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Bampali M, Kouvela A, Kesesidis N, Kassela K, Dovrolis N, Karakasiliotis I. West Nile Virus Subgenomic RNAs Modulate Gene Expression in a Neuronal Cell Line. Viruses 2024; 16:812. [PMID: 38793693 PMCID: PMC11125720 DOI: 10.3390/v16050812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Subgenomic flaviviral RNAs (sfRNAs) are small non-coding products of the incomplete degradation of viral genomic RNA. They accumulate during flaviviral infection and have been associated with many functional roles inside the host cell. Studies so far have demonstrated that sfRNA plays a crucial role in determining West Nile virus (WNV) pathogenicity. However, its modulatory role on neuronal homeostasis has not been studied in depth. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of sfRNA biosynthesis and its importance for WNV replication in neuronal cells. We found that sfRNA1 is functionally redundant for both replication and translation of WNV. However, the concurrent absence of sfRNA1 and sfRNA2 species is detrimental for the survival of the virus. Differential expression analysis on RNA-seq data from WT and ΔsfRNA replicon cell lines revealed transcriptional changes induced by sfRNA and identified a number of putative targets. Overall, it was shown that sfRNA contributes to the viral evasion by suppressing the interferon-mediated antiviral response. An additional differential expression analysis among replicon and control Neuro2A cells also clarified the transcriptional changes that support WNV replication in neuronal cells. Increased levels of translation and oxidative phosphorylation, post-translational modification processes, and activated DNA repair pathways were observed in replicon cell lines, while developmental processes such as axonal growth were deficient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.B.); (A.K.); (N.K.); (K.K.); (N.D.)
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Othman O, Marshall H, Masterson M, Winlow P, Gibson G, Ding Y, Pardon MC. Thymosin beta 4 prevents systemic lipopolysaccharide-induced plaque load in middle-age APP/PS1 mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109951. [PMID: 36878045 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by the gut during systemic infections and inflammation is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Since thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) effectively reduces LPS-induced inflammation in sepsis, we tested its potential to alleviate the impact of LPS in the brain of the APPswePS1dE9 mouse model of AD (APP/PS1) and wildtype (WT) mice. 12.5-month-old male APP/PS1 mice (n = 30) and their WT littermates (n = 29) were tested for baseline food burrowing performance, spatial working memory and exploratory drive in the spontaneous alternation and open-field tests, prior to being challenged with LPS (100ug/kg, i.v.) or its vehicle phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Tβ4 (5 mg/kg, i.v.) or PBS, was administered immediately following and at 2 and 4 h after the PBS or LPS challenge, and then once daily for 6 days (n = 7-8). LPS-induced sickness was assessed though monitoring of changes in body weight and behaviour over a 7-day period. Brains were collected for the determination of amyloid plaque load and reactive gliosis in the hippocampus and cortex. Treatment with Tβ4 alleviated sickness symptoms to a greater extent in APP/PS1 than in WT mice by limiting LPS-induced weight loss and inhibition of food burrowing behaviour. It prevented LPS-induced amyloid burden in APP/PS1 mice but increased astrocytic and microglial proliferation in the hippocampus of LPS-treated WT mice. These data show that Tβ4 can alleviate the adverse effects of systemic LPS in the brain by preventing exacerbation of amyloid deposition in AD mice and by inducing reactive microgliosis in aging WT mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Othman
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Marshall
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Mitchell Masterson
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Poppy Winlow
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Gibson
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Histopathology, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Yuchun Ding
- School of Computer Sciences, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road, Nottingham NG8 1BB, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Christine Pardon
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
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3
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Zhang GH, Pare RB, Chin KL, Qian YH. Tβ4 ameliorates oxidative damage and apoptosis through ERK/MAPK and 5-HT1A signaling pathway in Aβ insulted SH-SY5Y cells. Life Sci 2021:120178. [PMID: 34838849 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder seriously endangering the physical and mental health of the elderly, while no effective treatments and drugs in clinical practice are available. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a multifunctional polypeptide involved in many physiological and pathological processes including AD. This study aims to understand the function and molecular mechanism of Tβ4 in the development of AD. MAIN METHODS Neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y was treated with β-amyloid (Aβ) to induce AD-like pathological changes, which serves as Alzheimer's disease model. Tβ4 was overexpressed in SH-SY5Y cells by lentivirus infection, and downregulated by siRNA transfection. Apoptosis of transfected SH-SY5Y cells after Aβ-treatment was examined by western blot and flow cytometry. Apoptotic proteins and Tβ4-related signaling pathways were also investigated by western blot. KEY FINDINGS We found that Tβ4 overexpression increased viability and suppressed apoptosis of Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Tβ4 ameliorated oxidative damage and suppressed reactive oxygen species production in Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Consistently, Tβ4 overexpression down-regulated the expression levels of pro-apoptotic markers such as Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Bax, while up-regulated the expression level of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 in Aβ-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Tβ4 dampened ERK/p38 MAPK signaling and enhanced 5-HTR1A expression in Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, we revealed that Tβ4 inhibited the activation of ERK pathway through up-regulating 5-HTR1A in Aβ-treated SH-SY5Y cells. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, our findings provide evidences to support the neuroprotective role of Tβ4 and might open up new therapeutic applications of Tβ4 in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xi'an International University, Xi'an 710077, Shaanxi, China; Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Rahmawati Binti Pare
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kai Ling Chin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Hua Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center.
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4
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Contini C, Olianas A, Serrao S, Deriu C, Iavarone F, Boroumand M, Bizzarro A, Lauria A, Faa G, Castagnola M, Messana I, Manconi B, Masullo C, Cabras T. Top-Down Proteomics of Human Saliva Highlights Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Defense Responses in Alzheimer Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:668852. [PMID: 34121996 PMCID: PMC8189262 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.668852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, characterized by accumulation in the brain of misfolded proteins, inflammation, and oxidative damage leading to neuronal cell death. By considering the viewpoint that AD onset and worsening may be influenced by environmental factors causing infection, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reaction, we investigated the changes of the salivary proteome in a population of patients with respect to that in healthy controls (HCs). Indeed, the possible use of saliva as a diagnostic tool has been explored in several oral and systemic diseases. Moreover, the oral cavity continuously established adaptative and protective processes toward exogenous stimuli. In the present study, qualitative/quantitative variations of 56 salivary proteoforms, including post-translationally modified derivatives, have been analyzed by RP-HPLC-ESI-IT-MS and MS/MS analyses, and immunological methods were applied to validate MS results. The salivary protein profile of AD patients was characterized by significantly higher levels of some multifaceted proteins and peptides that were either specific to the oral cavity or also expressed in other body districts: (i) peptides involved in the homeostasis of the oral cavity; (ii) proteins acting as ROS/RNS scavengers and with a neuroprotective role, such as S100A8, S100A9, and their glutathionylated and nitrosylated proteoforms; cystatin B and glutathionylated and dimeric derivatives; (iii) proteins with antimicrobial activity, such as α-defensins, cystatins A and B, histatin 1, statherin, and thymosin β4, this last with a neuroprotective role at the level of microglia. These results suggested that, in response to injured conditions, Alzheimer patients established defensive mechanisms detectable at the oral level. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021538.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Olianas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simone Serrao
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Deriu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mozhgan Boroumand
- Laboratorio di Proteomica, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bizzarro
- UOC Continuità Assistenziale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lauria
- UOC Continuità Assistenziale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Masullo
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sez. Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: A Multi-Faceted Tissue Repair Stimulating Protein in Heart Injury. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6294-6305. [PMID: 31333080 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190716125456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is known as a major pleiotropic actin-sequestering protein that is involved in tumorigenesis. Tβ4 is a water-soluble protein that has different promising clinical applications in the remodeling and ulcerated tissues repair following myocardial infarction, stroke, plasticity and neurovascular remodeling of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS). On the other hand, similar effects have been observed for Tβ4 in other kinds of tissues, including cardiac muscle tissue. In recent reports, as it activates resident epicardial progenitor cells and modulates inflammatory-caused injuries, Tβ4 has been suggested as a promoter of the survival of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, Tβ4 may act in skeletal muscle and different organs in association/synergism with numerous other tissue repair stimulating factors, including melatonin and C-fiber-derived peptides. For these reasons, the present review highlights the promising role of Tβ4 in cardiac healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences,
University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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6
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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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Shomali N, Baradaran B, Deljavanghodrati M, Akbari M, Hemmatzadeh M, Mohammadi H, Jang Y, Xu H, Sandoghchian Shotorbani S. A new insight into thymosin β4, a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3270-3279. [PMID: 31612500 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a G-actin-sequestering secreted peptide, improves neurovascular remodeling and central nervous system plasticity, which leads to neurological recovery in many neurological diseases. Inflammatory response adjustment and tissue inflammation consequences from neurological injury are vital for neurological recovery. The innate or nonspecific immune system is made of different components. The Toll-like receptor pro-inflammatory signaling pathway, which is one of these components, regulates tissue injury. The main component of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor signaling pathway, which is known as IRAK1, can be regulated by miR-146a and regulates NF-κB expression. Due to the significant role of Tβ4 in oligodendrocytes, neurons, and microglial cells in neurological recovery, it is suggested that Tβ4 regulates the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pro-inflammatory signaling pathway by upregulating miR-146a in neurological disorders. However, further investigations on the role of Tβ4 in regulating the expression of miR146a and TLR signaling pathway in the immune response adjustment in neurological disorders provides an insight into mechanisms of action and the possibility of Tβ4 therapeutic effect enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Hemmatzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yue Jang
- Department of Immunology, Center of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Center of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Siamak Sandoghchian Shotorbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Center of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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8
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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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9
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Pardon MC. Anti-inflammatory potential of thymosin β4 in the central nervous system: implications for progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:165-169. [PMID: 30063850 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1486817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The actin-sequestering thymosin beta4 (Tβ4) is the most abundant member of the β-thymosins, and is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), but its functions in the healthy and diseased brain are poorly understood. The expression of Tβ4 in neurons and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, suggests that it can play a role in modulating behavioral processes and immunological mechanisms in the brain. The purpose of this review is to shed lights on the role of Tβ4 in CNS function and diseases without antecedent autoimmune inflammation or injury, and to question its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. AREAS COVERED This review presents the evidence supporting a role for Tβ4 in behaviors that are affected in CNS disorders, as well as studies linking Tβ4 upregulation in microglia to neuroinflammatory processes associated with these disorders. Finally, the implication of Tβ4 in the process of microglial activation and the mechanisms underlying its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory signaling in microglia are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Tβ4 has the potential to control inflammatory processes in the brain, opening avenues for new therapeutic applications to a range of neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Pardon
- a School of Life Sciences, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Queens Medical Centre , The University of Nottingham Medical School , Nottingham , UK
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10
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Severa M, Zhang J, Giacomini E, Rizzo F, Etna MP, Cruciani M, Garaci E, Chopp M, Coccia EM. Thymosins in multiple sclerosis and its experimental models: moving from basic to clinical application. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 27:52-60. [PMID: 30317071 PMCID: PMC7104151 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) afflicts more than 2.5 million individuals worldwide and this number is increasing over time. Within the past years, a great number of disease-modifying treatments have emerged; however, efficacious treatments and a cure for MS await discovery. Thymosins, soluble hormone-like peptides produced by the thymus gland, can mediate immune and non-immune physiological processes and have gained interest in recent years as therapeutics in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. METHODS Pubmed was searched with no time constraints for articles using a combination of the keywords "thymosin/s" or "thymus factor/s" AND "multiple sclerosis", mesh terms with no language restriction. RESULTS Here, we review the state-of-the-art on the effects of thymosins on MS and its experimental models. In particular, we describe what is known in this field on the roles of thymosin-α1 (Tα1) and -β4 (Tβ4) as potential anti-inflammatory as well as neuroprotective and remyelinating molecules and their mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION Based on the data that Tα1 and Tβ4 act as anti-inflammatory molecules and as inducers of myelin repair and neuronal protection, respectively, a possible therapeutic application in MS for Tα1 and Tβ4 alone or combined with other approved drugs may be envisaged. This approach is reasonable in light of the current clinical usage of Tα1 and data demonstrating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Tβ4 in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Severa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Elena Giacomini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Rizzo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Paola Etna
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Melania Cruciani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele and IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA,Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
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Wang L, Chopp M, Lu X, Szalad A, Jia L, Liu XS, Wu KH, Lu M, Zhang ZG. miR-146a mediates thymosin β4 induced neurovascular remodeling of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type-II diabetic mice. Brain Res 2018; 1707:198-207. [PMID: 30500399 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes induces neurovascular dysfunction leading to peripheral neuropathy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) affect many biological processes and the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we investigated whether thymosin-β4 (Tβ4) ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy and whether miR-146a mediates the effect of Tβ4 on improved neurovascular function. Male Type II diabetic BKS. Cg-m+/+Leprdb/J (db/db) mice at age 20 weeks were treated with Tβ4 for 8 consecutive weeks, and db/db mice treated with saline were used as a control group. Compared to non-diabetic mice, diabetic mice exhibited substantially reduced miR-146a expression, and increased IL-1R-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), tumor necrosis factor (TNFR)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) levels and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) activity in sciatic nerve tissues. Treatment of diabetic mice with Tβ4 significantly elevated miR-146a levels and overcame the effect of diabetes on these proteins. Tβ4 treatment substantially improved motor and sensory conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve, which was associated with improvements in sensory function. Tβ4 treatment significantly increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density and augmented local blood flow and the density of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran perfused vessels in the sciatic nerve tissue. In vitro, treatment of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and mouse dermal endothelial cells (MDEs) with Tβ4 significantly increased axonal outgrowth and capillary-like tube formation, whereas blocking miR-146a attenuated Tβ4-induced axonal outgrowth and capillary tube formation, respectively. Our data indicate that miR-146a may mediate Tβ4-induced neurovascular remodeling in diabetic mice, by suppressing pro-inflammatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States.
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States; Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, United States
| | - XueRong Lu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Alexandra Szalad
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - LongFei Jia
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Xian Shuang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Kuan-Han Wu
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Mei Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Zheng Gang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
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Wang L, Chopp M, Szalad A, Lu X, Lu M, Zhang T, Zhang ZG. Angiopoietin-1/Tie2 signaling pathway contributes to the therapeutic effect of thymosin β4 on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Neurosci Res 2018; 147:1-8. [PMID: 30326249 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and its receptor Tie2 regulate vascular function. Our previous study demonstrated that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) ameliorates neurological function of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic peripheral neuropathy have not been fully investigated. The present in vivo study investigated whether the Ang1/Tie2 signaling pathway is involved in Tβ4-improved neurovascular remodeling in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic BKS. Cg-m+/+Leprdb/J (db/db) mice at age 20 weeks were treated with Tβ4 and neutralizing antibody against mouse Tie2 for 4 consecutive weeks. Neurological functional and neurovascular remodeling were measured. Administration of the neutralizing antibody against Tie2 attenuated the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on improved diabetic peripheral neuropathy as measured by motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and thermal hypoesthesia compared to diabetic db/db mice treated with Tβ4 only. Histopathological analysis revealed that the neutralizing antibody against Tie2 abolished Tβ4-increased microvascular density in sciatic nerve and intraepidermal nerve fiber density, which were associated with suppression of Tβ4-upregulated occludin expression and Tβ4-reduced protein levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1). Our data provide in vivo evidence that the Ang1/Tie2 pathway contributes to the therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, USA.
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, USA; Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | | | - XueRong Lu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
| | - Mei Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Talan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Inhibition of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by exogenous thymosinβ4 treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 61:20-28. [PMID: 29793165 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of exogenous thymosinβ4 (Tβ4) treatment in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS Liver injury was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of APAP (500 mg/kg). Exogenous Tβ4 was intraperitoneally administrated at 0 h, 2 h and 4 h after APAP injection. Chloroquine (CQ) (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before APAP administration to inhibit autophagy. Six hours after APAP injection liver injury was evaluated by histological examinations, biochemical measurements and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). Western blots were performed to detect proteins expression. RESULTS Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were significantly increased 6 h after APAP administration, but were significantly reduced by co-administration of Tβ4. Histological examinations demonstrated that Tβ4 reduced necrosis and inflammation induced by APAP. Immunofluorescence showed that Tβ4 suppressed APAP-induced translocation of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) from the nucleus to cytosol and intercellular space. Hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities induced by APAP were all attenuated by Tβ4. APAP-induced increases in hepatic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein expression and inflammatory cytokines production including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reduced by Tβ4 treatment. Increased LC3 and p62 proteins in the liver tissues of APAP-treated mice were decreased by Tβ4 treatment, which indicated the enhancement of autophagy flux by Tβ4. Furthermore, inhibiting autophagy by CQ abrogated the protective effects of Tβ4 against APAP hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION Exogenous Tβ4 treatment exerts protective effects against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The underneath molecular mechanisms may involve autophagy enhancement and inhibition of oxidative stress by Tβ4.
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Tsumagari K, Shirakabe K, Ogura M, Sato F, Ishihama Y, Sehara-Fujisawa A. Secretome analysis to elucidate metalloprotease-dependent ectodomain shedding of glycoproteins during neuronal differentiation. Genes Cells 2017; 22:237-244. [PMID: 28084684 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many membrane proteins are subjected to limited proteolyses at their juxtamembrane regions, processes referred to as ectodomain shedding. Shedding ectodomains of membrane-bound ligands results in activation of downstream signaling pathways, whereas shedding those of cell adhesion molecules causes loss of cell-cell contacts. Secreted proteomics (secretomics) using high-resolution mass spectrometry would be strong tools for both comprehensive identification and quantitative measurement of membrane proteins that undergo ectodomain shedding. In this study, to elucidate the ectodomain shedding events that occur during neuronal differentiation, we establish a strategy for quantitative secretomics of glycoproteins released from differentiating neuroblastoma cells into culture medium with or without GM6001, a broad-spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor. Considering that most of transmembrane and secreted proteins are N-glycosylated, we include a process of N-glycosylated peptides enrichment as well as isotope tagging in our secretomics workflow. Our results show that differentiating N1E-115 neurons secrete numerous glycosylated polypeptides in metalloprotease-dependent manners. They are derived from cell adhesion molecules such as NCAM1, CADM1, L1CAM, various transporters and receptor proteins. These results show the landscape of ectodomain shedding and other secretory events in differentiating neurons and/or during axon elongation, which should help elucidate the mechanism of neurogenesis and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Tsumagari
- Department of Growth Regulation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.,Department of Molecular and Cellular BioAnalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kyoko Shirakabe
- Department of Organ Network and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Mayu Ogura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BioAnalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fuminori Sato
- Department of Growth Regulation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ishihama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BioAnalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuko Sehara-Fujisawa
- Department of Growth Regulation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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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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Garaci E, Goldstein AL. Introduction for the Fourth International Symposium on Thymosins in Health and Disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 15 Suppl 1:S1-3. [PMID: 26169719 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1044893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Fourth International Symposium on Thymosins in Health and Disease brought together many of the leading scientists, clinicians and thought-leaders from the United States, Israel, Europe, China and Japan to discuss the latest advances and clinical applications of the thymosins in both basic and clinical areas. The symposium, held in Rome, Italy, on October 23 - 25, 2014, was sponsored by The George Washington University and the University of Rome 'Tor Vergata.'
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