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Justo AFO, Toscano ECDB, Farias-Itao DS, Suemoto CK. The action of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors on β-amyloid pathology and cognition in experimental Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Life Sci 2023; 320:121570. [PMID: 36921685 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia worldwide. The etiology of AD is partially explained by the deposition of β-amyloid in the brain. Despite extensive research on the pathogenesis of AD, the current treatments are ineffective. Here, we systematically reviewed studies that investigated whether phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are efficient in reducing the β-amyloid load in hippocampi and improving cognitive decline in rodent models with β-amyloid accumulation. We identified ten original studies, which used rodent models with β-amyloid accumulation, were treated with PDE5i, and β-amyloid was measured in the hippocampi. PDE5i was efficient in reducing the β-amyloid levels, except for one study that exclusively used female rodents and the treatment did not affect β-amyloid levels. Interestingly, PDE5i prevented cognitive decline in all studies. This study supports the potential therapeutic use of PDE5i for the reduction of the β-amyloid load in hippocampi and cognitive decline. However, we highlight the importance of conducting additional experimental studies to evaluate the PDE5i-related molecular mechanisms involved in β-amyloid removal in male and female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo
- Physiopathology in Aging Laboratory (LIM-22), Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Cristina de Brito Toscano
- Physiopathology in Aging Laboratory (LIM-22), Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Medical School, Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Health, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Medical School, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
| | | | - Claudia Kimie Suemoto
- Physiopathology in Aging Laboratory (LIM-22), Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Tropea MR, Gulisano W, Vacanti V, Arancio O, Puzzo D, Palmeri A. Nitric oxide/cGMP/CREB pathway and amyloid-beta crosstalk: From physiology to Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 193:657-668. [PMID: 36400326 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway has been extensively studied for its pivotal role in synaptic plasticity and memory processes, resulting in an increase of cAMP response element-binding (CREB) phosphorylation, and consequent synthesis of plasticity-related proteins. The NO/cGMP/CREB signaling is downregulated during aging and neurodegenerative disorders and is affected by Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau protein, whose increase and deposition is considered the key pathogenic event of Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, in physiological conditions, the crosstalk between the NO/cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway and Aβ ensures long-term potentiation and memory formation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the interaction between the NO/cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway and Aβ in the healthy and diseased brain, offering a new perspective to shed light on AD pathophysiology. We will focus on the synaptic mechanisms underlying Aβ physiological interplay with cGMP pathway and how this balance is corrupted in AD, as high levels of Aβ interfere with NO production and cGMP molecular signaling leading to cognitive impairment. Finally, we will discuss results from preclinical and clinical studies proposing the increase of cGMP signaling as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Valeria Vacanti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology and Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina (EN), 94018, Italy.
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
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Fu Y, Liu H, He L, Ma S, Chen X, Wang K, Zhao F, Qi F, Guan S, Liu Z. Prenatal chronic stress impairs the learning and memory ability via inhibition of the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway in the Hippocampus of offspring. Behav Brain Res 2022; 433:114009. [PMID: 35850398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Numerous clinical and animal studies have found that antenatal chronic stress can lead to pathological changes the hippocampal development from embryos to adult, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Proteomic analyses provide a new insight to explore the potential mechanisms of this impairment. In this study, gestating rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) during pregnant days using nine different stimulations, and the changes of the learning and memory performance and the expression of proteins in the hippocampus of offspring were measured. It was found that prenatal chronic stress led to growth retardation, impaired spatial learning and memory ability in the offspring. Furthermore, prenatal stress caused various degrees of damage to neurons, Nissl body, mitochondria and synaptic structures in hippocampal CA3 region of offspring. In addition, 26 significantly different expressed proteins (DEPs) were found between the two groups by using isoquantitative tag-based relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomics analysis. Further analyses of these DEPs showed that involved with different molecular functions and several biological processes, such as biological regulation and metabolic processes. Among these, the KEGG pathway enrichment showed that learning and memory impairment was mainly associated with the cyclic guanosine monophosphate protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) pathway. At the same time, compared with OPC group, the NO, nNOS and cGMP level were significantly decreased, and the expression of PKG protein was also dropped. All of these results suggested that pregnant rats exposed to chronic psychological stress might impair spatial learning and memory ability of offspring, by disturbing the NO/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjuan Fu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hongya Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ling He
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shuqin Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Faqiu Qi
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Suzhen Guan
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Zhihong Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
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Lee H, Kang SW, Jeong H, Kwon JT, Kim YO, Kim HJ. Alteration in Cngb1 Expression upon Maternal Immune Activation in a Mouse Model and Its Possible Association with Schizophrenia Susceptibility. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:618-627. [PMID: 34690117 PMCID: PMC8553526 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.4.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (Cng) regulates synaptic efficacy in brain neurons by modulating Ca2+ levels in response to changes in cyclic nucleotide concentrations. This study investigated whether the expression of Cng channel, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel subunit beta 1 (Cngb1) exhibited any relationship with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in an animal model and whether genetic polymorphisms of the human gene were associated with the progression of schizophrenia in a Korean population. Methods We investigated whether Cngb1 expression was related to psychiatric disorders in a mouse model of schizophrenia induced by maternal immune activation. A case-control study was conducted of 275 schizophrenia patients and 410 controls with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5′-near region of CNGB1. Results Cngb1 expression was decreased in the prefrontal cortex in the mouse model. Furthermore, the genotype frequency of a SNP (rs3756314) of CNGB1 was associated with the risk of schizophrenia. Conclusion Our results suggest that CNGB1 might be associated with schizophrenia susceptibility and maternal immune activation. Consequently, it is hypothesized that CNGB1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwayoung Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sung Wook Kang
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hyeonjung Jeong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jun-Tack Kwon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Young Ock Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hak-Jae Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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Keleş Aİ, Nyengaard JR, Odacı E. Changes in pyramidal and granular neuron numbers in the rat hippocampus 7 days after exposure to a continuous 900-MHz electromagnetic field during early and mid-adolescence. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 101:101681. [PMID: 31465830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate qualitative and quantitative changes in pyramidal and granule neurons in the male rat hippocampus after exposure to a continuous 900-megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) for 25 days during early and mid-adolescence. Three-week-old (21 day) healthy Sprague Dawley male rats were divided equally into control (CON), pseudo-exposed (PEX) and EMF groups. EMF rats were exposed to a 900-MHz EMF in an EMF-application cage, while the PEX rats were placed in the same cage without being exposed to EMF. No procedure was performed in CON. EMF was applied for 1 h/day, every day for 25 days. Following the 900-MHz EMF and pseudo-exposed applications, behavioral tests were performed for seven days. Then, all animals were euthanized and their brains were removed. Following histological tissue procedures, sections were taken from tissues and stained with toluidine blue. The optical fractionation technique was performed to estimate the pyramidal neuron numbers in the CA1, CA2-3 and hilus regions of the hippocampus and granule neuron numbers in the dentate gyrus region. Our findings indicated that the number of pyramidal and granule neurons in the hippocampus of the EMF group was statistically higher than PEX. Furthermore, the histopathological results showed that the cytoplasm of pyramidal (in the hilus, CA1, CA2 and CA3 region) and granular (in the dentate gyrus region) cells at the hippocampus were disrupted, as evident by intensive staining around cytoplasm and some artifacts were detected in the EMF group. In addition, statistical comparisons of the mean body weights and brain weights of the study groups revealed no significant differences. There was no statistically significant difference between the PEX and EMF groups in terms of temperature (p > 0.05) or humidity (p > 0.05) in the cages. In conclusion, higher numbers of both pyramidal and granule neurons were found in the male rat hippocampus after continuous 900-MHz EMF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe İkinci Keleş
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey.
| | - Jens Randel Nyengaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ersan Odacı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty, Trabzon, Turkey
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Li Puma DD, Piacentini R, Leone L, Gironi K, Marcocci ME, De Chiara G, Palamara AT, Grassi C. Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection Impairs Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis via Amyloid-β Protein Accumulation. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1467-1480. [PMID: 31381841 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection of cultured neurons triggered intracellular accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) markedly impinging on neuronal functions. Here, we demonstrated that HSV-1 affects in vitro and in vivo adult hippocampal neurogenesis by reducing neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) proliferation and their neuronal differentiation via intracellular Aβ accumulation. Specifically, cultured NSCs were more permissive for HSV-1 replication than mature neurons and, once infected, they exhibited reduced proliferation (assessed by 5'-bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation, Ki67 immunoreactivity, and Sox2 mRNA expression) and impaired neuronal differentiation in favor of glial phenotype (evaluated by immunoreactivity for the neuronal marker MAP2, the glial marker glial fibrillary astrocyte protein, and the expression of the proneuronal genes Mash1 and NeuroD1). Similarly, impaired adult neurogenesis was observed in the subgranular zone of hippocampal dentate gyrus of an in vivo model of recurrent HSV-1 infections, that we recently set up and characterized, with respect to mock-infected mice. The effects of HSV-1 on neurogenesis did not depend on cell death and were due to Aβ accumulation in infected NSCs. Indeed, they were: (a) reverted, in vitro, by the presence of either β/γ-secretase inhibitors preventing Aβ production or the specific 4G8 antibody counteracting the action of intracellular Aβ; (b) not detectable, in vivo, in HSV-1-infected amyloid precursor protein knockout mice, unable to produce and accumulate Aβ. Given the critical role played by adult neurogenesis in hippocampal-dependent memory and learning, our results suggest that multiple virus reactivations in the brain may contribute to Alzheimer's disease phenotype by also targeting NSCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1467-1480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Donatella Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leone
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Gironi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Chiara
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy.,San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Collado-Alsina A, Hofmann F, Sánchez-Prieto J, Torres M. Altered Synaptic Membrane Retrieval after Strong Stimulation of Cerebellar Granule Neurons in Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase II (cGKII) Knockout Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112281. [PMID: 29084181 PMCID: PMC5713251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) signaling pathway regulates the clustering and the recruitment of proteins and vesicles to the synapse, thereby adjusting the exoendocytic cycle to the intensity of activity. Accordingly, this pathway can accelerate endocytosis following large-scale exocytosis, and pre-synaptic cGK type II (cGKII) plays a major role in this process, controlling the homeostatic balance of vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis. We have studied synaptic vesicle recycling in cerebellar granule cells from mice lacking cGKII under strong and sustained stimulation, combining imaging techniques and ultrastructural analyses. The ultrastructure of synapses in the adult mouse cerebellar cortex was also examined in these animals. The lack of cGKII provokes structural changes to synapses in cultured cells and in the cerebellar cortex. Moreover, endocytosis is slowed down in a subset of boutons in these cells when they are stimulated strongly. In addition, from the results obtained with the selective inhibitor of cGKs, KT5823, it can be concluded that cGKI also regulates some aspects of vesicle cycling. Overall, these results confirm the importance of the cGMP pathway in the regulation of vesicle cycling following strong stimulation of cerebellar granule cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Collado-Alsina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Franz Hofmann
- FOR 923, Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - José Sánchez-Prieto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Magdalena Torres
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Gulisano W, Bizzoca A, Gennarini G, Palmeri A, Puzzo D. Role of the adhesion molecule F3/Contactin in synaptic plasticity and memory. Mol Cell Neurosci 2016; 81:64-71. [PMID: 28038945 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) have a pivotal role in building and maintaining synaptic structures during brain development participating in axonal elongation and pathfinding, glial guidance of neuronal migration, as well as myelination. CAMs expression persists in the adult brain particularly in structures undergoing postnatal neurogenesis and involved in synaptic plasticity and memory as the hippocampus. Among the neural CAMs, we have recently focused on F3/Contactin, a glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, involved in neuronal development, synaptic maintenance and organization of neuronal networks. Here, we discuss our recent data suggesting that F3/Contactin exerts a role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory in adult and aged mice. In particular, we have studied long-term potentiation (LTP), spatial and object recognition memory, and phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP-Responsive-Element Binding protein (CREB) in a transgenic mouse model of F3/Contactin overexpression. We also investigated whether F3/Contactin might influence neuronal apoptosis and the production of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), known to be one of the main pathogenetic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In conclusion, a further understanding of F3/Contactin role in synaptic plasticity and memory might have interesting clinical outcomes in cognitive disorders, such as aging and AD, offering innovative therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Gulisano
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Bizzoca
- Section of Physiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Gennarini
- Section of Physiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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9
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In vitro cardiomyocyte differentiation of umbilical cord blood cells: crucial role for c-kit+ cells. Cytotherapy 2015; 17:1627-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Levin M. Molecular bioelectricity: how endogenous voltage potentials control cell behavior and instruct pattern regulation in vivo. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 25:3835-50. [PMID: 25425556 PMCID: PMC4244194 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e13-12-0708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to biochemical gradients and transcriptional networks, cell behavior is regulated by endogenous bioelectrical cues originating in the activity of ion channels and pumps, operating in a wide variety of cell types. Instructive signals mediated by changes in resting potential control proliferation, differentiation, cell shape, and apoptosis of stem, progenitor, and somatic cells. Of importance, however, cells are regulated not only by their own Vmem but also by the Vmem of their neighbors, forming networks via electrical synapses known as gap junctions. Spatiotemporal changes in Vmem distribution among nonneural somatic tissues regulate pattern formation and serve as signals that trigger limb regeneration, induce eye formation, set polarity of whole-body anatomical axes, and orchestrate craniofacial patterning. New tools for tracking and functionally altering Vmem gradients in vivo have identified novel roles for bioelectrical signaling and revealed the molecular pathways by which Vmem changes are transduced into cascades of downstream gene expression. Because channels and gap junctions are gated posttranslationally, bioelectrical networks have their own characteristic dynamics that do not reduce to molecular profiling of channel expression (although they couple functionally to transcriptional networks). The recent data provide an exciting opportunity to crack the bioelectric code, and learn to program cellular activity at the level of organs, not only cell types. The understanding of how patterning information is encoded in bioelectrical networks, which may require concepts from computational neuroscience, will have transformative implications for embryogenesis, regeneration, cancer, and synthetic bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levin
- Biology Department, Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155-4243
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11
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Leone L, Podda MV, Grassi C. Impact of electromagnetic fields on stem cells: common mechanisms at the crossroad between adult neurogenesis and osteogenesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:228. [PMID: 26124705 PMCID: PMC4466452 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years adult neural and mesenchymal stem cells have been intensively investigated as effective resources for repair therapies. In vivo and in vitro studies have provided insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurogenic and osteogenic processes in adulthood. This knowledge appears fundamental for the development of targeted strategies to manipulate stem cells. Here we review recent literature dealing with the effects of electromagnetic fields on stem cell biology that lends support to their use as a promising tool to positively influence the different steps of neurogenic and osteogenic processes. We will focus on recent studies revealing that extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis by inducing epigenetic modifications on the regulatory sequences of genes responsible for neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. In light of the emerging critical role played by chromatin modifications in maintaining the stemness as well as in regulating stem cell differentiation, we will also attempt to exploit epigenetic changes that can represent common targets for electromagnetic field effects on neurogenic and osteogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Leone
- Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Podda
- Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
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12
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Puzzo D, Bizzoca A, Loreto C, Guida CA, Gulisano W, Frasca G, Bellomo M, Castorina S, Gennarini G, Palmeri A. Role of F3/contactin expression profile in synaptic plasticity and memory in aged mice. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:1702-1715. [PMID: 25659859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that overexpression of the F3/contactin adhesive glycoprotein (also known as Contactin-1) promotes neurogenesis in adult hippocampus, which correlates with improved synaptic plasticity and memory. Because F3/contactin levels physiologically decrease with age, here, we aim at investigating whether its overexpression might counteract the cognitive decline in aged animals. For this we use 20- to 24-month-old TAG/F3 transgenic mice in which F3/contactin overexpression is driven by regulatory sequences from the gene encoding the transient axonal glycoprotein TAG-1 throughout development. We show that aged TAG/F3 mice display improved hippocampal long-term potentiation and memory compared with wild-type littermates. The same mice undergo a decrease of neuronal apoptosis at the hippocampal level, which correlated to a decrease of active caspase-3; by contrast, procaspase-3 and Bax as well as the anti-apoptotic and plasticity-related pathway BDNF/CREB/Bcl-2 were rather increased. Interestingly, amyloid-precursor protein processing was shifted toward sAPPα generation, with a decrease of sAPPβ and amyloid-beta levels. Our data confirm that F3/contactin plays a role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory also in aged mice, suggesting that it acts on molecular pathways related to apoptosis and amyloid-beta production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Bizzoca
- Section of Physiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara A Guida
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Frasca
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Bellomo
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University "Kore", Enna, Italy
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Gennarini
- Section of Physiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Fetoni AR, Lattanzi W, Eramo SLM, Barba M, Paciello F, Moriconi C, Rolesi R, Michetti F, Troiani D, Paludetti G. Grafting and early expression of growth factors from adipose-derived stem cells transplanted into the cochlea, in a Guinea pig model of acoustic trauma. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:334. [PMID: 25368551 PMCID: PMC4202717 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Noise exposure causes damage of multiple cochlear cell types producing permanent hearing loss with important social consequences. In mammals, no regeneration of either damaged hair cells or auditory neurons has been observed and no successful treatment is available to achieve a functional recovery. Loads of evidence indicate adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as promising tools in diversified regenerative medicine applications, due to the high degree of plasticity and trophic features. This study was aimed at identifying the path of in vivo cell migration and expression of trophic growth factors, upon ASCs transplantation into the cochlea, following noise-induced injury. ASCs were isolated in primary culture from the adipose tissue of a guinea pig, transduced using a viral vector to express the green fluorescent protein, and implanted into the scala tympani of deafened animals. Auditory function was assessed 3 and 7 days after surgery. The expression of trophic growth factors was comparatively analyzed using real-time PCR in control and noise-injured cochlear tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the in vivo localization and expression of trophic growth factors in ASCs and cochleae, 3 and 7 days following homologous implantation. ASC implantation did not modify auditory function. ASCs migrated from the perilymphatic to the endolymphatic compartment, during the analyzed time course. Upon noise exposure, the expression of chemokine ligands and receptors related to the PDGF, VEGF, and TGFbeta pathways, increased in the cochlear tissues, possibly guiding in vivo cell migration. Immunofluorescence confirmed the increased expression, which appeared to be further strengthened by ASCs’ implantation. These results indicated that ASCs are able to migrate at the site of tissue damage and express trophic factors, upon intracochlear implantation, providing an original proof of principle, which could pave the way for further developments of ASC-based treatments of deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita Fetoni
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy ; Latium Musculoskeletal Tissue Bank , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Marta Barba
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Chiara Moriconi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy ; Latium Musculoskeletal Tissue Bank , Rome , Italy
| | - Diana Troiani
- Institute of Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
| | - Gaetano Paludetti
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome , Italy
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14
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Corvino V, Marchese E, Podda MV, Lattanzi W, Giannetti S, Di Maria V, Cocco S, Grassi C, Michetti F, Geloso MC. The neurogenic effects of exogenous neuropeptide Y: early molecular events and long-lasting effects in the hippocampus of trimethyltin-treated rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88294. [PMID: 24516629 PMCID: PMC3917853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of endogenous neurogenesis is regarded as a promising challenge in neuroprotection. In the rat model of hippocampal neurodegeneration obtained by Trimethyltin (TMT) administration (8 mg/kg), characterised by selective pyramidal cell loss, enhanced neurogenesis, seizures and cognitive impairment, we previously demonstrated a proliferative role of exogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY), on dentate progenitors in the early phases of neurodegeneration. To investigate the functional integration of newly-born neurons, here we studied in adult rats the long-term effects of intracerebroventricular administration of NPY (2 µg/2 µl, 4 days after TMT-treatment), which plays an adjuvant role in neurodegeneration and epilepsy. Our results indicate that 30 days after NPY administration the number of new neurons was still higher in TMT+NPY-treated rats than in control+saline group. As a functional correlate of the integration of new neurons into the hippocampal network, long-term potentiation recorded in Dentate Gyrus (DG) in the absence of GABAA receptor blockade was higher in the TMT+NPY-treated group than in all other groups. Furthermore, qPCR analysis of Kruppel-like factor 9, a transcription factor essential for late-phase maturation of neurons in the DG, and of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5, critically involved in the maturation and dendrite extension of newly-born neurons, revealed a significant up-regulation of both genes in TMT+NPY-treated rats compared with all other groups. To explore the early molecular events activated by NPY administration, the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway, which participates in the maintenance of the neurogenic hippocampal niche, was evaluated by qPCR 1, 3 and 5 days after NPY-treatment. An early significant up-regulation of Shh expression was detected in TMT+NPY-treated rats compared with all other groups, associated with a modulation of downstream genes. Our data indicate that the neurogenic effect of NPY administration during TMT-induced neurodegeneration involves early Shh pathway activation and results in a functional integration of newly-generated neurons into the local circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Corvino
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marchese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Podda
- Institute of Human Physiology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Giannetti
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Maria
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Institute of Human Physiology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Geloso
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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15
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Podda MV, Leone L, Barbati SA, Mastrodonato A, Li Puma DD, Piacentini R, Grassi C. Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields enhance the survival of newborn neurons in the mouse hippocampus. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 39:893-903. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Podda
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Lucia Leone
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Saviana A. Barbati
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Alessia Mastrodonato
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Domenica D. Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology; Medical School; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Largo Francesco Vito 1 00168 Rome Italy
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16
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Podda MV, Grassi C. New perspectives in cyclic nucleotide-mediated functions in the CNS: the emerging role of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. Pflugers Arch 2013; 466:1241-57. [PMID: 24142069 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotides play fundamental roles in the central nervous system (CNS) under both physiological and pathological conditions. The impact of cAMP and cGMP signaling on neuronal and glial cell functions has been thoroughly characterized. Most of their effects have been related to cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase activity. However, cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, first described as key mediators of sensory transduction in retinal and olfactory receptors, have been receiving increasing attention as possible targets of cyclic nucleotides in the CNS. In the last 15 years, consistent evidence has emerged for their expression in neurons and astrocytes of the rodent brain. Far less is known, however, about the functional role of CNG channels in these cells, although several of their features, such as Ca(2+) permeability and prolonged activation in the presence of cyclic nucleotides, make them ideal candidates for mediators of physiological functions in the CNS. Here, we review literature suggesting the involvement of CNG channels in a number of CNS cellular functions (e.g., regulation of membrane potential, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release) as well as in more complex phenomena, like brain plasticity, adult neurogenesis, and pain sensitivity. The emerging picture is that functional and dysfunctional cyclic nucleotide signaling in the CNS has to be reconsidered including CNG channels among possible targets. However, concerted efforts and multidisciplinary approaches are still needed to get more in-depth knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Podda
- Institute of Human Physiology, Medical School, Università Cattolica, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
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17
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Effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition on apoptosis and beta amyloid load in aged mice. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:520-31. [PMID: 24112792 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Age-related cognitive decline is accompanied by an increase of neuronal apoptosis and a dysregulation of neuroplasticity-related molecules such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotoxic factors including beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide. Because it has been previously demonstrated that phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) protect against hippocampal synaptic dysfunction and memory deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and physiological aging, we investigated the effect of a treatment with the PDE5-I, sildenafil, on cell death, pro- and antiapoptotic molecules, and Aβ production. We demonstrated that chronic intraperitoneal injection of sildenafil (3 mg/kg for 3 weeks) decreased terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells in the CA1 hippocampal area of 26-30-month-old mice, downregulating the proapoptotic proteins, caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X, and increasing antiapoptotic molecules such as B-cell lymphoma protein-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Also, sildenafil reverted the shifting of amyloid precursor protein processing toward Aβ42 production and the increase of the Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio in aged mice. Our data suggest that PDE5-I might be beneficial to treat age-related detrimental features in a physiological mouse model of aging.
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18
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Puzzo D, Bizzoca A, Privitera L, Furnari D, Giunta S, Girolamo F, Pinto M, Gennarini G, Palmeri A. F3/Contactin promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory in adult mice. Hippocampus 2013; 23:1367-82. [PMID: 23939883 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
F3/contactin, a cell-adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin supergene family, is involved in several aspects of neural development including synapse building, maintenance and functioning. Here, we examine F3/contactin function in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory, using as a model TAG/F3 transgenic mice, where F3/contactin overexpression was induced under control of regulatory sequences from the human TAG-1 (TAX-1) gene. Transgenic mice aged 5 (M5) and 12 (M12) months exhibited an increase in hippocampal size, which correlated with positive effects on precursor proliferation and NeuN expression, these data suggesting a possible role for F3/contactin in promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. On the functional level, TAG/F3 mice exhibited increased CA1 long-term potentiation and improved spatial and object recognition memory, notably at 12 months of age. Interestingly, these mice showed an increased expression of the phosphorylated transcription factor CREB, which may represent the main molecular correlate of the observed morphological and functional effects. Altogether, these findings indicate for the first time that F3/contactin plays a role in promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis and that this effect correlates with improved synaptic function and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Section of Physiology, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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