomy 21-T21 (Down's Syndrome). Microcephaly and some forms of ASD associate with T21, and therefore potential mechanisms underlying these associations will be examined in this review. Aβ peptides' role in other neurodevelopmental disorders that feature ASD and acquired microcephaly are reviewed, including dup 15q11.2-q13, Angelman and Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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20
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Salazar S, Luong KTY, Nua T, Koyuncu OO. Interferon-λ Activates a Differential Response in Peripheral Neurons That Is Effective against Alpha Herpesvirus Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:1142. [PMID: 37764950 PMCID: PMC10536099 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha herpesviruses (α-HV) infect host mucosal epithelial cells prior to establishing a life-long latent infection in the peripheral nervous system. The initial spread of viral particles from mucosa to the nervous system and the role of intrinsic immune responses at this barrier is not well understood. Using primary neurons cultured in compartmentalized chambers, prior studies performed on Pseudorabies virus (PRV) have demonstrated that type I and type II interferons (IFNs) induce a local antiviral response in axons via distinct mechanisms leading to a reduction in viral particle transport to the neuronal nucleus. A new class of interferons known as type III IFNs has been shown to play an immediate role against viral infection in mucosal epithelial cells. However, the antiviral effects of type III IFNs within neurons during α-HV infection are largely unknown. In this study, we focused on elucidating the antiviral activity of type III IFN against PRV neuronal infection, and we compared the interferon-stimulated gene (ISGs) induction pattern in neurons to non-neuronal cells. We found that IFN pre-exposure of both primary neurons and fibroblast cells significantly reduces PRV virus yield, albeit by differential STAT activation and ISG induction patterns. Notably, we observed that type III IFNs trigger the expression of a subset of ISGs mainly through STAT1 activation to induce an antiviral state in primary peripheral neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Orkide O. Koyuncu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine and Center for Virus Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (S.S.); (K.T.Y.L.); (T.N.)
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21
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Wang H, Zhao P, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Bao H, Qian W, Wu J, Xing Z, Hu X, Jin K, Zhuge Q, Yang J. NeuroD4 converts glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells through the SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 antioxidant axis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:297. [PMID: 37582760 PMCID: PMC10427652 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell fate and proliferation ability can be transformed through reprogramming technology. Reprogramming glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells holds great promise for glioblastoma treatment, as it induces their terminal differentiation. NeuroD4 (Neuronal Differentiation 4) is a crucial transcription factor in neuronal development and has the potential to convert astrocytes into functional neurons. In this study, we exclusively employed NeuroD4 to reprogram glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells. In vivo, the reprogrammed glioblastoma cells demonstrated terminal differentiation, inhibited proliferation, and exited the cell cycle. Additionally, NeuroD4 virus-infected xenografts exhibited smaller sizes compared to the GFP group, and tumor-bearing mice in the GFP+NeuroD4 group experienced prolonged survival. Mechanistically, NeuroD4 overexpression significantly reduced the expression of SLC7A11 and Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). The ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 effectively blocked the NeuroD4-mediated process of neuron reprogramming in glioblastoma. To summarize, our study demonstrates that NeuroD4 overexpression can reprogram glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells through the SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 signaling pathway, thus offering a potential novel therapeutic approach for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Peiqi Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Han Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wenqi Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhenqiu Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Kunlin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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22
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Whitfield JF, Rennie K, Chakravarthy B. Alzheimer's Disease and Its Possible Evolutionary Origin: Hypothesis. Cells 2023; 12:1618. [PMID: 37371088 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The enormous, 2-3-million-year evolutionary expansion of hominin neocortices to the current enormity enabled humans to take over the planet. However, there appears to have been a glitch, and it occurred without a compensatory expansion of the entorhinal cortical (EC) gateway to the hippocampal memory-encoding system needed to manage the processing of the increasing volume of neocortical data converging on it. The resulting age-dependent connectopathic glitch was unnoticed by the early short-lived populations. It has now surfaced as Alzheimer's disease (AD) in today's long-lived populations. With advancing age, processing of the converging neocortical data by the neurons of the relatively small lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) inflicts persistent strain and high energy costs on these cells. This may result in their hyper-release of harmless Aβ1-42 monomers into the interstitial fluid, where they seed the formation of toxic amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) that initiate AD. At the core of connectopathic AD are the postsynaptic cellular prion protein (PrPC). Electrostatic binding of the negatively charged AβOs to the positively charged N-terminus of PrPC induces hyperphosphorylation of tau that destroys synapses. The spread of these accumulating AβOs from ground zero is supported by Aβ's own production mediated by target cells' Ca2+-sensing receptors (CaSRs). These data suggest that an early administration of a strongly positively charged, AβOs-interacting peptide or protein, plus an inhibitor of CaSR, might be an effective AD-arresting therapeutic combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Whitfield
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Kerry Rennie
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Balu Chakravarthy
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
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23
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Winkelman MA, Dai G. Bioengineered perfused human brain microvascular networks enhance neural progenitor cell survival, neurogenesis, and maturation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eaaz9499. [PMID: 37163593 PMCID: PMC10171804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz9499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have the capability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons and glial cells. In the adult brain, NPCs are found near brain microvascular networks (BMVNs) in specialized microenvironments called the neurovascular niche (NVN). Although several in vitro NVN models have been previously reported, most do not properly recapitulate the intimate cellular interactions between NPCs and perfused brain microvessels. Here, we developed perfused BMVNs composed of primary human brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes within microfluidic devices. When induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs were introduced into BMVNs, we found that NPC survival, neurogenesis, and maturation were enhanced. The application of flow during BMVN coculture was also beneficial for neuron differentiation. Collectively, our work highlighted the important role of BMVNs and flow in NPC self-renewal and neurogenesis, as well as demonstrated our model's potential to study the biological and physical interactions of human NVN in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max A. Winkelman
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Lazăr AI, Aghasoleimani K, Semertsidou A, Vyas J, Roșca AL, Ficai D, Ficai A. Graphene-Related Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1092. [PMID: 36985986 PMCID: PMC10051126 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper builds on the context and recent progress on the control, reproducibility, and limitations of using graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) in biomedical applications. The review describes the human hazard assessment of GRMs in in vitro and in vivo studies, highlights the composition-structure-activity relationships that cause toxicity for these substances, and identifies the key parameters that determine the activation of their biological effects. GRMs are designed to offer the advantage of facilitating unique biomedical applications that impact different techniques in medicine, especially in neuroscience. Due to the increasing utilization of GRMs, there is a need to comprehensively assess the potential impact of these materials on human health. Various outcomes associated with GRMs, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, beneficial effects on cell proliferation, differentiation rates, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, physical destruction, DNA damage, and inflammatory responses, have led to an increasing interest in these regenerative nanostructured materials. Considering the existence of graphene-related nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties, the materials are expected to exhibit unique modes of interactions with biomolecules, cells, and tissues depending on their size, chemical composition, and hydrophil-to-hydrophobe ratio. Understanding such interactions is crucial from two perspectives, namely, from the perspectives of their toxicity and biological uses. The main aim of this study is to assess and tune the diverse properties that must be considered when planning biomedical applications. These properties include flexibility, transparency, surface chemistry (hydrophil-hydrophobe ratio), thermoelectrical conductibility, loading and release capacity, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Isabela Lazăr
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1–7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Centre for Micro- and Nanomaterials, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Centre for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Anna Semertsidou
- Charles River Laboratories, Margate, Manston Road, Kent CT9 4LT, UK
| | - Jahnavi Vyas
- Drug Development Solution, Newmarket road, Ely, CB7 5WW, UK
| | - Alin-Lucian Roșca
- National Centre for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Ficai
- National Centre for Micro- and Nanomaterials, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Centre for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1–7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1–7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Centre for Micro- and Nanomaterials, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Centre for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov St. 3, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Adelman JW, Rosas-Rogers S, Schumacher ML, Mokry RL, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Human Cytomegalovirus Induces Significant Structural and Functional Changes in Terminally Differentiated Human Cortical Neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.03.531045. [PMID: 36945635 PMCID: PMC10028818 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.03.531045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent viral pathogen that typically presents asymptomatically in healthy individuals despite lifelong latency. However, in 10-15% of congenital cases, this beta-herpesvirus demonstrates direct effects on the central nervous system, including microcephaly, cognitive/learning delays, and hearing deficits. HCMV has been widely shown to infect neural progenitor cells, but the permissiveness of fully differentiated neurons to HCMV is controversial and chronically understudied, despite potential associations between HCMV infection with neurodegenerative conditions. Using a model system representative of the human forebrain, we demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived, excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons are fully permissive to HCMV, demonstrating complete viral replication, competent virion production, and spread within the culture. Interestingly, while cell proliferation was not induced in these post-mitotic neurons, HCMV did increase expression of proliferative markers Ki67 and PCNA suggesting alterations in cell cycle machinery. These finding are consistent with previous HCMV-mediated changes in various cell types and implicate the virus' ability to alter proliferative pathways to promote virion production. HCMV also induces significant structural changes in forebrain neurons, such as the formation of syncytia and retraction of neurites. Finally, we demonstrate that HCMV disrupts calcium signaling and decreases neurotransmission, with action potential generation effectively silenced after 15 days post infection. Taken together, our data highlight the potential for forebrain neurons to be permissive to HCMV infection in the CNS, which could have significant implications on overall brain health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob W. Adelman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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26
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Xiao H, Zhu H, Bögler O, Mónica FZ, Kots AY, Murad F, Bian K. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase β1 Subunit Represses Human Glioblastoma Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1567. [PMID: 36900358 PMCID: PMC10001022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant glioma is the most common and deadly brain tumor. A marked reduction in the levels of sGC (soluble guanylyl cyclase) transcript in the human glioma specimens has been revealed in our previous studies. In the present study, restoring the expression of sGCβ1 alone repressed the aggressive course of glioma. The antitumor effect of sGCβ1 was not associated with enzymatic activity of sGC since overexpression of sGCβ1 alone did not influence the level of cyclic GMP. Additionally, sGCβ1-induced inhibition of the growth of glioma cells was not influenced by treatment with sGC stimulators or inhibitors. The present study is the first to reveal that sGCβ1 migrated into the nucleus and interacted with the promoter of the TP53 gene. Transcriptional responses induced by sGCβ1 caused the G0 cell cycle arrest of glioblastoma cells and inhibition of tumor aggressiveness. sGCβ1 overexpression impacted signaling in glioblastoma multiforme, including the promotion of nuclear accumulation of p53, a marked reduction in CDK6, and a significant decrease in integrin α6. These anticancer targets of sGCβ1 may represent clinically important regulatory pathways that contribute to the development of a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijie Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Haifeng Zhu
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases (IMM), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oliver Bögler
- Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fabiola Zakia Mónica
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paolo 13083, Brazil
| | - Alexander Y. Kots
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Department of Veteran Affairs, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ferid Murad
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Department of Veteran Affairs, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ka Bian
- Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Department of Veteran Affairs, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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27
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Kalinichenko SG, Pushchin II, Matveeva NY. Neurotoxic and cytoprotective mechanisms in the ischemic neocortex. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 128:102230. [PMID: 36603664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal damage in ischemic stroke occurs due to permanent imbalance between the metabolic needs of the brain and the ability of the blood-vascular system to maintain glucose delivery and adequate gas exchange. Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity trigger complex processes of neuroinflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis of both neurons and glial cells. This review summarizes data on the structural and chemical changes in the neocortex and main cytoprotective effects induced by focal ischemic stroke. We focus on the expression of neurotrophins (NT) and molecular and cellular changes in neurovascular units in ischemic brain. We also discuss how these factors affect the apoptosis of cortical cells. Ischemic damage involves close interaction of a wide range of signaling molecules, each acting as an efficient marker of cell state in both the ischemic core and penumbra. NTs play the main regulatory role in brain tissue recovery after ischemic injury. Heterogeneous distribution of the BDNF, NT-3, and GDNF immunoreactivity is concordant with the selective response of different types of cortical neurons and glia to ischemic injury and allows mapping the position of viable neurons. Astrocytes are the central link in neurovascular coupling in ischemic brain by providing other cells with a wide range of vasotropic factors. The NT expression coincides with the distribution of reactive astrocytes, marking the boundaries of the penumbra. The development of ischemic stroke is accompanied by a dramatic change in the distribution of GDNF reactivity. In early ischemic period, it is mainly observed in cortical neurons, while in late one, the bulk of GDNF-positive cells are various types of glia, in particular, astrocytes. The proportion of GDNF-positive astrocytes increases gradually throughout the ischemic period. Some factors that exert cytoprotective effects in early ischemic period may display neurotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects later on. The number of apoptotic cells in the ischemic brain tissue correlates with the BDNF levels, corroborating its protective effects. Cytoprotection and neuroplasticity are two lines of brain protection and recovery after ischemic stroke. NTs can be considered an important link in these processes. To develop efficient pharmacological therapy for ischemic brain injury, we have to deepen our understanding of neurochemical adaptation of brain tissue to acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei G Kalinichenko
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Pacific State Medical University, Vladivostok 690950, Russia
| | - Igor I Pushchin
- Laboratory of Physiology, A.V. Zhirmusky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia.
| | - Natalya Yu Matveeva
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Pacific State Medical University, Vladivostok 690950, Russia
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28
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Barichello T, Rocha Catalão CH, Rohlwink UK, van der Kuip M, Zaharie D, Solomons RS, van Toorn R, Tutu van Furth M, Hasbun R, Iovino F, Namale VS. Bacterial meningitis in Africa. Front Neurol 2023; 14:822575. [PMID: 36864913 PMCID: PMC9972001 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.822575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis differs globally, and the incidence and case fatality rates vary by region, country, pathogen, and age group; being a life-threatening disease with a high case fatality rate and long-term complications in low-income countries. Africa has the most significant prevalence of bacterial meningitis illness, and the outbreaks typically vary with the season and the geographic location, with a high incidence in the meningitis belt of the sub-Saharan area from Senegal to Ethiopia. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are the main etiological agents of bacterial meningitis in adults and children above the age of one. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus are neonatal meningitis's most common causal agents. Despite efforts to vaccinate against the most common causes of bacterial neuro-infections, bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Africa, with children below 5 years bearing the heaviest disease burden. The factors attributed to this continued high disease burden include poor infrastructure, continued war, instability, and difficulty in diagnosis of bacterial neuro-infections leading to delay in treatment and hence high morbidity. Despite having the highest disease burden, there is a paucity of African data on bacterial meningitis. In this article, we discuss the common etiologies of bacterial neuroinfectious diseases, diagnosis and the interplay between microorganisms and the immune system, and the value of neuroimmune changes in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Barichello
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carlos Henrique Rocha Catalão
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ursula K. Rohlwink
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martijn van der Kuip
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dan Zaharie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Regan S. Solomons
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronald van Toorn
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marceline Tutu van Furth
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Hasbun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Federico Iovino
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivian Ssonko Namale
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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29
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Huang S, Gao Y, Wang Y, Li F, Xiao W, Ge WP, Li Y, Xu P. Fluorescein-labeled ThUBD probe for super-sensitive visualization of polyubiquitination signal in situ cells. Talanta 2023; 253:123564. [PMID: 35710467 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs) are modular elements that bind non-covalently to the ubiquitin and ubiquitin chains. The preferences of UBDs for ubiquitin chains of specific length and linkage are central to their functions. We demonstrated that an artificial tandem hybrid UBD (ThUBD) exhibits an unbiased high affinity to all ubiquitin chains and is a promising tool for global ubiquitination profiling research. In this study, we labeled fluorescein on the four cysteine residues in the N-terminal glutathione S-transferase (GST) tag of ThUBD, generating a fluorescein-labeled ThUBD (ThUBD-Flu) probe for direct polyubiquitination signal imaging and visualization. Compared to the canonical ubiquitin antibody method, the ThUBD-Flu is hyper-sensitive and accurate to detect ubiquitination signal. More importantly, the ThUBD-Flu probe provided, for the first time, a widely applicable, super-sensitive and unbiased technique for in situ detection of intracellular polyubiquitination signal through immunofluorescence staining, which was only achievable with recombinant fluorescence tag fused ubiquitin gene previously. We propose that ThUBD-Flu, combined with evolving microscopy technology, could serve as prototypes to track and trace cellular polyubiquitination signal in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Yonghong Wang
- Medical School of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Fengzhi Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Weidi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Woo-Ping Ge
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yanchang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, PR China; Hebei Province Key Lab of Research and Application on Microbial Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, PR China; School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Hebei Province Key Lab of Research and Application on Microbial Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China; Medical School of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Second Clinical Medicine Collage, Guangzhou University Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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30
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Sanz-García A, Sánchez-Jiménez P, Granero-Cremades I, de Toledo M, Pulido P, Navas M, Frade JM, Pereboom-Maicas MD, Torres-Díaz CV, Ovejero-Benito MC. Neuronal and astrocytic tetraploidy is increased in drug-resistant epilepsy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12873. [PMID: 36541120 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases. A third of patients with epilepsy remain drug-resistant. The exact aetiology of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is still unknown. Neuronal tetraploidy has been associated with neuropathology. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of tetraploid neurons and astrocytes in DRE. METHODS For that purpose, cortex, hippocampus and amygdala samples were obtained from patients subjected to surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone. Post-mortem brain tissue of subjects without previous records of neurological, neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases was used as control. RESULTS The percentage of tetraploid cells was measured by immunostaining of neurons (NeuN) or astrocytes (S100β) followed by flow cytometry analysis. The results were confirmed by image cytometry (ImageStream X Amnis System Cytometer) and with an alternative astrocyte biomarker (NDRG2). Statistical comparison was performed using univariate tests. A total of 22 patients and 10 controls were included. Tetraploid neurons and astrocytes were found both in healthy individuals and DRE patients in the three brain areas analysed: cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. DRE patients presented a higher number of tetraploid neurons (p = 0.020) and astrocytes (p = 0.002) in the hippocampus than controls. These results were validated by image cytometry. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the presence of both tetraploid neurons and astrocytes in healthy subjects as well as increased levels of both cell populations in DRE patients. Herein, we describe for the first time the presence of tetraploid astrocytes in healthy subjects. Furthermore, these results provide new insights into epilepsy, opening new avenues for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancor Sanz-García
- Data Analysis Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Sánchez-Jiménez
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,NIMGenetics Genómica y Medicina S.L., Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María de Toledo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Pulido
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Navas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Frade
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María C Ovejero-Benito
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y de la Salud, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
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31
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López-Grueso MJ, Padilla CA, Bárcena JA, Requejo-Aguilar R. Deficiency of Parkinson's Related Protein DJ-1 Alters Cdk5 Signalling and Induces Neuronal Death by Aberrant Cell Cycle Re-entry. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:757-769. [PMID: 35182267 PMCID: PMC9958167 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein involved in Parkinson disease (PD) that can act as antioxidant, molecular chaperone, protease, glyoxalase, and transcriptional regulator. However, the exact mechanism by which DJ-1 dysfunction contributes to development of Parkinson's disease remains elusive. Here, using a comparative proteomic analysis between wild-type cortical neurons and neurons lacking DJ-1 (data available via ProteomeXchange, identifier PXD029351), we show that this protein is involved in cell cycle checkpoints disruption. We detect increased amount of p-tau and α-synuclein proteins, altered phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways, and deregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). Cdk5 is normally involved in dendritic growth, axon formation, and the establishment of synapses, but can also contribute to cell cycle progression in pathological conditions. In addition, we observed a decrease in proteasomal activity, probably due to tau phosphorylation that can also lead to activation of mitogenic signalling pathways. Taken together, our findings indicate, for the first time, that aborted cell cycle re-entry could be at the onset of DJ-1-associated PD. Therefore, new approaches targeting cell cycle re-entry can be envisaged to improve current therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José López-Grueso
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Alicia Padilla
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain ,grid.428865.50000 0004 0445 6160Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Antonio Bárcena
- grid.411901.c0000 0001 2183 9102Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain ,grid.428865.50000 0004 0445 6160Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Requejo-Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain. .,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
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32
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Pacwa A, Machowicz J, Akhtar S, Rodak P, Liu X, Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Lewin-Kowalik J, Amadio M, Smedowski A. Deficiency of the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1/HuR leads to the failure of endogenous and exogenous neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1131356. [PMID: 36874215 PMCID: PMC9982123 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1131356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction ELAVL1/HuR is a keystone regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, including stress response and homeostasis maintenance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hur silencing on the age-related degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which potentially describes the efficiency of endogenous neuroprotection mechanisms, as well as to assess the exogenous neuroprotection capacity of hur-silenced RGC in the rat glaucoma model. Methods The study consisted of in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro, we used rat B-35 cells to investigate, whether AAV-shRNA-HuR delivery affects survival and oxidative stress markers under temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo approach consisted of two different settings. In first one, 35 eight-week-old rats received intravitreal injection of AAV-shRNA-HuR or AAV-shRNA scramble control. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 2, 4 or 6 months after injection. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. For the second approach, animals received similar gene constructs. To induce chronic glaucoma, 8 weeks after AAV injection, unilateral episcleral vein cauterization was performed. Animals from each group received intravitreal injection of metallothionein II. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 8 weeks later. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. Results Silencing of hur induced apoptosis and increased oxidative stress markers in B-35 cells. Additionally, shRNA treatment impaired the cellular stress response to temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo, RGC count was decreased by 39% in shRNA-HuR group 6 months after injection, when compared to shRNA scramble control group. In neuroprotection study, the average loss of RGCs was 35% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and shRNA-HuR and 11.4% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and the scramble control shRNA. An alteration in HuR cellular content resulted in diminished photopic negative responses in the electroretinogram. Conclusions Based on our findings, we conclude that HuR is essential for the survival and efficient neuroprotection of RGC and that the induced alteration in HuR content accelerates both the age-related and glaucoma-induced decline in RGC number and function, further confirming HuR's key role in maintaining cell homeostasis and its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pacwa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Machowicz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Inaya Medical Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Piotr Rodak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, The University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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33
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Wong GCN, Chow KHM. DNA Damage Response-Associated Cell Cycle Re-Entry and Neuronal Senescence in Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:S429-S451. [PMID: 35848025 PMCID: PMC10473156 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220203] [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] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronological aging is by far the strongest risk factor for age-related dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Senescent cells accumulated in the aging and Alzheimer's disease brains are now recognized as the keys to describing such an association. Cellular senescence is a classic phenomenon characterized by stable cell arrest, which is thought to be applicable only to dividing cells. Emerging evidence indicates that fully differentiated post-mitotic neurons are also capable of becoming senescent, with roles in contributing to both brain aging and disease pathogenesis. The key question that arises is the identity of the upstream triggers and the molecular mechanisms that underly such changes. Here, we highlight the potential role of persistent DNA damage response as the major driver of senescent phenotypes and discuss the current evidence and molecular mechanisms that connect DNA repair infidelity, cell cycle re-entry and terminal fate decision in committing neuronal cell senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genper Chi-Ngai Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kim Hei-Man Chow
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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34
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Shukla M, Vincent B. Melatonin as a Harmonizing Factor of Circadian Rhythms, Neuronal Cell Cycle and Neurogenesis: Additional Arguments for Its Therapeutic Use in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1273-1298. [PMID: 36918783 PMCID: PMC10286584 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230314142505] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthesis and release of melatonin in the brain harmonize various physiological functions. The apparent decline in melatonin levels with advanced aging is an aperture to the neurodegenerative processes. It has been indicated that down regulation of melatonin leads to alterations of circadian rhythm components, which further causes a desynchronization of several genes and results in an increased susceptibility to develop neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, as circadian rhythms and memory are intertwined, such rhythmic disturbances influence memory formation and recall. Besides, cell cycle events exhibit a remarkable oscillatory system, which is downstream of the circadian phenomena. The linkage between the molecular machinery of the cell cycle and complex fundamental regulatory proteins emphasizes the conjectural regulatory role of cell cycle components in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Among the mechanisms intervening long before the signs of the disease appear, the disturbances of the circadian cycle, as well as the alteration of the machinery of the cell cycle and impaired neurogenesis, must hold our interest. Therefore, in the present review, we propose to discuss the underlying mechanisms of action of melatonin in regulating the circadian rhythm, cell cycle components and adult neurogenesis in the context of AD pathogenesis with the view that it might further assist to identify new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Shukla
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- Present Address: Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 10210, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bruno Vincent
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Excellence DistALZ, Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560, Valbonne, France
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35
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Xie DM, Sun C, Tu Q, Li S, Zhang Y, Mei X, Li Y. Modified black phosphorus quantum dots promotes spinal cord injury repair by targeting the AKT signaling pathway. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231180033. [PMID: 37333896 PMCID: PMC10272649 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231180033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious refractory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which mostly caused by high-energy trauma. Existing interventions such as hormone shock and surgery are insufficient options, which relate to the secondary inflammation and neuronal dysfunction. Hydrogel with neuron-protective behaviors attracts tremendous attention, and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) encapsulating with Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) hydrogels (E@BP) is designed for inflammatory modulation and SCI treatment in this study. E@BP displays good stability, biocompatibility and safety profiles. E@BP incubation alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of primary neurons and enhances neuronal regeneration in vitro. Furthermore, E@BP reconstructs structural versus functional integrity of spinal cord tracts, which promotes recovery of motor neuron function in SCI rats after transplantation. Importantly, E@BP restarts the cell cycle and induces nerve regeneration. Moreover, E@BP diminishes local inflammation of SCI tissues, characterized by reducing accumulation of astrocyte, microglia, macrophages, and oligodendrocytes. Indeed, a common underlying mechanism of E@BP regulating neural regenerative and inflammatory responses is to promote the phosphorylation of key proteins related to AKT signaling pathway. Together, E@BP probably repairs SCI by reducing inflammation and promoting neuronal regeneration via the AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanwei Sun
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqiang Tu
- Zhongshan Medical College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suyi Li
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xifan Mei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yuanlong Li
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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36
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Pérez-Villegas EM, Ruiz R, Bachiller S, Ventura F, Armengol JA, Rosa JL. The HERC proteins and the nervous system. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:5-15. [PMID: 34848147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The HERC protein family is one of three subfamilies of Homologous to E6AP C-terminus (HECT) E3 ubiquitin ligases. Six HERC genes have been described in humans, two of which encode Large HERC proteins -HERC1 and HERC2- with molecular weights above 520 kDa that are constitutively expressed in the brain. There is a large body of evidence that mutations in these Large HERC genes produce clinical syndromes in which key neurodevelopmental events are altered, resulting in intellectual disability and other neurological disorders like epileptic seizures, dementia and/or signs of autism. In line with these consequences in humans, two mice carrying mutations in the Large HERC genes have been studied quite intensely: the tambaleante mutant for Herc1 and the Herc2+/530 mutant for Herc2. In both these mutant mice there are clear signs that autophagy is dysregulated, eliciting cerebellar Purkinje cell death and impairing motor control. The tambaleante mouse was the first of these mice to appear and is the best studied, in which the Herc1 mutation elicits: (i) delayed neural transmission in the peripheral nervous system; (ii) impaired learning, memory and motor control; and (iii) altered presynaptic membrane dynamics. In this review, we discuss the information currently available on HERC proteins in the nervous system and their biological activity, the dysregulation of which could explain certain neurodevelopmental syndromes and/or neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Pérez-Villegas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Sara Bachiller
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, CSIC, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francesc Ventura
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IBIDELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose A Armengol
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
| | - Jose Luis Rosa
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IBIDELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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37
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Li Q, Spalding KL. The regulation of adipocyte growth in white adipose tissue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1003219. [PMID: 36483678 PMCID: PMC9723158 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1003219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipocytes can increase in volume up to a thousand-fold, storing excess calories as triacylglycerol in large lipid droplets. The dramatic morphological changes required of adipocytes demands extensive cytoskeletal remodeling, including lipid droplet and plasma membrane expansion. Cell growth-related signalling pathways are activated, stimulating the production of sufficient amino acids, functional lipids and nucleotides to meet the increasing cellular needs of lipid storage, metabolic activity and adipokine secretion. Continued expansion gives rise to enlarged (hypertrophic) adipocytes. This can result in a failure to maintain growth-related homeostasis and an inability to cope with excess nutrition or respond to stimuli efficiently, ultimately leading to metabolic dysfunction. We summarize recent studies which investigate the functional and cellular structure remodeling of hypertrophic adipocytes. How adipocytes adapt to an enlarged cell size and how this relates to cellular dysfunction are discussed. Understanding the healthy and pathological processes involved in adipocyte hypertrophy may shed light on new strategies for promoting healthy adipose tissue expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kirsty L. Spalding
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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38
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Pathological Nuclear Hallmarks in Dentate Granule Cells of Alzheimer’s Patients: A Biphasic Regulation of Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112873. [PMID: 36361662 PMCID: PMC9654738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) of the human hippocampus is a complex and dynamic structure harboring mature and immature granular neurons in diverse proliferative states. While most mammals show persistent neurogenesis through adulthood, human neurogenesis is still under debate. We found nuclear alterations in granular cells in autopsied human brains, detected by immunohistochemistry. These alterations differ from those reported in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal circuit. Aging and early AD chromatin were clearly differentiated by the increased epigenetic markers H3K9me3 (heterochromatin suppressive mark) and H3K4me3 (transcriptional euchromatin mark). At early AD stages, lamin B2 was redistributed to the nucleoplasm, indicating cell-cycle reactivation, probably induced by hippocampal nuclear pathology. At intermediate and late AD stages, higher lamin B2 immunopositivity in the perinucleus suggests fewer immature neurons, less neurogenesis, and fewer adaptation resources to environmental factors. In addition, senile samples showed increased nuclear Tau interacting with aged chromatin, likely favoring DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. However, at late AD stages, the progressive disappearance of phosphorylated Tau forms in the nucleus, increased chromatin disorganization, and increased nuclear autophagy support a model of biphasic neurogenesis in AD. Therefore, designing therapies to alleviate the neuronal nuclear pathology might be the only pathway to a true rejuvenation of brain circuits.
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Ramón-Landreau M, Sánchez-Puelles C, López-Sánchez N, Lozano-Ureña A, Llabrés-Mas AM, Frade JM. E2F4DN Transgenic Mice: A Tool for the Evaluation of E2F4 as a Therapeutic Target in Neuropathology and Brain Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012093. [PMID: 36292945 PMCID: PMC9603043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
E2F4 was initially described as a transcription factor with a key function in the regulation of cell quiescence. Nevertheless, a number of recent studies have established that E2F4 can also play a relevant role in cell and tissue homeostasis, as well as tissue regeneration. For these non-canonical functions, E2F4 can also act in the cytoplasm, where it is able to interact with many homeostatic and synaptic regulators. Since E2F4 is expressed in the nervous system, it may fulfill a crucial role in brain function and homeostasis, being a promising multifactorial target for neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. The regulation of E2F4 is complex, as it can be chemically modified through acetylation, from which we present evidence in the brain, as well as methylation, and phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of E2F4 within a conserved threonine motif induces cell cycle re-entry in neurons, while a dominant negative form of E2F4 (E2F4DN), in which the conserved threonines have been substituted by alanines, has been shown to act as a multifactorial therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We generated transgenic mice neuronally expressing E2F4DN. We have recently shown using this mouse strain that expression of E2F4DN in 5xFAD mice, a known murine model of AD, improved cognitive function, reduced neuronal tetraploidization, and induced a transcriptional program consistent with modulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide proteostasis and brain homeostasis recovery. 5xFAD/E2F4DN mice also showed reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 3-6 months of age. Here, we analyzed the immune response in 1 year-old 5xFAD/E2F4DN mice, concluding that reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis is maintained at this late stage. In addition, the expression of E2F4DN also reduced age-associated microgliosis in wild-type mice, thus stressing its role as a brain homeostatic agent. We conclude that E2F4DN transgenic mice represent a promising tool for the evaluation of E2F4 as a therapeutic target in neuropathology and brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Ramón-Landreau
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Sánchez-Puelles
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia López-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Lozano-Ureña
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aina M. Llabrés-Mas
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Frade
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Cajal International Neuroscience Center, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, UAH Science and Technology Campus, Avenida León 1, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-585-4740
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Neurons: The Interplay between Cytoskeleton, Ion Channels/Transporters and Mitochondria. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162499. [PMID: 36010576 PMCID: PMC9406945 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are permanent cells whose key feature is information transmission via chemical and electrical signals. Therefore, a finely tuned homeostasis is necessary to maintain function and preserve neuronal lifelong survival. The cytoskeleton, and in particular microtubules, are far from being inert actors in the maintenance of this complex cellular equilibrium, and they participate in the mobilization of molecular cargos and organelles, thus influencing neuronal migration, neuritis growth and synaptic transmission. Notably, alterations of cytoskeletal dynamics have been linked to alterations of neuronal excitability. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of the neuronal cytoskeleton and provide insights into alterations of this component leading to human diseases, addressing how these might affect excitability/synaptic activity, as well as neuronal functioning. We also provide an overview of the microscopic approaches to visualize and assess the cytoskeleton, with a specific focus on mitochondrial trafficking.
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Pandey N, Vinod PK. Model scenarios for cell cycle re-entry in Alzheimer's disease. iScience 2022; 25:104543. [PMID: 35747391 PMCID: PMC9209725 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104543] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Aberrant production and aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide into plaques is a frequent feature of AD, but therapeutic approaches targeting Aβ accumulation fail to inhibit disease progression. The approved cholinesterase inhibitor drugs are symptomatic treatments. During human brain development, the progenitor cells differentiate into neurons and switch to a postmitotic state. However, cell cycle re-entry often precedes loss of neurons. We developed mathematical models of multiple routes leading to cell cycle re-entry in neurons that incorporate the crosstalk between cell cycle, neuronal, and apoptotic signaling mechanisms. We show that the integration of multiple feedback loops influences disease severity making the switch to pathological state irreversible. We observe that the transcriptional changes associated with this transition are also characteristics of the AD brain. We propose that targeting multiple arms of the feedback loop may bring about disease-modifying effects in AD. Developed mathematical models of cell cycle re-entry in Alzheimer's disease (AD) Integration of multiple feedback loops drives irreversible transition to AD Predicted transcriptional dysregulation is validated using AD gene expression data Inhibition of self-amplifying feedback loops brings about disease-modifying effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishtha Pandey
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032 India
| | - P K Vinod
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032 India
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Hawkins S, Namboori SC, Tariq A, Blaker C, Flaxman C, Dey NS, Henley P, Randall A, Rosa A, Stanton LW, Bhinge A. Upregulation of β-catenin due to loss of miR-139 contributes to motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1650-1665. [PMID: 35750046 PMCID: PMC9287677 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons (MNs). There are no effective treatments and patients usually die within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Emerging commonalities between familial and sporadic cases of this complex multifactorial disorder include disruption to RNA processing and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies containing TDP-43 and/or FUS protein aggregates. Both TDP-43 and FUS have been implicated in RNA processing functions, including microRNA biogenesis, transcription, and splicing. In this study, we explore the misexpression of microRNAs in an iPSC-based disease model of FUS ALS. We identify the downregulation of miR-139, an MN-enriched microRNA, in FUS and sporadic ALS MN. We discover that miR-139 downregulation leads to the activation of canonical WNT signaling and demonstrate that the WNT transcriptional mediator β-catenin is a major driver of MN degeneration in ALS. Our results highlight the importance of homeostatic RNA networks in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hawkins
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Seema C Namboori
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ammarah Tariq
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Catherine Blaker
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Christine Flaxman
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Nidhi S Dey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Peter Henley
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Andrew Randall
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lawrence W Stanton
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Akshay Bhinge
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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Tiwari D, Mittal N, Jha HC. Unraveling the links between neurodegeneration and Epstein-Barr virus-mediated cell cycle dysregulation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100046. [PMID: 36685766 PMCID: PMC9846474 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus is a well-known cell cycle modulator. To establish successful infection in the host, EBV alters the cell cycle at multiple steps via antigens such as EBNAs, LMPs, and certain other EBV-encoded transcripts. Interestingly, several recent studies have indicated the possibility of EBV's neurotrophic potential. However, the effects and outcomes of EBV infection in the CNS are under-explored. Additionally, more and more epidemiological evidence implicates the cell-cycle dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Numerous hypotheses which describe the triggers that force post-mitotic neurons to re-enter the cell cycle are prevalent. Apart from the known genetic and epigenetic factors responsible, several reports have shown the association of microbial infections with neurodegenerative pathology. Although, studies implicating the herpesvirus family members in neurodegeneration exist, the involvement of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in particular, is under-evaluated. Interestingly, a few clinical studies have reported patients of AD or PD to be seropositive for EBV. Based on the findings mentioned above, in this review, we propose that EBV infection in neurons could drive it towards neurodegeneration through dysregulation of cell-cycle events and induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Tiwari
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Nitish Mittal
- Computational and Systems Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, 4056, Basel, Switzerland,Corresponding author.
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India,Corresponding author.
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Ruffini N, Klingenberg S, Heese R, Schweiger S, Gerber S. The Big Picture of Neurodegeneration: A Meta Study to Extract the Essential Evidence on Neurodegenerative Diseases in a Network-Based Approach. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:866886. [PMID: 35832065 PMCID: PMC9271745 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.866886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The common features of all neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease, are the accumulation of aggregated and misfolded proteins and the progressive loss of neurons, leading to cognitive decline and locomotive dysfunction. Still, they differ in their ultimate manifestation, the affected brain region, and the kind of proteinopathy. In the last decades, a vast number of processes have been described as associated with neurodegenerative diseases, making it increasingly harder to keep an overview of the big picture forming from all those data. In this meta-study, we analyzed genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic data of the aforementioned diseases using the data of 234 studies in a network-based approach to study significant general coherences but also specific processes in individual diseases or omics levels. In the analysis part, we focus on only some of the emerging findings, but trust that the meta-study provided here will be a valuable resource for various other researchers focusing on specific processes or genes contributing to the development of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Ruffini
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Leibniz Association, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Klingenberg
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Raoul Heese
- Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Susann Schweiger
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Gerber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Shen X, Tang C, Kang Q, Zhu Y, Xu S, Jiang J, Xu R. Distribution Changes of Neural Precursor Cells in the Brain Stem of Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur Mice. NEURODEGENER DIS 2022; 21:132-145. [PMID: 35584655 DOI: 10.1159/000525124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The alteration of vimentin-containing cells (VCCs) proliferation, differentiation and migration in the brain stem of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like transgenic mice (Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur mice) (TG mice) and wild-type mice (WT mice) at the different disease stages of TG mice were studied in this study. The aim of this study was to investigate the change features of proliferation, differentiation and migration of endogenous neural precursor cells (NPCs) and to explore the potential effects of NPCs on restoring degenerated neurons in ALS. METHODS The proliferation, differentiation and migration of VCCs in both different anatomic regions and neural cells of brain stem at the different stages including pre-onset (60-70 days), onset (90-100 days) and progression (120-130 days) stages of TG mice and in WT mice (control) were examined using the immunofluorescence technology. RESULTS VCCs mainly distributed in the around (peripheral) central canal (CC) and the nuclei of brain stem in adult WT mice. VCCs proliferated and differentiated into astrocytes and directionally migrated from the around CC to the nuclei of brain stem, then to the ventral part of damaged regions in brain stem at the pre-onset, onset and progression stages of TG mice. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that NPCs widely distribute in the brain stem of adult TG mice can differentiate into astrocytes and migrate into damaged brain regions. This response might be a potential mechanism to repair degenerated motor neurons and restore dysfunctional neural circuitry in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Shen
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Department of Neurology, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, Jiujiang, China
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Kang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Shengyuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianxiang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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Ring NAR, Valdivieso K, Grillari J, Redl H, Ogrodnik M. The role of senescence in cellular plasticity: Lessons from regeneration and development and implications for age-related diseases. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1083-1101. [PMID: 35472291 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Senescence is a cellular state which involves cell cycle arrest and a proinflammatory phenotype, and it has traditionally been associated with cellular and organismal aging. However, increasing evidence suggests key roles in tissue growth and regrowth, especially during development and regeneration. Conversely, cellular plasticity-the capacity of cells to undergo identity change, including differentiation and dedifferentiation-is associated with development and regeneration but is now being investigated in the context of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease. Here, we discuss the paradox of the role for cellular senescence in cellular plasticity: senescence can act as a cell-autonomous barrier and a paracrine driver of plasticity. We provide a conceptual framework for integrating recent data and use the interplay between cellular senescence and plasticity to provide insight into age-related diseases. Finally, we argue that age-related diseases can be better deciphered when senescence is recognized as a core mechanism of regeneration and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Anneliese Ruth Ring
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karla Valdivieso
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mikolaj Ogrodnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Research Group Senescence and Healing of Wounds, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
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Diaz JR, Martá-Ariza M, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Heguy A, Tsirigos A, Pankiewicz JE, Sullivan PM, Sadowski MJ. Apolipoprotein E4 Effects a Distinct Transcriptomic Profile and Dendritic Arbor Characteristics in Hippocampal Neurons Cultured in vitro. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:845291. [PMID: 35572125 PMCID: PMC9099260 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.845291] [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: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The APOE gene is diversified by three alleles ε2, ε3, and ε4 encoding corresponding apolipoprotein (apo) E isoforms. Possession of the ε4 allele is signified by increased risks of age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the rate of AD dementia progression. ApoE is secreted by astrocytes as high-density lipoprotein-like particles and these are internalized by neurons upon binding to neuron-expressed apoE receptors. ApoE isoforms differentially engage neuronal plasticity through poorly understood mechanisms. We examined here the effects of native apoE lipoproteins produced by immortalized astrocytes homozygous for ε2, ε3, and ε4 alleles on the maturation and the transcriptomic profile of primary hippocampal neurons. Control neurons were grown in the presence of conditioned media from Apoe -/- astrocytes. ApoE2 and apoE3 significantly increase the dendritic arbor branching, the combined neurite length, and the total arbor surface of the hippocampal neurons, while apoE4 fails to produce similar effects and even significantly reduces the combined neurite length compared to the control. ApoE lipoproteins show no systemic effect on dendritic spine density, yet apoE2 and apoE3 increase the mature spines fraction, while apoE4 increases the immature spine fraction. This is associated with opposing effects of apoE2 or apoE3 and apoE4 on the expression of NR1 NMDA receptor subunit and PSD95. There are 1,062 genes differentially expressed across neurons cultured in the presence of apoE lipoproteins compared to the control. KEGG enrichment and gene ontology analyses show apoE2 and apoE3 commonly activate expression of genes involved in neurite branching, and synaptic signaling. In contrast, apoE4 cultured neurons show upregulation of genes related to the glycolipid metabolism, which are involved in dendritic spine turnover, and those which are usually silent in neurons and are related to cell cycle and DNA repair. In conclusion, our work reveals that lipoprotein particles comprised of various apoE isoforms differentially regulate various neuronal arbor characteristics through interaction with neuronal transcriptome. ApoE4 produces a functionally distinct transcriptomic profile, which is associated with attenuated neuronal development. Differential regulation of neuronal transcriptome by apoE isoforms is a newly identified biological mechanism, which has both implication in the development and aging of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny R. Diaz
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mitchell Martá-Ariza
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Adriana Heguy
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joanna E. Pankiewicz
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Patrick M. Sullivan
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center’s, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Martin J. Sadowski
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Tang J, Su Q, Guo Z, Zhou J, Zheng F, Yu G, Shao W, Hu H, Wu S, Li H. N6-methyladenosine(m 6A) demethylase FTO regulates cellular apoptosis following cobalt-induced oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118749. [PMID: 34968619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt is an environmental toxicant that is known to damage human health. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cobalt-induced neurotoxicity have not been elucidated in detail. In the present research, we used human neuroglioma H4 cells as an in vitro model. Cells were exposed to CoCl2 (0, 100, 200, 400 μM) for 24 h. We performed m6A sequencing techniques and constructed FTO-knockdown/FTO-overexpressing cells to investigate the role of FTO-mediated m6A modification in regulating apoptosis following CoCl2 induced oxidative stress. Our study has shown CoCl2 exposure led to the decrease of demethylase FTO as well as elevated oxidative stress. However, NAC treatment could partly reverse the reduction of FTO expression as well as the degree of ROS via eliminating oxidative stress. Meanwhile, MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq further revealed the potential function m6A modification in regulating apoptosis. More importantly, KEGG pathway and Gene ontology (GO) analyses further elucidated that the differentially m6A-modified genes were aggregated in apoptosis-related pathways. Mechanistic analysis indicated that knockdown of FTO facilitated CoCl2-induced apoptosis via caspase activation and G1/S cell cycle arrest. Nevertheless, overexpression of FTO partly attenuated the increased apoptosis following CoCl2 exposure. More notably, we observed that FTO regulated apoptosis in an m6A-dependent manner. Therefore, our findings reveal that CoCl2 induced ROS affected the m6A modification of apoptosis-related genes by decreasing the expression of FTO, thereby resulting in the activation of apoptosis. These findings provide important insights into CoCl2-induced apoptosis and m6A modification and propose a novel strategy for studying environmental toxicant-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Qianqian Su
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zhenkun Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jinfu Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Fuli Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Guangxia Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Wenya Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Hong Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China; The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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A Mutant Variant of E2F4 Triggers Multifactorial Therapeutic Effects in 5xFAD Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3016-3039. [PMID: 35254651 PMCID: PMC9016056 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a complex etiology, which requires a multifactorial approach for an efficient treatment. We have focused on E2 factor 4 (E2F4), a transcription factor that regulates cell quiescence and tissue homeostasis, controls gene networks affected in AD, and is upregulated in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and of APPswe/PS1dE9 and 5xFAD transgenic mice. E2F4 contains an evolutionarily conserved Thr-motif that, when phosphorylated, modulates its activity, thus constituting a potential target for intervention. In this study, we generated a knock-in mouse strain with neuronal expression of a mouse E2F4 variant lacking this Thr-motif (E2F4DN), which was mated with 5xFAD mice. Here, we show that neuronal expression of E2F4DN in 5xFAD mice potentiates a transcriptional program consistent with the attenuation of the immune response and brain homeostasis. This correlates with reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis, modulation of amyloid-β peptide proteostasis, and blocking of neuronal tetraploidization. Moreover, E2F4DN prevents cognitive impairment and body weight loss, a known somatic alteration associated with AD. We also show that our finding is significant for AD, since E2F4 is expressed in cortical neurons from Alzheimer patients in association with Thr-specific phosphorylation, as evidenced by an anti-E2F4/anti-phosphoThr proximity ligation assay. We propose E2F4DN-based gene therapy as a promising multifactorial approach against AD.
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Aging and Light Stress Result in Overlapping and Unique Gene Expression Changes in Photoreceptors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020264. [PMID: 35205309 PMCID: PMC8872477 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020264] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced age is one of the leading risk factors for vision loss and eye disease. Photoreceptors are the primary sensory neurons of the eye. The extended photoreceptor cell lifespan, in addition to its high metabolic needs due to phototransduction, makes it critical for these neurons to continually respond to the stresses associated with aging by mounting an appropriate gene expression response. Here, we sought to untangle the more general neuronal age-dependent transcriptional signature of photoreceptors with that induced by light stress. To do this, we aged flies or exposed them to various durations of blue light, followed by photoreceptor nuclei-specific transcriptome profiling. Using this approach, we identified genes that are both common and uniquely regulated by aging and light induced stress. Whereas both age and blue light induce expression of DNA repair genes and a neuronal-specific signature of death, both conditions result in downregulation of phototransduction. Interestingly, blue light uniquely induced genes that directly counteract the overactivation of the phototransduction signaling cascade. Lastly, unique gene expression changes in aging photoreceptors included the downregulation of genes involved in membrane potential homeostasis and mitochondrial function, as well as the upregulation of immune response genes. We propose that light stress contributes to the aging transcriptome of photoreceptors, but that there are also other environmental or intrinsic factors involved in age-associated photoreceptor gene expression signatures.
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