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Li N, Cheng Y, Wang S, Liao H, Liu S. Inhibition of airway smooth muscle contraction and proliferation by LIM kinase inhibitor, LIMKi3. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:186-194. [PMID: 37148787 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.04.002] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current medical treatment for asthma aims to inhibit airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction and proliferation, however, the efficacy of available treatment options is unsatisfactory. Therefore, we explored the effect of LIM domain kinase (LIMK) inhibitor - LIMKi3, on ASM to improve the understanding of ASM contraction and proliferation mechanisms, and to investigate new therapeutic targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS Asthma model was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin. Using phospho-specific antibodies, we examined LIMK, phosphorylated LIMK, cofilin and phosphorylated cofilin. ASM contraction was studied in organ bath experiments. ASM cells proliferation was studied with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. RESULTS Immunofluorescence indicated that LIMKs are expressed in ASM tissues. Western blot revealed that LIMK1 and phospho-cofilin were significantly elevated in asthma ASM tissues. The LIMK inhibitor, LIMKi3 (1 μM) could reduce cofilin phosphorylation and therefore inhibit contraction of ASM tissues, and induce actin filament breakdown as well as cell proliferation reduction in cultured human ASM cells. CONCLUSIONS ASM contraction and proliferation in asthma may underlie the effects of LIMKs. Small molecule LIMK inhibitor, LIMKi3, might be a potential therapeutic strategy for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanxiong Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Liao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengming Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Townes-Anderson E, Halász É, Sugino I, Davidow AL, Frishman LJ, Fritzky L, Yousufzai FAK, Zarbin M. Injury to Cone Synapses by Retinal Detachment: Differences from Rod Synapses and Protection by ROCK Inhibition. Cells 2023; 12:1485. [PMID: 37296606 PMCID: PMC10253016 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111485] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Attachment of a detached retina does not always restore vision to pre-injury levels, even if the attachment is anatomically successful. The problem is due in part to long-term damage to photoreceptor synapses. Previously, we reported on damage to rod synapses and synaptic protection using a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (AR13503) after retinal detachment (RD). This report documents the effects of detachment, reattachment, and protection by ROCK inhibition on cone synapses. Conventional confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy were used for morphological assessment and electroretinograms for functional analysis of an adult pig model of RD. RDs were examined 2 and 4 h after injury or two days later when spontaneous reattachment had occurred. Cone pedicles respond differently than rod spherules. They lose their synaptic ribbons, reduce invaginations, and change their shape. ROCK inhibition protects against these structural abnormalities whether the inhibitor is applied immediately or 2 h after the RD. Functional restoration of the photopic b-wave, indicating cone-bipolar neurotransmission, is also improved with ROCK inhibition. Successful protection of both rod and cone synapses with AR13503 suggests this drug will (1) be a useful adjunct to subretinal administration of gene or stem cell therapies and (2) improve recovery of the injured retina when treatment is delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Éva Halász
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Ilene Sugino
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (I.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Amy L. Davidow
- Department of Biostatistics, New York University School of Global Public Health, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA;
| | - Laura J. Frishman
- Department of Vision Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Luke Fritzky
- Cellular Imaging and Histology Core, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (L.F.); (F.A.K.Y.)
| | - Fawad A. K. Yousufzai
- Cellular Imaging and Histology Core, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (L.F.); (F.A.K.Y.)
| | - Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (I.S.); (M.Z.)
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3
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Townes-Anderson E, Halasz E, Wang W, Zarbin M. Coming of Age for the Photoreceptor Synapse. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:24. [PMID: 34550300 PMCID: PMC8475281 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.12.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To discuss the potential contribution of rod and cone synapses to the loss of visual function in retinal injury and disease. Methods The published literature and the authors' own work were reviewed. Results Retinal detachment is used as a case study of rod spherule and cone pedicle plasticity after injury. Both rod and cone photoreceptors terminals are damaged after detachment although the structural changes observed are only partially overlapping. For second-order neurons, only those associated with rod spherules respond consistently to injury by remodeling. Examination of signaling pathways involved in plasticity of conventional synapses and in neural development has been and may continue to be productive in discovering novel therapeutic targets. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibition is an example of therapy that may reduce synaptic damage by preserving normal synaptic structure of rod and cone cells. Conclusions We hypothesize that synaptic damage contributes to poor visual restoration after otherwise successful anatomical repair of retinal detachment. A similar situation may exist for patients with degenerative retinal disease. Thus, synaptic structure and function should be routinely studied, as this information may disclose therapeutic strategies to mitigate visual loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Eva Halasz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
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4
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Yu Q, Wu C, Chen Y, Li B, Wang R, Huang R, Li X, Gu D, Wang X, Duan X, Li S, Liu Y, Wu W, Hennenberg M, Zeng G. Inhibition of LIM kinase reduces contraction and proliferation in bladder smooth muscle. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:1914-1930. [PMID: 34386328 PMCID: PMC8343115 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Overactive bladder (OAB) is the most bothersome symptom in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Current pharmacologic treatment aims to inhibit detrusor contraction; however, shows unsatisfied efficacy and high discontinuation rate. LIM kinases (LIMKs) promote smooth muscle contraction in the prostate; however, their function in the bladder smooth muscle remains unclear. Here, we studied effects of the LIMK inhibitors on bladder smooth muscle contraction and proliferation both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Bladder expressions of LIMKs are elevated in OAB rat detrusor tissues. Two LIMK inhibitors, SR7826 and LIMKi3, inhibit contraction of human detrusor strip, and cause actin filament breakdown, as well as cell proliferation reduction in cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), paralleled by reduced cofilin phosphorylation. Silencing of LIMK1 and LIMK2 in HBSMCs resulted in breakdown of actin filaments and decreased cell proliferation. Treatment with SR7826 or LIMKi3 decreased micturition frequency and bladder detrusor hypertrophy in rats with bladder outlet obstruction. Our study suggests that LIMKs may promote contraction and proliferation in the bladder smooth muscle, which could be inhibited by small molecule LIMK inhibitors. LIMK inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic strategy for OAB- related LUTS.
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Key Words
- 4E-BP1, 4E-binding protein 1
- ADF, actin depolymerizing factors
- BOO, bladder outlet obstruction
- BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Bladder smooth muscle contraction
- CCK-8, Cell Counting Kit-8
- Cofilin phosphorylation
- Ct, number of cycles
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- EdU, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- H&E, hematoxylin and eosin
- HBSMCs, human bladder smooth muscle cells
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- LIMK
- LIMKs, LIM kinases
- LUTS, lower urinary tract symptoms
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
- MLC, myosin light chain
- MW, molecular weight
- MYPT1, myosin-binding subunit
- OAB, overactive bladder
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- RT-qPCR, reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- STK16, serine/threonine kinase 16
- TESK1, testicular protein kinase 1
- TXA2, thromboxane A2
- WST-8, 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium monosodium salt
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Yu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Chengjie Wu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Yeda Chen
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Bingsheng Li
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ruixiao Wang
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ru Huang
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Xuechun Li
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Di Gu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Shujue Li
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Martin Hennenberg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Guohua Zeng
- Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 20 34294165.
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Xu J, Huang Y, Zhao J, Wu L, Qi Q, Liu Y, Li G, Li J, Liu H, Wu H. Cofilin: A Promising Protein Implicated in Cancer Metastasis and Apoptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:599065. [PMID: 33614640 PMCID: PMC7890941 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.599065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cofilin is an actin-binding protein that regulates filament dynamics and depolymerization. The over-expression of cofilin is observed in various cancers, cofilin promotes cancer metastasis by regulating cytoskeletal reorganization, lamellipodium formation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Clinical treatment of cancer regarding cofilin has been explored in aspects of tumor cells apoptosis and cofilin related miRNAs. This review addresses the structure and phosphorylation of cofilin and describes recent findings regarding the function of cofilin in regulating cancer metastasis and apoptosis in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jimeng Zhao
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Qi
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guona Li
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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ROCK inhibition reduces morphological and functional damage to rod synapses after retinal injury. Sci Rep 2021; 11:692. [PMID: 33436892 PMCID: PMC7804129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal detachment (RD) causes damage, including disjunction, of the rod photoreceptor-bipolar synapse, which disrupts vision and may contribute to the poor visual recovery observed after retinal reattachment surgery. We created a model of iatrogenic RD in adult female pigs to study damage to the rod-bipolar synapse after injury and the ability of a highly specific Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor to preserve synaptic structure and function. This model mimics procedures used in humans when viral vectors or cells are injected subretinally for treatment of retinal disease. Synaptic disjunction by retraction of rod spherules, quantified by image analysis of confocal sections, was present 2 h after detachment and remained 2 days later even though the retina had spontaneously reattached by then. Moreover, spherule retraction occurred in attached retina 1-2 cms from detached retina. Synaptic damage was significantly reduced by ROCK inhibition in detached retina whether injected subretinally or intravitreally. Dark-adapted full-field electroretinograms were recorded in reattached retinas to assess rod-specific function. Reduction in synaptic injury correlated with increases in rod-driven responses in drug-treated eyes. Thus, ROCK inhibition helps prevent synaptic damage and improves functional outcomes after retinal injury and may be a useful adjunctive treatment in iatrogenic RD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
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7
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Brücker L, Kretschmer V, May-Simera HL. The entangled relationship between cilia and actin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 129:105877. [PMID: 33166678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary cilia are microtubule-based sensory cell organelles that are vital for tissue and organ development. They act as an antenna, receiving and transducing signals, enabling communication between cells. Defects in ciliogenesis result in severe genetic disorders collectively termed ciliopathies. In recent years, the importance of the direct and indirect involvement of actin regulators in ciliogenesis came into focus as it was shown that F-actin polymerisation impacts ciliation. The ciliary basal body was further identified as both a microtubule and actin organising centre. In the current review, we summarize recent studies on F-actin in and around primary cilia, focusing on different actin regulators and their effect on ciliogenesis, from the initial steps of basal body positioning and regulation of ciliary assembly and disassembly. Since primary cilia are also involved in several intracellular signalling pathways such as planar cell polarity (PCP), subsequently affecting actin rearrangements, the multiple effectors of this pathway are highlighted in more detail with a focus on the feedback loops connecting actin networks and cilia proteins. Finally, we elucidate the role of actin regulators in the development of ciliopathy symptoms and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Brücker
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Viola Kretschmer
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Louise May-Simera
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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8
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Halasz E, Townes-Anderson E, Wang W. LIM kinases in synaptic plasticity and their potential as therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1471-1472. [PMID: 31997806 PMCID: PMC7059582 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.274333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Halasz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Mulherkar S, Tolias KF. RhoA-ROCK Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2020; 9:E245. [PMID: 31963704 PMCID: PMC7016605 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. TBIs, which range in severity from mild to severe, occur when a traumatic event, such as a fall, a traffic accident, or a blow, causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in damage. Long-term consequences of TBI can include motor and cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances that result in a reduced quality of life and work productivity. Recovery from TBI can be challenging due to a lack of effective treatment options for repairing TBI-induced neural damage and alleviating functional impairments. Central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease are known to induce the activation of the small GTPase RhoA and its downstream effector Rho kinase (ROCK). Activation of this signaling pathway promotes cell death and the retraction and loss of neural processes and synapses, which mediate information flow and storage in the brain. Thus, inhibiting RhoA-ROCK signaling has emerged as a promising approach for treating CNS disorders. In this review, we discuss targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway as a therapeutic strategy for treating TBI and summarize the recent advances in the development of RhoA-ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Wang W, Halasz E, Townes-Anderson E. Actin Dynamics, Regulated by RhoA-LIMK-Cofilin Signaling, Mediates Rod Photoreceptor Axonal Retraction After Retinal Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2274-2285. [PMID: 31112612 PMCID: PMC6530517 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retraction of the axon terminals of rod photoreceptors after retinal detachment breaks the first synapse in the visual pathway, resulting in visual impairment. Previous work showed that the mechanism of axonal retraction involves RhoA signaling and its downstream effector LIM Kinase (LIMK) activation. We examined the response of the downstream component cofilin, a direct binding protein of actin filaments, as well as the regulation by RhoA-LIMK-Cofilin signaling of actin assembly/disassembly, in the presynaptic ribbon terminal of injured rod cells. Methods Injury was produced by retinal detachment or rod cell isolation. Detached porcine retina was probed for levels and localization of phosphorylated cofilin with Western blots and confocal microscopy, whereas rod cell cultures of dissociated salamander retina were examined for filamentous actin assembly/disassembly with a barbed end assay and phalloidin staining. Results A detachment increased phosphorylation of cofilin in retinal explants; phosphorylation occurred in rod terminals in sections of detached retina. Isolation of rod cells resulted in axon retraction accompanied by an increase in actin barbed ends and a decrease in net filament labeling. All changes were significantly reduced by either Rho kinase (ROCK) or LIMK inhibition, using Y27632 or BMS-5, respectively. Cytochalasin D also reduced retraction and stabilized filaments in isolated rod cells. Conclusions These results indicate that actin depolymerization via activation of RhoA downstream kinases and cofilin contributes to axon retraction. Preventing depolymerization, in addition to actomyosin contraction, may stabilize ribbon synapses after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Eva Halasz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States
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11
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Moura-Coelho N, Tavares Ferreira J, Bruxelas CP, Dutra-Medeiros M, Cunha JP, Pinto Proença R. Rho kinase inhibitors-a review on the physiology and clinical use in Ophthalmology. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:1101-1117. [PMID: 30843105 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is involved in several cellular events that include cell proliferation and cytoskeleton modulation leading to cell adhesion. The ROCK pathway in the human eye has been hypothesized to play important roles in corneal endothelial cell physiology and pathologic states. In addition, ROCK signaling has been identified as an important regulator of trabecular meshwork (TM) outflow, which is altered in glaucomatous eyes. These roles in corneal and glaucomatous disease states have led to the growing interest in the development of drugs selectively targeting this pathway (ROCK inhibitors). The authors provide a review of the literature on the pathobiology of the ROCK signaling in corneal endothelial disease, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal disease, as well as the clinical usefulness of ROCK inhibitors in Ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Moura-Coelho
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Instituto Português de Retina (IPR), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Joana Tavares Ferreira
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Pereira Bruxelas
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Ophthalmology Department, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (CHLO), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marco Dutra-Medeiros
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Português de Retina (IPR), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal (APDP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Cunha
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto Proença
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa-Universidade de Lisboa (FML-UL), Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Bucolo C, Platania CBM, Drago F, Bonfiglio V, Reibaldi M, Avitabile T, Uva M. Novel Therapeutics in Glaucoma Management. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:978-992. [PMID: 28925883 PMCID: PMC6120119 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170915142727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cell death and alterations of visual field. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered the main risk factor of glaucoma, even though other factors cannot be ruled out, such as epigenetic mechanisms. OBJECTIVE An overview of the ultimate promising experimental drugs to manage glaucoma has been provided. RESULTS In particular, we have focused on purinergic ligands, KATP channel activators, gases (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide), non-glucocorticoid steroidal compounds, neurotrophic factors, PI3K/Akt activators, citicoline, histone deacetylase inhibitors, cannabinoids, dopamine and serotonin receptors ligands, small interference RNA, and Rho kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS The review has been also endowed of a brief chapter on last reports about potential neuroprotective benefits of anti-glaucoma drugs already present in the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy; Tel: +39 095 4781196;
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Kung F, Wang W, Tran TS, Townes-Anderson E. Sema3A Reduces Sprouting of Adult Rod Photoreceptors In Vitro. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:4318–4331. [PMID: 28806446 PMCID: PMC5555408 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rod photoreceptor terminals respond to retinal injury with retraction and sprouting. Since the guidance cue Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) is observed in the retina after injury, we asked whether Sema3A contributes to structural plasticity in rod photoreceptors. Methods We used Western blots and alkaline phosphatase (AP)-tagged neuropilin-1 (NPN-1) to detect the expression of Sema3A in an organotypic model of porcine retinal detachment. We then examined Sema3A binding to cultured salamander rod photoreceptors using AP-tagged Sema3A. For functional analysis, we used a microspritzer to apply a gradient of Sema3A-Fc to isolated salamander rod photoreceptors over 24 hours. Results Sema3A protein was biochemically detected in porcine retinal explants in the retina 7, 24, and 72 hours after detachment. In sections, NPN-1 receptor was bound to the inner and outer retina. For isolated rod photoreceptors, Sema3A localized to synaptic terminals and to neuritic processes after 1 week in vitro. In microspritzed rod photoreceptors, process initiation occurred away from high concentrations of Sema3A. Sema3A significantly decreased the number of processes formed by rod photoreceptors although the average length of processes was not affected. The cellular orientation of rod photoreceptors relative to the microspritzer also significantly changed over time; this effect was reduced with the Sema3A inhibitor, xanthofulvin. Conclusion Sema3A is expressed in the retina after detachment, binds to rod photoreceptors, affects cell orientation, and reduces photoreceptor process initiation in vitro. Our results suggest that Sema3A contributes to axonal retraction in retinal injury, whereas rod neuritic sprouting and regenerative synaptogenesis may require a reduction in semaphorin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Kung
- Joint Program in Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, United States
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Tracy S Tran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States
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Townes-Anderson E, Wang J, Halász É, Sugino I, Pitler A, Whitehead I, Zarbin M. Fasudil, a Clinically Used ROCK Inhibitor, Stabilizes Rod Photoreceptor Synapses after Retinal Detachment. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:22. [PMID: 28660097 PMCID: PMC5482187 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.3.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal detachment disrupts the rod-bipolar synapse in the outer plexiform layer by retraction of rod axons. We showed that breakage is due to RhoA activation whereas inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK), using Y27632, reduces synaptic damage. We test whether the ROCK inhibitor fasudil, used for other clinical applications, can prevent synaptic injury after detachment. Methods Detachments were made in pigs by subretinal injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) or fasudil (1, 10 mM). In some animals, fasudil was injected intravitreally after BSS-induced detachment. After 2 to 4 hours, retinae were fixed for immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Axon retraction was quantified by imaging synaptic vesicle label in the outer nuclear layer. Apoptosis was analyzed using propidium iodide staining. For biochemical analysis by Western blotting, retinal explants, detached from retinal pigmented epithelium, were cultured for 2 hours. Results Subretinal injection of fasudil (10 mM) reduced retraction of rod spherules by 51.3% compared to control detachments (n = 3 pigs, P = 0.002). Intravitreal injection of 10 mM fasudil, a more clinically feasible route of administration, also reduced retraction (28.7%, n = 5, P < 0.05). Controls had no photoreceptor degeneration at 2 hours, but by 4 hours apoptosis was evident. Fasudil 10 mM reduced pyknotic nuclei by 55.7% (n = 4, P < 0.001). Phosphorylation of cofilin and myosin light chain, downstream effectors of ROCK, was decreased with 30 μM fasudil (n = 8–10 explants, P < 0.05). Conclusions Inhibition of ROCK signaling with fasudil reduced photoreceptor degeneration and preserved the rod-bipolar synapse after retinal detachment. Translational Relevance These results support the possibility, previously tested with Y27632, that ROCK inhibition may attenuate synaptic damage in iatrogenic detachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Éva Halász
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ilene Sugino
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Amy Pitler
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ian Whitehead
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Wang J, Zarbin M, Sugino I, Whitehead I, Townes-Anderson E. RhoA Signaling and Synaptic Damage Occur Within Hours in a Live Pig Model of CNS Injury, Retinal Detachment. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:3892-906. [PMID: 27472075 PMCID: PMC4974026 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The RhoA pathway is activated after retinal injury. However, the time of onset and consequences of activation are unknown in vivo. Based on in vitro studies we focused on a period 2 hours after retinal detachment, in pig, an animal whose retina is holangiotic and contains cones. METHODS Under anesthesia, retinal detachments were created by subretinal injection of a balanced salt solution. Two hours later, animals were sacrificed and enucleated for GTPase activity assays and quantitative Western blot and confocal microscopy analyses. RESULTS RhoA activity with detachment was increased 1.5-fold compared to that in normal eyes or in eyes that had undergone vitrectomy only. Increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a RhoA effector, also occurred. By 2 hours, rod cells had retracted their terminals toward their cell bodies, disrupting the photoreceptor-to-bipolar synapse and producing significant numbers of spherules with SV2 immunolabel in the outer nuclear layer of the retina. In eyes with detachment, distant retina that remained attached also showed significant increases in RhoA activity and synaptic disjunction. Increases in RAC1 activity and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were not specific for detachment, and sprouting of bipolar dendrites, reported for longer detachments, was not seen. The RhoA kinase inhibitor Y27632 significantly reduced axonal retraction by rod cells. CONCLUSIONS Activation of the RhoA pathway occurs quickly after injury and promotes synaptic damage that can be controlled by RhoA kinase inhibition. We suggest that retinal detachment joins the list of central nervous system injuries, such as stroke and spinal cord injury, that should be considered for rapid therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology Physiology, and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ilene Sugino
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ian Whitehead
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Genetics, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology Physiology, and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, United States
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Lunardi P, Sachser RM, Sierra RO, Pedraza LK, Medina C, de la Fuente V, Romano A, Quillfeldt JA, de Oliveira Alvares L. Effects of Hippocampal LIMK Inhibition on Memory Acquisition, Consolidation, Retrieval, Reconsolidation, and Extinction. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:958-967. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Wang W, Townes-Anderson E. Lim kinase, a bi-functional effector in injury-induced structural plasticity of synapses. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1029-32. [PMID: 27630670 PMCID: PMC4994429 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.187018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural plasticity of synaptic terminals contributes to normal nervous system function but also to neural degeneration, in the form of terminal retraction, and regeneration, due to process growth. Synaptic morphological change is mediated through the actin cytoskeleton, which is enriched in axonal and dendritic terminals. Whereas the three RhoGTPases, RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac, function as upstream signaling nodes sensitive to extracellular stimuli, LIMK-cofilin activity serves as a common downstream effector to up-regulate actin turnover, which is necessary for both polymerization and depolymerization. The dual effects of LIMK activity make LIMK a potential target of therapeutic intervention for injury-induced synaptic plasticity, as LIMK inhibition can stabilize actin cytoskeleton and preserve existing structure. This therapeutic benefit of LIMK inhibition has been demonstrated in animal models of injury-induced axon retraction and neuritic sprouting by rod photoreceptors. A better understanding of the regulation of LIMK-cofilin activity and the interaction with the microtubular cytoskeleton may open new ways to promote synaptic regeneration that can benefit neuronal degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ellen Townes-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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