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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Magrì B, Lombardo C, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro P, Giunta S, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. PACAP-ADNP axis prevents outer retinal barrier breakdown and choroidal neovascularization by interfering with VEGF secreted from retinal pigmented epitelium cells. Peptides 2023; 168:171065. [PMID: 37495040 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
During diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression, the retina undergoes various metabolic changes, including hypoxia-signalling cascade induction in the cells of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The overexpression of hypoxic inducible factors causes transcription of many target genes including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The RPE cells form the outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB), a specialized structure that regulates ions and metabolites flux into the retina to maintain a suitable quality of its extracellular microenvironment. VEGF worsens retinal condition since its secretion from the basolateral compartment of RPE cells compromises the barrier's integrity and induces choroidal neovascularization. In this work, we hypothesized that PACAP prevents the damage to oBRB and controls choroidal neovascularization through the induction of ADNP. Firstly, we demonstrated that ADNP is expressed in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. To validate our hypothesis, we cultured endothelial cells (H5V) forming vessels-like structures, in a conditioned medium (CM) derived from ARPE-19 cells exposed to hyperglycaemic/hypoxic insult, containing a known VEGF concentration. The involvement of PACAP-ADNP axis on oBRB integrity was evaluated through the measurement of trans-epithelial-electrical resistance and permeability assay performed on ARPE cell monolayer cultured in CM and by analysing the expression of two tight junction forming proteins, ZO1 and occludin. By culturing H5V in CM, we demonstrated that PACAP-ADNP axis counteracted vessels-like structures formation promoted by VEGF. In conclusion, the results suggested a primary role of PACAP/ADNP axis in preventing oBRB damage and in controlling aberrant choroidal neovascularization induced by VEGF secreted from RPE cells exposed to hyperglycaemia/hypoxic insult in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of System Biology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Benedetta Magrì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Cavallaro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Horvath G, Reglodi D, Fabian E, Opper B. Effects of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide on Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094953. [PMID: 35563353 PMCID: PMC9100246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was first isolated as a hypothalamic peptide based on its efficacy to increase adenylate cyclase (AC) activity. It has a widespread distribution throughout the body including the nervous system and peripheral organs, where PACAP exerts protective effects both in vivo and in vitro through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions. The aim of the present paper was to review the currently available literature regarding the effects of PACAP on cell death in vitro in neural and non-neural cells. Among others, its effect on apoptosis can be detected in cerebellar granule cells against different toxic stimuli. Different neural cell types from the cerebral cortex are also prevented from cell death. PACAP also shows effects on cell death in cells belonging to the peripheral nervous system and protects both neural and non-neural cells of sensory organs. In addition, cell survival-promoting effect can be observed in different peripheral organ systems including cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems. The studies summarized here indicate its noteworthy effect on cell death in different in vitro models, suggesting PACAP’s potential therapeutic usage in several pathological conditions.
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Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP)-Derived Peptide (NAP) Counteracts UV-B Radiation-Induced ROS Formation in Corneal Epithelium. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010128. [PMID: 35052632 PMCID: PMC8773440 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, acts as a dynamic barrier preventing access to harmful agents into the intraocular space. It is subjected daily to different insults, and ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation represents one of the main causes of injury. In our previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) against UV-B radiation damage in the human corneal endothelium. Some of its effects are mediated through the activation of the intracellular factor, known as the activity-dependent protein (ADNP). In the present paper, we have investigated the role of ADNP and the small peptide derived from ADNP, known as NAP, in the corneal epithelium. Here, we have demonstrated, for the first time, ADNP expression in human and rabbit corneal epithelium as well as its protective effect by treating the corneal epithelial cells exposed to UV-B radiations with NAP. Our results showed that NAP treatment prevents ROS formation by reducing UV-B-irradiation-induced apoptotic cell death and JNK signalling pathway activation. Further investigations are needed to deeply investigate the possible therapeutic use of NAP to counteract corneal UV-B damage.
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Maugeri G, D’Amico AG, Saccone S, Federico C, Rasà DM, Caltabiano R, Broggi G, Giunta S, Musumeci G, D’Agata V. Effect of PACAP on Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080965. [PMID: 34440169 PMCID: PMC8392618 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts different effects in various human cancer. In glioblastoma (GBM), PACAP has been shown to interfere with the hypoxic micro-environment through the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factors via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways inhibition. Considering that hypoxic tumor micro-environment is strictly linked to angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition (EMT), in the present study, we have investigated the ability of PACAP to regulate these events. Results have demonstrated that PACAP and its related receptor, PAC1R, are expressed in hypoxic area of human GBM colocalizing either in epithelial or mesenchymal cells. By using an in vitro model of GBM cells, we have observed that PACAP interferes with hypoxic/angiogenic pathway by reducing vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and inhibiting formation of vessel-like structures in H5V endothelial cells cultured with GBM-conditioned medium. Moreover, PACAP treatment decreased the expression of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) as well as CD44 in GBM cells by affecting their invasiveness. In conclusion, our study provides new insights regarding the multimodal role of PACAP in GBM malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.F.)
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.F.)
| | - Daniela Maria Rasà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782147; Fax: +39-095-3782046
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D’Amico AG, Maugeri G, Vanella L, Pittalà V, Reglodi D, D’Agata V. Multimodal Role of PACAP in Glioblastoma. Brain Sci 2021; 11:994. [PMID: 34439613 PMCID: PMC8391398 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest form of brain tumors. To date, the GBM therapeutical approach consists of surgery, radiation-therapy and chemotherapy combined with molecules improving cancer responsiveness to treatments. In this review, we will present a brief overview of the GBM classification and pathogenesis, as well as the therapeutic approach currently used. Then, we will focus on the modulatory role exerted by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, known as PACAP, on GBM malignancy. Specifically, we will describe PACAP ability to interfere with GBM cell proliferation, as well as the tumoral microenvironment. Considering its anti-oncogenic role in GBM, synthesis of PACAP agonist molecules may open new perspectives for combined therapy to existing gold standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D’Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.G.D.); (L.V.); (V.P.)
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.G.D.); (L.V.); (V.P.)
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (A.G.D.); (L.V.); (V.P.)
| | - Dora Reglodi
- MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, Department of Anatomy, University of Pécs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy;
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6
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D’Amico AG, Maugeri G, Musumeci G, Reglodi D, D’Agata V. PACAP and NAP: Effect of Two Functionally Related Peptides in Diabetic Retinopathy. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1525-1535. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Morello G, Reglodi D, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. Differential Vulnerability of Oculomotor Versus Hypoglossal Nucleus During ALS: Involvement of PACAP. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:805. [PMID: 32848572 PMCID: PMC7432287 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive multifactorial disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons (MNs). Not all MNs undergo degeneration: neurons of the oculomotor nucleus, which regulate eye movements, are less vulnerable compared to hypoglossal nucleus MNs. Several molecular studies have been performed to understand the different vulnerability of these MNs. By analyzing postmortem samples from ALS patients to other unrelated decedents, the differential genomic pattern between the two nuclei has been profiled. Among identified genes, adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1 (ADCYAP1) gene, encoding for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), was found significantly up-regulated in the oculomotor versus hypoglossal nucleus suggesting that it could play a trophic effect on MNs in ALS. In the present review, some aspects regarding the different vulnerability of oculomotor and hypoglossal nucleus to degeneration will be summarized. The distribution and potential role of PACAP on these MNs as studied largely in an animal model of ALS compared to controls, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Castrogiovanni P, Saccone S, Federico C, Reibaldi M, Russo A, Bonfiglio V, Avitabile T, Longo A, D'Agata V. PACAP through EGFR transactivation preserves human corneal endothelial integrity. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:10097-10105. [PMID: 30548314 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is composed of a single hexagonal-shaped cells layer adherent to the Descemet's membrane. The primary function of these cells is maintaining of tissue clarity by regulating its hydration. Trauma, aging or other pathologies cause their loss, counterbalanced by enlargement of survived cells unable to guarantee an efficient fluid pumping to and from the stroma. Regenerative medicine using human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) isolated from peripheral corneal-scleral tissue of a donor could be an attractive solution, overcoming transplantation problems. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that HCECs treatment with pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) following growth factors deprivation prevents their degeneration. However, the molecular mechanism mediating this effect has not been clarified, yet. Here, we have shown for the first time the expression of PACAP and its receptor (PAC1R) in human corneal endothelium and demonstrated that this peptide, selectively binding to PAC1R, induces epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation and the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, our data have suggested that PACAP could represent an important trophic factor in maintaining human corneal endothelial integrity through EGFR transactivation. Therefore, PACAP, as well as epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, could co-operate to guarantee tissue physiological functioning by supporting corneal endothelial barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Bonaventura G, Iemmolo R, D'Amico AG, La Cognata V, Costanzo E, Zappia M, D'Agata V, Conforti FL, Aronica E, Cavallaro S. PACAP and PAC1R are differentially expressed in motor cortex of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and support survival of iPSC-derived motor neurons. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3343-3351. [PMID: 28926110 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and disabling neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motor neurons depletion. In our previous work, comprehensive genomic profiling of 41 motor cortex samples enabled to discriminate controls from sporadic ALS patients, and segregated these latter into two distinct subgroups (SALS1 and SALS2), each associated with different deregulated genes. In the present study, we focused our attention on two of them, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) and its type 1 receptor (PAC1R), and validated the results of the transcriptome experiments by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. To assess the functional role of PACAP and PAC1R in ALS, we developed an in vitro model of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived motor neurons and examined the trophic effects of exogenous PACAP following neurodegenerative stimuli. Treatment with 100 nm PACAP was able to effectively rescue iPSC-derived motor neurons from apoptosis, as shown by cell viability assay and protein dosage of the apoptotic marker (BAX). All together, these data suggest that perturbations in the PACAP-PAC1R pathway may be involved in ALS pathology and represent a potential drug target to enhance motor neuron viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bonaventura
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Iemmolo
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata G D'Amico
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy.,Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Erminio Costanzo
- Neurology Department, Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Department "G. F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca L Conforti
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Mangone (CS), Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà DM, La Cognata V, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. NAP counteracts hyperglycemia/hypoxia induced retinal pigment epithelial barrier breakdown through modulation of HIFs and VEGF expression. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1120-1128. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agata G. D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of LifeSan Raffaele Open University of RomeItaly
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Daniela M. Rasà
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | | | - Salvatore Saccone
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Concetta Federico
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | | | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Rasà DM, La Cognata V, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. Nicotine promotes blood retinal barrier damage in a model of human diabetic macular edema. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 44:182-189. [PMID: 28689815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
More than 1 billion world's population actively smokes tobacco containing the bioactive component nicotine (NT). The biological role of this molecule is mediated through the activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors, widely distributed in various human tissues including retinal pigmented epithelium. The long-term assumption of NT contributes to several diseases development such as diabetic retinopathy. The major complication of this pathology is the diabetic macular edema (DME), characterized by macular area thinning and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown. Retinal hyperglycemic/hypoxic microenvironment represents one of the main factors favoring DME progression by eliciting the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) expression. The latter induce new vessels formation by stimulating cellular secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The etiology of DME is multifactorial, but little is known about the risk factors linked to cigarette smoking, in particular to nicotine's contribution. In the present study, we have investigated the NT role in a model, in vitro, of DME, by evaluating its effect on outer BRB permeability and HIFs/VEGF expression following exposure to hyperglycemic/hypoxic insult. Our results have demonstrated that this compound alters outer BRB integrity exposed to high glucose and low oxygen pressure microenvironment by upregulating HIF-1α/HIF-2α, VEGF expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These data have suggested that NT may play a negative role in active smokers affected by DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Maria Rasà
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | | | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Maino B, Paparone S, Severini C, Ciotti MT, D'agata V, Calissano P, Cavallaro S. Drug target identification at the crossroad of neuronal apoptosis and survival. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:249-259. [PMID: 28067072 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1280023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inappropriate activation of apoptosis may contribute to neurodegeneration, a multifaceted process that results in various chronic disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that neuronal apoptosis is a multi-pathway cell-death program that requires RNA synthesis. Thus, transcriptionally activated genes whose products induce cell death can be triggered by different stimuli and antagonized by neurotrophic factors. Systems biology is now unveiling the series of intracellular signaling pathways and key drug targets at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and survival. Areas covered: This review introduces a genomic approach that can be used to elucidate the systems biology of neuronal apoptosis and survival, and to rationally select drug targets, no longer oriented to emulate the action of growth factors at the membrane receptor level, but rather to modulate their downstream signals. Expert opinion: The advent of genomics is offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore how the delicate balance between apoptosis and survival-inducing signals triggers a transcriptional program. Characterization of this program can be useful to identify potential pharmacological targets for existing drugs. Such knowledge might pave the way towards an innovative pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maino
- a Institute of Neurological Sciences , Italian National Research Council , Catania , Italy
| | - Simona Paparone
- a Institute of Neurological Sciences , Italian National Research Council , Catania , Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- b Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , Italian National Research Council , Roma , Italy.,c European Brain Research Institute , 00143 Roma , Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- b Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , Italian National Research Council , Roma , Italy
| | - Velia D'agata
- d Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology , University of Catania , 95125 Catania , Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- a Institute of Neurological Sciences , Italian National Research Council , Catania , Italy
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13
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Paparone S, Severini C, Ciotti MT, D'Agata V, Calissano P, Cavallaro S. Transcriptional landscapes at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and substance P-induced survival: exploring pathways and drug targets. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16050. [PMID: 27551538 PMCID: PMC4979452 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A change in the delicate equilibrium between apoptosis and survival regulates the neurons fate during the development of nervous system and its homeostasis in adulthood. Signaling pathways promoting or protecting from apoptosis are activated by multiple signals, including those elicited by neurotrophic factors, and depend upon specific transcriptional programs. To decipher the rescue program induced by substance P (SP) in cerebellar granule neurons, we analyzed their whole-genome expression profiles after induction of apoptosis and treatment with SP. Transcriptional pathways associated with the survival effect of SP included genes encoding for proteins that may act as pharmacological targets. Inhibition of one of these, the Myc pro-oncogene by treatment with 10058-F4, reverted in a dose-dependent manner the rescue effect of SP. In addition to elucidate the transcriptional mechanisms at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and survival, our systems biology-based perspective paves the way towards an innovative pharmacology based on targets downstream of neurotrophic factor receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paparone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council , Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - C Severini
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy; European Brain Research Institute, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - M T Ciotti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council , Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - V D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania , Catania 95125, Italy
| | - P Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute , Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - S Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council , Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, Catania 95125, Italy
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14
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Reitano R, Magro G, Cavallaro S, Salomone S, D'Agata V. PACAP and VIP Inhibit the Invasiveness of Glioblastoma Cells Exposed to Hypoxia through the Regulation of HIFs and EGFR Expression. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:139. [PMID: 27303300 PMCID: PMC4885839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal
peptide (VIP) through the binding of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors (VIPRs),
perform a wide variety of effects in human cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme
(GBM). This tumor is characterized by extensive areas of hypoxia, which triggers the
expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIFs not only mediate angiogenesis
but also tumor cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, HIFs activation is linked to
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression. Previous studies have shown
that VIP interferes with the invasive nature of gliomas by regulating cell migration.
However, the role of VIP family members in GBM infiltration under low oxygen tension
has not been clarified yet. Therefore, in the present study we have investigated, for
the first time, the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-invasive effect of
PACAP or VIP in U87MG glioblastoma cells exposed to hypoxia induced by treatment with
desferrioxamine (DFX). The results suggest that either PACAP or VIP exert an
anti-infiltrative effect under low oxygen tension by modulating HIFs and EGFR
expression, key elements involved in cell migration and angiogenesis. These peptides
act through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, which are
known to have a crucial role in HIFs regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Sections of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Sections of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy; San Raffaele Open University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Rita Reitano
- Sections of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Sections of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
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15
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Shioda S, Nakamachi T. PACAP as a neuroprotective factor in ischemic neuronal injuries. Peptides 2015; 72:202-7. [PMID: 26275482 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 27- or 38-amino acid neuropeptide, which belongs to the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/glucagon/secretin family. PACAP and its three receptor subtypes are expressed in neural tissues, with PACAP known to exert pleiotropic effects on the nervous system. This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the neuroprotective effects, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of PACAP in response to ischemic brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Shioda
- Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Nakamachi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
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16
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Tamas A, Reglodi D, Farkas O, Kovesdi E, Pal J, Povlishock JT, Schwarcz A, Czeiter E, Szanto Z, Doczi T, Buki A, Bukovics P. Effect of PACAP in central and peripheral nerve injuries. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:8430-8448. [PMID: 22942712 PMCID: PMC3430243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13078430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a bioactive peptide with diverse effects in the nervous system. In addition to its more classic role as a neuromodulator, PACAP functions as a neurotrophic factor. Several neurotrophic factors have been shown to play an important role in the endogenous response following both cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury and to be effective when given exogenously. A number of studies have shown the neuroprotective effect of PACAP in different models of ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases and retinal degeneration. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings on the neuroprotective potential of PACAP in models of different traumatic nerve injuries. Expression of endogenous PACAP and its specific PAC1 receptor is elevated in different parts of the central and peripheral nervous system after traumatic injuries. Some experiments demonstrate the protective effect of exogenous PACAP treatment in different traumatic brain injury models, in facial nerve and optic nerve trauma. The upregulation of endogenous PACAP and its receptors and the protective effect of exogenous PACAP after different central and peripheral nerve injuries show the important function of PACAP in neuronal regeneration indicating that PACAP may also be a promising therapeutic agent in injuries of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tamas
- PTE-MTA “Lendulet” PACAP Research Team, Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Szigeti. u. 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (D.R.); (E.C.)
| | - Dora Reglodi
- PTE-MTA “Lendulet” PACAP Research Team, Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Szigeti. u. 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (D.R.); (E.C.)
| | - Orsolya Farkas
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Erzsebet Kovesdi
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Jozsef Pal
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - John T. Povlishock
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street Richmond, Richmond, VA 23219, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Attila Schwarcz
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Endre Czeiter
- PTE-MTA “Lendulet” PACAP Research Team, Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Szigeti. u. 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (D.R.); (E.C.)
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Zalan Szanto
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2., H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mail:
| | - Tamas Doczi
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Andras Buki
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Bukovics
- MTA-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pecs, Ret u. 2, H-7623 Pecs, Hungary; E-Mails: (O.F.); (E.K.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
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Horvath G, Brubel R, Kovacs K, Reglodi D, Opper B, Ferencz A, Szakaly P, Laszlo E, Hau L, Kiss P, Tamas A, Racz B. Effects of PACAP on oxidative stress-induced cell death in rat kidney and human hepatocyte cells. J Mol Neurosci 2010; 43:67-75. [PMID: 20676802 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-010-9428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in various renal and hepatic pathologies, and reduction of oxidative stress-induced processes is an important protective strategy in tissues of diverse origins against harmful stimuli. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a well-known cytotrophic and cytoprotective peptide. PACAP promotes cell survival in numerous cells and tissues exposed to various stimuli. Protective effects of PACAP have been shown in the kidney, but it is not known whether PACAP is protective against oxidative stress in renal cells. Little is known about the effects of PACAP in the liver. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PACAP is protective against oxidative stress in primary rat kidney cell culture and whether PACAP has any effect on cell survival in human WRL-68 hepatocytes and HEP-G2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subjected to oxidative stress. Cells were exposed to various concentrations of H(2)O(2) with or without PACAP co-treatment and cell viability was evaluated with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide test (MTT). We found that oxidative stress induced a significant decrease in cell viability in both cell lines. PACAP could dose-dependently increase the percentage of living cells in kidney cells, but it failed to do so in hepatocytes. Given the survival-promoting effects of PACAP against oxidative stress in rat kidney, we conducted a further experiment to determine whether PACAP influences the markers of oxidative stress in vivo. We have proven earlier that PACAP was effective in kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo. In the present study, we determined the levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde and the activity of the scavenger molecules glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) following kidney ischemia/reperfusion in rats. We found that PACAP significantly increased the level of GSH and counteracted the marked reduction of SOD activity after ischemia/reperfusion in vivo. In summary, the present study showed that while PACAP was able to significantly increase the cell survival in primary kidney cell cultures exposed to oxidative stress, possibly involving interaction with the endogenous scavenger system, it failed to influence the viability of normal or cancerous hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Horvath
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pécs, Szigeti u 12, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.
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Chen Y, Samal B, Hamelink CR, Xiang CC, Chen Y, Chen M, Vaudry D, Brownstein MJ, Hallenbeck JM, Eiden LE. Neuroprotection by endogenous and exogenous PACAP following stroke. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 137:4-19. [PMID: 17027094 PMCID: PMC4183206 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2006.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of PACAP treatment, and endogenous PACAP deficiency, on infarct volume, neurological function, and the cerebrocortical transcriptional response in a mouse model of stroke, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). PACAP-38 administered i.v. or i.c.v. 1 h after MCAO significantly reduced infarct volume, and ameliorated functional motor deficits measured 24 h later in wild-type mice. Infarct volumes and neurological deficits (walking faults) were both greater in PACAP-deficient than in wild-type mice, but treatment with PACAP reduced lesion volume and neurological deficits in PACAP-deficient mice to the same level of improvement as in wild-type mice. A 35,546-clone mouse cDNA microarray was used to investigate cortical transcriptional changes associated with cerebral ischemia in wild-type and PACAP-deficient mice, and with PACAP treatment after MCAO in wild-type mice. 229 known (named) transcripts were increased (228) or decreased (1) in abundance at least 50% following cerebral ischemia in wild-type mice. 49 transcripts were significantly up-regulated only at 1 h post-MCAO (acute response transcripts), 142 were up-regulated only at 24 h post-MCAO (delayed response transcripts) and 37 transcripts were up-regulated at both times (sustained response transcripts). More than half of these are transcripts not previously reported to be altered in ischemia. A larger percentage of genes up-regulated at 24 hr than at 1 hr required endogenous PACAP, suggesting a more prominent role for PACAP in later response to injury than in the initial response. This is consistent with a neuroprotective role for PACAP in late response to injury, i.e., even when administered 1 hr or more after MCAO. Putative injury effector transcripts regulated by PACAP include beta-actin, midline 2, and metallothionein 1. Potential neuroprotective transcripts include several demonstrated to be PACAP-regulated in other contexts. Prominent among these were transcripts encoding the PACAP-regulated gene Ier3, and the neuropeptides enkephalin, substance P (tachykinin 1), and neurotensin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Babru Samal
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Carol R. Hamelink
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Charlie C. Xiang
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yong Chen
- Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mei Chen
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David Vaudry
- Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael J. Brownstein
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - John M. Hallenbeck
- Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lee E. Eiden
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 301 496 4110; fax: +1 301 402 1748. (L.E. Eiden)
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Tamás A, Zsombok A, Farkas O, Reglödi D, Pál J, Büki A, Lengvári I, Povlishock JT, Dóczi T. Postinjury administration of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) attenuates traumatically induced axonal injury in rats. J Neurotrauma 2006; 23:686-95. [PMID: 16689670 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2006.23.686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has several different actions in the nervous system. Numerous studies have shown its neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo. Previously, it has been demonstrated that PACAP reduces brain damage in rat models of global and focal cerebral ischemia. Based on the protective effects of PACAP in cerebral ischemia and the presence of common pathogenic mechanisms in cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury (TBI), the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective effect of PACAP administered 30 min or 1 h postinjury in a rat model of diffuse axonal injury. Adult Wistar male rats were subjected to impact acceleration, and PACAP was administered intracerebroventricularly 30 min (n = 4), and 1 h after the injury (n = 5). Control animals received the same volume of vehicle at both time-points (n = 5). Two hours after the injury, brains were processed for immunohistochemical localization of damaged axonal profiles displaying either beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) or RMO-14 immunoreactivity, both considered markers of specific features of traumatic axonal injury. Our results show that treatment with PACAP (100 microg) 30 min or 1 h after the induction of TBI resulted in a significant reduction of the density of beta-APP-immunopositive axon profiles in the corticospinal tract (CSpT). There was no significant difference between the density of beta-APP-immunopositive axons in the medial longitudinal fascicle (MLF). PACAP treatment did not result in significantly different number of RMO-14-immunopositive axonal profiles in either brain areas 2 hours post-injury compared to normal animals. While the results of this study highlighted the complexity of the pathogenesis and manifestation of diffuse axonal injury, they also indicate that PACAP should be considered a potential therapeutic agent in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tamás
- Department of Anatomy (Neurohumoral Regulations Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), University of Pécs, Medical Faculty, Pécs, Hungary.
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Ogawa T, Nakamachi T, Ohtaki H, Hashimoto H, N S, Baba A, Watanabe J, Kikuyama S, Shioda S. Monoaminergic neuronal development is not affected in PACAP-gene-deficient mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 126:103-8. [PMID: 15620422 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2004.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in several physiological functions. Several lines of evidence from in vitro studies have shown that PACAP plays some important roles in development of nervous system such as neural proliferation and differentiation. Recently, mice lacking PACAP have been reported to show a higher mortality shortly after birth, impaired thermal adaptation, and altered psychomotor behaviors. Inasmuch as monoaminergic nervous systems are implicated in these phenotypes and a quite few data have been reported on the role of this peptide in nervous development in vitro, we studied early development [embryonic days 10.5 (E10.5) and 12.5 (E12.5)] of monoaminergic nervous systems in mice lacking PACAP. The fetuses lacking PACAP showed immunoreactivities (IRs) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and serotonin (5-HT) similarly to the wild type. We observed TH-IR in the forebrain [striatal differentiating zone (dz) and hypothalamic dz], midbrain, hindbrain, neural-crest-derived sympathetic ganglionic primordia, ventral spinal cord dz, and bowel at E10.5 in both PACAP null and wild type with no difference. At E12.5, in the wild-type- and PACAP-gene-deficient mice, no differences of 5-HT- and TH-IRs were observed in several brain regions, including brainstem (midbrain and pons). Thus, the depletion of PACAP does not affect monoaminergic nervous systems in the early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Ogawa
- Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
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21
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Erhardt NM, Sherwood NM. PACAP maintains cell cycling and inhibits apoptosis in chick neuroblasts. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004; 221:121-34. [PMID: 15223138 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2003] [Revised: 01/20/2004] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) increased cAMP in neuroblast-enriched cultures from embryonic day 3.5 chick brain. Also, the neuroblasts expressed the mRNA, peptide, and receptor for PACAP. Here, we investigated downstream effects of increased cAMP by examining PACAP's role in regulating cell numbers during brain development. Using flow cytometry, we quantified proliferating cell nuclear antigen and DNA, and compared apoptotic cells and cells in cell cycle compartments under differing conditions. Untreated cultures showed high proliferative activity with little apoptosis. Addition of exogenous PACAP had no effect on this pattern. However, blocking endogenous PACAP with a receptor antagonist increased cell cycle exit, then increased apoptosis. We conclude that chick neuroblasts require production of PACAP to inhibit apoptosis and maintain full proliferative activity during early brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nola M Erhardt
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 1700, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2
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22
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Hegg CC, Au E, Roskams AJ, Lucero MT. PACAP is present in the olfactory system and evokes calcium transients in olfactory receptor neurons. J Neurophysiol 2003; 90:2711-9. [PMID: 12761277 PMCID: PMC2976504 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00288.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), a neuroregulatory peptide, is found in germinative regions of the CNS, including the olfactory bulb, throughout adulthood. We show that 1) PACAP immunoreactivity is also present in the neonatal mouse and adult mouse and rat olfactory epithelium, 2) PACAP expression pattern differs between neonatal and adult mice, and 3) PACAP is produced by olfactory ensheathing cells. PACAP may thus be a key factor in the uniquely supportive role of olfactory ensheathing cells in regeneration of neurons from olfactory epithelium and lesioned spinal cord. Using calcium imaging, we demonstrated physiological responses to PACAP in both neonatal and adult olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). We propose that PACAP plays an important role in normal turnover of ORNs by providing neurotrophic support during development and regeneration and neuroprotective support of mature neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen C Hegg
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108-1297, USA
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23
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Kawano H, Shimozono M, Tono T, Miyata A, Komune S. Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide mRNA in the cochlea of rats. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 94:200-3. [PMID: 11597781 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(01)00241-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Expression of mRNA for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was detected in the cochlea of rats using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Examination of in situ hybridization demonstrated that cells in the spiral ganglion, and marginal cells in the stria vascularis expressed mRNA for PACAP. These findings suggest that PACAP may play an important role in regulating cochlear functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kawano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Miyazaki Medical College, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, 889-1602, Miyazaki, Japan.
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24
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Somogyvári-Vigh A, Pan W, Reglödi D, Kastin AJ, Arimura A. Effect of middle cerebral artery occlusion on the passage of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide across the blood-brain barrier in the rat. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2000; 91:89-95. [PMID: 10967205 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-0115(00)00123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been shown to be a potent neuroprotective agent in global and focal ischemia. We demonstrated that PACAP could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by a saturable transport system, and a systemic administration of PACAP reduced the infarct induced by unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Therefore, we studied whether this transport system is affected by MCAO in the rat. The entry of PACAP38 into the brain was compared in five groups: control, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h after MCAO. [(125)I]PACAP38 was injected intravenously and serum and various brain regions were collected 3 min later. The rate of entry into the brain of PACAP38 was also determined. We showed that PACAP entered the rat brain via a rapid transport system when the BBB is intact. After transient (2 h) unilateral MCAO, all regions of the brain, showed a selective increase in the passage of PACAP38 across the BBB after 4 h after the occlusion, which was not related to any generalized change in the permeability of the BBB, as measured with albumin. A significant decrease in the amount of PACAP38 entering the brain was observed in the 6- and 24-h groups, but it returned to the baseline level in the 48-h group. These results suggest that focal cerebral ischemia can selectively modify the passage of PACAP38 across the BBB, in both damaged and undamaged sides of the brain, and that these changes in influx are not solely due to the disruption of BBB. These findings imply the necessity of adjusting the dose of intravenously administered PACAP38 in order to maximize its therapeutic effect on the brain damage resulting from focal ischemia
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Affiliation(s)
- A Somogyvári-Vigh
- Tulane University Department of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Arimura A. Perspectives on pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the neuroendocrine, endocrine, and nervous systems. THE JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 48:301-31. [PMID: 9852340 DOI: 10.2170/jjphysiol.48.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PACAP is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that belongs to the secretin/glucagon/VIP family. PACAP functions as a hypothalamic hormone, neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, vasodilator, and neurotrophic factor. Its structure has been remarkably conserved during evolution. The PACAP receptor is G protein-coupled with seven transmembrane domains and also belongs to the VIP receptor family. PACAP, but not VIP, binds to PAC1-R, whereas PACAP and VIP bind to VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R with a similar affinity. Despite the sizable homology of the structures of PACAP and VIP and their receptors, the distribution of these peptides and receptors is quite different. At least eight subtypes of PACAP specific, or PAC1-R, result from alternate splicing. Each subtype is coupled with specific signaling pathways, and its expression is tissue or cell specific. Although PACAP fulfills most requirements for a physiological hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormone, it does not consistently stimulate secretion of the adenohypophysial hormones, except for stimulation of IL-6 release from the FS cells of the pituitary. The major regulatory role of PACAP in pituitary cells appears to be the regulation of gene expression of pituitary hormones and/or regulatory proteins that control growth and differentiation of the pituitary glandular cells. These effects appear to be exhibited directly and indirectly through a paracrine or autocrine action. Although PACAP stimulates the release of AVP, the physiological role of neurohypophysial PACAP remains unknown. One important action of PACAP in the endocrine system is its role as a potent secretagogue for adrenaline from the adrenal medulla through activation of TH. PACAP also stimulates the release of insulin and increases [Ca2+]i from pancreatic beta-cells at an extremely small concentration. The stage-specific expression of PACAP in testicular germ cells during spermatogenesis suggests its regulatory role in the maturation of germ cells. In the ovary, PACAP is transiently expressed in the granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicles and appears to be involved in the LH-induced cellular events in the ovary, including prevention of follicular apoptosis. In the central nervous system, PACAP acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, which has been supported by IHC and electrophysiological methods. More important, PACAP is a neurotrophic factor that may play an important role during the development of the brain. In the adult brain, PACAP appears to function as a neuroprotective factor that attenuates the neuronal damage resulting from various insults.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Endocrine Glands/drug effects
- Endocrine Glands/physiology
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nervous System/drug effects
- Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
- Neuropeptides/genetics
- Neuropeptides/pharmacology
- Neuropeptides/physiology
- Neurosecretory Systems/drug effects
- Neurosecretory Systems/physiology
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/physiology
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/chemistry
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Type II
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, Type I
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Signal Transduction
- Testis/drug effects
- Testis/physiology
- Tissue Distribution
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arimura
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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