1
|
Fukuyama Y, Kubo M, Harada K. Neurotrophic Natural Products. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 123:1-473. [PMID: 38340248 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42422-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyasu Fukuyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
| | - Miwa Kubo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reddy RG, Surineni G, Bhattacharya D, Marvadi SK, Sagar A, Kalle AM, Kumar A, Kantevari S, Chakravarty S. Crafting Carbazole-Based Vorinostat and Tubastatin-A-like Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors with Potent in Vitro and in Vivo Neuroactive Functions. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:17279-17294. [PMID: 31656902 PMCID: PMC6811854 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of HDACs (HDACi) induce hyperacetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins and have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in most animal models tested. The established HDACi vorinostat and tubastatin-A alleviate neurodegenerative and behavioral conditions in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders restoring the neurotrophic milieu. In spite of the neuroactive pharmacological role of HDACi (vorinostat and tubastatin-A), they are limited by efficacy and toxicity. Considering these limitations and concern, we have designed novel compounds 3-11 as potential HDACi based on the strategic crafting of the key pharmacophoric elements of vorinostat and tubastatin-A into architecting a single molecule. The molecules 3-11 were synthesized through a multistep reaction sequence starting from carbazole and were fully characterized by NMR and mass spectral analysis. The novel molecules 3-11 showed remarkable pan HDAC inhibition and the potential to increase the levels of acetyl H3 and acetyl tubulin. In addition, few novel HDAC inhibitors 4-8, 10, and 11 exhibited significant neurite outgrowth-promoting activity with no observable cytotoxic effects, and interestingly, compound 5 has shown comparably more neurite growth than the parent compounds vorinostat and tubastatin-A. Also, compound 5 was evaluated for possible mood-elevating effects in a chronic unpredictable stress model of Zebrafish. It showed potent anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in the novel tank test and social interaction test, respectively. Furthermore, the potent in vitro and in vivo neuroactive compound 5 has shown selectivity for class II over class I HDACs. Our results suggest that the novel carbazole-based HDAC inhibitors, crafted with vorinostat and tubastatin-A pharmacophoric moieties, have potent neurite outgrowth activity and potential to be developed as therapeutics to treat depression and related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Gajendra Reddy
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai 600113, India
| | - Goverdhan Surineni
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Dwaipayan Bhattacharya
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Marvadi
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Arpita Sagar
- Department
of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Arunasree M. Kalle
- Department
of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- CSIR-Centre
for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai 600113, India
| | - Srinivas Kantevari
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai 600113, India
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Applied
Biology Division and Fluoro and Agrochemical Division, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai 600113, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krosschell KJ, Kissel JT, Townsend EL, Simeone SD, Zhang RZ, Reyna SP, Crawford TO, Schroth MK, Acsadi G, Kishnani PS, Von Kleist-Retzow JC, Hero B, D'Anjou G, Smith EC, Elsheikh B, Simard LR, Prior TW, Scott CB, Lasalle B, Sakonju A, Wirth B, Swoboda KJ. Clinical trial of L-Carnitine and valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy type I. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:193-199. [PMID: 28833236 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine the safety and therapeutic potential of L-carnitine and valproic acid (VPA) in infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS Our investigation was an open-label phase 2 multicenter trial of L-carnitine and VPA in infants with SMA type I with retrospective comparison to an untreated, matched cohort. Primary outcomes were: safety and adverse events; secondary outcomes were survival, time to death/>16 hours/day of ventilator support; motor outcomes; and maximum ulnar compound motor action potential amplitude. RESULTS A total of 245 AEs were observed in 35 of the 37 treated subjects (95%). Respiratory events accounted for 49% of all adverse events, resulting in 14 deaths. Survival was not significantly different between treated and untreated cohorts. DISCUSSION This trial provides evidence that, in infants with SMA type I, L-carnitine/VPA is ineffective at altering survival. The substantial proportion of infants reaching end-points within 6 months of enrollment underscores the urgent need for pre-symptomatic treatment in SMA type I. Muscle Nerve 57: 193-199, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J Krosschell
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John T Kissel
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elise L Townsend
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah D Simeone
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 5-240, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Ren Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 5-240, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Sandra P Reyna
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Thomas O Crawford
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary K Schroth
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gyula Acsadi
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Priya S Kishnani
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Guy D'Anjou
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Edward C Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Louise R Simard
- Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Thomas W Prior
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Bernard Lasalle
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ai Sakonju
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne.,Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Department of Neurology, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Simches 5-240, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hensel N, Baskal S, Walter LM, Brinkmann H, Gernert M, Claus P. ERK and ROCK functionally interact in a signaling network that is compensationally upregulated in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:352-361. [PMID: 28916199 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by low levels of functional survival of motoneuron protein (SMN). Molecular disease mechanisms downstream of functional SMN loss are still largely unknown. Previous studies suggested an involvement of Rho kinase (ROCK) as well as the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathways in the pathomechanism. Both pathways are bi-directionally linked and inhibit each other. Thus, we hypothesize that both pathways regulate SMA pathophysiology in vivo in a combined manner rather than acting separately. Here, we applied the repurposed drugs, selumetinib, an ERK inhibitor, and the ROCK inhibitor fasudil to severe SMA mice. Thereby, separately applied inhibitors as well as a combination enabled us to explore the impact of the ROCK-ERK signaling network on SMA pathophysiology. ROCK inhibition specifically ameliorated the phenotype of selumetinib-treated SMA mice demonstrating an efficient ROCK to ERK crosstalk relevant for the SMA pathophysiology. However, ERK inhibition alone aggravated the condition of SMA mice and reduced the number of motoneurons indicating a compensatory hyper-activation of ERK in motoneurons. Taken together, we identified a regulatory network acting downstream of SMN depletion and upstream of the SMA pathophysiology thus being a future treatment target in combination with SMN dependent strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svetlana Baskal
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Walter
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kong QJ, Wang Y, Liu Y, Sun JC, Xu XM, Sun XF, Shi JG. Neuroprotective Effects of Valproic Acid in a Rat Model of Cauda Equina Injury. World Neurosurg 2017; 108:128-136. [PMID: 28867325 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.08.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone deacetylase inhibitors, including valproic acid (VPA), are promising therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders and play an important role in synaptic activity and neuronal function. METHODS A total of 30 rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups: sham, control, and VPA. The rats in the VPA and control groups received laminectomy at the L4 level of the vertebrae and silicone gel implantation into the epidural spaces L5 and L6. Rats in the sham group only received laminectomy at the L4 level of vertebrae without any implantation. VPA (300 mg/kg in saline) was administered 2 hours before the surgery. After the surgery, the VPA group received further VPA injections at 300 mg/kg twice a day for 1 week. The same volume of saline was injected in the control group. Neurobehavioral tests using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scale and the oblique board test were performed for 1 week starting at 2 hours before surgery up to day 7 after surgery. At day 7 after surgery, tissues from the compressed cauda equina (L5-L6) were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin, luxol fast blue, or immunofluorescence staining, whereas the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick-end label assay staining was performed on the tissue from the dorsal root ganglions and the lumbar segment of the spinal cord proximal to the compressed cauda equina (L5-L6). RESULTS The behavioral results suggested a significant improvement in the lower limb motor function in the VPA group compared with controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, histologic assessment revealed a significant reduction in nerve fibers showing Wallerian degeneration and demyelinating lesions in the VPA group, in addition to an increased myelination compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick-end label assay staining revealed a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic neurons in the spinal cord anterior horn and dorsal root ganglions in the VPA group compared with controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that VPA could alleviate cauda equina injury, reduce apoptotic cells, and improve motor recovery, suggesting a neuroprotective effect in acute cauda equina syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Jie Kong
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Chuan Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Ming Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fei Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Gang Shi
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Changzheng Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meyer C, Wrobel S, Raimondo S, Rochkind S, Heimann C, Shahar A, Ziv-Polat O, Geuna S, Grothe C, Haastert-Talini K. Peripheral Nerve Regeneration through Hydrogel-Enriched Chitosan Conduits Containing Engineered Schwann Cells for Drug Delivery. Cell Transplant 2016; 25:159-82. [DOI: 10.3727/096368915x688010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical length nerve defects in the rat sciatic nerve model were reconstructed with chitosan nerve guides filled with Schwann cells (SCs) containing hydrogel. The transplanted SCs were naive or had been genetically modified to overexpress neurotrophic factors, thus providing a cellular neurotrophic factor delivery system. Prior to the assessment in vivo, in vitro studies evaluating the properties of engineered SCs overexpressing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-218kDa) demonstrated their neurite outgrowth inductive bioactivity for sympathetic PC-12 cells as well as for dissociated dorsal root ganglion cell drop cultures. SCs within NVR-hydrogel, which is mainly composed of hyaluronic acid and laminin, were delivered into the lumen of chitosan hollow conduits with a 5% degree of acetylation. The viability and neurotrophic factor production by engineered SCs within NVR-Gel inside the chitosan nerve guides was further demonstrated in vitro. In vivo we studied the outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration after reconstruction of 15-mm nerve gaps with either chitosan/NVR-Gel/SCs composite nerve guides or autologous nerve grafts (ANGs). While ANGs did guarantee for functional sensory and motor regeneration in 100% of the animals, delivery of NVR-Gel into the chitosan nerve guides obviously impaired sufficient axonal outgrowth. This obstacle was overcome to a remarkable extent when the NVR-Gel was enriched with FGF-218kDa overexpressing SCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cora Meyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Sandra Wrobel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Stefania Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Università degli studi di Torino, Orbassano, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Shimon Rochkind
- Division of Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction, Department of Neurosurgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Università degli studi di Torino, Orbassano, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hensel N, Rademacher S, Claus P. Chatting with the neighbors: crosstalk between Rho-kinase (ROCK) and other signaling pathways for treatment of neurological disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:198. [PMID: 26082680 PMCID: PMC4451340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ROCK inhibition has been largely applied as a strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and promising results have been obtained in the recent years. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood and different models have been proposed for neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aim to review the current knowledge obtained for NDDs identifying common mechanisms as well as disease-specific models. In addition to the role of ROCK in different cell types such as neurons and microglia, we focus on the molecular signaling-pathways which mediate the beneficial effects of ROCK. Besides canonical ROCK signaling, modulation of neighboring pathways by non-canonical ROCK-crosstalk is a recurrent pattern in many NDD-model systems and has been suggested to mediate beneficial effects of ROCK-inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Morano M, Wrobel S, Fregnan F, Ziv-Polat O, Shahar A, Ratzka A, Grothe C, Geuna S, Haastert-Talini K. Nanotechnology versus stem cell engineering: in vitro comparison of neurite inductive potentials. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:5289-306. [PMID: 25484582 PMCID: PMC4238897 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s71951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Innovative nerve conduits for peripheral nerve reconstruction are needed in order to specifically support peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) whenever nerve autotransplantation is not an option. Specific support of PNR could be achieved by neurotrophic factor delivery within the nerve conduits via nanotechnology or stem cell engineering and transplantation. Methods Here, we comparatively investigated the bioactivity of selected neurotrophic factors conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles (np-NTFs) and of bone marrow-derived stem cells genetically engineered to overexpress those neurotrophic factors (NTF-BMSCs). The neurite outgrowth inductive activity was monitored in culture systems of adult and neonatal rat sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons as well as in the cell line from rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cell sympathetic culture model system. Results We demonstrate that np-NTFs reliably support numeric neurite outgrowth in all utilized culture models. In some aspects, especially with regard to their long-term bioactivity, np-NTFs are even superior to free NTFs. Engineered NTF-BMSCs proved to be less effective in induction of sensory neurite outgrowth but demonstrated an increased bioactivity in the PC-12 cell culture system. In contrast, primary nontransfected BMSCs were as effective as np-NTFs in sensory neurite induction and demonstrated an impairment of neuronal differentiation in the PC-12 cell system. Conclusion Our results evidence that nanotechnology as used in our setup is superior over stem cell engineering when it comes to in vitro models for PNR. Furthermore, np-NTFs can easily be suspended in regenerative hydrogel matrix and could be delivered that way to nerve conduits for future in vivo studies and medical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Morano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Orbassano, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Sandra Wrobel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Federica Fregnan
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Orbassano, Piemonte, Italy
| | | | | | - Andreas Ratzka
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Orbassano, Piemonte, Italy
| | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Lower-Saxony, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Decreased GFAP expression and improved functional recovery in contused spinal cord of rats following valproic acid therapy. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:2319-33. [PMID: 25205382 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have illustrated that much of the post-traumatic degeneration of the spinal cord cells is caused by the secondary mechanism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the anti-inflammatory property of valproic acid (VPA) on injured spinal cords (SC). The rats with the contused SC received intraperitoneal single injection of VPA (150, 200, 300, 400 or 500 mg/kg) at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h post-injury. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) test and H-reflex evaluated the functional outcome for 12 weeks. The SC were investigated 3 months post-injury using morphometry and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression. Reduction in cavitation, H/M ratio, BBB scores and GFAP expression in the treatment groups were significantly more than that of the untreated one (P < 0.05). The optimal improvement in the condition of the contused rats was in the ones treated at the acute phase of injury with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury, they had the highest increase in BBB score and decrease in astrogliosis and axonal loss. We conclude that treating the contused rats with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury improves the functional outcome and reduces the traumatized SC gliosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li Q, Wu D, Li R, Zhu X, Cui S. Valproic acid protects neurons and promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:2838-48. [PMID: 25206605 PMCID: PMC4146011 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.30.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and promote neurite outgrowth in several peripheral nerve injury models. However, whether valproic acid can exert its beneficial effect on neurons after brachial plexus avulsion injury is currently unknown. In this study, brachial plexus root avulsion models, established in Wistar rats, were administered daily with valproic acid dissolved in drinking water (300 mg/kg) or normal water. On days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after avulsion injury, tissues of the C5-T1 spinal cord segments of the avulsion injured side were harvested to investigate the expression of Bcl-2, c-Jun and growth associated protein 43 by real-time PCR and western blot assay. Results showed that valproic acid significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2 and growth associated protein 43, and reduced the c-Jun expression after brachial plexus avulsion. Our findings indicate that valproic acid can protect neurons in the spinal cord and enhance neuronal regeneration following brachial plexus root avulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, China Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Dianxiu Wu
- Department of Hand Surgery, China Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, China Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shusen Cui
- Department of Hand Surgery, China Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kissel JT, Elsheikh B, King WM, Freimer M, Scott CB, Kolb SJ, Reyna SP, Crawford TO, Simard LR, Krosschell KJ, Acsadi G, Schroth MK, D'Anjou G, LaSalle B, Prior TW, Sorenson S, Maczulski JA, Swoboda KJ. SMA valiant trial: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of valproic acid in ambulatory adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Muscle Nerve 2014; 49:187-92. [PMID: 23681940 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An open-label trial suggested that valproic acid (VPA) improved strength in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We report a 12-month, double-blind, cross-over study of VPA in ambulatory SMA adults. METHODS There were 33 subjects, aged 20–55 years, included in this investigation. After baseline assessment, subjects were randomized to receive VPA (10–20 mg/kg/day) or placebo. At 6 months, patients were switched to the other group. Assessments were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was the 6-month change in maximum voluntary isometric contraction testing with pulmonary, electrophysiological, and functional secondary outcomes. RESULTS Thirty subjects completed the study. VPA was well tolerated, and compliance was good. There was no change in primary or secondary outcomes at 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS VPA did not improve strength or function in SMA adults. The outcomes used are feasible and reliable and can be employed in future trials in SMA adults.
Collapse
|
12
|
Investigations of curcumin and resveratrol on neurite outgrowth: perspectives on spinal muscular atrophy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:709108. [PMID: 25105137 PMCID: PMC4101952 DOI: 10.1155/2014/709108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA is caused by low levels of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which also leads to neurite outgrowth defects in neuronal cells. Rescue of the outgrowth defect is thought to be a strategy for SMA treatment. Polyphenolic histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors might be good candidates due to their neuritogenic properties. In the present study, it was investigated whether neurite outgrowth defects could be rescued by curcumin and resveratrol, which are SMN-inducing polyphenols, having HDAC inhibition activity. According to our results, although curcumin and resveratrol failed to restore the neurite outgrowth defects, the SMN protein was found to be necessary for the neurite-promoting activity of curcumin in neuron-like PC12 cells.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zeng W, Rong M, Hu X, Xiao W, Qi F, Huang J, Luo Z. Incorporation of chitosan microspheres into collagen-chitosan scaffolds for the controlled release of nerve growth factor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101300. [PMID: 24983464 PMCID: PMC4077743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artifical nerve scaffold can be used as a promising alternative to autologous nerve grafts to enhance the repair of peripheral nerve defects. However, current nerve scaffolds lack efficient microstructure and neurotrophic support. Methods Microsphere–Scaffold composite was developed by incorporating chitosan microspheres loaded with nerve growth factor (NGF–CMSs) into collagen-chitosan scaffolds (CCH) with longitudinally oriented microchannels (NGF–CMSs/CCH). The morphological characterizations, in vitro release kinetics study, neurite outgrowth assay, and bioactivity assay were evaluated. After that, a 15-mm-long sciatic nerve gap in rats was bridged by the NGF–CMSs/CCH, CCH physically absorbed NGF (NGF/CCH), CCH or nerve autograft. 16 weeks after implantation, electrophysiology, fluoro-gold retrograde tracing, and nerve morphometry were performed. Results The NGF–CMSs were evenly distributed throughout the longitudinally oriented microchannels of the scaffold. The NGF–CMSs/CCH was capable of sustained release of bioactive NGF within 28 days as compared with others in vitro. In vivo animal study demonstrated that the outcomes of NGF–CMSs/CCH were better than those of NGF/CCH or CCH. Conclusion Our findings suggest that incorporation of NGF–CMSs into the CCH may be a promising tool in the repair of peripheral nerve defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mengyao Rong
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xueyu Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fengyu Qi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jinghui Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (JHH); (ZJL)
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- * E-mail: (JHH); (ZJL)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Förthmann B, van Bergeijk J, Lee YW, Lübben V, Schill Y, Brinkmann H, Ratzka A, Stachowiak MK, Hebert M, Grothe C, Claus P. Regulation of neuronal differentiation by proteins associated with nuclear bodies. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82871. [PMID: 24358231 PMCID: PMC3866168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear bodies are large sub-nuclear structures composed of RNA and protein molecules. The Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein localizes to Cajal bodies (CBs) and nuclear gems. Diminished cellular concentration of SMN is associated with the neurodegenerative disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). How nuclear body architecture and its structural components influence neuronal differentiation remains elusive. In this study, we analyzed the effects of SMN and two of its interaction partners in cellular models of neuronal differentiation. The nuclear 23 kDa isoform of Fibroblast Growth Factor - 2 (FGF-2(23)) is one of these interacting proteins - and was previously observed to influence nuclear bodies by destabilizing nuclear gems and mobilizing SMN from Cajal bodies (CBs). Here we demonstrate that FGF-2(23) blocks SMN-promoted neurite outgrowth, and also show that SMN disrupts FGF-2(23)-dependent transcription. Our results indicate that FGF-2(23) and SMN form an inactive complex that interferes with neuronal differentiation by mutually antagonizing nuclear functions. Coilin is another nuclear SMN binding partner and a marker protein for Cajal bodies (CBs). In addition, coilin is essential for CB function in maturation of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). The role of coilin outside of Cajal bodies and its putative impacts in tissue differentiation are poorly defined. The present study shows that protein levels of nucleoplasmic coilin outside of CBs decrease during neuronal differentiation. Overexpression of coilin has an inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, we find that nucleoplasmic coilin inhibits neurite outgrowth independent of SMN binding revealing a new function for coilin in neuronal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Förthmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Yu-Wei Lee
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Verena Lübben
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schill
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Ratzka
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michal K. Stachowiak
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Hebert
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hensel N, Stockbrügger I, Rademacher S, Broughton N, Brinkmann H, Grothe C, Claus P. Bilateral crosstalk of rho- and extracellular-signal-regulated-kinase (ERK) pathways is confined to an unidirectional mode in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Cell Signal 2013; 26:540-8. [PMID: 24316236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Rho-kinase (ROCK) as well as extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) control actin cytoskeletal organization thereby regulating dynamic changes of cellular morphology. In neurons, motility processes such as axonal guidance and neurite outgrowth demand a fine regulation of upstream pathways. Here we demonstrate a bilateral ROCK-ERK information flow in neurons. This process is shifted towards an unidirectional crosstalk in a model of the neurodegenerative disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), ultimately leading to neurite outgrowth dysregulations. As both pathways are of therapeutic relevance for SMA, our results argue for a combinatorial ROCK/ERK-targeting as a future treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Inga Stockbrügger
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Natasha Broughton
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hella Brinkmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), 30559 Hannover, Germany; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfection (N-RENNT), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tezuka Y, Okada M, Tada Y, Yamauchi J, Nishigori H, Sanbe A. Regulation of neurite growth by inorganic pyrophosphatase 1 via JNK dephosphorylation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61649. [PMID: 23626709 PMCID: PMC3633968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural cell differentiation during development is controlled by multiple signaling pathways, in which protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play an important role. In this study, we examined the role of pyrophosphatase1 (PPA1) in neuronal differentiation using the loss and gain of function analysis. Neuronal differentiation induced by external factors was studied using a mouse neuroblastoma cell line (N1E115). The neuronal like differentiation in N1E115 cells was determined by morphological analysis based on neurite growth length. In order to analyze the loss of the PPA1 function in N1E115, si-RNA specifically targeting PPA1 was generated. To study the effect of PPA1 overexpression, an adenoviral gene vector containing the PPA1 gene was utilized to infect N1E115 cells. To address the need for pyrophosphatase activity in PPA1, D117A PPA1, which has inactive pyrophosphatase, was overexpressed in N1E115 cells. We used valproic acid (VPA) as a neuronal differentiator to examine the effect of PPA1 in actively differentiated N1E115 cells. Si-PPA1 treatment reduced the PPA1 protein level and led to enhanced neurite growth in N1E115 cells. In contrast, PPA1 overexpression suppressed neurite growth in N1E115 cells treated with VPA, whereas this effect was abolished in D117A PPA1. PPA1 knockdown enhanced the JNK phosphorylation level, and PPA1 overexpression suppressed it in N1E115 cells. It seems that recombinant PPA1 can dephosphorylate JNK while no alteration of JNK phosphorylation level was seen after treatment with recombinant PPA1 D117A. Enhanced neurite growth by PPA1 knockdown was also observed in rat cortical neurons. Thus, PPA1 may play a role in neuronal differentiation via JNK dephosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tezuka
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Mizuki Okada
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yuka Tada
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Junji Yamauchi
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Nishigori
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sanbe
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lorson MA, Lorson CL. SMN-inducing compounds for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Future Med Chem 2012; 4:2067-84. [PMID: 23157239 PMCID: PMC3589915 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. A neurodegenerative disease, it is caused by loss of SMN1, although low, but essential, levels of SMN protein are produced by the nearly identical gene SMN2. While no effective treatment or therapy currently exists, a new wave of therapeutics has rapidly progressed from cell-based and preclinical animal models to the point where clinical trials have initiated for SMA-specific compounds. There are several reasons why SMA has moved relatively rapidly towards novel therapeutics, including: SMA is monogenic; the molecular understanding of SMN gene regulation has been building for nearly 20 years; and all SMA patients retain one or more copies of SMN2 that produces low levels of full-length, fully functional SMN protein. This review primarily focuses upon the biology behind the disease and examines SMN1- and SMN2-targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique A Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Bond Life Sciences Center, Room 440C, University of Missouri, MO 65211 USA
| | - Christian L Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Bond Life Sciences Center, Room 471G, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Valproic acid improves locomotion in vivo after SCI and axonal growth of neurons in vitro. Exp Neurol 2011; 233:783-90. [PMID: 22178331 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitor, improves outcomes in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). The study here aimed to further illuminate the neuroprotective effects of VPA against SCI, both in vivo and in vitro. First, spinal cord injury was performed in rats using NYU impactor. Delayed VPA injection (8 h following SCI) significantly accelerated locomotor recovery. VPA therapy also suppressed SCI-induced hypoacetylation of histone and promoted expressions of BDNF and GDNF. Next, the influence of VPA on axonal growth inhibited by a myelin protein was tested. Neurons from embryonic spinal cord or hippocampus were cultured on plates coated with Nogo-A peptide, and escalating concentrations of VPA were added into the cultures. VPA treatment, in a concentration dependent manner, allowed neurons to overcome Nogo-A inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Meanwhile, VPA exposure increased the level of histone acetylation and expression of BDNF in spinal neurons. Cumulatively, these findings indicate that VPA is possibly a promising medication and deserves translational trials for spinal cord injury.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kissel JT, Scott CB, Reyna SP, Crawford TO, Simard LR, Krosschell KJ, Acsadi G, Elsheik B, Schroth MK, D'Anjou G, LaSalle B, Prior TW, Sorenson S, Maczulski JA, Bromberg MB, Chan GM, Swoboda KJ. SMA CARNIVAL TRIAL PART II: a prospective, single-armed trial of L-carnitine and valproic acid in ambulatory children with spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21296. [PMID: 21754985 PMCID: PMC3130730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple lines of evidence have suggested that valproic acid (VPA) might benefit patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The SMA CARNIVAL TRIAL was a two part prospective trial to evaluate oral VPA and l-carnitine in SMA children. Part 1 targeted non-ambulatory children ages 2–8 in a 12 month cross over design. We report here Part 2, a twelve month prospective, open-label trial of VPA and L-carnitine in ambulatory SMA children. Methods This study involved 33 genetically proven type 3 SMA subjects ages 3–17 years. Subjects underwent two baseline assessments over 4–6 weeks and then were placed on VPA and L-carnitine for 12 months. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes included safety, adverse events and the change at 6 and 12 months in motor function assessed using the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Extend (MHFMS-Extend), timed motor tests and fine motor modules. Secondary outcomes included changes in ulnar compound muscle action potential amplitudes (CMAP), handheld dynamometry, pulmonary function, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores. Results Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. VPA and carnitine were generally well tolerated. Although adverse events occurred in 85% of subjects, they were usually mild and transient. Weight gain of 20% above body weight occurred in 17% of subjects. There was no significant change in any primary outcome at six or 12 months. Some pulmonary function measures showed improvement at one year as expected with normal growth. CMAP significantly improved suggesting a modest biologic effect not clinically meaningful. Conclusions This study, coupled with the CARNIVAL Part 1 study, indicate that VPA is not effective in improving strength or function in SMA children. The outcomes used in this study are feasible and reliable, and can be employed in future trials in SMA. Trial Regsitration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00227266
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John T Kissel
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yamauchi J, Torii T, Kusakawa S, Sanbe A, Nakamura K, Takashima S, Hamasaki H, Kawaguchi S, Miyamoto Y, Tanoue A. The mood stabilizer valproic acid improves defective neurite formation caused by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-associated mutant Rab7 through the JNK signaling pathway. J Neurosci Res 2011; 88:3189-97. [PMID: 20645406 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most frequent peripheral neuropathy affecting the Schwann cells and neurons. CMT disease type 2 (CMT2) neuropathies are characterized by peripheral nerve aberrance. Four missense mutations of Rab7, a small GTPase of the Rab family involved in intracellular vesicular trafficking, are associated with the CMT2B phenotype. Despite a growing body of evidence concerning the gene structures responsible for genetically heterogenous CMT2B and other CMT2 neuropathies, little is known about the in vitro neuropathy model and how CMT2B-associated mutation-caused aberrant neuritogenesis is properly reversed. Here, we show that valproic acid (VPA), a classical mood-stabilizing drug, improves defective neurite formation in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells regardless of which CMT2B-associated Rab7 mutant protein is expressed. The effect is mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not by deacetylase inhibition activity of VPA itself. Furthermore, VPA has similar effects in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons expressing any of the four mutant Rab7 proteins. Thus, VPA has a previously unknown potential to improve defective neuritogenesis associated with CMT2B in vitro, indicating that JNK should be a potential therapeutic target for treatments aimed at improving neuritogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junji Yamauchi
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Swoboda KJ, Scott CB, Crawford TO, Simard LR, Reyna SP, Krosschell KJ, Acsadi G, Elsheik B, Schroth MK, D'Anjou G, LaSalle B, Prior TW, Sorenson SL, Maczulski JA, Bromberg MB, Chan GM, Kissel JT. SMA CARNI-VAL trial part I: double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of L-carnitine and valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12140. [PMID: 20808854 PMCID: PMC2924376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Valproic acid (VPA) has demonstrated potential as a therapeutic candidate for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in vitro and in vivo. Methods Two cohorts of subjects were enrolled in the SMA CARNIVAL TRIAL, a non-ambulatory group of “sitters” (cohort 1) and an ambulatory group of “walkers” (cohort 2). Here, we present results for cohort 1: a multicenter phase II randomized double-blind intention-to-treat protocol in non-ambulatory SMA subjects 2–8 years of age. Sixty-one subjects were randomized 1∶1 to placebo or treatment for the first six months; all received active treatment the subsequent six months. The primary outcome was change in the modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS) score following six months of treatment. Secondary outcomes included safety and adverse event data, and change in MHFMS score for twelve versus six months of active treatment, body composition, quantitative SMN mRNA levels, maximum ulnar CMAP amplitudes, myometry and PFT measures. Results At 6 months, there was no difference in change from the baseline MHFMS score between treatment and placebo groups (difference = 0.643, 95% CI = −1.22–2.51). Adverse events occurred in >80% of subjects and were more common in the treatment group. Excessive weight gain was the most frequent drug-related adverse event, and increased fat mass was negatively related to change in MHFMS values (p = 0.0409). Post-hoc analysis found that children ages two to three years that received 12 months treatment, when adjusted for baseline weight, had significantly improved MHFMS scores (p = 0.03) compared to those who received placebo the first six months. A linear regression analysis limited to the influence of age demonstrates young age as a significant factor in improved MHFMS scores (p = 0.007). Conclusions This study demonstrated no benefit from six months treatment with VPA and L-carnitine in a young non-ambulatory cohort of subjects with SMA. Weight gain, age and treatment duration were significant confounding variables that should be considered in the design of future trials. Trial Registry Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00227266
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Swoboda
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Charles B. Scott
- CBS Squared, Inc, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Louise R. Simard
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sandra P. Reyna
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kristin J. Krosschell
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gyula Acsadi
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bakri Elsheik
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mary K. Schroth
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Guy D'Anjou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ste-Justine Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bernard LaSalle
- General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Thomas W. Prior
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Susan L. Sorenson
- Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jo Anne Maczulski
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mark B. Bromberg
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Gary M. Chan
- Department of Pediatric Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - John T. Kissel
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hsu SH, Lai MC, Er TK, Yang SN, Hung CH, Tsai HH, Lin YC, Chang JG, Lo YC, Jong YJ. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) regulates the level of SMN expression through ubiquitination in primary spinal muscular atrophy fibroblasts. Clin Chim Acta 2010; 411:1920-8. [PMID: 20713032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a lethal hereditary disease caused by mutations of the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. Its severity directly correlates to the expression level of SMN protein in patients with SMA, but the regulatory mechanisms of SMN protein expression remain incompletely defined. In the present study, we aimed to identify candidate proteins to distinguish SMA fibroblasts from normal fibroblasts. METHODS To identify cellular targets regulating the expression of SMN, we initially utilized a proteomics approach combining 2D electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS, wherein the total proteins extracted from type I SMA patients and normal skin fibroblast cells were compared. RESULTS Our initial proteomics analysis discovered significant increase of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in type I SMA fibroblasts when compared to normal fibroblasts. Significantly, UCHL1 proteins directly interacted with SMN protein, as determined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays in P19 and NSC34 cells. Over-expression of UCHL1 in P19 and NSC34 cells significantly reduced the level of SMN proteins in vivo, and, in fact, purified UCHL1 was shown to be able to enhance, in a dose-dependent manner, the level of ubiquitinated SMN in vitro. Further, inhibition of UCHL1 activity by UCHL1 inhibitor (LDN-57444) increased cellular SMN protein and gems number in the nucleus in NSC34 and SMA skin fibroblasts. The same results were observed in cells with UCHL1-specific knockdown. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that UCHL1 may be a critical regulator in controlling cellular SMN protein turnover, and that it may serve as an attractive therapeutic target for SMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fourcade S, Ruiz M, Guilera C, Hahnen E, Brichta L, Naudi A, Portero-Otín M, Dacremont G, Cartier N, Wanders R, Kemp S, Mandel JL, Wirth B, Pamplona R, Aubourg P, Pujol A. Valproic acid induces antioxidant effects in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:2005-14. [PMID: 20179078 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a fatal, axonal demyelinating, neurometabolic disease. It results from the functional loss of a member of the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily D (ABCD1), which is involved in the metabolism of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA). Oxidative damage of proteins caused by excess of the hexacosanoic acid, the most prevalent VLCFA accumulating in X-ALD, is an early event in the neurodegenerative cascade. We demonstrate here that valproic acid (VPA), a widely used anti-epileptic drug with histone deacetylase inhibitor properties, induced the expression of the functionally overlapping ABCD2 peroxisomal transporter. VPA corrected the oxidative damage and decreased the levels of monounsaturated VLCFA (C26:1 n-9), but not saturated VLCFA. Overexpression of ABCD2 alone prevented oxidative lesions to proteins in a mouse model of X-ALD. A 6-month pilot trial of VPA in X-ALD patients resulted in reversion of the oxidative damage of proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, we propose VPA as a promising novel therapeutic approach that warrants further clinical investigation in X-ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Fourcade
- Neurometabolic Disease Lab, Institut of Neuropathology, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bowerman M, Beauvais A, Anderson CL, Kothary R. Rho-kinase inactivation prolongs survival of an intermediate SMA mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:1468-78. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
|
25
|
Radio NM, Freudenrich TM, Robinette BL, Crofton KM, Mundy WR. Comparison of PC12 and cerebellar granule cell cultures for evaluating neurite outgrowth using high content analysis. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 32:25-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
26
|
Valproic acid blocks excitability in SMA type I mouse motor neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 36:477-87. [PMID: 19733665 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 08/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug and HDAC inhibitor, has been identified as a drug candidate for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a motoneuron disorder for which currently no effective therapy is available. Based on its potential to up-regulate SMN expression from the SMN2 gene in fibroblasts and lymphoblastoid cell lines from SMA patients, we analysed the effects of VPA in isolated motoneurons from Smn(-/-);SMN2 mice, a model for SMA type I. Treatment with VPA increased Smn expression but unexpectedly also led to reduced growth cone size and reduced excitability in axon terminals of mutant motoneurons. Analysis of Ca2+ currents and distribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels revealed an inhibitory function of VPA on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and possibly also other ion channels that contribute to presynaptic excitability of motoneurons. Our data indicate effects of VPA which might aggravate disease-specific symptoms in SMA patients.
Collapse
|
27
|
Swoboda KJ, Scott CB, Reyna SP, Prior TW, LaSalle B, Sorenson SL, Wood J, Acsadi G, Crawford TO, Kissel JT, Krosschell KJ, D'Anjou G, Bromberg MB, Schroth MK, Chan GM, Elsheikh B, Simard LR. Phase II open label study of valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5268. [PMID: 19440247 PMCID: PMC2680034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies with valproic acid (VPA) in cell lines and patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) demonstrate increased expression of SMN, supporting the possibility of therapeutic benefit. We performed an open label trial of VPA in 42 subjects with SMA to assess safety and explore potential outcome measures to help guide design of future controlled clinical trials. Subjects included 2 SMA type I ages 2-3 years, 29 SMA type II ages 2-14 years and 11 type III ages 2-31 years, recruited from a natural history study. VPA was well-tolerated and without evident hepatotoxicity. Carnitine depletion was frequent and temporally associated with increased weakness in two subjects. Exploratory outcome measures included assessment of gross motor function via the modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS), electrophysiologic measures of innervation including maximum ulnar compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes and motor unit number estimation (MUNE), body composition and bone density via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and quantitative blood SMN mRNA levels. Clear decline in motor function occurred in several subjects in association with weight gain; mean fat mass increased without a corresponding increase in lean mass. We observed an increased mean score on the MHFMS scale in 27 subjects with SMA type II (p CONCLUSIONS While VPA appears safe and well-tolerated in this initial pilot trial, these data suggest that weight gain and carnitine depletion are likely to be significant confounding factors in clinical trials. This study highlights potential strengths and limitations of various candidate outcome measures and underscores the need for additional controlled clinical trials with VPA targeting more restricted cohorts of subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Swoboda
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Charles B. Scott
- CBS Squared, Inc, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sandra P. Reyna
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Thomas W. Prior
- Departments of Molecular Pathology and Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Bernard LaSalle
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Susan L. Sorenson
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Janine Wood
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Gyula Acsadi
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John T. Kissel
- Departments of Molecular Pathology and Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kristin J. Krosschell
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Guy D'Anjou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Sainte-Justine Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mark B. Bromberg
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Mary K. Schroth
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Gary M. Chan
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neonatology and General Clinical Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Departments of Molecular Pathology and Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Louise R. Simard
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chang CJ. The Effect of Pulse-Released Nerve Growth Factor from Genipin-Crosslinked Gelatin in Schwann Cell–Seeded Polycaprolactone Conduits on Large-Gap Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 15:547-57. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2007.0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
29
|
Multiple therapeutic effects of valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy model mice. J Mol Med (Berl) 2008; 86:1243-54. [PMID: 18649067 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-008-0388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2008] [Revised: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive disease involving the degeneration of motor neurons with no currently available treatment. While valproic acid (VPA) is a potential treatment for SMA, its therapeutic mechanisms are still controversial. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of VPA in the treatment of type III-like SMA mice. SMA and wild-type mice were treated with VPA from 6 to 12 months and 10 to 12 months of age, respectively. Untreated SMA littermates and age-matched wild-type mice were used for comparison. VPA-treated SMA mice showed better motor function, larger motor-evoked potentials, less degeneration of spinal motor neurons, less muscle atrophy, and better neuromuscular junction innervation than non-treated SMA mice. VPA elevated SMN protein levels in the spinal cord through SMN2 promoter activation and probable restoration of correct splicing of SMN2 pre-messenger RNA. VPA also increased levels of anti-apoptotic factors, Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L), in spinal neurons. VPA probably induced neurogenesis and promoted astrocyte proliferation in the spinal cord of type III-like SMA mice, which might contribute to therapeutic effects by enhancing neuroprotection. Through these effects of elevation of SMN protein level, anti-apoptosis, and probable neuroprotection, VPA-treated SMA mice had less degeneration of spinal motor neurons and better motor function than untreated type III-like SMA mice.
Collapse
|
30
|
Parker GC, Li X, Anguelov RA, Toth G, Cristescu A, Acsadi G. Survival motor neuron protein regulates apoptosis in an in vitro model of spinal muscular atrophy. Neurotox Res 2008; 13:39-48. [PMID: 18367439 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Progressive spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most prevalent hereditary lower motor neuron disease, is caused by mutations in the telomeric copy of the survival of motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Unlike other cells, lower motor neurons cannot tolerate low levels of smn protein. However, it is unclear as to the nature of the cell death involved. There is evidence that lower motor neurons undergo apoptosis in SMA, leading to muscle weakness and wasting. This study investigated whether SMN1 regulation in a motor neuron model affected indices of apoptotic cell death. Decreased smn expression in neuroblastoma hybrid (NSC-34) cell lines by small interfering RNA (siRNA) was demonstrated at the mRNA and protein level. Smn-depleted cells showed elevated caspase-3 activity, decreased cell viability and increased percentage of TUNEL positive cells. Conversely, NSC-34 cell smn overexpression by adenoviral gene transfer decreased staurosporine-induced caspase-3 elevation and mitigated induced cell toxicity as assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. However, increased smn expression by itself did not increase cell viability. These data suggest not only that decreased smn levels increase apoptosis in an in vitro model of SMA, but also that increased smn can protect against neural injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Parker
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Radio NM, Breier JM, Shafer TJ, Mundy WR. Assessment of chemical effects on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells using high content screening. Toxicol Sci 2008; 105:106-18. [PMID: 18539913 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of chemicals that pose a hazard to the developing nervous system is the first step in reducing human exposure and preventing health risks to infants and children. In response to the need for more efficient methods to identify potential developmental neurotoxicants, the present study evaluated the utility of an automated high content screening system to detect chemical effects on neurite outgrowth in Neuroscreen-1 cells (NS-1), a subclone of PC12 cells. Plating 2000 NS-1 cells per well with 100 ng/ml nerve growth factor for 96 h produced optimal neurite growth in a 96-well format. Using this protocol, five chemicals that had been previously shown to inhibit neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells were examined. Inhibition of neurite outgrowth (assessed as total neurite length per cell) was observed for all five chemicals. For three of the chemicals, inhibition was associated with decreased cell viability. To demonstrate the utility of this approach for screening, a further set of chemicals (eight known in vivo developmental neurotoxicants and eight chemicals with little evidence of in vivo neurotoxicity) were tested over a wide concentration range (1 nM-100 microM). Trans-retinoic acid, dexamethasone, cadmium, and methylmercury inhibited neurite outgrowth, although dexamethasone and cadmium only affected neurite outgrowth at concentrations that decreased viability. Amphetamine facilitated neurite outgrowth, whereas valproic acid, diphenylhydantoin, and lead had no effect. Of the chemicals that were not neurotoxic, there were no effects on cell viability, but two (dimethyl phthalate and omeprazole) increased neurite outgrowth at the highest concentration tested. These results demonstrate that a high content screening system can rapidly quantify chemical effects on neurite outgrowth in vitro. Concentration-response data for both neurite outgrowth and cell viability allowed for the determination of the specificity of chemical effects on a neurodevelopmental endpoint. Further studies will examine the utility of other in vitro preparations for cell-based assays of neurite outgrowth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Radio
- Neurotoxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protections Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Natori T, Kodaira F, Hirasawa T, Gao YY, Nagai K. Augmentation of Polysialic Acid by Valproic Acid in Early Postnatal Mouse Hippocampus and Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons. J Biosci Bioeng 2008; 105:164-7. [DOI: 10.1263/jbb.105.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
33
|
Wilson PG, Cherry JJ, Schwamberger S, Adams AM, Zhou J, Shin S, Stice SL. An SMA Project Report: Neural Cell-Based Assays Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2007; 16:1027-41. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2007.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan J. Cherry
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | | | - Allison M. Adams
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 20602
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Soojung Shin
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 20602
- Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA 92008
| | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 20602
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kamata Y, Shiraga H, Tai A, Kawamoto Y, Gohda E. Induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells by the medium-chain fatty acid octanoic acid. Neuroscience 2007; 146:1073-81. [PMID: 17434686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachinonic and docosahexanoic acids but not monounsaturated and saturated long-chain fatty acids promote basal and nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite extension of PC12 cells, a line derived from a rat pheochromocytoma. On the other hand, short-chain fatty acids and valproic acid (2-propylpentanoic acid) enhance the growth of neurite processes of the cells only in the presence of inducers. In this study, we demonstrated that straight medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) at millimolar concentrations alone potently induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. Hexanoic, heptanoic and octanoic acids dose-dependently induced neurite outgrowth of the cells: their maximal effects determined 2 days after addition to the culture medium were more marked than the effect of NGF. PC12 cells exposed to octanoic acid expressed increased levels of the neuronal marker beta-tubulin isotype III. Nonanoic, decanoic, and dodecanoic acids also induced growth of neurite processes, but their maximal effects were less marked than that of octanoic acid. In contrast, the polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid and short-chain fatty acids had only slight or almost no effects on neurite formation in the absence of NGF. The effect of octanoic acid was synergistic with or additive to the effects of NGF and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Octanoic acid upregulated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), critical signaling molecules in neuronal differentiation, but not phosphorylation of Akt, a signaling molecule downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Moreover, growth of neurites induced by octanoic acid was potently inhibited by treatment of cells with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and the ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 but not inhibited and only slightly inhibited by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, respectively. Taken together, our results indicate that MCFAs, including octanoic acid, induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in the absence of NGF and suggest that the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK pathways is involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Kamata
- Department of Immunochemistry, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsushima-naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
van Bergeijk J, Rydel-Könecke K, Grothe C, Claus P. The spinal muscular atrophy gene product regulates neurite outgrowth: importance of the C terminus. FASEB J 2007; 21:1492-502. [PMID: 17317728 DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-7136com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by a loss of motoneurons. Either mutations or deletions in the survival of motoneuron (SMN) gene are responsible for this defect. SMN is an assembly protein for RNA-protein complexes in the nucleus and is also found in axons of neurons. However, it is unclear which dysfunctions of SMN are important for disease progression. In this study we analyzed the contributions of different SMN regions for localization and neuronal differentiation associated with outgrowth of neurites. Suppression of endogenous SMN protein levels significantly decreased the growth of neurites. Down-regulation of the interacting protein gemin2 had the opposite effect. Surprisingly, selective overexpression of the SMN C-terminal domain promoted neurite outgrowth similar to full-length protein and could rescue the SMN knock-down effects. The knock-down led to a significant change in the G-/F-actin ratio, indicating a role for SMN in actin dynamics. Therefore, our data suggest a functional role for SMN in microfilament metabolism in axons of motoneurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen van Bergeijk
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|