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Advanced Gene-Targeting Therapies for Motor Neuron Diseases and Muscular Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094824. [PMID: 35563214 PMCID: PMC9101723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a revolutionary, cutting-edge approach to permanently ameliorate or amend many neuromuscular diseases by targeting their genetic origins. Motor neuron diseases and muscular dystrophies, whose genetic causes are well known, are the frontiers of this research revolution. Several genetic treatments, with diverse mechanisms of action and delivery methods, have been approved during the past decade and have demonstrated remarkable results. However, despite the high number of genetic treatments studied preclinically, those that have been advanced to clinical trials are significantly fewer. The most clinically advanced treatments include adeno-associated virus gene replacement therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advanced gene therapies for motor neuron diseases (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy) and muscular dystrophies (i.e., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy) tested in clinical trials. Emphasis has been placed on those methods that are a few steps away from their authoritative approval.
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Abstract
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses and maintains homeostasis during daily activities such as exercise, eating a meal or regulation of body temperature. Sympathetic regulation of bodily functions requires the establishment and refinement of anatomically and functionally precise connections between postganglionic sympathetic neurons and peripheral organs distributed widely throughout the body. Mechanistic studies of key events in the formation of postganglionic sympathetic neurons during embryonic and early postnatal life, including axon growth, target innervation, neuron survival, and dendrite growth and synapse formation, have advanced the understanding of how neuronal development is shaped by interactions with peripheral tissues and organs. Recent progress has also been made in identifying how the cellular and molecular diversity of sympathetic neurons is established to meet the functional demands of peripheral organs. In this Review, we summarize current knowledge of signalling pathways underlying the development of the sympathetic nervous system. These findings have implications for unravelling the contribution of sympathetic dysfunction stemming, in part, from developmental perturbations to the pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathies and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
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Kessler JA, Shaibani A, Sang CN, Christiansen M, Kudrow D, Vinik A, Shin N. Gene therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study of VM202, a plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:1176-1184. [PMID: 33465273 PMCID: PMC8212761 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
VM202 is a plasmid DNA encoding two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). A previous phase II study in subjects with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) showed significant reductions in pain. A phase III study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VM202 in DPN. The trial was conducted in two parts, one for 9 months (DPN 3-1) with 500 subjects (VM202: 336 subjects; and placebo: 164) and a preplanned subset of 101 subjects (VM202: 65 subjects; and placebo: 36) with a noninterventional extension to 12 months (DPN 3-1b). VM202 or placebo was administered to calf muscles on days 0 and 14, and on days 90 and 104. The primary end point in DPN 3-1 was change from baseline in the mean 24-h Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score. In DPN 3-1b, the primary end point was safety, whereas the secondary efficacy end point was change in the mean pain score. VM202 was well-tolerated in both studies without significant adverse events. VM202 failed to meet its efficacy end points in DPN 3-1. In DPN 3-1b, however, VM202 showed significant and clinically meaningful pain reduction versus placebo. Pain reduction in DPN 3-1b was even greater in subjects not receiving gabapentin or pregabalin, confirming an observation noted in the phase II study. In DPN 3-1b, symptomatic relief was maintained for 8 months after the last injection suggesting that VM202 treatment might change disease progression. Despite the perplexing discrepancy between the two studies, the safety and long-lasting pain-relieving effects of VM202 observed in DPN 3-1b warrant another rigorous phase III study. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? Current therapies for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are palliative and do not target the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, symptomatic relief is often limited with existing neuropathic pain drugs. Thus, there is a great medical need for safer and effective treatments for DPN. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Can nonviral gene delivery of hepatocyte growth factor reduce pain in patients with DPN and potentially modify progression of the disorder? WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE? Nonviral gene therapy can be used safely and practically to treat DPN. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE? As the first gene medicine to enter advanced clinical trials for the treatment of DPN, this study provides the proof of concept of an entirely new potential approach to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christine N Sang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David Kudrow
- Neurological Research Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Aaron Vinik
- Strelitz Diabetes Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Efficacy of nonviral gene transfer of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) against ischemic-reperfusion nerve injury in rats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237156. [PMID: 32780756 PMCID: PMC7418984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic neuropathy is common in subjects with critical limb ischemia, frequently causing chronic neuropathic pain. However, neuropathic pain caused by ischemia is hard to control despite the restoration of an adequate blood flow. Here, we used a rat model of ischemic-reperfusion nerve injury (IRI) to investigate possible effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) against ischemic neuropathy. Hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) liposomes containing plasmids encoded with HGF was delivered into the peripheral nervous system by retrograde axonal transport following its repeated injections into the tibialis anterior muscle in the right hindlimb. First HGF gene transfer was done immediately after IRI, and repeated at 1, 2 and 3 weeks later. Rats with IRI exhibited pronounced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, decreased blood flow and skin temperature, and lowered thresholds of plantar stimuli in the hind paw. These were all significantly improved by HGF gene transfer, as also were sciatic nerve conduction velocity and muscle action potential amplitudes. Histologically, HGF gene transfer resulted in a significant increase of endoneurial microvessels in sciatic and tibial nerves and promoted nerve regeneration which were confirmed by morphometric analysis. Neovascularization was observed in the contralateral side of peripheral nerves as well. In addition, IRI elevated mRNA levels of P2X3 and P2Y1 receptors, and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1) in sciatic nerves, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord, and these elevated levels were inhibited by HGF gene transfer. In conclusion, HGF gene transfer is a potent candidate for treatment of acute ischemic neuropathy caused by reperfusion injury, because of robust angiogenesis and enhanced nerve regeneration.
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Kameda Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the organogenesis and development of the mammalian carotid body. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:592-609. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kameda
- Department of AnatomyKitasato University School of Medicine Sagamihara Japan
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Ciuculete DM, Voisin S, Kular L, Welihinda N, Jonsson J, Jagodic M, Mwinyi J, Schiöth HB. Longitudinal DNA methylation changes at MET may alter HGF/c-MET signalling in adolescents at risk for depression. Epigenetics 2019; 15:646-663. [PMID: 31852353 PMCID: PMC7574381 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1700628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrecognized depression during adolescence can result in adult suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to identify, replicate and characterize DNA methylation (DNAm) shifts in depression aetiology, using a longitudinal, multi-tissue (blood and brain) and multi-layered (genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics) approach. We measured genome-wide blood DNAm data at baseline and one-year follow-up, and imputed genetic variants, in 59 healthy adolescents comprising the discovery cohort. Depression and suicidal symptoms were determined using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) depression band, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self (MADRS-S) and SUicide Assessment Scale (SUAS). DNAm levels at follow-up were regressed against depression scores, adjusting for sex, age and the DNAm residuals at baseline. Higher methylation levels of 5% and 13% at cg24627299 within the MET gene were associated with higher depression scores (praw<1e-4) and susceptibility for suicidal symptoms (padj.<0.005). The nearby rs39748 was discovered to be a methylation and expression quantitative trait locus in blood cells. mRNA levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression, known to strongly interact with MET, were inversely associated with methylation levels at cg24627299, in an independent cohort of 1180 CD14+ samples. In an open-access dataset of brain tissue, lower methylation at cg24627299 was found in 45 adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder compared with matched controls (padj.<0.05). Furthermore, lower MET expression was identified in the hippocampus of depressed individuals compared with controls in a fourth, independent cohort. Our findings reveal methylation changes at MET in the pathology of depression, possibly involved in downregulation of HGF/c-MET signalling the hippocampal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Ciuculete
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University , Footscray, Australian
| | - Lara Kular
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nipuni Welihinda
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Jonsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University , Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University , Moscow, Russia
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Min SH, Kim JH, Kang YM, Lee SH, Oh BM, Han KS, Zhang M, Kim HS, Moon WK, Lee H, Park KS, Jung HS. Transplantation of human mobilized mononuclear cells improved diabetic neuropathy. J Endocrinol 2018; 239:277-287. [PMID: 30400012 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rodent stem cells demonstrated regenerative effects in diabetic neuropathy via improvement in nerve perfusion. As a pre-clinical step, we explored if human mobilized mononuclear cells (hMNC) would have the same effects in rats. hMNC were injected into Rt. hind-limb muscles of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nude rats, and the grafts were monitored using with MRI. After 4 weeks, the effects were compared with those in the vehicle-injected Lt. hind limbs. Nerve conduction, muscle perfusion and gene expression of sciatic nerves were assessed. Induction of diabetes decreased nerve function and expression of Mpz and Met in the sciatic nerves, which are related with myelination. hMNC injection significantly improved the amplitude of compound muscle action potentials along with muscle perfusion and sciatic nerve Mpz expression. On MRI, hypointense signals were observed for 4 weeks at the graft site, but their correlation with the presence of hMNC was detectable for only 1 week. To evaluate paracrine effects of hMNC, IMS32 cells were tested with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which had been reported as a myelination-related factor from stem cells. We could observe that HGF enhanced Mpz expression in the IMS32 cells. Because hMNC secreted HGF, IMS32 cells were co-cultured with hMNC, and the expression of Mpz increased along with morphologic maturation. The hMNC-induced Mpz expression was abrogated by treatment of anti-HGF. These results suggest that hMNC could improve diabetic neuropathy, possibly through enhancement of myelination as well as perfusion. According to in vitro studies, HGF was involved in the hMNC-induced myelination activity, at least in part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hee Min
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hee Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Mi Kang
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hak Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Mo Oh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyou-Sup Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoe Suk Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Kyung Moon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakmo Lee
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Soo Park
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Seung Jung
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Innovative Research Institute for Cell Therapy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Nho B, Lee J, Lee J, Ko KR, Lee SJ, Kim S. Effective control of neuropathic pain by transient expression of hepatocyte growth factor in a mouse chronic constriction injury model. FASEB J 2018; 32:5119-5131. [PMID: 29913557 PMCID: PMC6113864 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800476r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional protein that contains angiogenic and neurotrophic properties. In the current study, we investigated the analgesic effects of HGF by using a plasmid DNA that was designed to express 2 isoforms of human HGF—pCK-HGF-X7 (or VM202)—in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) –induced mouse neuropathic pain model. Intramuscular injection of pCK-HGF-X7 into proximal thigh muscle induced the expression of HGF in the muscle, sciatic nerve, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). This gene transfer procedure significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after CCI. Injury-induced expression of activating transcription factor 3, calcium channel subunit α2δ1, and CSF1 in the ipsilateral DRG neurons was markedly down-regulated in the pCK-HGF-X7–treated group, which suggested that HGF might exert its analgesic effects by inhibiting pain-mediating genes in the sensory neurons. In addition, suppressed CSF1 expression in DRG neurons by pCK-HGF-X7 treatment was accompanied by a noticeable suppression of the nerve injury–induced glial cell activation in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Taken together, our data show that pCK-HGF-X7 attenuates nerve injury–induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting pain-related factors in DRG neurons and subsequent spinal cord glial activation, which suggests its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain.—Nho, B., Lee, J., Lee, J., Ko, K. R., Lee, S. J., Kim, S. Effective control of neuropathic pain by transient expression of hepatocyte growth factor in a mouse chronic constriction injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Nho
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junghun Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,ViroMed, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junsub Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeong Ryang Ko
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,ViroMed, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Joong Lee
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,ViroMed, Seoul, South Korea
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O'Keeffe GW, Gutierrez H, Howard L, Laurie CW, Osorio C, Gavaldà N, Wyatt SL, Davies AM. Region-specific role of growth differentiation factor-5 in the establishment of sympathetic innervation. Neural Dev 2016; 11:4. [PMID: 26878848 PMCID: PMC4755026 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the prototypical target-derived neurotrophic factor required for sympathetic neuron survival and for the growth and ramification of sympathetic axons within most but not all sympathetic targets. This implies the operation of additional target-derived factors for regulating terminal sympathetic axon growth and branching. RESULTS Here report that growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), a widely expressed member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily required for limb development, promoted axon growth from mouse superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons independently of NGF and enhanced axon growth in combination with NGF. GDF5 had no effect on neuronal survival and influenced axon growth during a narrow window of postnatal development when sympathetic axons are ramifying extensively in their targets in vivo. SCG neurons expressed all receptors capable of participating in GDF5 signaling at this stage of development. Using compartment cultures, we demonstrated that GDF5 exerted its growth promoting effect by acting directly on axons and by initiating retrograde canonical Smad signalling to the nucleus. GDF5 is synthesized in sympathetic targets, and examination of several anatomically circumscribed tissues in Gdf5 null mice revealed regional deficits in sympathetic innervation. There was a marked, highly significant reduction in the sympathetic innervation density of the iris, a smaller though significant reduction in the trachea, but no reduction in the submandibular salivary gland. There was no reduction in the number of neurons in the SCG. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that GDF5 is a novel target-derived factor that promotes sympathetic axon growth and branching and makes a distinctive regional contribution to the establishment of sympathetic innervation, but unlike NGF, plays no role in regulating sympathetic neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard W O'Keeffe
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- Dept. Anatomy/Neuroscience and Biosciences Institute, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Humberto Gutierrez
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- Current address, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Laura Howard
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | | | - Catarina Osorio
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- Current address, MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, 4th Floor, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Núria Gavaldà
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- Current address, SOM Innovation Biotech SL, c/Baldiri Reixac 4, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sean L Wyatt
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Alun M Davies
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
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Kessler JA, Smith AG, Cha BS, Choi SH, Wymer J, Shaibani A, Ajroud-Driss S, Vinik A. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of HGF gene therapy in diabetic neuropathy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2015; 2:465-78. [PMID: 26000320 PMCID: PMC4435702 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a plasmid (VM202) containing two human hepatocyte growth factor isoforms given by intramuscular injections in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were randomized to receive injections of 8 or 16 mg VM202 per leg or placebo. Divided doses were administered on Day 0 and Day 14. The prospective primary outcome was change in the mean pain score measured by a 7 day pain diary. Secondary outcomes included a responder analysis, quality of life and pain measures, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density. RESULTS There were no significant adverse events attributable to VM202. Eighty-four patients completed the study. Patients receiving 8 mg VM202 per leg improved the most in all efficacy measures including a significant (P = 0.03) reduction at 3 months in the mean pain score and continued but not statistically significant reductions in pain at 6 and 9 months. Of these patients, 48.4% experienced a ≥50% reduction in pain compared to 17.6% of placebo patients. There were also significant improvements in the brief pain inventory for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the questionnaire portion of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Patients not on pregabalin or gabapentin had the largest reductions in pain. INTERPRETATION VM202 was safe, well tolerated and effective indicating the feasibility of a nonviral gene therapy approach to painful diabetic neuropathy. Two days of treatment were sufficient to provide symptomatic relief with improvement in quality of life for 3 months. VM202 may be particularly beneficial for patients not taking gabapentin or pregabalin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bong-Soo Cha
- Yonsei University College of Medicine Severence Hospital Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Vinik
- Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Virginia
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Mohammadi R, Masoumi-Verki M, Ahsan S, Khaleghjoo A, Amini K. Improvement of peripheral nerve defects using a silicone conduit filled with hepatocyte growth factor. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2014; 116:673-9. [PMID: 24237722 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess local effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on peripheral nerve repair in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. STUDY DESIGN Sixty male, healthy, white Wistar rats were randomized into 4 experimental groups: In the sham-operated group, sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In the transected control group, the left sciatic nerve was transected. In the silicone graft group (SIL), a 10-mm defect was made and bridged using a silicone tube. The graft was filled with phosphate-buffered saline in the SIL group and with HGF in the SIL/HGF group. RESULTS Behavioral testing, sciatic nerve functional study, gastrocnemius muscle mass measurement, and morphometric indices found earlier regeneration of axons in the SIL/HGF than in the SIL group (P < .05). Immunohistochemical study clearly found more positive location of reactions to S-100 in the SIL/HGF group than in the SIL group. CONCLUSIONS HGF may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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Kameda Y. Signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in the development of the sympathetic nervous system, with special emphasis on the superior cervical ganglion. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:527-48. [PMID: 24770894 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The cells that constitute the sympathetic nervous system originate from the neural crest. This review addresses the current understanding of sympathetic ganglion development viewed from molecular and morphological perspectives. Development of the sympathetic nervous system is categorized into three main steps, as follows: (1) differentiation and migration of cells in the neural crest lineage for formation of the primary sympathetic chain, (2) differentiation of sympathetic progenitors, and (3) growth and survival of sympathetic ganglia. The signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in each of these developmental stages are elaborated mostly on the basis of the results of targeted mutation of respective genes. Analyses in mutant mice revealed differences between the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the other posterior sympathetic ganglia. This review provides a summary of the similarities and differences in the development of the SCG and other posterior sympathetic ganglia. Relevant to the development of sympathetic ganglia is the demonstration that neuroendocrine cells, such as adrenal chromaffin cells and carotid body glomus cells, share a common origin with the sympathetic ganglia. Neural crest cells at the trunk level give rise to common sympathoadrenal progenitors of sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells, while progenitors segregated from the SCG give rise to glomus cells. After separation from the sympathetic primordium, the progenitors of both chromaffin cells and glomus cells colonize the anlage of the adrenal gland and carotid body, respectively. This review highlights the biological properties of chromaffin cells and glomus cells, because, although both cell types are derivatives of sympathetic primordium, they are distinct in many respects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kameda
- Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan,
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Abstract
A number of agents from diverse pharmacological classes are used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Only three of these have regulatory approval for this indication in the U.S. In this focused article, I will discuss selected drugs, newly approved or in development, to treat neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. These will include agonists and antagonists of the transient receptor potential channels, a family of receptor proteins that play a role in the transduction of physical stress; sodium channel isoform specific antagonists; a recently approved dual-action opioid receptor agonist-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; gene therapy for neuropathic pain; and anti-nerve growth factor molecules. Mechanisms of action, preclinical supporting data, clinical trial evidence, and adverse effects will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Freeman
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Phase 1/2 open-label dose-escalation study of plasmid DNA expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1279-86. [PMID: 23609019 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of intramuscular injections of plasmid DNA (VM202) expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in subjects with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). Twelve patients in three cohorts (4, 8, and 16 mg) received two sets of VM202 injections separated by two weeks. Safety and tolerability were evaluated and the visual analog scale (VAS), the short form McGill questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the brief pain inventory for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (BPI-DPN) measured pain level throughout 12 months after treatment. No serious adverse events (AEs) were observed. The mean VAS was reduced from baseline by 47.2% (P = 0.002) at 6 months and by 44.1% (P = 0.005) at 12 months after treatment. The VAS scores for the 4, 8, and 16 mg dose cohorts at 6 months follow-up decreased in a dose-responsive manner, by 21% (P = 0.971), 53% (P = 0.014), and 62% (P = 0.001), respectively. The results with the BPI-DPN and SF-MPQ showed patterns similar to the VAS scores. In conclusion, VM202 treatment appeared to be safe, well tolerated, and sufficient to provide long term symptomatic relief and improvement in the quality of life in patients with PDPN.
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Peng Y, Huentelman M, Smith C, Qiu S. MET receptor tyrosine kinase as an autism genetic risk factor. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 113:135-65. [PMID: 24290385 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-418700-9.00005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we will briefly discuss recent literature on the role of MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in brain development and how perturbation of MET signaling may alter normal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Recent human genetic studies have established MET as a risk factor for autism, and the molecular and cellular underpinnings of this genetic risk are only beginning to emerge from obscurity. Unlike many autism risk genes that encode synaptic proteins, the spatial and temporal expression pattern of MET RTK indicates this signaling system is ideally situated to regulate neuronal growth, functional maturation, and establishment of functional brain circuits, particularly in those brain structures involved in higher levels of cognition, social skills, and executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Peng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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16
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Finsterwald C, Martin JL. Cellular mechanisms underlying the regulation of dendritic development by hepatocyte growth factor. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 34:1053-61. [PMID: 21895802 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acquisition of a mature dendritic morphology is critical for neural information processing. In particular, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) controls dendritic arborization during brain development. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of HGF on dendritic growth remain elusive. Here, we show that HGF increases dendritic length and branching of rat cortical neurons through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Activation of MAPK by HGF leads to the rapid and transient phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a key step necessary for the control of dendritic development by HGF. In addition to CREB phosphorylation, regulation of dendritic growth by HGF requires the interaction between CREB and CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1), as expression of a mutated form of CREB unable to bind CRTC1 completely abolished the effects of HGF on dendritic morphology. Treatment of cortical neurons with HGF in combination with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family that regulates dendritic development via similar mechanisms, showed additive effects on MAPK activation, CREB phosphorylation and dendritic growth. Collectively, these results support the conclusion that regulation of cortical dendritic morphology by HGF is mediated by activation of the MAPK pathway, phosphorylation of CREB and interaction of CREB with CRTC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Finsterwald
- Department of Psychiatry-CHUV, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Abstract
Proper vascular regulation is of paramount importance for the control of blood flow to tissues. In particular, the regulation of peripheral resistance arteries is essential for several physiological processes, including control of blood pressure, thermoregulation and increase of blood flow to central nervous system and heart under stress conditions such as hypoxia. Arterial tone is regulated by the periarterial autonomic nervous plexus, as well as by endothelium-dependent, myogenic and humoral mechanisms. Underscoring the importance of proper vascular regulation, defects in these processes can lead to diseases such as hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, Raynaud's phenomenon, defective thermoregulation, hand-foot syndrome, migraine and congestive heart failure. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the periarterial nerve plexus, retrograde and localized signalling at neuro-effector junctions, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular regulation and adult plasticity and maintenance of periarterial innervation. We particularly highlight a newly discovered role for vascular endothelial growth factor in the structural and functional maintenance of arterial neuro-effector junctions. Finally, we discuss how defects in neuronal vascular regulation can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany.
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18
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Park HW, Lim MJ, Jung H, Lee SP, Paik KS, Chang MS. Human mesenchymal stem cell-derived Schwann cell-like cells exhibit neurotrophic effects, via distinct growth factor production, in a model of spinal cord injury. Glia 2010; 58:1118-32. [PMID: 20468053 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are considered a desirable cell source for autologous cell transplantation therapy to treat nervous system injury due to their ability to differentiate into specific cell types and render the tissue microenvironment more favorable for tissue repair by secreting various growth factors. To potentiate their possible trophic effect, hMSCs were induced without genetic modification to adopt characteristics of Schwann cells (SCs), which provide trophic support for regenerating axons. The induced hMSCs (shMSCs) adopted a SC-like morphology and expressed SC-specific proteins including the p75 neurotrophin receptor, which correlated with cell-cycle exit. In addition, shMSCs secreted higher amounts of several growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) when compared with uninduced hMSCs. Coculture of shMSCs with Neuro2A cells significantly increased neurite outgrowth and cell proliferation but decreased cell death. Transplantation of shMSCs in an ex vivo model of spinal cord injury dramatically enhanced axonal outgrowth, which was mediated by HGF and VEGF secretion and also decreased cell death. These results demonstrate that shMSCs could serve as an endogenous source of neurotrophic growth factors to facilitate axonal regeneration while at the same time protecting the resident cells at the site of tissue injury. We propose that these induced hMSCs without genetic modification are useful for autologous cell therapy to treat nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan-Woo Park
- Department of Oral Anatomy, Dental Research Institute and School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongeon-Dong, Jongno-Gu, Seoul 110-749, Republic of Korea
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19
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CD133+ cells from human umbilical cord blood reduce cortical damage and promote axonal growth in neonatal rat organ co-cultures exposed to hypoxia. Int J Dev Neurosci 2010; 28:581-7. [PMID: 20673797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2010.07.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of CD133(+) cells (endothelial progenitor cells) on the hypoxia-induced suppression of axonal growth of cortical neurons and the destruction of blood vessels (endothelial cells), we used anterograde axonal tracing and immunofluorescence in organ co-cultures of the cortex and the spinal cord from 3-day-old neonatal rats. CD133(+) cells prepared from human umbilical cord blood were added to the organ co-cultures after hypoxic insult, and axonal growth, vascular damage and apoptosis were evaluated. Anterograde axonal tracing with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate was used to analyze axonal projections from the cortex to the spinal cord. Immunolabeling co-cultured tissues of the cortex and the spinal cord were used to investigate the effect of CD133(+) cells on the survival of blood vessels and apoptosis in the brain cortex. Hypoxia remarkably suppressed axonal growth in organ co-cultures of the cortex and the spinal cord, and this suppression was significantly restored by the addition of CD133(+) cells. CD133(+) cells also reduced the hypoxia-induced destruction of the cortical blood vessels and apoptosis. CD133(+) cells had protective effects on hypoxia-induced injury of neurons and blood vessels of the brain cortex in vitro. These results suggest that CD133(+) cell transplantation may be a possible therapeutic intervention for perinatal hypoxia-induced brain injury.
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20
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Campenot RB, Lund K, Mok SA. Production of compartmented cultures of rat sympathetic neurons. Nat Protoc 2009; 4:1869-87. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2009.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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21
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Kishimoto Y, Hirano S, Kitani Y, Suehiro A, Umeda H, Tateya I, Kanemaru SI, Tabata Y, Ito J. Chronic vocal fold scar restoration with hepatocyte growth factor hydrogel. Laryngoscope 2009; 120:108-13. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.20642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Kishimoto Y, Hirano S, Suehiro A, Tateya I, Kanemaru SI, Nakamura T, Ito J. Effect of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor on vocal fold fibroblasts. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2009; 118:606-11. [PMID: 19746761 DOI: 10.1177/000348940911800813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the treatment of vocal fold scarring, although how exogenous HGF affects gene expression of endogenous HGF or extracellular matrix components in the vocal fold fibroblasts remains unclear. In this in vitro study, we aimed to clarify this aspect in order to better understand the effects of HGF on the vocal folds. METHODS Fibroblasts were obtained from the lamina propria of the vocal folds of 5 Sprague-Dawley rats and were cultured with HGF at concentrations of 100, 10, 1, and 0 ng/mL. The cells were collected on days 1, 3, and 7, and the expression of endogenous HGF, its receptor c-Met, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), procollagen types I and III, and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1 and HAS-2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The expression of endogenous HGF and HAS-1 mRNAs increased significantly when exogenous HGF was administered at a concentration of 1 ng/mL. On day 1, the expression of TGF-beta1 and HAS-2 mRNAs increased significantly in response to 1 ng/mL HGF. CONCLUSIONS Exogenous HGF triggered the up-regulation of endogenous HGF, TGF-beta1, HAS-1, and HAS-2 mRNAs in vocal fold fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Kishimoto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Davies AM. Extracellular signals regulating sympathetic neuron survival and target innervation during development. Auton Neurosci 2009; 151:39-45. [PMID: 19660992 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2009.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The comparative ease with which paravertebral sympathetic neurons are studied in vitro and in vivo at stages throughout their development has facilitated major advances in our understanding of several key aspects of neuronal development. Detailed anatomical descriptions of the in vivo development of these neurons, studies of the effects of various extracellular signalling molecules on these neurons in vitro and analysis of the sympathetic phenotype of relevant transgenic mice have provided an in-depth understanding of how different extracellular signals orchestrate sequential steps in the establishment and refinement of sympathetic innervation. In this review, I will document the roles of neurotrophic factors, cytokines and other extracellular signals in regulating sympathetic neuron survival and target innervation at sequential stages of development.
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Nicoleau C, Benzakour O, Agasse F, Thiriet N, Petit J, Prestoz L, Roger M, Jaber M, Coronas V. Endogenous hepatocyte growth factor is a niche signal for subventricular zone neural stem cell amplification and self-renewal. Stem Cells 2009; 27:408-19. [PMID: 18988709 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells persist in the adult mammalian brain, within the subventricular zone (SVZ). The endogenous mechanisms underpinning SVZ neural stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation are not fully elucidated. In the present report, we describe a growth-stimulatory activity of liver explant-conditioned media on SVZ cell cultures and identify hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a major player in this effect. HGF exhibited a mitogenic activity on SVZ cell cultures in a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (ERK1/2)-dependent manner as U0126, a specific MAPK inhibitor, blocked it. Combining a functional neurosphere forming assay with immunostaining for c-Met, along with markers of SVZ cells subtypes, demonstrated that HGF promotes the expansion of neural stem-like cells that form neurospheres and self-renew. Immunostaining, HGF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Madin-Darby canine kidney cell scattering assay indicated that SVZ cell cultures produce and release HGF. SVZ cell-conditioned media induced proliferation on SVZ cell cultures, which was blocked by HGF-neutralizing antibodies, hence implying that endogenously produced HGF accounts for a major part in SVZ mitogenic activity. Brain sections immunostaining revealed that HGF is produced by nestin-expressing cells and c-Met is expressed within the SVZ by immature cells. HGF intracerebroventricular injection promoted SVZ cell proliferation and increased the ability of these cells exposed in vivo to HGF to form neurospheres in vitro, whereas intracerebroventricular injection of HGF-neutralizing antibodies decreased SVZ cell proliferation. The present study unravels a major role, both in vitro and in vivo, for endogenous HGF in SVZ neural stem cell growth and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Nicoleau
- Institut de Physiologie et Biologie Cellulaires, University of Poitiers, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Poitiers, France
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25
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van Velthoven CTJ, Kavelaars A, van Bel F, Heijnen CJ. Regeneration of the ischemic brain by engineered stem cells: fuelling endogenous repair processes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 61:1-13. [PMID: 19348860 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
After ischemic brain injury various cell types including neurons, glia and endothelial cells are damaged and lose their function. Effective regeneration of brain tissue requires that all these cell types have to be replenished and combined to form a new functional network. Recent advances in regenerative medicine show the ability of stem cells to differentiate into various cell lineages. Several types of stem cells have been used to treat ischemic brain injury in rodent models including neuronal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells. Although these studies show promising results, it remains to be determined whether the beneficial effect of cell-based therapies in ischemic brain injury results from direct replacement of damaged cells by the transplanted cells. On the basis of the current literature we propose that neuroprotection by activation of anti-apoptotic mechanisms as well as improvement of the trophic milieu necessary for endogenous repair processes may be more important mechanisms underlying the improved functional outcome after stem cell treatment. Transplantation of native unmodified stem cells as such may not be sufficient to boost repair mechanisms provided by the endogenous stem cell population. An important aim of this review is to discuss the literature on the possible enhancement of regenerative function by combining stem cell transplantation with gene transduction into stem cells to enhance their regenerative and neuroprotective therapeutic potential. Finally, we briefly discuss the possibility of translation of this therapy to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy T J van Velthoven
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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26
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O'Keeffe GW, Gutierrez H, Pandolfi PP, Riccardi C, Davies AM. NGF-promoted axon growth and target innervation requires GITRL-GITR signaling. Nat Neurosci 2008; 11:135-42. [PMID: 18176559 PMCID: PMC3531920 DOI: 10.1038/nn2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 12/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has an important role in regulating sympathetic neuron survival and target field innervation during development. Here we show that glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR), a member of the TNF superfamily, and its ligand (GITRL) are co-expressed in mouse sympathetic neurons when their axons are innervating their targets under the influence of target-derived NGF. In culture, GITRL enhanced NGF-promoted neurite growth from neonatal sympathetic neurons, and preventing GITR-GITRL interaction in these neurons or knocking down GITR inhibited NGF-promoted neurite growth without affecting neuronal survival. Tnfrsf18(-/-) (Gitr) neonates have reduced sympathetic innervation density in vivo compared with Gitr(+/+) littermates. GITR activation is required for the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 by NGF that is necessary for neurite growth. Our results reveal a previously unknown signaling loop in developing sympathetic neurons that is crucial for NGF-dependent axon growth and target innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard W O'Keeffe
- School of Biosciences, Biomedical Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US, UK
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27
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Hobara N, Yoshida N, Goda M, Yokomizo A, Kitamura Y, Sendou T, Kawasaki H. Neurotrophic Effect of Hepatic Growth Factor (HGF) on Reinnervation of Perivascular Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-Containing Nerves Following Phenol-Induced Nerve Injury in the Rat Mesenteric Artery. J Pharmacol Sci 2008; 108:495-504. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.08225fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Tyndall SJ, Patel SJ, Walikonis RS. Hepatocyte growth factor-induced enhancement of dendritic branching is blocked by inhibitors of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases. J Neurosci Res 2007; 85:2343-51. [PMID: 17600375 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, Met, are clustered at excitatory synapses and can enhance N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor current and promote formation of neurites and dendrites. In this study, we examine the effects of HGF on dendritic arborization in mature cultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons. Exogenous HGF treatment caused a dose-dependent increase in total dendritic branch tip number, total dendritic branch length, and dendritic complexity in these neurons. NMDA receptor activity has been linked to changes in dendritic structure, so we tested the effects of HGF on the dendritic arbor in the presence of DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV), an NMDA receptor inhibitor. APV blocked the HGF-induced enhancement of the dendritic arbor in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, pretreatment of neurons with KN62, an inhibitor of calcium-dependent kinases, suppressed changes in dendritic branching induced by HGF. These results suggest that HGF initiates Ca2+-dependent processes, so we examined the effect of HGF on intracellular calcium levels and autophosphorylation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). HGF caused a persistent increase in fluorescence in clusters along dendrites of neurons preloaded with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo-4. HGF treatment also enhanced autophosphorylation of CaMKII. The increases in Fluo-4 fluorescence and autophosphorylation of CaMKII were blocked by pretreatment of neurons with APV. These results indicate that HGF stimulates Ca2+ influx into dendrites through the NMDA receptor and that this effect is necessary for the changes in dendritic morphology induced by HGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Tyndall
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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Tyndall SJ, Walikonis RS. Signaling by hepatocyte growth factor in neurons is induced by pharmacological stimulation of synaptic activity. Synapse 2007; 61:199-204. [PMID: 17230549 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent signaling by growth factors is hypothesized to link synaptic activity to structural and functional modifications of neurons. The receptor tyrosine kinase Met and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are clustered at excitatory synapses and may regulate aspects of excitatory synaptic function, as HGF increases expression of excitatory synaptic proteins, enhances their clustering at sites along dendrites, and increases current through the NMDA receptor. In this article, we test for secretion or activation of HGF and for activation of Met in response to pharmacological stimulation of synaptic activity. Stimulation of dissociated hippocampal neuron cultures with glutamate caused increased immunocytochemical staining against HGF on nonpermeabilized cells. Glutamate treatment also decreased the amount of pro HGF and increased the amount of the proteolytically-activated HGF in immunoblots of neuron culture lysates, and increased the levels of activated HGF in culture media. Stimulation of neuron cultures with glutamate or bicuculline induced autophosphorylation of Met on dendrites and the soma of neurons. Pretreatment of neurons with glutamate receptor inhibitors prior to glutamate treatment blocked autophosphorylation of Met. These results suggest that HGF can participate in activity-dependent signaling in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Tyndall
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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30
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Li F, Shetty AK, Sugahara K. Neuritogenic activity of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate hybrid chains of embryonic pig brain and their mimicry from shark liver. Involvement of the pleiotrophin and hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathways. J Biol Chem 2006; 282:2956-66. [PMID: 17145750 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m609296200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) hybrid chains in the brain's development and critical roles for oversulfated disaccharides and IdoUA residues in the growth factor-binding and neuritogenic activities of these chains. In the pursuit of sources of CS/DS with unique structures, neuritogenic activity, and therapeutic potential, two novel CS/DS preparations were isolated from shark liver by anion exchange chromatography. The major (80%) low sulfated and minor (20%) highly sulfated fractions had an average molecular mass of 3.8-38.9 and 75.7 kDa, respectively. Digestion with various chondroitinases (CSases) revealed a large panel of disaccharides with either GlcUA or IdoUA scattered along the polysaccharide chains in both of the fractions. The higher M(r) fraction, richer in IdoUA(2-O-sulfate)alpha1-3GalNAc(4-O-sulfate) and GlcUAbeta/IdoUAalpha1-3GalNAc(4,6-O-disulfate) units, exerted greater neurite outgrowth-promoting (NOP) activity and better promoted the binding of various heparin-binding growth factors, including pleiotrophin (PTN), midkine, recombinant human heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, VEGF(165), fibroblast growth factor-2, fibroblast growth factor-7, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These activities were largely abolished by digestion with CSase ABC or B but only moderately affected by a mixture of CSases AC-I and AC-II. In addition, the NOP activity of the larger fraction was markedly reduced by desulfation with alkali, suggesting a role for the 2-O-sulfate of IdoUA(2-O-sulfate)alpha1-3GalNAc(4-O-sulfate). The NOP activity of the higher molecular weight fraction and that of the embryonic pig brain-derived CS/DS fraction were also sup pressed to a large extent by antibodies against HGF, PTN, and their individual receptors cMet and anaplastic lymphoma kinase, revealing the involvement of the HGF and PTN signaling pathways in the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuchuan Li
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
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31
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Segarra J, Balenci L, Drenth T, Maina F, Lamballe F. Combined signaling through ERK, PI3K/AKT, and RAC1/p38 is required for met-triggered cortical neuron migration. J Biol Chem 2005; 281:4771-8. [PMID: 16361255 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m508298200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a complex biological process playing a key role in physiological and pathological conditions. During central nervous system development, positioning and function of cortical neurons is tightly regulated by cell migration. Recently, signaling events involving the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, which is a key regulator for the activation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), have been implicated in modulating cortical neuron migration. However, the intracellular pathways controlling neuronal migration triggered by the HGF receptor Met have not been elucidated. By combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, we show here that the Ras/ERK pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) are both required for cortical neuron migration. By dissecting the downstream signals necessary for this event, we found that Rac1/p38 and Akt are required, whereas the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mTOR/p70(s6k) pathways are dispensable. This study demonstrates that concomitant activation of the Ras/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Rac1/p38 pathways is required to achieve full capacity of cortical neurons to migrate upon HGF stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Segarra
- Inserm UMR623, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (CNRS-INSERM-UniversitédelaMéditerranée), Campus de Luminy-Case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
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Abstract
The precise coordination of the many events in nervous system development is absolutely critical for the correct establishment of functional circuits. The postganglionic sympathetic neuron has been an amenable model for studying peripheral nervous system formation. Factors that control several developmental events, including multiple stages of axon extension, neuron survival and death, dendritogenesis, synaptogenesis, and establishment of functional diversity, have been identified in this neuron type. This knowledge allows us to integrate the various intricate processes involved in the formation of a functional sympathetic nervous system and thereby create a paradigm for understanding neuronal development in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia O Glebova
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Kato N, Nemoto K, Nakanishi K, Morishita R, Kaneda Y, Uenoyama M, Ikeda T, Fujikawa K. Nonviral HVJ (hemagglutinating virus of Japan) liposome-mediated retrograde gene transfer of human hepatocyte growth factor into rat nervous system promotes functional and histological recovery of the crushed nerve. Neurosci Res 2005; 52:299-310. [PMID: 15878632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Revised: 02/15/2005] [Accepted: 04/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is well known to be involved in many biological functions, such as organ regeneration and angiogenesis, and to exert neurotrophic effects on motor, sensory, and parasympathetic neurons. In this study, we gave repeated intramuscular injections of the human HGF gene, using nonviral HVJ (hemagglutinating virus of Japan) liposome method, to examine whether transfection of the rat nervous system with this gene is able to exert neurotrophic effects facilitating recovery of a crushed nerve. The expression of HGF protein and HGF mRNA indicated that gene transfer into the nervous system did occur via retrograde axonal transport. At 4 weeks after crush, electrophysiological examination of the crushed nerve showed a significantly shorter mean latency and a significantly greater mean maximum M-wave amplitude with repeated injections of HGF gene. Furthermore, histological findings showed that the mean diameter of the axons, the axon number and the axon population were significantly larger in the group with repeated injections of HGF gene. The above results show that repeated human HGF gene transfer into the rat nervous system is able to promote crushed-nerve recovery, both electrophysiologically and histologically, and suggest that HGF gene transfer has potential for the treatment of crushed nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.
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Thompson J, Dolcet X, Hilton M, Tolcos M, Davies AM. HGF promotes survival and growth of maturing sympathetic neurons by PI-3 kinase- and MAP kinase-dependent mechanisms. Mol Cell Neurosci 2004; 27:441-52. [PMID: 15555922 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2004.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2004] [Revised: 07/26/2004] [Accepted: 07/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotrophic factor whose many functions include promoting neuronal survival and growth. Hitherto, these effects have been observed in the presence of other neurotrophic factors like NGF and CNTF, and this requirement for an accessory factor has made it difficult to elucidate the signaling pathways that mediate its survival and growth-enhancing effects. Here, we show that HGF promotes the survival of mature sympathetic neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) grown at low density in defined medium lacking other neurotrophic factors. This effect was first clearly observed in cultures established from postnatal day 20 (P20) mice and became maximal by P40. HGF also enhanced the growth of neurite arbors from neurons throughout postnatal development and in the adult. HGF treatment resulted in phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/ERK2. Preventing Akt activation with the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase inhibitor LY294002 blocked the HGF survival response, and inhibition of ERK activation with the MEK inhibitors PD98059 or U0126 reduced the HGF survival response and the neurite growth-promoting effects of HGF. These results indicate that HGF promotes the survival and growth of maturing sympathetic neurons by both PI-3 kinase- and MAP kinase-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Thompson
- Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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35
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Worzfeld T, Püschel AW, Offermanns S, Kuner R. Plexin-B family members demonstrate non-redundant expression patterns in the developing mouse nervous system: an anatomical basis for morphogenetic effects of Sema4D during development. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 19:2622-32. [PMID: 15147296 DOI: 10.1111/j.0953-816x.2004.03401.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Semaphorins and their receptors play important roles in patterning the connectivity of the developing nervous system and recent data suggest that members of the plexin-B family of semaphorin receptors may be involved in axonal guidance. Here we show that the mRNAs of the three plexin-B genes, plxnb1, plxnb2 and plxnb3 (plexin-B1, plexin-B2 and plexin-B3), respectively, are expressed in highly specific and non-redundant patterns in peripheral and central components of the nervous system over defined periods during murine development. Whereas plexin-B1 and plexin-B2 are strongly expressed in the neuroepithelium and developing neurons, plexin-B3 mRNA is selectively localized to the white matter. Moreover, plexin-B1 and its ligand Sema4D are expressed in complementary patterns in several regions such as the developing neopallial cortex, the dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord over embryonic stages. The Sema4d gene demonstrates a dramatic switch from prenatal expression in neuronal populations to a postnatal expression in oligodendrocytes. In contrast to its collapsing activity on growth cones of embryonic retinal ganglion cells and hippocampal neurons, soluble Sema4D enhances axonal outgrowth in embryonic cortical explants cultured in collagen matrices. Thus, plexin-B family members and Sema4D are likely to play complex and non-redundant roles during the development of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Worzfeld
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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36
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Gutierrez H, Dolcet X, Tolcos M, Davies A. HGF regulates the development of cortical pyramidal dendrites. Development 2004; 131:3717-26. [PMID: 15229174 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase MET are widely expressed in the developing and mature central nervous system, little is known about the role of MET signaling in the brain. We have used particle-mediated gene transfer in cortical organotypic slice cultures established from early postnatal mice to study the effects of HGF on the development of dendritic arbors of pyramidal neurons. Compared with untreated control cultures, exogenous HGF promoted a highly significant increase in dendritic growth and branching of layer 2 pyramidal neurons, whereas inactivation of endogenous HGF with function-blocking, anti-HGF antibody caused a marked reduction in size and complexity of the dendritic arbors of these neurons. Furthermore, pyramidal neurons transfected with an MET dominant-negative mutant receptor likewise had much smaller and less complex dendritic arbors than did control transfected neurons. Our results indicate that HGF plays a role in regulating dendritic morphology in the developing cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Gutierrez
- Department Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall Square, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, UK.
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37
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Koyama J, Yokouchi K, Fukushima N, Kawagishi K, Higashiyama F, Moriizumi T. Neurotrophic effect of hepatocyte growth factor on neonatal facial motor neurons. Neurol Res 2003; 25:701-7. [PMID: 14579786 DOI: 10.1179/016164103101202192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The neurotrophic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on axotomized facial motor neurons was examined after local application of HGF to the proximal facial nerve stump of the neonatal rat on post-natal day one (P1). Motor neuron survival was expressed as the neuronal cell count on the injured side as a percentage of that on the noninjured side. Motor neuron survival of the control group was 76% on P3, 54% on P5 and 23% on P8, that of the HGF-treated group 78% on P3, 69% on P5 and 31% on P8, and that of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-treated group 91% on P5 and 45% on P8. The motor neuron survival rates were then adjusted by deducting the facial motor neurons corresponding to the uninjured retroauricular branch (20%) of the facial nerve. The adjusted values were 70% (P3), 42% (P5) and 4% (P8) for the control group, 72% (P3), 61% (P5) and 14% (P8) for the HGF-treated group, and 88% (P5) and 32% (P8) for the BDNF-treated group. These findings demonstrate that HGF has a neuroprotective effect on injured facial motor neurons and suggest that HGF has neurotrophic properties distinct from those of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Koyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
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38
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Oshima K, Shimamura M, Mizuno S, Tamai K, Doi K, Morishita R, Nakamura T, Kubo T, Kaneda Y. Intrathecal injection of HVJ-E containing HGF gene to cerebrospinal fluid can prevent and ameliorate hearing impairment in rats. FASEB J 2003; 18:212-4. [PMID: 14630698 DOI: 10.1096/fj.03-0567fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hearing impairment, which is the most prevalent sensory deficit of human beings, needs a breakthrough in therapeutic technologies. One technology is the usage of a vector system to reach the inner ear, and another is by a therapeutic molecule. Here we developed a novel gene therapy strategy by combining hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) vector. When HVJ-E containing human HGF gene was injected intrathecally into the cerebrospinal fluid via cisterna magna of rats, the vector reached the inner ear region, and human HGF gene expression was detected in the spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) of the inner ear. Expression of endogenous rat HGF and its receptor, c-Met, was also induced in SGCs by human HGF. Kanamycin treatment results in hearing impairment by inducing degeneration of hair cells (HCs) and apoptosis of SGCs in rats. By HGF gene transfer before kanamycin treatment, both loss of HCs and apoptosis of SGCs were prevented. Furthermore, hearing function, evaluated by auditory brainstem response, was maintained at a normal level. When HGF gene transfer was performed 2 wk after kanamycin treatment, hearing impairment was significantly recovered. These results indicate a novel and effective therapeutic strategy against sensorineural hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Oshima
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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39
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Cacci E, Salani M, Anastasi S, Perroteau I, Poiana G, Biagioni S, Augusti-Tocco G. Hepatocyte growth factor stimulates cell motility in cultures of the striatal progenitor cells ST14A. J Neurosci Res 2003; 74:760-8. [PMID: 14635227 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a growth factor with pleiotropic effects on different cell types. It acts as a mitogen and motility factor for many epithelial cells. HGF/SF and its receptor Met are present in the developing and adult mammalian brain and control neuritogenesis of sympathetic and sensory neurons. We report that the striatal progenitor ST14A cells express the Met receptor, which is activated after binding with HGF/SF. The interaction between Met and HGF/SF triggers a signaling cascade that leads to increased levels of c-Jun, c-Fos, and Egr-1 proteins, in agreement with data reported on the signaling events evoked by HGF in other cellular types. We also studied the effects of the exposure of ST14A cells to HGF/SF. By time-lapse photography, we observed that a 24-hr treatment with 50 ng/ml HGF/SF induced modification in cell morphology, with a decrease in cell-cell interactions and increase of cell motility. In contrast, no effect on cell proliferation was observed. To investigate which intracellular pathway is primarily involved we used PD98059 and LY294002, two specific inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAP-kinase/ERK-kinase) and phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI3-K), respectively. Cell motility in HGF/SF treated cultures was inhibited by LY294002 but not by PD98059, suggesting that PI3-K plays a key role in mediating the HGF/SF-induced dissociation of ST14A cells. Previous evidence of HGF stimulation of motility in nervous system has been obtained on postmitotic neurons, which have already acquired their specificity. Data reported here of a motogenic response of ST14A cell line, which displays properties of neuronal progenitors, seem of interest because they suggest that HGF could play a role in very early steps of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cacci
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
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40
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Hasan W, Pedchenko T, Krizsan-Agbas D, Baum L, Smith PG. Sympathetic neurons synthesize and secrete pro-nerve growth factor protein. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2003; 57:38-53. [PMID: 12973827 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Postmitotic sympathetic neuronal survival is dependent upon nerve growth factor (NGF) provided by peripheral targets, and this dependency serves as a central tenet of the neurotrophic hypothesis. In some other systems, NGF has been shown to play an autocrine role, although the pervasiveness and significance of this phenomenon within the nervous system remain unclear. We show here that rat sympathetic neurons synthesize and secrete NGF. NGF mRNA is expressed in nearly half of superior cervical ganglion sympathetic neurons at embryonic day 17, rising to over 90% in the early postnatal period, and declining in the adult. Neuronal immunoreactivity is reduced when retrograde transport is interrupted by axotomy, but persists in a subpopulation of neurons despite diminished mRNA expression, suggesting that intrinsic protein synthesis occurs. Cultured neonatal neurons express NGF mRNA, which is maintained even when they are undergoing apoptosis. To determine which NGF isoforms are secreted, we performed metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation of NGF-immunoreactive proteins synthesized by cultured NGF-dependent and -independent neurons. Conditioned medium contained high molecular weight NGF precursor proteins, which varied depending upon the state of NGF dependence. Mature NGF was undetectable by these methods. High molecular weight NGF isoforms were also detected in ganglion homogenates, and persisted at diminished levels following axotomy. We conclude that sympathetic neurons express NGF mRNA, and synthesize and secrete pro-NGF protein. These findings suggest that a potential NGF-sympathetic neuron autocrine loop may exist in this prototypic target-dependent system, but that the secreted forms of this neurotrophin apparently do not support neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wohaib Hasan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7401, USA
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41
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Koike H, Morishita R, Iguchi S, Aoki M, Matsumoto K, Nakamura T, Yokoyama C, Tanabe T, Ogihara T, Kaneda Y. Enhanced angiogenesis and improvement of neuropathy by cotransfection of human hepatocyte growth factor and prostacyclin synthase gene. FASEB J 2003; 17:779-81. [PMID: 12586736 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0754fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The current therapeutic angiogenesis strategy to treat ischemic disease by using angiogenic growth factors has been limited to use of a single gene. However, as vasodilator substances such as prostacyclin are widely used for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, it might be useful to combine angiogenesis with vasodilation of new vessels. In a mouse hind limb ischemia model, cotransfection of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene with the prostacyclin synthase gene demonstrated a further increase in blood flow and capillary density compared with a single gene. Even in the rabbit ischemia model, cotransfection of HGF plasmid with the prostacyclin synthase gene demonstrated a further increase in angiogenic activity compared with HGF alone. Because peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes is common for significant morbidity, we examined the hypothesis that experimental diabetic neuropathy can be reversed by HGF and prostacyclin synthase genes. Severe peripheral neuropathy, characterized by significant slowing of nerve conduction velocity compared with nondiabetic control animals, was ameliorated. Overall, cotransfection of the prostacyclin synthase and HGF genes is more effective than single-gene transfection to stimulate angiogenesis, and it significantly improved neuropathy. These data provide important information relating to the clinical application of therapeutic angiogenesis to treat peripheral arterial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Koike
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Osaka University Medical School, Suita 565, Japan
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42
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Forgie A, Wyatt S, Correll PH, Davies AM. Macrophage stimulating protein is a target-derived neurotrophic factor for developing sensory and sympathetic neurons. Development 2003; 130:995-1002. [PMID: 12538524 DOI: 10.1242/dev.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) is a pleiotropic growth factor that signals via the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase. We report that Ron mRNA is expressed by NGF-dependent sensory and sympathetic neurons and that these neurons survive and grow with MSP at different stages of development. Whereas NGF-dependent sensory neurons become increasingly responsive to MSP with age, sympathetic neurons exhibit an early response to MSP that is lost by birth. MSP mRNA expression increases with age in sensory neuron targets and decreases in sympathetic targets. After the phase of naturally occurring neuronal death, significant numbers of NGF-dependent sensory neurons, but not sensory neurons, dependent on other neurotrophins, are lost in mice lacking a functional Ron receptor. These results show that MSP is a target-derived neurotrophic factor for subsets of sensory and sympathetic neurons at different times during their development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Embryo, Mammalian/anatomy & histology
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/anatomy & histology
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/drug effects
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/growth & development
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/physiology
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor/genetics
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor/metabolism
- Mice
- Nerve Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neurons, Afferent/cytology
- Neurons, Afferent/drug effects
- Neurons, Afferent/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Forgie
- Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall Square, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, Scotland
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43
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Yan H, Rivkees SA. Hepatocyte growth factor stimulates the proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. J Neurosci Res 2002; 69:597-606. [PMID: 12210825 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was initially identified as a potent mitogen for mature hepatocytes and has since been found to affect a variety of cells. Evidence suggests that HGF may also influence the nervous system, in that HGF stimulates the proliferation of myelin-forming Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells. However, it is not known whether HGF influences oligodendrocytes. To address this issue, oligodendrocyte precursors were obtained from neonatal rat cerebra and cultured. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed expression of both HGF and the HGF receptor (c-Met) by cultured oligodendrocytes. When the ability of HGF to stimulate oligodendrocyte division and migration was examined, we observed that treatment with HGF (10-50 ng/ml) elicited twofold increases in oligodendrocyte precursor proliferation. HGF also enhanced oligodendrocyte precursor migration, with 2.5-fold increases in rates of migration seen after treatment for 8 hr. HGF also influenced inducing the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton by altering patterns of F-actin and beta-tubulin distribution and enhanced the expression of actin and beta-tubulin. These observations show that a functional HGF/c-Met system is present in oligodendrocytes, which can influence the growth, development, and cytoskeletal organization of oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henglin Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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44
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Sun W, Funakoshi H, Nakamura T. Localization and functional role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-met in the rat developing cerebral cortex. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2002; 103:36-48. [PMID: 12106690 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(02)00168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of the cerebral cortex is a series of precisely timed proliferative, migratory, and maturational processes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotrophic cytokine, which plays important roles in the organogenesis and regeneration of various tissues, both during development and in the adult, due to its mitogenic, motogenic and morphogenic activities. In the present study, we examined expression and functional roles of HGF and c-Met during development of the rat cerebral cortex. Quantitative competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that expression levels of c-met and HGF mRNAs were increased in the cerebral cortex during late embryonic development and peaked at E18. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that c-Met-immunoreactivity (IR) was localized to the preplate (PP), with weaker-IR in neuroepithelial layer (NE) at embryonic day 14 (E14). At E16, c-Met-IR was present in the cortical plate (CP) and the intermediate zone (IZ), with a weak presence in the ventricular zone (VZ). On the other hand, HGF-IR was present in NE and VZ at E14 and E16, respectively. HGF-IR appeared in cortical plate tissue from E16 onward. Double labeling immunofluorescent cytochemical studies revealed that c-Met-IR was localized both in TuJ-1-IR- and non-TuJ-1-IR-cells, purified from E18 cerebral cortex in vitro, suggesting the presence of c-Met-IR in postmitotic neurons as well as in neuroepithelial cells. c-Met-IR was strong in cell bodies and neurites shortly after in vitro culture, while at 7DIV c-Met-IR decreased in neurites and was evident in growth cones. HGF dose dependently supported neuronal survival in vitro under serum-deprived conditions. In a transwell culture chamber, HGF increased neuronal migration, and co-incubation with functional blocking antibody against HGF abrogated this motogenic effect of HGF. These lines of evidence suggest that HGF is involved in the development and maintenance of cortical neurons during differentiation, motogenesis, neuritogenesis and neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Sun
- Division of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Course of Advanced Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, B-7, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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45
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Bülow HE, Berry KL, Topper LH, Peles E, Hobert O. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan-dependent induction of axon branching and axon misrouting by the Kallmann syndrome gene kal-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:6346-51. [PMID: 11983919 PMCID: PMC122951 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.092128099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2002] [Accepted: 03/06/2002] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kallmann syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by various behavioral and neuroanatomical defects. The X-linked form of this disease is caused by mutations in the KAL-1 gene, which codes for a secreted molecule that is expressed in restricted regions of the brain. Its molecular mechanism of action has thus far remained largely elusive. We show here that expression of the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of KAL-1 in selected sensory and interneuron classes causes a highly penetrant, dosage-dependent, and cell autonomous axon-branching phenotype. In a different cellular context, heterologous C. elegans kal-1 expression causes a highly penetrant axon-misrouting phenotype. The axon-branching and -misrouting activities require different domains of the KAL-1 protein. In a genetic modifier screen we isolated several loci that either suppress or enhance the kal-1-induced axonal defects, one of which codes for an enzyme that modifies specific residues in heparan sulfate proteoglycans, namely heparan-6O-sulfotransferase. We hypothesize that KAL-1 binds by means of a heparan sulfate proteoglycan to its cognate receptor or other extracellular cues to induce axonal branching and axon misrouting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes E Bülow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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46
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Soussi-Yanicostas N, de Castro F, Julliard AK, Perfettini I, Chédotal A, Petit C. Anosmin-1, defective in the X-linked form of Kallmann syndrome, promotes axonal branch formation from olfactory bulb output neurons. Cell 2002; 109:217-28. [PMID: 12007408 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)00713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The physiological role of anosmin-1, defective in the X chromosome-linked form of Kallmann syndrome, is not yet known. Here, we show that anti-anosmin-1 antibodies block the formation of the collateral branches of rat olfactory bulb output neurons (mitral and tufted cells) in organotypic cultures. Moreover, anosmin-1 greatly enhances axonal branching of these dissociated neurons in culture. In addition, coculture experiments with either piriform cortex or anosmin-1-producing CHO cells demonstrate that anosmin-1 is a chemoattractant for the axons of these neurons, suggesting that this protein, which is expressed in the piriform cortex, attracts their collateral branches in vivo. We conclude that anosmin-1 has a dual branch-promoting and guidance activity, which plays an essential role in the patterning of mitral and tufted cell axon collaterals to the olfactory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Soussi-Yanicostas
- Unité de Génétique des Déficits Sensoriels, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 1968, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, F-75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
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47
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Schmidt O, Doxakis E, Davies AM. Macrophage-stimulating protein is a neurotrophic factor for embryonic chicken hypoglossal motoneurons. Eur J Neurosci 2002; 15:101-8. [PMID: 11860510 DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2001.01834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) exerts a variety of biological actions on many cell types, but has no known functions in the brain. MSP is structurally related to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), another pleiotropic factor whose many functions include promoting neuronal survival and growth. To investigate whether MSP is also capable of acting as a neurotrophic factor, we purified hypoglossal motoneurons from the embryonic chicken hindbrain because these neurons are known to express the MSP receptor tyrosine kinase RON. MSP promoted the in vitro survival of these neurons during the period of naturally occurring neuronal death and enhanced the growth of neurites from these neurons. MSP mRNA was detected in the developing tongue whose musculature is innervated by hypoglossal neurons. Our study demonstrates that MSP is a neurotrophic factor for a population of developing motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Schmidt
- Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall Square, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, Scotland, UK
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48
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Hashimoto N, Yamanaka H, Fukuoka T, Obata K, Mashimo T, Noguchi K. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor in primary sensory neurons of adult rats. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 97:83-8. [PMID: 11744165 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(01)00284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We examined the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and its receptor, c-met mRNA, in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord of naive adult rats using in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. HGF mRNA was expressed in 25.0% of DRG neurons and 80.5% of HGF mRNA-positive neurons expressed trkA mRNA. In the lumbar spinal cord, c-met mRNA signals were observed in the superficial layer of dorsal horn. These results suggest that the HGF/cMet system may be involved in sensory transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hashimoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Hyogo, Japan
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49
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Boukhaddaoui H, Sieso V, Scamps F, Valmier J. An activity-dependent neurotrophin-3 autocrine loop regulates the phenotype of developing hippocampal pyramidal neurons before target contact. J Neurosci 2001; 21:8789-97. [PMID: 11698591 PMCID: PMC6762280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), its cognate receptor trkC, and voltage-gated calcium channels are coexpressed by embryonic pyramidal neurons before target contact, but their functions at this stage of development are still unclear. We show here that, in vitro, anti-NT-3 and anti-trkC antibodies blocked the increase, and NT-3 reversed the decrease in the number of calbindin-D(28k)-positive pyramidal neurons induced by, respectively, calcium channel activations and blockades. Similar results were obtained with single-neuron microcultures. In addition, voltage-gated calcium channel inhibition downregulates the extracellular levels of NT-3 in high-density cultures. Moreover, electrophysiological experiments in single-cell cultures reveal a tetrodotoxin-sensitive spontaneous electrical activity allowing voltage-gated calcium channel activation. The mouse NT-3 (-/-) mutation decreases by 40% the number of developing calbindin-D(28k)-positive pyramidal neurons, without affecting neuronal survival, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, present results strongly support that an activity-dependent autocrine NT-3 loop provides a local, intrinsic mechanism by which, before target contact, hippocampal pyramidal-like neurons may regulate their own differentiation, a role that may be important during early CNS differentiation or after adult target disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Boukhaddaoui
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U-432, Universite Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
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Andres R, Forgie A, Wyatt S, Chen Q, de Sauvage FJ, Davies AM. Multiple effects of artemin on sympathetic neurone generation, survival and growth. Development 2001; 128:3685-95. [PMID: 11585795 DOI: 10.1242/dev.128.19.3685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To define the role of artemin in sympathetic neurone development, we have studied the effect of artemin on the generation, survival and growth of sympathetic neurones in low-density dissociated cultures of mouse cervical and thoracic paravertebral sympathetic ganglia at stages throughout embryonic and postnatal development. Artemin promoted the proliferation of sympathetic neuroblasts and increased the generation of new neurones in cultures established from E12 to E14 ganglia. Artemin also exerted a transient survival-promoting action on newly generated neurones during these early stages of development. Between E16 and P8, artemin exerted no effect on survival, but by P12, as sympathetic neurones begin to acquire neurotrophic factor independent survival, artemin once again enhanced survival, and by P20 it promoted survival as effectively as nerve growth factor (NGF). During this late period of development, artemin also enhanced the growth of neurites from cultured neurones more effectively than NGF. Confirming the physiological relevance of the mitogenic action of artemin on cultured neuroblasts, there was a marked reduction in the rate of neuroblast proliferation in the sympathetic ganglia of mice lacking the GFRα3 subunit of the artemin receptor. These results indicate that artemin exerts several distinct effects on the generation, survival and growth of sympathetic neurones at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Andres
- Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall Square, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, UK
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