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Baudry M, Wang Y, Bi X, Luo YL, Wang Z, Kamal Z, Shirokov A, Sullivan E, Lagasca D, Khalil H, Lee G, Fosnaugh K, Bey P, Medi S, Coulter G. Identification and neuroprotective properties of NA-184, a calpain-2 inhibitor. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2024; 12:e1181. [PMID: 38429943 PMCID: PMC10907882 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1181] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Our laboratory has shown that calpain-2 activation in the brain following acute injury is directly related to neuronal damage and the long-term functional consequences of the injury, while calpain-1 activation is generally neuroprotective and calpain-1 deletion exacerbates neuronal injury. We have also shown that a relatively selective calpain-2 inhibitor, referred to as C2I, enhanced long-term potentiation and learning and memory, and provided neuroprotection in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. Using molecular dynamic simulation and Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) software, we generated about 130 analogs of C2I and tested them in a number of in vitro and in vivo assays. These led to the identification of two interesting compounds, NA-112 and NA-184. Further analyses indicated that NA-184, (S)-2-(3-benzylureido)-N-((R,S)-1-((3-chloro-2-methoxybenzyl)amino)-1,2-dioxopentan-3-yl)-4-methylpentanamide, selectively and dose-dependent inhibited calpain-2 activity without evident inhibition of calpain-1 at the tested concentrations in mouse brain tissues and human cell lines. Like NA-112, NA-184 inhibited TBI-induced calpain-2 activation and cell death in mice and rats, both male and females. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses indicated that NA-184 exhibited properties, including stability in plasma and liver and blood-brain barrier permeability, that make it a good clinical candidate for the treatment of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Baudry
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
- NeurAegis, IncIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yubin Wang
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yun Lyna Luo
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary Lee
- Nanosyn, IncSanta ClaraCaliforniaUSA
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Suryavanshi P, Langton R, Fairhead K, Glykys J. Brief and diverse excitotoxic insults cause an increase in neuronal nuclear membrane permeability in the neonatal brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.22.554167. [PMID: 37662276 PMCID: PMC10473591 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal swelling after excitotoxic insults is implicated in neuronal injury and death in the developing brain, yet mitigating brain edema with osmotic and surgical interventions yields poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, neuronal swelling and its downstream consequences during early brain development remain poorly investigated. Using multiphoton Ca2+ imaging in vivo (P12-17) and in acute brain slices (P8-12), we explored Ca2+-dependent downstream effects after neuronal cytotoxic edema. We observed the translocation of cytosolic GCaMP6s into the nucleus of a subpopulation of neurons minutes after various excitotoxic insults. We used automated morphology-detection algorithms for neuronal segmentation and quantified the nuclear translocation of GCaMP6s as the ratio of nuclear and cytosolic intensity (N/C ratio). Elevated neuronal N/C ratios were correlated to higher Ca2+ loads and could occur independently of neuronal swelling. Electron microscopy revealed that the nuclear translocation was associated with increased nuclear pore size. Inhibiting calpains prevented elevated N/C ratios and neuronal swelling. Thus, our results indicate altered nuclear transport in a subpopulation of neurons shortly after injury in the developing brain, which can be used as an early biomarker of acute neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Suryavanshi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - R Langton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - K Fairhead
- Biomedical Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - J Glykys
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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3
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Baudry M, Luo YL, Bi X. Calpain-2 Inhibitors as Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1592-1602. [PMID: 37474874 PMCID: PMC10684478 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01407-y] [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] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
While calpains have long been implicated in neurodegeneration, no calpain inhibitor has been developed for the treatment of neurodegeneration. This is partly due to the lack of understanding of the specific functions of most of the 15 members of the calpain family. Work from our laboratory over the last 5-10 years has revealed that calpain-1 and calpain-2, two of the major calpain isoforms in the brain, play opposite roles in both synaptic plasticity/learning and memory and neuroprotection/neurodegeneration. Thus, calpain-1 activation is required for triggering certain forms of synaptic plasticity and for learning some types of information and is neuroprotective. In contrast, calpain-2 activation limits the extent of synaptic plasticity and of learning and is neurodegenerative. These results have been validated with the use of calpain-1 knock-out mice and mice with a selective calpain-2 deletion in excitatory neurons of the forebrain. Through a medicinal chemistry campaign, we have identified a number of selective calpain-2 inhibitors and shown that these inhibitors do facilitate learning of certain tasks and are neuroprotective in a number of animal models of acute neurodegeneration. One of these inhibitors, NA-184, is currently being developed for the treatment of traumatic brain injury, and clinical trials are being planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Baudry
- CDM, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. 2nd St, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
| | - Yun Lyna Luo
- CoP, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- COMP, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
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4
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Lai R, Fang Q, Wu F, Pan S, Haque K, Sha SH. Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss by calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 is associated with upregulation of PI3K/Akt survival signaling pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1199656. [PMID: 37484825 PMCID: PMC10359991 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1199656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Noise-induced calcium overload in sensory hair cells has been well documented as an early step in the pathogenesis of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Alterations in cellular calcium homeostasis mediate a series of cellular events, including activation of calcium-dependent protein kinases and phosphatases. Using cell-membrane- and blood-brain-barrier-permeable calpain-1 (μ-calpain) and calpain-2 (m-calpain) inhibitor MDL-28170, we tested the involvement of calpains, a family of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases, and the potential of MDL-28170 in preventing NIHL. Methods CBA/J mice at the age of 12 weeks were exposed to broadband noise with a frequency spectrum from 2-20 kHz for 2 h at 101 dB sound pressure level to induce permanent hearing loss as measured by auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Morphological damage was assessed by quantification of remaining sensory hair cells and inner hair cell synapses 2 weeks after the exposure. Results MDL-28170 treatment by intraperitoneal injection significantly attenuated noise-induced functional deficits and cochlear pathologies. MDL-28170 treatment also prevented noise-induced cleavage of alpha-fodrin, a substrate for calpain-1. Furthermore, MDL-28170 treatment prevented reduction of PI3K/Akt signaling after exposure to noise and upregulated p85α and p-Akt (S473) in outer hair cells. Discussion These results indicate that noise-induced calpain activation negatively regulates PI3K/Akt downstream signaling, and that prevention of NIHL by treatment with MDL-28170 is associated with upregulation of PI3K/Akt survival signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruosha Lai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiaojun Fang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Song Pan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Khujista Haque
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Su-Hua Sha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Padmakumar S, Kulkarni P, Ferris CF, Bleier BS, Amiji MM. Traumatic brain injury and the development of parkinsonism: Understanding pathophysiology, animal models, and therapeutic targets. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112812. [PMID: 35290887 PMCID: PMC9050934 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical translation of therapeutic approaches to combat debilitating neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), remains as an urgent unmet challenge. The strong molecular association between the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the development of parkinsonism in humans has been well established. Therefore, a lot of ongoing research aims to investigate this pathology overlap in-depth, to exploit the common targets of TBI and PD for development of more effective and long-term treatment strategies. This review article intends to provide a detailed background on TBI pathophysiology and its established overlap with PD with an additional emphasis on the recent findings about their effect on perivascular clearance. Although, the traditional animal models of TBI and PD are still being considered, there is a huge focus on the development of combinatory hybrid animal models coupling concussion with the pre-established PD models for a better recapitulation of the human context of PD pathogenesis. Lastly, the therapeutic targets for TBI and PD, and the contemporary research involving exosomes, DNA vaccines, miRNA, gene therapy and gene editing for the development of potential candidates are discussed, along with the recent development of lesser invasive and promising central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Padmakumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Praveen Kulkarni
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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Ikram M, Park HY, Ali T, Kim MO. Melatonin as a Potential Regulator of Oxidative Stress, and Neuroinflammation: Mechanisms and Implications for the Management of Brain Injury-Induced Neurodegeneration. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:6251-6264. [PMID: 34866924 PMCID: PMC8637421 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s334423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This review covers the preclinical and clinical literature supporting the role of melatonin in the management of brain injury-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, and reviews the past and current therapeutic strategies. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a neurodegenerative condition, unpredictably and potentially progressing into chronic neurodegeneration, with permanent cognitive, neurologic, and motor dysfunction, having no standard therapies. Due to its complex and multi-faceted nature, the TBI has highly heterogeneous pathophysiology, characterized by the highest mortality and disability worldwide. Mounting evidence suggests that the TBI induces oxidative and nitrosative stress, which is involved in the progression of chronic and acute neurodegenerative diseases. Defenses against such conditions are mostly dependent on the usage of antioxidant compounds, the majority of whom are ingested as nutraceuticals or as dietary supplements. A large amount of literature is available regarding the efficacy of antioxidant compounds to counteract the TBI-associated damage in animal and cellular models of the TBI and several clinical studies. Collectively, the studies have suggested that TBI induces oxidative stress, by suppressing the endogenous antioxidant system, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor-2 (Nrf-2) increasing the lipid peroxidation and elevation of oxidative damage. Moreover, elevated oxidative stress may induce neuroinflammation by activating the microglial cells, releasing and activating the inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, and energy dyshomeostasis. Thus, melatonin has shown regulatory effects against the TBI-induced autophagic dysfunction, regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as ERK, activation of the NLRP-3 inflammasome, and release of the inflammatory cytokines. The collective findings strongly suggest that melatonin may regulate TBI-induced neurodegeneration, although further studies should be conducted to better facilitate future therapeutic windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ikram
- Division of Life Science and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Young Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht Medical Center, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Tahir Ali
- Division of Life Science and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Life Science and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.,Alz-Dementia Korea Co., Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
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7
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Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanistic Insight on Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Targets. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1725-1742. [PMID: 33956297 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes brain damage, which involves primary and secondary injury mechanisms. Primary injury causes local brain damage, while secondary damage begins with inflammatory activity followed by disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), peripheral blood cells infiltration, brain edema, and the discharge of numerous immune mediators including chemotactic factors and interleukins. TBI alters molecular signaling, cell structures, and functions. Besides tissue damage such as axonal damage, contusions, and hemorrhage, TBI in general interrupts brain physiology including cognition, decision-making, memory, attention, and speech capability. Regardless of the deep understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI, the underlying mechanisms still need to be assessed with a desired therapeutic agent to control the consequences of TBI. The current review gives a brief outline of the pathophysiological mechanism of TBI and various biochemical pathways involved in brain injury, pharmacological treatment approaches, and novel targets for therapy.
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8
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Knopp RC, Jastaniah A, Dubrovskyi O, Gaisina I, Tai L, Thatcher GRJ. Extending the Calpain-Cathepsin Hypothesis to the Neurovasculature: Protection of Brain Endothelial Cells and Mice from Neurotrauma. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:372-385. [PMID: 33615187 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The calpain-cathepsin hypothesis posits a key role for elevated calpain-1 and cathepsin-B activity in the neurodegeneration underlying neurotrauma and multiple disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD clinical trials were recently halted on alicapistat, a selective calpain-1 inhibitor, because of insufficient exposure of neurons to the drug. In contrast to neuroprotection, the ability of calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is understudied. Since cerebrovascular dysfunction underlies vascular dementia, is caused by ischemic stroke, and is emerging as an early feature in the progression of AD, we studied protection of brain endothelial cells (BECs) by selective and nonselective calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors. We show these inhibitors protect both neurons and murine BECs from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cultures of primary BECs from ALDH2 -/- mice that manifest enhanced oxidative stress were sensitive to ischemia, leading to reduced cell viability and loss of tight junction proteins; this damage was rescued by calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors. In ALDH2 -/- mice 24 h after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), BBB damage was reflected by significantly increased fluorescein extravasation and perturbation of tight junction proteins, eNOS, MMP-9, and GFAP. Both calpain and cathepsin-B inhibitors alleviated BBB dysfunction caused by mTBI. No clear advantage was shown by selective versus nonselective calpain inhibitors in these studies. The lack of recognition of the ability of calpain inhibitors to protect the BBB may have led to the premature abandonment of this therapeutic approach in AD clinical trials and requires further mechanistic studies of cerebrovascular protection by calpain-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Knopp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Ammar Jastaniah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Oleksii Dubrovskyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Irina Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Leon Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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9
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Bi X, Baudry M. Calpain-1 and Calpain-2 in the Brain: New Evidence for a Critical Role of Calpain-2 in Neuronal Death. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122698. [PMID: 33339205 PMCID: PMC7765587 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains are a family of soluble calcium-dependent proteases that are involved in multiple regulatory pathways. Our laboratory has focused on the understanding of the functions of two ubiquitous calpain isoforms, calpain-1 and calpain-2, in the brain. Results obtained over the last 30 years led to the remarkable conclusion that these two calpain isoforms exhibit opposite functions in the brain. Calpain-1 activation is required for certain forms of synaptic plasticity and corresponding types of learning and memory, while calpain-2 activation limits the extent of plasticity and learning. Calpain-1 is neuroprotective both during postnatal development and in adulthood, while calpain-2 is neurodegenerative. Several key protein targets participating in these opposite functions have been identified and linked to known pathways involved in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection/neurodegeneration. We have proposed the hypothesis that the existence of different PDZ (PSD-95, DLG and ZO-1) binding domains in the C-terminal of calpain-1 and calpain-2 is responsible for their association with different signaling pathways and thereby their different functions. Results with calpain-2 knock-out mice or with mice treated with a selective calpain-2 inhibitor indicate that calpain-2 is a potential therapeutic target in various forms of neurodegeneration, including traumatic brain injury and repeated concussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-909-469-8271
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10
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Nham A, Sherbaf A, Quach D, Yahya E, Ranburger D, Bi X, Baudry M. Calpain-2 as a therapeutic target in repeated concussion-induced neuropathy and behavioral impairment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/27/eaba5547. [PMID: 32937436 PMCID: PMC7458466 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba5547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Repeated concussion represents a serious health problem as it can result in various brain pathologies, ranging from minor focal tissue injury to severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The calcium-dependent protease, calpain, participates in the development of neurodegeneration following concussion, but there is no information regarding the relative contribution of calpain-1 and calpain-2, the major calpain isoforms in the brain. We used a mouse model of repeated concussions, which reproduces most of the behavioral and neuropathological features of the human condition, to address this issue. Deletion of calpain-2 or treatment with a selective calpain-2 inhibitor for 2 weeks prevented most of these neuropathological features. Changes in TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) subcellular localization similar to those found in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia were also prevented by deletion of calpain-2 or treatment with calpain-2 inhibitor. Our results indicate that a selective calpain-2 inhibitor represents a therapeutic approach for concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Amy Nham
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Arash Sherbaf
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Diana Quach
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Emad Yahya
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Davis Ranburger
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
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11
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Qiu LL, Pan W, Luo D, Zhang GF, Zhou ZQ, Sun XY, Yang JJ, Ji MH. Dysregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling mediated by NMDAR/Ca 2+/calpain might contribute to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aging mice. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:23. [PMID: 31948437 PMCID: PMC6966800 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1695-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a recognized clinical phenomenon characterized by cognitive impairments in patients following anesthesia and surgery, yet its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory via activation of TrkB-full length (TrkB-FL) receptors. It has been reported that an abnormal truncation of TrkB mediated by calpain results in dysregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling and is associated with cognitive impairments in several neurodegenerative disorders. Calpains are Ca2+-dependent proteases, and overactivation of calpain is linked to neuronal death. Since one source of intracellular Ca2+ is N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) related and the function of NMDARs can be regulated by neuroinflammation, we therefore hypothesized that dysregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling mediated by NMDAR/Ca2+/calpain might be involved in the pathogenesis of POCD. Methods In the present study, 16-month-old C57BL/6 mice were subjected to exploratory laparotomy with isoflurane anesthesia to establish the POCD animal model. For the interventional study, mice were treated with either NMDAR antagonist memantine or calpain inhibitor MDL-28170. Behavioral tests were performed by open field, Y maze, and fear conditioning tests from 5 to 8 days post-surgery. The levels of Iba-1, GFAP, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), NMDARs, calpain, BDNF, TrkB, bax, bcl-2, caspase-3, and dendritic spine density were determined in the hippocampus. Results Anesthesia and surgery-induced neuroinflammation overactivated NMDARs and then triggered overactivation of calpain, which subsequently led to the truncation of TrkB-FL, BDNF/TrkB signaling dysregulation, dendritic spine loss, and cell apoptosis, contributing to cognitive impairments in aging mice. These abnormities were prevented by memantine or MDL-28170 treatment. Conclusion Collectively, our study supports the notion that NMDAR/Ca2+/calpain is mechanistically involved in anesthesia and surgery-induced BDNF/TrkB signaling disruption and cognitive impairments in aging mice, which provides one possible therapeutic target for POCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Guang-Fen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Mu-Huo Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No. 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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12
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Plantier V, Sanchez-Brualla I, Dingu N, Brocard C, Liabeuf S, Gackière F, Brocard F. Calpain fosters the hyperexcitability of motoneurons after spinal cord injury and leads to spasticity. eLife 2019; 8:e51404. [PMID: 31815668 PMCID: PMC6927741 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Up-regulation of the persistent sodium current (INaP) and down-regulation of the potassium/chloride extruder KCC2 lead to spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI). We here identified calpain as the driver of the up- and down-regulation of INaP and KCC2, respectively, in neonatal rat lumbar motoneurons. Few days after SCI, neonatal rats developed behavioral signs of spasticity with the emergence of both hyperreflexia and abnormal involuntary muscle contractions on hindlimbs. At the same time, in vitro isolated lumbar spinal cords became hyperreflexive and displayed numerous spontaneous motor outputs. Calpain-I expression paralleled with a proteolysis of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels and KCC2. Acute inhibition of calpains reduced this proteolysis, restored the motoneuronal expression of Nav and KCC2, normalized INaP and KCC2 function, and curtailed spasticity. In sum, by up- and down-regulating INaP and KCC2, the calpain-mediated proteolysis of Nav and KCC2 drives the hyperexcitability of motoneurons which leads to spasticity after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Plantier
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Irene Sanchez-Brualla
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Nejada Dingu
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Cécile Brocard
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Sylvie Liabeuf
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Florian Gackière
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
| | - Frédéric Brocard
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (UMR7289), Aix-Marseille Université and CNRSMarseilleFrance
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Ng SY, Lee AYW. Traumatic Brain Injuries: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:528. [PMID: 31827423 PMCID: PMC6890857 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst civilians and military personnel globally. Despite advances in our knowledge of the complex pathophysiology of TBI, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. While initial brain insult involves acute and irreversible primary damage to the parenchyma, the ensuing secondary brain injuries often progress slowly over months to years, hence providing a window for therapeutic interventions. To date, hallmark events during delayed secondary CNS damage include Wallerian degeneration of axons, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death of neurons and glia. Extensive research has been directed to the identification of druggable targets associated with these processes. Furthermore, tremendous effort has been put forth to improve the bioavailability of therapeutics to CNS by devising strategies for efficient, specific and controlled delivery of bioactive agents to cellular targets. Here, we give an overview of the pathophysiology of TBI and the underlying molecular mechanisms, followed by an update on novel therapeutic targets and agents. Recent development of various approaches of drug delivery to the CNS is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yun Ng
- Neurobiology/Ageing Program, Centre for Life Sciences, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alan Yiu Wah Lee
- Neurobiology/Ageing Program, Centre for Life Sciences, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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González MI. Calpain-dependent cleavage of GABAergic proteins during epileptogenesis. Epilepsy Res 2019; 157:106206. [PMID: 31585309 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epileptogenesis is the processes by which a normal brain transforms and becomes capable of generate spontaneous seizures. In acquired epilepsy, it is thought that epileptogenesis can be triggered by a brain injury but the understanding of the cellular or molecular changes unraveling is incomplete. In the CA1 region of hippocampus less GABAergic activity precede the appearance of spontaneous seizures and calpain overactivation has been detected after chemoconvulsant-induced status epilepticus (SE). Inhibition of calpain overactivation following SE ameliorates seizure burden, suggesting a role for calpain dysregulation in epileptogenesis. The current study analyzed if GABAergic proteins (i.e., gephyrin, the vesicular GABA transporter and the potassium chloride co-transporter 2) undergo calpain-dependent cleavage during epileptogenesis. A time-dependent generation of break down products (BDPs) for these proteins was observed in the CA1 region of hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced SE. Generation of these BDPs was partially blocked by treatment with the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170. These findings suggest that calpain-dependent loss of GABAergic proteins might promote the erosion of inhibitory drive and contribute to hyperexcitability during epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco I González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology and Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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15
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Hu J, Chen L, Huang X, Wu K, Ding S, Wang W, Wang B, Smith C, Ren C, Ni H, ZhuGe Q, Yang J. Calpain inhibitor MDL28170 improves the transplantation-mediated therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells following traumatic brain injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:96. [PMID: 30876457 PMCID: PMC6420775 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) protects against brain damage. However, the low survival number of transplanted BMSCs remains a pertinent challenge and can be attributed to the unfavorable microenvironment of the injured brain. It is well known that calpain activation plays a critical role in traumatic brain injury (TBI)-mediated inflammation and cell death; previous studies showed that inhibiting calpain activation is neuroprotective after TBI. Thus, we investigated whether preconditioning with the calpain inhibitor, MDL28170, could enhance the survival of BMSCs transplanted at 24 h post TBI to improve neurological function. Methods TBI rat model was induced by the weight-drop method, using the gravitational forces of a free falling weight to produce a focal brain injury. MDL28170 was injected intracranially at the lesion site at 30 min post TBI, and the secretion levels of neuroinflammatory factors were assessed 24 h later. BMSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were locally administrated into the lesion site of TBI rat brains at 24 h post TBI. Immunofluorescence and histopathology were performed to evaluate the BMSC survival and the TBI lesion volume. Modified neurological severity scores were chosen to evaluate the functional recovery. The potential mechanisms by which MDL28170 is involved in the regulation of inflammation signaling pathway and cell apoptosis were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results Overall, we found that a single dose of MDL28170 at acute phase of TBI improved the microenvironment by inhibiting the inflammation, facilitated the survival of grafted GFP-BMSCs, and reduced the grafted cell apoptosis, leading to the reduction of lesion cavity. Furthermore, a significant neurological function improvement was observed when BMSCs were transplanted into a MDL28170-preconditioned TBI brains compared with the one without MDL28170-precondition group. Conclusions Taken together, our data suggest that MDL28170 improves BMSC transplantation microenvironment and enhances the neurological function restoration after TBI via increased survival rate of BMSCs. We suggest that the calpain inhibitor, MDL28170, could be pursued as a new combination therapeutic strategy to advance the effects of transplanted BMSCs in cell-based regenerative medicine. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1210-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
| | - Lefu Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xujun Huang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hengdian Wenrong Hospital, Jinhua, 322100, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Saidan Ding
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Weikan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Brian Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Charity Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Changhong Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoqi Ni
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qichuan ZhuGe
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Jianjing Yang
- 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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Shi D, He T, Tang W, Li H, Wang C, Zheng M, Hu J, Song X, Ding Y, Chen YY, Shen Y, Jin H, Wang LL. Local application of MDL28170-loaded PCL film improves functional recovery by preserving survival of motor neurons after traumatic spinal cord injury. Neurosci Lett 2019; 694:161-167. [PMID: 30528875 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal death and organization degeneration can happen inordinately after spinal cord injury (SCI), which lead to nerve dysfunction. We aimed to determine whether local application of a cell permeable calpain I inhibitor (MDL28170) can promote SCI recovery by increasing neuronal cell viability. MDL28170-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) film was fabricated. Scanning electron microscopy showed the surface of PCL film was smooth with holes (diameter at μM level). The PCL film was non-toxic, biological compatibility, and had good neuron adhension and slow release characteristic. MDL28170 increased VSC4.1 motor neurons' viability under tunicamycin (an endoplasmic reticulum stress) induced injury. In a traumatic SCI rat model, MDL28170-loaded PCL film reduced the area of lesion cavity, and promoted recovery of locomotor behavior. Moreover, the expression of GAP-43 was upregulated after MDL28170-loaded PCL film treatment. Thus, our findings demonstrated that localized delivery of MDL28170 could promote SCI recovery by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, preserving survival of the motor neurons, which may point out a promising therapeutic target for treating SCI patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Shi
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311400, China
| | - Teng He
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weijian Tang
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Heyangzi Li
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mingzhi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jue Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xinghui Song
- Core Facilities, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuemin Ding
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Ying-Ying Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yueliang Shen
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hongfeng Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310030, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Controlled cortical impact-induced neurodegeneration decreases after administration of the novel calpain-inhibitor Gabadur. Brain Res Bull 2018; 142:368-373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Calpains represent a family of neutral, calcium-dependent proteases, which modify the function of their target proteins by partial truncation. These proteases have been implicated in numerous cell functions, including cell division, proliferation, migration, and death. In the CNS, where calpain-1 and calpain-2 are the main calpain isoforms, their activation has been linked to synaptic plasticity as well as to neurodegeneration. This review will focus on the role of calpain-2 in acute neuronal injury and discuss the possibility of developing selective calpain-2 inhibitors for therapeutic purposes. Areas covered: This review covers the literature showing how calpain-2 is implicated in neuronal death in a number of pathological conditions. The possibility of developing new selective calpain-2 inhibitors for treating these conditions is discussed. Expert opinion: As evidence accumulates that calpain-2 activation participates in acute neuronal injury, there is interest in developing therapeutic approaches using selective calpain-2 inhibitors. Recent data indicate the potential use of such inhibitors in various pathologies associated with acute neuronal death. The possibility of extending the use of such inhibitors to more chronic forms of neurodegeneration is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, COMP Western University of Health Sciences 309 E. 2 St., Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- Department of Basic Science, COMP Western University of Health Sciences 309 E. 2 St., Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, COMP Western University of Health Sciences 309 E. 2 St., Pomona, CA 91766
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Lopez D, Lee M, Dayal S, Hurtado A, Bi X, Baudry M. Protection against TBI-Induced Neuronal Death with Post-Treatment with a Selective Calpain-2 Inhibitor in Mice. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:105-117. [PMID: 28594313 PMCID: PMC5757088 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. The calcium-dependent protease, calpain, has been shown to be involved in TBI-induced neuronal death. However, whereas various calpain inhibitors have been tested in several animal models of TBI, there has not been any clinical trial testing the efficacy of calpain inhibitors in human TBI. One important reason for this could be the lack of knowledge regarding the differential functions of the two major calpain isoforms in the brain, calpain-1 and calpain-2. In this study, we used the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model in mice to test the roles of calpain-1 and calpain-2 in TBI-induced neuronal death. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with calpain activity markers performed at different time-points after CCI in wild-type and calpain-1 knock-out (KO) mice showed that calpain-1 was activated early in cortical areas surrounding the impact, within 0-8 h after CCI, whereas calpain-2 activation was delayed and was predominant during 8-72 h after CCI. Calpain-1 KO enhanced cell death, whereas calpain-2 activity correlated with the extent of cell death, suggesting that calpain-1 activation suppresses and calpain-2 activation promotes cell death following TBI. Systemic injection(s) of a calpain-2 selective inhibitor, NA101, at 1 h or 4 h after CCI significantly reduced calpain-2 activity and cell death around the impact site, reduced the lesion volume, and promoted motor and learning function recovery after TBI. Our data indicate that calpain-1 activity is neuroprotective and calpain-2 activity is neurodegenerative after TBI, and that a selective calpain-2 inhibitor can reduce TBI-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Dulce Lopez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Moses Lee
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | | | - Alexander Hurtado
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
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Han X, Liu C, Zhang K, Guo M, Shen Z, Liu Y, Zuo Z, Cao M, Li Y. Calpain and JNK pathways participate in isoflurane - induced nucleus translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor in the brain of neonatal rats. Toxicol Lett 2017; 285:60-73. [PMID: 29289695 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that volatile anesthetic causes caspase-dependent neuroapoptosis and persistent cognitive deficits in young animals. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) can trigger apoptosis by caspase-independent pathway. Whether isoflurane induces neuroapoptosis by activation of AIF and its possible mechanism are underdetermined. Rats at postnatal day 7 were exposed to 1.1% isoflurane for 4 h and the expression of AIF, cytochrome c, caspase-3, μ-calpain, m-calpain, Bcl-2 and Bax in the mitochondrial, cytosolic, and nuclear fraction, as well as the number of both AIF and TUNEL positive neurons in the cortices of rats were measured. Moreover, the effects of calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 or JNK inhibitor SP600125 on isoflurane-induced AIF release, caspase activation and cognitive deficits were assessed. We found isoflurane activated CytC-caspase-3 dependent apoptosis pathway mainly in the early phase (0-6 h after exposure). Moreover, isoflurane activated mitochondrial μ-calpain, induced AIF truncation during early phase and activated m-calpain, induced AIF release from the mitochondria to cytosol and translocation into the nucleus in the late phase (6-24 h after exposure). MDL-28170 attenuated the isoflurane-induced mitochondrial AIF truncation, release and nuclear translocation, but did not change the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and mitochondrial Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. SP600125 attenuated isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis by inhibiting both AIF and caspase-3 pathways and reduced cognitive impairment in neonatal rats. This is the first study to provide the evidence that isoflurane induced AIF-dependent neuroapoptosis by activation of mitochondrial μ-calpain and m-calpain in neonatal rats. JNK inhibition reversed isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis and subsequent long-term neurocognitive impairment, acting via inhibiting activation of both AIF and caspase-3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Laboratory of RNA and Major Diseases of Brain and Heart, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Chuiliang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, ChanCheng Center Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Foshan, 528030, PR China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Laboratory of RNA and Major Diseases of Brain and Heart, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Mingyan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Yafang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Zhiyi Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Laboratory of RNA and Major Diseases of Brain and Heart, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0710, USA
| | - Minghui Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Laboratory of RNA and Major Diseases of Brain and Heart, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China.
| | - Yujuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Laboratory of RNA and Major Diseases of Brain and Heart, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Tao XG, Shi JH, Hao SY, Chen XT, Liu BY. Protective Effects of Calpain Inhibition on Neurovascular Unit Injury through Downregulating Nuclear Factor-κB-related Inflammation during Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:187-198. [PMID: 28091411 PMCID: PMC5282676 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.198001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In addition to neurons, all components of the neurovascular unit (NVU), such as glial, endothelial, and basal membranes, are destroyed during traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have shown that excessive stimulation of calpain is crucial for cerebral injury after traumatic insult. The objective of this study was to investigate whether calpain activation participated in NVU disruption and edema formation in a mouse model of controlled cortical impact (CCI). Methods: One hundred and eight mice were divided into three groups: the sham group, the control group, and the MDL28170 group. MDL28170 (20 mg/kg), an efficient calpain inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally at 5 min, 3 h, and 6 h after experimental CCI. We then measured neurobehavioral deficits, calpain activity, inflammatory mediator levels, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and NVU deficits using electron microscopy and histopathological analysis at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. Results: The MDL28170 treatment significantly reduced the extent of both cerebral contusion (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 16.90 ± 1.01 mm3 and 17.20 ± 1.17 mm3 vs. 9.30 ± 1.05 mm3 and 9.90 ± 1.17 mm3, both P < 0.001) and edema (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 80.76 ± 1.25% and 82.00 ± 1.84% vs. 82.55 ± 1.32% and 83.64 ± 1.25%, both P < 0.05), improved neurological scores (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 7.50 ± 0.45 and 6.33 ± 0.38 vs. 12.33 ± 0.48 and 11.67 ± 0.48, both P < 0.001), and attenuated NVU damage resulting (including tight junction (TJ), basement membrane, BBB, and neuron) from CCI at 6 h and 24 h. Moreover, MDL28170 markedly downregulated nuclear factor-κB-related inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.15 ± 0.07 and 1.62 ± 0.08 vs. 1.59 ± 0.10 and 2.18 ± 0.10, both P < 0.001; inducible nitric oxide synthase: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 4.51 ± 0.23 vs. 6.23 ± 0.12, P < 0.001 at 24 h; intracellular adhesion molecule-1: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.45 ± 0.13 vs. 1.70 ± 0.12, P < 0.01 at 24 h) and lessened both myeloperoxidase activity (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.016 ± 0.001 and 0.016 ± 0.001 vs. 0.024 ± 0.001 and 0.023 ± 0.001, P < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.87 ± 0.13 and 1.10 ± 0.10 vs. 1.17 ± 0.13 and 1.25 ± 0.12, P < 0.001 and 0.05, respectively) at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that MDL28170 can protect the structure of the NVU by inhibiting the inflammatory cascade, reducing the expression of MMP-9, and supporting the integrity of TJ during acute TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Gang Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jing-Hua Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shu-Yu Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xue-Tao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Bai-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050; Department of Neurotrauma, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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22
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Lam PM, Carlsen J, González MI. A calpain inhibitor ameliorates seizure burden in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 102:1-10. [PMID: 28237317 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used the pilocarpine model of epilepsy to evaluate the involvement of calpain dysregulation on epileptogenesis. Detection of spectrin breakdown products (SBDPs, a hallmark of calpain activation) after induction of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) and before appearance of spontaneous seizure suggested the existence of sustained calpain activation during epileptogenesis. Acute treatment with a cell permeable inhibitor of calpain, MDL-28170, resulted in a partial but significant reduction on seizure burden. The reduction on seizure burden was associated with a limited reduction on the generation of SBDPs but was correlated with a reduction in astrocytosis, microglia activation and cell sprouting. Together, these observations provide evidence for the role of calpain in epileptogenesis. In addition, provide proof-of-principle for the use of calpain inhibitors as a novel strategy to prevent epileptic seizures and its associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Lam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology and Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jessica Carlsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology and Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Marco I González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology and Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Abou-El-Hassan H, Sukhon F, Assaf EJ, Bahmad H, Abou-Abbass H, Jourdi H, Kobeissy FH. Degradomics in Neurotrauma: Profiling Traumatic Brain Injury. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1598:65-99. [PMID: 28508358 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6952-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Degradomics has recently emerged as a subdiscipline in the omics era with a focus on characterizing signature breakdown products implicated in various disease processes. Driven by promising experimental findings in cancer, neuroscience, and metabolomic disorders, degradomics has significantly promoted the notion of disease-specific "degradome." A degradome arises from the activation of several proteases that target specific substrates and generate signature protein fragments. Several proteases such as calpains, caspases, cathepsins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases that disturb the physiologic balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. While regulated proteolytic activities are needed for development, growth, and regeneration, uncontrolled proteolysis initiated under pathological conditions ultimately culminates into apoptotic and necrotic processes. In this chapter, we aim to review the protease-substrate repertoires in neural injury concentrating on traumatic brain injury. A striking diversity of protease substrates, essential for neuronal and brain structural and functional integrity, namely, encryptic biomarker neoproteins, have been characterized in brain injury. These include cytoskeletal proteins, transcription factors, cell cycle regulatory proteins, synaptic proteins, and cell junction proteins. As these substrates are subject to proteolytic fragmentation, they are ceaselessly exposed to activated proteases. Characterization of these molecules allows for a surge of "possible" therapeutic approaches of intervention at various levels of the proteolytic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Abou-El-Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Fares Sukhon
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Edwyn Jeremy Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham Bahmad
- Faculty of Medical, Neuroscience Research Center, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Abou-Abbass
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussam Jourdi
- Faculty of Science¸ Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Souk-el-Gharb Campus, Aley, Lebanon
| | - Firas H Kobeissy
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Alluri H, Grimsley M, Anasooya Shaji C, Varghese KP, Zhang SL, Peddaboina C, Robinson B, Beeram MR, Huang JH, Tharakan B. Attenuation of Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown and Hyperpermeability by Calpain Inhibition. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:26958-26969. [PMID: 27875293 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.735365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and the associated microvascular hyperpermeability followed by brain edema are hallmark features of several brain pathologies, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Recent studies indicate that pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) that is up-regulated following traumatic injuries also promotes BBB dysfunction and hyperpermeability, but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly known. The objective of this study was to determine the role of calpains in mediating BBB dysfunction and hyperpermeability and to test the effect of calpain inhibition on the BBB following traumatic insults to the brain. In these studies, rat brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayers exposed to calpain inhibitors (calpain inhibitor III and calpastatin) or transfected with calpain-1 siRNA demonstrated attenuation of IL-1β-induced monolayer hyperpermeability. Calpain inhibition led to protection against IL-1β-induced loss of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the tight junctions and alterations in F-actin cytoskeletal assembly. IL-1β treatment had no effect on ZO-1 gene (tjp1) or protein expression. Calpain inhibition via calpain inhibitor III and calpastatin decreased IL-1β-induced calpain activity significantly (p < 0.05). IL-1β had no detectable effect on intracellular calcium mobilization or endothelial cell viability. Furthermore, calpain inhibition preserved BBB integrity/permeability in a mouse controlled cortical impact model of TBI when studied using Evans blue assay and intravital microscopy. These studies demonstrate that calpain-1 acts as a mediator of IL-1β-induced loss of BBB integrity and permeability by altering tight junction integrity, promoting the displacement of ZO-1, and disorganization of cytoskeletal assembly. IL-1β-mediated alterations in permeability are neither due to the changes in ZO-1 expression nor cell viability. Calpain inhibition has beneficial effects against TBI-induced BBB hyperpermeability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Paul Varghese
- the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, and
| | - Shenyuan L Zhang
- the Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas 76504
| | | | | | - Madhava R Beeram
- Pediatrics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine/Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, Texas 76504
| | | | - Binu Tharakan
- From the Departments of Surgery, .,Pediatrics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine/Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, Texas 76504
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25
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Calpain inhibitor attenuates ER stress-induced apoptosis in injured spinal cord after bone mesenchymal stem cells transplantation. Neurochem Int 2016; 97:15-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
AIM This article attempts to provide a framework that will help to illustrate the roles of calpains in the process of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD This review provides meaningful points about the essential role of calpains in the neuropathological changes that follow TBI, identifies useful biomarkers of calpain activation and states the important roles of calpain in the treatment of TBI. RESULTS Neuronal calpains can be activated within hours or even minutes following contusive or diffuse brain trauma in animals. It has been suggested that they are early mediators of neuronal damage. Trauma can produce sustained calpain activation. In turn, this may result in axonal degeneration and neuronal death in models of TBI. Calpains can cleave cytoskeletal proteins into stable proteolytic fragments that have been widely used as biomarkers of the activation of calpain. The inhibition of calpains can reduce the functional and behavioural deficits by ameliorating axonal pathology and reducing cell deaths in animal models of TBI. CONCLUSION This review concentrates on the current understanding of the role of calpains in neuropathology that has been induced by TBI and the significance of calpains as a therapeutic target for the treatment of primary and secondary injuries that are associated with brain trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Navy General Hospital of PLA , Beijing , PR China
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27
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Fitzgerald M. Strategies to limit dysmyelination during secondary degeneration following neurotrauma. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:1096-9. [PMID: 25206765 PMCID: PMC4146096 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.135307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Fitzgerald
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Hook GR, Yu J, Sipes N, Pierschbacher MD, Hook V, Kindy MS. The cysteine protease cathepsin B is a key drug target and cysteine protease inhibitors are potential therapeutics for traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:515-29. [PMID: 24083575 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.2944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no effective therapeutic agents for traumatic brain injury (TBI), but drug treatments for TBI can be developed by validation of new drug targets and demonstration that compounds directed to such targets are efficacious in TBI animal models using a clinically relevant route of drug administration. The cysteine protease, cathepsin B, has been implicated in mediating TBI, but it has not been validated by gene knockout (KO) studies. Therefore, this investigation evaluated mice with deletion of the cathepsin B gene receiving controlled cortical impact TBI trauma. Results indicated that KO of the cathepsin B gene resulted in amelioration of TBI, shown by significant improvement in motor dysfunction, reduced brain lesion volume, greater neuronal density in brain, and lack of increased proapoptotic Bax levels. Notably, oral administration of the small-molecule cysteine protease inhibitor, E64d, immediately after TBI resulted in recovery of TBI-mediated motor dysfunction and reduced the increase in cathepsin B activity induced by TBI. E64d outcomes were as effective as cathepsin B gene deletion for improving TBI. E64d treatment was effective even when administered 8 h after injury, indicating a clinically plausible time period for acute therapeutic intervention. These data demonstrate that a cysteine protease inhibitor can be orally efficacious in a TBI animal model when administered at a clinically relevant time point post-trauma, and that E64d-mediated improvement of TBI is primarily the result of inhibition of cathepsin B activity. These results validate cathepsin B as a new TBI therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Hook
- 1 American Life Science Pharmaceuticals , San Diego, California
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Schoch KM, von Reyn CR, Bian J, Telling GC, Meaney DF, Saatman KE. Brain injury-induced proteolysis is reduced in a novel calpastatin-overexpressing transgenic mouse. J Neurochem 2013; 125:909-20. [PMID: 23305291 PMCID: PMC3676438 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The calpain family of calcium-dependent proteases has been implicated in a variety of diseases and neurodegenerative pathologies. Prolonged activation of calpains results in proteolysis of numerous cellular substrates including cytoskeletal components and membrane receptors, contributing to cell demise despite coincident expression of calpastatin, the specific inhibitor of calpains. Pharmacological and gene-knockout strategies have targeted calpains to determine their contribution to neurodegenerative pathology; however, limitations associated with treatment paradigms, drug specificity, and genetic disruptions have produced inconsistent results and complicated interpretation. Specific, targeted calpain inhibition achieved by enhancing endogenous calpastatin levels offers unique advantages in studying pathological calpain activation. We have characterized a novel calpastatin-overexpressing transgenic mouse model, demonstrating a substantial increase in calpastatin expression within nervous system and peripheral tissues and associated reduction in protease activity. Experimental activation of calpains via traumatic brain injury resulted in cleavage of α-spectrin, collapsin response mediator protein-2, and voltage-gated sodium channel, critical proteins for the maintenance of neuronal structure and function. Calpastatin overexpression significantly attenuated calpain-mediated proteolysis of these selected substrates acutely following severe controlled cortical impact injury, but with no effect on acute hippocampal neurodegeneration. Augmenting calpastatin levels may be an effective method for calpain inhibition in traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Schoch
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center and Department of
Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536
| | | | - Jifeng Bian
- Prion Research Center (PRC), Department of Microbiology, Immunology,
and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Glenn C. Telling
- Prion Research Center (PRC), Department of Microbiology, Immunology,
and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - David F. Meaney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kathryn E. Saatman
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center and Department of
Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536
- Address correspondence to: Kathryn E.
Saatman, Ph.D., Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC)
University of Kentucky B473 Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building
(BBSRB) 741 South Limestone Street Lexington, KY 40536-0509 (859) 323-5145 (859)
257-5737 (fax)
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Bains M, Cebak JE, Gilmer LK, Barnes CC, Thompson SN, Geddes JW, Hall ED. Pharmacological analysis of the cortical neuronal cytoskeletal protective efficacy of the calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 in a mouse traumatic brain injury model. J Neurochem 2013; 125:125-32. [PMID: 23216523 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of the amphipathic ketoamide calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 in attenuating calpain-mediated degradation of the neuronal cytoskeletal protein α-spectrin was examined in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) traumatic brain injury (TBI) model in male CF-1 mice. Using a single early (15 min after CCI-TBI) i.p. bolus administration of SNJ-1945 (6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50-mg/kg), we identified the most effective dose on α-spectrin degradation in the cortical tissue of mice at its 24 h peak after severe CCI-TBI. We then investigated the effects of a pharmacokinetically optimized regimen by examining multiple treatment paradigms that varied in dose and duration of treatment. Finally, using the most effective treatment regimen, the therapeutic window of α-spectrin degradation attenuation was assessed by delaying treatment from 15 min to 1 or 3 h post-injury. The effect of SNJ-1945 on α-spectrin degradation exhibited a U-shaped dose-response curve when treatment was initiated 15 min post-TBI. The most effective 12.5 mg/kg dose of SNJ-1945 significantly reduced α-spectrin degradation by ~60% in cortical tissue. Repeated dosing of SNJ-1945 beginning with a 12.5 mg/kg dose did not achieve a more robust effect compared with a single bolus treatment, and the required treatment initiation was less than 1 h. Although calpain has been firmly established to play a major role in post-traumatic secondary neurodegeneration, these data suggest that even brain and cell-permeable calpain inhibitors, when administered alone, do not show sufficient cytoskeletal protective efficacy or a practical therapeutic window in a mouse model of severe TBI. Such conclusions need to be verified in the human clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Bains
- Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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31
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Shi LL, Yang WN, Chen XL, Zhang JS, Yang PB, Hu XD, Han H, Qian YH, Liu Y. The protective effects of tanshinone IIA on neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid protein through calpain and the p35/Cdk5 pathway in primary cortical neurons. Neurochem Int 2012; 61:227-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Wu JCC, Chen KY, Yu YW, Huang SW, Shih HM, Chiu WT, Chiang YH, Shiau CY. Location and level of Etk expression in neurons are associated with varied severity of traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39226. [PMID: 22723969 PMCID: PMC3377631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Much recent research effort in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been devoted to the discovery of a reliable biomarker correlating with severity of injury. Currently, no consensus has been reached regarding a representative marker for traumatic brain injury. In this study, we explored the potential of epithelial/endothelial tyrosine kinase (Etk) as a novel marker for TBI. Methodology/Principal Findings TBI was induced in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by controlled cortical impact. Brain tissue samples were analyzed by Western blot, Q-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining using various markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein, and epithelial/endothelial tyrosine kinase (Etk). Results show increased Etk expression with increased number and severity of impacts. Expression increased 2.36 to 7-fold relative to trauma severity. Significant upregulation of Etk appeared at 1 hour after injury. The expression level of Etk was inversely correlated with distance from injury site. Etk and trauma/inflammation related markers increased post-TBI, while other tyrosine kinases did not. Conclusion/Significance The observed correlation between Etk level and the number of impacts, the severity of impact, and the time course after impact, as well as its inverse correlation with distance away from injury site, support the potential of Etk as a possible indicator of trauma severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Chung-Che Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Taitung Christian Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Neural Regenerative Program, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Translational Research Laboratory, Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Wen Yu
- Neural Regenerative Program, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Song-Wei Huang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsiu-Ming Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ta Chiu
- Ministry of Health, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yung-Hsiao Chiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Neural Regenerative Program, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Translational Research Laboratory, Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (YHC); (CYS)
| | - Chia-Yang Shiau
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (YHC); (CYS)
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Hussain ZM, Fitting S, Watanabe H, Usynin I, Yakovleva T, Knapp PE, Scheff SW, Hauser KF, Bakalkin G. Lateralized response of dynorphin a peptide levels after traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma 2012; 29:1785-93. [PMID: 22468884 PMCID: PMC3360894 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.2286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces a cascade of primary and secondary events resulting in impairment of neuronal networks that eventually determines clinical outcome. The dynorphins, endogenous opioid peptides, have been implicated in secondary injury and neurodegeneration in rodent and human brain. To gain insight into the role of dynorphins in the brain's response to trauma, we analyzed short-term (1-day) and long-term (7-day) changes in dynorphin A (Dyn A) levels in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, induced by unilateral left-side or right-side cortical TBI in mice. The effects of TBI were significantly different from those of sham surgery (Sham), while the sham surgery also produced noticeable effects. Both sham and TBI induced short-term changes and long-term changes in all three regions. Two types of responses were generally observed. In the hippocampus, Dyn A levels were predominantly altered ipsilateral to the injury. In the striatum and frontal cortex, injury to the right (R) hemisphere affected Dyn A levels to a greater extent than that seen in the left (L) hemisphere. The R-TBI but not L-TBI produced Dyn A changes in the striatum and frontal cortex at 7 days after injury. Effects of the R-side injury were similar in the two hemispheres. In naive animals, Dyn A was symmetrically distributed between the two hemispheres. Thus, trauma may reveal a lateralization in the mechanism mediating the response of Dyn A-expressing neuronal networks in the brain. These networks may differentially mediate effects of left and right brain injury on lateralized brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Muhammad Hussain
- The Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- The Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivan Usynin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatjana Yakovleva
- The Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pamela E. Knapp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Stephen W. Scheff
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Kurt F. Hauser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- The Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Schoch KM, Evans HN, Brelsfoard JM, Madathil SK, Takano J, Saido TC, Saatman KE. Calpastatin overexpression limits calpain-mediated proteolysis and behavioral deficits following traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2012; 236:371-82. [PMID: 22572592 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in abrupt, initial cell damage leading to delayed neuronal death. The calcium-activated proteases, calpains, are known to contribute to this secondary neurodegenerative cascade. Although the specific inhibitor of calpains, calpastatin, is present within neurons, normal levels of calpastatin are unable to fully prevent the damaging proteolytic activity of calpains after injury. In this study, increased calpastatin expression was achieved using transgenic mice that overexpress the human calpastatin (hCAST) construct under control of a calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II α promoter. Naïve hCAST transgenic mice exhibited enhanced neuronal calpastatin expression and significantly reduced protease activity. Acute calpain-mediated spectrin proteolysis in the cortex and hippocampus induced by controlled cortical impact brain injury was significantly attenuated in calpastatin overexpressing mice. Aspects of posttraumatic motor and cognitive behavioral deficits were also lessened in hCAST transgenic mice compared to their wildtype littermates. However, volumetric analyses of neocortical contusion revealed no histological neuroprotection at either acute or long-term time points. Partial hippocampal neuroprotection observed at a moderate injury severity was lost after severe TBI. This study underscores the effectiveness of calpastatin overexpression in reducing calpain-mediated proteolysis and behavioral impairment after TBI, supporting the therapeutic potential for calpain inhibition. In addition, the reduction in spectrin proteolysis without accompanied neocortical neuroprotection suggests the involvement of other factors that are critical for neuronal survival after contusion brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Schoch
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, B416 Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Building, 741 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA.
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Crosstalk between cdk5 and MEK-ERK signalling upon opioid receptor stimulation leads to upregulation of activator p25 and MEK1 inhibition in rat brain. Neuroscience 2012; 215:17-30. [PMID: 22537847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) participates in opioid receptor signalling through complex molecular mechanisms. The acute effects of selective μ-(fentanyl) and δ-(SNC-80) opioid receptor agonists, as well as the chronic effects of morphine (the prototypic opiate agonist mainly acting at μ-receptors), modulating cdk5 and activators p35/p25 and their interactions with neurotoxic/apoptotic factors, dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32kDa (DARPP-32) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were quantified (Western Blot analyses) in the rat corpus striatum and/or cerebral cortex. To assess the involved mechanisms, MDL28170 was used to inhibit calpain activity and SL327 to disrupt MEK (ERK kinase)-ERK activation. Acute fentanyl (0.1mg/kg) and SNC-80 (10mg/kg) induced rapid (7-60 min) 2- to 4-fold increases of p25 content, without induction of cdk5/p25 pro-apoptotic c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase or aberrant cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase-1, a hallmark of apoptosis. In contrast, fentanyl and SNC-80 stimulated cdk5-mediated p-Thr75 DARPP-32 (+116-166%; PKA inhibition) and p-Thr286 MEK1 (+21-82%; MEK inactivation), and this latter effect resulted in uncoupling of MEK to ERK signals. Calpain inhibition with MDL28170 (cleavage of p35 to p25) attenuated fentanyl-induced p25 accumulation (-57%), but not the stimulation of p-Thr286 MEK1 or p-Thr75 DARPP-32. MEK-ERK inhibition with SL327 fully prevented fentanyl-induced p25 upregulation. Notably, chronic morphine treatment (10-100mg/kg for 6 days) also increased p25 content and p25/p35 ratio (and activated/inactivated MEK1) in rat brain cortex, which indicated that p25 upregulation persisted under the sustained stimulation of μ-opioid receptors. The results demonstrate that the acute stimulation of opioid receptors leads to upregulation of p25 activator through a MEK-ERK and calpain-dependent pathway, and to disruption of MEK-ERK signalling by a cdk5/p35-induced MEK1 inhibition. Moreover, the effects induced by the sustained stimulation of μ-receptors with morphine suggest the participation of cdk5/p25 complex in opiate-induced long-term neuroplasticity.
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Ma M, Li L, Wang X, Bull DL, Shofer FS, Meaney DF, Neumar RW. Short-duration treatment with the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 does not protect axonal transport in an in vivo model of traumatic axonal injury. J Neurotrauma 2012; 29:445-51. [PMID: 22077394 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic axonal injury is characterized by early cytoskeletal proteolysis and disruption of axonal transport. Calpain inhibition has been shown to protect axons in rodent models of traumatic brain injury. However, in these models, both white and gray matter are injured, making it difficult to determine if calpain inhibitors are directly protecting injured axons. To address this issue, we used our rat optic nerve stretch model to test the hypothesis that early calpain inhibition directly protects central nervous system (CNS) axons following stretch injury. Rats were given an intravenous bolus of the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 (30 mg/kg) 30 min prior to unilateral optic nerve stretch, followed by a 15 mg/kg/h intravenous infusion over the next 2.5 h. Immunohistochemical analysis of optic nerves 30 min after stretch injury revealed variable increases of calpain-cleaved α-spectrin that appeared less evident in stretched nerves from drug-treated rats, although this difference was not statistically significant. Retrograde axonal transport measured by Fluorogold® labeling of retinal ganglion cells was significantly impaired after stretch injury. However, there was no difference in the number of Fluorogold-labeled cells in the vehicle vs. drug treatment groups. These results suggest that early short-duration calpain inhibitor therapy with MDL-28170 is not an effective strategy to prevent disruption of axonal transport following isolated axonal stretch injury in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Striatal inhibition of calpains prevents levodopa-induced neurochemical changes and abnormal involuntary movements in the hemiparkinsonian rat model. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:645-55. [PMID: 22037042 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological dopamine replacement with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) remains the most effective approach to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, as the disease progresses, the therapeutic response to L-DOPA gradually becomes erratic and is associated with the emergence of dyskinesia in the majority of patients. The pathogenesis of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) is still unknown. In the current study, using the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of PD, we demonstrated that the calcium-dependent proteins calpains and cdk5 of the striatum play a critical role in the behavioral and molecular changes evoked by L-DOPA therapy. We first confirmed that L-DOPA reversed PD symptoms, assessed by the cylinder, stepping and vibrissae-elicited reaching tests in this animal model, and elicited robust abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) reminiscent of LID. Interestingly, intrastriatal infusion of the calpains inhibitor MDL28170, and to a lower extent the cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine, reduced the severity and amplitude of AIMs without affecting L-DOPA's antiparkinsonian effects. Notably, the calpains and cdk5 inhibitors totally reversed the striatal molecular changes attributed to L-DOPA therapy, such as ERK1/2 and dynamin phosphorylation. Another fascinating observation was that L-DOPA therapy, in combination with intrastriatal infusion of MDL28170, augmented tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the striatum of lesioned rats without affecting the number of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. These findings disclose a novel mechanism underlying the maladaptive alterations induced by L-DOPA therapy in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD.
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