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Zhang S, Zhao J, Sha WM, Zhang XP, Mai JY, Bartlett PF, Hou ST. Inhibition of EphA4 reduces vasogenic edema after experimental stroke in mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier integrity. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:419-433. [PMID: 37871622 PMCID: PMC10870966 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231209607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral vasogenic edema, a severe complication of ischemic stroke, aggravates neurological deficits. However, therapeutics to reduce cerebral edema still represent a significant unmet medical need. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), vital for maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB), represent the first defense barrier for vasogenic edema. Here, we analyzed the proteomic profiles of the cultured mouse BMECs during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R). Besides the extensively altered cytoskeletal proteins, ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EphA4) expressions and its activated phosphorylated form p-EphA4 were significantly increased. Blocking EphA4 using EphA4-Fc, a specific and well-tolerated inhibitor shown in our ongoing human phase I trial, effectively reduced OGD/R-induced BMECs contraction and tight junction damage. EphA4-Fc did not protect OGD/R-induced neuronal and astrocytic death. However, administration of EphA4-Fc, before or after the onset of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), reduced brain edema by about 50%, leading to improved neurological function recovery. The BBB permeability test also confirmed that cerebral BBB integrity was well maintained in tMCAO brains treated with EphA4-Fc. Therefore, EphA4 was critical in signaling BMECs-mediated BBB breakdown and vasogenic edema during cerebral ischemia. EphA4-Fc is promising for the treatment of clinical post-stroke edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wei-Meng Sha
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Pei Zhang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Yuan Mai
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Perry F Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sheng-Tao Hou
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
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2
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Strong TA, Esquivel J, Wang Q, Ledon PJ, Wang H, Gaidosh G, Tse D, Pelaez D. Activation of multiple Eph receptors on neuronal membranes correlates with the onset of optic neuropathy. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 10:42. [PMID: 37779186 PMCID: PMC10544557 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic neuropathy is a major cause of irreversible blindness, yet the molecular determinants that contribute to neuronal demise have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have identified 'ephrin signaling' as one of the most dysregulated pathways in the early pathophysiology of optic neuropathy with varied etiologies. Developmentally, gradients in ephrin signaling coordinate retinotopic mapping via repulsive modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in neuronal membranes. Little is known about the role ephrin signaling plays in the post-natal visual system and its correlation with the onset of optic neuropathy. METHODS Postnatal mouse retinas were collected for mass spectrometry analysis for erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors. Optic nerve crush (ONC) model was employed to induce optic neuropathy, and proteomic changes during the acute phase of neuropathic onset were analyzed. Confocal and super-resolution microscopy determined the cellular localization of activated Eph receptors after ONC injury. Eph receptor inhibitors assessed the neuroprotective effect of ephrin signaling modulation. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed expression of seven Eph receptors (EphA2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, and B6) in postnatal mouse retinal tissue. Immunoblotting analysis indicated a significant increase in phosphorylation of these Eph receptors 48 h after ONC. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of both subclasses of Eph receptors within the retina. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) super-resolution imaging combined with optimal transport colocalization analysis revealed a significant co-localization of activated Eph receptors with injured neuronal cells, compared to uninjured neuronal and/or injured glial cells, 48 h post-ONC. Eph receptor inhibitors displayed notable neuroprotective effects for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after six days of ONC injury. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the functional presence of diverse Eph receptors in the postnatal mammalian retina, capable of modulating multiple biological processes. Pan-Eph receptor activation contributes to the onset of neuropathy in optic neuropathies, with preferential activation of Eph receptors on neuronal processes in the inner retina following optic nerve injury. Notably, Eph receptor activation precedes neuronal loss. We observed a neuroprotective effect on RGCs upon inhibiting Eph receptors. Our study highlights the importance of investigating this repulsive pathway in early optic neuropathies and provides a comprehensive characterization of the receptors present in the developed retina of mice, relevant to both homeostasis and disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Strong
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Juan Esquivel
- Department of Physics, University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Qikai Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Paul J Ledon
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gabriel Gaidosh
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Tse
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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3
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Ballester Roig MN, Roy PG, Hannou L, Delignat-Lavaud B, Sully Guerrier TA, Bélanger-Nelson E, Dufort-Gervais J, Mongrain V. Transcriptional regulation of the mouse EphA4, Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-A3 genes by the circadian clock machinery. Chronobiol Int 2023; 40:983-1003. [PMID: 37551686 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2023.2237580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms originate from molecular feedback loops. In mammals, the transcription factors CLOCK and BMAL1 act on regulatory elements (i.e. E-boxes) to shape biological functions in a rhythmic manner. The EPHA4 receptor and its ligands Ephrins (EFN) are cell adhesion molecules regulating neurotransmission and neuronal morphology. Previous studies showed the presence of E-boxes in the genes of EphA4 and specific Ephrins, and that EphA4 knockout mice have an altered circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. We thus hypothesized that the core clock machinery regulates the gene expression of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3. CLOCK and BMAL1 (or NPAS2 and BMAL2) were found to have transcriptional activity on distal and proximal regions of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3 putative promoters. A constitutively active form of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β; a negative regulator of CLOCK and BMAL1) blocked the transcriptional induction. Mutating the E-boxes of EphA4 distal promoter sequence reduced transcriptional induction. EPHA4 and EFNB2 protein levels did not show circadian variations in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus or prefrontal cortex. The findings uncover that core circadian transcription factors can regulate the gene expression of elements of the Eph/Ephrin system, which might contribute to circadian rhythmicity in biological processes in the brain or peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Neus Ballester Roig
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Gabriel Roy
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Valérie Mongrain
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Strong TA, Esquivel J, Wang Q, Ledon PJ, Wang H, Gaidosh G, Tse D, Pelaez D. Activation of Multiple Eph Receptors on Neuronal Membranes Correlates with The Onset of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543735. [PMID: 37333178 PMCID: PMC10274644 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Optic neuropathy (ON) is a major cause of irreversible blindness, yet the molecular determinants that contribute to neuronal demise have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have identified 'ephrin signaling' as one of the most dysregulated pathways in the early pathophysiology of ON with varied etiologies. Developmentally, gradients in ephrin signaling coordinate retinotopic mapping via repulsive modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in neuronal membranes. Little is known about the role ephrin signaling played in the post-natal visual system and its correlation with the onset of optic neuropathy. Methods Postnatal mouse retinas were collected for mass spectrometry analysis for Eph receptors. Optic nerve crush (ONC) model was employed to induce optic neuropathy, and proteomic changes during the acute phase of neuropathic onset were analyzed. Confocal and super-resolution microscopy determined the cellular localization of activated Eph receptors after ONC injury. Eph receptor inhibitors assessed the neuroprotective effect of ephrin signaling modulation. Results Mass spectrometry revealed expression of seven Eph receptors (EphA2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, and B6) in postnatal mouse retinal tissue. Immunoblotting analysis indicated a significant increase in phosphorylation of these Eph receptors 48 hours after ONC. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of both subclasses of Eph receptors in the inner retinal layers. STORM super-resolution imaging combined with optimal transport colocalization analysis revealed a significant co-localization of activated Eph receptors with injured neuronal processes, compared to uninjured neuronal and/or injured glial cells, 48 hours post-ONC. Eph receptor inhibitors displayed notable neuroprotective effects after 6 days of ONC injury. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the functional presence of diverse Eph receptors in the postnatal mammalian retina, capable of modulating multiple biological processes. Pan-Eph receptor activation contributes to the onset of neuropathy in ONs, with preferential activation of Eph receptors on neuronal processes in the inner retina following optic nerve injury. Notably, Eph receptor activation precedes neuronal loss. We observed neuroprotective effects upon inhibiting Eph receptors. Our study highlights the importance of investigating this repulsive pathway in early optic neuropathies and provides a comprehensive characterization of the receptors present in the developed retina of mice, relevant to both homeostasis and disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Strong
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Juan Esquivel
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Qikai Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Ledon
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Gaidosh
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - David Tse
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
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5
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Liu C, Han S, Zheng J, Wang H, Li S, Li J. EphA4 regulates white matter remyelination after ischemic stroke through Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Glia 2022; 70:1971-1991. [PMID: 35762396 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke, which accounts for nearly 80% of all strokes, leads to white matter injury and neurobehavioral dysfunction, but relevant therapies to inhibit demyelination or promote remyelination after white matter injury are still unavailable. In this study, the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in vivo and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro were used to establish the ischemic models. We found that Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) had no effect on the apoptosis of oligodendrocytes using TUNEL staining. In contrast, EphA4 promoted proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), but reduced the numbers of mature oligodendrocytes and the levels of myelin-associated proteins (MAG, MOG, and MBP) in the process of remyelination in ischemic models in vivo and in vitro as determined using PDGFRα-EphA4-shRNA and LV-EphA4 treatments. Notably, conditional knockout of EphA4 in OPCs (EphA4fl/fl + AAV-PDGFRα-Cre) improved the levels of myelin-associated proteins and functional recovery following ischemic stroke. In addition, regulation of remyelination by EphA4 was mediated by the Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Therefore, EphA4 did not affect oligodendrocyte (OL) apoptosis but regulated white matter remyelination after ischemic stroke through the Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. EphA4 may provide a novel and effective therapeutic target in clinical practice of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayin Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujuan Li
- The Neurological Department, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junfa Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Aykan SA, Xie H, Zheng Y, Chung DY, Kura S, Han Lai J, Erdogan TD, Morais A, Tamim I, Yagmur D, Ishikawa H, Arai K, Abbas Yaseen M, Boas DA, Sakadzic S, Ayata C. Rho-Kinase Inhibition Improves the Outcome of Focal Subcortical White Matter Lesions. Stroke 2022; 53:2369-2376. [PMID: 35656825 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.037358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subcortical white matter lesions are exceedingly common in cerebral small vessel disease and lead to significant cumulative disability without an available treatment. Here, we tested a rho-kinase inhibitor on functional recovery after focal white matter injury. METHODS A focal corpus callosum lesion was induced by stereotactic injection of N5-(1-iminoethyl)-L-ornithine in mice. Fasudil (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered daily for 2 weeks, starting one day after lesion induction. Resting-state functional connectivity and grid walk performance were studied longitudinally, and lesion volumes were determined at one month. RESULTS Resting-state interhemispheric functional connectivity significantly recovered between days 1 and 14 in the fasudil group (P<0.001), despite worse initial connectivity loss than vehicle before treatment onset. Grid walk test revealed an increased number of foot faults in the vehicle group compared with baseline, which persisted for at least 4 weeks. In contrast, the fasudil arm did not show an increase in foot faults and had smaller lesions at 4 weeks. Immunohistochemical examination of reactive astrocytosis, synaptic density, and mature oligodendrocytes did not reveal a significant difference between treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS These data show that delayed fasudil posttreatment improves functional outcomes after a focal subcortical white matter lesion in mice. Future work will aim to elucidate the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanem A Aykan
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Hongyu Xie
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.).,Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (H.X.)
| | - Yi Zheng
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - David Y Chung
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.).,Stroke Service, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA. (C.A., D.Y.C.)
| | - Sreekanth Kura
- Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, MA (S.K., D.A.B.)
| | - James Han Lai
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Taylan D Erdogan
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Andreia Morais
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Isra Tamim
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Damla Yagmur
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.)
| | - Hidehiro Ishikawa
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown. (H.I., K.A.)
| | - Ken Arai
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown. (H.I., K.A.)
| | - M Abbas Yaseen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA. (D.A.B., M.A.Y., S.S.)
| | - David A Boas
- Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, MA (S.K., D.A.B.).,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA. (D.A.B., M.A.Y., S.S.)
| | - Sava Sakadzic
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA. (D.A.B., M.A.Y., S.S.)
| | - Cenk Ayata
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown (S.A.A., H.X., Y.Z., D.Y.C., J.H.L., T.D.E., A.M., I.T., D.Y., C.A.).,Stroke Service, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA. (C.A., D.Y.C.)
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7
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Role of EphA4 in Mediating Motor Neuron Death in MND. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179430. [PMID: 34502339 PMCID: PMC8430883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) comprises a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases with no effective cure. As progressive motor neuron cell death is one of pathological characteristics of MND, molecules which protect these cells are attractive therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence indicates that EphA4 activation is involved in MND pathogenesis, and inhibition of EphA4 improves functional outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism of EphA4’s function in MND is unclear. In this review, we first present results to demonstrate that EphA4 signalling acts directly on motor neurons to cause cell death. We then review the three most likely mechanisms underlying this effect.
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8
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Yu Z, Li W, Lan J, Hayakawa K, Ji X, Lo EH, Wang X. EphrinB2-EphB2 signaling for dendrite protection after neuronal ischemia in vivo and oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:1744-1755. [PMID: 33325764 PMCID: PMC8221775 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20973119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In order to rescue neuronal function, neuroprotection should be required not only for the neuron soma but also the dendrites. Here, we propose the hypothesis that ephrin-B2-EphB2 signaling may be involved in dendritic degeneration after ischemic injury. A mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method was used for EphB2 signaling test in vivo. Primary cortical neuron culture and oxygen-glucose deprivation were used to assess EphB2 signaling in vitro. siRNA and soluble ephrin-B2 ectodomain were used to block ephrin-B2-Ephb2 signaling. In the mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia and in neurons subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation, clustering of ephrin-B2 with its receptor EphB2 was detected. Phosphorylation of EphB2 suggested activation of this signaling pathway. RNA silencing of EphB2 prevented neuronal death and preserved dendritic length. To assess therapeutic potential, we compared the soluble EphB2 ectodomain with the NMDA antagonist MK801 in neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Both agents equally reduced lactate dehydrogenase release as a general marker of neurotoxicity. However, only soluble EphB2 ectodomain protected the dendrites. These findings provide a proof of concept that ephrin-B2-EphB2 signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target to protect both the neuron soma as well as dendrites against ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyang Yu
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Wenlu Li
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jing Lan
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Cerebrovascular Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Xunming Ji
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Cerebrovascular Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Eng H Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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9
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de Boer A, Storm A, Gomez-Soler M, Smolders S, Rué L, Poppe L, B Pasquale E, Robberecht W, Lemmens R. Environmental enrichment during the chronic phase after experimental stroke promotes functional recovery without synergistic effects of EphA4 targeted therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:605-617. [PMID: 31814004 PMCID: PMC7068116 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, stroke is the main cause of long-term adult disability. After the initial insult, most patients undergo a subacute period with intense plasticity and rapid functional improvements. This period is followed by a chronic phase where recovery reaches a plateau that is only partially modifiable by rehabilitation. After experimental stroke, various subacute rehabilitation paradigms improve recovery. However, in order to reach the best possible outcome, a combination of plasticity-promoting strategies and rehabilitation might be necessary. EphA4 is a negative axonal guidance regulator during development. After experimental stroke, reduced EphA4 levels improve functional outcome with similar beneficial effects upon the inhibition of EphA4 downstream targets. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of a basic enriched environment in the chronic phase after photothrombotic stroke in mice as well as the therapeutic potential of EphA4 targeted therapy followed by rehabilitation. Our findings show that environmental enrichment in the chronic phase improves functional outcome up to 2 months post-stroke. Although EphA4 levels increase after experimental stroke, subacute EphA4 inhibition followed by environmental enrichment does not further increase recovery. In conclusion, we show that environmental enrichment during the chronic phase of stroke improves functional outcome in mice with no synergistic effects of the used EphA4 targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antina de Boer
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Annet Storm
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Silke Smolders
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Lindsay Poppe
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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10
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EphA4 is highly expressed in the atria of heart and its deletion leads to atrial hypertrophy and electrocardiographic abnormalities in rats. Life Sci 2021; 278:119595. [PMID: 33974931 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS EphA4 is a member of the Eph receptor family, and expressed mainly in central nervous system (CNS), which is involved in CNS development and multiple diseases. Due to the variability in EphA4 expression, we wondered if EphA4 is expressed in other tissues, and what role does EphA4 play? MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated an EphA4 knockout (KO) rat line with red fluorescent marker protein encoded by the mCherry cassette inserted downstream of the EphA4 promoter as a reporter. Using this system, we observed high expression of EphA4 in the heart atria and in the brain. KEY FINDINGS EphaA4 KO rats (EphA4-/-) developed obvious atrial hypertrophy with an increased atria-to-heart weight ratio and atrial cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area at six months of age. EphA4-/- rats had reduced atrial end diastolic volume (EDV), atrial ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular EF. They also exhibited increased amplitude of QRS complexes and QT intervals, with invisible p waves. RNA sequencing revealed that EphA4 KO altered the transcription of multiple genes involved in regulation of transcription and translation, ion binding, metabolism and cell adhesion. Deletion of EphA4 reduced IGF1 mRNA and protein expression, which is involved in cardiac remodeling. SIGNIFICANCE Our data demonstrated that EphA4 was highly expressed in the atria and its deletion caused atrial dysfunction. Our findings also suggested that the EphA4 KO rat could be a potential model for studies on atrial remodeling.
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11
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Cortes D, Pera MF. The genetic basis of inter-individual variation in recovery from traumatic brain injury. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:5. [PMID: 33479258 PMCID: PMC7820607 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-020-00114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death among young people, and is increasingly prevalent in the aging population. Survivors of TBI face a spectrum of outcomes from short-term non-incapacitating injuries to long-lasting serious and deteriorating sequelae. TBI is a highly complex condition to treat; many variables can account for the observed heterogeneity in patient outcome. The limited success of neuroprotection strategies in the clinic has led to a new emphasis on neurorestorative approaches. In TBI, it is well recognized clinically that patients with similar lesions, age, and health status often display differences in recovery of function after injury. Despite this heterogeneity of outcomes in TBI, restorative treatment has remained generic. There is now a new emphasis on developing a personalized medicine approach in TBI, and this will require an improved understanding of how genetics impacts on long-term outcomes. Studies in animal model systems indicate clearly that the genetic background plays a role in determining the extent of recovery following an insult. A candidate gene approach in human studies has led to the identification of factors that can influence recovery. Here we review studies of the genetic basis for individual differences in functional recovery in the CNS in animals and man. The application of in vitro modeling with human cells and organoid cultures, along with whole-organism studies, will help to identify genes and networks that account for individual variation in recovery from brain injury, and will point the way towards the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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12
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Zhu YT, Zhang Q, Xie HY, Yu KW, Xu GJ, Li SY, Wu Y. Environmental enrichment combined with fasudil promotes motor function recovery and axonal regeneration after stroke. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2512-2520. [PMID: 33907042 PMCID: PMC8374579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.313048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasudil, a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has a protective effect on the central nervous system. In addition, environmental enrichment is a promising technique for inducing the recovery of motor impairments in ischemic stroke models. The present study aimed to explore whether environmental enrichment combined with fasudil can facilitate motor function recovery and induce cortical axonal regeneration after stroke. First, a mouse model of ischemic cerebral stroke was established by photochemical embolization of the left sensorimotor cortex. Fasudil solution (10 mg/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally for 21 days after the photothrombotic stroke. An environmental enrichment intervention was performed on days 7–21 after the photothrombotic stroke. The results revealed that environmental enrichment combined with fasudil improved motor function, increased growth-associated protein 43 expression in the infarcted cerebral cortex, promoted axonal regeneration on the contralateral side, and downregulated ROCK, p-LIM domain kinase (LIMK)1, and p-cofilin expression. The combined intervention was superior to monotherapy. These findings suggest that environmental enrichment combined with fasudil treatment promotes motor recovery after stroke, at least partly by stimulating axonal regeneration. The underlying mechanism might involve ROCK/LIMK1/cofilin pathway regulation. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Fudan University, China (approval No. 20160858A232) on February 24, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tong Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Wei Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gao-Jing Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yue Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Inducible EphA4 knockout causes motor deficits in young mice and is not protective in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15713. [PMID: 32973290 PMCID: PMC7515861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72723-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss that ultimately leads to fatal paralysis. Reducing levels or function of the tyrosine kinase, ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EphA4), has been suggested as a potential approach for slowing disease progression in ALS. Because EphA4 plays roles in embryonic nervous system development, study of constitutive knockout (KO) of EphA4 in mice is limited due to confounding phenotypes with homozygous knockout. We used a tamoxifen-inducible EphA4 conditional KO mouse to achieve strong reduction of EphA4 levels in postnatal mice to test for protective effects in the SOD1G93A model of ALS. We found that EphA4 KO in young mice, but not older adult mice, causes defects in muscle function, consistent with a prolonged postnatal role for EphA4 in adolescent muscle growth. When testing the effects of inducible EphA4 KO at different timepoints in SOD1G93A mice, we found no benefits on motor function or disease pathology, including muscle denervation and motor neuron loss. Our results demonstrate deleterious effects of reducing EphA4 levels in juvenile mice and do not provide support for the hypothesis that widespread EphA4 reduction is beneficial in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
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14
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Menet R, Lecordier S, ElAli A. Wnt Pathway: An Emerging Player in Vascular and Traumatic Mediated Brain Injuries. Front Physiol 2020; 11:565667. [PMID: 33071819 PMCID: PMC7530281 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.565667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway, which comprises the canonical and non-canonical pathways, is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that regulates crucial biological aspects throughout the development and adulthood. Emergence and patterning of the nervous and vascular systems are intimately coordinated, a process in which Wnt pathway plays particularly important roles. In the brain, Wnt ligands activate a cell-specific surface receptor complex to induce intracellular signaling cascades regulating neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neuronal plasticity, synaptic plasticity, angiogenesis, vascular stabilization, and inflammation. The Wnt pathway is tightly regulated in the adult brain to maintain neurovascular functions. Historically, research in neuroscience has emphasized essentially on investigating the pathway in neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, emerging findings have demonstrated that the pathway is deregulated in vascular- and traumatic-mediated brain injuries. These findings are suggesting that the pathway constitutes a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic protective and restorative interventions. Yet, targeting a complex multifunctional signal transduction pathway remains a major challenge. The review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the implication of Wnt pathway in the pathobiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Furthermore, the review will present the strategies used so far to manipulate the pathway for therapeutic purposes as to highlight potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Menet
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Lecordier
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ayman ElAli
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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15
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Elgebaly MM. Ephrin-Eph Signaling as a Novel Neuroprotection Path in Ischemic Stroke. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:2001-2006. [PMID: 32488844 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01603-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The search for novel neuroprotection strategies in ischemic stroke continues, as revascularization using tissue-plasminogen activator is the only pharmacological method currently available to patients. The purpose of this review article is to summarize research findings regarding the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor pathway as an emerging novel molecular target for neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. Ephrin-Eph interactions represent a new strategy in neuroprotection. Potential therapeutic targets include the different cellular locations within the neurovascular unit (e.g. astrocytes and neurons) and the different ephrin receptor subtypes. In particular, ephrin-B2/EphB4 receptor stimulation seems to exert neuroprotective effects, while stimulation of other ligands/receptors results in deleterious effects, during the post-ischemic stroke recovery phase. Neuroprotection, assessed by either a decrease in neurovascular unit injury markers or improvement in motor function tests, can be achieved by modulating the activity of different ephrin-Eph receptor subtypes. These novel molecular targets provide multiple potential neuroprotective therapeutic benefits, with meaningful clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa M Elgebaly
- College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Larkin University, 18301 N Miami ave, Miami, FL, 33169, USA.
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16
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Cirillo C, Brihmat N, Castel-Lacanal E, Le Friec A, Barbieux-Guillot M, Raposo N, Pariente J, Viguier A, Simonetta-Moreau M, Albucher JF, Olivot JM, Desmoulin F, Marque P, Chollet F, Loubinoux I. Post-stroke remodeling processes in animal models and humans. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:3-22. [PMID: 31645178 PMCID: PMC6928555 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x19882788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
After cerebral ischemia, events like neural plasticity and tissue reorganization intervene in lesioned and non-lesioned areas of the brain. These processes are tightly related to functional improvement and successful rehabilitation in patients. Plastic remodeling in the brain is associated with limited spontaneous functional recovery in patients. Improvement depends on the initial deficit, size, nature and localization of the infarction, together with the sex and age of the patient, all of them affecting the favorable outcome of reorganization and repair of damaged areas. A better understanding of cerebral plasticity is pivotal to design effective therapeutic strategies. Experimental models and clinical studies have fueled the current understanding of the cellular and molecular processes responsible for plastic remodeling. In this review, we describe the known mechanisms, in patients and animal models, underlying cerebral reorganization and contributing to functional recovery after ischemic stroke. We also discuss the manipulations and therapies that can stimulate neural plasticity. We finally explore a new topic in the field of ischemic stroke pathophysiology, namely the brain-gut axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Cirillo
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Nabila Brihmat
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Evelyne Castel-Lacanal
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Le Friec
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nicolas Raposo
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jérémie Pariente
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Viguier
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Simonetta-Moreau
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-François Albucher
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Marc Olivot
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Desmoulin
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Marque
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - François Chollet
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Loubinoux
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), INSERM, University Paul Sabatier, UPS, Toulouse, France
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17
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Poppe L, Smolders S, Rué L, Timmers M, Lenaerts A, Storm A, Schoonaert L, de Boer A, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L, Robberecht W, Lemmens R. Lowering EphA4 Does Not Ameliorate Disease in a Mouse Model for Severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1233. [PMID: 31803009 PMCID: PMC6877733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
EphA4 is a receptor of the Eph-ephrin system, which plays an important role in axon guidance during development. Previously, we identified EphA4 as a genetic modifier of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in both zebrafish and rodent models, via modulation of the intrinsic vulnerability, and re-sprouting capacity of motor neurons. Moreover, loss of EphA4 rescued the motor axon phenotype in a zebrafish model of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Similar to ALS, SMA is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting spinal motor neurons resulting in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation, muscle atrophy and paralysis. In this study, we investigated the disease modifying potential of reduced EphA4 protein levels in the SMNΔ7 mouse model for severe SMA. Reduction of EphA4 did not improve motor function, survival, motor neuron survival or NMJ innervation. Our data suggest that either lowering EphA4 has limited therapeutic potential in SMA or that the clinical severity hampers the potential beneficial role of EphA4 reduction in this mouse model for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Poppe
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silke Smolders
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Timmers
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annette Lenaerts
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annet Storm
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Schoonaert
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antina de Boer
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB – KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Reducing EphA4 before disease onset does not affect survival in a mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14112. [PMID: 31575928 PMCID: PMC6773754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons resulting in severe neurological symptoms. Previous findings of our lab suggested that the axonal guidance tyrosine-kinase receptor EphA4 is an ALS disease-modifying gene. Reduction of EphA4 from developmental stages onwards rescued a motor neuron phenotype in zebrafish, and heterozygous deletion before birth in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS resulted in improved survival. Here, we aimed to gain more insights in the cell-specific role of decreasing EphA4 expression in addition to timing and amount of EphA4 reduction. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of lowering EphA4 later in life, we ubiquitously reduced EphA4 levels to 50% in SOD1G93A mice at 60 days of age, which did not modify disease parameters. Even further lowering EphA4 levels ubiquitously or in neurons, did not improve disease onset or survival. These findings suggest that lowering EphA4 as target in ALS may suffer from a complex therapeutic time window. In addition, the complexity of the Eph-ephrin signalling system may also possibly limit the therapeutic potential of such an approach in ALS. We suggest here that a specific EphA4 knockdown in adulthood may have a limited therapeutic potential for ALS.
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19
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Cai D, Wei D, Chen S, Chen X, Li S, Chen W, He W. MiR-145 protected the cell viability of human cerebral cortical neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation by downregulating EPHA4. Life Sci 2019; 231:116517. [PMID: 31150684 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study indicated that microRNA 145 (miR-145) and its predicated target, erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (EPH) receptor A4 (EPHA4), was closely associated with ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to further explore their function in a model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The expression of miR-145 in the blood of 44 patients with ischemic stroke and 37 normal controls was detected by qRT-PCR. After transfection with either the wild- or mutant-type pGL3-promoter EPHA4 3'UTR into the miR-145 mimic and miR-145 inhibitor, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to explore the interaction between miR-145 and EPHA4. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to further explore the effects of miR-145 on EPHA4 expression after an miR-145 mimic, an miR-145 inhibitor or LV-sh-EPHA4 was transfected into cerebral cortical neurons. The expression of miR-145 was significantly upregulated in the blood of patients with ischemic stroke compared to that of normal controls. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot results indicated that miR-145 indeed targets EPHA4 through its 3'-UTR and regulates the expression level of EPHA4 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the OGD model was successfully constructed, and miR-145 exerted a protective effects in cell viability in the OGD model by downregulating EPHA4. The expression of LOC105376244 could be regulated by the miR-145-EPHA4 interaction. MiR-145 exerted a protective effects in cell viability in the OGD model by downregulating EPHA4, which suggested their potential roles in ischemic stroke and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Duncan Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Siqia Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianguang Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shunxian Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenzhen He
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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20
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Wang H, Cheng X, Yu H, Zhang X, Guan M, Zhao L, Liu Y, Linag Y, Luo Y, Zhao C. Activation of GABAA receptors enhances the behavioral recovery but not axonal sprouting in ischemic rats. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2019; 37:315-331. [PMID: 31227671 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-180827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hang Yu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiuchun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Meiting Guan
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lanqing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yifan Linag
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yujia Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chuansheng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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21
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de Boer A, Storm A, Rué L, Poppe L, Robberecht W, Lemmens R. Heterozygous Deletion of EphrinA5 Does Not Improve Functional Recovery After Experimental Stroke. Stroke 2019; 50:e101. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.118.023857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antina de Boer
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
| | - Annet Storm
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
| | - Laura Rué
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
| | - Lindsay Poppe
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
| | - Wim Robberecht
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Belgium (W.R., R.L.)
| | - Robin Lemmens
- From the KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium (A.d.B., A.S., L.R., L.P., W.R., R.L.)
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Belgium (W.R., R.L.)
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22
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Wei HX, Yao PS, Chen PP, Guan JH, Zhuang JH, Zhu JB, Wu G, Yang JS. Neuronal EphA4 Regulates OGD/R-Induced Apoptosis by Promoting Alternative Activation of Microglia. Inflammation 2018; 42:572-585. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Zhao J, Cooper LT, Boyd AW, Bartlett PF. Decreased signalling of EphA4 improves functional performance and motor neuron survival in the SOD1 G93A ALS mouse model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11393. [PMID: 30061574 PMCID: PMC6065374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an untreatable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease specifically affecting motor neurons. Recently, the tyrosine kinase receptor EphA4 was directly implicated in ALS disease progression. We report that a long-lived mutated form of the EphA4 antagonist EphA4-Fc (mutEphA4-Fc), which blocks EphA4 binding to its ligands and inhibits its function, significantly improved functional performance in SOD1G93A ALS model mice, as assessed by rotarod and hind-limb grip strength tests. Further, heterozygous motor neuron-specific EphA4 gene deletion in SOD1G93A mice promoted significant improvement in functional performance during the disease course and a delay in disease onset relative to control mice. Importantly, mice in the heterozygous deletion group showed significantly improved survival of motor neurons and architecture of endplates of neuromuscular junctions compared with control and homozygous EphA4-deletion groups. Our novel results show that EphA4 signalling directly regulates motor neuron survival and that mutEphA4-Fc is a promising therapeutic candidate to slow disease progression in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - L T Cooper
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - A W Boyd
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - P F Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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24
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He W, Wei D, Cai D, Chen S, Li S, Chen W. Altered Long Non-Coding RNA Transcriptomic Profiles in Ischemic Stroke. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:719-732. [PMID: 29284304 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A previous study described the important regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ischemic stroke. However, the functional significance of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in ischemic stroke was largely unknown. This study aimed to identify lncRNA profiling and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms in the pathophysiology of stroke. RNA sequencing was performed on the blood of three ischemic stroke patients and three normal controls. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs). After further correlation and co-expression analysis, the corresponding co-expression networks and miRN-lncRNA-mRNA interaction network were then constructed. The expression of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs was verified in Gene Expression Omnibus. RNA sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics analysis produced a total of 61 DElncRNAs (14 upregulated and 47 downregulated) and 673 DEmRNAs (432 upregulated and 241 downregulated). LOC105372881 and LOC101929707 were the most highly increased and decreased lncRNAs in ischemic stroke. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were constructed according to 3,008 positively co-expressed and 607 negatively co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA pairs. The DElncRNAs may play roles in the pathways of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, adherens junction, lysosome, and hematopoietic cell lineage by regulating their co-expressed mRNAs. Combined with previous data, a miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA interaction network for ischemic stroke was constructed. Based on GSE22255, the expression of six DElncRNAs (CEBPA-AS1, LINC00884, HCG27, MATN1-AS1, HCG26, and LINC01184) and 11 DEmRNAs (TREML4, AHSP, PI3, TESC, ANXA3, OAS1, OAS2, IFI6, ISG15, IFI44L, and LY6E) was similar to the current sequencing data. This study is the first to identify blood lncRNAs in human ischemic stroke using RNA sequencing. The findings may be the foundation for understanding the potential role of lncRNAs in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhen He
- 1 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
| | - Duncan Wei
- 2 Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
| | - De Cai
- 2 Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
| | - Siqia Chen
- 1 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
| | - Shunxian Li
- 1 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- 1 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College , Shantou, China
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25
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Ling KK, Jackson M, Alkam D, Liu D, Allaire N, Sun C, Kiaei M, McCampbell A, Rigo F. Antisense-mediated reduction of EphA4 in the adult CNS does not improve the function of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2018. [PMID: 29518482 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult onset motor neuron disease characterized by progressive denervation and subsequent motor impairment. EphA4, a negative regulator of axonal growth, was recently identified as a genetic modifier in fish and rodent models of ALS. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of EphA4 for ALS, we examined the effect of CNS-directed EphA4 reduction in preclinical mouse models of ALS, and assessed if the levels of EPHA4 mRNA in blood correlate with disease onset and progression in human ALS patients. We developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to specifically reduce the expression of EphA4 in the central nervous system (CNS) of adult mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of an Epha4-ASO in wild-type mice inhibited Epha4 mRNA and protein in the brain and spinal cord, and promoted re-innervation and functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush. In contrast, lowering of EphA4 in the CNS of two mouse models of ALS (SOD1G93A and PFN1G118V) did not improve their motor function or survival. Furthermore, the level of EPHA4 mRNA in human blood correlated weakly with age of disease onset, and it was not a significant predictor of disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scores (ALSFRS). Our data demonstrates that lowering EphA4 in the adult CNS may not be a stand-alone viable strategy for treating ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Duah Alkam
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mahmoud Kiaei
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA.
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26
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Zettin M, Leopizzi M, Galetto V. How does language change after an intensive treatment on imitation? Neuropsychol Rehabil 2018; 29:1332-1358. [DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1406861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zettin
- Department of Psychology, Centro Puzzle, Torino, Italy
- Brain Imaging Group, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Galetto
- Department of Psychology, Centro Puzzle, Torino, Italy
- Brain Imaging Group, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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27
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Galetto V, Sacco K. Neuroplastic Changes Induced by Cognitive Rehabilitation in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2017; 31:800-813. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968317723748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background. Cognitive deficits are among the most disabling consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to long-term outcomes and interfering with the individual’s recovery. One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of cognitive disturbance in everyday life is cognitive rehabilitation, which is based on the principles of brain neuroplasticity and restoration. Although there are many studies in the literature focusing on the effectiveness of cognitive interventions in reducing cognitive deficits following TBI, only a few of them focus on neural modifications induced by cognitive treatment. The use of neuroimaging or neurophysiological measures to evaluate brain changes induced by cognitive rehabilitation may have relevant clinical implications, since they could add individualized elements to cognitive assessment. Nevertheless, there are no review studies in the literature investigating neuroplastic changes induced by cognitive training in TBI individuals. Objective. Due to lack of data, the goal of this article is to review what is currently known on the cerebral modifications following rehabilitation programs in chronic TBI. Methods. Studies investigating both the functional and structural neural modifications induced by cognitive training in TBI subjects were identified from the results of database searches. Forty-five published articles were initially selected. Of these, 34 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Results. Eleven studies were found that focused solely on the functional and neurophysiological changes induced by cognitive rehabilitation. Conclusions. Outcomes showed that cerebral activation may be significantly modified by cognitive rehabilitation, in spite of the severity of the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Galetto
- Imaging and Cerebral Plasticity Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Centro Puzzle, Turin, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Sacco
- Imaging and Cerebral Plasticity Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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28
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Fan R, Enkhjargal B, Camara R, Yan F, Gong L, ShengtaoYao, Tang J, Chen Y, Zhang JH. Critical role of EphA4 in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rat. Exp Neurol 2017; 296:41-48. [PMID: 28698029 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early brain injury (EBI) is reported as a primary cause of mortality in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) has been associated with blood-brain barrier integrity and pro-apoptosis. We aimed to investigate a role of EphA4 in EBI after SAH. One hundred and seventy-nine male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham versus endovascular perforation model of SAH groups. SAH grade, neurological score, Evans blue dye extravasation, brain water content, mortality, Fluoro-Jade staining, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot experiments were performed after SAH. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for EphA4, recombinant Ephexin-1 (rEphx-1), and Fasudil, a potent ROCK2 inhibitor, were used for intervention to study a role of EphA4 on EBI after SAH. The expression of EphA4, Ephexin-1, RhoA, and ROCK2 significantly increased after SAH. Knockdown of EphA4 using EphA4 siRNA injection intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) reduced Evans blue extravasation, decreased brain water content, and alleviated neurobehavioral dysfunction after SAH. Additionally, the expression of Ephexin-1, RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved caspase-3 were decreased. Tight junction proteins increased, and apoptotic neuron death decreased. The effects of EphA4 siRNA were abolished by rEphx-1. In contrast, Fasudil abolished the effects of rEphx-1. These results suggest that EphA4, a novel and promising target for treatment, exacerbates EBI through an Ephexin-1/ROCK2 pathway after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiming Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Budbazar Enkhjargal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Richard Camara
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Lei Gong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - ShengtaoYao
- Department of cerebrovascular, the Affiliated Hospital, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States
| | - Yangmei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States.
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29
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Schoonaert L, Rué L, Roucourt B, Timmers M, Little S, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Dewilde M, Joyce P, Curnock A, Weber P, Haustraete J, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, De Strooper B, Van Den Bosch L, Van Damme P, Lemmens R, Robberecht W. Identification and characterization of Nanobodies targeting the EphA4 receptor. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11452-11465. [PMID: 28526745 PMCID: PMC5500810 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.774141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) is one of the receptors in the ephrin system that plays a pivotal role in a variety of cell-cell interactions, mostly studied during development. In addition, EphA4 has been found to play a role in cancer biology as well as in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacological blocking of EphA4 has been suggested to be a therapeutic strategy for these disorders. Therefore, the aim of our study was to generate potent and selective Nanobodies against the ligand-binding domain of the human EphA4 receptor. We identified two Nanobodies, Nb 39 and Nb 53, that bind EphA4 with affinities in the nanomolar range. These Nanobodies were most selective for EphA4, with residual binding to EphA7 only. Using Alphascreen technology, we found that both Nanobodies displaced all known EphA4-binding ephrins from the receptor. Furthermore, Nb 39 and Nb 53 inhibited ephrin-induced phosphorylation of the EphA4 protein in a cell-based assay. Finally, in a cortical neuron primary culture, both Nanobodies were able to inhibit endogenous EphA4-mediated growth-cone collapse induced by ephrin-B3. Our results demonstrate the potential of Nanobodies to target the ligand-binding domain of EphA4. These Nanobodies may deserve further evaluation as potential therapeutics in disorders in which EphA4-mediated signaling plays a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Schoonaert
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Roucourt
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Laboratory for Signal Integration in Cell Fate Decision, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Timmers
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Little
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Dewilde
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Joyce
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Curnock
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weber
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Jurgen Haustraete
- Protein Service Facility, Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, United Kingdom, and
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium, .,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Choi DH, Ahn JH, Choi IA, Kim JH, Kim BR, Lee J. Effect of task-specific training on Eph/ephrin expression after stroke. BMB Rep 2017; 49:635-640. [PMID: 27756445 PMCID: PMC5346325 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2016.49.11.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that the ephrin receptors and ephrin ligands (Eph/ephrin) expression modulate axonal reorganization and synaptic plasticity in stroke recovery. To investigate the effect of task-specific training (TST) on Eph/ephrin expression in the corticospinal tract (CST) after stroke, we compared Eph/ephrin expression in the peri-infarct cortex, pyramid, and spinal cord of a photothrombotic stroke model of rat brains treated with or without TST. The TST treatment showed significantly better recovery in the behavioral tests compared with no treatment. The significant upregulation of ephrin-A1 and ephrin-A5 observed in activated astrocytes of the CST at 2 weeks’ post-stroke was decreased by TST. At 5 weeks, post-stroke, the elevated ephrin-A5 levels were decreased in the ipsilateral pyramid and spinal cord by TST. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was upregulated concomitantly with the altered ephrin expression after stroke, and the expression of these proteins was attenuated by TST. These data suggest that TST alters the expression of ephrin ligands in the CST after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hee Choi
- Departments of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine; Center for Neuroscience Research, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Ahn
- Departments of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - In-Ae Choi
- Departments of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jongmin Lee
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine; Center for Neuroscience Research, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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31
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Staats KA, Humblet-Baron S, Bento-Abreu A, Scheveneels W, Nikolaou A, Deckers K, Lemmens R, Goris A, Van Ginderachter JA, Van Damme P, Hisatsune C, Mikoshiba K, Liston A, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Genetic ablation of IP3 receptor 2 increases cytokines and decreases survival of SOD1G93A mice. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3491-3499. [PMID: 27378687 PMCID: PMC5179944 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective death of motor neurons. Disease pathophysiology is complex and not yet fully understood. Higher gene expression of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 2 gene (ITPR2), encoding the IP3 receptor 2 (IP3R2), was detected in sporadic ALS patients. Here, we demonstrate that IP3R2 gene expression was also increased in spinal cords of ALS mice. Moreover, an increase of IP3R2 expression was observed in other models of chronic and acute neurodegeneration. Upregulation of IP3R2 gene expression could be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine astrocytes, murine macrophages and human fibroblasts indicating that it may be a compensatory response to inflammation. Preventing this response by genetic deletion of ITPR2 from SOD1G93A mice had a dose-dependent effect on disease duration, resulting in a significantly shorter lifespan of these mice. In addition, the absence of IP3R2 led to increased innate immunity, which may contribute to the decreased survival of the SOD1G93A mice. Besides systemic inflammation, IP3R2 knockout mice also had increased IFNγ, IL-6 and IL1α expression. Altogether, our data indicate that IP3R2 protects against the negative effects of inflammation, suggesting that the increase in IP3R2 expression in ALS patients is a protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Staats
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | | | - Andre Bento-Abreu
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | - Wendy Scheveneels
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | - Alexandros Nikolaou
- Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Inflammation Research Center.,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kato Deckers
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University of Leuven
| | - Robin Lemmens
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - An Goris
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Inflammation Research Center.,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - Chihiro Hisatsune
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND) .,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
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Bye N, Christie KJ, Turbic A, Basrai HS, Turnley AM. Rho kinase inhibition following traumatic brain injury in mice promotes functional improvement and acute neuron survival but has little effect on neurogenesis, glial responses or neuroinflammation. Exp Neurol 2016; 279:86-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abeysinghe HCS, Phillips EL, Chin-Cheng H, Beart PM, Roulston CL. Modulating Astrocyte Transition after Stroke to Promote Brain Rescue and Functional Recovery: Emerging Targets Include Rho Kinase. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:288. [PMID: 26927079 PMCID: PMC4813152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common and serious condition, with few therapies. Whilst previous focus has been directed towards biochemical events within neurons, none have successfully prevented the progression of injury that occurs in the acute phase. New targeted treatments that promote recovery after stroke might be a better strategy and are desperately needed for the majority of stroke survivors. Cells comprising the neurovascular unit, including blood vessels and astrocytes, present an alternative target for supporting brain rescue and recovery in the late phase of stroke, since alteration in the unit also occurs in regions outside of the lesion. One of the major changes in the unit involves extensive morphological transition of astrocytes resulting in altered energy metabolism, decreased glutamate reuptake and recycling, and retraction of astrocyte end feed from both blood vessels and neurons. Whilst globally inhibiting transitional change in astrocytes after stroke is reported to result in further damage and functional loss, we discuss the available evidence to suggest that the transitional activation of astrocytes after stroke can be modulated for improved outcomes. In particular, we review the role of Rho-kinase (ROCK) in reactive gliosis and show that inhibiting ROCK after stroke results in reduced scar formation and improved functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hima Charika S Abeysinghe
- Neurotrauma Research, Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Ellie L Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Insitute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Heung Chin-Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Insitute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Philip M Beart
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Carli L Roulston
- Neurotrauma Research, Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Campus, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3065, Australia.
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Carmichael ST, Kathirvelu B, Schweppe CA, Nie EH. Molecular, cellular and functional events in axonal sprouting after stroke. Exp Neurol 2016; 287:384-394. [PMID: 26874223 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Yet there is a limited degree of recovery in this disease. One of the mechanisms of recovery is the formation of new connections in the brain and spinal cord after stroke: post-stroke axonal sprouting. Studies indicate that post-stroke axonal sprouting occurs in mice, rats, primates and humans. Inducing post-stroke axonal sprouting in specific connections enhances recovery; blocking axonal sprouting impairs recovery. Behavioral activity patterns after stroke modify the axonal sprouting response. A unique regenerative molecular program mediates this aspect of tissue repair in the CNS. The types of connections that are formed after stroke indicate three patterns of axonal sprouting after stroke: reactive, reparative and unbounded axonal sprouting. These differ in mechanism, location, relationship to behavioral recovery and, importantly, in their prospect for therapeutic manipulation to enhance tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Thomas Carmichael
- Departments of Neurology and of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Balachandar Kathirvelu
- Departments of Neurology and of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Catherine A Schweppe
- Departments of Neurology and of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Esther H Nie
- Departments of Neurology and of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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35
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Dobkin BH, Carmichael ST. The Specific Requirements of Neural Repair Trials for Stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:470-8. [PMID: 26359342 DOI: 10.1177/1545968315604400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Novel molecular, cellular, and pharmacological therapies to stimulate repair of sensorimotor circuits after stroke are entering clinical trials. Compared with acute neuroprotection and thrombolysis studies, clinical trials for repair in subacute and chronic hemiplegic participants have a different time course for delivery of an intervention, different mechanisms of action within the milieu of the injury, distinct relationships to the amount of physical activity and skills practice of participants, and need to include more refined outcome measures. This review examines the biological interaction of targeted rehabilitation with neural repair strategies to optimize outcomes. We suggest practical guidelines for the incorporation of inexpensive skills training and exercise at home. In addition, we describe some novel outcome measurement tools, including wearable sensors, to obtain the more detailed outcomes that may identify at least some minimal level of success from cellular and regeneration interventions. Thus, proceeding in the shadow of acute stroke trial designs may unnecessarily limit the mechanisms of action of new repair strategies, reduce their impact on participants, and risk missing important behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce H Dobkin
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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36
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Liu YH, Zhao Y, Huang FZ, Chen YH, Wang HX, Bonney E, Liu BQ. Combination of early constraint-induced movement therapy and fasudil enhances motor recovery after ischemic stroke in rats. Int J Neurosci 2015; 126:168-73. [PMID: 25526355 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2014.998759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising technique for the recovery of upper extremity movement in chronic stroke patients. However, the effectiveness of its use in acute ischemia has not been confirmed. Myelin-associated inhibitors, which have upregulated functions in tissues affected by acute focal infarction, limit axonal regeneration via activation of the Rho-Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. The present study examined whether early CIMT combined with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil promotes motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were trained to perform the skilled-reach test and then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), producing a stroke affecting the preferred forelimb. Rats were assigned to one of four groups (N = 6/group): (nontreated) Control, CIMT, Fasudil, or CIMT+fasudil. CIMT and/or intraperitoneal infusion of fasudil were initiated 1 day postMCAO. Skilled reach and foot fault test data were collected once before and repeatedly over 4 weeks after the operation. Infarct volumes were calculated. RESULTS All four groups showed similar forelimb impairment before treatment. The performance of CIMT alone group was similar to that of controls on both tests. Fasudil alone facilitated recovery in the foot-fault test, but not in the skilled-reach test. Rats in the CIMT+fasudil group demonstrated enhanced recovery in both tests, including better performance over time than the Fasudil group on the foot-fault test. Infarct size did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Early CIMT promotes motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke when it is administered with fasudil pharmacotherapy, but not without it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Feng-zhen Huang
- d 4 Department of Neurology & Institute of Translational Medicine at University of South China, the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, Hunan, P. R. China
| | | | - Hong-xing Wang
- b 2 Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Emmanuel Bonney
- b 2 Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Bao-qiong Liu
- b 2 Rehabilitation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
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37
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Lamberto I, Lechtenberg BC, Olson EJ, Mace PD, Dawson PE, Riedl SJ, Pasquale EB. Development and structural analysis of a nanomolar cyclic peptide antagonist for the EphA4 receptor. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:2787-95. [PMID: 25268696 PMCID: PMC4273976 DOI: 10.1021/cb500677x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor is highly expressed in the nervous system, and recent findings suggest that its signaling activity hinders neural repair and exacerbates certain neurodegenerative processes. EphA4 has also been implicated in cancer progression. Thus, EphA4 inhibitors represent potential therapeutic leads and useful research tools to elucidate the role of EphA4 in physiology and disease. Here, we report the structure of a cyclic peptide antagonist, APY, in complex with the EphA4 ligand-binding domain (LBD), which represents the first structure of a cyclic peptide bound to a receptor tyrosine kinase. The structure shows that the dodecameric APY efficiently occupies the ephrin ligand-binding pocket of EphA4 and promotes a "closed" conformation of the surrounding loops. Structure-guided relaxation of the strained APY β-turn and amidation of the C terminus to allow an additional intrapeptide hydrogen bond yielded APY-βAla8.am, an improved APY derivative that binds to EphA4 with nanomolar affinity. APY-βAla8.am potently inhibits ephrin-induced EphA4 activation in cells and EphA4-dependent neuronal growth cone collapse, while retaining high selectivity for EphA4. The two crystal structures of APY and APY-βAla8.am bound to EphA4, in conjunction with secondary phage display screens, highlighted peptide residues that are essential for EphA4 binding as well as residues that can be modified. Thus, the APY scaffold represents an exciting prototype, particularly since cyclic peptides have potentially favorable metabolic stability and are emerging as an important class of molecules for disruption of protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erika J. Olson
- Department
of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Peter D. Mace
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Department
of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stefan J. Riedl
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Pathology
Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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38
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Poppe L, Rué L, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Translating biological findings into new treatment strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Exp Neurol 2014; 262 Pt B:138-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family plays important roles in developmental processes, adult tissue homeostasis, and various diseases. Interaction with Eph receptor-interacting protein (ephrin) ligands on the surface of neighboring cells triggers Eph receptor kinase-dependent signaling. The ephrins can also transmit signals, leading to bidirectional cell contact-dependent communication. Moreover, Eph receptors and ephrins can function independently of each other through interplay with other signaling systems. Given their involvement in many pathological conditions ranging from neurological disorders to cancer and viral infections, Eph receptors and ephrins are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and various strategies are being explored to modulate their expression and function. Eph receptor/ephrin upregulation in cancer cells, the angiogenic vasculature, and injured or diseased tissues also offer opportunities for Eph/ephrin-based targeted drug delivery and imaging. Thus, despite the challenges presented by the complex biology of the Eph receptor/ephrin system, exciting possibilities exist for therapies exploiting these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037; ,
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40
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Moloney EB, de Winter F, Verhaagen J. ALS as a distal axonopathy: molecular mechanisms affecting neuromuscular junction stability in the presymptomatic stages of the disease. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:252. [PMID: 25177267 PMCID: PMC4132373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is being redefined as a distal axonopathy, in that many molecular changes influencing motor neuron degeneration occur at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) at very early stages of the disease prior to symptom onset. A huge variety of genetic and environmental causes have been associated with ALS, and interestingly, although the cause of the disease can differ, both sporadic and familial forms of ALS show a remarkable similarity in terms of disease progression and clinical manifestation. The NMJ is a highly specialized synapse, allowing for controlled signaling between muscle and nerve necessary for skeletal muscle function. In this review we will evaluate the clinical, animal experimental and cellular/molecular evidence that supports the idea of ALS as a distal axonopathy. We will discuss the early molecular mechanisms that occur at the NMJ, which alter the functional abilities of the NMJ. Specifically, we focus on the role of axon guidance molecules on the stability of the cytoskeleton and how these molecules may directly influence the cells of the NMJ in a way that may initiate or facilitate the dismantling of the neuromuscular synapse in the presymptomatic stages of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Moloney
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred de Winter
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical CentreLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) is a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK family, consisting of ROCK1 and ROCK2, plays central roles in the organization of actin cytoskeleton and is involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Due to the discovery of effective inhibitors, such as fasudil and Y27632, the biological roles of ROCK have been extensively explored with particular attention on the cardiovascular system. In many preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases, including vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure, ROCK inhibitors have shown a remarkable efficacy in reducing vascular smooth muscle cell hypercontraction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell recruitment, vascular remodeling, and cardiac remodeling. Moreover, fasudil has been used in the clinical trials of several cardiovascular diseases. The continuing utilization of available pharmacological inhibitors and the development of more potent or isoform-selective inhibitors in ROCK signaling research and in treating human diseases are escalating. In this review, we discuss the recent molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical studies with a focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in cardiovascular physiology and diseases. We particularly note that emerging evidence suggests that selective targeting ROCK isoform based on the disease pathophysiology may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the disease treatment including cardiovascular diseases.
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42
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Gibson CL, Srivastava K, Sprigg N, Bath PMW, Bayraktutan U. Inhibition of Rho-kinase protects cerebral barrier from ischaemia-evoked injury through modulations of endothelial cell oxidative stress and tight junctions. J Neurochem 2014; 129:816-26. [PMID: 24528233 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ischaemic strokes evoke blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and oedema formation through a series of mechanisms involving Rho-kinase activation. Using an animal model of human focal cerebral ischaemia, this study assessed and confirmed the therapeutic potential of Rho-kinase inhibition during the acute phase of stroke by displaying significantly improved functional outcome and reduced cerebral lesion and oedema volumes in fasudil- versus vehicle-treated animals. Analyses of ipsilateral and contralateral brain samples obtained from mice treated with vehicle or fasudil at the onset of reperfusion plus 4 h post-ischaemia or 4 h post-ischaemia alone revealed these benefits to be independent of changes in the activity and expressions of oxidative stress- and tight junction-related parameters. However, closer scrutiny of the same parameters in brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation ± reperfusion revealed marked increases in prooxidant NADPH oxidase enzyme activity, superoxide anion release and in expressions of antioxidant enzyme catalase and tight junction protein claudin-5. Cotreatment of cells with Y-27632 prevented all of these changes and protected in vitro barrier integrity and function. These findings suggest that inhibition of Rho-kinase after acute ischaemic attacks improves cerebral integrity and function through regulation of endothelial cell oxidative stress and reorganization of intercellular junctions. Inhibition of Rho-kinase (ROCK) activity in a mouse model of human ischaemic stroke significantly improved functional outcome while reducing cerebral lesion and oedema volumes compared to vehicle-treated counterparts. Studies conducted with brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to OGD ± R in the presence of Y-27632 revealed restoration of intercellular junctions and suppression of prooxidant NADPH oxidase activity as important factors in ROCK inhibition-mediated BBB protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Gibson
- School of Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Turnley AM, Basrai HS, Christie KJ. Is integration and survival of newborn neurons the bottleneck for effective neural repair by endogenous neural precursor cells? Front Neurosci 2014; 8:29. [PMID: 24600341 PMCID: PMC3929902 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
After two decades of research the existence of adult neural precursor cells and the phenomenon of adult neurogenesis is well established. However, there has been little or no effective harnessing of these endogenous cells to promote functional neuronal replacement following neural injury or disease. Neural precursor cells can respond to neural damage by proliferating, migrating to the site of injury, and differentiating into neuronal or glial lineages. However, after a month or so, very few or no newborn neurons can be detected, suggesting that even though neuroblasts are generated, they generally fail to survive as mature neurons and contribute to the local circuitry. Is this lack of survival and integration one of the major bottlenecks that inhibits effective neuronal replacement and subsequent repair of the nervous system following injury or disease? In this perspective article the possibility that this bottleneck can be targeted to enhance the integration and subsequent survival of newborn neurons will be explored and will suggest some possible mechanisms that may need to be modulated for this to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Turnley
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Harleen S Basrai
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kimberly J Christie
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
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44
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Noninvasive strategies to promote functional recovery after stroke. Neural Plast 2013; 2013:854597. [PMID: 23864962 PMCID: PMC3707231 DOI: 10.1155/2013/854597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common and disabling global health-care problem, which is the third most common cause of death and one of the main causes of acquired adult disability in many countries. Rehabilitation interventions are a major component of patient care. In the last few years, brain stimulation, mirror therapy, action observation, or mental practice with motor imagery has emerged as interesting options as add-on interventions to standard physical therapies. The neural bases for poststroke recovery rely on the concept of plasticity, namely, the ability of central nervous system cells to modify their structure and function in response to external stimuli. In this review, we will discuss recent noninvasive strategies employed to enhance functional recovery in stroke patients and we will provide an overview of neural plastic events associated with rehabilitation in preclinical models of stroke.
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