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Chen R, Pan C, Mao X, Zhang Y, Chen G, Xu M, Nivar J, Tao Y, Cao H, Li J. Chloride intracellular channel 4 blockade improves cognition in mice with Alzheimer's disease: CLIC4 protein expression and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134972. [PMID: 39181373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Numerous academic literature suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, and irreversible neuronal death are the three major causes of AD. The chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) protein family not only regulates the polarisation of neurons, but also has important implications for neuronal survival. Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) can be pathologically activated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), which causes a significant increase in the expression of CLIC4 and mediates neuronal apoptosis. CLIC4 knockdown inhibits H2O2-induced neuronal apoptosis; however, the relationship between CLIC4 and AD remains unknown. In the present study, we showed that CLIC4 expression was elevated in the hippocampus of AD mice; knockdown of hippocampal CLIC4 alleviated Aβ25-35-induced cognitive impairment in mice; overexpression of hippocampal CLIC4 accelerated Aβ deposition and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in young AD mice (APP/PS1 mice at three months of age). CLIC4 overexpressing mice had a longer escape latency compared to controls in behavioural testing (Morris water maze and T-maze tests). By Co-immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry (Co-IP/MS) of HT22 cells to identify proteins that specifically bind to CLIC4, we found interactions with CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBPβ); a critical pathway involved in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the knockdown of hippocampal CLIC4 alleviated AD-like pathology by inhibiting the C/EBPβ/AEP signaling pathway. These data suggest an essential role for high CLIC4 expression in the pathophysiology of AD and reveal that inhibition of CLIC4 expression may provide an opportunity for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chi Pan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xinyu Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yantong Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Gang Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mengting Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - John Nivar
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuanxiang Tao
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Hong Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Gou ZX, Zhou Y, Fan Y, Zhang F, Ning XM, Tang F, Lu LQ. Melatonin Improves Oxidative Stress Injury in Retinopathy of Prematurity by Targeting miR-23a-3p/Nrf2. Curr Eye Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39103986 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2380433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melatonin has promising protective effects for retinopathy. However, its roles in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to explore its roles and mechanisms in a ROP model. METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the morphology of the retina. Immunofluorescence was used to detect positive (Nrf2+ and VEGF+) cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the level of nuclear expression of PCNA in retinal tissue. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the morphology and structure of pigment cells. qRT-PCR was used to assay the expression of miR-23a-3p, Nrf2, and HO-1. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, β-actin, and Lamin B1. RESULTS Melatonin or miR-23a-3p antagomir treatment could ameliorate the Oxygen-induced pathological changes, increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, SOD, and GSH-Px, and decreased the expression of VEGF, miR-23a-3p, MDA and the apoptosis in the ROP model. Further target prediction and luciferase reporter assays confirmed the targeted binding relationship between miR-23a-3p and Nrf2. CONCLUSION Our study showed that melatonin could ameliorate H2O2-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress injury in RGC cells by mediating miR-23a-3p/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xian Gou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Mei Ning
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Fei Tang
- Clinic Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qun Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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Chatterjee S, G K, Y PK. Salivary Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1) as a Hub of Gene-Gene Interactome of Periodontitis With Diabetes Mellitus. Cureus 2024; 16:e51877. [PMID: 38327933 PMCID: PMC10849158 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and introduction Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions that affects the oral cavity. Identifying and predicting biomarkers is essential for the prevention of high-morbidity oral diseases. The genomic interaction network identifies common hub genes involved in crucial protein formation in periodontal inflammation. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that has a double-edged sword relationship with periodontitis. Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) was identified as a hub gene linking the pathogenesis of periodontitis and diabetes mellitus using a bioinformatic tool. Therefore, this current study aimed to assess the concentration of the pro-inflammatory biomarker CLIC1 in saliva among individuals with periodontal health and those with periodontal disease linked to diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in periodontitis were identified using datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. DEGs were combined to build the network, and GeneMANIA was used to find and rank the interconnecting genes. CLIC1 was identified as the hub gene, and clinical validation was done using patient samples. The study involved 30 participants. Based on clinical and radiographic periodontal findings, they were split into three groups: healthy (group 1, n=10), with periodontitis but no diabetes mellitus (group 2, n=10), and with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (group 3, n=10). The collection of saliva samples, followed by quantifying these samples, was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results From network graph analysis, it was discovered that CLIC1 functions as a hub gene in the majority of toll-like receptor pathways. The mean concentration of CLIC1 in saliva increased consistently as the disease was observed in periodontitis patients and periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus. Conclusion CLIC1 concentrations were positively correlated with periodontitis in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, CLIC1 could be a diagnostic biomarker for patients with periodontitis. However, large-scale studies are needed to confirm more positive associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangini Chatterjee
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Karthikeyan G
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Pradeep Kumar Y
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Erofeeva N, Meshalkina D, Firsov M. Multiple Roles of cAMP in Vertebrate Retina. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081157. [PMID: 37190066 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
cAMP is a key regulatory molecule that controls many important processes in the retina, including phototransduction, cell development and death, growth of neural processes, intercellular contacts, retinomotor effects, and so forth. The total content of cAMP changes in the retina in a circadian manner following the natural light cycle, but it also shows local and even divergent changes in faster time scales in response to local and transient changes in the light environment. Changes in cAMP might also manifest or cause various pathological processes in virtually all cellular components of the retina. Here we review the current state of knowledge and understanding of the regulatory mechanisms by which cAMP influences the physiological processes that occur in various retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Erofeeva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Darya Meshalkina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael Firsov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Patoori S, Barnada SM, Large C, Murray JI, Trizzino M. Young transposable elements rewired gene regulatory networks in human and chimpanzee hippocampal intermediate progenitors. Development 2022; 149:dev200413. [PMID: 36052683 PMCID: PMC9641669 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampus is associated with essential brain functions, such as learning and memory. Human hippocampal volume is significantly greater than expected compared with that of non-human apes, suggesting a recent expansion. Intermediate progenitors, which are able to undergo multiple rounds of proliferative division before a final neurogenic division, may have played a role in evolutionary hippocampal expansion. To investigate the evolution of gene regulatory networks underpinning hippocampal neurogenesis in apes, we leveraged the differentiation of human and chimpanzee induced pluripotent stem cells into TBR2 (or EOMES)-positive hippocampal intermediate progenitor cells (hpIPCs). We found that the gene networks active in hpIPCs are significantly different between humans and chimpanzees, with ∼2500 genes being differentially expressed. We demonstrate that species-specific transposon-derived enhancers contribute to these transcriptomic differences. Young transposons, predominantly endogenous retroviruses and SINE-Vntr-Alus (SVAs), were co-opted as enhancers in a species-specific manner. Human-specific SVAs provided substrates for thousands of novel TBR2-binding sites, and CRISPR-mediated repression of these SVAs attenuated the expression of ∼25% of the genes that are upregulated in human intermediate progenitors relative to the same cell population in the chimpanzee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruti Patoori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Samantha M. Barnada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Christopher Large
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John I. Murray
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marco Trizzino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Varela L, Hendry AC, Cassar J, Martin-Escolano R, Cantoni D, Ossa F, Edwards JC, Abdul-Salam V, Ortega-Roldan JL. Zn2+ triggered two-step mechanism of CLIC1 membrane insertion and activation into chloride channels. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:276009. [PMID: 35833483 PMCID: PMC9511705 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) protein family displays the unique feature of altering its structure from a soluble form to a membrane-bound chloride channel. CLIC1, a member of this family, is found in the cytoplasm or in internal and plasma membranes, with membrane relocalisation linked to endothelial disfunction, tumour proliferation and metastasis. The molecular switch promoting CLIC1 activation remains under investigation. Here, cellular Cl− efflux assays and immunofluorescence microscopy studies have identified intracellular Zn2+ release as the trigger for CLIC1 activation and membrane insertion. Biophysical assays confirmed specific binding to Zn2+, inducing membrane association and enhancing Cl− efflux in a pH-dependent manner. Together, our results identify a two-step mechanism with Zn2+ binding as the molecular switch promoting CLIC1 membrane insertion, followed by pH-mediated activation of Cl− efflux. Summary: Identification of a two-step mechanism of CLIC1 membrane insertion based on Zn2+ binding and pH activation of Cl− efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Varela
- School of Biosciences. University of Kent. CT2 7NJ. Canterbury, UK
| | - Alex C Hendry
- School of Biosciences. University of Kent. CT2 7NJ. Canterbury, UK
| | - Joseph Cassar
- School of Biosciences. University of Kent. CT2 7NJ. Canterbury, UK
| | | | - Diego Cantoni
- Medway School of Pharmacy, The Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Chatham, ME7 4TB, UK
| | - Felipe Ossa
- Centre for Cardiovascular Medicine and Device Innovation, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John C Edwards
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vahitha Abdul-Salam
- Centre for Cardiovascular Medicine and Device Innovation, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Tumor Suppressive Effects of miR-124 and Its Function in Neuronal Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115919. [PMID: 34072894 PMCID: PMC8198231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is strongly expressed in neurons, and its expression increases as neurons mature. Through DNA methylation in the miR-124 promoter region and adsorption of miR-124 by non-coding RNAs, miR-124 expression is known to be reduced in many cancer cells, especially with high malignancy. Recently, numerous studies have focused on miR-124 due to its promising tumor-suppressive effects; however, the overview of their results is unclear. We surveyed the tumor-suppressive effect of miR-124 in glial cell lineage cancers, which are the most frequently reported cancer types involving miR-124, and in lung, colon, liver, stomach, and breast cancers, which are the top five causes of cancer death. Reportedly, miR-124 not only inhibits proliferation and accelerates apoptosis, but also comprehensively suppresses tumor malignant transformation. Moreover, we found that miR-124 exerts its anti-tumor effects by regulating a wide range of target genes, most notably STAT3 and EZH2. In addition, when compared to the original role of miR-124 in neuronal development, we found that the miR-124 target genes that contribute to neuronal maturation share similarities with genes that cause cancer cell metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We believe that the two apparently unrelated fields, cancer and neuronal development, can bring new discoveries to each other through the study of miR-124.
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Wang W, Li X, Xu Y, Guo W, Yu H, Zhang L, Wang Y, Chen X. Acetylation-stabilized chloride intracellular channel 1 exerts a tumor-promoting effect on cervical cancer cells by activating NF-κB. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:557-568. [PMID: 33469837 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00582-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related death in women, especially in developing countries. Previously, we found that the acetylation levels of chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) at lysine 131 were increased in cervical cancer tissues using a label-free proteomics approach. The aim of this study was to further determine the role of CLIC1 expression and its acetylation in cervical cancer. METHODS CLIC1 expression and its implications for the prognosis of cervical cancer were analyzed using primary patient samples and cells, and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database (gepia.cancer-pku.cn). The effect of CLIC1 on cervical cancer cells was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8, flow cytometry, scratch wound healing, transwell, Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays. In vivo tumor growth was assessed using mouse xenograft models. RESULTS We found that CLIC1 expression was increased in cervical cancer tissues and cells and that patients with a high CLIC1 expression tended to have a shorter overall survival time. Knockdown of CLIC1 significantly reduced in vitro cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis. At the molecular level, we found that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity was positively regulated by CLIC1. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-κB, attenuated the tumor-promoting effect of CLIC1. Moreover, we found that CLIC1 acetylation at K131 was upregulated in cervical cancer cells, which stabilized CLIC1 by inhibiting its ubiquitynation. Substitution of K131 inhibited CLIC1 ubiquitynation and promoted in vitro cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. In addition, we found that acetyltransferase HAT1 was responsible for CLIC1 acetylation at K131. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that CLIC1 acts as a tumor promoter in cervical cancer, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for cervical cancer by regulating CLIC1 expression and/or acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Weikang Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Function, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yaoxian Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Xiuwei Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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CLIC1 Protein Accumulates in Circulating Monocyte Membrane during Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041484. [PMID: 32098256 PMCID: PMC7073046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathologies that lead to neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) represent a major contemporary medical challenge. Neurodegenerative processes, like those that occur in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are progressive, and at the moment, they are unstoppable. Not only is an adequate therapy missing but diagnosis is also extremely complicated. The most reliable method is the measurement of beta amyloid and tau peptides concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, collecting liquid samples from the CNS is an invasive procedure, thus it is not suitable for a large-scale prevention program. Ideally, blood testing is the most manageable and appropriate diagnostic procedure for a massive population screening. Recently, a few candidates, including proteins or microRNAs present in plasma/serum have been identified. The aim of the present work is to propose the chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) protein as a potential marker of neurodegenerative processes. CLIC1 protein accumulates in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and increases drastically when the CNS is in a chronic inflammatory state. In AD patients, both immunolocalization and mRNA quantification are able to show the behavior of CLIC1 during a persistent inflammatory state of the CNS. In particular, confocal microscopy analysis and electrophysiological measurements highlight the significant presence of transmembrane CLIC1 (tmCLIC1) in PBMCs from AD patients. Recent investigations suggest that tmCLIC1 has a very specific role. This provides an opportunity to use blood tests and conventional technologies to discriminate between healthy individuals and patients with ongoing neurodegenerative processes.
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Evidence of association of the DISC1 interactome gene set with schizophrenia from GWAS. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 95:109729. [PMID: 31398428 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
DISC1 was discovered as a gene disrupted by a balanced translocation in a large pedigree that segregated with major mental disorders, including schizophrenia. Further attempts to find genetic association with schizophrenia were inconclusive. Most of the biology of DISC1 was inferred from the functionality of its protein partners. Recently, a gene set constituted by DISC1 and several of its partners has been associated with cognitive performance during development, a well-known schizophrenia endophenotype, by means of burden test of rare disruptive variants. Here, we performed a gene set analysis using common variants from the largest schizophrenia genome-wide association study of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium to test if this gene set is associated with schizophrenia. The main test was based on the MAGMA software. Several additional tests were performed to analyze the robustness of the main findings. The DISC1 interactome gene set was associated with schizophrenia (P = .0056), confirmed by an additional method (INRICH). This association was robust to removal of the major histocompatibility complex region, different definitions of gene boundaries, or different statistical gene models. Conditional analysis revealed that the association was not solely explained by higher expression in brain. Three genes from the gene set, CLIC1, DST, and PDE4B, were associated with schizophrenia at the gene level. Consideration of other DISC1 interactome gene sets revealed the importance of gene set definition. Therefore, we present the first evidence from genome-wide association studies of the role of DISC1 and interacting partners in schizophrenia susceptibility, reconciling genetic and molecular biology data.
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Cyclin-dependent kinase 5-mediated phosphorylation of chloride intracellular channel 4 promotes oxidative stress-induced neuronal death. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:951. [PMID: 30237421 PMCID: PMC6147799 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can cause apoptosis in neurons and may result in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to oxidative stress–induced neuronal apoptosis are not fully understood. Oxidative stress stimulates aberrant activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), thought to promote neuronal apoptosis by phosphorylating many cell death-related substrates. Here, using protein pulldown methods, immunofluorescence experiments and in vitro kinase assays, we identified chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4), the expression of which increases during neuronal apoptosis, as a CDK5 substrate. We found that activated CDK5 phosphorylated serine 108 in CLIC4, increasing CLIC4 protein stability, and accumulation. Pharmacological inhibition or shRNA-mediated silencing of CDK5 decreased CLIC4 levels in neurons. Moreover, CLIC4 overexpression led to neuronal apoptosis, whereas knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of CLIC4 attenuated H2O2-induced neuronal apoptosis. These results implied that CLIC4, by acting as a substrate of CDK5, mediated neuronal apoptosis induced by aberrant CDK5 activation. Targeting CLIC4 in neurons may therefore provide a therapeutic approach for managing progressive neurodegenerative diseases that arise from neuronal apoptosis.
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Neuner SM, Garfinkel BP, Wilmott LA, Ignatowska-Jankowska BM, Citri A, Orly J, Lu L, Overall RW, Mulligan MK, Kempermann G, Williams RW, O'Connell KMS, Kaczorowski CC. Systems genetics identifies Hp1bp3 as a novel modulator of cognitive aging. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 46:58-67. [PMID: 27460150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An individual's genetic makeup plays an important role in determining susceptibility to cognitive aging. Identifying the specific genes that contribute to cognitive aging may aid in early diagnosis of at-risk patients, as well as identify novel therapeutics targets to treat or prevent development of symptoms. Challenges to identifying these specific genes in human studies include complex genetics, difficulty in controlling environmental factors, and limited access to human brain tissue. Here, we identify Hp1bp3 as a novel modulator of cognitive aging using a genetically diverse population of mice and confirm that HP1BP3 protein levels are significantly reduced in the hippocampi of cognitively impaired elderly humans relative to cognitively intact controls. Deletion of functional Hp1bp3 in mice recapitulates memory deficits characteristic of aged impaired mice and humans, further supporting the idea that Hp1bp3 and associated molecular networks are modulators of cognitive aging. Overall, our results suggest Hp1bp3 may serve as a potential target against cognitive aging and demonstrate the utility of genetically diverse animal models for the study of complex human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Neuner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Benjamin P Garfinkel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Lynda A Wilmott
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bogna M Ignatowska-Jankowska
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Ami Citri
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Joseph Orly
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Rupert W Overall
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Gerd Kempermann
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kristen M S O'Connell
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Catherine C Kaczorowski
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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