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Ruszkiewicz J, Endig L, Güver E, Bürkle A, Mangerich A. Life-Cycle-Dependent Toxicities of Mono- and Bifunctional Alkylating Agents in the 3R-Compliant Model Organism C. elegans. Cells 2023; 12:2728. [PMID: 38067156 PMCID: PMC10705807 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is gaining recognition and importance as an organismic model for toxicity testing in line with the 3Rs principle (replace, reduce, refine). In this study, we explored the use of C. elegans to examine the toxicities of alkylating sulphur mustard analogues, specifically the monofunctional agent 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulphide (CEES) and the bifunctional, crosslinking agent mechlorethamine (HN2). We exposed wild-type worms at different life cycle stages (from larvae L1 to adulthood day 10) to CEES or HN2 and scored their viability 24 h later. The susceptibility of C. elegans to CEES and HN2 paralleled that of human cells, with HN2 exhibiting higher toxicity than CEES, reflected in LC50 values in the high µM to low mM range. Importantly, the effects were dependent on the worms' developmental stage as well as organismic age: the highest susceptibility was observed in L1, whereas the lowest was observed in L4 worms. In adult worms, susceptibility to alkylating agents increased with advanced age, especially to HN2. To examine reproductive effects, L4 worms were exposed to CEES and HN2, and both the offspring and the percentage of unhatched eggs were assessed. Moreover, germline apoptosis was assessed by using ced-1p::GFP (MD701) worms. In contrast to concentrations that elicited low toxicities to L4 worms, CEES and HN2 were highly toxic to germline cells, manifesting as increased germline apoptosis as well as reduced offspring number and percentage of eggs hatched. Again, HN2 exhibited stronger effects than CEES. Compound specificity was also evident in toxicities to dopaminergic neurons-HN2 exposure affected expression of dopamine transporter DAT-1 (strain BY200) at lower concentrations than CEES, suggesting a higher neurotoxic effect. Mechanistically, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has been linked to mustard agent toxicities. Therefore, the NAD+-dependent system was investigated in the response to CEES and HN2 treatment. Overall NAD+ levels in worm extracts were revealed to be largely resistant to mustard exposure except for high concentrations, which lowered the NAD+ levels in L4 worms 24 h post-treatment. Interestingly, however, mutant worms lacking components of NAD+-dependent pathways involved in genome maintenance, namely pme-2, parg-2, and sirt-2.1 showed a higher and compound-specific susceptibility, indicating an active role of NAD+ in genotoxic stress response. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that C. elegans represents an attractive model to study the toxicology of alkylating agents, which supports its use in mechanistic as well as intervention studies with major strength in the possibility to analyze toxicities at different life cycle stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ruszkiewicz
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Lisa Endig
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Ebru Güver
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Aswin Mangerich
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
- Nutritional Toxicology, Institute Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
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Maiese K. Innovative therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:690-715. [PMID: 37593239 PMCID: PMC10427777 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
As a significant non-communicable disease, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, comprises almost twenty percent of deaths in most racial and ethnic groups, can affect greater than twenty-five million individuals worldwide over the age of twenty, and impacts global economies with far-reaching financial challenges. Multiple factors can affect the onset of cardiovascular disease that include high serum cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, tobacco consumption and secondhand smoke exposure, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, and concurrent diabetes mellitus. Yet, addressing any of these factors cannot completely eliminate the onset or progression of cardiovascular disorders. Novel strategies are necessary to target underlying cardiovascular disease mechanisms. The silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (SIRT1), a histone deacetylase, can limit cardiovascular injury, assist with stem cell development, oversee metabolic homeostasis through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) pathways, foster trophic factor protection, and control cell senescence through the modulation of telomere function. Intimately tied to SIRT1 pathways are mammalian forkhead transcription factors (FoxOs) which can modulate cardiac disease to reduce oxidative stress, repair microcirculation disturbances, and reduce atherogenesis through pathways of autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) also is critical among these pathways for the oversight of cardiac cellular metabolism, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and the susceptibility to viral infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus that can impact cardiovascular disease. Yet, the relationship among these pathways is both intricate and complex and requires detailed insight to successfully translate these pathways into clinical care for cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Maiese
- Cellular and Molecular Signaling, New York, New York 10022
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Maiese K. Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:871. [PMID: 37508898 PMCID: PMC10376413 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost three million individuals suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout the world, a demyelinating disease in the nervous system with increased prevalence over the last five decades, and is now being recognized as one significant etiology of cognitive loss and dementia. Presently, disease modifying therapies can limit the rate of relapse and potentially reduce brain volume loss in patients with MS, but unfortunately cannot prevent disease progression or the onset of cognitive disability. Innovative strategies are therefore required to address areas of inflammation, immune cell activation, and cell survival that involve novel pathways of programmed cell death, mammalian forkhead transcription factors (FoxOs), the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (SIRT1), and associated pathways with the apolipoprotein E (APOE-ε4) gene and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). These pathways are intertwined at multiple levels and can involve metabolic oversight with cellular metabolism dependent upon nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Insight into the mechanisms of these pathways can provide new avenues of discovery for the therapeutic treatment of dementia and loss in cognition that occurs during MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Maiese
- Cellular and Molecular Signaling, New York, NY 10022, USA
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Della-Morte D, Pacifici F. Nature can still be the strongest help against aging and neurodegeneration: the sirtuins way. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1271-1272. [PMID: 36453409 PMCID: PMC9838169 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Della-Morte
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy,Department of Neurology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA,Correspondence to: David Della-Morte, .
| | - Francesca Pacifici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The global increase in lifespan noted not only in developed nations, but also in large developing countries parallels an observed increase in a significant number of non-communicable diseases, most notable neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders present a number of challenges for treatment options that do not resolve disease progression. Furthermore, it is believed by the year 2030, the services required to treat cognitive disorders in the United States alone will exceed $2 trillion annually. Mammalian forkhead transcription factors, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the mechanistic target of rapamycin, and the pathways of autophagy and apoptosis offer exciting avenues to address these challenges by focusing upon core cellular mechanisms that may significantly impact nervous system disease. These pathways are intimately linked such as through cell signaling pathways involving protein kinase B and can foster, sometimes in conjunction with trophic factors, enhanced neuronal survival, reduction in toxic intracellular accumulations, and mitochondrial stability. Feedback mechanisms among these pathways also exist that can oversee reparative processes in the nervous system. However, mammalian forkhead transcription factors, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1, mechanistic target of rapamycin, and autophagy can lead to cellular demise under some scenarios that may be dependent upon the precise cellular environment, warranting future studies to effectively translate these core pathways into successful clinical treatment strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Maiese
- Cellular and Molecular Signaling New York, New York, NY, USA
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Yang L, Liang J, Lam SM, Yavuz A, Shui G, Ding M, Huang X. Neuronal lipolysis participates in PUFA-mediated neural function and neurodegeneration. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50214. [PMID: 33034119 PMCID: PMC7645260 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic cytoplasmic organelles present in most eukaryotic cells. The appearance of LDs in neurons is not usually observed under physiological conditions, but is associated with neural diseases. It remains unclear how LD dynamics is regulated in neurons and how the appearance of LDs affects neuronal functions. We discovered that mutations of two key lipolysis genes atgl-1 and lid-1 lead to LD appearance in neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans. This neuronal lipid accumulation protects neurons from hyperactivation-triggered neurodegeneration, with a mild decrease in touch sensation. We also discovered that reduced biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) causes similar effects and synergizes with decreased lipolysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these changes in lipolysis and PUFA biosynthesis increase PUFA partitioning toward triacylglycerol, and reduced incorporation of PUFAs into phospholipids increases neuronal protection. Together, these results suggest the crucial role of neuronal lipolysis in cell-autonomous regulation of neural functions and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,Present address:
Vector CoreChinese Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| | - Jingjing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Sin Man Lam
- LipidAll Technologies Co., Ltd.ChangzhouChina
| | - Ahmet Yavuz
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsHuffington Center on AgingHoward Hughes Medical InstituteBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Lee Y, Jeong H, Park KH, Kim KW. Effects of NAD + in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Neuronal Damage. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10070993. [PMID: 32630651 PMCID: PMC7407593 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor that mediates numerous biological processes in all living cells. Multiple NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes and NAD+-consuming enzymes are involved in neuroprotection and axon regeneration. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has served as a model to study the neuronal role of NAD+ because many molecular components regulating NAD+ are highly conserved. This review focuses on recent findings using C. elegans models of neuronal damage pertaining to the neuronal functions of NAD+ and its precursors, including a neuroprotective role against excitotoxicity and axon degeneration as well as an inhibitory role in axon regeneration. The regulation of NAD+ levels could be a promising therapeutic strategy to counter many neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neurotoxin-induced and traumatic neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Lee
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Hyeseon Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Kyung Hwan Park
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (Y.L.); (H.J.); (K.H.P.)
- Convergence Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-248-2091
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Johnson CK, Fernandez-Abascal J, Wang Y, Wang L, Bianchi L. The Na +-K +-ATPase is needed in glia of touch receptors for responses to touch in C. elegans. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2064-2074. [PMID: 32292107 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00636.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Four of the five types of mammalian mechanosensors are composed of nerve endings and accessory cells. In Caenorhabditis elegans we showed that glia support the function of nose touch neurons via the activity of glial Na+ and K+ channels. We show here that a third regulator of Na+ and K+, the Na+-K+-ATPase, is needed in glia of nose touch neurons for touch. Importantly, we show that two Na+-K+-ATPase genes are needed for the function rather than structural integrity and that their ion transport activity is crucial for touch. Finally, when glial Na+-K+-ATPase genes are knocked out, touch can be restored by activation of a third Na+-K+-ATPase. Taken together, these data show the requirement in glia of touch neurons of the function of the Na+-K+-ATPase. These data underscore the importance of the homeostasis of Na+ and K+, most likely in the space surrounding touch neurons, in touch sensation, a function that might be conserved across species.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increasing evidence supports that accessory cells in mechanosensors regulate neuronal output; however, the glial molecular mechanisms that control this regulation are not fully understood. We show here in Caenorhabditis elegans that specific glial Na+-K+-ATPase genes are needed for nose touch-avoidance behavior. Our data support the requirement of these Na+-K+-ATPases for homeostasis of Na+ and K+ in nose touch receptors. Our data add to our understanding of glial regulation of mechanosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Johnson
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ying Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Lei Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Stamatovic SM, Phillips CM, Martinez-Revollar G, Keep RF, Andjelkovic AV. Involvement of Epigenetic Mechanisms and Non-coding RNAs in Blood-Brain Barrier and Neurovascular Unit Injury and Recovery After Stroke. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:864. [PMID: 31543756 PMCID: PMC6732937 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cessation of blood flow leads to a complex cascade of pathophysiological events at the blood-vascular-parenchymal interface which evolves over time and space, and results in damage to neural cells and edema formation. Cerebral ischemic injury evokes a profound and deleterious upregulation in inflammation and triggers multiple cell death pathways, but it also induces a series of the events associated with regenerative responses, including vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic reprograming could play a pivotal role in ongoing post-stroke neurovascular unit (NVU) changes and recovery. This review summarizes current knowledge about post-stroke recovery processes at the NVU, as well as epigenetic mechanisms and modifiers (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifying enzymes and microRNAs) associated with stroke injury, and NVU repair. It also discusses novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies for enhancing post-stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana M. Stamatovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chelsea M. Phillips
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Richard F. Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anuska V. Andjelkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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