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Galindo-Torres P, Rosas C, Ramos-Rodríguez S, Galindo-Sánchez CE. Chronic thermal stress on Octopus maya embryos down-regulates epigenome-related genes and those involved in the nervous system development and morphogenesis. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101332. [PMID: 39366120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Red Octopus maya is strongly influenced by temperature. Recent studies have reported negative reproduction effects on males and females when exposed to temperatures higher than 27 °C. Embryos under thermal stress show morphological and physiological alterations; similar phenotypes have been reported in embryos from stressed females, evidencing transgenerational consequences. Transcriptomic profiles were characterized along embryo development during normal-under thermal stress and epigenetic alterations through DNA methylation and damage quantification. Total RNA in organogenesis, activation, and growth stages in control and thermal stress were sequenced with Illumina RNA-Seq. Similarly, total DNA was used for DNA methylation and damage quantification between temperatures and embryo stages. Differential gene expression analyses showed that embryos express genes associated with oxygen transport, morphogenesis, nervous system, neuroendocrine cell differentiation, spermatogenesis, and male sex differentiation. Conversely, embryos turn off genes involved mainly in nervous system development, morphogenesis, and gene expression regulation when exposed to thermal stress - consistent with O. maya embryo phenotypes showing abnormal arms, eyes, and body development. No significant differences were observed in quantifying DNA methylation between temperatures but they were for DNA damage quantification. Epigenetic alterations are hypothesized to occur since several genes found downregulated belong to the epigenetic machinery but at histone tail level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Galindo-Torres
- Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada No. 3918, Zona Playitas, Ensenada, Baja California CP 22860, Mexico.
| | - Carlos Rosas
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigacion (UMDI), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Puerto DE Abrigo s/n, Sisal, Hunucma, Yucatan CP97355, Mexico.
| | - Sadot Ramos-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada No. 3918, Zona Playitas, Ensenada, Baja California CP 22860, Mexico.
| | - Clara E Galindo-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada No. 3918, Zona Playitas, Ensenada, Baja California CP 22860, Mexico.
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Miyata S, Tsuda M, Mitsui S. Overexpression of Motopsin, an Extracellular Serine Protease Related to Intellectual Disability, Promotes Adult Neurogenesis and Neuronal Responsiveness in the Dentate Gyrus. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4929-4948. [PMID: 38153682 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Motopsin, a serine protease encoded by PRSS12, is secreted by neuronal cells into the synaptic clefts in an activity-dependent manner, where it induces synaptogenesis by modulating Na+/K+-ATPase activity. In humans, motopsin deficiency leads to severe intellectual disability and, in mice, it disturbs spatial memory and social behavior. In this study, we investigated mice that overexpressed motopsin in the forebrain using the Tet-Off system (DTG-OE mice). The elevated agrin cleavage or the reduced Na+/K+-ATPase activity was not detected. However, motopsin overexpression led to a reduction in spine density in hippocampal CA1 basal dendrites. While motopsin overexpression decreased the ratio of mature mushroom spines in the DG, it increased the ratio of immature thin spines in CA1 apical dendrites. Female DTG-OE mice showed elevated locomotor activity in their home cages. DTG-OE mice showed aberrant behaviors, such as delayed latency to the target hole in the Barnes maze test and prolonged duration of sniffing objects in the novel object recognition test (NOR), although they retained memory comparable to that of TRE-motopsin littermates, which normally express motopsin. After NOR, c-Fos-positive cells increased in the dentate gyrus (DG) of DTG-OE mice compared with that of DTG-SO littermates, in which motopsin overexpression was suppressed by the administration of doxycycline, and TRE-motopsin littermates. Notably, the numbers of doublecortin- and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-labeled cells significantly increased in the DG of DTG-OE mice, suggesting increased adult neurogenesis. Importantly, our results revealed a new function in addition to modulating neuronal responsiveness and spine morphology in the DG: the regulation of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Miyata
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tsuda
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science, Science Research Center, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8514, Japan.
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Melrose J. CNS/PNS proteoglycans functionalize neuronal and astrocyte niche microenvironments optimizing cellular activity by preserving membrane polarization dynamics, ionic microenvironments, ion fluxes, neuronal activation, and network neurotransductive capacity. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25361. [PMID: 39034899 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Central and peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) proteoglycans (PGs) have diverse functional roles, this study examined how these control cellular behavior and tissue function. The CNS/PNS extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, responsive, highly interactive, space-filling, cell supportive, stabilizing structure maintaining tissue compartments, ionic microenvironments, and microgradients that regulate neuronal activity and maintain the neuron in an optimal ionic microenvironment. The CNS/PNS contains a high glycosaminoglycan content (60% hyaluronan, HA) and a diverse range of stabilizing PGs. Immobilization of HA in brain tissues by HA interactive hyalectan PGs preserves tissue hydration and neuronal activity, a paucity of HA in brain tissues results in a pro-convulsant epileptic phenotype. Diverse CS, KS, and HSPGs stabilize the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit, provide smart gel neurotransmitter neuron vesicle storage and delivery, organize the neuromuscular junction basement membrane, and provide motor neuron synaptic plasticity, and photoreceptor and neuron synaptic functions. PG-HA networks maintain ionic fluxes and microgradients and tissue compartments that contribute to membrane polarization dynamics essential to neuronal activation and neurotransduction. Hyalectans form neuroprotective perineuronal nets contributing to synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive learning. Sialoglycoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACRCAN), an HA binding CSPG, stabilizes the inter-photoreceptor ECM. HSPGs pikachurin and eyes shut stabilize the photoreceptor synapse aiding in phototransduction and neurotransduction with retinal bipolar neurons crucial to visual acuity. This is achieved through Laminin G motifs in pikachurin, eyes shut, and neurexins that interact with the dystroglycan-cytoskeleton-ECM-stabilizing synaptic interconnections, neuronal interactive specificity, and co-ordination of regulatory action potentials in neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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Hashimoto J, Fujita E, Tanimoto K, Kondo S, Matsumoto-Miyai K. Effects of Cardiac Glycoside Digoxin on Dendritic Spines and Motor Learning Performance in Mice. Neuroscience 2024; 541:77-90. [PMID: 38278474 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Synapse formation following the generation of postsynaptic dendritic spines is essential for motor learning and functional recovery after brain injury. The C-terminal fragment of agrin cleaved by neurotrypsin induces dendritic spine formation in the adult hippocampus. Since the α3 subunit of sodium-potassium ATPase (Na/K ATPase) is a neuronal receptor for agrin in the central nervous system, cardiac glycosides might facilitate dendritic spine formation and subsequent improvements in learning. This study investigated the effects of cardiac glycoside digoxin on dendritic spine turnover and learning performance in mice. Golgi-Cox staining revealed that intraperitoneal injection of digoxin less than its IC50 in the brain significantly increased the density of long spines (≥2 µm) in the cerebral cortex in wild-type mice and neurotrypsin-knockout (NT-KO) mice showing impairment of activity-dependent spine formation. Although the motor learning performance of NT-KO mice was significantly lower than control wild-type mice under the control condition, low doses of digoxin enhanced performance to a similar degree in both strains. In NT-KO mice, lower digoxin doses equivalent to clinical doses also significantly improved motor learning performance. These data suggest that lower doses of digoxin could modify dendritic spine formation or recycling and facilitate motor learning in compensation for the disruption of neurotrypsin-agrin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Erika Fujita
- Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tanimoto
- Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Suzuo Kondo
- Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka 583-8555, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Matsumoto-Miyai
- Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka 583-8555, Japan.
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Chen J, Chen H, Dong X, Hui T, Yan M, Ren D, Zou S, Wang S, Fei E, Zhang W, Lai X. Deficiency of skeletal muscle Agrin contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related sarcopenia in mice. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:201. [PMID: 38461287 PMCID: PMC10925061 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06581-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, a progressive and prevalent neuromuscular disorder, is characterized by age-related muscle wasting and weakening. Despite its widespread occurrence, the molecular underpinnings of this disease remain poorly understood. Herein, we report that levels of Agrin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein critical for neuromuscular formation, were decreased with age in the skeletal muscles of mice. The conditional loss of Agrin in myogenic progenitors and satellite cells (SCs) (Pax7 Cre:: Agrin flox/flox) causes premature muscle aging, manifesting a distinct sarcopenic phenotype in mice. Conversely, the elevation of a miniaturized form of Agrin in skeletal muscle through adenovirus-mediated gene transfer induces enhanced muscle capacity in aged mice. Mechanistic investigations suggest that Agrin-mediated improvement in muscle function occurs through the stimulation of Yap signaling and the concurrent upregulation of dystroglycan expression. Collectively, our findings underscore the pivotal role of Agrin in the aging process of skeletal muscles and propose Agrin as a potential therapeutic target for addressing sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xia Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tiankun Hui
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongyan Ren
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Suqi Zou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shunqi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Erkang Fei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinsheng Lai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China.
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Willoughby DS, Florez C, Davis J, Keratsopoulos N, Bisher M, Parra M, Taylor L. Decreased Neuromuscular Function and Muscle Quality along with Increased Systemic Inflammation and Muscle Proteolysis Occurring in the Presence of Decreased Estradiol and Protein Intake in Early to Intermediate Post-Menopausal Women. Nutrients 2024; 16:197. [PMID: 38257090 PMCID: PMC10819584 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Menopause causes a reduction in estradiol (E2) and may be associated with neuromuscular degeneration. Compared to pre-menopausal (PRE-M) women, this study sought to determine dietary protein intake and whether lower levels of circulating E2 in post-menopausal women (POST-M) were occurring alongside increased levels of biomarkers of axonal and neuromuscular junction degeneration (NMJ), inflammation, muscle protein degradation, and reduced indices of muscle quality and performance. Employing a cross-sectional design, PRE-M (n = 6) and POST-M (n = 6) dietary analysis data were collected and participants then donated a blood and urine sample followed by assessments for body composition, motor unit activation, and muscle performance. Independent group t-tests were performed to determine differences between groups (p ≤ 0.05). In POST-M women, E2, motor unit activity, muscle quality, and muscle performance were significantly less than those for PRE-M women; however, the levels of c-terminal fragment of agrin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and urinary titin were significantly greater (p < 0.05). POST-M women were also shown to be ingesting fewer total calories and less protein than PRE-M (p < 0.05). Reduced E2 and dietary protein intake in POST-M women occurs in conjunction with increased levels of biomarkers of NMJ degradation, inflammation, and muscle proteolysis, which may be associated with reduced motor unit activation and muscle quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryn S. Willoughby
- School of Health Professions, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA
| | - Christine Florez
- School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA; (C.F.)
| | - Jaci Davis
- School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA; (C.F.)
| | - Nikolas Keratsopoulos
- School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA; (C.F.)
| | - Morgan Bisher
- School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA; (C.F.)
| | - Mandy Parra
- School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA; (C.F.)
| | - Lemuel Taylor
- School of Health Professions, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX 76513, USA
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Monti E, Sarto F, Sartori R, Zanchettin G, Löfler S, Kern H, Narici MV, Zampieri S. C-terminal agrin fragment as a biomarker of muscle wasting and weakness: a narrative review. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:730-744. [PMID: 36772862 PMCID: PMC10067498 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is accompanied by an inexorable loss of muscle mass and functionality and represents a major risk factor for numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This progressive loss of muscle mass and function may also result in the insurgence of a clinical syndrome termed sarcopenia, exacerbated by inactivity and disease. Sarcopenia and muscle weakness yield the risk of falls and injuries, heavily impacting on health and social costs. Thus, screening, monitoring and prevention of conditions inducing muscle wasting and weakness are essential to improve life quality in the ageing modern society. To this aim, the reliability of easily accessible and non-invasive blood-derived biomarkers is being evaluated. C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) has been widely investigated as a neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-related biomarker of muscle dysfunction. This narrative review summarizes and critically discusses, for the first time, the studies measuring CAF concentration in young and older, healthy and diseased individuals, cross-sectionally and in response to inactivity and physical exercise, providing possible explanations behind the discrepancies observed in the literature. To identify the studies investigating CAF in the above-mentioned conditions, all the publications found in PubMed, written in English and measuring this biomarker in blood from 2013 (when CAF was firstly measured in human serum) to 2022 were included in this review. CAF increases with age and in sarcopenic individuals when compared with age-matched, non-sarcopenic peers. In addition, CAF was found to be higher than controls in other muscle wasting conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure and stroke, and in pancreatic and colorectal cancer cachectic patients. As agrin is also expressed in kidney glomeruli, chronic kidney disease and transplantation were shown to have a profound impact on CAF independently from muscle wasting. CAF concentration raises following inactivity and seems to be lowered or maintained by exercise training. Finally, CAF was reported to be cross-sectionally correlated to appendicular lean mass, handgrip and gait speed; whether longitudinal changes in CAF are associated with those in muscle mass or performance following physical exercise is still controversial. CAF seems a reliable marker to assess muscle wasting in ageing and disease, also correlating with measurements of appendicular lean mass and muscle function. Future research should aim at enlarging sample size and accurately reporting the medical history of each patient, to normalize for any condition, including chronic kidney disease, that may influence the circulating concentration of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyStanford School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Institute of Molecular MedicinePadovaItaly
| | - Gianpietro Zanchettin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Stefan Löfler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
| | - Marco Vincenzo Narici
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
- CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
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James E, Goodall S, Nichols S, Walker K, Carroll S, O'Doherty AF, Ingle L. Serum transthyretin and aminotransferases are associated with lean mass in people with coronary heart disease: Further insights from the CARE-CR study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1094733. [PMID: 36891188 PMCID: PMC9986330 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1094733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low muscle mass disproportionately affects people with coronary heart disease compared to healthy controls but is under-researched and insufficiently treated. Inflammation, poor nutrition, and neural decline might contribute to low muscle mass. This study aimed to assess circulatory biomarkers related to these mechanisms [albumin, transthyretin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and C-terminal agrin fragment] and their relationship with muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Our findings could be beneficial to indicate mechanisms of sarcopenia, detect sarcopenia, and evaluate treatment. Methods Serum blood samples from people with coronary heart disease were analysed for biomarker concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using dual X-ray absorptiometry derived appendicular lean mass and reported as skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg m-2), and as a proportion of total body mass [appendicular skeletal mass (ASM%)]. Low muscle mass was defined as a SMI <7.0 and <6.0 kg m-2, or ASM% <25.72 and <19.43% for men and women, respectively. Associations between biomarkers and lean mass were adjusted for age and inflammation. Results Sixty-four people were assessed; 14 (21.9%) had low muscle mass. People with low muscle mass had lower transthyretin (effect size 0.34, p = 0.007), ALT (effect size 0.34, p = 0.008), and AST (effect size 0.26, p = 0.037) concentrations, compared to those with normal muscle mass. SMI was associated with inflammation-corrected ALT (r = 0.261, p = 0.039) and with inflammation- and age-adjusted AST/ALT ratio (r = -0.257, p = 0.044). Albumin and C-terminal agrin fragment were not associated with muscle mass indices. Conclusion Circulatory transthyretin, ALT and AST were associated with low muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Low concentrations of these biomarkers might indicate that low muscle mass is partially explained by poor nutrition and high inflammation in this cohort. Targeted treatments to address these factors could be considered for people with coronary heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily James
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Nichols
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Walker
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Carroll
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair F O'Doherty
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Ingle
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Deconstruction of Neurotrypsin Reveals a Multi-factorially Regulated Activity Affecting Myotube Formation and Neuronal Excitability. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7466-7485. [PMID: 36197591 PMCID: PMC9616769 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03056-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrypsin (NT) is a highly specific nervous system multi-domain serine protease best known for its selective processing of the potent synaptic organizer agrin. Its enzymatic activity is thought to influence processes of synaptic plasticity, with its deregulation causing accelerated neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration or contributing to forms of mental retardation. These biological effects are likely to stem from NT-based regulation of agrin signaling. However, dissecting the exact biological implications of NT-agrin interplay is difficult, due to the scarce molecular detail regarding NT activity and NT-agrin interactions. We developed a strategy to reliably produce and purify a catalytically competent engineered variant of NT called "NT-mini" and a library of C-terminal agrin fragments, with which we performed a thorough biochemical and biophysical characterization of NT enzyme functionality. We studied the regulatory effects of calcium ions and heparin, identified NT's heparin-binding domain, and discovered how zinc ions induce modulation of enzymatic activity. Additionally, we investigated myotube differentiation and hippocampal neuron excitability, evidencing a dose-dependent increase in neuronal activity alongside a negative impact on myoblast fusion when using the active NT enzyme. Collectively, our results provide in vitro and cellular foundations to unravel the molecular underpinnings and biological significance of NT-agrin interactions.
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Gros K, Matkovič U, Parato G, Miš K, Luin E, Bernareggi A, Sciancalepore M, Marš T, Lorenzon P, Pirkmajer S. Neuronal Agrin Promotes Proliferation of Primary Human Myoblasts in an Age-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911784. [PMID: 36233091 PMCID: PMC9570459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal agrin, a heparan sulphate proteoglycan secreted by the α-motor neurons, promotes the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction by binding to Lrp4 and activating muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). Neuronal agrin also promotes myogenesis by enhancing differentiation and maturation of myotubes, but its effect on proliferating human myoblasts, which are often considered to be unresponsive to agrin, remains unclear. Using primary human myoblasts, we determined that neuronal agrin induced transient dephosphorylation of ERK1/2, while c-Abl, STAT3, and focal adhesion kinase were unresponsive. Gene silencing of Lrp4 and MuSK markedly reduced the BrdU incorporation, suggesting the functional importance of the Lrp4/MuSK complex for myoblast proliferation. Acute and chronic treatments with neuronal agrin increased the proliferation of human myoblasts in old donors, but they did not affect the proliferation of myoblasts in young donors. The C-terminal fragment of agrin which lacks the Lrp4-binding site and cannot activate MuSK had a similar age-dependent effect, indicating that the age-dependent signalling pathways activated by neuronal agrin involve the Lrp4/MuSK receptor complex as well as an Lrp4/MuSK-independent pathway which remained unknown. Collectively, our results highlight an age-dependent role for neuronal agrin in promoting the proliferation of human myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Gros
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Matkovič
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giulia Parato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- The B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Katarina Miš
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elisa Luin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- The B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bernareggi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- The B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Sciancalepore
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- The B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tomaž Marš
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paola Lorenzon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- The B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Sergej Pirkmajer
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (S.P.)
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11
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Mead TJ, Bhutada S, Martin DR, Apte SS. Proteolysis: a key post-translational modification regulating proteoglycans. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C651-C665. [PMID: 35785985 PMCID: PMC9448339 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00215.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Proteoglycans are composite molecules comprising a protein backbone, i.e., the core protein, with covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains of distinct chemical types. Most proteoglycans are secreted or attached to the cell membrane. Their specialized structures, binding properties, and biophysical attributes underlie diverse biological roles, which include modulation of tissue mechanics, cell adhesion, and the sequestration and regulated release of morphogens, growth factors, and cytokines. As an irreversible post-translational modification, proteolysis has a profound impact on proteoglycan function, abundance, and localization. Proteolysis is required for molecular maturation of some proteoglycans, clearance of extracellular matrix proteoglycans during tissue remodeling, generation of bioactive fragments from proteoglycans, and ectodomain shedding of cell-surface proteoglycans. Genetic evidence shows that proteoglycan core protein proteolysis is essential for diverse morphogenetic events during embryonic development. In contrast, dysregulated proteoglycan proteolysis contributes to osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and inflammation. Proteolytic fragments of perlecan, versican, aggrecan, brevican, collagen XVIII, and other proteoglycans are associated with independent biological activities as so-called matrikines. Yet, proteoglycan proteolysis has been investigated to only a limited extent to date. Here, we review the actions of proteases on proteoglycans and illustrate their functional impact with several examples. We discuss the applications and limitations of strategies used to define cleavage sites in proteoglycans and explain how proteoglycanome-wide proteolytic mapping, which is desirable to fully understand the impact of proteolysis on proteoglycans, can be facilitated by integrating classical proteoglycan isolation methods with mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Mead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sumit Bhutada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Daniel R Martin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Suneel S Apte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio
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12
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Moreira-Pais A, Ferreira R, Oliveira PA, Duarte JA. A neuromuscular perspective of sarcopenia pathogenesis: deciphering the signaling pathways involved. GeroScience 2022; 44:1199-1213. [PMID: 34981273 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The escalation of life expectancy is accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of age-related conditions, such as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia, a muscle condition defined by low muscle strength, muscle quality or quantity, and physical performance, has a high prevalence among the elderly and is associated to increased mortality. The neuromuscular system has been emerging as a key contributor to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Indeed, the age-related degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) function and structure may contribute to the loss of muscle strength and ultimately to the loss of muscle mass that characterize sarcopenia. The present mini-review discusses important signaling pathways involved in the function and maintenance of the NMJ, giving emphasis to the ones that might contribute to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Some conceivable biomarkers, such as C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and therapeutic targets, namely acetylcholine and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), can be retrieved, making way to future studies to validate their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Moreira-Pais
- CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. .,LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. .,Centre for Research and Technology of Agro Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José A Duarte
- CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal.,TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
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13
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Miyata S, Kashio T, Tsuchiya K, Mitsui S. Motopsin deficiency imparts partial insensitivity to doxorubicin-induced hippocampal impairments in adult mice. Neurosci Lett 2021; 763:136181. [PMID: 34416345 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Motopsin is a serine protease that plays a crucial role in synaptic functions. Loss of motopsin function causes severe intellectual disability in humans. In this study, we evaluated the role of motopsin in the neuropathological development of cognitive impairments following chemotherapy, also known as chemobrain. Motopsin knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were intravenously injected with doxorubicin (Dox) or saline four times every 8 days and were evaluated for open field, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests. Parvalbumin-positive neurons in the hippocampus were immunohistochemically analyzed. Dox administration significantly decreased the total distance in the open field test in both WT and motopsin KO mice without affecting the duration spent in the center square. A significant interaction between the genotype and drug treatment was detected in the recognition index (the rate to investigate a novel object) in the novel object recognition test, although Dox treatment did not affect the total investigation time. Additionally, Dox treatment significantly decreased the recognition index in WT mice, whereas it tended to increase the recognition index in motopsin KO mice. Dox treatment did not affect the latency to enter a dark compartment in either WT or motopsin KO mice in the passive avoidance test. Interestingly, Dox treatment increased the parvalbumin-positive neurons in the stratum oriens of the hippocampus CA1 region of only WT mice, not motopsin KO mice. Our data suggest that motopsin deficiency imparted partial insensitivity to Dox-induced hippocampal impairments. Alternatively, motopsin may contribute to the neuropathology of chemobrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Miyata
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
| | - Taiki Kashio
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuchiya
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan.
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14
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Yao X, Chen C, Zhang J, Xu Y, Xiong S, Gu Q, Xu X, Suo Y. Novel Peptide NT/K-CRS Derived from Kringle Structure of Neurotrypsin Inhibits Neovascularization In Vitro and In Vivo. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 37:412-420. [PMID: 34252290 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2020.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the anti-neovascularization effect of a novel peptide NT/K-CRS derived from the kringle domain of neurotrypsin in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in advance. Cell migration, lumen formation, and cell proliferation assays were performed to determine the anti-neovascularization effect of NT/K-CRS in HUVECs. TUNEL and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium tests were conducted to evaluate cell viability. Chick chorioallantoic membrane and oxygen-induced retinopathy model were established to assess the anti-angiogenic role of NT/K-CRS in vivo. Results: The in vitro results showed that NT/K-CRS effectively decreased VEGF-induced cell migration and endothelial tube formation, with no significant effect on cell proliferation and cell viability. In addition, NT/K-CRS showed great efficacy in angiogenesis inhibition in chicken embryos. The cytokine release syndrome (CRS) peptide also inhibited retinal neovascularization and improved retinal blood perfusion in oxygen-treated mouse pups through intravitreal injection. Conclusions: NT/K-CRS peptide derived from the kringle domain of neurotrypsin can strongly inhibit neovascularization in vitro and vivo. This novel peptide may become a promising therapeutic agent for neovascular-related ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xieyi Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yupeng Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Suo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention and Treatment Center/Shanghai Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China
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15
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Soendenbroe C, Andersen JL, Mackey AL. Muscle-nerve communication and the molecular assessment of human skeletal muscle denervation with aging. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C317-C329. [PMID: 34161153 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00174.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fiber denervation is a major contributor to the decline in physical function observed with aging. Denervation can occur through breakdown of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) itself, affecting only that particular fiber, or through the death of a motor neuron, which can lead to a loss of all the muscle fibers in that motor unit. In this review, we discuss the muscle-nerve relationship, where signaling from both the motor neuron and the muscle fiber is required for maximal preservation of neuromuscular function in old age. Physical activity is likely to be the most important single factor that can contribute to this preservation. Furthermore, we propose that inactivity is not an innocent bystander, but plays an active role in denervation through the production of signals hostile to neuron survival. Investigating denervation in human muscle tissue samples is challenging due to the shared protein profile of regenerating and denervated muscle fibers. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the key traits observed in immunohistochemical preparations of muscle biopsies from healthy, young, and elderly individuals. Overall, a combination of assessing tissue samples, circulating biomarkers, and electrophysiological assessments in humans will prove fruitful in the quest to gain more understanding of denervation of skeletal muscle. In addition, cell culture models represent a valuable tool in the search for key signaling factors exchanged between muscle and nerve, and which exercise has the capacity to alter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Soendenbroe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Andersen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abigail L Mackey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Soendenbroe C, Mackey AL, Kjaer M. Resting in bed - how quickly does the muscle lose its nerve? J Physiol 2021; 599:2995-2996. [PMID: 33896008 DOI: 10.1113/jp281761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Casper Soendenbroe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen N, 2200, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abigail L Mackey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen N, 2200, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Zhang KY, Johnson TV. The internal limiting membrane: Roles in retinal development and implications for emerging ocular therapies. Exp Eye Res 2021; 206:108545. [PMID: 33753089 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Basement membranes help to establish, maintain, and separate their associated tissues. They also provide growth and signaling substrates for nearby resident cells. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) is the basement membrane at the ocular vitreoretinal interface. While the ILM is essential for normal retinal development, it is dispensable in adulthood. Moreover, the ILM may constitute a significant barrier to emerging ocular therapeutics, such as viral gene therapy or stem cell transplantation. Here we take a neurodevelopmental perspective in examining how retinal neurons, glia, and vasculature interact with individual extracellular matrix constituents at the ILM. In addition, we review evidence that the ILM may impede novel ocular therapies and discuss approaches for achieving retinal parenchymal targeting of gene vectors and cell transplants delivered into the vitreous cavity by manipulating interactions with the ILM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Zhang
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Maumenee B-110, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Maumenee B-110, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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18
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Liu J, Zhou T, Wang C, Wang W, Chan S. Comparative transcriptomics reveals eyestalk ablation induced responses of the neuroendocrine-immune system in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:823-832. [PMID: 32835851 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In decapod crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely used to expedite ovarian maturation and spawning because of the removal of a gonad inhibiting hormone produced by the X-organ sinus gland. However, eyestalk ablation also results in negative impacts on the immunocompetence of the eyestalk-ablated females. In the current study, we investigated the impact of eyestalk ablation on the transcriptomic responses of three major nervous organs of shrimp, including the eyestalk ganglion, brain and thoracic ganglion, using the Illumina Hiseq™ 4000 platform. A total of 48,249 unigenes with an average length of 1253 bp and a N50 value of 2482 bp were obtained. Following eyestalk ablation treatment, a total of 2,983, 6325 and 6575 unigenes were detected as differentially expressed (log2Ratio >1 and FDR <0.05) from the eyestalk, brain and thoracic ganglia, respectively. Functional GO and KEGG analysis of these differential expression genes (DEGs) showed that these DEGs were associated with a wide variety of biological processes and pathways. The distribution of DEGs among three comparison groups was similar, and many DEGs were mapped to the phagosome pathway, indicating that eyestalk ablation triggers activation of the neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) system. Interestingly, several important pathways were uniquely enriched in the brain tissue, suggesting that the brain may play a crucial role in the NEI system in response to eyestalk ablation. This is the first report on the transcriptomic regulation of the nervous system in response to eyestalk ablation in L. vannamei. The genes and pathways identified in this study will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine-immune responses to eyestalk ablation in penaeid shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Liu
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chenggui Wang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Siuming Chan
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China.
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19
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Boido M, Butenko O, Filippo C, Schellino R, Vrijbloed JW, Fariello RG, Vercelli A. A new protein curbs the hypertrophic effect of myostatin inhibition, adding remarkable endurance to motor performance in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228653. [PMID: 32160187 PMCID: PMC7065788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current efforts to improve muscle performance are focused on muscle trophism via inhibition of the myostatin pathway: however they have been unsuccessful in the clinic to date. In this study, a novel protein has been created by combining the soluble activin receptor, a strong myostatin inhibitor, to the C-terminal agrin nLG3 domain (ActR-Fc-nLG3) involved in the development and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions. Both domains are connected via the constant region of an Igg1 monoclonal antibody. Surprisingly, young male mice treated with ActR-Fc-nLG3 showed a remarkably increased endurance in the rotarod test, significantly longer than the single domain compounds ActR-Fc and Fc-nLG3 treated animals. This increase in endurance was accompanied by only a moderate increase in body weights and wet muscle weights of ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals and were lower than expected. The myostatin inhibitor ActR-Fc induced, as expected, a highly significant increase in body and muscle weights compared to control animals and ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals. Moreover, the prolonged endurance effect was not observed when ActR-Fc and Fc-nLG3 were dosed simultaneously as a mixture and the body and muscle weights of these animals were very similar to ActR-Fc treated animals, indicating that both domains need to be on one molecule. Muscle morphology induced by ActR-Fc-nLG3 did not appear to be changed however, close examination of the neuromuscular junction showed significantly increased acetylcholine receptor surface area for ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals compared to controls. This result is consistent with published observations that endurance training in rats increased acetylcholine receptor quantity at neuromuscular junctions and provide evidence that improving nerve-muscle interaction could be an important factor for sustaining long term muscle activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Olena Butenko
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Consuelo Filippo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Schellino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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20
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Guarino SR, Canciani A, Forneris F. Dissecting the Extracellular Complexity of Neuromuscular Junction Organizers. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 6:156. [PMID: 31998752 PMCID: PMC6966886 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse formation is a very elaborate process dependent upon accurate coordination of pre and post-synaptic specialization, requiring multiple steps and a variety of receptors and signaling molecules. Due to its relative structural simplicity and the ease in manipulation and observation, the neuromuscular synapse or neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-the connection between motor neurons and skeletal muscle-represents the archetype junction system for studying synapse formation and conservation. This junction is essential for survival, as it controls our ability to move and breath. NMJ formation requires coordinated interactions between motor neurons and muscle fibers, which ultimately result in the formation of a highly specialized post-synaptic architecture and a highly differentiated nerve terminal. Furthermore, to ensure a fast and reliable synaptic transmission following neurotransmitter release, ligand-gated channels (acetylcholine receptors, AChRs) are clustered on the post-synaptic muscle cell at high concentrations in sites opposite the presynaptic active zone, supporting a direct role for nerves in the organization of the post-synaptic membrane architecture. This organized clustering process, essential for NMJ formation and for life, relies on key signaling molecules and receptors and is regulated by soluble extracellular molecules localized within the synaptic cleft. Notably, several mutations as well as auto-antibodies against components of these signaling complexes have been related to neuromuscular disorders. The recent years have witnessed strong progress in the understanding of molecular identities, architectures, and functions of NMJ macromolecules. Among these, prominent roles have been proposed for neural variants of the proteoglycan agrin, its receptor at NMJs composed of the lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) and the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), as well as the regulatory soluble synapse-specific protease Neurotrypsin. In this review we summarize the current state of the art regarding molecular structures and (agrin-dependent) canonical, as well as (agrin-independent) non-canonical, MuSK signaling mechanisms that underscore the formation of neuromuscular junctions, with the aim of providing a broad perspective to further stimulate molecular, cellular and tissue biology investigations on this fundamental intercellular contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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21
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Swenarchuk LE. Nerve, Muscle, and Synaptogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111448. [PMID: 31744142 PMCID: PMC6912269 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate skeletal neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has long served as a model system for studying synapse structure, function, and development. Over the last several decades, a neuron-specific isoform of agrin, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, has been identified as playing a central role in synapse formation at all vertebrate skeletal neuromuscular synapses. While agrin was initially postulated to be the inductive molecule that initiates synaptogenesis, this model has been modified in response to work showing that postsynaptic differentiation can develop in the absence of innervation, and that synapses can form in transgenic mice in which the agrin gene is ablated. In place of a unitary mechanism for neuromuscular synapse formation, studies in both mice and zebrafish have led to the proposal that two mechanisms mediate synaptogenesis, with some synapses being induced by nerve contact while others involve the incorporation of prepatterned postsynaptic structures. Moreover, the current model also proposes that agrin can serve two functions, to induce synaptogenesis and to stabilize new synapses, once these are formed. This review examines the evidence for these propositions, and concludes that it remains possible that a single molecular mechanism mediates synaptogenesis at all NMJs, and that agrin acts as a stabilizer, while its role as inducer is open to question. Moreover, if agrin does not act to initiate synaptogenesis, it follows that as yet uncharacterized molecular interactions are required to play this essential inductive role. Several alternatives to agrin for this function are suggested, including focal pericellular proteolysis and integrin signaling, but all require experimental validation.
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Canciani A, Catucci G, Forneris F. Structural characterization of the third scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain of murine neurotrypsin. Protein Sci 2019; 28:746-755. [PMID: 30748049 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrypsin (NT) is a multi-domain serine protease of the nervous system with only one known substrate: the large proteoglycan Agrin. NT has seen to be involved in the maintenance/turnover of neuromuscular junctions and in processes of synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Roles which have been tied to its enzymatic activity, localized in the C-terminal serine-protease (SP) domain. However the purpose of NT's remaining 3-4 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains is still unclear. We have determined the crystal structure of the third SRCR domain of murine NT (mmNT-SRCR3), immediately preceding the SP domain and performed a comparative structural analysis using homologous SRCR structures. Our data and the elevated degree of structural conservation with homologous domains highlight possible functional roles for NT SRCRs. Computational and experimental analyses suggest the identification of a putative binding region for Ca2+ ions, known to regulate NT enzymatic activity. Furthermore, sequence and structure comparisons allow to single out regions of interest that, in future studies, might be implicated in Agrin recognition/binding or in interactions with as of yet undiscovered NT partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselmo Canciani
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Catucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Forneris
- The Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9/A, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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23
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Cardoso AL, Fernandes A, Aguilar-Pimentel JA, de Angelis MH, Guedes JR, Brito MA, Ortolano S, Pani G, Athanasopoulou S, Gonos ES, Schosserer M, Grillari J, Peterson P, Tuna BG, Dogan S, Meyer A, van Os R, Trendelenburg AU. Towards frailty biomarkers: Candidates from genes and pathways regulated in aging and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 47:214-277. [PMID: 30071357 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Use of the frailty index to measure an accumulation of deficits has been proven a valuable method for identifying elderly people at risk for increased vulnerability, disease, injury, and mortality. However, complementary molecular frailty biomarkers or ideally biomarker panels have not yet been identified. We conducted a systematic search to identify biomarker candidates for a frailty biomarker panel. METHODS Gene expression databases were searched (http://genomics.senescence.info/genes including GenAge, AnAge, LongevityMap, CellAge, DrugAge, Digital Aging Atlas) to identify genes regulated in aging, longevity, and age-related diseases with a focus on secreted factors or molecules detectable in body fluids as potential frailty biomarkers. Factors broadly expressed, related to several "hallmark of aging" pathways as well as used or predicted as biomarkers in other disease settings, particularly age-related pathologies, were identified. This set of biomarkers was further expanded according to the expertise and experience of the authors. In the next step, biomarkers were assigned to six "hallmark of aging" pathways, namely (1) inflammation, (2) mitochondria and apoptosis, (3) calcium homeostasis, (4) fibrosis, (5) NMJ (neuromuscular junction) and neurons, (6) cytoskeleton and hormones, or (7) other principles and an extensive literature search was performed for each candidate to explore their potential and priority as frailty biomarkers. RESULTS A total of 44 markers were evaluated in the seven categories listed above, and 19 were awarded a high priority score, 22 identified as medium priority and three were low priority. In each category high and medium priority markers were identified. CONCLUSION Biomarker panels for frailty would be of high value and better than single markers. Based on our search we would propose a core panel of frailty biomarkers consisting of (1) CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10), IL-6 (interleukin 6), CX3CL1 (C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1), (2) GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain containing 5), vimentin (VIM), (3) regucalcin (RGN/SMP30), calreticulin, (4) PLAU (plasminogen activator, urokinase), AGT (angiotensinogen), (5) BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), progranulin (PGRN), (6) α-klotho (KL), FGF23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), FGF21, leptin (LEP), (7) miRNA (micro Ribonucleic acid) panel (to be further defined), AHCY (adenosylhomocysteinase) and KRT18 (keratin 18). An expanded panel would also include (1) pentraxin (PTX3), sVCAM/ICAM (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1/Intercellular adhesion molecule 1), defensin α, (2) APP (amyloid beta precursor protein), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), (3) S100B (S100 calcium binding protein B), (4) TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), TGM2 (transglutaminase 2), (5) sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end products), HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1), C3/C1Q (complement factor 3/1Q), ST2 (Interleukin 1 receptor like 1), agrin (AGRN), (6) IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), resistin (RETN), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), ghrelin (GHRL), growth hormone (GH), (7) microparticle panel (to be further defined), GpnmB (glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B) and lactoferrin (LTF). We believe that these predicted panels need to be experimentally explored in animal models and frail cohorts in order to ascertain their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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24
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Kemp GJ, Birrell F, Clegg PD, Cuthbertson DJ, De Vito G, van Dieën JH, Del Din S, Eastell R, Garnero P, Goljanek–Whysall K, Hackl M, Hodgson R, Jackson MJ, Lord S, Mazzà C, McArdle A, McCloskey EV, Narici M, Peffers MJ, Schiaffino S, Mathers JC. Developing a toolkit for the assessment and monitoring of musculoskeletal ageing. Age Ageing 2018; 47:iv1-iv19. [PMID: 30203052 PMCID: PMC6127513 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexities and heterogeneity of the ageing process have slowed the development of consensus on appropriate biomarkers of healthy ageing. The Medical Research Council–Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) is a collaboration between researchers and clinicians at the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. One of CIMA’s objectives is to ‘Identify and share optimal techniques and approaches to monitor age-related changes in all musculoskeletal tissues, and to provide an integrated assessment of musculoskeletal function’—in other words to develop a toolkit for assessing musculoskeletal ageing. This toolkit is envisaged as an instrument that can be used to characterise and quantify musculoskeletal function during ‘normal’ ageing, lend itself to use in large-scale, internationally important cohorts, and provide a set of biomarker outcome measures for epidemiological and intervention studies designed to enhance healthy musculoskeletal ageing. Such potential biomarkers include: biochemical measurements in biofluids or tissue samples, in vivo measurements of body composition, imaging of structural and physical properties, and functional tests. This review assesses candidate biomarkers of musculoskeletal ageing under these four headings, details their biological bases, strengths and limitations, and makes practical recommendations for their use. In addition, we identify gaps in the evidence base and priorities for further research on biomarkers of musculoskeletal ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Kemp
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Fraser Birrell
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Peter D Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Daniel J Cuthbertson
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Giuseppe De Vito
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jaap H van Dieën
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Van der Boechorststraat 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Del Din
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Institute of Neuroscience/Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Eastell
- Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Patrick Garnero
- Division of Bone Diseases, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Goljanek–Whysall
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | | | - Richard Hodgson
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Malcolm J Jackson
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Sue Lord
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Institute of Neuroscience/Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claudia Mazzà
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Anne McArdle
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Eugene V McCloskey
- Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Marco Narici
- MRC-ARUK Centre of Excellence for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Derby Royal Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, UK
| | - Mandy J Peffers
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), University of Liverpool, William Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
| | - Stefano Schiaffino
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, Padova, Italy
| | - John C Mathers
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine and Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA)
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25
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Ferrer-Ferrer M, Dityatev A. Shaping Synapses by the Neural Extracellular Matrix. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:40. [PMID: 29867379 PMCID: PMC5962695 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data support the importance of interactions between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal elements with astroglial processes and extracellular matrix (ECM) for formation and plasticity of chemical synapses, and thus validate the concept of a tetrapartite synapse. Here we outline the major mechanisms driving: (i) synaptogenesis by secreted extracellular scaffolding molecules, like thrombospondins (TSPs), neuronal pentraxins (NPs) and cerebellins, which respectively promote presynaptic, postsynaptic differentiation or both; (ii) maturation of synapses via reelin and integrin ligands-mediated signaling; and (iii) regulation of synaptic plasticity by ECM-dependent control of induction and consolidation of new synaptic configurations. Particularly, we focused on potential importance of activity-dependent concerted activation of multiple extracellular proteases, such as ADAMTS4/5/15, MMP9 and neurotrypsin, for permissive and instructive events in synaptic remodeling through localized degradation of perisynaptic ECM and generation of proteolytic fragments as inducers of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Ferrer-Ferrer
- Molecular Neuroplasticity German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- Molecular Neuroplasticity German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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26
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Reinhard JR, Lin S, McKee KK, Meinen S, Crosson SC, Sury M, Hobbs S, Maier G, Yurchenco PD, Rüegg MA. Linker proteins restore basement membrane and correct LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy in mice. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/396/eaal4649. [PMID: 28659438 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal4649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD or MDC1A) is the most frequent form of early-onset, fatal congenital muscular dystrophies. It is caused by mutations in LAMA2, the gene encoding laminin-α2, the long arm of the heterotrimeric (α2, β1, and γ1) basement membrane protein laminin-211 (Lm-211). We establish that despite compensatory expression of laminin-α4, giving rise to Lm-411 (α4, β1, and γ1), muscle basement membrane is labile in LAMA2 MD biopsies. Consistent with this deficit, recombinant Lm-411 polymerized and bound to cultured myotubes only weakly. Polymerization and cell binding of Lm-411 were enhanced by addition of two specifically designed linker proteins. One, called αLNNd, consists of the N-terminal part of laminin-α1 and the laminin-binding site of nidogen-1. The second, called mini-agrin (mag), contains binding sites for laminins and α-dystroglycan. Transgenic expression of mag and αLNNd in a mouse model for LAMA2 MD fully restored basement membrane stability, recovered muscle force and size, increased overall body weight, and extended life span more than five times to a maximum survival beyond 2 years. These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of LAMA2 MD and establish a strong basis for a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuo Lin
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karen K McKee
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sarina Meinen
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie C Crosson
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maurizio Sury
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samantha Hobbs
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Peter D Yurchenco
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Markus A Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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27
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Boido M, De Amicis E, Valsecchi V, Trevisan M, Ala U, Ruegg MA, Hettwer S, Vercelli A. Increasing Agrin Function Antagonizes Muscle Atrophy and Motor Impairment in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:17. [PMID: 29440993 PMCID: PMC5797594 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a pediatric genetic disease, characterized by motor neuron (MN) death, leading to progressive muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and, in the most severe cases, to death. Abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) have been reported in SMA, including neurofilament (NF) accumulation at presynaptic terminals, immature and smaller than normal endplates, reduced transmitter release, and, finally, muscle denervation. Here we have studied the role of agrin in SMAΔ7 mice, the experimental model of SMAII. We observed a 50% reduction in agrin expression levels in quadriceps of P10 SMA mice compared to age-matched WT controls. To counteract such condition, we treated SMA mice from birth onwards with therapeutic agrin biological NT-1654, an active splice variant of agrin retaining synaptogenic properties, which is also resistant to proteolytic cleavage by neurotrypsin. Mice were analyzed for behavior, muscle and NMJ histology, and survival. Motor behavior was significantly improved and survival was extended by treatment of SMA mice with NT-1654. At P10, H/E-stained sections of the quadriceps, a proximal muscle early involved in SMA, showed that NT-1654 treatment strongly prevented the size decrease of muscle fibers. Studies of NMJ morphology on whole-mount diaphragm preparations revealed that NT-1654-treated SMA mice had more mature NMJs and reduced NF accumulation, compared to vehicle-treated SMA mice. We conclude that increasing agrin function in SMA has beneficial outcomes on muscle fibers and NMJs as the agrin biological NT-1654 restores the crosstalk between muscle and MNs, delaying muscular atrophy, improving motor performance and extending survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena De Amicis
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, National Institute of Neuroscience, Turin, Italy
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28
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Li Z, Li M, Wood K, Hettwer S, Muley SA, Shi FD, Liu Q, Ladha SS. Engineered agrin attenuates the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:814-820. [PMID: 29193204 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Agrin is essential for the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NT-1654 is a C-terminal fragment of mouse neural agrin. In this study, we determined the effects of NT-1654 on the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). METHODS EAMG was induced in female Lewis rats by immunization with the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (tAChR) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). NT-1654 was dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and injected daily subcutaneously into tAChR immunized rats during the first 10 days after immunization, and then every other day for the following 20 days. RESULTS We showed that NT-1654 attenuated clinical severity, effectively promoted the clustering of AChRs at NMJs, and alleviated the impairment of NMJ transmission and the reduction of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) in EAMG rats. DISCUSSION We demonstrated that NT-1654 attenuated clinical severity, effectively promoted the clustering of AChRs at NMJs, and alleviated the impairment of NMJ transmission and the reduction of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) in EAMG rats. Muscle Nerve 57: 814-820, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Li
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Minshu Li
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kristofer Wood
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA
| | | | - Suraj A Muley
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shafeeq S Ladha
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013, USA
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29
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MacDonald R, Barbat-Artigas S, Cho C, Peng H, Shang J, Moustaine A, Carbonetto S, Robitaille R, Chalifour LE, Paudel H. A Novel Egr-1-Agrin Pathway and Potential Implications for Regulation of Synaptic Physiology and Homeostasis at the Neuromuscular Junction. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:258. [PMID: 28824419 PMCID: PMC5541023 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission requires intricate coordination of the components involved in processing of incoming signals, formation and stabilization of synaptic machinery, neurotransmission and in all related signaling pathways. Changes to any of these components cause synaptic imbalance and disruption of neuronal circuitry. Extensive studies at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) have greatly aided in the current understanding of synapses and served to elucidate the underlying physiology as well as associated adaptive and homeostatic processes. The heparan sulfate proteoglycan agrin is a vital component of the NMJ, mediating synaptic formation and maintenance in both brain and muscle, but very little is known about direct control of its expression. Here, we investigated the relationship between agrin and transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1), as Egr-1 regulates the expression of many genes involved in synaptic homeostasis and plasticity. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), cell culture with cell lines derived from brain and muscle, and animal models, we show that Egr-1 binds to the AGRN gene locus and suppresses its expression. When compared with wild type (WT), mice deficient in Egr-1 (Egr-1−/−) display a marked increase in AGRN mRNA and agrin full-length and cleavage fragment protein levels, including the 22 kDa, C-terminal fragment in brain and muscle tissue homogenate. Because agrin is a crucial component of the NMJ, we explored possible physiological implications of the Egr-1-agrin relationship. In the diaphragm, Egr-1−/− mice display increased NMJ motor endplate density, individual area and area of innervation. In addition to increased density, soleus NMJs also display an increase in fragmented and faint endplates in Egr-1−/− vs. WT mice. Moreover, the soleus NMJ electrophysiology of Egr-1−/− mice revealed increased quantal content and motor testing showed decreased movement and limb muscle strength compared with WT. This study provides evidence for the potential involvement of a novel Egr-1-agrin pathway in synaptic homeostatic and compensatory mechanisms at the NMJ. Synaptic homeostasis is greatly affected by the process of aging. These and other data suggest that changes in Egr-1 expression may directly or indirectly promote age-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryen MacDonald
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General HospitalMontreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Chulmin Cho
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General HospitalMontreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Huashan Peng
- Center for Research in NeuroscienceMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jijun Shang
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General HospitalMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ayman Moustaine
- Département de neurosciences, Université de MontréalMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Salvatore Carbonetto
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada.,Center for Research in NeuroscienceMontreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Département de neurosciences, Université de MontréalMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lorraine E Chalifour
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General HospitalMontreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hemant Paudel
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General HospitalMontreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
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30
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Pohlkamp T, Wasser CR, Herz J. Functional Roles of the Interaction of APP and Lipoprotein Receptors. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:54. [PMID: 28298885 PMCID: PMC5331069 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological fates of the key initiator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and a family of lipoprotein receptors, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related proteins (LRPs) and their molecular roles in the neurodegenerative disease process are inseparably interwoven. Not only does APP bind tightly to the extracellular domains (ECDs) of several members of the LRP group, their intracellular portions are also connected through scaffolds like the one established by FE65 proteins and through interactions with adaptor proteins such as X11/Mint and Dab1. Moreover, the ECDs of APP and LRPs share common ligands, most notably Reelin, a regulator of neuronal migration during embryonic development and modulator of synaptic transmission in the adult brain, and Agrin, another signaling protein which is essential for the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and which likely also has critical, though at this time less well defined, roles for the regulation of central synapses. Furthermore, the major independent risk factors for AD, Apolipoprotein (Apo) E and ApoJ/Clusterin, are lipoprotein ligands for LRPs. Receptors and ligands mutually influence their intracellular trafficking and thereby the functions and abilities of neurons and the blood-brain-barrier to turn over and remove the pathological product of APP, the amyloid-β peptide. This article will review and summarize the molecular mechanisms that are shared by APP and LRPs and discuss their relative contributions to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Pohlkamp
- Department of Molecular Genetics, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA; Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
| | - Catherine R Wasser
- Department of Molecular Genetics, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA; Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA; Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, TX, USA
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Yu D, Li HX, Liu Y, Ying ZW, Guo JJ, Cao CY, Wang J, Li YF, Yang HR. The Reference Intervals for Serum C-Terminal Agrin Fragment in Healthy Individuals and as a Biomarker for Renal Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients. J Clin Lab Anal 2016; 31. [PMID: 27638235 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) has been shown to be a promising new biomarker for kidney function. The aim of this study was to verify the reference intervals for CAF in Chinese healthy adults and to assess the efficiency of CAF for monitoring renal function after transplantation. METHODS Serum samples were collected from 200 healthy adult subjects and 60 living donor kidney recipients before and on day 1, day 2 and at 6 months after transplantation. We measured serum CAF, creatinine, cystatin C and NGAL concentrations at each time. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Reference intervals for CAF were determined at 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. RESULTS Serum CAF concentrations were observed to be higher in females of old age groups while no significant differences were discovered in males between age groups. There were significant gender-related differences in CAF in old age groups (50-64 and ≥65 years). Serum CAF correlated positively with serum creatinine, cystatin C and negatively with eGFR on day 1, day 2 and at 6 months after kidney transplantation. CAF and NGAL fell rapidly into the normal range on the second postoperative day, prior to creatinine and cystatin C. CONCLUSIONS This study verified the reference intervals for serum CAF. CAF could be a potential new biomarker for kidney function monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Xia Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze-Wei Ying
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Ying Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Fang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Rong Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Daryadel A, Haubitz M, Figueiredo M, Steubl D, Roos M, Mäder A, Hettwer S, Wagner CA. The C-Terminal Fragment of Agrin (CAF), a Novel Marker of Renal Function, Is Filtered by the Kidney and Reabsorbed by the Proximal Tubule. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157905. [PMID: 27380275 PMCID: PMC4933355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Agrin, a multidomain proteoglycan and neurotrypsin, a neuronal serine protease, are important for forming (neuromuscular) synapses. Proteolytical activity of neurotrypsin produces a C-terminal fragment of agrin, termed CAF, of approximately 22 kDA molecular size which also circulates in blood. The presence of CAF in urine suggests either glomerular filtration or secretion into urine. Blood levels of CAF have been identified as a potential novel marker of kidney function. Here we describe that several nephron segments in the mouse kidney express agrin and neutrotrypsin in addition to the localization of both protein in the glomerulum. Agrin mRNA and protein was detected in almost all nephron segments and mRNA abundance was highest in the inner medullary collecting duct. Neurotrypsin mRNA was mostly detected in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, the distal convoluted tubule, and the inner medullary collecting duct. Moreover, we show that the proximal tubule absorbs injected recombinant CAF by a process shared with receptor-mediated and fluid phase endocytosis. Co-injection of CAF with recombinant human transferrin, a substrate of the receptor-mediated endocytic pathway as well as with FITC-labelled dextran (10 kDa), a marker of fluid phase endocytosis, showed partial colocalization of CAF with both markers. Further colocalization of CAF with the lysosomal marker cathepsin B suggested degradation of CAF by the lysosome in the proximal tubule. Thus, the murine kidney expresses agrin and neurotrypsin in nephron segments beyond the glomerulum. CAF is filtered by the glomerulum and is reabsorbed by endocytosis by the proximal tubule. Thus, impaired kidney function could impair glomerular clearance of CAF and thereby increase circulating CAF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Daryadel
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marta Figueiredo
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Steubl
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Roos
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Carsten A. Wagner
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Su J, Chen J, Lippold K, Monavarfeshani A, Carrillo GL, Jenkins R, Fox MA. Collagen-derived matricryptins promote inhibitory nerve terminal formation in the developing neocortex. J Cell Biol 2016; 212:721-36. [PMID: 26975851 PMCID: PMC4792079 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201509085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory synapses comprise only ∼20% of the total synapses in the mammalian brain but play essential roles in controlling neuronal activity. In fact, perturbing inhibitory synapses is associated with complex brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. Although many types of inhibitory synapses exist, these disorders have been strongly linked to defects in inhibitory synapses formed by Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Here, we discovered a novel role for an unconventional collagen-collagen XIX-in the formation of Parvalbumin(+) inhibitory synapses. Loss of this collagen results not only in decreased inhibitory synapse number, but also in the acquisition of schizophrenia-related behaviors. Mechanistically, these studies reveal that a proteolytically released fragment of this collagen, termed a matricryptin, promotes the assembly of inhibitory nerve terminals through integrin receptors. Collectively, these studies not only identify roles for collagen-derived matricryptins in cortical circuit formation, but they also reveal a novel paracrine mechanism that regulates the assembly of these synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Su
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Jiang Chen
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Kumiko Lippold
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016 Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | | | - Rachel Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Michael A Fox
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016 Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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Devetzis V, Daryadel A, Roumeliotis S, Theodoridis M, Wagner CA, Hettwer S, Huynh-Do U, Ploumis P, Arampatzis S. C-Terminal Fragment of Agrin (CAF): A Novel Marker for Progression of Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetics. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143524. [PMID: 26630274 PMCID: PMC4668035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD in the developed world. C-terminal fragment of agrin (CAF) is a novel kidney function and injury biomarker. We investigated whether serum CAF predicts progression of kidney disease in type 2 diabetics. Methods Serum CAF levels were measured in 71 elderly patients with diabetic nephropathy using a newly developed commercial ELISA kit (Neurotune®). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria in spot urine were assessed at baseline and after 12 months follow up. The presence of end stage renal disease (ESRD) was evaluated after 24 months follow-up. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore the associations of serum CAF levels with GFR, proteinuria, GFR loss and incident ESRD. Renal handling of CAF was tested in neurotrypsin-deficient mice injected with recombinant CAF. Results We found a strong association of serum CAF levels with eGFR and a direct association with proteinuria both at baseline (r = 0.698, p<0.001 and r = 0. 287, p = 0.02) as well as after 12 months follow-up (r = 0.677, p<0.001 and r = 0.449, p<0.001), respectively. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, serum CAF levels predicted eGFR decline at 12 months follow-up after adjusting for known risk factors (eGFR, baseline proteinuria) [OR (95%CI) = 4.2 (1.2–14.5), p = 0.024]. In mice, injected CAF was detected in endocytic vesicles of the proximal tubule. Conclusion Serum CAF levels reflect renal function and are highly associated with eGFR and proteinuria at several time points. Serum CAF was able to predict subsequent loss of renal function irrespective of baseline proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. CAF is likely removed from circulation by glomerular filtration and subsequent endocytosis in the proximal tubule. These findings may open new possibilities for clinical trial design, since serum CAF levels may be used as a selection tool to monitor kidney function in high-risk patients with diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Devetzis
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arezoo Daryadel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanos Roumeliotis
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Marios Theodoridis
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | | | | | - Uyen Huynh-Do
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Passadakis Ploumis
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Spyridon Arampatzis
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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The Role of Proteases in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity: Putting Together Small Pieces of a Complex Puzzle. Neurochem Res 2015; 41:156-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1752-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Peng S, Xu J, Pelkey KA, Chandra G, Zhang Z, Bagh MB, Yuan X, Wu LG, McBain CJ, Mukherjee AB. Suppression of agrin-22 production and synaptic dysfunction in Cln1 (-/-) mice. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2015; 2:1085-104. [PMID: 26734660 PMCID: PMC4693586 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxidative stress in the brain is highly prevalent in many neurodegenerative disorders including lysosomal storage disorders, in which neurodegeneration is a devastating manifestation. Despite intense studies, a precise mechanism linking oxidative stress to neuropathology in specific neurodegenerative diseases remains largely unclear. METHODS Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal-1 (CLN1) gene encoding palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1. Previously, we reported that in the brain of Cln1 (-/-) mice, which mimic INCL, and in postmortem brain tissues from INCL patients, increased oxidative stress is readily detectable. We used molecular, biochemical, immunohistological, and electrophysiological analyses of brain tissues of Cln1 (-/-) mice to study the role(s) of oxidative stress in mediating neuropathology. RESULTS Our results show that in Cln1 (-/-) mice oxidative stress in the brain via upregulation of the transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-δ, stimulated expression of serpina1, which is an inhibitor of a serine protease, neurotrypsin. Moreover, in the Cln1 (-/-) mice, suppression of neurotrypsin activity by serpina1 inhibited the cleavage of agrin (a large proteoglycan), which substantially reduced the production of agrin-22, essential for synaptic homeostasis. Direct whole-cell recordings at the nerve terminals of Cln1 (-/-) mice showed inhibition of Ca(2+) currents attesting to synaptic dysfunction. Treatment of these mice with a thioesterase-mimetic small molecule, N-tert (Butyl) hydroxylamine (NtBuHA), increased agrin-22 levels. INTERPRETATION Our findings provide insight into a novel pathway linking oxidative stress with synaptic pathology in Cln1 (-/-) mice and suggest that NtBuHA, which increased agrin-22 levels, may ameliorate synaptic dysfunction in this devastating neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Peng
- Section on Developmental Genetics Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Synaptic Transmission Section (HNQ23-R) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892
| | - Kenneth A Pelkey
- The Program in Developmental Neuroscience Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-3715
| | - Goutam Chandra
- Section on Developmental Genetics Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Zhongjian Zhang
- Section on Developmental Genetics Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Maria B Bagh
- Section on Developmental Genetics Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-1830
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- The Program in Developmental Neuroscience Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-3715
| | - Ling-Gang Wu
- Synaptic Transmission Section (HNQ23-R) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892
| | - Chris J McBain
- The Program in Developmental Neuroscience Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-3715
| | - Anil B Mukherjee
- Section on Developmental Genetics Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH Bethesda Maryland 20892-1830
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Steinbeck L, Ebner N, Valentova M, Bekfani T, Elsner S, Dahinden P, Hettwer S, Scherbakov N, Schefold JC, Sandek A, Springer J, Doehner W, Anker SD, von Haehling S. Detection of muscle wasting in patients with chronic heart failure using C-terminal agrin fragment: results from the Studies Investigating Co-morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA-HF). Eur J Heart Fail 2015; 17:1283-93. [PMID: 26449626 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Skeletal muscle wasting affects 20% of patients with chronic heart failure and has serious implications for their activities of daily living. Assessment of muscle wasting is technically challenging. C-terminal agrin-fragment (CAF), a breakdown product of the synaptically located protein agrin, has shown early promise as biomarker of muscle wasting. We sought to investigate the diagnostic properties of CAF in muscle wasting among patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed serum CAF levels in 196 patients who participated in the Studies Investigating Co-morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA-HF). Muscle wasting was identified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 38 patients (19.4%). Patients with muscle wasting demonstrated higher CAF values than those without (125.1 ± 59.5 pmol/L vs. 103.8 ± 42.9 pmol/L, P = 0.01). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), we calculated the optimal CAF value to identify patients with muscle wasting as >87.5 pmol/L, which had a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 43.7%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.56-0.70). Using simple regression, we found that serum CAF was associated with handgrip (R = - 0.17, P = 0.03) and quadriceps strength (R = - 0.31, P < 0.0001), peak oxygen consumption (R = - 0.5, P < 0.0001), 6-min walk distance (R = - 0.32, P < 0.0001), and gait speed (R = - 0.2, P = 0.001), as well as with parameters of kidney and liver function, iron metabolism and storage. CONCLUSION CAF shows good sensitivity for the detection of skeletal muscle wasting in patients with heart failure. Its assessment may be useful to identify patients who should undergo additional testing, such as detailed body composition analysis. As no other biomarker is currently available, further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Steinbeck
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Ebner
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miroslava Valentova
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tarek Bekfani
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Elsner
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Nadja Scherbakov
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,Centre for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg C Schefold
- Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Sandek
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Springer
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Doehner
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,Centre for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
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Integrated analyses of zebrafish miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identify miR-29b and miR-223 as potential regulators of optic nerve regeneration. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:591. [PMID: 26265132 PMCID: PMC4534052 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unlike mammals, zebrafish have the ability to regenerate damaged parts of their central nervous system (CNS) and regain functionality of the affected area. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in zebrafish regeneration may therefore provide insight into how CNS repair might be induced in mammals. Although many studies have described differences in gene expression in zebrafish during CNS regeneration, the regulatory mechanisms underpinning the differential expression of these genes have not been examined. Results We used microarrays to analyse and integrate the mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of zebrafish retina after optic nerve crush to identify potential regulatory mechanisms that underpin central nerve regeneration. Bioinformatic analysis identified 3 miRNAs and 657 mRNAs that were differentially expressed after injury. We then combined inverse correlations between our miRNA expression and mRNA expression, and integrated these findings with target predictions from TargetScan Fish to identify putative miRNA-gene target pairs. We focused on two over-expressed miRNAs (miR-29b and miR-223), and functionally validated seven of their predicted gene targets using RT-qPCR and luciferase assays to confirm miRNA-mRNA binding. Gene ontology analysis placed the miRNA-regulated genes (eva1a, layna, nefmb, ina, si:ch211-51a6.2, smoc1, sb:cb252) in key biological processes that included cell survival/apoptosis, ECM-cytoskeleton signaling, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding, Conclusion Our results suggest a key role for miR-29b and miR-223 in zebrafish regeneration. The identification of miRNA regulation in a zebrafish injury model provides a framework for future studies in which to investigate not only the cellular processes required for CNS regeneration, but also how these mechanisms might be regulated to promote successful repair and return of function in the injured mammalian brain. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1772-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Neill T, Schaefer L, Iozzo RV. Decoding the Matrix: Instructive Roles of Proteoglycan Receptors. Biochemistry 2015; 54:4583-98. [PMID: 26177309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a dynamic repository harboring instructive cues that embody substantial regulatory dominance over many evolutionarily conserved intracellular activities, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, motility, and autophagy. The matrix also coordinates and parses hierarchical information, such as angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and immunological responses, typically providing the critical determinants driving each outcome. We provide the first comprehensive review focused on proteoglycan receptors, that is, signaling transmembrane proteins that use secreted proteoglycans as ligands, in addition to their natural ligands. The majority of these receptors belong to an exclusive subset of receptor tyrosine kinases and assorted cell surface receptors that specifically bind, transduce, and modulate fundamental cellular processes following interactions with proteoglycans. The class of small leucine-rich proteoglycans is the most studied so far and constitutes the best understood example of proteoglycan-receptor interactions. Decorin and biglycan evoke autophagy and immunological responses that deter, suppress, or exacerbate pathological conditions such as tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and chronic inflammatory disease. Basement membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans (perlecan, agrin, and collagen XVIII) represent a unique cohort and provide proteolytically cleaved bioactive fragments for modulating cellular behavior. The receptors that bind the genuinely multifactorial and multivalent proteoglycans represent a nexus in understanding basic biological pathways and open new avenues for therapeutic and pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Neill
- †Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology and Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- ‡Department of Pharmacology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- †Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology and Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
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Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, and is critical for control of muscle contraction. Its formation requires neuronal agrin that acts by binding to LRP4 to stimulate MuSK. Mutations have been identified in agrin, MuSK, and LRP4 in patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome, and patients with myasthenia gravis develop antibodies against agrin, LRP4, and MuSK. However, it remains unclear whether the agrin signaling pathway is critical for NMJ maintenance because null mutation of any of the three genes is perinatal lethal. In this study, we generated imKO mice, a mutant strain whose LRP4 gene can be deleted in muscles by doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Ablation of the LRP4 gene in adult muscle enabled studies of its role in NMJ maintenance. We demonstrate that Dox treatment of P30 mice reduced muscle strength and compound muscle action potentials. AChR clusters became fragmented with diminished junctional folds and synaptic vesicles. The amplitude and frequency of miniature endplate potentials were reduced, indicating impaired neuromuscular transmission and providing cellular mechanisms of adult LRP4 deficiency. We showed that LRP4 ablation led to the loss of synaptic agrin and the 90 kDa fragments, which occurred ahead of other prejunctional and postjunctional components, suggesting that LRP4 may regulate the stability of synaptic agrin. These observations demonstrate that LRP4 is essential for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the NMJ and that loss of muscle LRP4 in adulthood alone is sufficient to cause myasthenic symptoms.
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Levy AD, Omar MH, Koleske AJ. Extracellular matrix control of dendritic spine and synapse structure and plasticity in adulthood. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:116. [PMID: 25368556 PMCID: PMC4202714 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are the receptive contacts at most excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. Spines are dynamic in the developing brain, changing shape as they mature as well as appearing and disappearing as they make and break connections. Spines become much more stable in adulthood, and spine structure must be actively maintained to support established circuit function. At the same time, adult spines must retain some plasticity so their structure can be modified by activity and experience. As such, the regulation of spine stability and remodeling in the adult animal is critical for normal function, and disruption of these processes is associated with a variety of late onset diseases including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of a meshwork of proteins and proteoglycans, is a critical regulator of spine and synapse stability and plasticity. While the role of ECM receptors in spine regulation has been extensively studied, considerably less research has focused directly on the role of specific ECM ligands. Here, we review the evidence for a role of several brain ECM ligands and remodeling proteases in the regulation of dendritic spine and synapse formation, plasticity, and stability in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Levy
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA ; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University New Haven, CT, USA
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42
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Sonderegger P, Matsumoto-Miyai K. Activity-controlled proteolytic cleavage at the synapse. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:413-23. [PMID: 24969462 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activity-controlled enzymatic cleavage of proteins on the surface of synaptic membranes or in the synaptic or perisynaptic interstitial compartment represents a direct way to regulate synaptic structure, function, and number. Extracellular proteolysis at synapses was initially understood to be plasticity enabling by freeing synapses from the constraints provided by the extracellular matrix. However, recent observations indicate that at least part of the extracellular protein cleavage results in activation of previously cryptic functions that regulate adaptive changes of synapses and neuronal circuits. Here, we focus on peptidases with distinct localization and function at synapses combined with regulation by neuronal and synaptic activity, and evaluate their function in the context of developmental and/or adult synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sonderegger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kazumasa Matsumoto-Miyai
- Department of Neurophysiology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita 010-8543, Japan; Kansai University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 1456-4 Shizuki, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2131, Japan
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43
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Rudolf R, Khan MM, Labeit S, Deschenes MR. Degeneration of neuromuscular junction in age and dystrophy. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:99. [PMID: 24904412 PMCID: PMC4033055 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional denervation is a hallmark of aging sarcopenia as well as of muscular dystrophy. It is thought to be a major factor reducing skeletal muscle mass, particularly in the case of sarcopenia. Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) serve as the interface between the nervous and skeletal muscular systems, and thus they may receive pathophysiological input of both pre- and post-synaptic origin. Consequently, NMJs are good indicators of motor health on a systemic level. Indeed, upon sarcopenia and dystrophy, NMJs morphologically deteriorate and exhibit altered characteristics of primary signaling molecules, such as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and agrin. Since a remarkable reversibility of these changes can be observed by exercise, there is significant interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic deterioration upon aging and dystrophy and how synapses are reset by the aforementioned treatments. Here, we review the literature that describes the phenomena observed at the NMJ in sarcopenic and dystrophic muscle as well as to how these alterations can be reversed and to what extent. In a second part, the current information about molecular machineries underlying these processes is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim , Mannheim , Germany ; Institute of Medical Technology, University of Heidelberg and University of Applied Sciences Mannheim , Mannheim , Germany ; Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen , Germany
| | - Muzamil Majid Khan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim , Mannheim , Germany ; Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen , Germany
| | - Siegfried Labeit
- Institute of Integrative Pathophysiology, University Medical Centre Mannheim , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Michael R Deschenes
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, The College of William and Mary , Williamsburg, VA , USA
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Hettwer S, Lin S, Kucsera S, Haubitz M, Oliveri F, Fariello RG, Ruegg MA, Vrijbloed JW. Injection of a soluble fragment of neural agrin (NT-1654) considerably improves the muscle pathology caused by the disassembly of the neuromuscular junction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88739. [PMID: 24520420 PMCID: PMC3919806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of neuromuscular diseases is still an unsolved problem. Evidence over the last years strongly indicates the involvement of malformation and dysfunction of neuromuscular junctions in the development of such medical conditions. Stabilization of NMJs thus seems to be a promising approach to attenuate the disease progression of muscle wasting diseases. An important pathway for the formation and maintenance of NMJs is the agrin/Lrp4/MuSK pathway. Here we demonstrate that the agrin biologic NT-1654 is capable of activating the agrin/Lrp4/MuSK system in vivo, leading to an almost full reversal of the sarcopenia-like phenotype in neurotrypsin-overexpressing (SARCO) mice. We also show that injection of NT-1654 accelerates muscle re-innervation after nerve crush. This report demonstrates that a systemically administered agrin fragment has the potential to counteract the symptoms of neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuo Lin
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Kerrisk ME, Cingolani LA, Koleske AJ. ECM receptors in neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 214:101-31. [PMID: 25410355 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63486-3.00005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During central nervous system development, extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors and their ligands play key roles as guidance molecules, informing neurons where and when to send axonal and dendritic projections, establish connections, and form synapses between pre- and postsynaptic cells. Once stable synapses are formed, many ECM receptors transition in function to control the maintenance of stable connections between neurons and regulate synaptic plasticity. These receptors bind to and are activated by ECM ligands. In turn, ECM receptor activation modulates downstream signaling cascades that control cytoskeletal dynamics and synaptic activity to regulate neuronal structure and function and thereby impact animal behavior. The activities of cell adhesion receptors that mediate interactions between pre- and postsynaptic partners are also strongly influenced by ECM composition. This chapter highlights a number of ECM receptors, their roles in the control of synapse structure and function, and the impact of these receptors on synaptic plasticity and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Kerrisk
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lorenzo A Cingolani
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Tsilibary E, Tzinia A, Radenovic L, Stamenkovic V, Lebitko T, Mucha M, Pawlak R, Frischknecht R, Kaczmarek L. Neural ECM proteases in learning and synaptic plasticity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 214:135-57. [PMID: 25410356 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63486-3.00006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies implicate extracellular proteases in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. The data are especially strong for such serine proteases as thrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, neurotrypsin, and neuropsin as well as matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-9 in particular. The role of those enzymes in the aforementioned phenomena is supported by the experimental results on the expression patterns (at the gene expression and protein and enzymatic activity levels) and functional studies, including knockout mice, specific inhibitors, etc. Counterintuitively, the studies have shown that the extracellular proteolysis is not responsible mainly for an overall degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and loosening perisynaptic structures, but rather allows for releasing signaling molecules from the ECM, transsynaptic proteins, and latent form of growth factors. Notably, there are also indications implying those enzymes in the major neuropsychiatric disorders, probably by contributing to synaptic aberrations underlying such diseases as schizophrenia, bipolar, autism spectrum disorders, and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effie Tsilibary
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Tzinia
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Lidija Radenovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vera Stamenkovic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tomasz Lebitko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Renato Frischknecht
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
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Almenar-Queralt A, Kim SN, Benner C, Herrera CM, Kang DE, Garcia-Bassets I, Goldstein LSB. Presenilins regulate neurotrypsin gene expression and neurotrypsin-dependent agrin cleavage via cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) modulation. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:35222-36. [PMID: 24145027 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.513705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Presenilins, the catalytic components of the γ-secretase complex, are upstream regulators of multiple cellular pathways via regulation of gene transcription. However, the underlying mechanisms and the genes regulated by these pathways are poorly characterized. In this study, we identify Tequila and its mammalian ortholog Prss12 as genes negatively regulated by presenilins in Drosophila larval brains and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, respectively. Prss12 encodes the serine protease neurotrypsin, which cleaves the heparan sulfate proteoglycan agrin. Altered neurotrypsin activity causes serious synaptic and cognitive defects; despite this, the molecular processes regulating neurotrypsin expression and activity are poorly understood. Using γ-secretase drug inhibitors and presenilin mutants in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we found that a mature γ-secretase complex was required to repress neurotrypsin expression and agrin cleavage. We also determined that PSEN1 endoproteolysis or processing of well known γ-secretase substrates was not essential for this process. At the transcriptional level, PSEN1/2 removal induced cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/CREB-binding protein binding, accumulation of activating histone marks at the neurotrypsin promoter, and neurotrypsin transcriptional and functional up-regulation that was dependent on GSK3 activity. Upon PSEN1/2 reintroduction, this active epigenetic state was replaced by a methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2)-containing repressive state and reduced neurotrypsin expression. Genome-wide analysis revealed hundreds of other mouse promoters in which CREB binding is similarly modulated by the presence/absence of presenilins. Our study thus identifies Tequila and neurotrypsin as new genes repressed by presenilins and reveals a novel mechanism used by presenilins to modulate CREB signaling based on controlling CREB recruitment.
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Mitsui S, Osako Y, Yuri K. Mental retardation-related protease, motopsin (prss12), binds to the BRICHOS domain of the integral membrane protein 2a. Cell Biol Int 2013; 38:117-23. [PMID: 23955961 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Motopsin (prss12), a mosaic serine protease secreted by neuronal cells, is believed to be important for cognitive function, as the loss of its function causes severe nonsyndromic mental retardation. To understand the molecular role of motopsin, we identified the integral membrane protein 2a (Itm2a) as a motopsin-interacting protein using a yeast two-hybrid system. A pull-down assay showed that the BRICHOS domain of Itm2a was essential for this interaction. Motopsin and Itm2a co-localized in COS cells and in cultured neurons when transiently expressed in these cells. Both proteins were co-immunoprecipitated from lysates of these transfected COS cells. Itm2a was strongly detected in a brain lysate prepared between postnatal day 0 and 10, during which period motopsin protein was also enriched in the brain. Immunohistochemistry detected Itm2a as patchy spots along endothelial cells of brain capillaries (which also expressed myosin II regulatory light chain [RLC]), and on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive processes in the developing cerebral cortex. The data raise the possibility that secreted motopsin interacts with endothelial cells in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Showa, Maebashi, 371-8514, Japan
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Zymogen activation of neurotrypsin and neurotrypsin-dependent agrin cleavage on the cell surface are enhanced by glycosaminoglycans. Biochem J 2013; 453:83-100. [PMID: 23560819 DOI: 10.1042/bj20130166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The serine peptidase neurotrypsin is stored in presynaptic nerve endings and secreted in an inactive zymogenic form by synaptic activity. After activation, which requires activity of postsynaptic NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, neurotrypsin cleaves the heparan sulfate proteoglycan agrin at active synapses. The resulting C-terminal 22-kDa fragment of agrin induces dendritic filopodia, which are considered to be precursors of new synapses. In the present study, we investigated the role of GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) in the activation of neurotrypsin and neurotrypsin-dependent agrin cleavage. We found binding of neurotrypsin to the GAG side chains of agrin, which in turn enhanced the activation of neurotrypsin by proprotein convertases and resulted in enhanced agrin cleavage. A similar enhancement of neurotrypsin binding to agrin, neurotrypsin activation and agrin cleavage was induced by the four-amino-acid insert at the y splice site of agrin, which is crucial for the formation of a heparin-binding site. Non-agrin GAGs also contributed to binding and activation of neurotrypsin and, thereby, to agrin cleavage, albeit to a lesser extent. Binding of neurotrypsin to cell-surface glycans locally restricts its conversion from zymogen into active peptidase. This provides the molecular foundation for the local action of neurotrypsin at or in the vicinity of its site of synaptic secretion. By its local action at synapses with correlated pre- and post-synaptic activity, the neurotrypsin-agrin system fulfils the requirements for a mechanism serving experience-dependent modification of activated synapses, which is essential for adaptive structural reorganizations of neuronal circuits in the developing and/or adult brain.
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50
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Hettwer S, Dahinden P, Kucsera S, Farina C, Ahmed S, Fariello R, Drey M, Sieber CC, Vrijbloed JW. Elevated levels of a C-terminal agrin fragment identifies a new subset of sarcopenia patients. Exp Gerontol 2013; 48:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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