Expression of neuronal and signaling proteins in penumbra around a photothrombotic infarction core in rat cerebral cortex

A systematic review and in silico analysis of studies investigating the ischaemic penumbra proteome in animal models of experimental stroke

Ischaemic stroke results in the formation of a cerebral infarction bordered by an ischaemic penumbra. Characterising the proteins within the ischaemic penumbra may identify neuro-protective targets and novel circulating markers to improve patient care. This review assessed data from studies using proteomic platforms to compare ischaemic penumbra tissues to controls following experimental stroke in animal models. Proteins reported to differ significantly between penumbra and control tissues were analysed in silico to identify protein-protein interactions and over-represented pathways. Sixteen studies using rat (n = 12), mouse (n = 2) or primate (n = 2) models were included. Heterogeneity in the design of the studies and definition of the penumbra were observed. Analyses showed high abundance of p53 in the penumbra within 24 hours of permanent ischaemic stroke and was implicated in driving apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and ATM- MAPK- and p53- signalling. Between 1 and 7 days after stroke there were changes in the abundance of proteins involved in the complement and coagulation pathways. Favourable recovery 1 month after stroke was associated with an increase in the abundance of proteins involved in wound healing. Poor recovery was associated with increases in prostaglandin signalling. Findings suggest that p53 may be a target for novel therapeutics for ischaemic stroke.

Targeting neuronal mitophagy in ischemic stroke: an update

Cerebral ischemia is a neurological disorder associated with complex pathological mechanisms, including autophagic degradation of neuronal mitochondria, or termed mitophagy, following ischemic events. Despite being well-documented, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of neuronal mitophagy remain unknown. So far, the evidence suggests neuronal autophagy and mitophagy are separately regulated in ischemic neurons, the latter being more likely activated by reperfusional injury. Specifically, given the polarized morphology of neurons, mitophagy is regulated by different neuronal compartments, with axonal mitochondria being degraded by autophagy in the cell body following ischemia-reperfusion insult. A variety of molecules have been associated with neuronal adaptation to ischemia, including PTEN-induced kinase 1, Parkin, BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3), Bnip3-like (Bnip3l) and FUN14 domain-containing 1. Moreover, it is still controversial whether mitophagy protects against or instead aggravates ischemic brain injury. Here, we review recent studies on this topic and provide an updated overview of the role and regulation of mitophagy during ischemic events.

Hypoxic postconditioning promotes mitophagy against transient global cerebral ischemia via PINK1/Parkin-induced mitochondrial ubiquitination in adult rats

Mitophagy alleviates neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia by selectively removing dysfunctional mitochondria. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy is the most well-known type of mitophagy. However, little is known about the role of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in ischemic tolerance induced by hypoxic postconditioning (HPC) with 8% O2 against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). Hence, we aimed to test the hypothesis that HPC-mediated PINK1/Parkin-induced mitochondrial ubiquitination and promotes mitophagy, thus exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampal CA1 subregion against tGCI. We found that mitochondrial clearance was disturbed at the late phase of reperfusion after tGCI, which was reversed by HPC, as evidenced by the reduction of the translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 homologs (TOMM20), translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 23 (TIMM23) and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) in CA1 after HPC. In addition, HPC further increased the ratio of LC3II/I in mitochondrial fraction and promoted the formation of mitophagosomes in CA1 neurons after tGCI. The administration of lysosome inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) intraperitoneally or mitophagy inhibitor (Mdivi-1) intracerebroventricularly abrogated HPC-induced mitochondrial turnover and neuroprotection in CA1 after tGCI. We also found that HPC activated PINK1/Parkin pathway after tGCI, as shown by the augment of mitochondrial PINK1 and Parkin and the promotion of mitochondrial ubiquitination in CA1. In addition, PINK1 or Parkin knockdown with small-interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed the activation of PINK1/Parkin pathway and hampered mitochondrial clearance and attenuated neuroprotection induced by HPC, whereas PINK1 overexpression promoted PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and ameliorated neuronal damage in CA1 after tGCI. Taken together, the new finding in this study is that HPC-induced neuroprotection against tGCI through promoting mitophagy mediated by PINK1/Parkin-dependent pathway.

NmFGF1-Regulated Glucolipid Metabolism and Angiogenesis Improves Functional Recovery in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Stroke and Acts via the AMPK Signaling Pathway

Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, exacerbates neurological deficits, and increases mortality. Non-mitogenic fibroblast growth factor 1 (nmFGF1) is a powerful neuroprotective factor that is also regarded as a metabolic regulator. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nmFGF1 on the improvement of functional recovery in a mouse model of type 2 diabetic (T2D) stroke. We established a mouse model of T2D stroke by photothrombosis in mice that were fed a high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin (STZ). We found that nmFGF1 reduced the size of the infarct and attenuated neurobehavioral deficits in our mouse model of T2D stroke. Angiogenesis plays an important role in neuronal survival and functional recovery post-stroke. NmFGF1 promoted angiogenesis in the mouse model of T2D stroke. Furthermore, nmFGF1 reversed the reduction of tube formation and migration in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) cultured in high glucose conditions and treated with oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD). Amp-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a critical role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Interestingly, we found that nmFGF1 increased the protein expression of phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) both in vivo and in vitro. We found that nmFGF1 promoted tube formation and migration and that this effect was further enhanced by an AMPK agonist (A-769662). In contrast, these processes were inhibited by the application of an AMPK inhibitor (compound C) or siRNA targeting AMPK. Furthermore, nmFGF1 ameliorated neuronal loss in diabetic stroke mice via AMPK-mediated angiogenesis. In addition, nmFGF1 ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in our mouse model of T2D stroke without causing significant changes in body weight. These results revealed that nmFGF1-regulated glucolipid metabolism and angiogenesis play a key role in the improvement of functional recovery in a mouse model of T2D stroke and that these effects are mediated by the AMPK signaling pathway.

LIM kinase inhibitor T56-LIMKi protects mouse brain from photothrombotic stroke

Primary Objective: In an ischemic stroke, the damage spreads from the infarction core to surrounding tissues. The present work was aimed at the search of effective neuroprotectors that restrict injury propagation. Research Design: We studied possible protective effects of inhibitors of protein kinases LIMK2 (T56-LIMKi), DYRK1A (harmine), and tryptophan hydroxylase (4-chlorophenylalanine) on infarction size and morphology of peri-infarct area after photothrombotic stroke (a model of ischemic stroke) in mouse brain. Methods and Procedures: Photothrombotic stroke was induced by laser irradiation of mouse cortex after administration of photosensitizer Bengal Rose, which does not penetrate cells and remains in blood vessels. Under light exposure, it induces vessel occlusion. Infarct volume and histological changes in the cerebral cortex were evaluated 3, 7 and 14 days after photothrombotic impact. Main Outcomes and Results: Harmine and 4-chlorophenylalanine did not influence infarct volume and morphology of peri-infarct area in the mouse brain cortex after photothrombotic stroke. However, LIMK2 inhibitor T56-LIMKi significantly reduced infarct volume 7 and 14 days after photothrombotic stroke. It also increased the percent of normochromic neurons and decreased the fraction of altered cortical cells (hypochromic, hyperchromic and pyknotic neurons). Conclusions: T56-LIMK2i may be considered as a promising anti-stroke agent.

Exogenous recombinant Hsp70 mediates neuroprotection after photothrombotic stroke

Ischaemic stroke is an acute interruption of the blood supply to the brain, which leads to rapid irreversible damage to nerve tissue. Ischaemic stroke is accompanied by the development of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration observed around the affected brain area. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) facilitates cell survival under a variety of different stress conditions. Hsp70 may be secreted from cells and exhibits cytoprotective activity. This activity most likely occurs by decreasing the levels of several proinflammatory cytokines through interaction with a few receptors specific to the innate immune system. Herein, we demonstrated that intranasal administration of recombinant human Hsp70 shows a significant twofold decrease in the volume of local ischaemia induced by photothrombosis in the mouse prefrontal brain cortex. Our results revealed that intranasal injections of recombinant Hsp70 decreased the apoptosis level in the ischaemic penumbra, stimulated axonogenesis and increased the number of neurons producing synaptophysin. Similarly, in the isolated crayfish stretch receptor, consisting of a single sensory neuron surrounded by the glial envelope, exogenous Hsp70 significantly decreased photoinduced apoptosis and necrosis of glial cells. The obtained data enable one to consider human recombinant Hsp70 as a promising compound that could be translated from the bench into clinical therapies.

Apoptosis regulation in the penumbra after ischemic stroke: expression of pro- and antiapoptotic proteins

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of human disability and mortality in the world. The main problem in stroke therapy is the search of efficient neuroprotector capable to rescue neurons in the potentially salvageable transition zone (penumbra), which is expanding after brain damage. The data on molecular mechanisms of penumbra formation and expression of diverse signaling proteins in the penumbra during first 24 h after ischemic stroke are discussed. Two basic features of cell death regulation in the ischemic penumbra were observed: (1) both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins are simultaneously over-expressed in the penumbra, so that the fate of individual cells is determined by the balance between these opposite tendencies. (2) Similtaneous and concerted up-regulation in the ischemic penumbra of proteins that execute apoptosis (caspases 3, 6, 7; Bcl-10, SMAC/DIABLO, AIF, PSR), signaling proteins that regulate different apoptosis pathways (p38, JNK, DYRK1A, neurotrophin receptor p75); transcription factors that control expression of various apoptosis regulation proteins (E2F1, p53, c-Myc, GADD153); and proteins, which are normally involved in diverse cellular functions, but stimulate apoptosis in specific situations (NMDAR2a, Par4, GAD65/67, caspase 11). Hence, diverse apoptosis initiation and regulation pathways are induced simultaneously in penumbra from very different initial positions. Similarly, various anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-x, p21/WAF-1, MDM2, p63, PKBα, ERK1, RAF1, ERK5, MAKAPK2, protein phosphatases 1α and MKP-1, estrogen and EGF receptors, calmodulin, CaMKII, CaMKIV) are upregulated. These data provide an integral view of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in penumbra. Some discussed proteins may serve as potential targets for anti-stroke therapy.

The Expression and Localization of Histone Acetyltransferases HAT1 and PCAF in Neurons and Astrocytes of the Photothrombotic Stroke-Induced Penumbra in the Rat Brain Cortex

Stroke is one of the leading reasons of human death. Ischemic penumbra that surrounds the stroke-induced infarction core is potentially salvageable, but molecular mechanisms of its formation are poorly known. Histone acetylation induces chromatin decondensation and stimulates gene expression. We studied the changes in the levels and localization of histone acetyltransferases HAT1 and PCAF in penumbra after photothrombotic stroke (PTS, a stroke model). In PTS, laser irradiation induces local occlusion of cerebral vessels after photosensitization by Rose Bengal. HAT1 and PCAF are poorly expressed in normal cortical neurons and astrocytes, but they are overexpressed 4-24 h after PTS. Their predominant localization in neuronal nuclei did not change after PTS, but their levels in the astrocyte nuclei significantly increased. Western blotting showed the increase of HAT1 and PCAF levels in the cytoplasmic fraction of the PTS-induced penumbra. In the nuclear fraction, PCAF level did not change, and HAT1 was overexpressed only at 24 h post-PTS. PTS-induced upregulation of HAT1 and PCAF in the penumbra was mainly associated with overexpression in the cytoplasm of neurons and especially astrocytes. HAT1 and PCAF did not co-localize with TUNEL-positive cells that indicated their nonparticipation in PTS-induced apoptosis.

Danhong injection facilitates recovery of post-stroke motion deficit via Parkin-enhanced mitochondrial function

BACKGROUND

A cerebral ischemic stroke involves mitochondrial dysfunction, motor deficits, and paralysis; and Danhong injection (DHI) might possess mitochondrial protection and functional recovery in a stroke subject through promoting expression of parkin, a ubiquitin ligase playing a key role in the regulation of proteins and mitochondria quality control.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of DHI on the histological, cellular, and functional recovery of Wistar rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R).

METHODS

One hundred and twenty healthy male Wistar rats (250-300 g), were randomly assigned to six groups (twenty rats/group). Rats were subjected to 1 h MCAO/R and subsequently administered the intravenous doses of DHI (0.75, 1.5, and 3 mL/kg) to the respective groups (twice a day for 14 days). Unlike the other groups, the sham group received surgery without vessel occlusion. All the animals were tested for gait behavior using the CatWalk system. The body weight/survival rates were recorded daily for 14 days. The parkin protein expression of the brain tissue was quantified by immunohistochemistry analysis. Additionally, cultured cortical neurons were incubation with DHI or minocycline (MC) and then deprived of oxygen and glucose for 2 h (to resemble ischemic/reperfusion), followed by 4 h reoxygenation. Cellular and mitochondrial phenotypes were assayed by high content analysis.

RESULTS

Neurological integrity and paw parameters of the animals were altered in the model group but significantly ameliorated by DHI administration. Also, the infarct volume and survival rate were significantly improved in DHI groups. DHI enhanced the expression of parkin protein in the brain and improved the relative mitochondrial reductase activity of the cultured neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall result shows that daily intervention with DHI provides neuroprotection and survival to improve gait motion in Wistar rats.

Expression of Histone Deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2 and Their Role in Apoptosis in the Penumbra Induced by Photothrombotic Stroke

In ischemic stroke, vascular occlusion rapidly induces tissue infarct. Over the ensuing hours, damage spreads to adjacent tissue and forms transition zone (penumbra), which is potentially salvageable. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure controls gene expression and protein synthesis. We studied the expression of histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2 in the penumbra at 4 or 24 h after photothrombotic stroke (PTS) in the rat brain cortex. PTS increased the expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in penumbra and caused the redistribution of HDAC1 but not HDAC2 from the neuronal nuclei to cytoplasm. In astrocytes, HDAC1 expression and localization did not change. In neurons, HDAC2 localized exclusively in nuclei, but in astrocytes, it was also observed in processes. PTS induced neuronal apoptosis in the penumbra. TUNEL-stained apoptotic neurons co-localized with HDAC2 but not HDAC1. These data suggest that HDAC2 may represent the potential target for anti-stroke therapy and its selective inhibition may be a promising strategy for the protection of the penumbra tissue after ischemic stroke.

Autophagic regulation of platelet biology

Platelets, developed from megakaryocytes, are characterized by anucleate and short-life span hemocyte in mammal vessel. Platelets are very important in the cardiovascular system. Studies indicate the occurrence of autophagy platelets and megakaryocytes. Moreover, abnormal autophagy decreases the number of platelets and suppresses platelet aggregation. In addition, mitophagy, as a kind of selective autophagy, could inhibit platelet aggregation under oxidative stress or hypoxic, whereas promote platelet aggregation after reperfusion. Finally, autophagy regulates hemorrhagic and thrombosis diseases by influencing the number and function of platelets. In this paper, the role of autophagy in platelets and megakaryocytes, as well as coupled with the promotive or inhibitory role of hemorrhagic and thrombosis diseases are elucidated. Therefore, autophagy may be a potentially therapeutic target in modulating the platelet-related diseases.

Epigenetic Alterations Induced by Photothrombotic Stroke in the Rat Cerebral Cortex: Deacetylation of Histone h3, Upregulation of Histone Deacetylases and Histone Acetyltransferases

Ischemic penumbra that surrounds a stroke-induced infarction core is potentially salvageable; however, mechanisms of its formation are not well known. Covalent modifications of histones control chromatin conformation, gene expression and protein synthesis. To study epigenetic processes in ischemic penumbra, we used photothrombotic stroke (PTS), a stroke model in which laser irradiation of the rat brain cortex photosensitized by Rose Bengal induces local vessel occlusion. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy showed decrease in acetylation of lysine 9 in histone H3 in penumbra at 1, 4 or 24 h after PTS. This was associated with upregulation of histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2, but not HDAC4, which did not localize in the nuclei. HDAC2 was found in cell nuclei, HDAC4 in the cytoplasm and HDAC1 both in nuclei and cytoplasm. Histone acetyltransferases HAT1 and PCAF (p300/CBP associated factor) that acetylated histone H3 synthesis were also upregulated, but lesser and later. PTS increased localization of HDAC2 and HAT1 in astroglia. Thus, the cell fate in PTS-induced penumbra is determined by the balance between opposite tendencies leading either to histone acetylation and stimulation of gene expression, or to deacetylation and suppression of transcriptional processes and protein biosynthesis. These epigenetic proteins may be the potential targets for anti-stroke therapy.

Targeting MAPK phosphorylation of Connexin43 provides neuroprotection in stroke

This study demonstrates that astrocytic connexin43 gap junction hemichannels are largely controlled by four C-terminal tail–located serine residues and provides mechanistic insight on how phosphorylation of these residues affects recovery from stroke.

Connexin43 (Cx43) function is influenced by kinases that phosphorylate specific serine sites located near its C-terminus. Stroke is a powerful inducer of kinase activity, but its effect on Cx43 is unknown. We investigated the impact of wild-type (WT) and knock-in Cx43 with serine to alanine mutations at the protein kinase C (PKC) site Cx43^S368A, the casein kinase 1 (CK1) sites Cx43^{S325A/328Y/330A}, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sites Cx43^{S255/262/279/282A} (MK4) on a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) stroke model. We demonstrate that MK4 transgenic animals exhibit a significant decrease in infarct volume that was associated with improvement in behavioral performance. An increase in astrocyte reactivity with a concomitant decrease in microglial reactivity was observed in MK4 mice. In contrast to WT, MK4 astrocytes displayed reduced Cx43 hemichannel activity. Pharmacological blockade of Cx43 hemichannels with TAT-Gap19 also significantly decreased infarct volume in WT animals. This study provides novel molecular insights and charts new avenues for therapeutic intervention associated with Cx43 function.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) Imaging of Cerebral Ischemia: Combined Analysis of Rat Brain Thin Cuts Toward Improved Tissue Classification

Microspectroscopic techniques are widely used to complement histological studies. Due to recent developments in the field of chemical imaging, combined chemical analysis has become attractive. This technique facilitates a deepened analysis compared to single techniques or side-by-side analysis. In this study, rat brains harvested one week after induction of photothrombotic stroke were investigated. Adjacent thin cuts from rats' brains were imaged using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The LA-ICP-MS data were normalized using an internal standard (a thin gold layer). The acquired hyperspectral data cubes were fused and subjected to multivariate analysis. Brain regions affected by stroke as well as unaffected gray and white matter were identified and classified using a model based on either partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) or random decision forest (RDF) algorithms. The RDF algorithm demonstrated the best results for classification. Improved classification was observed in the case of fused data in comparison to individual data sets (either FT-IR or LA-ICP-MS). Variable importance analysis demonstrated that both molecular and elemental content contribute to the improved RDF classification. Univariate spectral analysis identified biochemical properties of the assigned tissue types. Classification of multisensor hyperspectral data sets using an RDF algorithm allows access to a novel and in-depth understanding of biochemical processes and solid chemical allocation of different brain regions.

Glycine Protects H9C2 Cardiomyocytes from High Glucose- and Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury via Inhibiting PKCβ2 Activation and Improving Mitochondrial Quality

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes are more vulnerable to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), which is involved in PKCβ2 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Glycine has been documented as a cytoprotective agent to attenuate diabetes-related abnormalities and reduce myocardial IRI, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We determined whether glycine could attenuate high glucose- (HG-) and hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) induced injury by inhibiting PKCβ2 activation and improving mitochondrial quality in cultured H9C2 cells.

METHODS

H9C2 cells were either exposed to low glucose (LG) or HG conditions with or without treatment of glycine or CGP53353 (a selective inhibitor of PKCβ2) for 48 h, then subjected to 4 h of hypoxia followed by 2 h of reoxygenation (H/R). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were detected using corresponding commercial kits. Mitochondrial quality control-related proteins (LC-3II, Mfn-2, and Cyt-C) and PKCβ2 activation were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

HG stimulation significantly decreased cell viability and SOD activity and increased LDH release, MDA production, and PKCβ2 activation as compared to LG group, all of which changes were further increased by H/R insult. Glycine or CGP53353 treatment significantly reduced the increase of LDH release, MDA production, PKCβ2 activation, and Cyt-C expression and the decrease of cell viability, SOD activity, MMP, Mfn-2 expression, and LC-3II/LC-3I ratio induced by HG and H/R stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementary glycine protects H9C2 cells from HG- and H/R-induced cellular injury by suppressing PKCβ2 activation and improving mitochondria quality.

Photobiomodulation therapy promotes neurogenesis by improving post-stroke local microenvironment and stimulating neuroprogenitor cells

Recent work has indicated that photobiomodulation (PBM) may beneficially alter the pathological status of several neurological disorders, although the mechanism currently remains unclear. The current study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of PBM on behavioral deficits and neurogenesis in a photothrombotic (PT) model of ischemic stroke in rats. From day 1 to day 7 after the establishment of PT model, 2-minute daily PBM (CW, 808nm, 350mW/cm², total 294J at scalp level) was applied on the infarct injury area (1.8mm anterior to the bregma and 2.5mm lateral from the midline). Rats received intraperitoneal injections of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) twice daily (50mg/kg) from day 2 to 8 post-stoke, and samples were collected at day 14. We demonstrated that PBM significantly attenuated behavioral deficits and infarct volume induced by PT stroke. Further investigation displayed that PBM remarkably enhanced neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, as evidenced by immunostaining of BrdU, Ki67, DCX, MAP2, spinophilin, and synaptophysin. Mechanistic studies suggested beneficial effects of PBM were accompanied by robust suppression of reactive gliosis and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the contrary, the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, cytochrome c oxidase activity and ATP production in peri-infarct regions were elevated following PBM treatment. Intriguingly, PBM could effectively switch an M1 microglial phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Our novel findings indicated that PBM is capable of promoting neurogenesis after ischemic stroke. The underlying mechanisms may rely on: 1) promotion of proliferation and differentiation of internal neuroprogenitor cells in the peri-infarct zone; 2) improvement of the neuronal microenvironment by altering inflammatory status and promoting mitochondrial function. These findings provide strong support for the promising therapeutic effect of PBM on neuronal repair following ischemic stroke.

Mechanisms of Parkinson's disease-related proteins in mediating secondary brain damage after cerebral ischemia

Both Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke are debilitating conditions that result in neuronal death and loss of neurological functions. These two conditions predominantly affect aging populations with the deterioration of the quality of life for the patients themselves and a tremendous burden to families. While the neurodegeneration and symptomology of PD develop chronically over the years, post-stroke neuronal death and dysfunction develop rapidly in days. Despite the discrepancy in the pathophysiological time frame and severity, both conditions share common molecular mechanisms that include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of various cell death pathways (apoptosis/necrosis/autophagy) that synergistically modulate the neuronal death. Emerging evidence indicates that several proteins associated with early-onset familial PD play critical roles in mediating the neuronal death. Importantly, mutations in the genes encoding Parkin, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 and DJ-1 mediate autosomal recessive forms of PD, whereas mutations in the genes encoding leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 and α-synuclein are responsible for autosomal dominant PD. This review discusses the significance of these proteins with the emphasis on the role of α-synuclein in mediating post-ischemic brain damage.

Profiling of Signaling Proteins in Penumbra After Focal Photothrombotic Infarct in the Rat Brain Cortex

In ischemic stroke, cell damage propagates from infarct core to surrounding tissue. To reveal proteins involved in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection, we explored the protein profile in penumbra surrounding the photothrombotic infarct core induced in rat cerebral cortex by local laser irradiation after Bengal Rose administration. Using antibody microarrays, we studied changes in expression of 224 signaling proteins 1, 4, or 24 h after photothrombotic infarct compared with untreated contralateral cortex. Changes in protein expression were greatest at 4 h after photothrombotic impact. These included over-expression of proteins initiating, regulating, or executing various apoptosis stages (caspases, SMAC/DIABLO, Bcl-10, phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR), prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par4), E2F1, p75, p38, JNK, p53, growth arrest and DNA damage inducible protein 153 (GADD153), glutamate decarboxylases (GAD65/67), NMDAR2a, c-myc) and antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-x, p63, MDM2, p21WAF-1, ERK1/2, ERK5, MAP kinase-activated protein kinase-2 (MAKAPK2), PKCα, PKCβ, PKCμ, RAF1, protein phosphatases 1α and MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8), estrogen and EGF receptors, calmodulin, CaMKIIα, CaMKIV, amyloid precursor protein (APP), nicastrin). Phospholipase Cγ1, S-100, and S-100β were down-regulated. Bidirectional changes in levels of adhesion and cytoskeleton proteins were related to destruction and/or remodeling of penumbra. Following proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton were over-expressed: cofilin, actopaxin, p120CTN, α-catenin, p35, myosin Va, and pFAK were up-regulated, whereas ezrin, tropomyosin, spectrin (α + β), β_IV-tubulin and polyglutamated β-tubulin, and cytokeratins 7 and 19 were down-regulated. Down-regulation of syntaxin, AP2β/γ, and adaptin β1/2 indicated impairment of vesicular transport and synaptic processes. Down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6), cell division cycle 7-related protein kinase (Cdc7 kinase), telomeric repeat-binding factor 1 (Trf1), and topoisomerase-1 showed proliferation suppression. Cytoprotection proteins AOP-1 and chaperons Hsp70 and Hsp90 were down-regulated. These data provide the integral view on penumbra response to photothrombotic infarct. Some of these proteins may be potential targets for antistroke therapy.

Methylene Blue promotes cortical neurogenesis and ameliorates behavioral deficit after photothrombotic stroke in rats

Ischemic stroke in rodents stimulates neurogenesis in the adult brain and the proliferation of newborn neurons that migrate into the penumbra zone. The present study investigated the effect of Methylene Blue (MB) on neurogenesis and functional recovery in a photothrombotic (PT) model of ischemic stroke in rats. PT stroke model was induced by photo-activation of Rose Bengal dye in cerebral blood flow by cold fiber light. Rats received intraperitoneal injection of either MB (0.5mg/kg/day) from day 1 to day 5 after stroke or an equal volume of saline solution as a control. Cell proliferative marker 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected twice daily (50mg/kg) from day 2 to day 8 and animals were sacrificed on day 12 after PT induction. We report that MB significantly enhanced cell proliferation and neurogenesis, as evidenced by the increased co-localizations of BrdU/NeuN, BrdU/DCX, BrdU/MAP2 and BrdU/Ki67 in the peri-infarct zone compared with vehicle controls. MB thus effectively limited infarct volume and improved neurological deficits compared to PT control animals. The effects of MB were accompanied with an attenuated level of reactive gliosis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as elevated levels of cytochrome c oxidase activity and ATP production in peri-infarct regions. Our study provides important information that MB has the ability to promote neurogenesis and enhance the newborn-neurons' survival in ischemic brain repair by inhibiting microenvironmental inflammation and increasing mitochondrial function.

Protein Profile and Morphological Alterations in Penumbra after Focal Photothrombotic Infarction in the Rat Cerebral Cortex

After ischemic stroke, cell damage propagates from infarct core to surrounding tissues (penumbra). To reveal proteins involved in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in penumbra, we studied protein expression changes in 2-mm ring around the core of photothrombotic infarct induced in the rat brain cortex by local laser irradiation after administration of Bengal Rose. The ultrastructural study showed edema and degeneration of neurons, glia, and capillaries. Morphological changes gradually decreased across the penumbra. Using the antibody microarrays, we studied changes in expression of >200 neuronal proteins in penumbra 4 or 24 h after focal photothrombotic infarct. Diverse cellular subsystems were involved in the penumbra tissue response: signal transduction pathways such as protein kinase Bα/GSK-3, protein kinase C and its β1 and β2 isoforms, Wnt/β-catenin (axin1, GSK-3, FRAT1), Notch/NUMB, DYRK1A, TDP43; mitochondria quality control (Pink1, parkin, HtrA2); ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis (ubiquilin-1, UCHL1); axon outgrowth and guidance (NAV-3, CRMP2, PKCβ2); vesicular trafficking (syntaxin-8, TMP21, Munc-18-3, synip, ALS2, VILIP1, syntaxin, synaptophysin, synaptotagmin); biosynthesis of neuromediators (tryptophan hydroxylase, monoamine oxidase B, glutamate decarboxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, DOPA decarboxylase, dopamine transporter); intercellular interactions (N-cadherin, PMP22); cytoskeleton (neurofilament 68, neurofilament-M, doublecortin); and other proteins (LRP1, prion protein, β-amyloid). These proteins are involved in neurodegeneration or neuroprotection. Such changes were most expressed 4 h after photothrombotic impact. Immunohistochemical and Western blot studies of expression of monoamine oxidase B, UCHL1, DYRK1A, and Munc-18-3 confirmed the proteomic data. These data provide the integral view on the penumbra response to photothrombotic infarct. Some of these proteins can be potential targets for ischemic stroke therapy.