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Lu W, Wang Y, Wen J. The Roles of RhoA/ROCK/NF-κB Pathway in Microglia Polarization Following Ischemic Stroke. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38753217 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10118-w] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Nevertheless, there still lacks the effective therapies for ischemic stroke. Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) and can initiate immune responses and monitor the microenvironment. Microglia are activated and polarize into proinflammatory or anti‑inflammatory phenotype in response to various brain injuries, including ischemic stroke. Proinflammatory microglia could generate immunomodulatory mediators, containing cytokines and chemokines, these mediators are closely associated with secondary brain damage following ischemic stroke. On the contrary, anti-inflammatory microglia facilitate recovery following stroke. Regulating the activation and the function of microglia is crucial in exploring the novel treatments for ischemic stroke patients. Accumulating studies have revealed that RhoA/ROCK pathway and NF-κB are famous modulators in the process of microglia activation and polarization. Inhibiting these key modulators can promote the polarization of microglia to anti-inflammatory phenotype. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the role of RhoA/ROCK pathway and NF-κB in the microglia activation and polarization, reveal the relationship between RhoA/ROCK pathway and NF-κB in the pathological process of ischemic stroke. In addition, we likewise discussed the drug modulators targeting microglia polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhuo Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Medical Branch, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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2
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Benarroch E. What Is the Role of the Rho-ROCK Pathway in Neurologic Disorders? Neurology 2023; 101:536-543. [PMID: 37722862 PMCID: PMC10516277 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
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Lopez-Lopez A, Valenzuela R, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Guerra MJ, Labandeira-Garcia JL, Muñoz A. Interactions between Angiotensin Type-1 Antagonists, Statins, and ROCK Inhibitors in a Rat Model of L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1454. [PMID: 37507992 PMCID: PMC10376833 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071454] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins have been proposed for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) treatment. Statin anti-dyskinetic effects were related to the inhibition of the Ras-ERK pathway. However, the mechanisms responsible for the anti-LID effect are unclear. Changes in cholesterol homeostasis and oxidative stress- and inflammation-related mechanisms such as angiotensin II and Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibition may be involved. The nigra and striatum of dyskinetic rats showed increased levels of cholesterol, ROCK, and the inflammatory marker IL-1β, which were reduced by the angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT1) antagonist candesartan, simvastatin, and the ROCK inhibitor fasudil. As observed for LID, angiotensin II-induced, via AT1, increased levels of cholesterol and ROCK in the rat nigra and striatum. In cultured dopaminergic neurons, angiotensin II increased cholesterol biosynthesis and cholesterol efflux without changes in cholesterol uptake. In astrocytes, angiotensin induced an increase in cholesterol uptake, decrease in biosynthesis, and no change in cholesterol efflux, suggesting a neuronal accumulation of cholesterol that is reduced via transfer to astrocytes. Our data suggest mutual interactions between angiotensin/AT1, cholesterol, and ROCK pathways in LID, which are attenuated by the corresponding inhibitors. Interestingly, these three drugs have also been suggested as neuroprotective treatments against Parkinson's disease. Therefore, they may reduce dyskinesia and the progression of the disease using common mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lopez-Lopez
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rita Valenzuela
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Rodriguez-Perez
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Guerra
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Labandeira-Garcia
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Glotfelty EJ, Tovar-y-Romo LB, Hsueh SC, Tweedie D, Li Y, Harvey BK, Hoffer BJ, Karlsson TE, Olson L, Greig NH. The RhoA-ROCK1/ROCK2 Pathway Exacerbates Inflammatory Signaling in Immortalized and Primary Microglia. Cells 2023; 12:1367. [PMID: 37408199 PMCID: PMC10216802 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101367] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a unifying factor among all acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we used immortalized microglial (IMG) cells and primary microglia (PMg) to understand the roles of the GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and its downstream targets Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2) in neuroinflammation. We used a pan-kinase inhibitor (Y27632) and a ROCK1- and ROCK2-specific inhibitor (RKI1447) to mitigate a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In both the IMG cells and PMg, each drug significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory protein production detected in media (TNF-α, IL-6, KC/GRO, and IL-12p70). In the IMG cells, this resulted from the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and the blocking of neuroinflammatory gene transcription (iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6). Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of both compounds to block the dephosphorylation and activation of cofilin. In the IMG cells, RhoA activation with Nogo-P4 or narciclasine (Narc) exacerbated the inflammatory response to the LPS challenge. We utilized a siRNA approach to differentiate ROCK1 and ROCK2 activity during the LPS challenges and showed that the blockade of both proteins may mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of Y27632 and RKI1447. Using previously published data, we show that genes in the RhoA/ROCK signaling cascade are highly upregulated in the neurodegenerative microglia (MGnD) from APP/PS-1 transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. In addition to illuminating the specific roles of RhoA/ROCK signaling in neuroinflammation, we demonstrate the utility of using IMG cells as a model for primary microglia in cellular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot J. Glotfelty
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luis B. Tovar-y-Romo
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Cellular Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yazhou Li
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K. Harvey
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Department, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Barry J. Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tobias E. Karlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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You Y, Zhu K, Wang J, Liang Q, Li W, Wang L, Guo B, Zhou J, Feng X, Shi J. ROCK inhibitor: Focus on recent updates. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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Mani S, Jindal D, Chopra H, Jha SK, Singh SK, Ashraf GM, Kamal M, Iqbal D, Chellappan DK, Dey A, Dewanjee S, Singh KK, Ojha S, Singh I, Gautam RK, Jha NK. ROCK2 Inhibition: A Futuristic Approach for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104871. [PMID: 36122738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurons depend on mitochondrial functions for membrane excitability, neurotransmission, and plasticity.Mitochondrialdynamicsare important for neural cell maintenance. To maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, lysosomes remove dysfunctionalmitochondria through mitophagy. Mitophagy promotes mitochondrial turnover and prevents the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. In many neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), mitophagy is disrupted in neurons.Mitophagy is regulated by several proteins; recently,Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) has been suggested to negatively regulate the Parkin-dependent mitophagy pathway.Thus, ROCK2inhibitionmay bea promising therapyfor NDDs. This review summarizesthe mitophagy pathway, the role of ROCK2in Parkin-dependentmitophagyregulation,and mitophagy impairment in the pathology of AD. We further discuss different ROCK inhibitors (synthetic drugs, natural compounds,and genetherapy-based approaches)and examine their effects on triggering neuronal growth and neuroprotection in AD and other NDDs. This comprehensive overview of the role of ROCK in mitophagy inhibition provides a possible explanation for the significance of ROCK inhibitors in the therapeutic management of AD and other NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India.
| | - Divya Jindal
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | | | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Keshav K Singh
- Department of Genetics, UAB School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Inderbir Singh
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India
| | - Rupesh K Gautam
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India.
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RhoA Signaling in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091520. [PMID: 35563826 PMCID: PMC9103838 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a small GTPase of the Rho family involved in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways that influence a diverse range of cellular functions. RhoA and many of its downstream effector proteins are highly expressed in the nervous system, implying an important role for RhoA signaling in neurons and glial cells. Indeed, emerging evidence points toward a role of aberrant RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of RhoA regulation and downstream cellular functions with an emphasis on the role of RhoA signaling in neurodegenerative diseases and the therapeutic potential of RhoA inhibition in neurodegeneration.
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Wang Y, Luan M, Xue L, Jin J, Xie A. Evaluation of the relationship between SORL1 gene polymorphism and Parkinson's disease in the Chinese population. Neurosci Lett 2022; 778:136602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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NADPH-Oxidase, Rho-Kinase and Autophagy Mediate the (Pro)renin-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Microglial Response and Enhancement of Dopaminergic Neuron Death. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091340. [PMID: 34572972 PMCID: PMC8472832 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the tissue renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in tissue oxidative and inflammatory responses. Among RAS components, renin, its precursor (pro)renin and its specific receptor (PRR) have been less investigated, particularly in the brain. We previously showed the presence of PRR in neurons and glial cells in the nigrostriatal system of rodents and primates, including humans. Now, we used rat and mouse models and cultures of BV2 and primary microglial cells to study the role of PRR in microglial pro-inflammatory responses. PRR was upregulated in the nigral region, particularly in microglia during the neuroinflammatory response. In the presence of the angiotensin type-1 receptor blocker losartan, to exclude angiotensin-related effects, treatment of microglial cells with (pro)renin induces the expression of microglial pro-inflammatory markers, which is mediated by upregulation of NADPH-oxidase and Rho-kinase activities, downregulation of autophagy and upregulation of inflammasome activity. Conditioned medium from (pro)renin-treated microglia increased dopaminergic cell death relative to medium from non-treated microglia. However, these effects were blocked by pre-treatment of microglia with the Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil. Activation of microglial PRR enhances the microglial pro-inflammatory response and deleterious effects of microglia on dopaminergic cells, and microglial NADPH-oxidase, Rho-Kinase and autophagy are involved in this process.
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Yang YJ, Bu LL, Shen C, Ge JJ, He SJ, Yu HL, Tang YL, Jue Z, Sun YM, Yu WB, Zuo CT, Wu JJ, Wang J, Liu FT. Fasudil Promotes α-Synuclein Clearance in an AAV-Mediated α-Synuclein Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease by Autophagy Activation. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:969-979. [PMID: 32568105 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, but the disease-modifying therapies focusing on the core pathological changes are still unavailable. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been suggested as a promising target for developing neuroprotective therapies in PD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the promotion of α-synuclein (α-syn) clearance in a rat model. METHODS In a rat model induced by unilateral injection of adeno-associated virus of serotype 9 (AAV9) expressing A53T α-syn (AAV9-A53T-α-syn) into the right substantia nigra, we aimed to investigate whether Fasudil could promote α-syn clearance and thereby attenuate motor impairments and dopaminergic deficits. RESULTS In our study, treatment with Fasudil (5 mg/kg rat weight/day) for 8 weeks significantly improved the motor deficits in the Cylinder and Rotarod tests. In the in vivo positron emission tomography imaging with the ligand 18F-dihydrotetrabenazine, Fasudil significantly enhanced the dopaminergic imaging in the injected striatum of the rat model (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle group, p < 0.01 vs. left striatum in Fasudil group). The following mechanistic study confirmed that Fasudil could promote the autophagic clearance of α-syn by Becline 1 and Akt/mTOR pathways. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that Fasudil, the ROCK2 inhibitor, could attenuate the anatomical and behavioral lesions in the Parkinsonian rat model by autophagy activation. Our results identify Fasudil as a drug with high translational potential as disease-modifying treatment for PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Lu Bu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jie Ge
- PET Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Jin He
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ling Yu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Lin Tang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Jue
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Min Sun
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bo Yu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jian-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lin YE, Chen YC, Lu KH, Huang YJ, Panyod S, Liu WT, Yang SH, Lu YS, Chen MH, Sheen LY. Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link by modulation of ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling in an unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced animal model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 276:114194. [PMID: 33974945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link (CM) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in tonics for treating several neurological disorders, including epilepsy and anxiety, in Asia. Reports have shown that CM has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and may be beneficial for depression management. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the potential of CM as an antidepressant for a long-term unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) rodent models and explore its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were orally administered with 125 (low, L), 250 (medium, M), and 500 (high, H) mg/kg bodyweight (bw) of the water extract of CM (WCM) for 35 consecutive days in the UCMS protocol. The levels of cerebral serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and metabolites in the frontal cortex of the rats were measured. Blood was collected to investigate the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and the brain was dissected to assay the stress-associated ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling. RESULTS All doses of the WCM prevented abnormal behaviors induced by UCMS, including anhedonia and hypoactivity. The LWCM treatment reduced the turnover rate of 5-HT, and all doses of the WCM reduced the turnover rate of DA in the frontal cortex. The LWCM also attenuated the elevation of serum IL-1β induced by chronic stress. All doses of the WCM attenuated the ROCK2 protein hyperactivation, and the LWCM further increased the down-regulation of p-Akt/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION The WCM has antidepressant-like effects, which may result from the regulation of the stress-related ROCK2/PTEN/Akt pathway. Therefore, the WCM may be developed and used for the complementary treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-En Lin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hung Lu
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Ju Huang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Suraphan Panyod
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Ting Liu
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Hui Yang
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Sheng Lu
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Hsing Chen
- Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Lee-Yan Sheen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Center for Food Safety Education and Research, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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12
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Quadir H, Hakobyan K, Gaddam M, Ojinnaka U, Ahmed Z, Kannan A, Mostafa JA. Role of Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibition As Therapeutic Strategy for Parkinson's Disease: Dopaminergic Survival and Enhanced Mitophagy. Cureus 2021; 13:e16973. [PMID: 34377615 PMCID: PMC8349301 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The GTP-binding protein, Rho, plays a significant role in the cellular pathology of Parkinson’s disease. The downstream effector of Rho, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), performs several functions, including microglial inflammatory response and enhanced Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Its inhibition shows neuroprotective effects in carried studies. Parkinson’s disease pathology also rests on incomplete removal of damaged mitochondria, leading to neuronal impairment. ROCK has different isoforms, inhibition of which have been shown to decrease the adverse changes in microglia. There has also been evidence of a decreased release of inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in degradation of dopaminergic neurons on the addition of ROCK inhibitors. Additionally, ROCK inhibitors have recently been shown to increase the activity of hexokinase 2 (HK2), relocating it to mitochondria, and therefore leading to upregulated mitochondrial targeting. Understanding the cellular basis of ROCK activity and its inhibition may help us advance in creating new strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Quadir
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.,Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Knkush Hakobyan
- Diagnostic Radiology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mrunanjali Gaddam
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ugochi Ojinnaka
- Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Zubayer Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Amudhan Kannan
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND.,General Surgery Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jihan A Mostafa
- Faculty Member, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, California, USA
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13
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Schneider B, Baudry A, Pietri M, Alleaume-Butaux A, Bizingre C, Nioche P, Kellermann O, Launay JM. The Cellular Prion Protein-ROCK Connection: Contribution to Neuronal Homeostasis and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:660683. [PMID: 33912016 PMCID: PMC8072021 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.660683] [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: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-based neurodegenerative diseases such as prion, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases have distinct etiologies and clinical manifestations, but they share common pathological events. These diseases are caused by abnormally folded proteins (pathogenic prions PrPSc in prion diseases, β-amyloids/Aβ and Tau in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease) that display β-sheet-enriched structures, propagate and accumulate in the nervous central system, and trigger neuronal death. In prion diseases, PrPSc-induced corruption of the physiological functions exerted by normal cellular prion proteins (PrPC) present at the cell surface of neurons is at the root of neuronal death. For a decade, PrPC emerges as a common cell surface receptor for other amyloids such as Aβ and α-synuclein, which relays, at least in part, their toxicity. In lipid-rafts of the plasma membrane, PrPC exerts a signaling function and controls a set of effectors involved in neuronal homeostasis, among which are the RhoA-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs). Here we review (i) how PrPC controls ROCKs, (ii) how PrPC-ROCK coupling contributes to neuronal homeostasis, and (iii) how the deregulation of the PrPC-ROCK connection in amyloid-based neurodegenerative diseases triggers a loss of neuronal polarity, affects neurotransmitter-associated functions, contributes to the endoplasmic reticulum stress cascade, renders diseased neurons highly sensitive to neuroinflammation, and amplifies the production of neurotoxic amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Schneider
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Anne Baudry
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Mathéa Pietri
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Alleaume-Butaux
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France.,Université de Paris - BioMedTech Facilities- INSERM US36
- CNRS UMS2009 - Structural and Molecular Analysis Platform, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Bizingre
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Nioche
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France.,Université de Paris - BioMedTech Facilities- INSERM US36
- CNRS UMS2009 - Structural and Molecular Analysis Platform, Paris, France
| | - Odile Kellermann
- Inserm UMR-S1124, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- Inserm UMR 942, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.,Pharma Research Department, Hoffmann-La-Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Erb C, Konieczka K. [Rho kinase inhibitors as new local therapy option in primary open angle glaucoma]. Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:449-460. [PMID: 33403458 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2014 in Japan and 2017 in the USA, the Rho-kinase inhibitors were approved as a new antiglaucomatous substance group and will now be launched in Europe. OBJECTIVE On this occasion the current state of knowledge on Rho-kinase inhibitors is presented. METHODS In intensive search in PubMed the relevant experimental and clinical literature on the Rho-kinase inhibitors ripasudil and netarsudil and the combination of netarsudil and latanoprost were selected and compiled for this review. RESULTS The intraocular pressure lowering efficacy of ripasudil and netarsudil is in the range of the beta blocker timolol and the prostaglandin analogue latanoprost. In the fixed combination netarsudil/latanoprost the intraocular pressure reduction is greater than that of the single components and reaches a target pressure of below 15 mm Hg in 32%. Conjunctival hyperemia with 53-65% is the most common local side effect. Systemic side effects are very rare and so far there are no contraindications. CONCLUSION The Rho-kinase inhibitors are an interesting new introduction for glaucoma therapy, as each new pressure-lowering therapy represents an additional chance to reach the individually defined target pressure level in a glaucoma patient with local therapy; however, many of the pleiotropic effects associated with Rho-kinase inhibitors have so far only been found experimentally and will require clinical confirmation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Erb
- Augenklinik am Wittenbergplatz, Kleiststr. 23-26, 10787, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - K Konieczka
- Augenklinik, Universitätsspital, Mittlere Straße 91, 4056, Basel, Schweiz
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15
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Yeman KB, Isik S. Down regulation of DNA topoisomerase IIβ exerts neurodegeneration like effect through Rho GTPases in cellular model of Parkinson's disease by Down regulating tyrosine hydroxylase. Neurol Res 2021; 43:464-473. [PMID: 33402057 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1867949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Initiating the transcriptional activation of neuronal genes, DNA topoisomerase IIβ (topo IIβ) has a crucial role in neural differentiation and brain development. Inhibition of topo IIβ activity causes shorter axons and deteriorated neuronal connections common in neurodegenerative diseases. We previously reported that topo IIβ silencing could give rise to neurodegeneration through dysregulation of Rho GTPases and may contribute to pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are several studies available proposing a link between Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Rho GTPases, there have been no reports analyzing the topo IIβ-dependent association of PD and Rho GTPases. Here, for the first time, we identified that topo IIβ has a regulatory role on Rho GTPases contributing to PD-like pathology. We analyzed the association between topo IIβ and PD by comparing topo IIβ expression levels of Retinoic Acid (RA) and Brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) induced and MPP+-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells used as an in vitro PD model. While both mRNA and protein levels of topo IIβ increase in neural differentiated cells, a significant decrease is detected in the PD model. Additionally, silencing of topo IIβ by specific siRNAs caused phenotypic alterations like deteriorated neural connections and transcriptional regulations such as upregulation of RhoA and downregulation of Cdc42, Rac1, and tyrosine hydroxylase gene expressions. Our results suggest that topo IIβ downregulation may cause neurodegeneration through dysregulation of Rho-GTPases leading to PD-like pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyak Bercem Yeman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevim Isik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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16
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Blagojević S, Jeremić M, Jovanović-Tucović M. The neuroprotective effect of Rho-kinase Inhibition in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cellular model of neurodegeneration. MEDICINSKI PODMLADAK 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/mp72-33532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridium (MPTP) induced model of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most commonly used experimental models. This neurotoxic agent , or rather its metabolite MPP+, leads to inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, an increase in free radicals' production and ATP depletion, all resulting in cellular demise and death. Rho-kinase is an enzyme involved with numerous cellregulatory mechanisms, such as cytoskeleton organization, axonogenesis, vesicular transport regulation and apoptosis regulation, which are all important for cell survival. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the effects of Rho-kinase inhibition on the MPP+ induced model of neurodegeneration and the role of Akt and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways in this process. Material and methods: The experiments were performed on the human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cell line. The MTT test was used to measure the viability of the cells after the MPP+ and/ or Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil, treatments. Changes in activation levels, or expression of pAMPK, pAkt, AMPK and Akt, were measured using the immunoblotting method, and the protein levels were quantified by densitometry. Results: The MPP+ caused a dose-dependent decrease in cellular viability, compared to the control group (untreated cells), while fasudil treatment, prior to MPP+ exposure, improved cell viability in a dose dependant manner, compared to MPP+ treatment. Analysis of activation status of target proteins showed an increase in Akt activation after the fasudil treatment, while the AMPK activation was not significantly changed. Conclusion: Inhibition of Rho-kinase using fasudil causes a decrease in MPP+ induced cell death, which is possibly mediated by an activation of the Akt/PI3K signaling pathway.
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17
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Iyer M, Subramaniam MD, Venkatesan D, Cho SG, Ryding M, Meyer M, Vellingiri B. Role of RhoA-ROCK signaling in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 894:173815. [PMID: 33345850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex and widespread neurodegenerative disease characterized by depletion of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Key issues are the development of therapies that can stop or reverse the disease progression, identification of dependable biomarkers, and better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PD. RhoA-ROCK signals appear to have an important role in PD symptoms, making it a possible approach for PD treatment strategies. Activation of RhoA-ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase) appears to stimulate various PD risk factors including aggregation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn), dysregulation of autophagy, and activation of apoptosis. This manuscript reviews current updates about the biology and function of the RhoA-ROCK pathway and discusses the possible role of this signaling pathway in causing the pathogenesis of PD. We conclude that inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway may have high translational potential and could be a promising therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohana Devi Subramaniam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhivya Venkatesan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
| | - Matias Ryding
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), Odense, Denmark
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.
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18
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Lopez-Lopez A, Labandeira CM, Labandeira-Garcia JL, Muñoz A. Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil reduces l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5622-5641. [PMID: 32986850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Rho kinase (ROCK) activation is involved in neuroinflammatory processes leading to progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, ROCK plays a major role in angiogenesis. Neuroinflammation and angiogenesis are mechanisms involved in developing l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LID). However, it is not known whether ROCK plays a role in LID and whether ROCK inhibitors may be useful against LID. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In rats, we performed short- and long-term dopaminergic lesions using 6-hydroxydopamine and developed a LID model. Effects of dopaminergic lesions and LID on the RhoA/ROCK levels were studied by western blot, real-time PCR analyses and ROCK activity assays in the substantia nigra and striatum. The effects of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil on LID were particularly investigated. KEY RESULTS Short-term 6-hydroxydopamine lesions increased nigrostriatal RhoA/ROCK expression, apparently related to the active neuroinflammatory process. However, long-term dopaminergic denervation (completed and stabilized lesions) led to a decrease in RhoA/ROCK levels. Rats with LID showed a significant increase of RhoA and ROCK expression. The development of LID was reduced by the ROCK inhibitor fasudil (10 and 40 mg·kg-1 ), without interfering with the therapeutic effect of l-DOPA. Interestingly, treatment of 40 mg·kg-1 of fasudil also induced a significant reduction of dyskinesia in rats with previously established LID. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The present results suggest that ROCK is involved in the pathophysiology of LID and that ROCK inhibitors such as fasudil may be a novel target for preventing or treating LID. Furthermore, previous studies have revealed neuroprotective effects of ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lopez-Lopez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen M Labandeira
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Department of Clinical Neurology, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, University Hospital Complex, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
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19
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Cosarderelioglu C, Nidadavolu LS, George CJ, Oh ES, Bennett DA, Walston JD, Abadir PM. Brain Renin-Angiotensin System at the Intersect of Physical and Cognitive Frailty. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:586314. [PMID: 33117127 PMCID: PMC7561440 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.586314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) was initially considered to be part of the endocrine system regulating water and electrolyte balance, systemic vascular resistance, blood pressure, and cardiovascular homeostasis. It was later discovered that intracrine and local forms of RAS exist in the brain apart from the endocrine RAS. This brain-specific RAS plays essential roles in brain homeostasis by acting mainly through four angiotensin receptor subtypes; AT1R, AT2R, MasR, and AT4R. These receptors have opposing effects; AT1R promotes vasoconstriction, proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress while AT2R and MasR counteract the effects of AT1R. AT4R is critical for dopamine and acetylcholine release and mediates learning and memory consolidation. Consequently, aging-associated dysregulation of the angiotensin receptor subtypes may lead to adverse clinical outcomes such as Alzheimer’s disease and frailty via excessive oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, microglial polarization, and alterations in neurotransmitter secretion. In this article, we review the brain RAS from this standpoint. After discussing the functions of individual brain RAS components and their intracellular and intracranial locations, we focus on the relationships among brain RAS, aging, frailty, and specific neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular cognitive impairment, through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Finally, we discuss the effects of RAS-modulating drugs on the brain RAS and their use in novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caglar Cosarderelioglu
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.,Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lolita S Nidadavolu
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Claudene J George
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Esther S Oh
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jeremy D Walston
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peter M Abadir
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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20
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Muñoz A, Lopez-Lopez A, Labandeira CM, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Interactions Between the Serotonergic and Other Neurotransmitter Systems in the Basal Ganglia: Role in Parkinson's Disease and Adverse Effects of L-DOPA. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:26. [PMID: 32581728 PMCID: PMC7289026 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, other non-dopaminergic neuronal systems such as the serotonergic system are also involved. Serotonergic dysfunction is associated with non-motor symptoms and complications, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and sleep disturbances. This pathology reduces patient quality of life. Interaction between the serotonergic and other neurotransmitters systems such as dopamine, noradrenaline, glutamate, and GABA controls the activity of striatal neurons and are particularly interesting for understanding the pathophysiology of PD. Moreover, serotonergic dysfunction also causes motor symptoms. Interestingly, serotonergic neurons play an important role in the effects of L-DOPA in advanced PD stages. Serotonergic terminals can convert L-DOPA to dopamine, which mediates dopamine release as a "false" transmitter. The lack of any autoregulatory feedback control in serotonergic neurons to regulate L-DOPA-derived dopamine release contributes to the appearance of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). This mechanism may also be involved in the development of graft-induced dyskinesias (GID), possibly due to the inclusion of serotonin neurons in the grafted tissue. Consistent with this, the administration of serotonergic agonists suppressed LID. In this review article, we summarize the interactions between the serotonergic and other systems. We also discuss the role of the serotonergic system in LID and if therapeutic approaches specifically targeting this system may constitute an effective strategy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Deptartment of Morphological Sciences, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Lopez-Lopez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Deptartment of Morphological Sciences, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen M Labandeira
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, University Hospital Complex, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's Disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Deptartment of Morphological Sciences, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Duman JG, Mulherkar S, Tu YK, Erikson KC, Tzeng CP, Mavratsas VC, Ho TSY, Tolias KF. The adhesion-GPCR BAI1 shapes dendritic arbors via Bcr-mediated RhoA activation causing late growth arrest. eLife 2019; 8:47566. [PMID: 31461398 PMCID: PMC6713510 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic arbor architecture profoundly impacts neuronal connectivity and function, and aberrant dendritic morphology characterizes neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we identify the adhesion-GPCR BAI1 as an important regulator of dendritic arborization. BAI1 loss from mouse or rat hippocampal neurons causes dendritic hypertrophy, whereas BAI1 overexpression precipitates dendrite retraction. These defects specifically manifest as dendrites transition from growth to stability. BAI1-mediated growth arrest is independent of its Rac1-dependent synaptogenic function. Instead, BAI1 couples to the small GTPase RhoA, driving late RhoA activation in dendrites coincident with growth arrest. BAI1 loss lowers RhoA activation and uncouples it from dendrite dynamics, causing overgrowth. None of BAI1's known downstream effectors mediates BAI1-dependent growth arrest. Rather, BAI1 associates with the Rho-GTPase regulatory protein Bcr late in development and stimulates its cryptic RhoA-GEF activity, which functions together with its Rac1-GAP activity to terminate arborization. Our results reveal a late-acting signaling pathway mediating a key transition in dendrite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Yen-Kuei Tu
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Kelly C Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Christopher P Tzeng
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Vasilis C Mavratsas
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Tammy Szu-Yu Ho
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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22
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Qu L, Pan C, He SM, Lang B, Gao GD, Wang XL, Wang Y. The Ras Superfamily of Small GTPases in Non-neoplastic Cerebral Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:121. [PMID: 31213978 PMCID: PMC6555388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPases from the Ras superfamily play crucial roles in basic cellular processes during practically the entire process of neurodevelopment, including neurogenesis, differentiation, gene expression, membrane and protein traffic, vesicular trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. Small GTPases are key signal transducing enzymes that link extracellular cues to the neuronal responses required for the construction of neuronal networks, as well as for synaptic function and plasticity. Different subfamilies of small GTPases have been linked to a number of non-neoplastic cerebral diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), intellectual disability, epilepsy, drug addiction, Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a large number of idiopathic cerebral diseases. Here, we attempted to make a clearer illustration of the relationship between Ras superfamily GTPases and non-neoplastic cerebral diseases, as well as their roles in the neural system. In future studies, potential treatments for non-neoplastic cerebral diseases which are based on small GTPase related signaling pathways should be explored further. In this paper, we review all the available literature in support of this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Pan
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Ming He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an International Medical Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Bing Lang
- The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Dong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue-Lian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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23
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Tseng YT, Lin WJ, Chang WH, Lo YC. The novel protective effects of loganin against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced neurotoxicity: Enhancement of neurotrophic signaling, activation of IGF-1R/GLP-1R, and inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway. Phytother Res 2018; 33:690-701. [PMID: 30556245 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Loganin, a major iridoid glycoside obtained from fruits of Cornus officinalis, possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, and osteoporosis prevention effects. Loganin has been linked to neuroprotection in several models of neurodegeneration, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of loganin are still mostly unknown. Here, we demonstrated the protective effects of loganin against PD mimetic toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+ ) and the important roles of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the neuroprotective mechanisms of loganin. In primary mesencephalic neuronal cultures treated with or without MPP+ , loganin up-regulated expressions of neurotrophic signals including IGF-1R, GLP-1R, p-Akt, BDNF, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Loganin protected against MPP+ -induced apoptosis by up-regulating antiapoptotic protein and down-regulating proapoptotic protein. Moreover, loganin attenuated MPP+ -induced neurite damage via up-regulation of GAP43 and down-regulation of membrane-RhoA/ROCK2/p-LIMK/p-cofilin. Loganin also attenuated MPP+ -induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, both AG1024, an IGF-1R antagonist, and exendin 9-39, a GLP-1R antagonist, attenuated the protective effects of loganin on MPP+ -induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, neurite length decrease, and ROS production. Our results suggest that loganin attenuates MPP+ -induced apoptotic death, neurite damage, and oxidative stress through enhancement of neurotrophic signaling, activation of IGF-1R/GLP-1R, and inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway, providing the evidence that loganin possesses novel neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jung Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Lo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Baig MH, Ahmad K, Rabbani G, Danishuddin M, Choi I. Computer Aided Drug Design and its Application to the Development of Potential Drugs for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:740-748. [PMID: 29046156 PMCID: PMC6080097 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171016163510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are diverse group of disorders characterized by escalating loss of neurons (structural and functional). The development of potential therapeutics for NDs presents an important challenge, as traditional treatments are inefficient and usually are unable to stop or retard the process of neurodegeneration. Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) has emerged as an efficient means of developing candidate drugs for the treatment of many disease types. Applications of CADD approach to drug discovery are progressing day by day. The recent tendency in drug design is to rationally design potent therapeutics with multi-targeting effects, higher efficacies, and fewer side effects, especially in terms of toxicity. Methods A wide literature search was performed for writing this review. An updated view on different types of NDs, their effect on human population and a brief introduction to CADD, various approaches involved in this technique, ranging from structural-based to ligand-based drug design has been discussed. The successful application of CADD approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders is also included in this review. Results In this review, we have briefly described about CADD and its use in the development of the therapeutic drug candidates against NDs. The successful applications, limitations and future prospects of this approach have also been discussed. Conclusion CADD can assist researchers studying interactions between drugs and receptors. We believe this review will be helpful for better understanding of CADD and its applications towards the discovery of new drug candidates against various fatal NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khurshid Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Gulam Rabbani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Mohd Danishuddin
- School of computation and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
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25
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More SV, Choi DK. Emerging preclinical pharmacological targets for Parkinson's disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:29835-63. [PMID: 26988916 PMCID: PMC5045437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia. It is the most prevalent form of Parkinsonism, categorized by cardinal features such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors, and postural instability. Due to the multicentric pathology of PD involving inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, and protein aggregation, it has become difficult to pin-point a single therapeutic target and evaluate its potential application. Currently available drugs for treating PD provide only symptomatic relief and do not decrease or avert disease progression resulting in poor patient satisfaction and compliance. Significant amount of understanding concerning the pathophysiology of PD has offered a range of potential targets for PD. Several emerging targets including AAV-hAADC gene therapy, phosphodiesterase-4, potassium channels, myeloperoxidase, acetylcholinesterase, MAO-B, dopamine, A2A, mGlu5, and 5-HT-1A/1B receptors are in different stages of clinical development. Additionally, alternative interventions such as deep brain stimulation, thalamotomy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and gamma knife surgery, are also being developed for patients with advanced PD. As much as these therapeutic targets hold potential to delay the onset and reverse the disease, more targets and alternative interventions need to be examined in different stages of PD. In this review, we discuss various emerging preclinical pharmacological targets that may serve as a new promising neuroprotective strategy that could actually help alleviate PD and its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Vasant More
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
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26
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Joshi N, Singh S. Updates on immunity and inflammation in Parkinson disease pathology. J Neurosci Res 2017; 96:379-390. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center; San Francisco California
| | - Sarika Singh
- Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow India
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27
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Labandeira-Garcia JL, Rodríguez-Perez AI, Garrido-Gil P, Rodriguez-Pallares J, Lanciego JL, Guerra MJ. Brain Renin-Angiotensin System and Microglial Polarization: Implications for Aging and Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:129. [PMID: 28515690 PMCID: PMC5413566 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia can transform into proinflammatory/classically activated (M1) or anti-inflammatory/alternatively activated (M2) phenotypes following environmental signals related to physiological conditions or brain lesions. An adequate transition from the M1 (proinflammatory) to M2 (immunoregulatory) phenotype is necessary to counteract brain damage. Several factors involved in microglial polarization have already been identified. However, the effects of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on microglial polarization are less known. It is well known that there is a “classical” circulating RAS; however, a second RAS (local or tissue RAS) has been observed in many tissues, including brain. The locally formed angiotensin is involved in local pathological changes of these tissues and modulates immune cells, which are equipped with all the components of the RAS. There are also recent data showing that brain RAS plays a major role in microglial polarization. Level of microglial NADPH-oxidase (Nox) activation is a major regulator of the shift between M1/proinflammatory and M2/immunoregulatory microglial phenotypes so that Nox activation promotes the proinflammatory and inhibits the immunoregulatory phenotype. Angiotensin II (Ang II), via its type 1 receptor (AT1), is a major activator of the NADPH-oxidase complex, leading to pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects. However, these effects are counteracted by a RAS opposite arm constituted by Angiotensin II/AT2 receptor signaling and Angiotensin 1–7/Mas receptor (MasR) signaling. In addition, activation of prorenin-renin receptors may contribute to activation of the proinflammatory phenotype. Aged brains showed upregulation of AT1 and downregulation of AT2 receptor expression, which may contribute to a pro-oxidative pro-inflammatory state and the increase in neuron vulnerability. Several recent studies have shown interactions between the brain RAS and different factors involved in microglial polarization, such as estrogens, Rho kinase (ROCK), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)-α, iron, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and toll-like receptors (TLRs). Metabolic reprogramming has recently been involved in the regulation of the neuroinflammatory response. Interestingly, we have recently observed a mitochondrial RAS, which is altered in aged brains. In conclusion, dysregulation of brain RAS plays a major role in aging-related changes and neurodegeneration by exacerbation of oxidative
stress (OS) and neuroinflammation, which may be attenuated by pharmacological manipulation of RAS components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Rodríguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Garrido-Gil
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
| | - Jannette Rodriguez-Pallares
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L Lanciego
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain.,Neurosciences Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of NavarraPamplona, Spain
| | - Maria J Guerra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)Madrid, Spain
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28
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Roser AE, Tönges L, Lingor P. Modulation of Microglial Activity by Rho-Kinase (ROCK) Inhibition as Therapeutic Strategy in Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:94. [PMID: 28420986 PMCID: PMC5378706 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS, PNS), resulting in a reduced innervation of target structures and a loss of function. A shared characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases is the infiltration of microglial cells into affected brain regions. During early disease stages microglial cells often display a rather neuroprotective phenotype, but switch to a more pro-inflammatory neurotoxic phenotype in later stages of the disease, contributing to the neurodegeneration. Activation of the Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway appears to be instrumental for the modulation of the microglial phenotype: increased ROCK activity in microglia mediates mechanisms of the inflammatory response and is associated with improved motility, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of inflammatory cytokines. Recently, several studies suggested inhibition of ROCK signaling as a promising treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review article, we discuss the contribution of microglial activity and phenotype switch to the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two devastating neurodegenerative diseases without disease-modifying treatment options. Furthermore, we describe how ROCK inhibition can influence the microglial phenotype in disease models and explore ROCK inhibition as a future treatment option for PD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisa Roser
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tönges
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
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29
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Martin-Vilchez S, Whitmore L, Asmussen H, Zareno J, Horwitz R, Newell-Litwa K. RhoGTPase Regulators Orchestrate Distinct Stages of Synaptic Development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170464. [PMID: 28114311 PMCID: PMC5256999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RhoGTPases regulate changes in post-synaptic spine morphology and density that support learning and memory. They are also major targets of synaptic disorders, including Autism. Here we sought to determine whether upstream RhoGTPase regulators, including GEFs, GAPs, and GDIs, sculpt specific stages of synaptic development. The majority of examined molecules uniquely regulate either early spine precursor formation or later maturation. Specifically, an activator of actin polymerization, the Rac1 GEF β-PIX, drives spine precursor formation, whereas both FRABIN, a Cdc42 GEF, and OLIGOPHRENIN-1, a RhoA GAP, regulate spine precursor elongation. However, in later development, a novel Rac1 GAP, ARHGAP23, and RhoGDIs inactivate actomyosin dynamics to stabilize mature synapses. Our observations demonstrate that specific combinations of RhoGTPase regulatory proteins temporally balance RhoGTPase activity during post-synaptic spine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Martin-Vilchez
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Leanna Whitmore
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Hannelore Asmussen
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Zareno
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Rick Horwitz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Karen Newell-Litwa
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
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30
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Scoparone Inhibits LPS-Simulated Inflammatory Response by Suppressing IRF3 and ERK in BV-2 Microglial Cells. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21121718. [PMID: 27983636 PMCID: PMC6272885 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21121718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia activation and the release of various inflammatory cytokines are largely related to neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other brain diseases. The suppression of microglial cells using natural bioactive compounds has become increasingly important for brain therapy owing to the expected beneficial effect of lower toxicity. Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin), a major bioactive compound found in various plant parts, including the inner shell of chestnut (Castanea crenata), was evaluated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglia cells. The results indicated that scoparone suppresses the LPS-stimulated increase of neuroinflammatory responses and inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the BV-2 microglial cells. A mechanistic study showed that scoparone specifically inhibited the LPS-stimulated activation via a major regulation of IRF-3 and a regulation of ERK, whereby the phosphorylation in the BV-2 microglial cells is blocked. These data suggest that scoparone has anti-neuroinflammatory effects in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells, and could possibly be used in the development of novel drugs for the prevention and treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
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31
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Labandeira-Garcia JL, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Valenzuela R, Costa-Besada MA, Guerra MJ. Menopause and Parkinson's disease. Interaction between estrogens and brain renin-angiotensin system in dopaminergic degeneration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 43:44-59. [PMID: 27693730 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuroprotective effects of menopausal hormonal therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not yet been clarified, and it is controversial whether there is a critical period for neuroprotection. Studies in animal models and clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that estrogens induce dopaminergic neuroprotection. Recent studies suggest that inhibition of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) mediates the effects of estrogens in PD models. In the substantia nigra, ovariectomy induces a decrease in levels of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and increases angiotensin activity, NADPH-oxidase activity and expression of neuroinflammatory markers, which are regulated by estrogen replacement therapy. There is a critical period for the neuroprotective effect of estrogen replacement therapy, and local ER-α and RAS play a major role. Astrocytes play a major role in ER-α-induced regulation of local RAS, but neurons and microglia are also involved. Interestingly, treatment with angiotensin receptor antagonists after the critical period induced neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain.
| | - Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Rita Valenzuela
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Maria A Costa-Besada
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Maria J Guerra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
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Kobayashi K, Sano H, Kato S, Kuroda K, Nakamuta S, Isa T, Nambu A, Kaibuchi K, Kobayashi K. Survival of corticostriatal neurons by Rho/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. Neurosci Lett 2016; 630:45-52. [PMID: 27424794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Developing cortical neurons undergo a number of sequential developmental events including neuronal survival/apoptosis, and the molecular mechanism underlying each characteristic process has been studied in detail. However, the survival pathway of cortical neurons at mature stages remains largely uninvestigated. We herein focused on mature corticostriatal neurons because of their important roles in various higher brain functions and the spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The small GTPase Rho is known to control diverse and essential cellular functions through some effector molecules, including Rho-kinase, during neural development. In the present study, we investigated the role of Rho signaling through Rho-kinase in the survival of corticostriatal neurons. We performed the conditional expression of Clostridium botulinum C3 ADP-ribosyltransferase (C3 transferase) or dominant-negative form for Rho-kinase (Rho-K DN), a well-known inhibitor of Rho or Rho-kinase, respectively, in corticostriatal neurons using a dual viral vector approach combining a neuron-specific retrograde gene transfer lentiviral vector and an adeno-associated virus vector. C3 transferase markedly decreased the number of corticostriatal neurons, which was attributed to caspase-3-dependent enhanced apoptosis. In addition, Rho-K DN produced phenotypic defects similar to those caused by C3 transferase. These results indicate that the Rho/Rho-kinase signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the survival of corticostriatal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Hayama 240-0193, Japan.
| | - Hiromi Sano
- SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Hayama 240-0193, Japan; Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shigeki Kato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kuroda
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nakamuta
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tadashi Isa
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Hayama 240-0193, Japan; Department of Developmental Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nambu
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan; SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Hayama 240-0193, Japan; Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Rodriguez-Pallares J, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Muñoz A, Parga JA, Toledo-Aral JJ, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Effects of Rho Kinase Inhibitors on Grafts of Dopaminergic Cell Precursors in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:804-15. [PMID: 27075764 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In models of Parkinson's disease (PD), Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have antiapoptotic and axon-stabilizing effects on damaged neurons, decrease the neuroinflammatory response, and protect against dopaminergic neuron death and axonal retraction. ROCK inhibitors have also shown protective effects against apoptosis induced by handling and dissociation of several types of stem cells. However, the effect of ROCK inhibitors on dopaminergic cell grafts has not been investigated. In the present study, treatment of dopaminergic cell suspension with ROCK inhibitors yielded significant decreases in the number of surviving dopaminergic neurons, in the density of graft-derived dopaminergic fibers, and in graft vascularization. Dopaminergic neuron death also markedly increased in primary mesencephalic cultures when the cell suspension was treated with ROCK inhibitors before plating, which suggests that decreased angiogenesis is not the only factor leading to cell death in grafts. Interestingly, treatment of the host 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats with ROCK inhibitors induced a slight, nonsignificant increase in the number of surviving neurons, as well as marked increases in the density of graft-derived dopaminergic fibers and the size of the striatal reinnervated area. The study findings discourage treatment of cell suspensions before grafting. However, treatment of the host induces a marked increase in graft-derived striatal reinnervation. Because ROCK inhibitors have also exerted neuroprotective effects in several models of PD, treatment of the host with ROCK inhibitors, currently used against vascular diseases in clinical practice, before and after grafting may be a useful adjuvant to cell therapy in PD. SIGNIFICANCE Cell-replacement therapy is one promising therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, many questions must be addressed before widespread application. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have been used in a variety of applications associated with stem cell research and may be an excellent strategy for improving survival of grafted neurons and graft-derived dopaminergic innervation. The present results discourage the treatment of suspensions of dopaminergic precursors with ROCK inhibitors in the pregrafting period. However, treatment of the host (patients with PD) with ROCK inhibitors, currently used against vascular diseases, may be a useful adjuvant to cell therapy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannette Rodriguez-Pallares
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Parga
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Toledo-Aral
- Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Department de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Hospital Virgen del Rocío/Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Jose L Labandeira-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Muñoz A, Corrêa CL, Villar-Cheda B, Costa-Besada MA, Labandeira-Garcia JL. Aging-related Increase in Rho Kinase Activity in the Nigral Region Is Counteracted by Physical Exercise. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2015; 71:1254-7. [DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glv179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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35
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Double-Edge Sword of Sustained ROCK Activation in Prion Diseases through Neuritogenesis Defects and Prion Accumulation. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005073. [PMID: 26241960 PMCID: PMC4524729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In prion diseases, synapse dysfunction, axon retraction and loss of neuronal polarity precede neuronal death. The mechanisms driving such polarization defects, however, remain unclear. Here, we examined the contribution of RhoA-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK), key players in neuritogenesis, to prion diseases. We found that overactivation of ROCK signaling occurred in neuronal stem cells infected by pathogenic prions (PrPSc) and impaired the sprouting of neurites. In reconstructed networks of mature neurons, PrPSc-induced ROCK overactivation provoked synapse disconnection and dendrite/axon degeneration. This overactivation of ROCK also disturbed overall neurotransmitter-associated functions. Importantly, we demonstrated that beyond its impact on neuronal polarity ROCK overactivity favored the production of PrPSc through a ROCK-dependent control of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) activity. In non-infectious conditions, ROCK and PDK1 associated within a complex and ROCK phosphorylated PDK1, conferring basal activity to PDK1. In prion-infected neurons, exacerbated ROCK activity increased the pool of PDK1 molecules physically interacting with and phosphorylated by ROCK. ROCK-induced PDK1 overstimulation then canceled the neuroprotective α-cleavage of normal cellular prion protein PrPC by TACE α-secretase, which physiologically precludes PrPSc production. In prion-infected cells, inhibition of ROCK rescued neurite sprouting, preserved neuronal architecture, restored neuronal functions and reduced the amount of PrPSc. In mice challenged with prions, inhibition of ROCK also lowered brain PrPSc accumulation, reduced motor impairment and extended survival. We conclude that ROCK overactivation exerts a double detrimental effect in prion diseases by altering neuronal polarity and triggering PrPSc accumulation. Eventually ROCK emerges as therapeutic target to combat prion diseases. Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), commonly named prion diseases, are caused by deposition in the brain of pathogenic prions PrPSc that trigger massive neuronal death. Because of our poor understanding of the mechanisms sustaining prion-induced neurodegeneration, there is to date no effective medicine to combat TSEs. The current study demonstrates that ROCK kinases are overactivated in prion-infected cells and contribute to prion pathogenesis at two levels. First, PrPSc-induced ROCK overactivation affects neuronal polarity with synapse disconnection, axon/dendrite degradation, and disturbs neuronal functions. Second, ROCK overactivity amplifies the production of pathogenic prions. The pharmacological inhibition of ROCK protects diseased neurons from PrPSc toxicity by preserving neuronal architecture and functions and lowering PrPSc level. Inhibition of ROCK in prion-infected mice reduces brain PrPSc levels, improves motor activity and extends lifespan. This study opens up new avenues to design ROCK-based therapeutic strategies to fight TSEs.
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Van de Velde S, De Groef L, Stalmans I, Moons L, Van Hove I. Towards axonal regeneration and neuroprotection in glaucoma: Rho kinase inhibitors as promising therapeutics. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 131:105-19. [PMID: 26093354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to a prolonged life expectancy worldwide, the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma is increasing. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, resulting from a slow and progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Up to now, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction is the only treatment modality by which ophthalmologists attempt to control disease progression. However, not all patients benefit from this therapy, and the pathophysiology of glaucoma is not always associated with an elevated IOP. These limitations, together with the multifactorial etiology of glaucoma, urge the pressing medical need for novel and alternative treatment strategies. Such new therapies should focus on preventing or retarding RGC death, but also on repair of injured axons, to ultimately preserve or improve structural and functional connectivity. In this respect, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors hold a promising potential to become very prominent drugs for future glaucoma treatment. Their field of action in the eye does not seem to be restricted to IOP reduction by targeting the trabecular meshwork or improving filtration surgery outcome. Indeed, over the past years, important progress has been made in elucidating their ability to improve ocular blood flow, to prevent RGC death/increase RGC survival and to retard axonal degeneration or induce proper axonal regeneration. Within this review, we aim to highlight the currently known capacity of ROCK inhibition to promote neuroprotection and regeneration in several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental glaucoma models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van de Velde
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Inge Van Hove
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Ahmed LA, Darwish HA, Abdelsalam RM, Amin HA. Role of Rho Kinase Inhibition in the Protective Effect of Fasudil and Simvastatin Against 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Striatal Neurodegeneration and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:3927-3938. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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