Intracellular trafficking in neurones and glia of fibroblast growth factor-2, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and heparan sulphate proteoglycans in the injured adult rat cerebral cortex

Fibroblast growth factor 2

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2), also known as basic fibroblast growth factor, is a potent stimulator of growth and differentiation in multiple tissues. Its discovery traces back over 50 years ago when it was first isolated from bovine pituitary extracts due to its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation. Subsequent studies investigating the genomic structure of FGF2 identified multiple protein isoforms, categorized as the low molecular weight and high molecular weight FGF2. These isoforms arise from alternative translation initiation events and exhibit unique molecular and cellular functions. In this concise review, we aim to provide an overview of what is currently known about the structure, expression, and functions of the FGF2 isoforms within the contexts of development, homeostasis, and disease.

Central Facial Nervous System Biomolecules Involved in Peripheral Facial Nerve Injury Responses and Potential Therapeutic Strategies

Peripheral facial nerve injury leads to changes in the expression of various neuroactive substances that affect nerve cell damage, survival, growth, and regeneration. In the case of peripheral facial nerve damage, the injury directly affects the peripheral nerves and induces changes in the central nervous system (CNS) through various factors, but the substances involved in these changes in the CNS are not well understood. The objective of this review is to investigate the biomolecules involved in peripheral facial nerve damage so as to gain insight into the mechanisms and limitations of targeting the CNS after such damage and identify potential facial nerve treatment strategies. To this end, we searched PubMed using keywords and exclusion criteria and selected 29 eligible experimental studies. Our analysis summarizes basic experimental studies on changes in the CNS following peripheral facial nerve damage, focusing on biomolecules that increase or decrease in the CNS and/or those involved in the damage, and reviews various approaches for treating facial nerve injury. By establishing the biomolecules in the CNS that change after peripheral nerve damage, we can expect to identify factors that play an important role in functional recovery from facial nerve damage. Accordingly, this review could represent a significant step toward developing treatment strategies for peripheral facial palsy.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) of the ocular lens

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) reside in most cells; on their surface, in the pericellular milieu and/or extracellular matrix. In the eye, HSPGs can orchestrate the activity of key signalling molecules found in the ocular environment that promote its development and homeostasis. To date, our understanding of the specific roles played by individual HSPG family members, and the heterogeneity of their associated sulfated HS chains, is in its infancy. The crystalline lens is a relatively simple and well characterised ocular tissue that provides an ideal stage to showcase and model the expression and unique roles of individual HSPGs. Individual HSPG core proteins are differentially localised to eye tissues in a temporal and spatial developmental- and cell-type specific manner, and their loss or functional disruption results in unique phenotypic outcomes for the lens, and other ocular tissues. More recent work has found that different HS sulfation enzymes are also presented in a cell- and tissue-specific manner, and that disruption of these different sulfation patterns affects specific HS-protein interactions. Not surprisingly, these sulfated HS chains have also been reported to be required for lens and eye development, with dysregulation of HS chain structure and function leading to pathogenesis and eye-related phenotypes. In the lens, HSPGs undergo significant and specific changes in expression and function that can drive pathology, or in some cases, promote tissue repair. As master signalling regulators, HSPGs may one day serve as valuable biomarkers, and even as putative targets for the development of novel therapeutics, not only for the eye but for many other systemic pathologies.

Regulation of stem cell fate by HSPGs: implication in hair follicle cycling

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are part of proteoglycan family. They are composed of heparan sulfate (HS)-type glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains covalently linked to a core protein. By interacting with growth factors and/or receptors, they regulate numerous pathways including Wnt, hedgehog (Hh), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways. They act as inhibitor or activator of these pathways to modulate embryonic and adult stem cell fate during organ morphogenesis, regeneration and homeostasis. This review summarizes the knowledge on HSPG structure and classification and explores several signaling pathways regulated by HSPGs in stem cell fate. A specific focus on hair follicle stem cell fate and the possibility to target HSPGs in order to tackle hair loss are discussed in more dermatological and cosmeceutical perspectives.

An Atlas of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Postnatal Rat Lens

Purpose

The arrangement of lens cells is regulated by ocular growth factors. Although the effects of these inductive molecules on lens cell behavior (proliferation, survival, and fiber differentiation) are well-characterized, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth factor-mediated signaling in lens remains elusive. Increasing evidence highlights the importance of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) for the signaling regulation of growth factors; however, the identity of the different lens HSPGs and the specific roles they play in lens biology are still unknown.

Methods

Semiquantitative real-time (RT)‐PCR and immunolabeling were used to characterize the spatial distribution of all known HSPG core proteins and their associated glycosaminoglycans (heparan and chondroitin sulfate) in the postnatal rat lens. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2-treated lens epithelial explants, cultured in the presence of Surfen (an inhibitor of heparan sulfate [HS]-growth factor binding interactions) were used to investigate the requirement for HS in FGF-2-induced proliferation, fiber differentiation, and ERK1/2-signaling.

Results

The lens expresses all HSPGs. These HSPGs are differentially localized to distinct functional regions of the lens. In vitro, inhibition of HS-sulfation with Surfen blocked FGF-2-mediated ERK1/2-signaling associated with lens epithelial cell proliferation and fiber differentiation, highlighting that these cellular processes are dependent on HS.

Conclusions

These findings support a requirement for HSPGs in FGF-2 driven lens cell proliferation and fiber differentiation. The identification of specific HSPG core proteins in key functional lens regions, and the divergent expression patterns of closely related HSPGs, suggests that different HSPGs may differentially regulate growth factor signaling networks leading to specific biological events involved in lens growth and maintenance.

Glycosaminoglycans as Biomarkers for Mucopolysaccharidoses and Other Disorders

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in proteoglycans, which play critical physiological roles in various tissues. They are known to be elevated in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare inherited metabolic diseases in which the lysosomal enzyme required to break down one or more GAG is deficient. In a previous study, we found elevation of GAGs in a subset of patients without MPS. In the current study, we aim to investigate serum GAG levels in patients with conditions beyond MPS. In our investigated samples, the largest group of patients had a clinical diagnosis of viral or non-viral encephalopathy. Clinical diagnoses and conditions also included epilepsy, fatty acid metabolism disorders, respiratory and renal disorders, liver disorders, hypoglycemia, developmental disorders, hyperCKemia, myopathy, acidosis, and vomiting disorders. While there was no conclusive evidence across all ages for any disease, serum GAG levels were elevated in patients with encephalopathy and some patients with other conditions. These preliminary findings suggest that serum GAGs are potential biomarkers in MPS and other disorders. In conclusion, we propose that GAGs elevated in blood can be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases in childhood; however, further designed experiments with larger sample sizes are required.

What Are the Potential Roles of Nuclear Perlecan and Other Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans in the Normal and Malignant Phenotype

The recent discovery of nuclear and perinuclear perlecan in annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells and its known matrix stabilizing properties in tissues introduces the possibility that perlecan may also have intracellular stabilizing or regulatory roles through interactions with nuclear envelope or cytoskeletal proteins or roles in nucleosomal-chromatin organization that may regulate transcriptional factors and modulate gene expression. The nucleus is a mechano-sensor organelle, and sophisticated dynamic mechanoresponsive cytoskeletal and nuclear envelope components support and protect the nucleus, allowing it to perceive and respond to mechano-stimulation. This review speculates on the potential roles of perlecan in the nucleus based on what is already known about nuclear heparan sulphate proteoglycans. Perlecan is frequently found in the nuclei of tumour cells; however, its specific role in these diseased tissues is largely unknown. The aim of this review is to highlight probable roles for this intriguing interactive regulatory proteoglycan in the nucleus of normal and malignant cell types.

Involvement of Syndecan-1 and Heparanase in Cancer and Inflammation

The cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 acts as an important co-receptor for receptor tyrosine kinases and chemokine receptors, and as an adhesion receptor for structural glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. It serves as a substrate for heparanase, an endo-β-glucuronidase that degrades specific domains of heparan sulfate carbohydrate chains and thereby alters the functional status of the proteoglycan and of Syndecan-1-bound ligands. Syndecan-1 and heparanase show multiple levels of functional interactions, resulting in mutual regulation of their expression, processing, and activity. These interactions are of particular relevance in the context of inflammation and malignant disease. Studies in animal models have revealed a mechanistic role of Syndecan-1 and heparanase in the regulation of contact allergies, kidney inflammation, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Moreover, functional interactions between Syndecan-1 and heparanase modulate virtually all steps of tumor progression as defined in the Hallmarks of Cancer. Due to their prognostic value in cancer, and their mechanistic involvement in tumor progression, Syndecan-1 and heparanase have emerged as important drug targets. Data in preclinical models and preclinical phase I/II studies have already yielded promising results that provide a translational perspective.

Hyaluronic Acid and Regenerative Medicine: New Insights into the Stroke Therapy

Stroke is known as one of the very important public health problems that are related to societal burden and tremendous economic losses. It has been shown that there are few therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this disease. In this regard, the present therapeutic platforms aim to obtain neuroprotection, reperfusion, and neuro recovery. Among these therapies, regenerative medicine-based therapies have appeared as new ways of stroke therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a new candidate, which could be applied as a regenerative medicine-based therapy in the treatment of stroke. HA is a glycosaminoglycan composed of disaccharide repeating elements (N-acetyl-Dglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid). Multiple lines of evidence demonstrated that HA has critical roles in normal tissues. It can be a key player in different physiological and pathophysiological conditions such as water homeostasis, multiple drug resistance, inflammatory processes, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and changed viscoelasticity of the extracellular matrix. HA has very important physicochemical properties i.e., availability of reactive functional groups and its solubility, which make it a biocompatible material for application in regenerative medicine. Given that HAbased bioscaffolds and biomaterials do not induce inflammation or allergies and are hydrophilic, they are used as soft tissue fillers and injectable dermal fillers. Several studies indicated that HA could be employed as a new therapeutic candidate in the treatment of stroke. These studies documented that HA and HA-based therapies exert their pharmacological effects via affecting stroke-related processes. Herein, we summarized the role of the extracellular matrix in stroke pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the HA-based therapies for the treatment of stroke.

Kinase Inhibitors with Antiepileptic Properties Identified with a Novel in Vitro Screening Platform

Kinase signaling plays an important role in acquired epilepsy, but only a small percentage of the total kinome has been investigated in this context. A major roadblock that prevents the systematic investigation of the contributions of kinase signaling networks is the slow speed of experiments designed to test the chronic effects of target inhibition in epilepsy models. We developed a novel in vitro screening platform based on microwire recordings from an organotypic hippocampal culture model of acquired epilepsy. This platform enables the direct, parallel determination of the effects of compounds on spontaneous epileptiform activity. The platform also enables repeated recordings from the same culture over two-week long experiments. We screened 45 kinase inhibitors and quantified their effects on seizure duration, the frequency of paroxysmal activity, and electrographic load. We identified several inhibitors with previously unknown antiepileptic properties. We also used kinase inhibition profile cross-referencing to identify kinases that are inhibited by seizure-suppressing compounds, but not by compounds that had no effect on seizures.

Epilepsy-on-a-Chip System for Antiepileptic Drug Discovery

OBJECTIVE

Hippocampal slice cultures spontaneously develop chronic epilepsy several days after slicing and are used as an in vitro model of post-traumatic epilepsy. Here, we describe a hybrid microfluidic-microelectrode array (μflow-MEA) technology that incorporates a microfluidic perfusion network and electrodes into a miniaturized device for hippocampal slice culture based antiepileptic drug discovery.

METHODS

Field potential simulation was conducted to help optimize the electrode design to detect a seizure-like population activity. Epilepsy-on-a-chip model was validated by chronic electrical recording, neuronal survival quantification, and anticonvulsant test. To demonstrate the application of μflow-MEA in drug discovery, we utilized a two-stage screening platform to identify potential targets for antiepileptic drugs. In Stage I, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase biomarker assays were performed to identify potential drug candidates. In Stage II, candidate compounds were retested with μflow-MEA-based chronic electrical assay to provide electrophysiological confirmation of biomarker results.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We screened 12 receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors, and EGFR/ErbB-2 and cFMS inhibitors were identified as novel antiepileptic compounds.

SIGNIFICANCE

This epilepsy-on-a-chip system provides the means for rapid dissection of complex signaling pathways in epileptogenesis, paving the way for high-throughput antiepileptic drug discovery.

Low sulfated heparins target multiple proteins for central nervous system repair

The lack of endogenous repair following spinal cord injury (SCI) accounts for the frequent permanent deficits for which effective treatments are absent. Previously, we demonstrated that low sulfated modified heparin mimetics (LS-mHeps) attenuate astrocytosis, suggesting they may represent a novel therapeutic approach. mHeps are glycomolecules with structural similarities to resident heparan sulfates (HS), which modulate cell signaling by both sequestering ligands, and acting as cofactors in the formation of ligand-receptor complexes. To explore whether mHeps can affect the myelination and neurite outgrowth necessary for repair after SCI, we created lesioned or demyelinated neural cell co-cultures and exposed them with a panel of mHeps with varying degrees and positions of their sulfate moieties. LS-mHep7 enhanced neurite outgrowth and myelination, whereas highly sulfated mHeps (HS-mHeps) had attenuating effects. LS-mHeps had no effects on myelination or neurite extension in developing, uninjured myelinating cultures, suggesting they might exert their proregenerating effects by modulating or sequestering inhibitory factors secreted after injury. To investigate this, we examined conditioned media from cultures using chemokine arrays and conducted an unbiased proteomics approach by applying TMT-LC/MS to mHep7 affinity purified conditioned media from these cultures. Multiple protein factors reported to play a role in damage or repair mechanisms were identified, including amyloid betaA4. Amyloid beta peptide (1-42) was validated as an important candidate by treating myelination cultures and shown to inhibit myelination. Thus, we propose that LS-mHeps exert multiple beneficial effects on mechanisms supporting enhanced repair, and represent novel candidates as therapeutics for CNS damage.

Role of immune responses for extracellular matrix remodeling in the ischemic brain

Neuroinflammation is one of the key components contributing to the devastating outcome of ischemic stroke. Starting with stroke onset, inflammatory processes contribute both to cell damage and tissue remodeling. The early release of alarmins triggers the upregulation of multiple proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in the compromised integrity of the blood–brain barrier. From this moment on, the infiltration of peripheral immune cells, reactive gliosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations become intricately intertwined and act as one unit during the tissue remodeling. While the mechanisms of leukocyte and glia activation are amply reviewed, the field of ECM modification remains as yet under explored. In this review, we focus on the interplay between neuroinflammatory cascades and ECM in the ischemic brain. By summarizing the currently available evidence obtained by in vitro research, animal experimentation and human studies, we aim to propose a new direction for the future investigation of stroke recovery.

Molecular targets and signaling pathways regulated by nuclear translocation of syndecan-1

Background

The cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 is important for tumor cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle regulation in a broad spectrum of malignancies. Syndecan-1, however, also translocates to the cell nucleus, where it might regulate various molecular functions.

Results

We used a fibrosarcoma model to dissect the functions of syndecan-1 related to the nucleus and separate them from functions related to the cell-surface. Nuclear translocation of syndecan-1 hampered the proliferation of fibrosarcoma cells compared to the mutant lacking nuclear localization signal. The growth inhibitory effect of nuclear syndecan-1 was accompanied by significant accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase, which indicated a possible G1/S phase arrest.

We implemented multiple, unsupervised global transcriptome and proteome profiling approaches and combined them with functional assays to disclose the molecular mechanisms that governed nuclear translocation and its related functions. We identified genes and pathways related to the nuclear compartment with network enrichment analysis of the transcriptome and proteome. The TGF-β pathway was activated by nuclear syndecan-1, and three genes were significantly altered with the deletion of nuclear localization signal: EGR-1 (early growth response 1), NEK11 (never-in-mitosis gene a-related kinase 11), and DOCK8 (dedicator of cytokinesis 8). These candidate genes were coupled to growth and cell-cycle regulation. Nuclear translocation of syndecan-1 influenced the activity of several other transcription factors, including E2F, NFκβ, and OCT-1. The transcripts and proteins affected by syndecan-1 showed a striking overlap in their corresponding biological processes. These processes were dominated by protein phosphorylation and post-translation modifications, indicative of alterations in intracellular signaling. In addition, we identified molecules involved in the known functions of syndecan-1, including extracellular matrix organization and transmembrane transport.

Conclusion

Collectively, abrogation of nuclear translocation of syndecan-1 resulted in a set of changes clustering in distinct patterns, which highlighted the functional importance of nuclear syndecan-1 in hampering cell proliferation and the cell cycle. This study emphasizes the importance of the localization of syndecan-1 when considering its effects on tumor cell fate.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12860-017-0150-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Common developmental genome deprogramming in schizophrenia - Role of Integrative Nuclear FGFR1 Signaling (INFS)

The watershed-hypothesis of schizophrenia asserts that over 200 different mutations dysregulate distinct pathways that converge on an unspecified common mechanism(s) that controls disease ontogeny. Consistent with this hypothesis, our RNA-sequencing of neuron committed cells (NCCs) differentiated from established iPSCs of 4 schizophrenia patients and 4 control subjects uncovered a dysregulated transcriptome of 1349 mRNAs common to all patients. Data reveals a global dysregulation of developmental genome, deconstruction of coordinated mRNA networks, and the formation of aberrant, new coordinated mRNA networks indicating a concerted action of the responsible factor(s). Sequencing of miRNA transcriptomes demonstrated an overexpression of 16 miRNAs and deconstruction of interactive miRNA-mRNA networks in schizophrenia NCCs. ChiPseq revealed that the nuclear (n) form of FGFR1, a pan-ontogenic regulator, is overexpressed in schizophrenia NCCs and overtargets dysregulated mRNA and miRNA genes. The nFGFR1 targeted 54% of all human gene promoters and 84.4% of schizophrenia dysregulated genes. The upregulated genes reside within major developmental pathways that control neurogenesis and neuron formation, whereas downregulated genes are involved in oligodendrogenesis. Our results indicate (i) an early (preneuronal) genomic etiology of schizophrenia, (ii) dysregulated genes and new coordinated gene networks are common to unrelated cases of schizophrenia, (iii) gene dysregulations are accompanied by increased nFGFR1-genome interactions, and (iv) modeling of increased nFGFR1 by an overexpression of a nFGFR1 lead to up or downregulation of selected genes as observed in schizophrenia NCCs. Together our results designate nFGFR1 signaling as a potential common dysregulated mechanism in investigated patients and potential therapeutic target in schizophrenia.

Neural Stem Cells, Neural Progenitors, and Neurotrophic Factors

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been proposed as a promising cellular source for the treatment of diseases in nervous systems. NSCs can self-renew and generate major cell types of the mammalian central nervous system throughout adulthood. NSCs exist not only in the embryo, but also in the adult brain neurogenic region: the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. Embryonic stem (ES) cells acquire NSC identity with a default mechanism. Under the regulations of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fibroblast growth factors, the NSCs then become neural progenitors. Neurotrophic and differentiation factors that regulate gene expression for controlling neural cell fate and function determine the differentiation of neural progenitors in the developing mammalian brain. For clinical application of NSCs in neurodegenerative disorders and damaged neurons, there are several critical problems that remain to be resolved: 1) how to obtain enough NSCs from reliable sources for autologous transplantation; 2) how to regulate neural plasticity of different adult stem cells; 3) how to control differentiation of NSCs in the adult nervous system. In order to understand the mechanisms that control NSC differentiation and behavior, we review the ontogeny of NSCs and other stem cell plasticity of neuronal differentiation. The role of NSCs and their regulation by neurotrophic factors in CNS development are also reviewed.

Sulfatase-mediated manipulation of the astrocyte-Schwann cell interface

Schwann cell (SC) transplantation following spinal cord injury (SCI) may have therapeutic potential. Functional recovery is limited however, due to poor SC interactions with host astrocytes and the induction of astrogliosis. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are closely related to SCs, but intermix more readily with astrocytes in culture and induce less astrogliosis. We previously demonstrated that OECs express higher levels of sulfatases, enzymes that remove 6-O-sulfate groups from heparan sulphate proteoglycans, than SCs and that RNAi knockdown of sulfatase prevented OEC-astrocyte mixing in vitro. As human OECs are difficult to culture in large numbers we have genetically engineered SCs using lentiviral vectors to express sulfatase 1 and 2 (SC-S1S2) and assessed their ability to interact with astrocytes. We demonstrate that SC-S1S2s have increased integrin-dependent motility in the presence of astrocytes via modulation of NRG and FGF receptor-linked PI3K/AKT intracellular signaling and do not form boundaries with astrocytes in culture. SC-astrocyte mixing is dependent on local NRG concentration and we propose that sulfatase enzymes influence the bioavailability of NRG ligand and thus influence SC behavior. We further demonstrate that injection of sulfatase expressing SCs into spinal cord white matter results in less glial reactivity than control SC injections comparable to that of OEC injections. Our data indicate that sulfatase-mediated modification of the extracellular matrix can influence glial interactions with astrocytes, and that SCs engineered to express sulfatase may be more OEC-like in character. This approach may be beneficial for cell transplant-mediated spinal cord repair. GLIA 2016 GLIA 2017;65:19-33.

Minireview: Syndecans and their crucial roles during tissue regeneration

Syndecans are transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans, with roles in development, tumorigenesis and inflammation, and growing evidence for involvement in tissue regeneration. This is a fast developing field with the prospect of utilizing tissue engineering and biomaterials in novel therapies. Syndecan receptors are not only ubiquitous in mammalian tissues, regulating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation through independent signaling but also working alongside other receptors. Their importance is highlighted by an ability to interact with a diverse array of ligands, including extracellular matrix glycoproteins, growth factors, morphogens, and cytokines that are important regulators of regeneration. We also discuss the potential for syndecans to regulate stem cell properties, and suggest that understanding these proteoglycans is relevant to exploiting cell, tissue, and materials technologies.

The role of neuronal versus astrocyte-derived heparan sulfate proteoglycans in brain development and injury

Astrocytes modulate many aspects of neuronal function, including synapse formation and the response to injury. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) mediate some of the effects of astrocytes on synaptic function, and participate in the astrocyte-mediated brain injury response. HSPGs are a highly conserved class of proteoglycans, with variable heparan sulfate (HS) chains that play a major role in determining the function of these proteins, such as binding to growth factors and receptors. Expression of both the core proteins and their HS chains can vary depending on cellular origin, thus the functional impact of HSPGs may be determined by the cell type in which they are expressed. In the brain, HSPGs are expressed by both neurons and astrocytes; however, the specific contribution of neuronal HSPGs compared with astrocyte-derived HSPGs to development and the injury response is largely unknown. The present review examines the current evidence regarding the roles of HSPGs in the brain, describes the cellular origins of HSPGs, and interrogates the roles of HSPGs from astrocytes and neurons in synaptogenesis and injury. The importance of considering cell-type-specific expression of HSPGs when studying brain function is discussed.

Global Developmental Gene Programing Involves a Nuclear Form of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1)

Genetic studies have placed the Fgfr1 gene at the top of major ontogenic pathways that enable gastrulation, tissue development and organogenesis. Using genome-wide sequencing and loss and gain of function experiments the present investigation reveals a mechanism that underlies global and direct gene regulation by the nuclear form of FGFR1, ensuring that pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells differentiate into Neuronal Cells in response to Retinoic Acid. Nuclear FGFR1, both alone and with its partner nuclear receptors RXR and Nur77, targets thousands of active genes and controls the expression of pluripotency, homeobox, neuronal and mesodermal genes. Nuclear FGFR1 targets genes in developmental pathways represented by Wnt/β-catenin, CREB, BMP, the cell cycle and cancer-related TP53 pathway, neuroectodermal and mesodermal programing networks, axonal growth and synaptic plasticity pathways. Nuclear FGFR1 targets the consensus sequences of transcription factors known to engage CREB-binding protein, a common coregulator of transcription and established binding partner of nuclear FGFR1. This investigation reveals the role of nuclear FGFR1 as a global genomic programmer of cell, neural and muscle development.

"Nuclear FGF receptor-1 and CREB binding protein: an integrative signaling module"

In this review we summarize the current understanding of a novel integrative function of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1) and its partner CREB Binding Protein (CBP) acting as a nuclear regulatory complex. Nuclear FGFR1 and CBP interact with and regulate numerous genes on various chromosomes. FGFR1 dynamic oscillatory interactions with chromatin and with specific genes, underwrites gene regulation mediated by diverse developmental signals. Integrative Nuclear FGFR1 Signaling (INFS) effects the differentiation of stem cells and neural progenitor cells via the gene-controlling Feed-Forward-And-Gate mechanism. Nuclear accumulation of FGFR1 occurs in numerous cell types and disruption of INFS may play an important role in developmental disorders such as schizophrenia, and in metastatic diseases such as cancer. Enhancement of INFS may be used to coordinate the gene regulation needed to activate cell differentiation for regenerative purposes or to provide interruption of cancer stem cell proliferation.

Sulf1 and Sulf2 expression in the nervous system and its role in limiting neurite outgrowth in vitro

Sulf1 and Sulf2 are endosulfatases that cleave 6-O-sulphate groups from Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans (HSPGs). Sulfation levels of HSPGs are critical for their role in modulating the activity of various growth factor receptors. Sulf1 and Sulf2 mRNAs were found to be widely expressed in the rodent nervous system and their full-length proteins were found in many types of neuronal perikarya and axons in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult rats. Sulf1/2 were also strongly expressed by cultured DRG neurons. To determine if blocking Sulf1 or Sulf2 activity affected neurite outgrowth in vitro, cultured DRG neurons were treated with neutralising antibodies to Sulf1 or Sulf2. Blocking Sulf1 and Sulf2 activity did not affect neurite outgrowth from cultured DRG neurons grown on a laminin/polylysine substrate but ameliorated the inhibitory effects of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) on neurite outgrowth. Blocking epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB1) activity also improved neurite outgrowth in the presence of CSPGs, but the effects of ErbB1 antagonists and blocking SULFs were not additive. It is proposed that Sulf1, Sulf2 and ErbB1 are involved in the signalling pathway from CSPGs that leads to inhibition of neurite outgrowth and may regulate structural plasticity and regeneration in the nervous system.

Nuclear translocation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and their functional significance

BACKGROUND

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are important constituents of the cell membrane and they act as co-receptors for cellular signaling. Syndecan-1, glypican and perlecan also translocate to the nucleus in a regulated manner. Similar nuclear transport of growth factors and heparanase indicate a possible co-regulation and functional significance.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

In this review we dissect the structural requirement for the nuclear translocation of HSPGs and their functional implications.s

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The functions of the nuclear HSPGs are still incompletely understood. Evidence point to possible functions in hampering cell proliferation, inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I activity and inhibition of gene transcription.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

HSPGs influence the behavior of malignant tumors in many different ways. Modulating their functions may offer powerful tools to control fundamental biological processes and provide the basis for subsequent targeted therapies in cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.

Sonic hedgehog promotes generation and maintenance of human forebrain Olig2 progenitors

Function of oligodendrocytes (OLs), myelin forming cells in the CNS, is disrupted in demyelinating diseases such as periventricular leukomalacia or multiple sclerosis. It is, thus, important to better understand factors that can affect generation or differentiation of human OLs. In rodents, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is influencing expression of Olig2, a helix-loop-helix transcription factor required for development of OLs. In humans, Olig2 is present in cortical progenitors at midgestation, however the role of Shh in the specification of human OLs, including Olig2 positive (Olig2⁺) progenitors, is not fully understood. Here we studied in vitro effects of Shh signaling on proliferation and specification of human cortical Olig2⁺ progenitors at midgestation. First, we established that the spatial pattern of Olig2 expression in the human developing CNS, described on cryosections, was preserved in mixed and enriched radial glia cell (RGC) cultures. Next, we demonstrated that in vitro treatment with Shh induced an increase in the number of Olig2⁺ progenitors. Shh treatment increased the density of early oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) at the expense of RGC, while the number of late OPCs, did not change. However, inhibition of endogenous Shh with cyclopamine did not reduce the density of Olig2⁺ cells, implying the presence of an additional Shh-independent mechanism for OLs generation in vitro. These results suggest that the primary role of Shh signaling in the human dorsal oligodendrogenesis is the expansion and specification of multipotent radial glia progenitors into Olig2⁺ early OPCs. These results obtained in vitro are relevant to understand primary myelination during CNS development, as well as remyelination in demyelinating diseases.

Heparan sulfate in the nucleus and its control of cellular functions

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are present on the cell surface, within the extracellular matrix, and as soluble molecules in tissues and blood. HSPGs are known to regulate a wide range of cellular functions predominantly by serving as co-receptors for growth factors, chemokines, and other regulatory proteins that control inflammation, wound healing and tumorigenesis. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of heparan sulfate (HS) or HSPGs in the cell nucleus, but little attention has been focused on their role there. However, evidence is mounting that nuclear HS and HSPGs have important regulatory functions that impact the cell cycle, proliferation, transcription and transport of cargo to the nucleus. The discovery of proteoglycans in the nucleus extends the list of "non-traditional nuclear proteins" that includes, for example, cytoskeletal proteins such as actin and tubulin, and growth factors and their receptors. In this review we discuss the discovery and fascinating roles of HS and HSPGs in the nucleus and propose a number of key questions that remain to be addressed.

Astrocyte regulation of CNS inflammation and remyelination

Astrocytes regulate fundamentally important functions to maintain central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Altered astrocytic function is now recognized as a primary contributing factor to an increasing number of neurological diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of our rapidly developing understanding of the basal and inflammatory functions of astrocytes as mediators of CNS responsiveness to inflammation and injury. Specifically, we elaborate on ways that astrocytes actively participate in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases of the CNS through their immunomodulatory roles as CNS antigen presenting cells, modulators of blood brain barrier function and as a source of chemokines and cytokines. We also outline how changes in the extracellular matrix can modulate astrocytes phenotypically, resulting in dysregulation of astrocytic responses during inflammatory injury. We also relate recent studies describing newly identified roles for astrocytes in leukodystrophies. Finally, we describe recent advances in how adapting this increasing breadth of knowledge on astrocytes has fostered new ways of thinking about human diseases, which offer potential to modulate astrocytic heterogeneity and plasticity towards therapeutic gain. In summary, recent studies have provided improved insight in a wide variety of neuroinflammatory and demyelinating diseases, and future research on astrocyte pathophysiology is expected to provide new perspectives on these diseases, for which new treatment modalities are increasingly necessary.

Proteoglycans in the central nervous system: role in development, neural repair, and Alzheimer's disease

Proteoglycans (PGs) are major components of the cell surface and extracellular matrix and play critical roles in development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). PGs are a family of proteins, all of which contain a core protein to which glycosaminoglycan side chains are covalently attached. PGs possess diverse physiological roles, particularly in neural development, and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The main functions of PGs in the CNS are reviewed as are the roles of PGs in brain injury and in the development or treatment of AD.

Activation of glial FGFRs is essential in glial migration, proliferation, and survival and in glia-neuron signaling during olfactory system development

Development of the adult olfactory system of the moth Manduca sexta depends on reciprocal interactions between olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) axons growing in from the periphery and centrally-derived glial cells. Early-arriving ORN axons induce a subset of glial cells to proliferate and migrate to form an axon-sorting zone, in which later-arriving ORN axons will change their axonal neighbors and change their direction of outgrowth in order to travel with like axons to their target areas in the olfactory (antennal) lobe. These newly fasciculated axon bundles will terminate in protoglomeruli, the formation of which induces other glial cells to migrate to surround them. Glial cells do not migrate unless ORN axons are present, axons fail to fasciculate and target correctly without sufficient glial cells, and protoglomeruli are not maintained without a glial surround. We have shown previously that Epidermal Growth Factor receptors and the IgCAMs Neuroglian and Fasciclin II play a role in the ORN responses to glial cells. In the present work, we present evidence for the importance of glial Fibroblast Growth Factor receptors in glial migration, proliferation, and survival in this developing pathway. We also report changes in growth patterns of ORN axons and of the dendrites of olfactory (antennal lobe) neurons following blockade of glial FGFR activation that suggest that glial FGFR activation is important in reciprocal communication between neurons and glial cells.

JNK/ERK/FAK mediate promigratory actions of basic fibroblast growth factor in astrocytes via CCL2 and COX2

While the role of cytokines in causing pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades in the brain and that of chemokines in promoting chemotaxis is well recognized, the immunomodulatory actions of neurotrophins released during brain injury remains largely undetermined. This knowledge gap affects basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), which in the brain is mainly produced by astrocytes and characteristically upregulated in reactive astrocytes. The goal of this study was to characterize the inflammatory actions of FGF2 in astrocytes using primary cultures. We report that FGF2 induced the upregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein (CCL2) and cyclo-oxygenase type 2 (COX2), and the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-elicited ICAM1 upregulation. The effects of FGF2 were: (i) dependent on gene transcription as revealed by the concomitant regulation of CCL2 or ICAM1 mRNAs; (ii) mediated by the FGF2 receptor type 2; (iii) dependent on ERK, JNK and FAK, and (iv) NF-κB-independent. FGF2 also caused accelerated wound closure dependent on CCL2, COX2, ERK, JNK and FAK in a scratch assay. We conclude that the signaling network triggered by FGF2 in astrocytes converged into accelerating directed motion. It follows that astrocyte migration to injury sites may be a key factor in the repair mechanisms orchestrated by FGF2.

Functional duality of astrocytes in myelination

Astrocytes undergo major phenotypic changes in response to injury and disease that directly influence repair in the CNS, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Previously, we have shown that neurosphere-derived rat astrocytes plated on poly-L-lysine (PLL-astrocytes) support myelination in dissociated rat spinal cord cultures (myelinating cultures). It is hypothesized that astrocyte reactivity can affect myelination, so we have exploited this culture system to ascertain how two distinct astrocyte phenotypes influence myelination. Astrocytes plated on tenascin C (TnC-astrocytes), a method to induce quiescence, resulted in less myelinated fibers in the myelinating cultures when compared with PLL-astrocytes. In contrast, treatment of myelinating cultures plated on PLL-astrocytes with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a cytokine known to induce an activated astrocyte phenotype, promoted myelination. CNTF could also reverse the effect of quiescent astrocytes on myelination. A combination of microarray gene expression analysis and quantitative real-time PCR identified CXCL10 as a potential candidate for the reduction in myelination in cultures on TnC-astrocytes. The effect of TnC-astrocytes on myelination was eliminated by neutralizing CXCL10 antibodies. Conversely, CXCL10 protein inhibited myelination on PLL-astrocytes. Furthermore, CXCL10 treatment of purified oligodendrocyte precursor cells did not affect proliferation, differentiation, or process extension compared with untreated controls, suggesting a role in glial/axonal ensheathment. These data demonstrate a direct correlation of astrocyte phenotypes with their ability to support myelination. This observation has important implications with respect to the development of therapeutic strategies to promote CNS remyelination in demyelinating diseases.

The expression pattern of ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 in rat traumatic brain injury

Mammalian ecto ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) can regulate the biological functions of various types of cells by catalyzing the transfer of single ADP-ribose moiety from NAD+ to a specific amino acid in a target protein. ART3 is a member of the known ART family which is involved in cell division, DNA-repair and the regulation of the inflammatory response. To elucidate the expression, cellular localization and possible functions of ART3 in central nervous system (CNS) lesion and repair, we performed an acute traumatic brain injury model in adult rats. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of ART3 in ipsilateral brain cortex increased, then reached a peak at day 3 after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and gradually declined during the following days. But in the contralateral brain cortex, no obvious alterations were observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed the highly significant accumulation of ART3 at the ipsilateral brain in comparison to contralateral cerebral cortex. Double immunofluorescence labeling suggested that ART3 was localized mainly in the plasmalemma of neurons, but not in astrocytes or microglias within 3 mm from the lesion site at day 3 post-injury. In addition, we detected the expression profiles of caspase-3 and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) whose changes were correlated with the expression profiles of ART3 in this TBI model. Besides, co-localization of ART3/active caspase-3 and ART3/GAP43 were detected in NeuN-positive cells, respectively. Moreover, Pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were treated with H₂O₂ to establish an apoptosis model. The results showed that the expression of ART3 was increased in the concentration and time dependence way. To further examine the involvement of ART3 in apoptosis of PC12, 3-Methoxybenzamide was used in flow cytometry analysis of apoptotic cells stained with Annexin V and PI. The experimental group in which 3-Methoxybenzamide used had a relative low level of apoptotic index compared with the untreated group. Together with previous reports, we hypothesize that ART3 may play important roles in CNS pathophysiology after TBI and further research is needed to have a good understanding of its function and mechanism.

Esophageal cancer related gene-4 is a choroid plexus-derived injury response gene: evidence for a biphasic response in early and late brain injury

By virtue of its ability to regulate the composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the choroid plexus (CP) is ideally suited to instigate a rapid response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) by producing growth regulatory proteins. For example, Esophageal Cancer Related Gene-4 (Ecrg4) is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes a hormone-like peptide called augurin that is present in large concentrations in CP epithelia (CPe). Because augurin is thought to regulate senescence, neuroprogenitor cell growth and differentiation in the CNS, we evaluated the kinetics of Ecrg4 expression and augurin immunoreactivity in CPe after CNS injury. Adult rats were injured with a penetrating cortical lesion and alterations in augurin immunoreactivity were examined by immunohistochemistry. Ecrg4 gene expression was characterized by in situ hybridization. Cell surface augurin was identified histologically by confocal microscopy and biochemically by sub-cellular fractionation. Both Ecrg4 gene expression and augurin protein levels were decreased 24-72 hrs post-injury but restored to uninjured levels by day 7 post-injury. Protein staining in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus, used as a control brain region, did not show a decrease of auguin immunoreactivity. Ecrg4 gene expression localized to CPe cells, and augurin protein to the CPe ventricular face. Extracellular cell surface tethering of 14 kDa augurin was confirmed by cell surface fractionation of primary human CPe cells in vitro while a 6-8 kDa fragment of augurin was detected in conditioned media, indicating release from the cell surface by proteolytic processing. In rat CSF however, 14 kDa augurin was detected. We hypothesize the initial release and proteolytic processing of augurin participates in the activation phase of injury while sustained Ecrg4 down-regulation is dysinhibitory during the proliferative phase. Accordingly, augurin would play a constitutive inhibitory function in normal CNS while down regulation of Ecrg4 gene expression in injury, like in cancer, dysinhibits proliferation.

Ecrg4 expression and its product augurin in the choroid plexus: impact on fetal brain development, cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis and neuroprogenitor cell response to CNS injury

BACKGROUND

The content and composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is determined in large part by the choroid plexus (CP) and specifically, a specialized epithelial cell (CPe) layer that responds to, synthesizes, and transports peptide hormones into and out of CSF. Together with ventricular ependymal cells, these CPe relay homeostatic signals throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate CSF hydrodynamics. One new candidate signal is augurin, a newly recognized 14 kDa protein that is encoded by esophageal cancer related gene-4 (Ecrg4), a putative tumor suppressor gene whose presence and function in normal tissues remains unexplored and enigmatic. The aim of this study was to explore whether Ecrg4 and its product augurin, can be implicated in CNS development and the response to CNS injury.

METHODS

Ecrg4 gene expression in CNS and peripheral tissues was studied by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. Augurin, the protein encoded by Ecrg4, was detected by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. The biological consequence of augurin over-expression was studied in a cortical stab model of rat CNS injury by intra-cerebro-ventricular injection of an adenovirus vector containing the Ecrg4 cDNA. The biological consequences of reduced augurin expression were evaluated by characterizing the CNS phenotype caused by Ecrg4 gene knockdown in developing zebrafish embryos.

RESULTS

Gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that, the CP is a major source of Ecrg4 in the CNS and that Ecrg4 mRNA is predominantly localized to choroid plexus epithelial (CPe), ventricular and central canal cells of the spinal cord. After a stab injury into the brain however, both augurin staining and Ecrg4 gene expression decreased precipitously. If the loss of augurin was circumvented by over-expressing Ecrg4 in vivo, BrdU incorporation by cells in the subependymal zone decreased. Inversely, gene knockdown of Ecrg4 in developing zebrafish embryos caused increased proliferation of GFAP-positive cells and induced a dose-dependent hydrocephalus-like phenotype that could be rescued by co-injection of antisense morpholinos with Ecrg4 mRNA.

CONCLUSION

An unusually elevated expression of the Ecrg4 gene in the CP implies that its product, augurin, plays a role in CP-CSF-CNS function. The results are all consistent with a model whereby an injury-induced decrease in augurin dysinhibits target cells at the ependymal-subependymal interface. We speculate that the ability of CP and ependymal epithelium to alter the progenitor cell response to CNS injury may be mediated, in part by Ecrg4. If so, the canonic control of its promoter by DNA methylation may implicate epigenetic mechanisms in neuroprogenitor fate and function in the CNS.

Association of the HSPG2 gene with neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, and purposeless movements that develop in patients treated with long-term dopaminergic antagonists, usually antipsychotics. By a genome-wide association screening of TD in 50 Japanese schizophrenia patients with treatment-resistant TD and 50 Japanese schizophrenia patients without TD (non-TD group) and subsequent confirmation in independent samples of 36 treatment-resistant TD and 136 non-TD subjects, we identified association of a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs2445142, (allelic p=2 x 10(-5)) in the HSPG2 (heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2, perlecan) gene with TD. The risk allele was significantly associated with higher expression of HSPG2 in postmortem human prefrontal brain (p<0.01). Administration of daily injection of haloperidol (HDL) for 50 weeks significantly reduced Hspg2 expression in mouse brains (p<0.001). Vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) induced by 7-week injection of haloperidol-reserpine were significantly infrequent in adult Hspg2 hetero-knockout mice compared with wild-type littermates (p<0.001). Treatment by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine, was significantly effective for reduction of VCMs in wild-type mice but not in Hspg2 hetero-knockout mice. These findings suggest that the HSPG2 gene is involved in neuroleptic-induced TD and higher expression of HSPG2, probably even after antipsychotic treatment, and may be associated with TD susceptibility.

Syndecan-1 and FGF-2, but not FGF receptor-1, share a common transport route and co-localize with heparanase in the nuclei of mesenchymal tumor cells

Syndecan-1 forms complexes with growth factors and their cognate receptors in the cell membrane. We have previously reported a tubulin-mediated translocation of syndecan-1 to the nucleus. The transport route and functional significance of nuclear syndecan-1 is still incompletely understood. Here we investigate the sub-cellular distribution of syndecan-1, FGF-2, FGFR-1 and heparanase in malignant mesenchymal tumor cells, and explore the possibility of their coordinated translocation to the nucleus. To elucidate a structural requirement for this nuclear transport, we have transfected cells with a syndecan-1/EGFP construct or with a short truncated version containing only the tubulin binding RMKKK sequence. The sub-cellular distribution of the EGFP fusion proteins was monitored by fluorescence microscopy. Our data indicate that syndecan-1, FGF-2 and heparanase co-localize in the nucleus, whereas FGFR-1 is enriched mainly in the perinuclear area. Overexpression of syndecan-1 results in increased nuclear accumulation of FGF-2, demonstrating the functional importance of syndecan-1 for this nuclear transport. Interestingly, exogenously added FGF-2 does not follow the route taken by endogenous FGF-2. Furthermore, we prove that the RMKKK sequence of syndecan-1 is necessary and sufficient for nuclear translocation, acting as a nuclear localization signal, and the Arginine residue is vital for this localization. We conclude that syndecan-1 and FGF-2, but not FGFR-1 share a common transport route and co-localize with heparanase in the nucleus, and this transport is mediated by the RMKKK motif in syndecan-1. Our study opens a new perspective in the proteoglycan field and provides more evidence of nuclear interactions of syndecan-1.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a novel substrate for arginine methylation by PRMT5

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is expressed in isoforms of different molecular masses from one mRNA species by alternative start of translation. The higher molecular mass isoforms (FGF-2(21) and (23)) contain an arginine-rich N-terminus organized in RG-motifs followed by the 18 kDa FGF-2 (FGF-2(18)) core which is common to all isoforms. Both isoforms localize differentially to the nucleus. Here, we analyzed the nuclear localization of FGF-2(21). Surprisingly, the lack of one RG-motif in FGF-2(21) resulted in the nucleolar distribution characteristic of FGF-2(18). We have previously shown that 23 kDa FGF-2 (FGF-2(23)) interacts specifically with the survival of motoneuron (SMN) protein, an assembly protein for small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles. For this assembly, Sm-proteins methylated by protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) are required. In our study, we aimed to analyze whether FGF-2(23) is also a substrate for symmetrical methylation by PRMT5. We could confirm that both proteins exist in a common complex. Moreover, PRMT5 methylates FGF-2(23) in vitro, whereas mutated inactive PRMT5 does not. FGF-2(23) is therefore a new substrate of PRMT5. With regard to function, inhibition of methyltransferase activity in HEK293T cells leads to cytoplasmic enrichment of FGF-2, indicating the importance of arginine methylation for shuttling of FGF-2(23) to the nucleus.

Differential roles for membrane-bound and soluble syndecan-1 (CD138) in breast cancer progression

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 (Sdc1) modulates cell proliferation, adhesion, migration and angiogenesis. Proteinase-mediated shedding converts Sdc1 from a membrane-bound coreceptor into a soluble effector capable of binding the same ligands. In breast carcinomas, Sdc1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and an aggressive phenotype. To distinguish between the roles of membrane-bound and shed forms of Sdc1 in breast cancer progression, human MCF-7 breast cancer cells were stably transfected with plasmids overexpressing wild-type (WT), constitutively shed and uncleavable forms of Sdc1. Overexpression of WT Sdc1 increased cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of constitutively shed Sdc1 decreased proliferation. Fibroblast growth factor-2-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was reduced following small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Sdc1 expression. Constitutively, membrane-bound Sdc1 inhibited invasiveness, whereas soluble Sdc1 promoted invasion of MCF-7 cells into matrigel matrices. The latter effect was reversed by the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors N-isobutyl-N-(4-methoxyphenylsufonyl) glycyl hydroxamic acid and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. Affymetrix microarray analysis identified TIMP-1, Furin and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as genes differentially regulated in soluble Sdc1-overexpressing cells. Endogenous TIMP-1 expression was reduced in cells overexpressing soluble Sdc1 and increased in those overexpressing the constitutively membrane-bound Sdc1. Moreover, E-cadherin protein expression was downregulated in cells overexpressing soluble Sdc1. Our results suggest that the soluble and membrane-bound forms of Sdc1 play different roles at different stages of breast cancer progression. Proteolytic conversion of Sdc1 from a membrane-bound into a soluble molecule marks a switch from a proliferative to an invasive phenotype, with implications for breast cancer diagnostics and potential glycosaminoglycan-based therapies.

Role of secretory phospholipase a(2) in CNS inflammation: implications in traumatic spinal cord injury

Secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are a subfamily of lipolytic enzymes which hydrolyze the acyl bond at the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to produce free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. These products are precursors of bioactive eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor (PAF). The hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by PLA(2) is a rate-limiting step for generation of eicosanoids and PAF. To date, more than 10 isozymes of sPLA(2) have been found in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Under physiological conditions, sPLA(2)s are involved in diverse cellular responses, including host defense, phospholipid digestion and metabolism. However, under pathological situations, increased sPLA(2) activity and excessive production of free fatty acids and their metabolites may lead to inflammation, loss of membrane integrity, oxidative stress, and subsequent tissue injury. Emerging evidence suggests that sPLA(2) plays a role in the secondary injury process after traumatic or ischemic injuries in the brain and spinal cord. Importantly, sPLA(2) may act as a convergence molecule that mediates multiple key mechanisms involved in the secondary injury since it can be induced by multiple toxic factors such as inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and excitatory amino acids, and its activation and metabolites can exacerbate the secondary injury. Blocking sPLA(2) action may represent a novel and efficient strategy to block multiple injury pathways associated with the CNS secondary injury. This review outlines the current knowledge of sPLA(2) in the CNS with emphasis placed on the possible roles of sPLA(2) in mediating CNS injuries, particularly the traumatic and ischemic injuries in the brain and spinal cord.

Prostaglandin F2alpha involves heparan sulphate sugar chains and FGFRs to modulate osteoblast growth and differentiation

The present investigation extends our previous studies on PGF2alpha-mediated signalling in osteoblast metabolism. In particular, the role of PGF2alpha as modulator of heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) was evaluated. We hereby reported the novel observation that PGF2alpha was able to promote the formation of HSPGs/FGF-2/FGFRs complexes. Moreover, our data suggested that PGF2alpha could induce new synthesis of heparan sulphate (HS) chains on osteoblasts by a mechanism involving a modulation of MAPK signalling and that HS is required for the regulation of FGF-2 induced by PGF2alpha. Indeed, a proteolytic cleavage of HSPGs with heparinase III (Hep III) prior to PGF2alpha administration down-regulated the basal expression of phospho-p44/42, likely inhibiting FGFRs tyrosine kinase activity. Interestingly, MAPK signalling influenced syntheses and subcellular localization of FGF-2, its specific receptor and HS. In addition, the proteolytic cleavage by Hep III and the MAPK kinase inhibition by PD-98059 also revealed that PGF2alpha induced cell proliferation is dependent on HSPGs and FGF-2 specific receptor, respectively. Of further relevance of this study, we demonstrated, by using a specific siRNA for FGFR1, that PGF2alpha modulates Runx2 expression by FGFR1 and HS.

Chronic antidepressant treatments increase basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-binding protein in neurons

One of the mechanisms proposed for antidepressant drugs is the enhancement of synaptic connections and plasticity in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a growth factor essential for the proper formation of synaptic connections in the cerebral cortex, maturation and survival of catecholamine neurons, and neurogenesis. In this report, we attempted to establish a correlation between antidepressant treatments and FGF2 expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, two brain areas relevant for depression. Desipramine (DMI, 10mg/kg) or fluoxetine (FLU, 5mg/kg) was injected acutely (single injection) or chronically (daily injection for two weeks) in adult rats. Chronic, but not acute, antidepressant treatments increase FGF2 immunoreactivity in neurons of the cerebral cortex and in both astrocytes and neurons of the hippocampus. FGF2 immunoreactivity in the cortex was increased mainly in the cytoplasm of neurons of layer V. Western blot analyses of nuclear and cytosolic extracts from the cortex revealed that both antidepressants increase FGF2 isoforms in the cytosolic extracts and decrease accumulation of FGF2 immunoreactivity in the nucleus. To characterize the anatomical and cellular specificity of antidepressants, we examined FGF-binding protein (FBP), a secreted protein that acts as an extracellular chaperone for FGF2 and enhances its activity. DMI and FLU increased FBP immunoreactivity in both cortical and hippocampal neurons. Our data suggest that FGF2 and FBP may participate in the plastic responses underlying the clinical efficacy of antidepressants.

Acute neurodegeneration and the inflammasome: central processor for danger signals and the inflammatory response?

Activation of the inflammatory response is a crucial event in the adverse outcome of cerebral ischemia, which is promoted by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta. Although caspase-1 is necessary for IL-1beta processing, the 'upstream' signaling pathways were, until recently, essentially unknown. Fortunately, the inflammasome, a multiprotein complex responsible for activating caspase-1 and caspase-5, has recently been characterized. The activation of the inflammasome can result in one of several consequences such as cytokine secretion, cell death, or the development of a stress-resistant state. The significance of the inflammasome for the initiation of the inflammatory response during systemic diseases has already been shown and members of the inflammasome complex were recently found to be induced in acute brain injury. However, the specific pathophysiologic role of the inflammasome in neurodegenerative disorders still remains to be clarified. The underlying theories (e.g., danger signal theory) along with the signaling pathways that link the inflammasome to acute neurodegeneration will be discussed here. Furthermore, the stimuli that potentially activate the inflammasome in cerebral ischemia will be specified, as well as their relation to well-known pathways activating the innate immune response (e.g., Toll-like receptor signaling) and the consequences that result from their activation (beneficial versus deleterious).

Abnormal expression of truncated CRMP-1 protein in the brain cortex of MPSIIIB mice

Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB is a lysosomal disease characterized by a severe neurological deterioration, the pathophysiological mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Recently FGF pathway was shown to be altered leading us to explore a downstream target involved in brain development: the collapsin response mediator protein-1 (CRMP-1). CRMP-1 transcript level was normal but a cleavage of CRMP-1 was observed with an abnormal expression of the truncated form until adult age. This truncated CRMP-1 protein could play a role in post-natal cortex maturation and be involved in neuronal alterations occurring in lysosomal diseases.

Heparan sulfate accumulation with Abeta deposits in Alzheimer's disease and Tg2576 mice is contributed by glial cells

Amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) plaques, one of the major neuropathological lesions in Alzheimer's disease (AD), can be broadly subdivided into two morphological categories: neuritic and diffuse. Heparan sulfate (HS) and HS proteoglycans (HSPGs) are codeposits of multiple amyloidoses, including AD. Although HS has been considered a limiting factor in the initiation of amyloid deposition, the pathological implications of HS in Abeta deposits of AD remain unclear. In this study, immunohistochemistry combined with fluorescence and confocal microscopy was employed to gain deeper insight into the accumulation of HS with Abeta plaques in sporadic and familial AD. Here we demonstrate that HS preferentially accumulated around the Abeta40 dense cores of neuritic plaques, but was largely absent from diffuse Abeta42 plaques, suggesting that Abeta42 deposition may occur independently of HS. A codeposition pattern of HS with Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice was also examined. We identified the membrane-bound HSPGs, glypican-1 (GPC1) and syndecan-3 (SDC3), in glial cells associated with Abeta deposits, proximal to sites of HS accumulation. In mouse primary glial cultures, we observed increased levels of GPC1 and SDC3 following Abeta stimulation. These results suggest that HS codeposits with Abeta40 in neuritic plaques and is mainly derived from glial cells.

Malignant mesothelioma--a connective tissue tumor with proteoglycan-dependent differentiation

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a connective tissue tumor with partial epithelioid differentiation. The pattern of proteoglycan (PG) expression by epithelioid and fibroblast-like (sarcomatoid) MM cells differ; cell surface PGs being more abundant in the former phenotype and matrix PGs in the latter. The differentiation as well as much of the malignant nature of these tumors is dependent on the expression of surface PGs. The syndecans, however, also translocate to the nucleus for an as yet unknown function.

FGF/heparin differentially regulates Schwann cell and olfactory ensheathing cell interactions with astrocytes: a role in astrocytosis

After injury, the CNS undergoes an astrocyte stress response characterized by reactive astrocytosis/proliferation, boundary formation, and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) expression. Previously, we showed that in vitro astrocytes exhibit this stress response when in contact with Schwann cells but not olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). In this study, we confirm this finding in vivo by demonstrating that astrocytes mingle with OECs but not Schwann cells after injection into normal spinal cord. We show that Schwann cell-conditioned media (SCM) induces proliferation in monocultures of astrocytes and increases CSPG expression in a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1)-independent manner. However, SCM added to OEC/astrocyte cocultures induces reactive astrocytosis and boundary formation, which, although sensitive to FGFR1 inhibition, was not induced by FGF2 alone. Addition of heparin to OEC/astrocyte cultures induces boundary formation, whereas heparinase or chlorate treatment of Schwann cell/astrocyte cultures reduces it, suggesting that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are modulating this activity. In vivo, FGF2 and FGFR1 immunoreactivity was increased over grafted OECs and Schwann cells compared with the surrounding tissue, and HSPG immunoreactivity is increased over reactive astrocytes bordering the Schwann cell graft. These data suggest that components of the astrocyte stress response, including boundary formation, astrocyte hypertrophy, and GFAP expression, are mediated by an FGF family member, whereas proliferation and CSPG expression are not. Furthermore, after cell transplantation, HSPGs may be important for mediating the stress response in astrocytes via FGF2. Identification of factors secreted by Schwann cells that induce this negative response in astrocytes would further our ability to manipulate the inhibitory environment induced after injury to promote regeneration.