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Zhang GH, Murthy KD, Binti Pare R, Qian YH. Protective effect of Tβ4 on central nervous system tissues and its developmental prospects. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220934559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair and regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) remains a serious medical problem. CNS diseases such as traumatic and neurological brain injuries have a high mortality and disability rate, thereby bringing a considerable amount of economic burden to society and families. How to treat traumatic and neurological brain injuries has always been a serious issue faced by neurosurgeons. The global incidence of traumatic and neurological brain injuries has gradually increased and become a global challenge. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is the main G-actin variant molecule in eukaryotic cells. During the development of the CNS, Tβ4 regulates neurogenesis, tangential expansion, tissue growth, and cerebral hemisphere folding. In addition, Tβ4 has anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes angiogenesis, wound healing, stem/progenitor cell differentiation, and other characteristics of cell migration and survival, providing a scientific basis for the repair and regeneration of injured nerve tissue. This review provides evidence to support the role of Tβ4 in the protection and repair of nervous tissue in CNS diseases, especially with the potential to control brain inflammatory processes, and thus open up new therapeutic applications for a series of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xi’an International University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Krishna Dilip Murthy
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Rahmawati Binti Pare
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Yi-hua Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
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2
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Wan J, Ding Y, Nan S, Zhang Q, Sun J, Suo C, Ding M. Thymosin Beta 4 Is Involved in the Development of Electroacupuncture Tolerance. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:75. [PMID: 30971892 PMCID: PMC6444270 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) tolerance, a negative therapeutic effect, is a gradual decline in antinociception because of its repeated or prolonged use. This study aims to explore the role of thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), having neuro-protection properties, in EA tolerance (EAT). Methods: Rats were treated with EA once daily for eight consecutive days to establish EAT, effect of Tβ4 on the development of EAT was determined through microinjection of Tβ4 antibody and siRNA into the cerebroventricle. The mRNA and protein expression profiles of Tβ4, opioid peptides (enkephalin, dynorphin and endorphin), and anti-opioid peptides (cholecystokinin octapeptide, CCK-8 and orphanin FQ, OFQ), and mu opioid receptor (MOR) and CCK B receptor (CCKBR) in the brain areas (hypothalamus, thalamus, cortex, midbrain and medulla) were characterized after Tβ4 siRNA was administered. Results: Tβ4 levels were increased at day 1, 4, and 8 and negatively correlated with the changes of tail flick latency in all areas. Tβ4 antibody and siRNA postponed EAT. Tβ4 siRNA caused decreased Tβ4 levels in all areas, which resulted in increased enkephalin, dynorphin, endorphin and MOR levels in most measured areas during repeated EA, but unchanged OFQ, CCK-8, and CCKBR levels in most measured areas. Tβ4 levels were negatively correlated with enkephalin, dynorphin, endorphin, or MOR levels in all areas except medulla, while positively correlated with OFQ and CCK-8 levels in some areas. Conclusion: These results confirmed Tβ4 facilitates EAT probably through negatively changing endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors and positively influencing anti-opioid peptides in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sha Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinrui Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanguang Suo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxing Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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3
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Burger LL, Vanacker C, Phumsatitpong C, Wagenmaker ER, Wang L, Olson DP, Moenter SM. Identification of Genes Enriched in GnRH Neurons by Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification and RNAseq in Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159. [PMID: 29522155 PMCID: PMC6287592 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are a nexus of fertility regulation. We used translating ribosome affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing to examine messenger RNAs of GnRH neurons in adult intact and gonadectomized (GDX) male and female mice. GnRH neuron ribosomes were tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GFP-labeled polysomes isolated by immunoprecipitation, producing one RNA fraction enhanced for GnRH neuron transcripts and one RNA fraction depleted. Complementary DNA libraries were created from each fraction and 50-base, paired-end sequencing done and differential expression (enhanced fraction/depleted fraction) determined with a threshold of >1.5- or <0.66-fold (false discovery rate P ≤ 0.05). A core of ∼840 genes was differentially expressed in GnRH neurons in all treatments, including enrichment for Gnrh1 (∼40-fold), and genes critical for GnRH neuron and/or gonadotrope development. In contrast, non-neuronal transcripts were not enriched or were de-enriched. Several epithelial markers were also enriched, consistent with the olfactory epithelial origins of GnRH neurons. Interestingly, many synaptic transmission pathways were de-enriched, in accordance with relatively low innervation of GnRH neurons. The most striking difference between intact and GDX mice of both sexes was a marked downregulation of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation and upregulation of glucose transporters in GnRH neurons from GDX mice. This may suggest that GnRH neurons switch to an alternate fuel to increase adenosine triphosphate production in the absence of negative feedback when GnRH release is elevated. Knowledge of the GnRH neuron translatome and its regulation can guide functional studies and can be extended to disease states, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Burger
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - Charlotte Vanacker
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Elizabeth R Wagenmaker
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - Luhong Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
| | - David P Olson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Michigan
- Correspondence: Laura L. Burger, PhD, University of Michigan, 7725 Med Sci II, 1137 E. Catherine
Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5622. E-mail:
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Massimi L, Martelli C, Caldarelli M, Castagnola M, Desiderio C. Proteomics in pediatric cystic craniopharyngioma. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:370-376. [PMID: 28414889 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is still often burdened by a poor prognosis in children as far as the risk of recurrence and the quality of life are concerned. Therefore, many efforts are now dedicated to investigate the molecular characteristics of this tumor aiming at finding new therapeutic options. ACP is prevalently a cystic lesion so that an increasing number of researches are focused on the analysis of its cystic content. In the present article, the main results of the current proteomic analysis (PA) on the ACP fluid are summarized. Both "bottom-up" and "top-down" approaches have been utilized. In the bottom-up approach, proteins and peptides are enzymatically or chemically digested prior to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses. The bottom-up approach pointed out several proteins of the inflammation (namely, α2-HS-glycoprotein, α1-antichymotrypsin and apolipoproteins) as possibly involved in the genesis and growth of the cystic component of ACP. The top-down strategy analyzes proteins and peptides in the intact state, making it particularly suitable for the identification of peptides and low molecular weight proteins and for the characterization of their possible isoforms and post-translational modifications. The top-down approach disclosed the presence of the thymosin β family. Thymosin β4, in particular, which is involved in the cytoskeleton organization and migration of several tumors, could play a role in the progression of ACP. Finally, PA was utilized to investigate alterations in cyst fluid character after treatment with interferon-α. The analyzed samples showed a progressive reduction of the levels of α-defensins (proteins involved in the inflammatory-mediated response) after the intracystic injection of interferon-α, thus reinforcing the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to ACP cyst pathogenesis. Additional studies on the solid component of ACP are still necessary to further validate the previous results and to identify possible markers for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimi
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Martelli
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Caldarelli
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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Thymosin β4 overexpression regulates neuron production and spatial distribution in the developing avian optic tectum. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:555-564. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Takase H, Washida K, Hayakawa K, Arai K, Wang X, Lo EH, Lok J. Oligodendrogenesis after traumatic brain injury. Behav Brain Res 2016; 340:205-211. [PMID: 27829126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
White matter injury is an important contributor to long term motor and cognitive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. During brain trauma, acceleration, deceleration, torsion, and compression forces often cause direct damage to the axon tracts, and pathways that are triggered by the initial injury can trigger molecular events that result in secondary axon degeneration. White matter injury is often associated with altered mental status, memory deficits, motor or autonomic dysfunction, and contribute to the development of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The presence and proper functioning of oligodendrocyte precursor cells offer the potential for repair and recovery of injured white matter. The process of the proliferation, maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and their migration to the site of injury to replace injured or lost oligodendrocytes is know as oligodendrogenesis. The process of oligodendrogenesis, as well as the interaction of oligodendrocyte precursor cells with other elements of the neurovascular unit, will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Takase
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Washida
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ken Arai
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eng H Lo
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Josephine Lok
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
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Bosello S, Peluso G, Iavarone F, Tolusso B, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M, Ferraccioli G. Thymosin β 4 and β 10 in Sjögren's syndrome: saliva proteomics and minor salivary glands expression. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:229. [PMID: 27716395 PMCID: PMC5053072 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the present study, we investigated whether thymosin β (Tβ) in saliva and in minor salivary glands is differentially expressed in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and patients with autoimmune diseases (systemic sclerosis [SSc], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], and rheumatoid arthritis [RA], with and without sicca syndrome [ss]). Methods Saliva specimens of nine patients with pSS, seven with ss/SSc, seven with ss/SLE, seven with ss/RA, seven with SSc, seven with SLE, and seven with RA, as well as ten healthy subjects, were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source to investigate the presence and levels of Tβ4, Tβ4 sulfoxide, and Tβ10. Immunostaining for Tβ4 and Tβ10 was performed on minor salivary glands of patients with pSS and ss. Results Tβ4 levels were statistically higher in patients with pSS with respect to the other subgroups. Tβ10 was detectable in 66.7 % of patients with pSS and in 42.8 % of those with ss/SSc, while Tβ4 sulfoxide was detectable in 44.4 % of patients with pSS and in 42.9 % of those with ss/SSc. Tβ10 and Tβ4 sulfoxide were not detectable in patients without associated ss and in healthy control subjects. Regarding thymosin immunostaining, all patients had immunoreactivity for Tβ10, and a comparable distribution pattern in the four different subgroups of patients was observed. Tβ4 immunoreactivity was present in patients with ss/SSc and those with ss/SLE, while it was completely absent in patients with pSS and those with ss/RA. Conclusions Our data show that higher salivary Tβ expression characterizes patients with pSS, while Tβ4 sulfoxide and Tβ10 salivary expression was selectively present in patients with sicca symptoms. Moreover, at the immunohistochemical level in patients with pSS, minor salivary glands showed a peculiar pattern characterized by immunostaining for Tβ10 in acinar cells in the absence of any reactivity for Tβ4. These findings, taken together, suggest a different role for Tβ4 and Tβ10 in patients with pSS who have ss and other autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bosello
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusy Peluso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Institute of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Ferraccioli
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy. .,Institute of Rheumatology and Affine Sciences, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Presidio Columbus, Via Giuseppe Moscati, 31, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Patel K, Sun D. Strategies targeting endogenous neurogenic cell response to improve recovery following traumatic brain injury. Brain Res 2016; 1640:104-113. [PMID: 26855258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects over 1.7 million people in the United States alone and poses many clinical challenges due to the variability of the injuries and complexity of biochemical mechanisms involved. Thus far, there is still no effective therapy for TBI. Failure of preventative therapeutic strategies has led studies focusing on regenerative approaches. Recent studies have shown evidence that mature brains harbors multipotent neural stem cells capable of becoming mature neurons in the neurogenic regions. Following brain insults including TBI, the injured brain has increased level of neurogenic response in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and this endogenous response is associated with cognitive function following injury. In this review, we highlight recent development and strategies aimed at targeting this endogenous cell response to enhance post-TBI functional recovery. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:Brain injury and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Teixeira FG, Panchalingam KM, Anjo SI, Manadas B, Pereira R, Sousa N, Salgado AJ, Behie LA. Do hypoxia/normoxia culturing conditions change the neuroregulatory profile of Wharton Jelly mesenchymal stem cell secretome? Stem Cell Res Ther 2015. [PMID: 26204925 PMCID: PMC4533943 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of human umbilical cord Wharton Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) has been considered a new potential source for future safe applications in regenerative medicine. Indeed, the application of hWJ-MSCs into different animal models of disease, including those from the central nervous system, has shown remarkable therapeutic benefits mostly associated with their secretome. Conventionally, hWJ-MSCs are cultured and characterized under normoxic conditions (21 % oxygen tension), although the oxygen levels within tissues are typically much lower (hypoxic) than these standard culture conditions. Therefore, oxygen tension represents an important environmental factor that may affect the performance of mesenchymal stem cells in vivo. However, the impact of hypoxic conditions on distinct mesenchymal stem cell characteristics, such as the secretome, still remains unclear. Methods In the present study, we have examined the effects of normoxic (21 % O2) and hypoxic (5 % O2) conditions on the hWJ-MSC secretome. Subsequently, we address the impact of the distinct secretome in the neuronal cell survival and differentiation of human neural progenitor cells. Results The present data indicate that the hWJ-MSC secretome collected from normoxic and hypoxic conditions displayed similar effects in supporting neuronal differentiation of human neural progenitor cells in vitro. However, proteomic analysis revealed that the use of hypoxic preconditioning led to the upregulation of several proteins within the hWJ-MSC secretome. Conclusions Our results suggest that the optimization of parameters such as hypoxia may lead to the development of strategies that enhance the therapeutic effects of the secretome for future regenerative medicine studies and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio G Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Krishna M Panchalingam
- Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility (PPRF), Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Sandra Isabel Anjo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Biocant - Biotechnology Innovation Center, Cantanhede, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Leo A Behie
- Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility (PPRF), Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Mahmood A, Chopp M. Investigational agents for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24:743-60. [PMID: 25727893 PMCID: PMC4433440 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1021919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. To date, there are no pharmacologic agents proven to improve outcomes from TBI because all the Phase III clinical trials in TBI have failed. Thus, there is a compelling need to develop treatments for TBI. AREAS COVERED The following article provides an overview of select cell-based and pharmacological therapies under early development for the treatment of TBI. These therapies seek to enhance cognitive and neurological functional recovery through neuroprotective and neurorestorative strategies. EXPERT OPINION TBI elicits both complex degenerative and regenerative tissue responses in the brain. TBI can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficits. Although numerous promising neuroprotective treatment options have emerged from preclinical studies that mainly target the lesion, translation of preclinical effective neuroprotective drugs to clinical trials has proven challenging. Accumulating evidence indicates that the mammalian brain has a significant, albeit limited, capacity for both structural and functional plasticity, as well as regeneration essential for spontaneous functional recovery after injury. A new therapeutic approach is to stimulate neurovascular remodeling by enhancing angiogenesis, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and axonal sprouting, which in concert, may improve neurological functional recovery after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- Henry Ford Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery , Education and Research Building, Room 3096, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202 , USA +1 313 916 4743 ; +1 313 916 9855 ;
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11
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Desiderio C, Martelli C, Rossetti DV, Di Rocco C, D'Angelo L, Caldarelli M, Tamburrini G, Iavarone F, Castagnola M, Messana I, Cabras T, Faa G. Identification of thymosins β4 and β 10 in paediatric craniopharyngioma cystic fluid. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:951-60. [PMID: 23503632 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma is the third most recurrent paediatric brain tumour. Although histologically benign, it behaves aggressively as a malignant tumour due to invasion of the hypothalamus and visual pathways. Surgery is still the first and almost the only mode of treatment, although serious damage can occur as a consequence of tumour localization. The proteomic characterization of the intracystic tumoural fluid could contribute to the comprehension of the tumorigenesis processes and to the development of therapeutic targets to reduce cyst volume, allowing less invasive surgery and/or delay of the radical resection of the tumour mass and the collateral serious effects. METHODS Intracystic fluid was analysed by a LC-ESI-IT-MS top-down platform after acidification, deproteinization and chloroform liquid/liquid extraction. FINDINGS Thymosin β4 and β10 peptides were for the first time identified in the intracystic fluid of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma by low- and high-resolution MS analysis coupled with LC. The two peptides showed the same distribution trend in the analysed samples. Thymosin β4 and β10 were present in 77 % of the analysed samples. These peptides were not found in the cerebrospinal fluid available for two patients. INTERPRETATION The presence of β-thymosins in the intracystic fluid of the tumour confirmed the secretion of these proteins in the extracellular environment. Due to their G-actin-sequestering activity and antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, these peptides could be strictly involved in both tumour progression and cyst development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Desiderio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Nemolato S, Ekstrom J, Cabras T, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Di Felice E, Locci A, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Immunoreactivity for thymosin beta 4 and thymosin beta 10 in the adult rat oro-gastro-intestinal tract. Eur J Histochem 2013; 57:e17. [PMID: 23807296 PMCID: PMC3794343 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) and thymosin beta 10 (Tβ10) are two members of the β-thymosin family, involved in multiple cellular activities in different organs in multiple animal species. Here we report the expression pattern of Tβ4 and Tβ10 in rat tissues, in the gut and in annexed glands. The two peptide were differently expressed: Tβ4 was absent in salivary glands whereas Tβ10 was expressed in parotid and in submandibular glands. Tβ4 was mildly expressed in the tongue and in the esophagus, where Tβ10 was absent. A similar expression was found in the stomach, ileum and colon mucosa. In pancreas Tβ4 reactivity was restricted to the Langerhans islet cells; Tβ4 was also detected in the exocrine cells. Both peptide were not expressed in liver cells. When the rat expression pattern in rat organs was compared to reactivity for Tβ4 and Tβ10 in humans, marked differences were found. Our data clearly indicate a species-specific expression of Tβ4 and Tβ10, characterized by the actual unpredictability of the expression of these peptides in different cells and tissues. The common high expression of Tβ4 in mast cells, both in humans and in rats, represents one of the few similarities between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nemolato
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, PO S. Giovanni di Dio, Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
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Xiong Y, Mahmood A, Meng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang ZG, Morris DC, Chopp M. Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of thymosin β4 treatment following experimental traumatic brain injury. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1270:51-8. [PMID: 23050817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06683.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. No effective pharmacological treatments are available for TBI because all phase II/III TBI clinical trials have failed. This highlights a compelling need to develop effective treatments for TBI. Endogenous neurorestoration occurs in the brain after TBI, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and axonal remodeling, which may be associated with spontaneous functional recovery after TBI. However, the endogenous neurorestoration following TBI is limited. Treatments amplifying these neurorestorative processes may promote functional recovery after TBI. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is the major G-actin-sequestering molecule in eukaryotic cells. In addition, Tβ4 has other properties including antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation, promotion of angiogenesis, wound healing, stem/progenitor cell differentiation, and cell migration and survival, which provide the scientific foundation for the corneal, dermal, and cardiac wound repair multicenter clinical trials. Here, we describe Tβ4 as a neuroprotective and neurorestorative candidate for treatment of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
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Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Mahmood A, Meng Y, Zhang ZG, Morris DC, Chopp M. Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of thymosin β4 treatment initiated 6 hours after traumatic brain injury in rats. J Neurosurg 2012; 116:1081-92. [PMID: 22324420 PMCID: PMC3392183 DOI: 10.3171/2012.1.jns111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a regenerative multifunctional peptide. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Tβ4 treatment initiated 6 hours postinjury reduces brain damage and improves functional recovery in rats subjected to traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Traumatic brain injury was induced by controlled cortical impact over the left parietal cortex in young adult male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 1) saline group (n = 7); 2) 6 mg/kg Tβ4 group (n = 8); and 3) 30 mg/kg Tβ4 group (n = 8). Thymosin β4 or saline was administered intraperitoneally starting at 6 hours postinjury and again at 24 and 48 hours. An additional group of 6 animals underwent surgery without TBI (sham-injury group). Sensorimotor function and spatial learning were assessed using the modified Neurological Severity Score and the Morris water maze test, respectively. Animals were euthanized 35 days after injury, and brain sections were processed to assess lesion volume, hippocampal cell loss, cell proliferation, and neurogenesis after Tβ4 treatment. RESULTS Compared with saline administration, Tβ4 treatment initiated 6 hours postinjury significantly improved sensorimotor functional recovery and spatial learning, reduced cortical lesion volume and hippocampal cell loss, and enhanced cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the injured hippocampus. The high dose of Tβ4 showed better beneficial effects compared with the low-dose treatment. CONCLUSIONS Thymosin β4 treatment initiated 6 hours postinjury provides both neuroprotection and neurorestoration after TBI, indicating that Tβ4 has promising therapeutic potential in patients with TBI. These data warrant further investigation of the optimal dose and therapeutic window of Tβ4 treatment for TBI and the associated underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
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Crockford D, Turjman N, Allan C, Angel J. Thymosin beta4: structure, function, and biological properties supporting current and future clinical applications. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:179-89. [PMID: 20536467 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05492.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Published studies have described a number of physiological properties and cellular functions of thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4), the major G-actin-sequestering molecule in mammalian cells. Those activities include the promotion of cell migration, blood vessel formation, cell survival, stem cell differentiation, the modulation of cytokines, chemokines, and specific proteases, the upregulation of matrix molecules and gene expression, and the downregulation of a major nuclear transcription factor. Such properties have provided the scientific rationale for a number of ongoing and planned dermal, corneal, cardiac clinical trials evaluating the tissue protective, regenerative and repair potential of Tbeta4, and direction for future clinical applications in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, lung inflammatory disease, and sepsis. A special emphasis is placed on the development of Tbeta4 in the treatment of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction in combination with percutaneous coronary intervention.
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Ricci-Vitiani L, Mollinari C, di Martino S, Biffoni M, Pilozzi E, Pagliuca A, de Stefano MC, Circo R, Merlo D, De Maria R, Garaci E. Thymosin beta4 targeting impairs tumorigenic activity of colon cancer stem cells. FASEB J 2010; 24:4291-301. [PMID: 20566622 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-159970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is an actin-binding peptide overexpressed in several tumors, including colon carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Tβ4 in promoting the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs), which are responsible for tumor initiation and growth. We first found that CR-CSCs from different patients have higher Tβ4 levels than normal epithelial cells. Then, we used a lentiviral strategy to down-regulate Tβ4 expression in CR-CSCs and analyzed the effects of such modulation on proliferation, survival, and tumorigenic activity of CR-CSCs. Empty vector-transduced CR-CSCs were used as a control. Targeting of the Tβ4 produced CR-CSCs with a lower capacity to grow and migrate in culture and, interestingly, reduced tumor size and aggressiveness of CR-CSC-based xenografts in mice. Moreover, such loss in tumorigenic activity was accompanied by a significant increase of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and a concomitant reduction of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) expression, which resulted in a decreased activation of protein kinase B (Akt). Accordingly, exogenous expression of an active form of Akt rescued all the protumoral features lost after Tβ4 targeting in CR-CSCs. In conclusion, Tβ4 may have important implications for therapeutic intervention for treatment of human colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Xiong Y, Mahmood A, Meng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang ZG, Morris DC, Chopp M. Treatment of traumatic brain injury with thymosin β₄ in rats. J Neurosurg 2010; 114:102-15. [PMID: 20486893 DOI: 10.3171/2010.4.jns10118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of delayed thymosin β(4) (Tβ(4)) treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. METHODS Young adult male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: 1) sham group (6 rats); 2) TBI + saline group (9 rats); 3) and TBI + Tβ(4) group (10 rats). Traumatic brain injury was induced by controlled cortical impact over the left parietal cortex. Thymosin β(4) (6 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally starting at Day 1 and then every 3 days for an additional 4 doses. Neurological function was assessed using a modified neurological severity score (mNSS), foot fault, and Morris water maze tests. Animals were killed 35 days after injury, and brain sections were stained for immunohistochemistry to assess angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis after Tβ(4) treatment. RESULTS Compared with the saline treatment, delayed Tβ(4) treatment did not affect lesion volume but significantly reduced hippocampal cell loss, enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the injured cortex and hippocampus, increased oligodendrogenesis in the CA3 region, and significantly improved sensorimotor functional recovery and spatial learning. CONCLUSIONS These data for the first time demonstrate that delayed administration of Tβ(4) significantly improves histological and functional outcomes in rats with TBI, indicating that Tβ(4) has considerable therapeutic potential for patients with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
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Nemolato S, Cabras T, Cau F, Fanari MU, Fanni D, Manconi B, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Different thymosin Beta 4 immunoreactivity in foetal and adult gastrointestinal tract. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9111. [PMID: 20161756 PMCID: PMC2817748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a member of beta-thymosins, a family of peptides that play essential roles in many cellular functions. A recent study from our group suggested a role for Tβ4 in the development of human salivary glands. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Tβ4 in the human gut during development, and in the adult. Methodology/Principal Findings Immunolocalization of Tβ4 was studied in autoptic samples of tongue, oesophagus, stomach, ileum, colon, liver and pancreas obtained from two human foetuses and two adults. Tβ4 appeared unevenly distributed, with marked differences between foetuses and adults. In the stomach, superficial epithelium was positive in foetuses and negative in adults. Ileal enterocytes were strongly positive in the adult and weakly positive in the foetuses. An increase in reactivity for Tβ4 was observed in superficial colon epithelium of adults as compared with the foetuses. Striking differences were found between foetal and adult liver: the former showed a very low reactivity for Tβ4 while in the adult we observed a strong reactivity in the vast majority of the hepatocytes. A peculiar pattern was found in the pancreas, with the strongest reactivity observed in foetal and adult islet cells. Significance Our data show a strong expression of Tβ4 in the human gut and in endocrine pancreas during development. The observed differential expression of Tβ4 suggests specific roles of the peptide in the gut of foetuses and adults. The observed heterogeneity of Tβ4 expression in the foetal life, ranging from a very rare detection in liver cells up to a diffuse reactivity in endocrine pancreas, should be taken into account when the role of Tβ4 in the development of human embryo is assessed. Future studies are needed to shed light on the link between Tβ4 and organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nemolato
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Flaviana Cau
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mattia Umberto Fanari
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica and/or Istituto per la Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Istituto Scientifico, Internazionale (ISI) Paolo VI, Roma, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Expression and subcellular localization of thymosin beta15 following kainic acid treatment in rat brain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 371:664-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.04.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Choi SY, Noh MR, Kim DK, Sun W, Kim H. Neuroprotective function of thymosin-beta and its derivative peptides on the programmed cell death of chick and rat neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 362:587-93. [PMID: 17716628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin-betas (Tbetas) are small polypeptides with various biological functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, angiogenesis, cellular migration, wound healing, and regulation of apoptosis. Recently, we found that Tbeta is involved in the control of programmed cell death (PCD) of motoneurons (MNs) in chick embryo, and that the anti-apoptotic action of Tbeta is independent of its actin-sequestering activity. In this study, we observed that a synthetic peptide derived from Tbeta suppressed staurosporine-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro, and PCD of chick or rat MNs in vivo. Furthermore, inhibition of Tbeta4 in chick embryo by antibody significantly augmented the PCD of MNs, suggesting that secreted form of Tbeta is physiological regulator of PCD. Based on these findings, we propose that extracellularly secreted Tbeta is involved in the control of PCD of neurons during development, and Tbeta-derived peptides could be useful for the anti-apoptotic therapy of neuropathologies related to neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yoen Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1 Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-705, Republic of Korea
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