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Lee SW, Oh YM, Victor MB, Yang Y, Chen S, Strunilin I, Dahiya S, Dolle RE, Pak SC, Silverman GA, Perlmutter DH, Yoo AS. Longitudinal modeling of human neuronal aging reveals the contribution of the RCAN1-TFEB pathway to Huntington's disease neurodegeneration. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:95-109. [PMID: 38066314 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a common risk factor in neurodegenerative disorders. Investigating neuronal aging in an isogenic background stands to facilitate analysis of the interplay between neuronal aging and neurodegeneration. Here we perform direct neuronal reprogramming of longitudinally collected human fibroblasts to reveal genetic pathways altered at different ages. Comparative transcriptome analysis of longitudinally aged striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in Huntington's disease identified pathways involving RCAN1, a negative regulator of calcineurin. Notably, RCAN1 protein increased with age in reprogrammed MSNs as well as in human postmortem striatum and RCAN1 knockdown rescued patient-derived MSNs of Huntington's disease from degeneration. RCAN1 knockdown enhanced chromatin accessibility of genes involved in longevity and autophagy, mediated through enhanced calcineurin activity, leading to TFEB's nuclear localization by dephosphorylation. Furthermore, G2-115, an analog of glibenclamide with autophagy-enhancing activities, reduced the RCAN1-calcineurin interaction, phenocopying the effect of RCAN1 knockdown. Our results demonstrate that targeting RCAN1 genetically or pharmacologically can increase neuronal resilience in Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Won Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, USA
| | - Young Mi Oh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawei Chen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ilya Strunilin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sonika Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Roland E Dolle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gary A Silverman
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Perlmutter
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew S Yoo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Lim D, Tapella L, Dematteis G, Talmon M, Genazzani AA. Calcineurin Signalling in Astrocytes: From Pathology to Physiology and Control of Neuronal Functions. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1077-1090. [PMID: 36083398 PMCID: PMC10030417 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN), a Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase, acts as a Ca2+-sensitive switch regulating cellular functions through protein dephosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. In astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells in the CNS, over-activation of CaN is known to drive pathological transcriptional remodelling, associated with neuroinflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and brain trauma. Recent reports suggest that, in physiological conditions, the activity of CaN in astrocytes is transcription-independent and is required for maintenance of basal protein synthesis rate and activation of astrocytic Na+/K+ pump thereby contributing to neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and memory formation. In this contribution we overview the role of Ca2+ and CaN signalling in astroglial pathophysiology focusing on the emerging physiological role of CaN in astrocytes. We propose a model for the context-dependent switch of CaN activity from the post-transcriptional regulation of cell proteostasis in healthy astrocytes to the CaN-dependent transcriptional activation in neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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3
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Zhang N, Liu Y, Shi X, Zhang Y, Li W, Yang Y, Chen L, Yin Y, Tong L, Yang J, Luo J. Microscale thermophoresis and fluorescence polarization assays of calcineurin-peptide interactions. Anal Biochem 2022; 646:114626. [PMID: 35218735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114626] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase. It is very important to study the affinity between calcineurin and its substrate or other interacting proteins. Two conserved motifs have been reported on the interactive proteins of calcineurin, namely, the PxIxIT motif and the LxVP motif. Here, we used 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein to fluorescently label the N-terminus of the short peptides derived from the two motifs and then determined the affinity between the protein and polypeptides. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) is very suitable for determining calcineurin with peptides containing the LxVP motif. The Kd values of the binding of calcineurin with NFATc1-YLAVP, NHE1-YLTVP, and A238L-FLCVK peptides were 6.72 ± 0.19 μM, 17.14 ± 0.35 μM, and 15.57 ± 0.10 μM, respectively. The GST pull-down results further confirmed the binding trend of the three peptides to calcineurin. However, fluorescently labeled PxIxIT polypeptides are not suitable for MST due to their own aggregation. We determined the binding affinity of the RCAN1-PSVVVH polypeptide to calcineurin by the fluorescence polarization (FP) method. MST and FP assays are fast and accurate in determining the affinity between protein-peptide interactions. Our research laid the foundation for screening the molecules that affect the binding between calcineurin and its substrates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yueyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 111016, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Hebei, 065000, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wenying Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yumeng Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Li Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 111016, China.
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering and Biotechnology of Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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Wang H, Fang X, Ren Q, Zeng Y, Tan X, Ye T, Fan J, Xu Y. Association Between Circulating Regulator of Calcineurin 2 Concentrations With Overweight and Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:857841. [PMID: 35733783 PMCID: PMC9208054 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.857841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulator of calcineurin 2 (RCAN2) has been reported to promote food intake and weight gain in animal studies. However, its effect on body weight in humans is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum RCAN2 concentrations and participants with overweight/obesity. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 872 Chinese adults, including 348 participants with normal weight (NW), 397 participants with overweight (OW), and 127 participants with obesity (OB). All participants were divided into NW, OW and OB groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Serum RCAN2 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Serum RCAN2 concentrations gradually increased with the increase of BMI (p < 0.001). The percentages of OW/OB gradually increased in tandem with increasing tertiles of RCAN2 (p < 0.001). Additionally, serum RCAN2 concentrations were significantly correlated with a series of anthropometric and metabolic parameters, predominantly including body weight, BMI, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of OW/OB was significantly increased with the increase of serum RCAN2 concentrations. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that serum RCAN2, especially serum RCAN2/(AST/ALT) ratio, might serve as a candidate biomarker for obesity. CONCLUSION Serum RCAN2 concentrations were increased in subjects with OW/OB. The increased serum RCAN2 concentrations were associated with the increased risks of OW/OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongya Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Xia Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiahao Fan, ; Yong Xu,
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiahao Fan, ; Yong Xu,
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5
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Lane BM, Murray S, Benson K, Bierzynska A, Chryst-Stangl M, Wang L, Wu G, Cavalleri G, Doyle B, Fennelly N, Dorman A, Conlon S, Vega-Warner V, Fermin D, Vijayan P, Qureshi MA, Shril S, Barua M, Hildebrandt F, Pollak M, Howell D, Sampson MG, Saleem M, Conlon PJ, Spurney R, Gbadegesin R. A Rare Autosomal Dominant Variant in Regulator of Calcineurin Type 1 ( RCAN1) Gene Confers Enhanced Calcineurin Activity and May Cause FSGS. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1682-1695. [PMID: 33863784 PMCID: PMC8425665 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020081234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podocyte dysfunction is the main pathologic mechanism driving the development of FSGS and other morphologic types of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Despite significant progress, the genetic causes of most cases of SRNS have yet to be identified. METHODS Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 320 individuals from 201 families with familial and sporadic NS/FSGS with no pathogenic mutations in any known NS/FSGS genes. RESULTS Two variants in the gene encoding regulator of calcineurin type 1 (RCAN1) segregate with disease in two families with autosomal dominant FSGS/SRNS. In vitro, loss of RCAN1 reduced human podocyte viability due to increased calcineurin activity. Cells expressing mutant RCAN1 displayed increased calcineurin activity and NFAT activation that resulted in increased susceptibility to apoptosis compared with wild-type RCAN1. Treatment with GSK-3 inhibitors ameliorated this elevated calcineurin activity, suggesting the mutation alters the balance of RCAN1 regulation by GSK-3β, resulting in dysregulated calcineurin activity and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest mutations in RCAN1 can cause autosomal dominant FSGS. Despite the widespread use of calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of NS, genetic mutations in a direct regulator of calcineurin have not been implicated in the etiology of NS/FSGS before this report. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting RCAN1 regulatory molecules, such as GSK-3β, in the treatment of FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Lane
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Susan Murray
- Irish Kidney Gene Project, Department of Genetics, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Katherine Benson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Agnieszka Bierzynska
- Department of Pediatrics, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Chryst-Stangl
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Liming Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Guanghong Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gianpiero Cavalleri
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Brendan Doyle
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont General Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Neil Fennelly
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont General Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Anthony Dorman
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont General Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Shane Conlon
- Irish Kidney Gene Project, Department of Genetics, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Damian Fermin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Poornima Vijayan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Azfar Qureshi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirlee Shril
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Moumita Barua
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martin Pollak
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Howell
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Matthew G. Sampson
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Moin Saleem
- Department of Pediatrics, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Conlon
- Irish Kidney Gene Project, Department of Genetics, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beaumont General Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Robert Spurney
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rasheed Gbadegesin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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6
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Wardaszka P, Soczewka P, Sienko M, Zoladek T, Kaminska J. Partial Inhibition of Calcineurin Activity by Rcn2 as a Potential Remedy for Vps13 Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031193. [PMID: 33530471 PMCID: PMC7865597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of calcineurin, a Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated phosphatase, is important for the nervous system, and its abnormal activity is associated with various pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders. In yeast cells lacking the VPS13 gene (vps13Δ), a model of VPS13-linked neurological diseases, we recently demonstrated that calcineurin is activated, and its downregulation reduces the negative effects associated with vps13Δ mutation. Here, we show that overexpression of the RCN2 gene, which encodes a negative regulator of calcineurin, is beneficial for vps13Δ cells. We studied the molecular mechanism underlying this effect through site-directed mutagenesis of RCN2. The interaction of the resulting Rcn2 variants with a MAPK kinase, Slt2, and subunits of calcineurin was tested. We show that Rcn2 binds preferentially to Cmp2, one of two alternative catalytic subunits of calcineurin, and partially inhibits calcineurin. Rcn2 ability to bind to and reduce the activity of calcineurin was important for the suppression. The binding of Rcn2 to Cmp2 requires two motifs in Rcn2: the previously characterized C-terminal motif and a new N-terminal motif that was discovered in this study. Altogether, our findings can help to better understand calcineurin regulation and to develop new therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases based on modulation of the activity of selected calcineurin isoforms.
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7
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Cho KO, Jeong KH, Cha JH, Kim SY. Spatiotemporal expression of RCAN1 and its isoform RCAN1-4 in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:81-88. [PMID: 31908577 PMCID: PMC6940495 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.1.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) can be induced by an intracellular calcium increase and oxidative stress, which are characteristic features of temporal lobe epilepsy. Thus, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression and cellular localization of RCAN1 protein and mRNA in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). Male C57BL/6 mice were given pilocarpine hydrochloride (280 mg/kg, i.p.) and allowed to develop 2 h of SE. Then the animals were given diazepam (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to stop the seizures and sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28 day after SE. Cresyl violet staining showed that pilocarpine-induced SE resulted in cell death in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus from 3 day after SE. RCAN1 immunoreactivity showed that RCAN1 was mainly expressed in neurons in the shammanipulated hippocampi. At 1 day after SE, RCAN1 expression became detected in hippocampal neuropils. However, RCAN1 signals were markedly enhanced in cells with stellate morphology at 3 and 7 day after SE, which were confirmed to be reactive astrocytes, but not microglia by double immunofluorescence. In addition, real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction showed a significant upregulation of RCAN1 isoform 4 (RCAN1-4) mRNA in the SE-induced hippocampi. Finally, in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry revealed astrocytic expression of RCAN1-4 after SE. These results demonstrate astrocytic upregulation of RCAN1 and RCAN1-4 in the mouse hippocampus in the acute and subacute phases of epileptogenesis, providing foundational information for the potential role of RCAN1 in reactive astrocytes during epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ok Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.,Institute of Aging and Metabolic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Kyoung Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Cha
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seong Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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8
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Tarasova EO, Gaydukov AE, Balezina OP. Calcineurin and Its Role in Synaptic Transmission. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2018; 83:674-689. [PMID: 30195324 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297918060056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a serine/threonine phosphatase widely expressed in different cell types and structures including neurons and synapses. The most studied role of CaN is its involvement in the functioning of postsynaptic structures of central synapses. The role of CaN in the presynaptic structures of central and peripheral synapses is less understood, although it has generated a considerable interest and is a subject of a growing number of studies. The regulatory role of CaN in synaptic vesicle endocytosis in the synapse terminals is actively studied. In recent years, new targets of CaN have been identified and its role in the regulation of enzymes and neurotransmitter secretion in peripheral neuromuscular junctions has been revealed. CaN is the only phosphatase that requires calcium and calmodulin for activation. In this review, we present details of CaN molecular structure and give a detailed description of possible mechanisms of CaN activation involving calcium, enzymes, and endogenous and exogenous inhibitors. Known and newly discovered CaN targets at pre- and postsynaptic levels are described. CaN activity in synaptic structures is discussed in terms of functional involvement of this phosphatase in synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Tarasova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - A E Gaydukov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - O P Balezina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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9
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Recabarren-Leiva D, Alarcón M. New insights into the gene expression associated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Life Sci 2018; 193:110-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Feldcamp LA, Boutros PC, Raymond R, Fletcher PJ, Nobrega JN, Wong AHC. Pdxdc1 modulates prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in the mouse. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1125. [PMID: 28485732 PMCID: PMC5534953 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia all target the dopamine D2 receptor. Although these drugs have serious side effects and limited efficacy, no novel molecular targets for schizophrenia treatment have been successfully translated into new medications. To identify novel potential treatment targets for schizophrenia, we searched for previously unknown molecular modulators of acoustic prepulse inhibition (PPI), a schizophrenia endophenotype, in the mouse. We examined six inbred mouse strains that have a range of PPI, and used microarrays to determine which mRNA levels correlated with PPI across these mouse strains. We examined several brain regions involved in PPI and schizophrenia: hippocampus, striatum, and brainstem, found a number of transcripts that showed good correlation with PPI level, and confirmed this with real-time quantitative PCR. We then selected one candidate gene for further study, Pdxdc1 (pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase domain containing 1), because it is a putative enzyme that could metabolize catecholamine neurotransmitters, and thus might be a feasible target for new medications. We determined that Pdxdc1 mRNA and protein are both strongly expressed in the hippocampus and levels of Pdxdc1 are inversely correlated with PPI across the six mouse strains. Using shRNA packaged in a lentiviral vector, we suppressed Pdxdc1 protein levels in the hippocampus and increased PPI by 70%. Our results suggest that Pdxdc1 may regulate PPI and could be a good target for further investigation as a potential treatment for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Feldcamp
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - P C Boutros
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Raymond
- Neuroimaging Section, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - P J Fletcher
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J N Nobrega
- Neuroimaging Section, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A H C Wong
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Lei QQ, Hu GQ, Chen W, Yu SX, Qi S, Du CT, Gu JM, Lin TJ, Yang YJ. RCAN1 deficiency protects against Salmonella intestinal infection by modulating JNK activation. Mol Immunol 2016; 77:26-33. [PMID: 27449908 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE RCAN1 (regulator of calcineurin 1) has been shown to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the biological implications of RCAN1 during gastrointestinal tract infection remain unclear. In this study, we tried to determine the role of RCAN1 in acute Salmonella infectious colitis. METHODS Wild type and RCAN1-deficient mice or macrophages were used to characterize the impacts of RCAN1 on intestinal inflammation, inflammatory cytokines production, animal survival, and pathogen clearance following Salmonella challenge. RESULTS Histologic and quantitative assessments showed increased inflammation and elevated proinflammatory cytokines production in RCAN1-deficient mice. The aberrant inflammatory response was recapitulated in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. In addition, we reveal a novel regulatory role for RCAN1 in the proinflammatory JNK signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Further analysis showed that the increased inflammation in RCAN1-deficient mice contributed to pathogen clearance and host survival. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that RCAN1 deficiency protects against Salmonella intestinal infection by enhancing proinflammatory JNK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Lei
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Gui-Qiu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shui-Xing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shuai Qi
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chong-Tao Du
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jing-Min Gu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Tong-Jun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Yong-Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
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12
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Abstract
Periventricular heterotopia (PH) is a cortical malformation characterized by aggregation of neurons lining the lateral ventricles due to abnormal neuronal migration. The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of PH is unclear. Here we show that Regulators of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1), a Down syndrome-related gene, plays an important role in radial migration of rat cortical neurons. Downregulation of Rcan1 by expressing shRNA impaired neural progenitor proliferation and led to defects in radial migration and PH. Two isoforms of Rcan1 (Rcan1-1 and Rcan1-4) are expressed in the rat brain. Migration defects due to downregulation of Rcan1 could be prevented by shRNA-resistant expression of Rcan1-1 but not Rcan1-4. Furthermore, we found that Rcan1 knockdown significantly decreased the expression level of Flna, an F-actin cross-linking protein essential for cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell migration, mutation of which causes the most common form of bilateral PH in humans. Finally, overexpression of FLNA in Rcan1 knockdown neurons prevented migration abnormalities. Together, these findings demonstrate that Rcan1 acts upstream from Flna in regulating radial migration and suggest that impairment of Rcan1-Flna pathway may underlie PH pathogenesis.
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13
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Serrano-Candelas E, Alemán-Muench G, Solé-Sánchez S, Aubareda A, Martínez-Høyer S, Adán J, Aranguren-Ibáñez Á, Pritchard MA, Soldevila G, Pérez-Riba M. RCAN 1 and 3 proteins regulate thymic positive selection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 460:295-301. [PMID: 25783055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cooperation between calcineurin (CN)-NFATc and RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathways is essential in thymocyte positive selection. It is known that the Regulators of Calcineurin (RCAN) proteins can act either facilitating or suppressing CN-dependent signaling events. Here, we show that RCAN genes are expressed in lymphoid tissues, and address the role of RCAN proteins in T cell development. Overexpression of human RCAN3 and RCAN1 can modulate T cell development by increasing positive selection-related surface markers, as well as the "Erk(hi) competence state" in double positive thymocytes, a characteristic molecular signature of positive selection, without affecting CN activity. We also found that RCAN1/3 interact with RAF kinases and CN in a non-exclusive manner. Our data suggests that the balance of RCAN interactions with CN and/or RAF kinases may influence T cell positive selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Serrano-Candelas
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Germán Alemán-Muench
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Sònia Solé-Sánchez
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Anna Aubareda
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Sergio Martínez-Høyer
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Jaume Adán
- LEITAT Technological Center, Biomed Divison, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Álvaro Aranguren-Ibáñez
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Melanie A Pritchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, Mexico.
| | - Mercè Pérez-Riba
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Signaling Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain.
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14
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Serrano-Candelas E, Farré D, Aranguren-Ibáñez Á, Martínez-Høyer S, Pérez-Riba M. The vertebrate RCAN gene family: novel insights into evolution, structure and regulation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85539. [PMID: 24465593 PMCID: PMC3896409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently there has been much interest in the Regulators of Calcineurin (RCAN) proteins which are important endogenous modulators of the calcineurin-NFATc signalling pathway. They have been shown to have a crucial role in cellular programmes such as the immune response, muscle fibre remodelling and memory, but also in pathological processes such as cardiac hypertrophy and neurodegenerative diseases. In vertebrates, the RCAN family form a functional subfamily of three members RCAN1, RCAN2 and RCAN3 whereas only one RCAN is present in the rest of Eukarya. In addition, RCAN genes have been shown to collocate with RUNX and CLIC genes in ACD clusters (ACD21, ACD6 and ACD1). How the RCAN genes and their clustering in ACDs evolved is still unknown. After analysing RCAN gene family evolution using bioinformatic tools, we propose that the three RCAN vertebrate genes within the ACD clusters, which evolved from single copy genes present in invertebrates and lower eukaryotes, are the result of two rounds of whole genome duplication, followed by a segmental duplication. This evolutionary scenario involves the loss or gain of some RCAN genes during evolution. In addition, we have analysed RCAN gene structure and identified the existence of several characteristic features that can be involved in RCAN evolution and gene expression regulation. These included: several transposable elements, CpG islands in the 5′ region of the genes, the existence of antisense transcripts (NAT) associated with the three human genes, and considerable evidence for bidirectional promoters that regulate RCAN gene expression. Furthermore, we show that the CpG island associated with the RCAN3 gene promoter is unmethylated and transcriptionally active. All these results provide timely new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying RCAN function and a more in depth knowledge of this gene family whose members are obvious candidates for the development of future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Serrano-Candelas
- Cancer and Human Molecular Genetics Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Domènec Farré
- Biological Aggression and Response Mechanisms Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer – IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Aranguren-Ibáñez
- Cancer and Human Molecular Genetics Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Martínez-Høyer
- Cancer and Human Molecular Genetics Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pérez-Riba
- Cancer and Human Molecular Genetics Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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15
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Murase S. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) degradation by proteasome controls a developmental switch in neurotrophin dependence. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:20151-61. [PMID: 23733189 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.470583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal brains develop through a program that eliminates about half of the neurons. During this period, neurons depend on neurotrophins for their survival. Recently, we reported that, at the conclusion of the naturally occurring death period, neurons become neurotrophin-independent and, further, that this developmental switch is achieved by the emergence of a second survival pathway mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Here I show that calcineurin plays a key role in controlling the developmental switch in mouse hippocampal neurons. Calcineurin promotes the degradation of STAT3 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Inhibition of calcineurin acutely increases total levels of STAT3 as well as its activated forms, resulting in decreased levels of the tumor suppressor p53 and its proapoptotic target, Bax. In vivo and in vitro, calcineurin regulates levels of STAT3 and neurotrophin dependence. TMF/ARA 160 (TATA element modulatory factor/androgen receptor co-activator 160), the key mediator of STAT3 ubiquitination, is required for calcineurin-dependent STAT3 degradation. Thus, these results show that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway controls the critical developmental switch of neurotrophin dependence in the newborn hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Murase
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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16
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Junkins RD, MacNeil AJ, Wu Z, McCormick C, Lin TJ. Regulator of Calcineurin 1 Suppresses Inflammation during Respiratory Tract Infections. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:5178-86. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Saavedra-Rodríguez L, Feig LA. Chronic social instability induces anxiety and defective social interactions across generations. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:44-53. [PMID: 22906514 PMCID: PMC3826464 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic social instability during adolescence and early adulthood is known to produce a variety of long-lasting effects that may contribute to future psychiatric disorders. However, its potential to affect future generations has not been tested. METHODS Female and male mice were exposed to chronic social stress involving social instability and disruption of social hierarchy from postnatal day 27 to 76. After treatment, a group of animals was used to evaluate long-term behavioral effects of the stress exposure, and other mice were used to generate F1, F2, and F3 offspring, to test for behavioral effects across generations. RESULTS Chronic social instability during adolescence and early adulthood induces persistent behavioral alterations, including enhanced anxiety and social deficits that are transmitted predominantly to females across at least three generations. Both mothers and fathers can transmit all of these altered behaviors to their F1 offspring. However, only F1 fathers transmit all of them to their F2 and F3 daughters. In the F1 generation, enhanced anxiety and social deficits are associated with elevated serum corticosterone levels; however, in the F2 and F3 generations, they are not. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the idea that individual risk for psychiatric disorders that involve enhanced anxiety and/or social dysfunction may be dependent not only on the specific alleles of genes that are inherited from one's parents and on one's own experiences, but also on the experiences of one's parents when they were young.
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18
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Brait VH, Martin KR, Corlett A, Broughton BRS, Kim HA, Thundyil J, Drummond GR, Arumugam TV, Pritchard MA, Sobey CG. Over-expression of DSCR1 protects against post-ischemic neuronal injury. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47841. [PMID: 23144708 PMCID: PMC3483156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The Down syndrome candidate region 1 (DSCR1) gene is located on human chromosome 21 and its protein is over-expressed in brains of Down syndrome individuals. DSCR1 can modulate the activity of calcineurin, a phosphatase abundant in the brain, but its influence on stroke outcome is not clear. We compared stroke outcome in wildtype (WT) and transgenic (DSCR1-TG) mice which over-express isoform 1 of human DSCR1. Methods Transient cerebral ischemia was produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 0.5 h. After 23.5 h reperfusion, we assessed neurological impairment, brain infarct and edema volume, leukocyte infiltration and markers of inflammation. Intrinsic resistance to apoptosis following glucose deprivation was also assessed in primary cultures of WT and DSCR1-TG neurons. Results In contrast to WT, DSCR1-TG mice had an improved neurological deficit score, greater grip strength, attenuated infarct volume and brain swelling, and lacked hippocampal lesions after stroke. Expression of mouse DSCR1-1, but not DSCR1-4, mRNA and protein was increased by ischemia in both WT and DSCR1-TG. Brain calcineurin activity was increased to a similar degree after ischemia in each genotype. DSCR1-TG mice had fewer infiltrating neutrophils and activated microglia compared with WT, in association with an attenuated upregulation of several pro-inflammatory genes. Neurons from DSCR1-TG mice were more resistant than WT neurons to apoptotic cell death following 24 h of glucose deprivation. Conclusions Over-expression of DSCR1 in mice improves outcome following stroke. Mechanisms underlying this protection may involve calcineurin-independent, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects mediated by DSCR1 in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa H. Brait
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine R. Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Corlett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad R. S. Broughton
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hyun Ah Kim
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Thundyil
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant R. Drummond
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thiruma V. Arumugam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie A. Pritchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher G. Sobey
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Martin KR, Corlett A, Dubach D, Mustafa T, Coleman HA, Parkington HC, Merson TD, Bourne JA, Porta S, Arbonés ML, Finkelstein DI, Pritchard MA. Over-expression of RCAN1 causes Down syndrome-like hippocampal deficits that alter learning and memory. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:3025-41. [PMID: 22511596 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
People with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit abnormal brain structure. Alterations affecting neurotransmission and signalling pathways that govern brain function are also evident. A large number of genes are simultaneously expressed at abnormal levels in DS; therefore, it is a challenge to determine which gene(s) contribute to specific abnormalities, and then identify the key molecular pathways involved. We generated RCAN1-TG mice to study the consequences of RCAN1 over-expression and investigate the contribution of RCAN1 to the brain phenotype of DS. RCAN1-TG mice exhibit structural brain abnormalities in those areas affected in DS. The volume and number of neurons within the hippocampus is reduced and this correlates with a defect in adult neurogenesis. The density of dendritic spines on RCAN1-TG hippocampal pyramidal neurons is also reduced. Deficits in hippocampal-dependent learning and short- and long-term memory are accompanied by a failure to maintain long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices. In response to LTP induction, we observed diminished calcium transients and decreased phosphorylation of CaMKII and ERK1/2-proteins that are essential for the maintenance of LTP and formation of memory. Our data strongly suggest that RCAN1 plays an important role in normal brain development and function and its up-regulation likely contributes to the neural deficits associated with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, 3168 Victoria, Australia
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20
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Sobrado M, Ramirez BG, Neria F, Lizasoain I, Arbones ML, Minami T, Redondo JM, Moro MA, Cano E. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) has a protective role in brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:48. [PMID: 22397398 PMCID: PMC3325863 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increase in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i is one of the first events to take place after brain ischemia. A key [Ca2+]i-regulated signaling molecule is the phosphatase calcineurin (CN), which plays important roles in the modulation of inflammatory cascades. Here, we have analyzed the role of endogenous regulator of CN 1 (Rcan1) in response to experimental ischemic stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Methods Animals were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia with reperfusion. To assess the role of Rcan1 after stroke, we measured infarct volume after 48 h of reperfusion in Rcan1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. In vitro studies were performed in astrocyte-enriched cortical primary cultures subjected to 3% oxygen (hypoxia) and glucose deprivation (HGD). Adenoviral vectors were used to analyze the effect of overexpression of Rcan1-4 protein. Protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting and expression of mRNA by quantitative real-time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (real time qRT-PCR). Results Brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo increased mRNA and protein expression of the calcium-inducible Rcan1 isoform (Rcan1-4). I/R-inducible expression of Rcan1 protein occurred mainly in astroglial cells, and in an in vitro model of ischemia, HGD treatment of primary murine astrocyte cultures induced Rcan1-4 mRNA and protein expression. Exogenous Rcan1-4 overexpression inhibited production of the inflammatory marker cyclo-oxygenase 2. Mice lacking Rcan1 had higher expression of inflammation associated genes, resulting in larger infarct volumes. Conclusions Our results support a protective role for Rcan1 during the inflammatory response to stroke, and underline the importance of the glial compartment in the inflammatory reaction that takes place after ischemia. Improved understanding of non-neuronal mechanisms in ischemic injury promises novel approaches to the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Sobrado
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Ermak G, Sojitra S, Yin F, Cadenas E, Cuervo AM, Davies KJA. Chronic expression of RCAN1-1L protein induces mitochondrial autophagy and metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in neuronal cells. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14088-98. [PMID: 22389495 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.305342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of the RCAN1 gene can be induced by multiple stresses. RCAN1 proteins (RCAN1s) have both protective and harmful effects and are implicated in common human pathologies. The mechanisms by which RCAN1s function, however, remain poorly understood. We identify RCAN1s as regulators of mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) and demonstrate that induction of RCAN1-1L can cause dramatic degradation of mitochondria. The mechanisms of such degradation involve the adenine nucleotide translocator and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. We also demonstrate that RCAN1-1L induction can shift cellular bioenergetics from aerobic respiration to glycolysis, yet RCAN1-1L has very little effect on cell division, whereas it has a cumulative negative effect on cell survival. These results shed the light on mechanisms by which RCAN1s can protect or harm cells and by which they may operate in human pathologies. They also suggest that RCAN1s are important players in autophagy and such elusive phenomena as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Ermak
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center of the Davis School of Gerontology and the Division of Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0191, USA
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22
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Jung MS, Park JH, Ryu YS, Choi SH, Yoon SH, Kwen MY, Oh JY, Song WJ, Chung SH. Regulation of RCAN1 protein activity by Dyrk1A protein-mediated phosphorylation. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:40401-12. [PMID: 21965663 PMCID: PMC3220559 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.253971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Two genes on chromosome 21, namely dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), have been implicated in some of the phenotypic characteristics of Down syndrome, including the early onset of Alzheimer disease. Although a link between Dyrk1A and RCAN1 and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway has been reported, it remains unclear whether Dyrk1A directly interacts with RCAN1. In the present study, Dyrk1A is shown to directly interact with and phosphorylate RCAN1 at Ser(112) and Thr(192) residues. Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation of RCAN1 at Ser(112) primes the protein for the GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of Ser(108). Phosphorylation of RCAN1 at Thr(192) by Dyrk1A enhances the ability of RCAN1 to inhibit the phosphatase activity of calcineurin (Caln), leading to reduced NFAT transcriptional activity and enhanced Tau phosphorylation. These effects are mediated by the enhanced binding of RCAN1 to Caln and its extended half-life caused by Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation. Furthermore, an increased expression of phospho-Thr(192)-RCAN1 was observed in the brains of transgenic mice overexpressing the Dyrk1A protein. These results suggest a direct link between Dyrk1A and RCAN1 in the Caln-NFAT signaling and Tau hyperphosphorylation pathways, supporting the notion that the synergistic interaction between the chromosome 21 genes RCAN1 and Dyrk1A is associated with a variety of pathological features associated with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Su Jung
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Park
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Young Shin Ryu
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Choi
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Song-Hee Yoon
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Mi-Yang Kwen
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Ji Youn Oh
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Woo-Joo Song
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
| | - Sul-Hee Chung
- From the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology, FIRST Research Group, Inje University, 633-146 Gaegeum-2-Dong, Busanjin-Gu, Busan 614-735, South Korea
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Oeschger FM, Wang WZ, Lee S, García-Moreno F, Goffinet AM, Arbonés ML, Rakic S, Molnár Z. Gene expression analysis of the embryonic subplate. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 22:1343-59. [PMID: 21862448 PMCID: PMC4972418 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The subplate layer of the cerebral cortex is comprised of a heterogeneous population of cells and contains some of the earliest-generated neurons. In the embryonic brain, subplate cells contribute to the guidance and areal targeting of thalamocortical axons. At later developmental stages, they are predominantly involved in the maturation and plasticity of the cortical circuitry and the establishment of functional modules. We aimed to further characterize the embryonic murine subplate population by establishing a gene expression profile at embryonic day (E) 15.5 using laser capture microdissection and microarrays. The microarray identified over 300 transcripts with higher expression in the subplate compared with the cortical plate at this stage. Using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization (ISH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we have confirmed specific expression in the E15.5 subplate for 13 selected genes, which have not been previously associated with this compartment (Abca8a, Cdh10, Cdh18, Csmd3, Gabra5, Kcnt2, Ogfrl1, Pls3, Rcan2, Sv2b, Slc8a2, Unc5c, and Zdhhc2). In the reeler mutant, the expression of the majority of these genes (9 of 13) was shifted in accordance with the altered position of subplate. These genes belong to several functional groups and likely contribute to synapse formation and axonal growth and guidance in subplate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Oeschger
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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Yang YJ, Macneil AJ, Junkins R, Carrigan SO, Tang JT, Forward N, Hoskin D, Berman JN, Lin TJ. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) is required for the development of pulmonary eosinophilia in allergic inflammation in mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:1199-210. [PMID: 21741935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2010] [Revised: 04/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence of eosinophils in the lung is often regarded as a defining feature of asthma. On allergen stimulation, numbers of eosinophils and their progenitors are increased in both the bone marrow and lungs. Eosinophil progenitors provide an ongoing supply of mature eosinophils. Here, we report that deficiency in the regulator of calcineurin 1 gene (Rcan1) leads to a near-complete absence of eosinophilia in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice. In the absence of Rcan1, bone marrow cells produce significantly fewer eosinophils in vivo and in vitro on interleukin-5 stimulation. Importantly, eosinophil progenitor populations are significantly reduced in both naïve and ovalbumin-challenged Rcan1(-/-) mice. Bone marrow cells from Rcan1(-/-) mice are capable of developing into fully mature eosinophils, suggesting that Rcan1 is required for eosinophil progenitor production but may not be necessary for eosinophil maturation. Thus, Rcan1 represents a novel contributor in the development of eosinophilia in allergic asthma through regulation of eosinophil progenitor production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jun Yang
- Institute of Zoonosis, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Dierssen M, Arqué G, McDonald J, Andreu N, Martínez-Cué C, Flórez J, Fillat C. Behavioral characterization of a mouse model overexpressing DSCR1/ RCAN1. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17010. [PMID: 21364922 PMCID: PMC3045383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DSCR1/ RCAN1 is a chromosome 21 gene found to be overexpressed in the brains of Down syndrome (DS) and postulated as a good candidate to contribute to mental disability. However, even though Rcan1 knockout mice have pronounced spatial learning and memory deficits, the possible deleterious effects of its overexpression in DS are not well understood. We have generated a transgenic mouse model overexpressing DSCR1/RCAN1 in the brain and analyzed the effect of RCAN1 overexpression on cognitive function. TgRCAN1 mice present a marked disruption of the learning process in a visuo-spatial learning task. However, no significant differences were observed in the performance of the memory phase of the test (removal session) nor in a step-down passive avoidance task, thus suggesting that once learning has been established, the animals are able to consolidate the information in the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Sun XY, Hayashi Y, Xu S, Kanou Y, Takagishi Y, Tang YP, Murata Y. Inactivation of the Rcan2 gene in mice ameliorates the age- and diet-induced obesity by causing a reduction in food intake. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14605. [PMID: 21298050 PMCID: PMC3029291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a serious international health problem that increases the risk of several diet-related chronic diseases. The genetic factors predisposing to obesity are little understood. Rcan2 was originally identified as a thyroid hormone-responsive gene. In the mouse, two splicing variants that harbor distinct tissue-specific expression patterns have been identified: Rcan2-3 is expressed predominately in the brain, whereas Rcan2-1 is expressed in the brain and other tissues such as the heart and skeletal muscle. Here, we show that Rcan2 plays an important role in the development of age- and diet-induced obesity. We found that although the loss of Rcan2 function in mice slowed growth in the first few weeks after birth, it also significantly ameliorated age- and diet-induced obesity in the mice by causing a reduction in food intake rather than increased energy expenditure. Rcan2 expression was most prominent in the ventromedial, dorsomedial and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei governing energy balance. Fasting and refeeding experiment showed that only Rcan2-3 mRNA expression is up-regulated in the hypothalamus by fasting, and loss of Rcan2 significantly attenuates the hyperphagic response to starvation. Using double-mutant (Lep(ob/ob) Rcan2(-/-)) mice, we were also able to demonstrate that Rcan2 and leptin regulate body weight through different pathways. Our findings indicate that there may be an Rcan2-dependent mechanism which regulates food intake and promotes weight gain through a leptin-independent pathway. This study provides novel information on the control of body weight in mice and should improve our understanding of the mechanisms of obesity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yang Sun
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hayashi
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sai Xu
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kanou
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Takagishi
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ya-ping Tang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Yoshiharu Murata
- Division of Stress Adaptation and Recognition, Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Giulivi C, Ross-Inta C, Omanska-Klusek A, Napoli E, Sakaguchi D, Barrientos G, Allen PD, Pessah IN. Basal bioenergetic abnormalities in skeletal muscle from ryanodine receptor malignant hyperthermia-susceptible R163C knock-in mice. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:99-113. [PMID: 20978128 PMCID: PMC3013050 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.153247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Revised: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core disease in humans have been associated with mutations in the skeletal ryanodine receptor (RyR1). Heterozygous mice expressing the human MH/central core disease RyR1 R163C mutation exhibit MH when exposed to halothane or heat stress. Considering that many MH symptoms resemble those that could ensue from a mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g. metabolic acidosis and hyperthermia) and that MH-susceptible mice or humans have a higher than normal cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration at rest, we evaluated the role of mitochondria in skeletal muscle from R163C compared with wild type mice under basal (untriggered) conditions. R163C skeletal muscle exhibited a significant increase in matrix Ca(2+), increased reactive oxygen species production, lower expression of mitochondrial proteins, and higher mtDNA copy number. These changes, in conjunction with lower myoglobin and glycogen contents, Myh4 and GAPDH transcript levels, GAPDH activity, and lower glucose utilization suggested a switch to a compromised bioenergetic state characterized by both low oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. The shift in bioenergetic state was accompanied by a dysregulation of Ca(2+)-responsive signaling pathways regulated by calcineurin and ERK1/2. Chronically elevated resting Ca(2+) in R163C skeletal muscle elicited the maintenance of a fast-twitch fiber program and the development of insulin resistance-like phenotype as part of a metabolic adaptation to the R163C RyR1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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Hirakawa Y, Nary LJ, Medh RD. Glucocorticoid evoked upregulation of RCAN1-1 in human leukemic CEM cells susceptible to apoptosis. J Mol Signal 2009; 4:6. [PMID: 19725972 PMCID: PMC2745384 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-4-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) induce apoptosis of leukemic T-cells by transcriptional regulation via the GC receptor, GR. In the human leukemic CEM cell culture model, RCAN1 has been identified as one of the genes that is specifically upregulated only in the GC-sensitive CEM C7-14 cells, but not in the GC-resistant CEM-C1-15 sister cells in correlation with GC-evoked apoptosis. RCAN1 gene encodes two major protein isoforms of the regulator of calcineurin (RCAN1), RCAN1-1 and RCAN1-4 via alternative splicing of exons 1 and 4 respectively, to exons 5-7. Studies reported here evaluated the differential regulation and function of the two transcripts and protein products of RCAN1 by the synthetic GC dexamethasone (Dex), and by modulators of calcium signaling. RESULTS Dex selectively upregulates transcript specific for RCAN 1-1 in glucocorticoid (GC)-susceptible human leukemic CEM-C7-14 cells but not in GC-refractory CEM-C1-15 sister cells. Expression of the second major transcript, RCAN1-4, is upregulated by [Ca2+]i inducers, thapsigargin and A23187, but not by Dex, suggesting a mutually exclusive regulatory pathway for both RCAN1 transcripts. GC-mediated upregulation of RCAN1-1 transcript and RCAN1-1 protein was kinase dependent, and was blocked by staurosporine and the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB 202190. RCAN1-1 coimmunoprecipitates with calcineurin PP3C and Dex-mediated RCAN1-1 upregulation correlated with reduction in calcineurin PP3C activity. CONCLUSION Data presented here suggest that GCs specifically upregulate RCAN1-1 transcript and protein while inducers of [Ca2+]i selectively upregulate RCAN1-4. GC-mediated increase in RCAN1-1 abundance and binding possibly inhibits calcineurin activity and modulates apoptosis in CEM-C7-14 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Hirakawa
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330-8303, USA.
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Canellada A, Ramirez BG, Minami T, Redondo JM, Cano E. Calcium/calcineurin signaling in primary cortical astrocyte cultures: Rcan1-4 and cyclooxygenase-2 as NFAT target genes. Glia 2008; 56:709-22. [PMID: 18293408 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway mediates important cell responses to calcium, but its activity and function in astrocytes have remained unclear. We show that primary cortical astrocyte cultures express the regulatory and catalytic subunits of the phosphatase calcineurin as well as the calcium-regulated NFAT family members (NFATc1, c2, c3, and c4). NFATs are activated by calcium-mobilizing agents in astrocytes, and this activation is blocked by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A. Microarray screening identified cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which is implicated in brain injury, and Rcan 1-4, an endogenous calcineurin inhibitor, as genes up-regulated by calcineurin-dependent calcium signals in astrocytes. Mobilization of intracellular calcium with ionophore potently augments the promoter activity and mRNA and protein expression of Rcan 1-4 and Cox-2 induced by combined treatment with phorbol esters. Moreover, Rcan 1-4 expression is efficiently induced by calcium mobilization alone. For both the genes, the calcium signal component is dependent on calcineurin and is replicated by exogenous expression of a constitutively active NFAT, strongly suggesting that the calcium-induced gene activation is mediated by NFATs. Finally, we report that calcineurin-dependent expression of Cox-2 and Rcan 1-4 is induced by physiological calcium mobilizing agents, such as thrombin, agonists of purinergic and glutamate receptors, and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. These findings provide insights into calcium-initiated gene transcription in astrocytes, and have implications for the regulation of calcium responses in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Canellada
- Department of Vascular Biology and Inflammation. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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Cho KO, Kim YS, Cho YJ, Kim SY. Upregulation of DSCR1 (RCAN1 or Adapt78) in the peri-infarct cortex after experimental stroke. Exp Neurol 2008; 212:85-92. [PMID: 18485347 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Revised: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome candidate region 1 (DSCR1; also known as RCAN1 or Adapt78) has been shown to be induced by calcium overload and oxidative stress which are included in the pathogenic hallmarks of the ischemic diseases. After ischemic stroke, inflammatory responses play an important role in the exacerbation of neuronal loss. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of DSCR1 in the mouse cortex after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Then, in vitro studies were taken to address whether inflammatory mediators could induce DSCR1. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to transient MCAO for 35 min and sacrificed at 6, 24, and 72 h after the reperfusion. The expression of DSCR1 began to increase in layer VI of the peri-infarct cortex at 24 h and was prominently enhanced at 72h after transient MCAO. Moreover, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry showed that the induction of the DSCR1 isoform 4 (DSCR1-4) mRNA preceded the expression of the DSCR1 protein. In in vitro studies, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) were found to induce strong upregulation of DSCR1-4 mRNA. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that overexpression of DSCR1-4 in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells attenuated IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase 2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression. These results demonstrate upregulation of DSCR1 in the mouse peri-infarct cortex following transient MCAO. In addition, our results suggest that inflammatory mediators such as TNFalpha and IL-1beta can induce DSCR1-4 transcription, which may be associated with the alleviation of inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ok Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, 137-701 Seoul, South Korea
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The Down syndrome critical region protein RCAN1 regulates long-term potentiation and memory via inhibition of phosphatase signaling. J Neurosci 2008; 27:13161-72. [PMID: 18045910 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3974-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1/MCIP1/DSCR1) regulates the calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. Because it is located on human chromosome 21, RCAN1 has been postulated to contribute to mental retardation in Down syndrome and has been reported to be associated with neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. The studies herein are the first to assess the role of RCAN1 in memory and synaptic plasticity by examining the behavioral and electrophysiological properties of RCAN1 knock-out mice. These mice exhibit deficits in spatial learning and memory, reduced associative cued memory, and impaired late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP), phenotypes similar to those of transgenic mice with increased calcineurin activity. Consistent with this, the RCAN1 knock-out mice display increased enzymatic calcineurin activity, increased abundance of a cleaved calcineurin fragment, and decreased phosphorylation of the calcineurin substrate dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32. We propose a model in which RCAN1 plays a positive role in L-LTP and memory by constraining phosphatase signaling.
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