1
|
Ayaz MO, Bhat AQ, Akhter Z, Badsera N, Hossain MM, Showket F, Parveen S, Dar MS, Tiwari H, Kumari N, Bhardwaj M, Hussain R, Sharma A, Kumar M, Singh U, Nargorta A, Kshatri AS, Nandi U, Monga SP, Ramajayan P, Singh PP, Dar MJ. Identification of a novel GSK3β inhibitor involved in abrogating KRas dependent pancreatic tumors in Wnt/beta-catenin and NF-kB dependent manner. Life Sci 2024; 351:122840. [PMID: 38876185 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122840] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a poor survival rate because it is difficult to diagnose the disease during its early stages. The currently available treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, offer only limited survival benefit. Pharmacological interventions to inhibit Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3beta (GSK3β) activity is an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer because GSK3β is one of the key factors involved in the onset, progression as well as in the acquisition of chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Here, we report the identification of MJ34 as a potent GSK3β inhibitor that significantly reduced growth and survival of human mutant KRas dependent pancreatic tumors. MJ34 mediated GSK3β inhibition was seen to induce apoptosis in a β-catenin dependent manner and downregulate NF-kB activity in MiaPaCa-2 cells thereby impeding cell survival and anti-apoptotic processes in these cells as well as in the xenograft model of pancreatic cancer. In vivo acute toxicity and in vitro cardiotoxicity studies indicate that MJ34 is well tolerated without any adverse effects. Taken together, we report the discovery of MJ34 as a potential drug candidate for the therapeutic treatment of mutant KRas-dependent human cancers through pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mir Owais Ayaz
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Aadil Qadir Bhat
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Zaheen Akhter
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Neetu Badsera
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Md Mehedi Hossain
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Farheen Showket
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Sabra Parveen
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Mohmmad Saleem Dar
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Harshita Tiwari
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Nedhi Kumari
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Mahir Bhardwaj
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Razak Hussain
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Division of Neuroscience and Aging Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CDRI, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Medicinal Product Chemistry, Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Umed Singh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Department f Chemistry, E331 Chemistry Building, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294, USA
| | - Amit Nargorta
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Aravind Singh Kshatri
- Division of Neuroscience and Aging Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute CDRI, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Satdarshan Pal Monga
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - P Ramajayan
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Parvinder Pal Singh
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Mohd Jamal Dar
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Song H, Yue A, Zhou X, Zhao W, Han W, Li Q. The Combination of Zhuli Decoction and N-butylphthalide Inhibits Cell Apoptosis Induced by CO Poisoning through the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04179-9. [PMID: 38822986 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by its morbidity and high mortality rates. The pathogenesis of COP-induced brain injury is complex, and effective treatment modalities are currently lacking. In this study, we employed network pharmacology to identify therapeutic targets and associated signaling pathways of Zhuli Decoction (ZLD) for COP. Subsequently, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate the therapeutic efficacy of ZLD in combination with N-butylphthalide (NBP) for acute COP-induced injury. Our network pharmacology analysis revealed that the primary components of ZLD exerted therapeutic effects through the modulation of multiple targets and pathways. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of NBP and ZLD effectively inhibited apoptosis and up-regulated the activities of P-PI3K (Tyr458), P-AKT (Ser473), P-GSK-3β (Ser9), and Bcl-2, thus leading to the protection of neuronal cells and improvement in cognitive function in rats following COP, which was better than the effects observed with NBP or ZLD alone. The rescue experiment further showed that LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, significantly attenuated the therapeutic efficacy of NBP + ZLD. The neuroprotection effects of NBP and ZLD against COP-induced brain injury are closely linked to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Song
- Emergency department, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine II, Rehabilitation University Qingdao Central Hospital (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Aochun Yue
- Emergency department, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xudong Zhou
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Wei Han
- Emergency department, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Li
- Emergency department, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma V, Chander Sharma P, Reang J, Yadav V, Kumar Tonk R, Majeed J, Sharma K. Impact of GSK-3β and CK-1δ on Wnt signaling pathway in alzheimer disease: A dual target approach. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107378. [PMID: 38643562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107378] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an enigmatic neurological illness that offers few treatment options. Recent exploration has highlighted the crucial connection of the Wnt signaling pathway in AD pathogenesis, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. The present study focuses on the dual targeting of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and casein kinase-1δ (CK-1δ) within the framework of the Wnt signaling pathway as a possible technique for AD intervention. GSK-3β and CK-1δ are multifunctional kinases known for their roles in tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloid processing, and synaptic dysfunction, all of which are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. They are intricately linked to Wnt signaling, which plays a pivotal part in sustaining neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway in AD contributes to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms by which GSK-3β and CK-1δ impact the Wnt signaling pathway, elucidating their roles in AD pathogenesis. We discuss the potential of small-molecule inhibitors along with their SAR studies along with the multi-targetd approach targeting GSK-3β and CK-1δ to modulate Wnt signaling and mitigate AD-related pathology. In summary, the dual targeting of GSK-3β and CK-1δ within the framework of the Wnt signaling pathway presents an innovative and promising avenue for future AD therapies, offering new hope for patients and caregivers in the quest to combat this challenging condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SPS, DPSRU, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | | | - Jurnal Reang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SPS, DPSRU, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Vivek Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SPS, DPSRU, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar Tonk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SPS, DPSRU, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Jaseela Majeed
- School of Allied Health Sciences and Management, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110017, India.
| | - Kalicharan Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SPS, DPSRU, New Delhi, 110017, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sadri I, Nikookheslat SD, Karimi P, Khani M, Nadimi S. Aerobic exercise training improves memory function through modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of type 2 diabetic rats. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2024; 23:849-858. [PMID: 38932906 PMCID: PMC11196465 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Aims/Introduction Defective insulin signaling in the brain may disrupt hippocampal neuroplasticity resulting in learning and memory impairments. Thus, this study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise training on cognitive function and synaptic protein markers in diabetic rats. Materials and methods Twenty male Wistar rats (200-250 g), were fed on high-fat diet and received a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p) to induce type 2 diabetes. Then diabetic animals were randomly divided into sedentary and training groups. The exercise training program was treadmill running at 27 m/min for 60 min/day for 8 weeks. One day after the last training session, Morris Water Maze (MWM) task was performed to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Then, the hippocamp and prefrontal cortex tissues were instantly dissected for immunoblotting assay of BDNF, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, P38, p-P38, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, heat shock protein-27 (HSP27), SNAP-25, synaptophysin, and PSD-95. Independent t-test analysis and two-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences under significance level of 0.05 using the 26th version of IBM SPSS statistical software. Results The results showed that aerobic exercise improved memory as assessed in the MWM task. Moreover, aerobic exercise up-regulated HSP27 and BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus coincided with robust elevations in SNAP25 and PSD-95 levels. Moreover, exercise reduced phosphorylated P38, while increased p-ERK1/2 and p-GSK-3β (p). Conclusion Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise may debilitate the harmful effects of diabetes on the cognitive function possibly through enhancing synaptic protein markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Sadri
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, 5381637181 Iran
| | - Saeid Dabbagh Nikookheslat
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, 29 Bahman Blvd, Tabriz, 5166616471 Iran
| | - Pouran Karimi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Khani
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, 29 Bahman Blvd, Tabriz, 5166616471 Iran
| | - Sanaz Nadimi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zafrilla-López M, Acosta-Díez M, Mitjans M, Giménez-Palomo A, Saiz PA, Barrot-Feixat C, Jiménez E, Papiol S, Ruiz V, Gavín P, García-Portilla MP, González-Blanco L, Bobes J, Schulze TG, Vieta E, Benabarre A, Arias B. Lithium response in bipolar disorder: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures and epigenetic aging. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 85:23-31. [PMID: 38669938 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Lithium (Li) is the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) even though only 30 % of BD patients are considered excellent responders. The mechanisms by which Li exerts its action are not clearly understood, but it has been suggested that specific epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylation processes, may play a role. In this regard, DNA methylation patterns can be used to estimate epigenetic age (EpiAge), which is accelerated in BD patients and reversed by Li treatment. Our first aim was to compare the DNA methylation profile in peripheral blood between BD patients categorized as excellent responders to Li (Ex-Rp) and non-responders (N-Rp). Secondly, EpiAge was estimated to detect differential age acceleration between the two groups. A total of 130 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 16 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between Ex-Rp (n = 26) and N-Rp (n = 37) were identified (FDR adjusted p-value < 0.05). We found 122 genes mapping the DMPs and DMRs, nine of which (HOXB6, HOXB3, HOXB-AS3, TENM2, CACNA1B, ANK3, EEF2K, CYP1A1, and SORCS2) had previously been linked to Li response. We found genes related to the GSK3β pathway to be highly represented. Using FUMA, we found enrichment in Gene Ontology Cell Component for the synapse. Gene network analysis highlighted functions related to the cell cycle, nervous system development and function, and gene expression. No significant differences in age acceleration were found between Ex-Rp and N-Rp for any of the epigenetic clocks analysed. Our findings indicate that a specific methylation pattern could determine the response to Li in BD patients. We also found that a significant portion of the differentially methylated genes are closely associated with the GSK3β pathway, reinforcing the role of this system in Li response. Future longitudinal studies with larger samples will help to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying Li response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zafrilla-López
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Acosta-Díez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Mitjans
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Anna Giménez-Palomo
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar A Saiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ester Jiménez
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Papiol
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Ruiz
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrícia Gavín
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Portilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia González-Blanco
- Department of Psychiatry, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas G Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Benabarre
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Psychiatry and Psychology Service, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang Y, Zhang M, Li N, Wang C, Yang H, Hou X, Yang J, Fan K, Yang L, Wu K. Hirschsprung's disease: m6A methylase VIRMA suppresses cell migration and proliferation by regulating GSK3β. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03136-0. [PMID: 38658662 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03136-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in mammals, participating in various biological processes. VIRMA is a key methyltransferase involved in m6A modification. However, the role of VIRMA in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function of VIRMA in HSCR and identify its corresponding regulatory mechanisms. METHODS The expression of VIRMA and GSK3β in colon tissues of HSCR was examined using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence detected localization of VIRMA and GSK3β. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assays, and cell migration was evaluated via cell migration and wound healing assays. The stability of GSK3β mRNA was assessed using the actinomycin D assay and the overall level of m6A in cells was assessed by colorimetric assay. RESULTS VIRMA was significantly downregulated in narrow-segment colon tissue. Silencing of VIRMA inhibited cell proliferation and migration. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3β mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3β. GSK3β was significantly upregulated in narrow-segment colon tissues. Accordingly, our findings showed that GSK3β mediated the VIRMA-driven cell migration and proliferation. CONCLUSION VIRMA can inhibit cell migration and proliferation by upregulating the expression of GSK3β, contributing to the onset of HSCR. IMPACT The expressions of VIRMA were significantly reduced in HSCR, while GSK3β expression was increased in HSCR, and can be used as a molecular marker. VIRMA overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of SH-SY5Y and HEK-293T cells. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3β mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengzhen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Huirong Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinwei Hou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaming Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaisi Fan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Liucheng Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yao X, Ouyang S, Lian Y, Peng Q, Zhou X, Huang F, Hu X, Shi F, Xia J. PheSeq, a Bayesian deep learning model to enhance and interpret the gene-disease association studies. Genome Med 2024; 16:56. [PMID: 38627848 PMCID: PMC11020195 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the abundance of genotype-phenotype association studies, the resulting association outcomes often lack robustness and interpretations. To address these challenges, we introduce PheSeq, a Bayesian deep learning model that enhances and interprets association studies through the integration and perception of phenotype descriptions. By implementing the PheSeq model in three case studies on Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and lung cancer, we identify 1024 priority genes for Alzheimer's disease and 818 and 566 genes for breast cancer and lung cancer, respectively. Benefiting from data fusion, these findings represent moderate positive rates, high recall rates, and interpretation in gene-disease association studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhi Yao
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sizhuo Ouyang
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yulong Lian
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianqian Peng
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xionghui Zhou
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feier Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuehai Hu
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Shi
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingbo Xia
- College of Informatics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou F, Wang Z, Xiong K, Zhang M, Wang Q, Wang Y, Li X. Olfactory three needle regulates the proliferation of olfactory bulb neural stem cells and ameliorates brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28551. [PMID: 38596082 PMCID: PMC11002047 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28551] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious cerebrovascular emergency. The incidence of SAH and hazard ratio of death increase with age. Objective In this study, we aimed to observe the effects and potential mechanisms of olfactory three needle (OTN) on cognitive impairment, neuronal activity, and neural stem cell differentiation in SAH rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, SAH group, SAH + Nimodipine (NMP) group, and SAH + OTN group. The rats in the SAH + OTN group received the OTN electroacupuncture treatment. For treatment with recombinant DKK1 (a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor), mice were injected with DKK1. Results Our results found that OTN improved cognitive impairment and hippocampal neuron damage in SAH rats. Furthermore, OTN promoted the proliferation of neural stem cells in SAH rats. Mechanistically, OTN activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in SAH rats, as indicated by the increased expression levels of Wnt1, β-Catenin, LMNB1, and p-GSK-3β. DKK1 reversed the improvement effect of OTN on cognitive impairment and neuronal damage in SAH rats. Meanwhile, DKK1 blocked the promoting effect of OTN on the proliferation of NSCs in SAH rats. Conclusions OTN electroacupuncture may be an effective therapeutic strategy for SAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712020, China
| | - Zhenzhi Wang
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Kang Xiong
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Combination of Acupuncture and Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Combination of Acupuncture and Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu X, Ze X, Qin S, Zhang B, Li X, Gong Q, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Xu J. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Tetrahydroacridin Hybrids with Sulfur-Inserted Linkers as Potential Multitarget Agents for Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2024; 29:1782. [PMID: 38675602 PMCID: PMC11051924 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that can lead to the loss of cognitive function. The progression of AD is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and their associated targets. Therefore, multitarget strategies theoretically have greater potential for treating AD. In this work, a series of new hybrids were designed and synthesized by the hybridization of tacrine (4, AChE: IC50 = 0.223 μM) with pyrimidone compound 5 (GSK-3β: IC50 = 3 μM) using the cysteamine or cystamine group as the connector. The biological evaluation results demonstrated that most of the compounds exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). The optimal compound 18a possessed potent dual AChE/GSK-3β inhibition (AChE: IC50 = 0.047 ± 0.002 μM, GSK-3β: IC50 = 0.930 ± 0.080 μM). Further molecular docking and enzymatic kinetic studies revealed that this compound could occupy both the catalytic anionic site and the peripheral anionic site of AChE. The results also showed a lack of toxicity to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells at concentrations of up to 25 μM. Collectively, this work explored the structure-activity relationships of novel tetrahydroacridin hybrids with sulfur-inserted linkers, providing a reference for the further research and development of new multitarget anti-AD drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.); (S.Q.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaotong Ze
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.); (S.Q.); (X.L.)
| | - Shuai Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.); (S.Q.); (X.L.)
| | - Beiyu Zhang
- Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Xinnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.); (S.Q.); (X.L.)
| | - Qi Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; (Q.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; (Q.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Jinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.); (S.Q.); (X.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kitanaka N, Arai K, Takehara K, Hall FS, Tomita K, Igarashi K, Sato T, Uhl GR, Kitanaka J. Opioid receptor antagonists reduce motivated wheel-running behavior in mice. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:114-121. [PMID: 38451023 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
We hypothesized that opioid receptor antagonists would inhibit motivated behavior produced by a natural reward. To evaluate motivated responses to a natural reward, mice were given access to running wheels for 71.5 h in a multi-configuration testing apparatus. In addition to a running wheel activity, locomotor activity (outside of the wheel), food and water intake, and access to a food container were measured in the apparatus. Mice were also tested separately for novel-object exploration to investigate whether naloxone affects behavior unrelated to natural reward. In untreated mice wheel running increased from day 1 to day 3. The selective µ-opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) (5 mg/kg) slightly decreased wheel running, but did not affect the increase in wheel running from day 1 to day 3. The non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone produced a greater reduction in wheel running than β-FNA and eliminated the increase in wheel running that occurred over time in the other groups. Analysis of food access, locomotor behavior, and behavior in the novel-object test suggested that the reduction in wheel running was selective for this highly reinforcing behavior. These results indicate that opioid receptor antagonism reduces responses to the natural rewarding effects of wheel running and that these effects involve multiple opioid receptors since the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist had greater effects than the selective µ-opioid receptor antagonist. It is possible that at the doses employed, other receptor systems than opioid receptors might be involved, at least in part, in the effect of naloxone and β-FNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobue Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kanayo Arai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kaoko Takehara
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kento Igarashi
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - George R Uhl
- Neurology, VA Maryland Healthcare System
- Departments of Neurology
- Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Junichi Kitanaka
- Neurology, VA Maryland Healthcare System
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li H, Wang X, Hu C, Cui J, Li H, Luo X, Hao Y. IL-6 Enhances the Activation of PI3K-AKT/mTOR-GSK-3β by Upregulating GRPR in Hippocampal Neurons of Autistic Mice. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:12. [PMID: 38536552 PMCID: PMC10972920 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder associated with brain inflammation. The underlying mechanisms could be attributed to the activation of PI3K signaling in the inflamed brain of ASD. Multiple studies highlight the role of GRPR in regulating ASD like abnormal behavior and enhancing the PI3K signaling. However, the molecular mechanism by which GRPR regulates PI3K signaling in neurons of individuals with ASD is still unclear. In this study, we utilized a maternal immune activation model to investigate the effects of GRPR on PI3K signaling in the inflamed brain of ASD mice. We used HT22 cells with and without GRPR to examine the impact of GRP-GRPR on the PI3K-AKT pathway with IL-6 treatment. We analyzed a dataset of hippocampus samples from ASD mice to identify hub genes. Our results demonstrated increased expression of IL-6, GRPR, and PI3K-AKT signaling in the hippocampus of ASD mice. Additionally, we observed increased GRPR expression and PI3K-AKT/mTOR activation in HT22 cells after IL-6 treatment, but decreased expression in HT22 cells with GRPR knockdown. NetworkAnalyst identified GSK-3β as the most crucial gene in the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway in the hippocampus of ASD. Furthermore, we found that IL-6 upregulated the expression of GSK-3β in HT22 cells by upregulating GRP-GRPR. Our findings suggest that IL-6 can enhance the activation of PI3K-AKT/mTOR-GSK-3β in hippocampal neurons of ASD mice by upregulating GRPR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heli Li
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Cong Hu
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinru Cui
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao Li
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Division of Child Healthcare, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ge X, Hu M, Zhou M, Fang X, Chen X, Geng D, Wang L, Yang X, An H, Zhang M, Lin D, Zheng M, Cui X, Wang Q, Wu Y, Zheng K, Huang XF, Yu Y. Overexpression of forebrain PTP1B leads to synaptic and cognitive impairments in obesity. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:456-470. [PMID: 38336024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity has reached pandemic proportions and is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation is common in obese patients, but the mechanism between inflammation and cognitive impairment in obesity remains unclear. Accumulative evidence shows that protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a neuroinflammatory and negative synaptic regulator, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes. We investigated the causal role of PTP1B in obesity-induced cognitive impairment and the beneficial effect of PTP1B inhibitors in counteracting impairments of cognition, neural morphology, and signaling. We showed that obese individuals had negative relationship between serum PTP1B levels and cognitive function. Furthermore, the PTP1B level in the forebrain increased in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and obese cognitive impairment mice with the expansion of white matter, neuroinflammation and brain atrophy. PTP1B globally or forebrain-specific knockout mice on an obesogenic high-fat diet showed enhanced cognition and improved synaptic ultrastructure and proteins in the forebrain. Specifically, deleting PTP1B in leptin receptor-expressing cells improved leptin synaptic signaling and increased BDNF expression in the forebrain of obese mice. Importantly, we found that various PTP1B allosteric inhibitors (e.g., MSI-1436, well-tolerated in Phase 1 and 1b clinical trials for obesity and type II diabetes) prevented these alterations, including improving cognition, neurite outgrowth, leptin synaptic signaling and BDNF in both obese cognitive impairment mice and a neural cell model of PTP1B overexpression. These findings suggest that increased forebrain PTP1B is associated with cognitive decline in obesity, whereas inhibition of PTP1B could be a promising strategy for preventing neurodegeneration induced by obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Minmin Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Menglu Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiaoli Fang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu 221006, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Deqin Geng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu 221006, China
| | - Li Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Huimei An
- HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 10096, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 10096, China
| | - Danhong Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Mingxuan Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4113, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, 4076, Australia
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medical, Indigenous, and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao L, Gao S, Shan H, Wu Y, Zhou Q. GSK-3β inhibitor TWS119 promotes neuronal differentiation after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats. Neuroreport 2024; 35:200-207. [PMID: 38305107 PMCID: PMC10833190 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002006] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Brain injury in preterm infants is a major cause of disability and mortality in children. GSK-3β is a common pathogenic factor for cognitive dysfunction and involves in neuronal proliferation and differentiation. However, GSK-3β affected neuronal differentiation and its molecular pathogenesis after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of GSK-3β inhibitor (TWS119) on cell cycle regulatory proteins, a neuronal differentiation factor (CEND1), maturation neurons, T-box brain transcription factor 1 (TBR1)-positive neurons to clarify the mechanisms of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats. We used hypoxic-ischemic Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats with brain damage as models. These rats were used for investigating the effect of GSK-3β on cell cycle regulatory proteins, neuronal differentiation factor (CEND1), maturation neurons, TBR1-positive neurons by western blot and immunofluorescence. Cyclin D1 (a positive cell cycle regulator) expression decreased, and p21 (a negative cell cycle regulator) expression increased in the TWS119 group compared to the hypoxia-ischemia (HI) group 7 days after HI. Additionally, compared to the HI group, TWS119 treatment up-regulated CEND1 expression and promoted neuronal differentiation and cortex development based on NeuN and TBR1 expression. Our study suggests that the GSK-3β inhibitor TWS119 promotes neuronal differentiation after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats by inhibiting cell cycle pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hailei Shan
- Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde City, Hebei Province, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheng Z, Han T, Yao J, Wang K, Dong X, Yu F, Huang H, Han M, Liao Q, He S, Lyu W, Li Q. Targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β for Alzheimer's disease: Recent advances and future Prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116065. [PMID: 38160617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Senile plaques induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) abnormal aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) caused by tau hyperphosphorylation are important pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a conserved kinase; one member GSK-3β is highly expressed in the AD brain and involved in the formation of NFT. Hence, pharmacologically inhibiting GSK-3β activity and expression is a good approach to treat AD. As summarized in this article, multiple GSK-3β inhibitors has been comprehensively summarized over recent five years. However, only lithium carbonate and Tideglusib have been studied in clinical trials of AD. Besides ATP-competitive and non-ATP-competitive inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors and other types of inhibitors have gradually attracted more interest. Moreover, considering the close relationship between GSK-3β and other targets involved in cholinergic hypothesis, Aβ aggregation hypothesis, tau hyperphosphorylation hypothesis, oxidative stress hypothesis, neuro-inflammation hypothesis, etc., diverse multifunctional molecules and multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) have also been disclosed. We hope that these recent advances and critical perspectives will facilitate the discovery of safe and effective GSK-3β inhibitors for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zimeng Cheng
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyue Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtong Yao
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Shandong Kangqiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu He
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bouabdallah S, Brinza I, Boiangiu RS, Ibrahim MH, Honceriu I, Al-Maktoum A, Cioanca O, Hancianu M, Amin A, Ben-Attia M, Hritcu L. The Effect of a Tribulus-Based Formulation in Alleviating Cholinergic System Impairment and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Loss in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio): Insights from Molecular Docking and In Vitro/In Vivo Approaches. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:200. [PMID: 38399415 PMCID: PMC10891926 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (Tt) has been recently gaining attention for its pharmacological value, including its neuroprotective activities. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of a Tribulus terrestris extract in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and brain oxidative stress. SCOP, an anticholinergic drug, was employed to replicate fundamental aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models. The fish were treated with ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) from Tt (1, 3, and 6 mg/L) for 15 days. SCOP (100 µM) was administered 30 min before behavioral tests were conducted. Molecular interactions of the major compounds identified via UPLC-PDA/MS in Tt fractions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were explored via molecular docking analyses. Terrestrosin C, protodioscin, rutin, and saponin C exhibited the most stable binding. The spatial memory performance was assessed using the Y-maze test, and memory recognition was examined using a novel object recognition (NOR) test. Tt extract treatment reversed the altered locomotion patterns that were caused by SCOP administration. Biochemical analyses also verified Tt's role in inhibiting AChE, improving antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing oxidative stress markers. The present findings pave the way for future application of Tt as a natural alternative to treat cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Bouabdallah
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement (LR01/ES14), Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Zarzouna 7021, Tunisia;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Ion Brinza
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Razvan Stefan Boiangiu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Mona H. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azha University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Iasmina Honceriu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| | - Amna Al-Maktoum
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Oana Cioanca
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Hancianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Amr Amin
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mossadok Ben-Attia
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement (LR01/ES14), Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Zarzouna 7021, Tunisia;
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
El-Kadi RA, AbdelKader NF, Zaki HF, Kamel AS. Influence of β-catenin signaling on neurogenesis in neuropsychiatric disorders: Anxiety and depression. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22157. [PMID: 38349261 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22157] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
It has been proven that stress, mainly in the early years of life, can lead to anxiety and mood problems. Current treatments for psychiatric disorders are not enough, and some of them show intolerable side effects, emphasizing the urgent need for new treatment targets. Hence, a better understanding of the different brain networks, which are involved in the response to anxiety and depression, may evoke treatments with more specific targets. One of these targets is β-catenin that regulates brain circuits. β-Catenin has a dual response toward stress, which may influence coping or vulnerability to stress response. Indeed, β-catenin signaling involves several processes such as inflammation-directed brain repair, inflammation-induced brain damage, and neurogenesis. Interestingly, β-catenin reduction is accompanied by low neurogenesis, which leads to anxiety and depression. However, in another state, this reduction activates a compensatory mechanism that enhances neurogenesis to protect against depression but may precipitate anxiety. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of β-catenin could enhance our knowledge about anxiety and depression's pathophysiology, potentially improving clinical results by targeting it. Herein, the different states of β-catenin were discussed, shedding light on possible drugs that showed action on psychiatric disorders through β-catenin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Noha F AbdelKader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Kamel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xu H, Yu X, Xie R, Wang Y, Li C. RCOR1 improves neurobehaviors and neuron injury in rat cerebral palsy by Endothelin-1 targeting-induced Akt/GSK-3β pathway upregulation. Brain Dev 2024; 46:93-102. [PMID: 37978036 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RE1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) corepressor 1 (RCOR1) has been reported to orchestrate neurogenesis, while its role in cerebral palsy (CP) remains elusive. Besides, RCOR1 can interact with Endothelin-1 (EDN1), and EDN1 expression is related to brain damage. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of RCOR1/EDN1 on brain damage during the progression of CP. METHODS CP rats were established via hypoxia-ischemia insult, and injected with lentivirus-RCOR1, followed by examination of brain pathological conditions. The RCOR1 and EDN1 interaction was recognized using hTFtarget. Healthy rat cortical neuron cells received interference of RCOR1/EDN1 expression, and underwent oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment, after which phenotypic and molecular assays were conducted through the biochemical method, qRT-PCR and/or western blot. RESULTS RCOR1 was low-expressed but EDN1 was high-expressed in CP model rats and OGD/R-treated neurons. RCOR1 overexpression ameliorated rat neurobehaviors, alleviated brain pathological conditions, reduced TUNEL-positive cells, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and repressed EDN1 expression in the brains of CP model rats. In neurons, RCOR1 overexpression counteracted OGD/R-induced viability decrease, reduction of the levels of RCOR1, SOD, Bcl-2, caspase-3, p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and elevation of the levels of EDN1, ROS, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, while EDN1 overexpression did contrarily on these events. Moreover, there was a negative interplay between RCOR1 overexpression and EDN1 overexpression in OGD/R-induced neurons. CONCLUSION RCOR1 ameliorates neurobehaviors and suppresses neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress in CP through EDN1 targeting-mediated upregulation of Akt/GSK-3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Xuetao Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Rong Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China
| | - Chunli Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Wulumuqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 830001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oka M, Yoshino R, Kitanaka N, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Kitanaka J. Role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in dependence and abuse liability of alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agad086. [PMID: 38145944 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a major abused drug worldwide that contributes substantially to health and social problems. These problems result from acute alcohol overuse as well as chronic use, leading to alcohol use disorder (AUD). A major goal of this field is to establish a treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence in patients with AUD. The central molecular mechanisms of acute alcohol actions have been extensively investigated in rodent models. AIMS One of the central mechanisms that may be involved is glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity, a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism but which has crucial roles in numerous cellular processes. Although the exact mechanisms leading from acute alcohol actions to these chronic changes in GSK-3β function are not yet clear, GSK-3β nonetheless constitutes a potential therapeutic target for AUD by reducing its function using GSK-3β inhibitors. This review is focused on the correlation between GSK-3β activity and the degree of alcohol consumption. METHODS Research articles regarding investigation of effect of GSK-3β on alcohol consumption in rodents were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases using keywords "glycogen synthase kinase," "alcohol (or ethanol)," "intake (or consumption)," and evaluated by changes in ratios of pGSK-3βSer9/pGSK-3β. RESULTS In animal experiments, GSK-3β activity decreases in the brain under forced and voluntary alcohol consumption while GSK-3β activity increases under alcohol-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Several pieces of evidence suggest that alterations in GSK-3β function are important mediators of chronic ethanol actions, including those related to alcohol dependence and the adverse effects of chronic ethanol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Oka
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
| | - Rui Yoshino
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
| | - Nobue Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Frederic and Mary Wolfe Center HEB 282D, Mail Stop 1015, 3000 Arlington Avenue,Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - George R Uhl
- Neurology Service, VA Maryland Healthcare System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Junichi Kitanaka
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rawat K, Gautam V, Sandhu A, Bhatia A, Saha L. Differential Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Acute and Chronic Epilepsy in Repeated Low Dose Lithium-Pilocarpine Rat Model of Status Epilepticus. Neuroscience 2023; 535:36-49. [PMID: 37913863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.019] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological complication characterized by unprovoked seizure episodes due to the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The epileptogenesis process has been reported to be involved in chronic epilepsy however, the mechanism underlying epileptogenesis remains unclear. Recent studies have shown the possible involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the neurogenesis and neuronal reorganization in epileptogenesis. In this study, we used repeated low dose lithium-pilocarpine model of status epilepsy (SE) to study the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling at acute and chronic stages post SE induction. The acute study ranged from day 0 to day 28 post SE induction and the chronic study ranged from day 0 to day 56 post SE induction. Several neurobehavioral parameters and seizure score and seizure frequency was analysed until the end of the study. The proteins involved in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and downstream cascading were analysed using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway was found inactive in acute SE, while the same was found activated at the chronic stage. Our findings suggest that the activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronic epilepsy might be the possible mechanism underlying epileptogenesis as indicated by increased neuronal count, increased synaptic density, astrogliosis and apoptosis in chronic epilepsy. These findings can help target the Wnt/β-catenin pathway differentially depending upon the type of epilepsy. The acute stage characterized by SE can be improved by targeting GSK-3β levels and the chronic stage characterized by temporal lobe epilepsy can be improved by targeting β-catenin and disheveled proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Block B, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Block B, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Block B, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Research Block B, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Block B, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim B, Kim JS, Youn B, Moon C. Dopamine depletion alters neuroplasticity-related signaling in the rat hippocampus. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:436-446. [PMID: 38125760 PMCID: PMC10732217 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2294308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) plays a significant role in regulating hippocampal function, particularly in modulating synaptic plasticity. Despite this, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroplasticity-related signaling influenced by DA remains incomplete. This study aimed to elucidate the changes in the expression of key molecules related to hippocampal neuroplasticity following DA depletion in rats. To induce DA depletion, unilateral striatal infusions of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) were administered to adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The subsequent loss of nigrostriatal DAergic signaling in these 6-OHDA-lesioned rats was confirmed using an apomorphine-induced rotation test at 4 weeks post-infusion and by assessing the expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) through immunohistochemistry and western blotting at 7 weeks post-infusion. A decrease in DAergic signaling, evidenced by reduced TH-positive immunoreactivity, was also noted in the ipsilateral hippocampus of the lesioned rats. Interestingly, 6-OHDA infusion led to increased phosphorylation of pivotal hippocampal plasticity-related proteins, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), in the ipsilateral hippocampus 7 weeks following the infusion. To extend these findings, in vitro experiments were conducted on primary hippocampal neurons exposed to DA and/or the active D1/D2 DA receptor antagonist, flupentixol (Flux). DA inhibited the constitutive phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, GSK3, and CREB, while Flux restored these phosphorylation levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that DA depletion triggers an increase in plasticity-related signaling in the hippocampus, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism that promotes activity-independent neuroplasticity following DA depletion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohye Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Sun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kim DY, Son SR, Kim JY, Min JW, Kong CH, Park K, Jeon M, Kang WC, Jung SY, Choi JH, Jang DS, Ryu JH. Effects of Artemisia annua L. on postmenopausal syndrome in ovariectomized mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116800. [PMID: 37331451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) has been used as an antipyretic and anti-parasitic drug in traditional medicine for more than 2000 years. It has also been prescribed to treat symptoms caused by deficiency of Yin, which might be observed in menopausal state from the point of view of traditional medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY We hypothesized that A. annua might be useful for treating menopausal disorders with less adverse effects than hormone replacement therapy. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate effects of A. annua on postmenopausal symptoms of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS OVX mice were employed as a model for postmenopausal disorders. Mice were treated with a water extract of A. annua (EAA; 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o.) or 17β-estradiol (E2; 0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) for 8 weeks. Open field test (OFT), novel object recognition task (NOR), Y-maze test, elevated plus maze test (EPM), splash test and tail suspension test (TST) were conducted to determine whether EAA could ameliorate postmenopausal symptoms. Phosphorylated levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase B (Akt), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), β-catenin and expression level of synaptophysin in the cortex and hippocampus were evaluated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS EAA treatment significantly increased the discrimination index in NOR, decreased the time in closed arm than in open arm in EPM, increased grooming time in splash test, and decreased immobility time in TST, as did E2 treatment. In addition, decreased phosphorylation levels of ERK, Akt, GSK-3β, and β-catenin and expression levels of synaptophysin in the cortex and hippocampus after OVX were reversed by administration of EAA and E2. CONCLUSION These results suggest that A. annua can ameliorate postmenopausal symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, anhedonia, and depression by activating ERK, Akt, and GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway and hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and that A. annua would be a novel treatment for postmenopausal symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Do Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Ri Son
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Kim
- Department of Integrated Drug Development and Natural Products, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Min
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyeon Kong
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Keontae Park
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijin Jeon
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Chang Kang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yun Jung
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hye Choi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ahmed S, Abir AH, Sharmin O, Khurshid N, Akter A, Nakshy NT, Hasan MM, Yesmine S, Rahman M. Modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade through G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) activation: Prenatal lysophosphatidylinositol attenuates valproic acid-induced synaptic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction. Life Sci 2023; 334:122195. [PMID: 37866808 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122195] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has recently emerged as a potential regulator of this signaling cascade. This study explores the intricate modulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling cascade via GPR55 activation and its potential therapeutic implications in the context of autism-associated neuronal impairments. MAIN METHODS Valproic acid (VPA) was administered on embryonic day 12 (E12) to induce ASD, and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), a GPR55 agonist, was used prenatally to modulate the receptor activity. Golgi-cox staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology, and Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining was carried out to quantify damaged neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented to identify molecular mediators involved in neuroprotection. KEY FINDINGS Prenatal VPA exposure resulted in significant abnormalities in synaptic development, which were further evidenced by impairments in social interaction and cognitive function. When LPI was administered, most of the synaptic abnormalities were alleviated, as reflected by higher neuron and dendritic spine count. LPI treatment also reduced cytoplasmic cytochrome c concentration and related neuronal cell death. Mechanistically, GPR55 activation by LPI increases the expression of phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β, leading to the activation of this signaling in the process of rescuing synaptic abnormalities and mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE The observed therapeutic effects of GPR55 activation shed light on its significance as a prospective target for ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and dendritic spine loss, offering novel prospects for developing targeted interventions to alleviate the neuropathological causes of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Ariful Haque Abir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Universität Klinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center, Glückstraße 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ozayra Sharmin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neda Khurshid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Amana Akter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Tajneen Nakshy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, University of Information Technology and Sciences, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Saquiba Yesmine
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang C, Cui Y, Xu T, Zhou Y, Yang R, Wang T. New insights into glycogen synthase kinase-3: A common target for neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115923. [PMID: 37981175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a highly conserved protein serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in a wide variety of cellular processes to coordinate catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulate cell growth and fate. There is increasing evidence showing that abnormal glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is associated with the pathogenesis and progression of many disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, psychiatric diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the regulatory role of GSK-3 in the occurrence and development of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, mainly focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The aim of this study is to provide new insight into the shared working mechanism of GSK-3 as a therapeutic target of multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China; Institute of Brain Sciences and Related Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China; Department of Health and Life Science, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck, The Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kolasa M, Faron-Górecka A. Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1326-1340. [PMID: 37882914 PMCID: PMC10661811 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to achieve satisfactory treatment results. Although there are various definitions and grading models for TRD, common criteria for assessing TRD have still not been established. However, a common feature of any TRD model is the lack of response to at least two attempts at antidepressant pharmacotherapy. The causes of TRD are not known; nevertheless, it is estimated that even 60% of TRD patients are so-called pseudo-TRD patients, in which multiple biological factors, e.g., gender, age, and hormonal disturbances are concomitant with depression and involved in antidepressant drug resistance. Whereas the phenomenon of TRD is a complex disorder difficult to diagnose and successfully treat, the search for new treatment strategies is a significant challenge of modern pharmacology. It seems that despite the complexity of the TRD phenomenon, some useful animal models of TRD meet the construct, the face, and the predictive validity criteria. Based on the literature and our own experiences, we will discuss the utility of animals exposed to the stress paradigm (chronic mild stress, CMS), and the Wistar Kyoto rat strain representing an endogenous model of TRD. In this review, we will focus on reviewing research on existing and novel therapies for TRD, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and psychedelic drugs in the context of preclinical studies in representative animal models of TRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kolasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kang WC, Park K, Kong CH, Kim DY, Lee YS, Jeon M, Kim MS, Jung SY, Hong J, Choi JH, Ryu JH. D-Pinitol attenuates postmenopausal symptoms in ovariectomized mice. Life Sci 2023; 333:122147. [PMID: 37802198 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122147] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Menopause is a natural process in women that can lead to post-menopausal syndrome with symptoms such as hot flushes, weight gain, anxiety, cognitive decline, and depression. Hormonal replacement therapy is commonly prescribed. However, it has serious adverse effects. Herbal medicinal products and isoflavones are used as alternatives. D-Pinitol found in Pinaceae and Fabaceae families has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, it has not received as much attention as isoflavones. In this study, we investigated whether D-pinitol could alleviate post-menopausal symptoms using an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. MAIN METHODS Female ICR mice were divided into six groups: sham (vehicle), OVX (vehicle), OVX + D-pinitol (10, 30, 100 mg/kg, p.o.), and OVX + estradiol (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.). Treatment with vehicle, D-pinitol, and estradiol began at seven weeks post ovariectomy. We employed several behavioral tests, hot-flush test, and Western blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS We found that D-pinitol treatment (30, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) reversed cognitive dysfunction in OVX mice (novel object recognition and Y-maze test). Additionally, D-pinitol alleviated anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus-maze) and reversed depressive-like behaviors (splash test, tail suspension test). It also normalized increased basal tail skin temperature in OVX mice. Moreover, D-pinitol administration reversed decreased expression of ERβ and synaptophysin and phosphorylation of ERK and PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β induced by OVX in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate that D-pinitol might be a promising candidate for treating post-menopausal symptoms by increasing ERβ and synaptophysin expression levels and activation of ERK or PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β signaling pathway, at least in part.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo Chang Kang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Keontae Park
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyeon Kong
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Seung Lee
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijin Jeon
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yun Jung
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongki Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hye Choi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Puig S, Xue X, Salisbury R, Shelton MA, Kim SM, Hildebrand MA, Glausier JR, Freyberg Z, Tseng GC, Yocum AK, Lewis DA, Seney ML, MacDonald ML, Logan RW. Circadian rhythm disruptions associated with opioid use disorder in synaptic proteomes of human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4777-4792. [PMID: 37674018 PMCID: PMC10914630 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Opioid craving and relapse vulnerability is associated with severe and persistent sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of circadian rhythms and opioid use disorder (OUD) may prove valuable for developing new treatments for opioid addiction. Previous work indicated molecular rhythm disruptions in the human brain associated with OUD, highlighting synaptic alterations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)-key brain regions involved in cognition and reward, and heavily implicated in the pathophysiology of OUD. To provide further insights into the synaptic alterations in OUD, we used mass-spectrometry based proteomics to deeply profile protein expression alterations in bulk tissue and synaptosome preparations from DLPFC and NAc of unaffected and OUD subjects. We identified 55 differentially expressed (DE) proteins in DLPFC homogenates, and 44 DE proteins in NAc homogenates, between unaffected and OUD subjects. In synaptosomes, we identified 161 and 56 DE proteins in DLPFC and NAc, respectively, of OUD subjects. By comparing homogenate and synaptosome protein expression, we identified proteins enriched specifically in synapses that were significantly altered in both DLPFC and NAc of OUD subjects. Across brain regions, synaptic protein alterations in OUD subjects were primarily identified in glutamate, GABA, and circadian rhythm signaling. Using time-of-death (TOD) analyses, where the TOD of each subject is used as a time-point across a 24-h cycle, we were able to map circadian-related changes associated with OUD in synaptic proteomes associated with vesicle-mediated transport and membrane trafficking in the NAc and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta signaling in DLPFC. Collectively, our findings lend further support for molecular rhythm disruptions in synaptic signaling in the human brain as a key factor in opioid addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Puig
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Salisbury
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Micah A Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sam-Moon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mariah A Hildebrand
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jill R Glausier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - George C Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - David A Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew L MacDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dong X, Hong H, Cui Z. Function of GSK‑3 signaling in spinal cord injury (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:541. [PMID: 37869638 PMCID: PMC10587879 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12240] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major social problem with a heavy burden on patient physiology and psychology. Glial scar formation and irreversible neuron loss are the two key points during SCI progression. During the acute phase of spinal cord injury, glial scars form, limiting the progression of inflammation. However, in the subacute or chronic phase, glial scarring inhibits axon regeneration. Following spinal cord injury, irreversible loss of neurons leads to further aggravation of spinal cord injury. Several therapies have been developed to improve either glial scar or neuron loss; however, few therapies reach the stage of clinical trials and there are no mainstream therapies for SCI. Exploring the key mechanism of SCI is crucial for finding further treatments. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a widely expressed kinase with important physiological and pathophysiological functions in vivo. Dysfunction of the GSK-3 signaling pathway during SCI has been widely discussed for controlling neurite growth in vitro and in vivo, improving the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells and functional recovery from spinal cord injury. SCI can decrease the phosphorylated (p)/total (t)-GSK-3β ratio, which leads to an increase in apoptosis, whereas treatment with GSK-3 inhibitors can promote neurogenesis. In addition, several therapies for the treatment of SCI involve signaling pathways associated with GSK-3. Furthermore, signaling pathways associated with GSK-3 also participate in the pathological process of neuropathic pain that remains following SCI. The present review summarized the roles of GSK-3 signaling in SCI to aid in the understanding of GSK-3 signaling during the pathological processes of SCI and to provide evidence for the development of comprehensive treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Dong
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Hongxiang Hong
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Zhiming Cui
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shri SR, Manandhar S, Nayak Y, Pai KSR. Role of GSK-3β Inhibitors: New Promises and Opportunities for Alzheimer's Disease. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:688-700. [PMID: 38022801 PMCID: PMC10676556 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.071] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was discovered to be a multifunctional enzyme involved in a wide variety of biological processes, including early embryo formation, oncogenesis, as well cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Several critical cellular processes in the brain are regulated by the GSK-3β, serving as a central switch in the signaling pathways. Dysregulation of GSK-3β kinase has been reported in diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, inflammation, and Huntington's disease. Thus, GSK-3β is widely regarded as a promising target for therapeutic use. The current review article focuses mainly on Alzheimer's disease, an age-related neurodegenerative brain disorder. GSK-3β activation increases amyloid-beta (Aβ) and the development of neurofibrillary tangles that are involved in the disruption of material transport between axons and dendrites. The drug-binding cavities of GSK-3β are explored, and different existing classes of GSK-3β inhibitors are explained in this review. Non-ATP competitive inhibitors, such as allosteric inhibitors, can reduce the side effects compared to ATP-competitive inhibitors. Whereas ATP-competitive inhibitors produce disarrangement of the cytoskeleton, neurofibrillary tangles formation, and lead to the death of neurons, etc. This could be because they are binding to a site separate from ATP. Owing to their interaction in particular and special binding sites, allosteric ligands interact with substrates more selectively, which will be beneficial in resolving drug-induced resistance and also helpful in reducing side effects. Hence, in this review, we focussed on the allosteric GSK-3β inhibitors and discussed their futuristic opportunities as anti-Alzheimer's compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - K Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal -576104, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
AL-Eitan LN, Alahmad SZ, ElMotasem MFM, Alghamdi MA. The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:796-806. [PMID: 37915478 PMCID: PMC10615825 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing brain vasculature, has been previously associated with neural plasticity and addictive behaviors related to substances. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the effects of cannabis, offering high potency and easy accessibility. In the current study, we reveal that the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA, the most common SC in the United States in 2019, increases cell metabolic activity and promotes angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). First, we performed an MTT assay to evaluate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment at various concentrations (0.0001 μM, 0.001 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM) on HBMECs metabolic activity. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of the SC improved cell metabolic activity. Furthermore, 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment enhanced tube formation and migration of HBMECs in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the mRNA, secreted protein, and intracellular protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2, which are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, as well as the protein levels of cannabinoid receptor type-1, were all increased following treatment with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Notably, the phosphorylation levels at Serine 9 residue of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were also increased in the 5F-MDMB-PICA treated HBMECs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA can enhance angiogenesis in HBMECs, suggesting the significant role of angiogenesis in the response to SCs. Manipulating this interaction may pave the way for innovative treatments targeting SC addiction and angiogenesis-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laith Naser AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Saif Zuhair Alahmad
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohd Fahmi Munib ElMotasem
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mansour Abdullah Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fronza MG, Alves D, Praticò D, Savegnago L. The neurobiology and therapeutic potential of multi-targeting β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102033. [PMID: 37595640 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102033] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 50 million of people around the world, characterized by a complex and age-related progressive pathology with projections to duplicate its incidence by the end of 2050. AD pathology has two major hallmarks, the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, alongside with several sub pathologies including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, loss of neurogenesis and synaptic dysfunction. In recent years, extensive research pointed out several therapeutic targets which have shown promising effects on modifying the course of the disease in preclinical models of AD but with substantial failure when transposed to clinic trials, suggesting that modulating just an isolated feature of the pathology might not be sufficient to improve brain function and enhance cognition. In line with this, there is a growing consensus that an ideal disease modifying drug should address more than one feature of the pathology. Considering these evidence, β-secretase (BACE1), Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged as interesting therapeutic targets. BACE1 is the rate-limiting step in the Aβ production, GSK-3β is considered the main kinase responsible for Tau hyperphosphorylation, and AChE play an important role in modulating memory formation and learning. However, the effects underlying the modulation of these enzymes are not limited by its primarily functions, showing interesting effects in a wide range of impaired events secondary to AD pathology. In this sense, this review will summarize the involvement of BACE1, GSK-3β and AChE on synaptic function, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we will present and discuss new perspectives on the modulation of these pathways on AD pathology and future directions on the development of drugs that concomitantly target these enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Fronza
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Laboratory of Clean Organic Synthesis (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), UFPel, RS, Brazil
| | - Domenico Praticò
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple - ACT, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yan N, Xie F, Tang LQ, Wang DF, Li X, Liu C, Liu ZP. Synthesis and biological evaluation of thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives as potent glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106663. [PMID: 37329814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106663] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a potential target for anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug development. In this study, a series of novel thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as potential GSK-3β inhibitors by structure-based drug design. The thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivative 54 with a 4-methylpyrazole moiety which interacted with Arg141 by π-cation interaction was identified as a potent GSK-3β inhibitor with an IC50 of 3.4 nM and an acceptable kinase selectivity profile. In the rat primary cortical neurons, compound 54 showed neuroprotective effects on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Western blot analysis indicated that 54 inhibited GSK-3β by up-regulating the expression of phosphorylated GSK-3β at Ser9 and down-regulating the expression of phosphorylated GSK-3β at Tyr216. Meanwhile, 54 decreased tau phosphorylation at Ser396 in a dose-dependent way. In astrocytes and microglia cells, 54 inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating that 54 showed an anti-neuroinflammatory effect. In the AlCl3-induced zebrafish AD model, 54 significantly ameliorated the AlCl3-induced dyskinesia, demonstrating its anti-AD activity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Long-Qian Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - De-Feng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Zhao-Peng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Puig S, Xue X, Salisbury R, Shelton MA, Kim SM, Hildebrand MA, Glausier JR, Freyberg Z, Tseng GC, Yocum AK, Lewis DA, Seney ML, MacDonald ML, Logan RW. Circadian rhythm disruptions associated with opioid use disorder in the synaptic proteomes of the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536056. [PMID: 37066169 PMCID: PMC10104116 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Opioid craving and relapse vulnerability is associated with severe and persistent sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of circadian rhythms and opioid use disorder (OUD) may prove valuable for developing new treatments for opioid addiction. Previous work indicated molecular rhythm disruptions in the human brain associated with OUD, highlighting synaptic alterations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)-key brain regions involved in cognition and reward, and heavily implicated in the pathophysiology of OUD. To provide further insights into the synaptic alterations in OUD, we used mass-spectrometry based proteomics to deeply profile protein expression alterations in bulk tissue and synaptosome preparations from DLPFC and NAc of unaffected and OUD subjects. We identified 55 differentially expressed (DE) proteins in DLPFC homogenates, and 44 DE proteins in NAc homogenates, between unaffected and OUD subjects. In synaptosomes, we identified 161 and 56 DE proteins in DLPFC and NAc, respectively, of OUD subjects. By comparing homogenate and synaptosome protein expression, we identified proteins enriched specifically in synapses that were significantly altered in both DLPFC and NAc of OUD subjects. Across brain regions, synaptic protein alterations in OUD subjects were primarily identified in glutamate, GABA, and circadian rhythm signaling. Using time-of-death (TOD) analyses, where the TOD of each subject is used as a time-point across a 24- hour cycle, we were able to map circadian-related changes associated with OUD in synaptic proteomes related to vesicle-mediated transport and membrane trafficking in the NAc and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta signaling in DLPFC. Collectively, our findings lend further support for molecular rhythm disruptions in synaptic signaling in the human brain as a key factor in opioid addiction.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abuelezz SA, Hendawy N. Spotlight on Coenzyme Q10 in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease: oxidative stress/PI3K/AKT/GSK 3ß/CREB/BDNF/TrKB. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023:rgad048. [PMID: 37315215 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Excess amyloid beta (Aβ) and oxidative stress (OS) are inextricable hallmarks of the neuronal damage associated Alzheimer's disease. Aβ-induced cognitive and memory dysfunctions are mediated through different signalling pathways as phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and their downstream intermediates including protein-kinase-B, known as Akt, glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cAMP-response-element-binding-protein (CREB), brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related-kinase receptor-B (TrKB). The current work aims to investigate the protective potentials of CoQ10 against scopolamine (Scop)-induced cognitive disability and the contribution of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB in the neuroprotection effects. METHODS The chronic co-administration of CQ10 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day i.p.) with Scop in Wistar rats for 6 weeks were assayed both behaviourally and biochemically. KEY FINDINGS CoQ10 ameliorated the Scop-induced cognitive and memory defects by restoring alterations in novel object recognition and Morris water maze behavioural tests. CoQ10 favourably changed the Scop-induced deleterious effects in hippocampal malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2' deoxyguanosine, antioxidants and PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB levels. CONCLUSIONS These results exhibited the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10 on Scop-induced AD and revealed its ability to inhibit oxidative stress, amyloid deposition and to modulate PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF/TrKB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Abuelezz
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nevien Hendawy
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mayor E. Neurotrophic effects of intermittent fasting, calorie restriction and exercise: a review and annotated bibliography. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1161814. [PMID: 37334045 PMCID: PMC10273285 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1161814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, important progress has been achieved in the understanding of the neurotrophic effects of intermittent fasting (IF), calorie restriction (CR) and exercise. Improved neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis (NSPAN) are essential examples of these neurotrophic effects. The importance in this respect of the metabolic switch from glucose to ketone bodies as cellular fuel has been highlighted. More recently, calorie restriction mimetics (CRMs; resveratrol and other polyphenols in particular) have been investigated thoroughly in relation to NSPAN. In the narrative review sections of this manuscript, recent findings on these essential functions are synthesized and the most important molecules involved are presented. The most researched signaling pathways (PI3K, Akt, mTOR, AMPK, GSK3β, ULK, MAPK, PGC-1α, NF-κB, sirtuins, Notch, Sonic hedgehog and Wnt) and processes (e.g., anti-inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis) that support or thwart neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis are then briefly presented. This provides an accessible entry point to the literature. In the annotated bibliography section of this contribution, brief summaries are provided of about 30 literature reviews relating to the neurotrophic effects of interest in relation to IF, CR, CRMs and exercise. Most of the selected reviews address these essential functions from the perspective of healthier aging (sometimes discussing epigenetic factors) and the reduction of the risk for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease) and depression or the improvement of cognitive function.
Collapse
|
35
|
Kitanaka J, Kitanaka N, Tomita K, Hall FS, Igarashi K, Uhl GR, Sato T. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibitors Block Morphine-Induced Locomotor Activation, Straub Tail, and Depression of Rearing in Mice Via a Possible Central Action. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2230-2240. [PMID: 36907972 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
We investigated morphine-induced Straub's tail reaction (STR) in mice pretreated with or without glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitors (SB216763 and AR-A014418) by using a newly modified, infrared beam sensor-based automated apparatus. Mice treated with a single injection of morphine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) showed a significant STR with a plateau level at a time point of 20 min after morphine challenge. Pretreatment of mice with SB216763 (5 mg/kg, s.c.) or AR-A014418 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited morphine-induced STR and attenuated the duration of STR in a dose-dependent fashion. In the striatum and the nucleus accumbens, expression of pGSK-3βTyr216 but not GSK3β or pGSK-3βSer9 was largely but not significantly reduced after treatment with SB216763 (5 mg/kg, s.c.) in combination with/without morphine, indicating that the inhibitory effect of GSK-3 inhibitors on morphine-induced STR and hyperlocomotion might not depend on the direct blockade of GSK-3β function. In constipated mice after morphine challenge (30 mg/kg), the effect of GSK-3 inhibitors on gastrointestinal transit was examined to reveal whether the action of GSK-3 inhibitors on morphine effects was central and/or peripheral. Pretreatment with SB216763 (5 mg/kg) did not block constipation in morphine-injected mice. The mechanism of action seems to be central but not peripheral, although the underlying subcellular mechanism of GSK-3 inhibitors is not clear. Our measurement system is a useful tool for investigating the excitatory effects of morphine in experimental animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kitanaka
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8530, Japan.
| | - Nobue Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Kento Igarashi
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - George R Uhl
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu X, Yu J, Luo Y, Dong H. Novel hybrid virtual screening protocol based on pharmacophore and molecular docking for discovery of GSK-3β inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:326-339. [PMID: 35762873 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14111] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
GSK-3β is a member of the GSKs subfamily and plays a major role in the regulation of transcriptional elongation, which has attracted widespread attention as a therapeutic target for AD. In this study, by combining pharmacophore-based virtual screening and kinase inhibition assays, we have successfully identified four small molecules that inhibit GSK-3β activity at micromolar potency. These hit compounds showed drug-like properties according to Lipinski's rule of five and ADMET. An inter-complex interaction study showed that all hit compounds adapted well to the ATP pocket of the GSK-3β protein. Among them, hits 2 and 4 displayed considerable inhibitory activities with IC50 value of 0.74 ± 0.04 μM and 2.32 ± 0.84 μM respectively. Overall, the discovered GSK-3β inhibitors act as new chemical leads to develop improved inhibitors that block the interaction of GSK-3β, and the hybrid virtual screening strategy designed in this study provides an important reference for design and synthesis novel selective GSK-3β inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Zhuhai Hospital (Zhuhai Golden Bay Center Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiaxue Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Zhuhai Hospital (Zhuhai Golden Bay Center Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yongyan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Zhuhai Hospital (Zhuhai Golden Bay Center Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Haojian Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Vascular Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary, Guangzhou, China.,Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Smart K, Zheng MQ, Holden D, Felchner Z, Zhang L, Han Y, Ropchan J, Carson RE, Vasdev N, Huang Y. In Vivo Imaging and Kinetic Modeling of Novel Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Radiotracers [ 11C]OCM-44 and [ 18F]OCM-50 in Non-Human Primates. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:194. [PMID: 37259346 PMCID: PMC9959234 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a potential therapeutic target for a range of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The goal of this work was to evaluate two leading GSK-3 positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands, [11C]OCM-44 and [18F]OCM-50, in non-human primates to assess their potential for clinical translation. A total of nine PET scans were performed with the two radiotracers using arterial blood sampling in adult rhesus macaques. Brain regional time-activity curves were extracted and fitted with one- and two-tissue compartment models using metabolite-corrected arterial input functions. Target selectivity was assessed after pre-administration of the GSK-3 inhibitor PF-04802367 (PF-367, 0.03-0.25 mg/kg). Both radiotracers showed good brain uptake and distribution throughout grey matter. [11C]OCM-44 had a free fraction in the plasma of 3% at baseline and was metabolized quickly. The [11C]OCM-44 volume of distribution (VT) values in the brain increased with time; VT values from models fitted to truncated 60-min scan data were 1.4-2.9 mL/cm3 across brain regions. The plasma free fraction was 0.6% for [18F]OCM-50 and VT values (120-min) were 0.39-0.87 mL/cm3 in grey matter regions. After correcting for plasma free fraction increases during blocking scans, reductions in regional VT indicated >80% target occupancy by 0.1 mg/kg of PF-367 for both radiotracers, supporting target selectivity in vivo. [11C]OCM-44 and [18F]OCM-50 warrant further evaluation as radioligands for imaging GSK-3 in the brain, though radio-metabolite accumulation may confound image analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Smart
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Ming-Qiang Zheng
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Daniel Holden
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Zachary Felchner
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Yanjiang Han
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Blvd North, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Richard E. Carson
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, 801 Howard Ave., New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bijoch Ł, Klos J, Pawłowska M, Wiśniewska J, Legutko D, Szachowicz U, Kaczmarek L, Beroun A. Whole-brain tracking of cocaine and sugar rewards processing. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 36683039 PMCID: PMC9868126 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural rewards, such as food, and sex are appetitive stimuli available for animals in their natural environment. Similarly, addictive rewards such as drugs of abuse possess strong, positive valence, but their action relies on their pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, it is believed that both of these kinds of rewards activate similar brain circuitry. The present study aimed to discover which parts of the brain process the experience of natural and addictive rewards. To holistically address this question, we used a single-cell whole-brain imaging approach to find patterns of activation for acute and prolonged sucrose and cocaine exposure. We analyzed almost 400 brain structures and created a brain-wide map of specific, c-Fos-positive neurons engaged by these rewards. Acute but not prolonged sucrose exposure triggered a massive c-Fos expression throughout the brain. Cocaine exposure on the other hand potentiated c-Fos expression with prolonged use, engaging more structures than sucrose treatment. The functional connectivity analysis unraveled an increase in brain modularity after the initial exposure to both types of rewards. This modularity was increased after repeated cocaine, but not sucrose, intake. To check whether discrepancies between the processing of both types of rewards can be found on a cellular level, we further studied the nucleus accumbens, one of the most strongly activated brain structures by both sucrose and cocaine experience. We found a high overlap between natural and addictive rewards on the level of c-Fos expression. Electrophysiological measurements of cellular correlates of synaptic plasticity revealed that natural and addictive rewards alike induce the accumulation of silent synapses. These results strengthen the hypothesis that in the nucleus accumbens drugs of abuse cause maladaptive neuronal plasticity in the circuitry that typically processes natural rewards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Bijoch
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Klos
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Pawłowska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland ,grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Wiśniewska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Legutko
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Szachowicz
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Beroun
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fries GR, Saldana VA, Finnstein J, Rein T. Molecular pathways of major depressive disorder converge on the synapse. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:284-297. [PMID: 36203007 PMCID: PMC9540059 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disease of still poorly understood molecular etiology. Extensive studies at different molecular levels point to a high complexity of numerous interrelated pathways as the underpinnings of depression. Major systems under consideration include monoamines, stress, neurotrophins and neurogenesis, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunction, (epi)genetics, inflammation, the opioid system, myelination, and the gut-brain axis, among others. This review aims at illustrating how these multiple signaling pathways and systems may interact to provide a more comprehensive view of MDD's neurobiology. In particular, considering the pattern of synaptic activity as the closest physical representation of mood, emotion, and conscience we can conceptualize, each pathway or molecular system will be scrutinized for links to synaptic neurotransmission. Models of the neurobiology of MDD will be discussed as well as future actions to improve the understanding of the disease and treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R. Fries
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX 77054 USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6767 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Valeria A. Saldana
- grid.262285.90000 0000 8800 2297Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473 USA
| | - Johannes Finnstein
- grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Theo Rein
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sun W, Lu Z, Chen X, Yang, Mei Y, Li X, An L. Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Impair Working Memory and Neuronal Activity through the GSK3β/BDNF Signaling Pathway of Prefrontal Cortex in Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3352-3361. [PMID: 36444509 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies demonstrated that alumina nanoparticles (alumina NPs) impair spatial cognition and hippocampus-dependent synaptic plasticity. Although alumina NPs accumulate in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), their effects on PFC-mediated neuronal and cognitive function have been not yet documented. Here, alumina NPs (10 or 20 μg/kg of body weight) were bilaterally injected into the medial PFC (mPFC) of adult rats, and the levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected. The PFC-dependent working memory task with one-minute or three-minute delay time was conducted. Meanwhile, the neuronal correlates of working memory performance were recorded. The specific expression of neuronal BDNF was assessed by colabeled BDNF expression with the neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were employed to detect neuronal excitability. Intra-mPFC alumina NP infusions significantly enhanced the expression of GSK3β but reduced the phosphorylation of GSK3β (pGSK3β) and BDNF levels more severely at a dose of 20 μg/kg. Alumina NPs acted in a dose-dependent manner to impair working memory. The neuronal expression of BDNF in the 20 μg/kg group was markedly declined compared with the 10 μg/kg group. During the delay time, the neuronal frequency of pyramidal cells but not interneurons was significantly weakened. Furthermore, both the frequency and amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were descended in the mPFC slices. Additionally, the infusion of GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 or BDNF could effectively attenuate the impairments in neuronal correlate, neuronal activity, and working memory. From the perspective of the identified GSK3β/BDNF pathway, these findings demonstrated for the first time that alumina NPs exposure can be a risk factor for prefrontal neuronal and cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China.,Behavioural Neuroscience Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Lu
- Behavioural Neuroscience Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China.,Department of Neurology, Jinan Geriatric/Rehabilitation Hospital, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Behavioural Neuroscience Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China.,Graduate School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Department of Neurology, Jinan Geriatric/Rehabilitation Hospital, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Yang
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China
| | - Yazi Mei
- Graduate School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Department of Neurology, Jinan Geriatric/Rehabilitation Hospital, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Lei An
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China.,Behavioural Neuroscience Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China.,Graduate School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.,Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yan N, Shi XL, Tang LQ, Wang DF, Li X, Liu C, Liu ZP. Synthesis and biological evaluation of thieno[3,2- c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives as potent glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1724-1736. [PMID: 35698879 PMCID: PMC9225722 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2086867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) catalyses the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. A series of novel thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives were designed and synthesised and evaluated as potential GSK-3β inhibitors by structure-guided drug rational design approach. The thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivative 16b was identified as a potent GSK-3β inhibitor with an IC50 of 3.1 nM in vitro and showed accepted kinase selectivity. In cell levels, 16b showed no toxicity on the viability of SH-SY5Y cells at the concentration up to 50 μM and targeted GSK-3β with the increased phosphorylated GSK-3β at Ser9. Western blot analysis indicated that 16b decreased the phosphorylated tau at Ser396 in a dose-dependent way. Moreover, 16b effectively increased expressions of β-catenin as well as the GAP43, N-myc, and MAP-2, and promoted the differentiated neuronal neurite outgrowth. Therefore, the thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivative 16b could serve as a promising GSK-3β inhibitor for the treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yan
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiao-Long Shi
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Long-Qian Tang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - De-Feng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xun Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zhao-Peng Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gulyaeva NV. Multi-Level Plasticity-Pathology Continuum of the Nervous System: Functional Aspects. NEUROCHEM J+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712422040092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
44
|
Phenolic Acids as Antidepressant Agents. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204309. [PMID: 36296993 PMCID: PMC9610055 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to understand the molecular pathways in depressive patients and prevent their symptoms. In this context, animal models have suggested phytochemicals from medicinal plants, especially phenolic acids, as alternative treatments. These bioactive molecules are known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. They occur in some fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. This review focused on phenolic acids and extracts from medicinal plants and their effects on depressive symptoms, as well as the molecular interactions and pathways implicated in these effects. Results from preclinical trials indicate the potential of phenolic acids to reduce depressive-like behaviour by regulating factors associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, stimulating monoaminergic neurotransmission and neurogenesis, and modulating intestinal microbiota.
Collapse
|
45
|
Chia K, Klingseisen A, Sieger D, Priller J. Zebrafish as a model organism for neurodegenerative disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:940484. [PMID: 36311026 PMCID: PMC9606821 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.940484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is increasingly recognized as a model organism for translational research into human neuropathology. The zebrafish brain exhibits fundamental resemblance with human neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways, and hallmarks of human brain pathology such as protein aggregation, neuronal degeneration and activation of glial cells, for example, can be modeled and recapitulated in the fish central nervous system. Genetic manipulation, imaging, and drug screening are areas where zebrafish excel with the ease of introducing mutations and transgenes, the expression of fluorescent markers that can be detected in vivo in the transparent larval stages overtime, and simple treatment of large numbers of fish larvae at once followed by automated screening and imaging. In this review, we summarize how zebrafish have successfully been employed to model human neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of choosing zebrafish as a model for these neurodegenerative conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelda Chia
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Klingseisen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Sieger
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Dirk Sieger,
| | - Josef Priller
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute at University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, DZNE, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Josef Priller,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mohamed EA, Ahmed HI, Zaky HS, Badr AM. Boswellic acids ameliorate neurodegeneration induced by AlCl 3: the implication of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:76135-76143. [PMID: 35668264 PMCID: PMC9553772 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20611-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease (ND) that represents the principal cause of dementia. Effective treatment is still lacking. Without prevention, Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence is expected to triple within 30 years. The risk increases in highly polluted areas and is positively linked to chronic aluminum (Al) exposure. Canonical Wingless-Int (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway has been found to play a considerable role in ND pathogenesis. Resins of Boswellia serrata (frankincense) have been used traditionally for their psychoactive activity, in addition to their memory-boosting effects. Boswellic acids (BA) are pentacyclic triterpenes. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and immunomodulatory activities. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in BA protective activity against aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease. For 6 weeks, rats were treated daily with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/i.p.) either alone or with BA (125 or 250 mg/kg PO). Results indicated that BA significantly improved learning and memory impairments induced by AlCl3 treatment. Moreover, BA treatment significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase levels and reduced amyloid-beta (Aβ) expression. In addition, BA ameliorated the increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), inhibited lipid peroxidation, and increased total antioxidants in the brain. Indeed, BA significantly suppressed AlCl3-induced decrease of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, pGSK-3β (Ser 9), and β-catenin. BA (250 mg/kg) showed a significant protective effect compared to a lower dose. The results conclude that BA administration modulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related parameters, contributing to BA's role against Al-induced Alzheimer's disease. Effect of Boswellic acids on AlCl3-induced neurodegenerative changes. ChE cholinesterase, Ach acetylcholine, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, IL-1β interleukin-1β, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman A. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, P.N.11754 Egypt
| | - Hebatalla I. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, P.N.11754 Egypt
| | - Heba S. Zaky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, P.N.11754 Egypt
| | - Amira M. Badr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Shimizu M, Shibuya H. WNK1/HSN2 mediates neurite outgrowth and differentiation via a OSR1/GSK3β-LHX8 pathway. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15858. [PMID: 36151370 PMCID: PMC9508073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20271-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With no lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) phosphorylates and activates STE20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich protein kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) to regulate ion homeostasis in the kidney. Mutations in WNK1 result in dysregulation of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 pathway and cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a form of hypertension. WNK1 is also involved in the autosomal recessive neuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II (HSANII). Mutations in a neural-specific splice variant of WNK1 (HSN2) cause HSANII. However, the mechanisms underlying HSN2 regulation in neurons and effects of HSN2 mutants remain unclear. Here, we found that HSN2 regulated neurite outgrowth through OSR1 activation and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Moreover, HSN2-OSR1 and HSN2-GSK3β signalling induced expression of LIM homeobox 8 (Lhx8), which is a key regulator of cholinergic neural function. The HSN2-OSR1/GSK3β-LHX8 pathway is therefore important for neurite outgrowth. Consistently, HSN2 mutants reported in HSANII patients suppressed SPAK and OSR1 activation and LHX8 induction. Interestingly, HSN2 mutants also suppressed neurite outgrowth by preventing interaction of between wild-type HSN2 and GSK3β. These results indicate that HSN2 mutants cause dysregulation of neurite outgrowth via GSK3β in the HSN2 and/or WNK1 pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shimizu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shibuya
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ebrahim Amini A, Miyata T, Lei G, Jin F, Rubie E, Bradley CA, Woodgett JR, Collingridge GL, Georgiou J. Specific Role for GSK3α in Limiting Long-Term Potentiation in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of Adult Mouse Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:852171. [PMID: 35782378 PMCID: PMC9247355 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.852171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) mediates phosphorylation of several hundred proteins, and its aberrant activity is associated with an array of prevalent disorders. The two paralogs, GSK3α and GSK3β, are expressed ubiquitously and fulfill common as well as unique tasks throughout the body. In the CNS, it is established that GSK3 is involved in synaptic plasticity. However, the relative roles of GSK3 paralogs in synaptic plasticity remains controversial. Here, we used hippocampal slices obtained from adult mice to determine the role of each paralog in CA3−CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, a form of plasticity critically required in learning and memory. Conditional Camk2a Cre-driven neuronal deletion of the Gsk3a gene, but not Gsk3b, resulted in enhanced LTP. There were no changes in basal synaptic function in either of the paralog-specific knockouts, including several measures of presynaptic function. Therefore, GSK3α has a specific role in serving to limit LTP in adult CA1, a postsynaptic function that is not compensated by GSK3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aeen Ebrahim Amini
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tsukiko Miyata
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gang Lei
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fuzi Jin
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Rubie
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clarrisa A. Bradley
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James R. Woodgett
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: James R. Woodgett,
| | - Graham L. Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Graham L. Collingridge,
| | - John Georgiou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- John Georgiou,
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Banach E, Jaworski T, Urban-Ciećko J. Early synaptic deficits in GSK-3β overexpressing mice. Neurosci Lett 2022; 784:136744. [PMID: 35718239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is the prominent feature of many neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases, in which glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) has been shown to play a role. Overexpression of constitutively active form of GSK-3β (GSK-3β[S9A]) in mice recapitulates the cognitive and structural brain deficits characteristic for manic phase of bipolar disorder (BD). Yet, the mechanisms underlying GSK-3β-induced synaptic dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to dissect the effect of GSK-3β overactivity on synaptic function in adolescent (3-week-old) mice. We found that overactivity of GSK-3β in adolescent transgenic mice leads to an alteration in dendritic spines morphology of granule cells in dentate gyrus (DG) without changes in overall spine density. There was an increase in the number of thin, presumably immature dendritic spines in GSK-3β[S9A] mice. Subsequent electrophysiological analysis showed changes in excitatory synaptic transmission manifested by an increase of inter-event intervals of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in DG granule cells and an increase in the number of silent (unfunctional) synapses at the perforant path-DG pathway in GSK-3β[S9A] mice. Altogether, our data indicate that GSK-3β overactivity leads to synaptic deficits in adolescent, GSK-3β[S9A] mice. These data might provide potential mechanisms underlying GSK-3β-induced synaptic dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Banach
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Animal Models, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Jaworski
- Laboratory of Animal Models, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland; Research and Development Centre, Celon Pharma SA, Kazun Nowy, Poland
| | - Joanna Urban-Ciećko
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pathobiology and Therapeutic Relevance of GSK-3 in Chronic Hematological Malignancies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111812. [PMID: 35681507 PMCID: PMC9180032 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes. GSK-3 comprises two isoforms (α and β) which were originally discovered in 1980 as enzymes involved in glucose metabolism via inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase. Differently from other proteins kinases, GSK-3 isoforms are constitutively active in resting cells, and their modulation mainly involves inhibition through upstream regulatory networks. In the early 1990s, GSK-3 isoforms were implicated as key players in cancer cell pathobiology. Active GSK-3 facilitates the destruction of multiple oncogenic proteins which include β-catenin and Master regulator of cell cycle entry and proliferative metabolism (c-Myc). Therefore, GSK-3 was initially considered to be a tumor suppressor. Consistently, GSK-3 is often inactivated in cancer cells through dysregulated upstream signaling pathways. However, over the past 10–15 years, a growing number of studies highlighted that in some cancer settings GSK-3 isoforms inhibit tumor suppressing pathways and therefore act as tumor promoters. In this article, we will discuss the multiple and often enigmatic roles played by GSK-3 isoforms in some chronic hematological malignancies (chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas) which are among the most common blood cancer cell types. We will also summarize possible novel strategies targeting GSK-3 for innovative therapies of these disorders.
Collapse
|