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Li P, Tian Y, Shang Q, Tang C, Hou Z, Li Y, Cao L, Xue S, Bian J, Luo C, Wu D, Li Z, Ding H. Discovery of a highly potent NPAS3 heterodimer inhibitor by covalently modifying ARNT. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106676. [PMID: 37352720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106676] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal PAS domain protein 3 (NPAS3), a basic helix-loop-helix PER-ARNT-SIM (bHLH-PAS) family member, is a pivotal transcription factor in neuronal regeneration, development, and related diseases, regulating the expression of downstream genes. Despite several modulators of certain bHLH-PAS family proteins being identified, the NPAS3-targeted compound has yet to be reported. Herein, we discovered a hit compound BI-78D3 that directly blocks the NPAS3-ARNT heterodimer formation by covalently binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) subunit. Further optimization based on the hit scaffold yielded a highly potent Compound 6 with a biochemical EC50 value of 282 ± 61 nM and uncovered the 5-nitrothiazole-2-sulfydryl as a cysteine-targeting covalent warhead. Compound 6 effectively down-regulated NPAS3's transcriptional function by disrupting the interface of NPAS3-ARNT complexes at cellular level. In conclusion, our study identifies the 5-nitrothiazole-2-sulfydryl as a cysteine-modified warhead and provides a strategy that blocks the NPAS3-ARNT heterodimerization by covalently conjugating ARNT Cys336 residue. Compound 6 may serve as a promising chemical probe for exploring NPAS3-related physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhuo Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qinghong Shang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Cailing Tang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zeng Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuanqing Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liyuan Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shengyu Xue
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dalei Wu
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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2
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Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Saliba J, Costa VV, Campolina-Silva GH, Marim FM, Ribeiro LS, Blank V, Mouland AJ, Teixeira MM, Gatignol A. Profound downregulation of neural transcription factor Npas4 and Nr4a family in fetal mice neurons infected with Zika virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009425. [PMID: 34048439 PMCID: PMC8191876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of neurons leads to neurological complications and congenital malformations of the brain of neonates. To date, ZIKV mechanism of infection and pathogenesis is not entirely understood and different studies on gene regulation of ZIKV-infected cells have identified a dysregulation of inflammatory and stem cell maintenance pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of cellular genes and they contribute to cell development in normal function and disease. Previous reports with integrative analyses of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and miRNAs during ZIKV infection have not identified neurological pathway defects. We hypothesized that dysregulation of pathways involved in neurological functions will be identified by RNA profiling of ZIKV-infected fetal neurons. We therefore used microarrays to analyze gene expression levels following ZIKV infection of fetal murine neurons. We observed that the expression levels of transcription factors such as neural PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) and of three members of the orphan nuclear receptor 4 (Nr4a) were severely decreased after viral infection. We confirmed that their downregulation was at both the mRNA level and at the protein level. The dysregulation of these transcription factors has been previously linked to aberrant neural functions and development. We next examined the miRNA expression profile in infected primary murine neurons by microarray and found that various miRNAs were dysregulated upon ZIKV infection. An integrative analysis of the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs indicated that miR-7013-5p targets Nr4a3 gene. Using miRmimics, we corroborated that miR-7013-5p downregulates Nr4a3 mRNA and protein levels. Our data identify a profound dysregulation of neural transcription factors with an overexpression of miR-7013-5p that results in decreased Nr4a3 expression, likely a main contributor to ZIKV-induced neuronal dysfunction. Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging virus transmitted horizontally between humans through mosquito bites, and sexual intercourse generally inducing a mild disease. ZIKV is also transmitted vertically from mother-to-child producing congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZVS) in neonates. CZVS leads to severe microcephaly associated with neurological, ocular, musculoskeletal, genitourinary disorders and other disabilities. Although numerous studies have been performed on ZIKV infection of brain cells, we are still far from understanding how ZIKV infection leads to dysregulation of host genes, virus-induced cytopathicity and consequent pathology. Micro (mi)RNAs are small noncoding RNAs encoded and processed by the host cell. They regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in a process called RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we evaluated the relationship between ZIKV infection and the level of mRNAs and miRNAs expressed in the cell. ZIKV infection of mouse embryo neurons downregulated several neural immediate-early genes (IEG). Moreover, we revealed that ZIKV infection led to aberrant regulation of several miRNAs, and identified one whose cognate target was a neural IEG. Our work identifies novel genes and miRNAs that are modulated upon ZIKV infection of fetal murine neurons, therefore linking neuronal dysfunction to transcription and the RNA interference pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio P. Alpuche-Lazcano
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
- RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - James Saliba
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
| | - Vivian V. Costa
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriel H. Campolina-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M. Marim
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lucas S. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Volker Blank
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Mouland
- RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mauro M. Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Logan S, Jiang C, Yan Y, Inagaki Y, Arzua T, Bai X. Propofol Alters Long Non-Coding RNA Profiles in the Neonatal Mouse Hippocampus: Implication of Novel Mechanisms in Anesthetic-Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity. Cell Physiol Biochem 2018; 49:2496-2510. [PMID: 30261491 DOI: 10.1159/000493875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Propofol induces acute neurotoxicity (e.g., neuroapoptosis) followed by impairment of long-term memory and learning in animals. However, underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are found to participate in various pathological processes. We hypothesized that lncRNA profile and the associated signaling pathways were altered, and these changes might be related to the neurotoxicity observed in the neonatal mouse hippocampus following propofol exposure. METHODS In this laboratory experiment, 7-day-old mice were exposed to a subanesthetic dose of propofol for 3 hours, with 4 animals per group. Hippocampal tissues were harvested 3 hours after propofol administration. Neuroapoptosis was analyzed based on caspase 3 activity using a colorimetric assay. A microarray was performed to investigate the profiles of 35,923 lncRNAs and 24,881 messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Representative differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were validated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All mRNAs dysregulated by propofol and the 50 top-ranked, significantly dysregulated lncRNAs were subject to bioinformatics analysis for exploring the potential mechanisms and signaling network of propofol-induced neurotoxicity. RESULTS Propofol induced neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus, with differential expression of 159 lncRNAs and 100 mRNAs (fold change ± 2.0, P< 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that these lncRNAs and their associated mRNAs might participate in neurodegenerative pathways (e.g., calcium handling, apoptosis, autophagy, and synaptogenesis). CONCLUSION This novel report emphasizes that propofol alters profiles of lncRNAs, mRNAs, and their cooperative signaling network, which provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms of anesthetic-induced developmental neurodegeneration and preventive targets against the neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Logan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Congshan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xian, China
| | - Yasheng Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yasuyoshi Inagaki
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nayoro City General Hospital, Nayoro, Japan
| | - Thiago Arzua
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Xiaowen Bai
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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4
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Prenatal one-carbon metabolism dysregulation programs schizophrenia-like deficits. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:282-294. [PMID: 28809400 PMCID: PMC6432924 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The methionine-folate cycle-dependent one-carbon metabolism is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Since schizophrenia is a developmental disorder, we examined the effects that perturbation of the one-carbon metabolism during gestation has on mice progeny. Pregnant mice were administered methionine equivalent to double their daily intake during the last week of gestation. Their progeny (MET mice) exhibited schizophrenia-like social deficits, cognitive impairments and elevated stereotypy, decreased neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and abnormally reduced local excitatory synaptic connections in CA1 neurons. Neural transcript expression of only one gene, encoding the Npas4 transcription factor, was >twofold altered (downregulated) in MET mice; strikingly, similar Npas4 downregulation occurred in the prefrontal cortex of human patients with schizophrenia. Finally, therapeutic actions of typical (haloperidol) and atypical (clozapine) antipsychotics in MET mice mimicked effects in human schizophrenia patients. Our data support the validity of MET mice as a model for schizophrenia, and uncover methionine metabolism as a potential preventive and/or therapeutic target.
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5
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Hou XQ, Wang L, Wang FG, Zhao XM, Zhang HT. Combination of RNA Interference and Stem Cells for Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8050135. [PMID: 28481269 PMCID: PMC5448009 DOI: 10.3390/genes8050135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), including microRNAs, is an important player in the mediation of differentiation and migration of stem cells via target genes. It is used as a potential strategy for gene therapy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Stem cells are considered vectors of RNAi due to their capacity to deliver RNAi to other cells. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in studies of RNAi pathways in controlling neuronal differentiation and migration of stem cells. We also highlight the utilization of a combination of RNAi and stem cells in treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qin Hou
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271016, Shandong, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271016, Shandong, China.
| | - Fu-Gang Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271016, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiao-Min Zhao
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271016, Shandong, China.
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271016, Shandong, China.
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Physiology & Pharmacology, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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6
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Esser JS, Charlet A, Schmidt M, Heck S, Allen A, Lother A, Epting D, Patterson C, Bode C, Moser M. The neuronal transcription factor NPAS4 is a strong inducer of sprouting angiogenesis and tip cell formation. Cardiovasc Res 2017; 113:222-223. [PMID: 28082451 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Regarding branching morphogenesis, neurogenesis and angiogenesis share common principle mechanisms and make use of the same molecules. Therefore, the investigation of neuronal molecules involved in vascular morphogenesis provides new possibilities for pro-angiogenic approaches in cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the role of the neuronal transcription factor NPAS4 in angiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that the neuronal transcription factor NPAS4 is expressed in endothelial cells of different origin using reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. To investigate how NPAS4 affects endothelial cell function, NPAS4 was overexpressed by plasmid transfection or depleted from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by specific siRNAs. In vitro HUVEC sprouting assays showed that sprouting and branching of endothelial cells was enhanced by NPAS4 overexpression. Consistently, silencing of NPAS4 resulted in reduced HUVEC sprouting and branching. Mechanistically, we identified as target gene vascular endothelial adhesion molecule VE-cadherin to be involved in the pro-angiogenic function of NPAS4. In endothelial cell mosaic spheroid sprouting assays, NPAS4 was involved in tip cell formation. In vivo experiments in mouse and zebrafish confirmed our in vitro findings. NPAS4-deficient mice displayed reduced ingrowth of endothelial cells in the Matrigel plug assay. Consistent with a regulatory role of NPAS4 in endothelial cell function silencing of NPAS4 in zebrafish by specific morpholinos resulted in perturbed intersegmental vessels growth. CONCLUSIONS NPAS4 is expressed in endothelial cells, regulates VE-cadherin expression and regulates sprouting angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Susanne Esser
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Charlet
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mei Schmidt
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Heck
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anita Allen
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Achim Lother
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Epting
- Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cam Patterson
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, Payson 118, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christoph Bode
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Moser
- Cardiovascular Biology Group, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str.33, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
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Choy FC, Klarić TS, Koblar SA, Lewis MD. miR-744 and miR-224 Downregulate Npas4 and Affect Lineage Differentiation Potential and Neurite Development During Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3528-3541. [PMID: 27189618 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9912-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a brain-specific transcription factor whose expression is enriched in neurogenic regions of the brain. In addition, it was demonstrated that Npas4 expression is dynamic and highly regulated during neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). While these findings implicate a role for Npas4 in neurogenesis, the underlying mechanisms of regulation remain unknown. Given that growing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in both embryonic and adult neurogenesis, we reasoned that miRNAs are good candidates for regulating Npas4 expression during neural differentiation of ESCs. In this study, we utilized the small RNA sequencing method to profile miRNA expression during neural differentiation of mouse ESCs. Two differentially expressed miRNAs were identified to be able to significantly reduce reporter gene activity by targeting the Npas4 3'UTR, namely miR-744 and miR-224. More importantly, ectopic expression of these miRNAs during neural differentiation resulted in downregulation of endogenous Npas4 expression. Subsequent functional analysis revealed that overexpression of either miR-744 or miR-224 delayed early neural differentiation, reduced GABAergic neuron production and inhibited neurite outgrowth. Collectively, our findings indicate that Npas4 not only functions at the early stages of neural differentiation but may also, in part, contribute to neuronal subtype specification and neurite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fong Chan Choy
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas S Klarić
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon A Koblar
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin D Lewis
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. .,South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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The Role of the Neuroprotective Factor Npas4 in Cerebral Ischemia. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:29011-28. [PMID: 26690124 PMCID: PMC4691091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and adult disability in the world. Although many molecules have been documented to have a neuroprotective effect, the majority of these molecules failed to improve the neurological outcomes for patients with brain ischemia. It has been proposed that neuroprotection alone may, in fact, not be adequate for improving the prognosis of ischemic stroke. Neuroprotectants that can regulate other processes which occur in the brain during ischemia could potentially be targets for the development of effective therapeutic interventions in stroke. Neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) is an activity-dependent transcription factor whose expression is induced in various brain insults, including cerebral ischemia. It has been shown that Npas4 plays an important role in protecting neurons against many types of neurodegenerative insult. Recently, it was demonstrated that Npas4 indeed has a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke and that Npas4 might be involved in modulating the cell death pathway and inflammatory response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles that Npas4 may play in neuroinflammation and ischemia. Understanding how ischemic lesion size in stroke may be reduced through modulation of Npas4-dependent apoptotic and inflammatory pathways could lead to the development of new stroke therapies.
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Wang D, Ren M, Guo J, Yang G, Long X, Hu R, Shen W, Wang X, Zeng K. The inhibitory effects of Npas4 on seizures in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115801. [PMID: 25536221 PMCID: PMC4275263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the effects of neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) on seizures in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, Npas4 expression was detected by double-label immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting in the brains of pilocarpine-induced epileptic model rats at 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, 7 d, 14 d, 30 d, and 60 d after status epilepticus. Npas4 was localized primarily in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of neurons. The Npas4 protein levels increased in the acute phase of seizures (between 6 h and 72 h) and decreased in the chronic phases (between 7 d and 60 d) in the rat model. Npas4 expression was knocked down by specific siRNA interference. Then, the animals were treated with pilocarpine, and the effects on seizures were evaluated on the 7th day. The onset latencies of pilocarpine-induced seizures were decreased, while the seizure frequency, duration and attack rate increased in these rats. Our study indicates that Npas4 inhibits seizure attacks in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiamei Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianghua Long
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Shen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Kebin Zeng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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10
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Klarić T, Lardelli M, Key B, Koblar S, Lewis M. Activity-dependent expression of neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 4 (npas4a) in the developing zebrafish brain. Front Neuroanat 2014; 8:148. [PMID: 25538572 PMCID: PMC4255624 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2014.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, the Npas4 gene has recently been identified as being an important regulator of synaptic plasticity and memory. Homologs of Npas4 have been found in invertebrate species though their functions appear to be too divergent for them to be studied as a proxy for the mammalian proteins. The aim of this study, therefore, was to ascertain the suitability of the zebrafish as a model organism for investigating the function of Npas4 genes. We show here that the expression and regulation of the zebrafish Npas4 homolog, npas4a, is remarkably similar to that of the rodent Npas4 genes. As in mammals, expression of the zebrafish npas4a gene is restricted to the brain where it is up-regulated in response to neuronal activity. Furthermore, we also show that knockdown of npas4a during embryonic development results in a number of forebrain-specific defects including increased apoptosis and misexpression of the forebrain marker genes dlx1a and shha. Our work demonstrates that the zebrafish is a suitable model organism for investigating the role of the npas4a gene and one that is likely to provide valuable insights into the function of the mammalian homologs. Furthermore, our findings highlight a potential role for npas4a in forebrain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klarić
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Lardelli
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brian Key
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon Koblar
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin Lewis
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide, SA, Australia
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