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Karachaliou CE, Livaniou E. Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues: Research Findings and Perspectives. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1534. [PMID: 38132360 PMCID: PMC10740898 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Humanin is a 24-mer peptide first reported in the early 2000s as a new neuroprotective/cytoprotective factor rescuing neuronal cells from death induced by various Alzheimer's disease-associated insults. Nowadays it is known that humanin belongs to the novel class of the so-called mitochondrial-derived peptides (which are encoded by mitochondrial DNA) and has been shown to exert beneficial cytoprotective effects in a series of in vitro and/or in vivo experimental models of human diseases, including not only neurodegenerative disorders but other human diseases as well (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes mellitus). This review article is focused on the presentation of recent in vitro and in vivo research results associated with the neuroprotective action of humanin as well as of various, mainly synthetic, analogues of the peptide; moreover, the main mode(s)/mechanism(s) through which humanin and humanin analogues may exert in vitro and in vivo regarding neuroprotection have been reported. The prospects of humanin and humanin analogues to be further investigated in the frame of future research endeavors against neurodegenerative/neural diseases have also been briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelia Livaniou
- Immunopeptide Chemistry Lab., Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, P.O. Box 60037, 153 10 Agia Paraskevi, Greece;
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Zhao Q, Cai MM, Li D, Zhao BY, Zhou SS, Wu ZR, Shi YJ, Su L. S14G-humanin confers cardioprotective effects against chronic adrenergic and pressure overload-induced heart failure in mice. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21892. [PMID: 38045183 PMCID: PMC10692773 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
S14G-humanin (HNG), an analog of the mitochondria-derived peptide humanin, has demonstrated protective effects against various cardiovascular diseases. However, the specific pharmacological effects of HNG in heart failure (HF) have not been previously reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of HNG in HF using a mouse model. HF was induced in mice through intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol or transverse aortic constriction, followed by separate administration of HNG to assess its therapeutic impact. Our results revealed that HNG treatment significantly delayed the onset of cardiac dysfunction and structural remodeling in the HF mouse model. Furthermore, HNG administration was associated with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, improved myocardial fibrosis, and attenuation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the treated cardiac tissues. Additionally, we identified the involvement of the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway in the beneficial effects of HNG in isoproterenol-induced HF mice. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of HNG in preventing the progression of HF, as demonstrated in two distinct HF mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ming-Ming Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Bin-Yi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Shuang-Shan Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhen-Ru Wu
- Laboratory of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yu-Jun Shi
- Laboratory of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
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Abozaid ER, Abdel-Kareem RH, Habib MA. A novel beneficial role of humanin on intestinal apoptosis and dysmotility in a rat model of ischemia reperfusion injury. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:655-666. [PMID: 37020079 PMCID: PMC10105677 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02804-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
A prevalent clinical problem including sepsis, shock, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mesenteric thrombosis is intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Humanin (HN), a recently identified mitochondrial polypeptide, exhibits antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties. This work aimed to study the role of HN in a model of experimental intestinal I/R injury and its effect on associated dysmotility. A total of 36 male adult albino rats were allocated into 3 equal groups. Sham group: merely a laparotomy was done. I/R group: for 1 h, clamping of the superior mesenteric artery was done, and then reperfusion was allowed for 2 h later. HN-I/R group: rats underwent ischemia and reperfusion, and 30 min before the reperfusion, they received an intraperitoneal injection of 252 μg/kg of HN. Small intestinal motility was evaluated, and jejunal samples were got for biochemical and histological analysis. I/R group showed elevation of intestinal NO, MDA, TNF- α, and IL-6 and decline of GPx and SOD levels. Furthermore, histologically, there were destructed jejunal villi especially their tips and increased tissue expression of caspase-3 and i-NOS, in addition to reduced small intestinal motility. Compared to I/R group, HN-I/R group exhibited decrease intestinal levels of NO, MDA, TNF- α, and IL-6 and increase GPx and SOD. Moreover, there was noticeable improvement of the histopathologic features and decreased caspase-3 and iNOS immunoreactivity, beside enhanced small intestinal motility. HN alleviates inflammation, apoptosis, and intestinal dysmotility encouraged by I/R. Additionally, I/R-induced apoptosis and motility alterations depend partly on the production of nitric oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman R Abozaid
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Alsharquiah, 44519, Egypt
| | - Reham H Abdel-Kareem
- Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Alsharquiah, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Marwa A Habib
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Alsharquiah, 44519, Egypt
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Perlikowska R. Whether short peptides are good candidates for future neuroprotective therapeutics? Peptides 2021; 140:170528. [PMID: 33716091 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a broad group of largely debilitating, and ultimately terminal conditions resulting in progressive degeneration of different brain regions. The observed damages are associated with cell death, structural and functional deficits of neurons, or demyelination. The concept of neuroprotection concerns the administration of the agent, which should reverse some of the damage or prevent further adverse changes. A growing body of evidence suggested that among many classes of compounds considered as neuroprotective agents, peptides derived from natural materials or their synthetic analogs are good candidates. They presented a broad spectrum of activities and abilities to act through diverse mechanisms of action. Biologically active peptides have many properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Peptides with pro-survival and neuroprotective activities, associated with inhibition of oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and are able to improve cell viability or mitochondrial functions, are also promising molecules of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industries. Peptide multiple activities open the way for broad application potential as therapeutic agents or ingredients of health-promoting functional foods. Significantly, synthetic peptides can be remodeled in numerous ways to have desired features, such as increased solubility or biological stability, as well as selectivity towards a specific receptor, and finally better membrane penetration. This review summarized the most common features of major neurodegenerative disorders, their causes, consequences, and reported new neuroprotective drug development approaches. The author focused on the unique perspectives in neuroprotection and provided a concise survey of short peptides proposed as novel therapeutic agents against various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
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Sreekumar PG, Kannan R. Mechanisms of protection of retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidant injury by humanin and other mitochondrial-derived peptides: Implications for age-related macular degeneration. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101663. [PMID: 32768357 PMCID: PMC7767738 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are a new class of small open reading frame encoded polypeptides with pleiotropic properties. The prominent members are Humanin (HN) and small HN-like peptide (SHLP) 2, which encode 16S rRNA, while mitochondrial open reading frame of the twelve S c (MOTS-c) encodes 12S rRNA of the mitochondrial genome. While the multifunctional properties of HN and its analog 14-HNG have been well documented, their protective role in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/retina has been investigated only recently. In this review, we have summarized the multiple effects of HN and its analogs, SHLP2 and MOTS-c in oxidatively stressed human RPE and the regulatory pathways of signaling, mitochondrial function, senescence, and inter-organelle crosstalk. Emphasis is given to the mitochondrial functions such as biogenesis, bioenergetics, and autophagy in RPE undergoing oxidative stress. Further, the potential use of HN and its analogs in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are also presented. In addition, the role of novel, long-acting HN elastin-like polypeptides in nanotherapy of AMD and other ocular diseases stemming from oxidative damage is discussed. It is expected MDPs will become a promising group of mitochondrial peptides with valuable therapeutic applications in the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G Sreekumar
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Stein Eye Institute, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Gurunathan S, Jeyaraj M, Kang MH, Kim JH. Mitochondrial Peptide Humanin Protects Silver Nanoparticles-Induced Neurotoxicity in Human Neuroblastoma Cancer Cells (SH-SY5Y). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184439. [PMID: 31505887 PMCID: PMC6770400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensive usage of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as medical products such as antimicrobial and anticancer agents has raised concerns about their harmful effects on human beings. AgNPs can potentially induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in cells. However, humanin (HN) is a small secreted peptide that has cytoprotective and neuroprotective cellular effects. The aim of this study was to assess the harmful effects of AgNPs on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and also to investigate the protective effect of HN from AgNPs-induced cell death, mitochondrial dysfunctions, DNA damage, and apoptosis. AgNPs were prepared with an average size of 18 nm diameter to study their interaction with SH-SY5Y cells. AgNPs caused a dose-dependent decrease of cell viability and proliferation, induced loss of plasma-membrane integrity, oxidative stress, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and loss of ATP content, amongst other effects. Pretreatment or co-treatment of HN with AgNPs protected cells from several of these AgNPs induced adverse effects. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time that HN protected neuroblastoma cells against AgNPs-induced neurotoxicity. The mechanisms of the HN-mediated protective effect on neuroblastoma cells may provide further insights for the development of novel therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangiliyandi Gurunathan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
| | - Muniyandi Jeyaraj
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.
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Zárate SC, Traetta ME, Codagnone MG, Seilicovich A, Reinés AG. Humanin, a Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Released by Astrocytes, Prevents Synapse Loss in Hippocampal Neurons. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:123. [PMID: 31214013 PMCID: PMC6555273 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglial cells are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. They undergo complex morpho-functional changes during aging and in response to hormonal milieu. Ovarian hormones positively affect different astroglia parameters, including regulation of cell morphology and release of neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors. Thus, ovarian hormone loss during menopause has profound impact in astroglial pathophysilogy and has been widely associated to the process of brain aging. Humanin (HN) is a secreted mitochondrial-encoded peptide with neuroprotective effects. It is localized in several tissues with high metabolic rate and its expression decreases with age. In the brain, humanin has been found in glial cells in physiological conditions. We previously reported that surgical menopause induces hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction that mimics an aging phenotype. However, the effect of ovarian hormone deprivation on humanin expression in this area has not been studied. Also, whether astrocytes express and release humanin and the regulation of such processes by ovarian hormones remain elusive. Although humanin has also proven to be beneficial in ameliorating cognitive impairment induced by different insults, its putative actions on structural synaptic plasticity have not been fully addressed. In a model of surgical menopause in rats, we studied hippocampal humanin expression and localization by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and double immunohistochemistry, respectively. Humanin production and release and ovarian hormone regulation of such processes were studied in cultured astrocytes by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Humanin effects on glutamate-induced structural synaptic alterations were determined in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons by immunocytochemistry. Humanin expression was lower in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats and its immunoreactivity colocalized with astroglial markers. Chronic ovariectomy also promoted the presence of less complex astrocytes in this area. Ovarian hormones increased humanin intracellular content and release by cultured astrocytes. Humanin prevented glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy and reduction in puncta number and total puncta area for pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin in cultured hippocampal neurons. In conclusion, astroglial functional and morphological alterations induced by chronic ovariectomy resemble an aging phenotype and could affect astroglial support to neuronal function by altering synaptic connectivity and functionality. Reduced astroglial-derived humanin may represent an underlying mechanism for synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cristina Zárate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Gabriel Codagnone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Seilicovich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Gabriela Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yang X, Zhang H, Wu J, Yin L, Yan LJ, Zhang C. Humanin Attenuates NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity by Inhibiting ROS-dependent JNK/p38 MAPK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102982. [PMID: 30274308 PMCID: PMC6213259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanin (HN) is a novel 24-amino acid peptide that protects neurons against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced toxicity. However, the contribution of the different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signals to HN neuroprotection against NMDA neurotoxicity remains unclear. The present study was therefore aimed to investigate neuroprotective mechanisms of HN. We analyzed intracellular Ca2+ levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the MAPKs signal transduction cascade using an in vitro NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity of cortical neurons model. Results showed that: (1) HN attenuated NMDA-induced neuronal insults by increasing cell viability, decreasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and increasing cell survival; (2) HN reversed NMDA-induced increase in intracellular calcium; (3) pretreatment by HN or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM), an intracellular calcium chelator, decreased ROS generation after NMDA exposure; (4) administration of HN or N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, inhibited NMDA-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation. These results indicated that HN reduced intracellular elevation of Ca2+ levels, which, in turn, inhibited ROS generation and subsequent JNK and p38 MAPK activation that are involved in promoting cell survival in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. Therefore, the present study suggests that inhibition of ROS-dependent JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway serves an effective strategy for HN neuroprotection against certain neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Yang
- National Key Disciplines, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Jinzi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Litian Yin
- National Key Disciplines, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Liang-Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Ce Zhang
- National Key Disciplines, Key Laboratory for Cellular Physiology of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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Alam MP, Bilousova T, Spilman P, Vadivel K, Bai D, Elias CJ, Evseenko D, John V. A Small Molecule Mimetic of the Humanin Peptide as a Candidate for Modulating NMDA-Induced Neurotoxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:462-468. [PMID: 29161500 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Humanin (HN), a 24-amino acid bioactive peptide, has been shown to increase cell survival of neurons after exposure to Aβ and NMDA-induced toxicity and thus could be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The neuroprotection by HN is reported to be primarily through its agonist binding properties to the gp130 receptor. However, the peptidic nature of HN presents challenges in its development as a therapeutic for AD. We report here for the first time the elucidation of the binding site of Humanin (HN) peptide to the gp130 receptor extracellular domain through modeling and the synthesis of small molecule mimetics that interact with the HN binding site on the gp130 receptor and provide protection against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in primary hippocampal neurons. A brain permeable small molecule mimetic was identified through exploratory medicinal chemistry using microfluidic flow chemistry to facilitate the synthesis of new analogues for screening and SAR optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Parvez Alam
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Tina Bilousova
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Patricia Spilman
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Kanagasabai Vadivel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, DGSOM, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Dongsheng Bai
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Chris J. Elias
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Denis Evseenko
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Varghese John
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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Cui AL, Zhang YH, Li JZ, Song T, Liu XM, Wang H, Zhang C, Ma GL, Zhang H, Li K. Humanin rescues cultured rat cortical neurons from NMDA-induced toxicity through the alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:1243-1253. [PMID: 28458518 PMCID: PMC5402890 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s133042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity has been implicated in a variety of pathological situations such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease. However, no effective treatments for the same have been developed so far. Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino acid peptide originally cloned from the brain of patients with AD and it prevents stress-induced cell death in many cells/tissues. In our previous study, HN was found to effectively rescue rat cortical neurons. It is still not clear whether HN protects the neurons through the attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, excitatory toxicity was induced by NMDA, which binds the NMDA receptor in primarily cultured rat cortical neurons. We found that NMDA (100 μmol/L) dramatically induced the decrease of cell viability and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Pretreatment of the neurons with HN (1 μmol/L) led to significant increases of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and membrane potential. In addition, HN pretreatment significantly reduced the excessive production of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Thus, HN could attenuate the excitotoxicity caused by the overactivation of the NMDA receptor through the alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Cui
- Anatomy Department, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi
| | - Ying-Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration of Henan Province, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan
| | - Jian-Zhong Li
- Clinical Laboratory of Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi
| | - Tianbin Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing
| | - Xue-Min Liu
- Anatomy Department, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration of Henan Province, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan
| | - Ce Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi
| | - Guo-Lin Ma
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Kefeng Li
- School of Medicine, University of California - San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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Gong Z, Tas E, Muzumdar R. Humanin and age-related diseases: a new link? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:210. [PMID: 25538685 PMCID: PMC4255622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanin (HN) is 24-amino acid mitochondria-associated peptide. Since its initial discovery over a decade ago, a role for HN has been reported in many biological processes such as apoptosis, cell survival, substrate metabolism, inflammatory response, and response to stressors such as oxidative stress, ischemia, and starvation. HN and its potent analogs have been shown to have beneficial effects in many age-related diseases including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, diabetes, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, atherosclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and certain types of cancer both in vitro and in vivo. More recently, an association between HN levels, growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF axis), and life span was demonstrated using various mouse models with mutations in the GH/IGF axis. The goal of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the role of HN in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emir Tas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Radhika Muzumdar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- *Correspondence: Radhika Muzumdar, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children’s Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA e-mail:
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