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Lee A, Henderson R, Arachchige BJ, Robertson T, McCombe PA. Proteomic investigation of ALS motor cortex identifies known and novel pathogenetic mechanisms. J Neurol Sci 2023; 452:120753. [PMID: 37542825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The key pathological feature in ALS is death of motor neurones from the brain and spinal cord, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this degeneration remain unknown. Quantifying the motor cortex proteome in autopsy brain and comparing tissues from ALS cases and non-ALS controls is critical to understanding these mechanisms. We used Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS) to characterize the proteomes of the motor cortex from ALS cases (n = 8) and control subjects (n = 8). A total of 1427 proteins were identified at a critical local false discovery rate < 5%; 187 of these exhibited significant expression differences between ALS cases and controls. Of these, 91 proteins were significantly upregulated and 96 proteins were significantly downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in molecular transport, protein trafficking, free radical scavenging, lipid metabolism, cell death and survival, nucleic acid metabolism, inflammatory response or amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. Differentially expressed proteins were subjected to pathway analysis. This revealed abnormalities in pathways involving mitochondrial function, sirtuin signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, phagosome maturation, SNARE signaling, redox regulation and several others. Core analysis revealed mitochondrial dysfunction to be the top canonical pathway. The top-enriched networks involved JNK activation and inhibition of AKT signaling, suggesting that disruption of these signaling pathways could lead to demise of motor neurons in the ALS motor cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Lee
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Robert Henderson
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital (RBWH), Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Buddhika Jayakody Arachchige
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Thomas Robertson
- Pathology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Pamela Ann McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia.
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2
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Yang S, Li J, Cai X. The high expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha Ⅱ ( GFRA2) as a predictor of poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients: A survival and regression analysis approach. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18291. [PMID: 37519699 PMCID: PMC10372394 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer has high mortality rates worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to identify prognostic biomarkers. This study evaluated the association between GFRA2 expression levels with clinicopathological features and prognosis in gastric cancer using data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and a series of algorithms. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the association between different clinical features and survival. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to examine the correlation between GFRA2 expression and immune infiltration. The results showed that the expression of GFRA2 in tumor samples was significantly lower than that in normal samples. High expression of GFRA2 was significantly associated with histological type, histologic grade, and worse overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. The univariate Cox analysis showed that the expression of GFRA2 was significantly correlated with T stage, N stage, M stage, and age. The multivariate analysis identified GFRA2 expression as an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer. GSEA showed that GFRA2 might regulate the calcium signaling pathway, focus adhesion, olfactory conduction, the extracellular matrix glycoproteins, and response to the Leishmania parasitic infection. GFRA2 showed a significant moderate positive correlation with the infiltration of mast cells. In summary, a high expression of GFRA2 may contribute to poor survival in gastric cancer patients and could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyu Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
- Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, 330044, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xiaohui Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
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3
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Tenney AP, Di Gioia SA, Webb BD, Chan WM, de Boer E, Garnai SJ, Barry BJ, Ray T, Kosicki M, Robson CD, Zhang Z, Collins TE, Gelber A, Pratt BM, Fujiwara Y, Varshney A, Lek M, Warburton PE, Van Ryzin C, Lehky TJ, Zalewski C, King KA, Brewer CC, Thurm A, Snow J, Facio FM, Narisu N, Bonnycastle LL, Swift A, Chines PS, Bell JL, Mohan S, Whitman MC, Staffieri SE, Elder JE, Demer JL, Torres A, Rachid E, Al-Haddad C, Boustany RM, Mackey DA, Brady AF, Fenollar-Cortés M, Fradin M, Kleefstra T, Padberg GW, Raskin S, Sato MT, Orkin SH, Parker SCJ, Hadlock TA, Vissers LELM, van Bokhoven H, Jabs EW, Collins FS, Pennacchio LA, Manoli I, Engle EC. Noncoding variants alter GATA2 expression in rhombomere 4 motor neurons and cause dominant hereditary congenital facial paresis. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1149-1163. [PMID: 37386251 PMCID: PMC10335940 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01424-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary congenital facial paresis type 1 (HCFP1) is an autosomal dominant disorder of absent or limited facial movement that maps to chromosome 3q21-q22 and is hypothesized to result from facial branchial motor neuron (FBMN) maldevelopment. In the present study, we report that HCFP1 results from heterozygous duplications within a neuron-specific GATA2 regulatory region that includes two enhancers and one silencer, and from noncoding single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) within the silencer. Some SNVs impair binding of NR2F1 to the silencer in vitro and in vivo and attenuate in vivo enhancer reporter expression in FBMNs. Gata2 and its effector Gata3 are essential for inner-ear efferent neuron (IEE) but not FBMN development. A humanized HCFP1 mouse model extends Gata2 expression, favors the formation of IEEs over FBMNs and is rescued by conditional loss of Gata3. These findings highlight the importance of temporal gene regulation in development and of noncoding variation in rare mendelian disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Tenney
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silvio Alessandro Di Gioia
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Bryn D Webb
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wai-Man Chan
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Elke de Boer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah J Garnai
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brenda J Barry
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Tammy Ray
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Kosicki
- Environmental Genomics & System Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Caroline D Robson
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas E Collins
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alon Gelber
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon M Pratt
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuko Fujiwara
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arushi Varshney
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monkol Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter E Warburton
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomics Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Van Ryzin
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tanya J Lehky
- EMG Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Zalewski
- Audiology Unit, Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly A King
- Audiology Unit, Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen C Brewer
- Audiology Unit, Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Snow
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Flavia M Facio
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Narisu Narisu
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lori L Bonnycastle
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Swift
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter S Chines
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jessica L Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suresh Mohan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary C Whitman
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra E Staffieri
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James E Elder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph L Demer
- Stein Eye Institute and Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alcy Torres
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elza Rachid
- Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christiane Al-Haddad
- Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rose-Mary Boustany
- Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine/Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Angela F Brady
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
| | - María Fenollar-Cortés
- Unidad de Genética Clínica, Instituto de Medicina del Laboratorio. IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Melanie Fradin
- Service de Génétique Clinique, CHU Rennes, Centre Labellisé Anomalies du Développement, Rennes, France
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
| | - George W Padberg
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Salmo Raskin
- Centro de Aconselhamento e Laboratório Genetika, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mario Teruo Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology & Otorhinolaryngology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen C J Parker
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tessa A Hadlock
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francis S Collins
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Environmental Genomics & System Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Irini Manoli
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Engle
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Shamhari A‘A, Jefferi NES, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Idris MHM, Taib IS. The Role of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Family Receptor Alpha 1 (GFRα1) in the Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031945. [PMID: 36768269 PMCID: PMC9915902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for infertility. However, cryopreservation itself induces cryoinjury due to oxidative and osmotic stress, leading to reduction in the survival rate and functionality of SSCs. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) are expressed during the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs, making them key tools for identifying the functionality of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, the involvement of GFRα1 and PLZF in determining the functionality of SSCs after cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to determine the role of GFRα1 and PLZF as biomarkers for evaluating the functionality of SSCs in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic intervention, such as the use of antioxidants, and enhancement in cryopreservation protocols, such as cell encapsulation, cryoprotectant agents (CPA), and equilibrium of time and temperature increase the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, resulting in maintaining the functionality of SSCs. In conclusion, GFRα1 and PLZF have the potential as biomarkers in cryopreservation with therapeutic intervention of SSCs to ensure the functionality of the stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma’ ‘Afifah Shamhari
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Erysha Sabrina Jefferi
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Zariyantey Abd Hamid
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Hanis Md Idris
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izatus Shima Taib
- Center of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-928-97608
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5
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Rhymes ER, Tosolini AP, Fellows AD, Mahy W, McDonald NQ, Schiavo G. Bimodal regulation of axonal transport by the GDNF-RET signalling axis in healthy and diseased motor neurons. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:584. [PMID: 35798698 PMCID: PMC9263112 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in axonal transport are one of the earliest pathological outcomes in several models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including SOD1G93A mice. Evidence suggests that rescuing these deficits prevents disease progression, stops denervation, and extends survival. Kinase inhibitors have been previously identified as transport enhancers, and are being investigated as potential therapies for ALS. For example, inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and insulin growth factor receptor 1 have been shown to rescue axonal transport deficits in vivo in symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. In this work, we investigated the impact of RET, the tyrosine kinase receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as a modifier of axonal transport. We identified the fundamental interplay between RET signalling and axonal transport in both wild-type and SOD1G93A motor neurons in vitro. We demonstrated that blockade of RET signalling using pharmacological inhibitors and genetic knockdown enhances signalling endosome transport in wild-type motor neurons and uncovered a divergence in the response of primary motor neurons to GDNF compared with cell lines. Finally, we showed that inhibition of the GDNF-RET signalling axis rescues in vivo transport deficits in early symptomatic SOD1G93A mice, promoting RET as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Rhymes
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew P Tosolini
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - William Mahy
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Q McDonald
- Signalling and Structural Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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6
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Correia JC, Kelahmetoglu Y, Jannig PR, Schweingruber C, Shvaikovskaya D, Zhengye L, Cervenka I, Khan N, Stec M, Oliveira M, Nijssen J, Martínez-Redondo V, Ducommun S, Azzolini M, Lanner JT, Kleiner S, Hedlund E, Ruas JL. Muscle-secreted neurturin couples myofiber oxidative metabolism and slow motor neuron identity. Cell Metab 2021; 33:2215-2230.e8. [PMID: 34592133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endurance exercise promotes skeletal muscle vascularization, oxidative metabolism, fiber-type switching, and neuromuscular junction integrity. Importantly, the metabolic and contractile properties of the muscle fiber must be coupled to the identity of the innervating motor neuron (MN). Here, we show that muscle-derived neurturin (NRTN) acts on muscle fibers and MNs to couple their characteristics. Using a muscle-specific NRTN transgenic mouse (HSA-NRTN) and RNA sequencing of MN somas, we observed that retrograde NRTN signaling promotes a shift toward a slow MN identity. In muscle, NRTN increased capillary density and oxidative capacity and induced a transcriptional reprograming favoring fatty acid metabolism over glycolysis. This combination of effects on muscle and MNs makes HSA-NRTN mice lean with remarkable exercise performance and motor coordination. Interestingly, HSA-NRTN mice largely recapitulate the phenotype of mice with muscle-specific expression of its upstream regulator PGC-1ɑ1. This work identifies NRTN as a myokine that couples muscle oxidative capacity to slow MN identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge C Correia
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yildiz Kelahmetoglu
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paulo R Jannig
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christoph Schweingruber
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dasha Shvaikovskaya
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liu Zhengye
- Molecular Muscle Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor Cervenka
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Naveen Khan
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10 591, USA
| | - Michael Stec
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10 591, USA
| | - Mariana Oliveira
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jik Nijssen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vicente Martínez-Redondo
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Serge Ducommun
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michele Azzolini
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna T Lanner
- Molecular Muscle Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Eva Hedlund
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jorge L Ruas
- Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.
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7
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Tenney AP, Livet J, Belton T, Prochazkova M, Pearson EM, Whitman MC, Kulkarni AB, Engle EC, Henderson CE. Etv1 Controls the Establishment of Non-overlapping Motor Innervation of Neighboring Facial Muscles during Development. Cell Rep 2020; 29:437-452.e4. [PMID: 31597102 PMCID: PMC7032945 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The somatotopic motor-neuron projections onto their cognate target muscles are essential for coordinated movement, but how that occurs for facial motor circuits, which have critical roles in respiratory and interactive behaviors, is poorly understood. We report extensive molecular heterogeneity in developing facial motor neurons in the mouse and identify markers of subnuclei and the motor pools innervating specific facial muscles. Facial subnuclei differentiate during migration to the ventral hindbrain, where neurons with progressively later birth dates—and evolutionarily more recent functions—settle in more-lateral positions. One subpopulation marker, ETV1, determines both positional and target muscle identity for neurons of the dorsolateral (DL) subnucleus. In Etv1 mutants, many markers of DL differentiation are lost, and individual motor pools project indifferently to their own and neighboring muscle targets. The resulting aberrant activation patterns are reminiscent of the facial synkinesis observed in humans after facial nerve injury. Tenney et al. demonstrate that embryonic facial motor neurons are transcriptionally diverse as they establish somatotopic innervation of the facial muscles, a process that requires the transcription factor ETV1. Facial-motor axon-targeting errors in Etv1 mutants cause coordination of whisking and eyeblink evocative of human blepharospasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Tenney
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease (MNC), Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Jean Livet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Timothy Belton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michaela Prochazkova
- Functional Genomics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erica M Pearson
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease (MNC), Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mary C Whitman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ashok B Kulkarni
- Functional Genomics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Engle
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Christopher E Henderson
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease (MNC), Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative (CTNI), Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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8
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Strayer AL, Dennys-Rivers CN, Ricart KC, Bae N, Beckman JS, Franco MC, Estevez AG. Ligand-independent activation of the P2X7 receptor by Hsp90 inhibition stimulates motor neuron apoptosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:901-914. [PMID: 31142143 PMCID: PMC6690143 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219853798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the extracellular ATP ionotropic receptor P2X7 stimulates motor neuron apoptosis, whereas its inhibition in cell and animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can be protective. These observations suggest that P2X7 receptor activation is relevant to motor neuron disease and that it could be targeted for therapeutic development. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an integral regulatory component of the P2X7 receptor complex, antagonizing ligand-induced receptor activation. Here, we show that the repressive activity of Hsp90 on P2X7 receptor activation in primary motor neurons is highly sensitive to inhibition. Primary motor neurons in culture are 100-fold more sensitive to Hsp90 inhibition by geldanamycin than other neuronal populations. Pharmacological inhibition and down-regulation of the P2X7 receptor prevented motor neuron apoptosis triggered by Hsp90 inhibition, which occurred in the absence of extracellular ATP. These observations suggest that inhibition of a seemingly motor neuron specific pool of Hsp90 leads to ligand independent activation of P2X7 receptor and motor neuron death. Downstream of Hsp90 inhibition, P2X7 receptor activated the phosphatase and tensin homolog (TPEN), which in turn suppressed the pro-survival phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, leading to Fas-dependent motor neuron apoptosis. Conditions altering the interaction between P2X7 receptor and Hsp90, such as recruitment of Hsp90 to other subcellular compartments under stress conditions, or nitration following oxidative stress can induce motor neuron death. These findings may have broad implications in neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which activation of P2X7 receptor may be involved in both autonomous and non-autonomous motor neurons death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Strayer
- Department of Neuroscience Weill Cornell Medical College, New
York, NY10021, USA
| | - Cassandra N Dennys-Rivers
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine,
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Karina C Ricart
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham,
Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Narae Bae
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New
York, NY10021, USA
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Science,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Maria Clara Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Science,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Alvaro G Estevez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Science,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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9
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Helmbacher F. Tissue-specific activities of the Fat1 cadherin cooperate to control neuromuscular morphogenesis. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2004734. [PMID: 29768404 PMCID: PMC5973635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle morphogenesis is tightly coupled with that of motor neurons (MNs). Both MNs and muscle progenitors simultaneously explore the surrounding tissues while exchanging reciprocal signals to tune their behaviors. We previously identified the Fat1 cadherin as a regulator of muscle morphogenesis and showed that it is required in the myogenic lineage to control the polarity of progenitor migration. To expand our knowledge on how Fat1 exerts its tissue-morphogenesis regulator activity, we dissected its functions by tissue-specific genetic ablation. An emblematic example of muscle under such morphogenetic control is the cutaneous maximus (CM) muscle, a flat subcutaneous muscle in which progenitor migration is physically separated from the process of myogenic differentiation but tightly associated with elongating axons of its partner MNs. Here, we show that constitutive Fat1 disruption interferes with expansion and differentiation of the CM muscle, with its motor innervation and with specification of its associated MN pool. Fat1 is expressed in muscle progenitors, in associated mesenchymal cells, and in MN subsets, including the CM-innervating pool. We identify mesenchyme-derived connective tissue (CT) as a cell type in which Fat1 activity is required for the non-cell-autonomous control of CM muscle progenitor spreading, myogenic differentiation, motor innervation, and for motor pool specification. In parallel, Fat1 is required in MNs to promote their axonal growth and specification, indirectly influencing muscle progenitor progression. These results illustrate how Fat1 coordinates the coupling of muscular and neuronal morphogenesis by playing distinct but complementary actions in several cell types.
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10
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Fielder GC, Yang TWS, Razdan M, Li Y, Lu J, Perry JK, Lobie PE, Liu DX. The GDNF Family: A Role in Cancer? Neoplasia 2018; 20:99-117. [PMID: 29245123 PMCID: PMC5730419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) comprising of GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system, renal morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. Here we review our current understanding of GFL biology, and supported by recent progress in the area, we examine their emerging role in endocrine-related and other non-hormone-dependent solid neoplasms. The ability of GFLs to elicit actions that resemble those perturbed in an oncogenic phenotype, alongside mounting evidence of GFL involvement in tumor progression, presents novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahalakshmi Razdan
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yan Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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11
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Rosich K, Hanna BF, Ibrahim RK, Hellenbrand DJ, Hanna A. The Effects of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:3311-3325. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Rosich
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Bishoy F. Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies
| | - Rami K. Ibrahim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel J. Hellenbrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Amgad Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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12
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Ledda F, Paratcha G. Assembly of Neuronal Connectivity by Neurotrophic Factors and Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:199. [PMID: 27555809 PMCID: PMC4977320 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper function of the nervous system critically relies on sophisticated neuronal networks interconnected in a highly specific pattern. The architecture of these connections arises from sequential developmental steps such as axonal growth and guidance, dendrite development, target determination, synapse formation and plasticity. Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) transmembrane proteins have been involved in cell-type specific signaling pathways that underlie these developmental processes. The members of this superfamily of proteins execute their functions acting as trans-synaptic cell adhesion molecules involved in target specificity and synapse formation or working in cis as cell-intrinsic modulators of neurotrophic factor receptor trafficking and signaling. In this review, we will focus on novel physiological mechanisms through which LRR proteins regulate neurotrophic factor receptor signaling, highlighting the importance of these modulatory events for proper axonal extension and guidance, tissue innervation and dendrite morphogenesis. Additionally, we discuss few examples linking this set of LRR proteins to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Ledda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine-University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Paratcha
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine-University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborn rats are associated with increased expression of GDNF-RET and protein kinase B. Chin J Integr Med 2015; 22:457-66. [PMID: 26033318 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-1972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to further investigate the role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor member RET (rearranged during transfection) and its key downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI-3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in the process. METHODS A total of 220 seven-day-old SD rats (of either sex, from 22 broods) were randomly divided into two groups, one (30 rats) for sham-surgery group and the other (190 rats) for HIE model group. The HIE model was established using the left common carotid artery ligation method in combination with hypoxic treatment. The successfully established rats were randomly divided into five groups, including control model group, EA group, sham-EA group, antagonist group and antagonist plus electroacupuncture group, with 35 rats in each group. Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Quchi (LI 11) and Yongquan (KI 1) acupoints were chosen for acupuncture. EA was performed at Baihui and Quchi for 10 min once a day for continuous 1, 3, 7 and 21 days, respectively. The rats were then killed after the operation and injured cerebral cortex was taken for the measurement of neurologic damage by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and the degenerative changes of cortical ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. RET mRNA level and Akt protein level were detected by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS EA could ameliorate neurologic damage of the first somatic sensory area (S1Tr) and alleviate the degenerative changes of ultrastructure of cortical neurons in rats subjected to HIE. And the longer acupuncture treatment lasted, the better its therapeutic effect would be. This was accompanied by gradually increased expression of GDNF family receptor RET at the mRNA level and its downstream signaling Akt at the protein level in the ischemic cortex. CONCLUSION EA has neuroprotective effects on HIE and could be a potential therapeutic strategy for HIE in the neonate. Activation of RET/Akt signaling pathway might be involved in this process.
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14
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Plasticity versus specificity in RTK signalling modalities for distinct biological outcomes in motor neurons. BMC Biol 2014; 12:56. [PMID: 25124859 PMCID: PMC4169644 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-014-0056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple growth factors are known to control several aspects of neuronal biology, consecutively acting as morphogens to diversify neuronal fates, as guidance cues for axonal growth, and as modulators of survival or death to regulate neuronal numbers. The multiplicity of neuronal types is permitted by the combinatorial usage of growth factor receptors, each of which is expressed in distinct and overlapping subsets of neurons, and by the multitasking role of growth factor receptors, which recruit multiple signalling cascades differentially required for distinct biological outcomes. We have explored signalling robustness in cells where a given receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) elicits qualitatively distinct outcomes. As the HGF/Met system regulates several biological responses in motor neurons (MN) during neuromuscular development, we have investigated the signalling modalities through which the HGF/Met system impacts on MN biology, and the degree of robustness of each of these functions, when challenged with substitutions of signalling pathways. RESULTS Using a set of mouse lines carrying signalling mutations that change the Met phosphotyrosine binding preferences, we have asked whether distinct functions of Met in several MN subtypes require specific signalling pathways, and to which extent signalling plasticity allows a pleiotropic system to exert distinct developmental outcomes. The differential ability of signalling mutants to promote muscle migration versus axonal growth allowed us to uncouple an indirect effect of HGF/Met signalling on nerve growth through the regulation of muscle size from a direct regulation of motor growth via the PI3 kinase (PI3K), but not Src kinase, pathway. Furthermore, we found that HGF/Met-triggered expansion of Pea3 expression domain in the spinal cord can be accomplished through several alternative signalling cascades, differentially sensitive to the Pea3 dosage. Finally, we show that the regulation of MN survival by HGF/Met can equally be achieved in vitro and in vivo by alternative signalling cascades involving either PI3K-Akt or Src and Mek pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings distinguish MN survival and fate specification, as RTK-triggered responses allowing substitutions of the downstream signalling routes, from nerve growth patterning, which depends on a selective, non-substitutable pathway.
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15
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Plaza-Menacho I, Mologni L, McDonald NQ. Mechanisms of RET signaling in cancer: current and future implications for targeted therapy. Cell Signal 2014; 26:1743-52. [PMID: 24705026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
De-regulation of RET signaling by oncogenic mutation, gene rearrangement, overexpression or transcriptional up-regulation is implicated in several human cancers of neuroendocrine and epithelial origin (thyroid, breast, lung). Understanding how RET signaling mechanisms associated with these oncogenic events are deregulated, and their impact in the biological processes driving tumor formation and progression, as well as response to treatment, will be crucial to find and develop better targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review we emphasie the distinct mechanisms of RET signaling in cancer and summarise current knowledge on small molecule inhibitors targeting the tyrosine kinase domain of RET as therapeutic drugs in RET-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Plaza-Menacho
- Structural Biology Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, London, UK.
| | - L Mologni
- Dept. of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - N Q McDonald
- Structural Biology Laboratory, London Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
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16
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Kobayashi N, Homma S, Okada T, Masuda T, Sato N, Nishiyama K, Sakuma C, Shimada T, Yaginuma H. Elucidation of target muscle and detailed development of dorsal motor neurons in chick embryo spinal cord. J Comp Neurol 2014; 521:2987-3002. [PMID: 23504940 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The avian cervical spinal cord includes motoneurons (MNs) that send their axons through the dorsal roots. They have been called dorsal motoneurons (dMNs) and assumed to correspond to MNs of the accessory nerve that innervate the cucullaris muscle (SAN-MNs). However, their target muscles have not been elucidated to date. The present study sought to determine the targets and the specific combination of transcription factors expressed by dMNs and SAN-MNs and to describe the detailed development of dMNs. Experiments with tracing techniques confirmed that axons of dMNs innervated the cucullaris muscle. Retrogradely labeled dMNs were distributed in the ventral horn of C3 and more caudal segments. In most cases, some dMNs were also observed in the C2 segment. It was also demonstrated that SAN-MNs existed in the ventral horn of the C1-2 segments and the adjacent caudal hindbrain. Both SAN-MNs and dMNs expressed Isl1 but did not express Isl2, MNR2, or Lhx3. Rather, these MNs expressed Phox2b, a marker for branchial motoneurons (brMNs), although the intensity of expression was weaker. Dorsal MNs and SAN-MNs were derived from the Nkx2.2-positive precursor domain and migrated dorsally. Dorsal MNs remain in the ventral domain of the neural tube, unlike brMNs in the brainstem. These results indicate that dMNs and SAN-MNs belong to a common MN population innervating the cucullaris muscle and also suggest that they are similar to brMNs of the brainstem, although there are differences in Phox2b expression and in the final location of each population. J. Comp. Neurol. 521: 2987-3002, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobumi Kobayashi
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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17
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Yip YP, Thomas T, Voss AK, Yip JW. Migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord of a C3G-deficient mouse suggests that C3G acts in the reelin signaling pathway. J Comp Neurol 2013; 520:3194-202. [PMID: 22351125 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Proper positioning of sympathetic preganglionic neurons(SPNs) in the spinal cord is regulated by reelin signaling. SPNs in reeler (which lacks reelin), and in mice deficient in components of the reelin signaling pathway (reelin receptors VldlR and ApoER2, the cytoplasmic adaptor protein Dab1, Src and Fyn of the Src-family of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases, and CrkL) are located adjacent to the central canal instead of in the intermediolateral column (IML) of the spinal cord. Events downstream of CrkL in control of SPN migration are unclear. The present study asks whether Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) 1 (C3G/Rap-gef1), a Ras family GEF that binds CrkL, could act downstream in the reelin signaling pathway in control of SPN migration. SPN migration was examined in a hypopmorphic C3G mutant mouse (C3G(gt)(/gt)) by using retrograde Dil labeling and NOS immunostaining. The results showed that SPN in the C3G(gt)/(gt) mutant migrate abnormally toward the central canal as in reeler. However, unlike reeler, levels of reelin in the C3G(gt)/(gt) spinal cord are normal, and Dab1 immunostaining is undetectable. These results provide genetic evidence that C3G regulates SPN migration, and suggest that C3G acts downstream in the reelin signaling pathway in control of SPN migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Ping Yip
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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18
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Injury-induced accumulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the rostral part of the injured rat spinal cord. Int J Mol Sci 2012. [PMID: 23202963 PMCID: PMC3497337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms131013484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord of a 7-week-old female Wistar rat was hemi-transected at thoracic position 10 with a razor blade, and changes in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein and mRNA expression levels in the spinal cord were examined. GDNF protein and mRNA expression levels were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Although GDNF is distributed in the healthy spinal cord from 150 to 400 pg/g tissue in a regionally dependent manner, hemi-transection (left side) of the spinal cord caused a rapid increase in GDNF content in the ipsilateral rostral but not in the caudal part of the spinal cord. On the other hand, injury-induced GDNF mRNA was distributed limitedly in both rostral and caudal stumps. These observations suggest the possibility that increased GDNF in the rostral part is responsible for the accumulation of GDNF that may be constitutively transported from the rostral to caudal side within the spinal cord. Although such local increase of endogenous GDNF protein may not be sufficient for nerve regeneration and locomotor improvement, it may play a physiological role in supporting spinal neurons including motoneurons.
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Alsina FC, Ledda F, Paratcha G. New insights into the control of neurotrophic growth factor receptor signaling: implications for nervous system development and repair. J Neurochem 2012; 123:652-61. [PMID: 22994539 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic growth factors control neuronal development by activating specific receptor tyrosine kinase positive signaling pathways, such as Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt cascades. Once activated, neurotrophic factor receptors also trigger a cascade of molecular events, named negative receptor signaling, that restricts the intensity of the positive signals and modulates cellular behavior. Thus, to avoid signaling errors that ultimately could lead to aberrant neuronal physiology and disease, negative signaling mechanisms have evolved to ensure that suitable thresholds of neuronal stimulation are achieved and maintained during right periods of time. Recent findings have revealed that neurotrophic factor receptor signaling is tightly modulated through the coordinated action of many different protein regulators that limit or potentiate signal propagation in spatially and temporally controlled manners, acting at specific points after receptor engagement. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, highlighting the importance of these modulators in axonal growth, guidance, neural connectivity, and nervous system regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando C Alsina
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cellular Biology and Neuroscience Prof. Dr. E. De Robertis (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Neurogenin2 expression together with NeuroM regulates GDNF family neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (GFRα1) expression in the embryonic spinal cord. Dev Biol 2012; 370:250-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
This protocol describes an optimized method for direct in vitro monitoring of homo- and heterotypic axon-axon interactions involved in the developmental assembly of neural circuits. The assay exploits a classical example of heterotypic axonal interactions by modeling the sequential extension of spinal motor and somatosensory neuron axons, but the procedure should be readily adaptable to other neuron types. The protocol is based on the rapid isolation and primary culture of genetically identified motor neurons combined with straightforward vital dye labeling and culture of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. Subsequently, axonal interactions are directly monitored via live fluorescence microscopy, whereas axon type identities can be unambiguously delineated throughout the experiments. Through chemical compound application or by using neurons derived from genetically engineered mice, the protocol facilitates the dissection of molecular pathways driving the axonal interactions that are crucial for neural pathway and circuit assembly. The whole procedure can be completed in 3 d.
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Yip YP, Zhou G, Kubo KI, Nakajima K, Yip JW. Reelin inhibits migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord of the chick. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:1970-8. [PMID: 21452229 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of Reelin in the migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) in the spinal cord of the chick. SPN in the chick first migrate from the neuroepithelium to the ventrolateral spinal cord. They then undergo a secondary migration to cluster adjacent to the central canal, forming the column of Terni (CT). During secondary migration, abundant Reelin is found in large areas of the ventral spinal cord; the only areas devoid of Reelin are areas occupied by SPN or somatic motor neurons and the pathway along which SPN migrate. Ectopic expression of Reelin in the pathway of SPN through electroporation of full-length Reelin DNA stopped SPN migration toward their destination. The spatiotemporal pattern of Reelin expression, along with the inhibition of SPN migration by exogenous Reelin, suggests that Reelin functions as a barrier to SPN migration during normal development of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Ping Yip
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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23
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Mourlevat S, Galizzi JP, Guigal-Stéphan N, Courtade-Gaïani S, Rolland-Valognes G, Rodriguez M, Barbet F, Bourrier C, Catesson S, Chomel A, Danober L, Villain N, Caignard DH, Pirotte B, Lestage P, Lockhart BP. Molecular characterization of the AMPA-receptor potentiator S70340 in rat primary cortical culture: Whole-genome expression profiling. Neurosci Res 2011; 70:349-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gould TW, Oppenheim RW. Motor neuron trophic factors: therapeutic use in ALS? BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2011; 67:1-39. [PMID: 20971133 PMCID: PMC3109102 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The modest effects of neurotrophic factor (NTF) treatment on lifespan in both animal models and clinical studies of Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may result from any one or combination of the four following explanations: 1.) NTFs block cell death in some physiological contexts but not in ALS; 2.) NTFs do not rescue motoneurons (MNs) from death in any physiological context; 3.) NTFs block cell death in ALS but to no avail; and 4.) NTFs are physiologically effective but limited by pharmacokinetic constraints. The object of this review is to critically evaluate the role of both NTFs and the intracellular cell death pathway itself in regulating the survival of spinal and cranial (lower) MNs during development, after injury and in response to disease. Because the role of molecules mediating MN survival has been most clearly resolved by the in vivo analysis of genetically engineered mice, this review will focus on studies of such mice expressing reporter, null or other mutant alleles of NTFs, NTF receptors, cell death or ALS-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Gould
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1010, USA.
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Abstract
Although often considered as a group, spinal motor neurons are highly diverse in terms of their morphology, connectivity, and functional properties and differ significantly in their response to disease. Recent studies of motor neuron diversity have clarified developmental mechanisms and provided novel insights into neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motor neurons of different classes and subtypes--fast/slow, alpha/gamma--are grouped together into motor pools, each of which innervates a single skeletal muscle. Distinct mechanisms regulate their development. For example, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has effects that are pool-specific on motor neuron connectivity, column-specific on axonal growth, and subtype-specific on survival. In multiple degenerative contexts including ALS, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and aging, fast-fatigable (FF) motor units degenerate early, whereas motor neurons innervating slow muscles and those involved in eye movement and pelvic sphincter control are strikingly preserved. Extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms that confer resistance represent promising therapeutic targets in these currently incurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Kanning
- Department of Pathology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Mandai K, Guo T, Hillaire CS, Meabon JS, Kanning KC, Bothwell M, Ginty DD. LIG family receptor tyrosine kinase-associated proteins modulate growth factor signals during neural development. Neuron 2009; 63:614-27. [PMID: 19755105 PMCID: PMC2758028 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 07/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide screens were performed to identify transmembrane proteins that mediate axonal growth, guidance and target field innervation of somatosensory neurons. One gene, Linx (alias Islr2), encoding a leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin (LIG) family protein, is expressed in a subset of developing sensory and motor neurons. Domain and genomic structures of Linx and other LIG family members suggest that they are evolutionarily related to Trk receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Several LIGs, including Linx, are expressed in subsets of somatosensory and motor neurons, and select members interact with TrkA and Ret RTKs. Moreover, axonal projection defects in mice harboring a null mutation in Linx resemble those in mice lacking Ngf, TrkA, and Ret. In addition, Linx modulates NGF-TrkA- and GDNF-GFRalpha1/Ret-mediated axonal extension in cultured sensory and motor neurons, respectively. These findings show that LIGs physically interact with RTKs and modulate their activities to control axonal extension, guidance and branching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Mandai
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, PCTB 1015, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ting Guo
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, PCTB 1015, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Coryse St. Hillaire
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, PCTB 1015, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - James S. Meabon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Box 357290, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin C. Kanning
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Box 357290, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mark Bothwell
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Box 357290, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David D. Ginty
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, PCTB 1015, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Yip YP, Mehta N, Magdaleno S, Curran T, Yip JW. Ectopic expression of reelin alters migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord. J Comp Neurol 2009; 515:260-8. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.22044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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28
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Mantilla CB, Sieck GC. Trophic factor expression in phrenic motor neurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 164:252-62. [PMID: 18708170 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The function of a motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates (i.e., a motor unit) determines neuromotor output. Unlike other skeletal muscles, respiratory muscles (e.g., the diaphragm, DIAm) must function from birth onwards in sustaining ventilation. DIAm motor units are capable of both ventilatory and non-ventilatory behaviors, including expulsive behaviors important for airway clearance. There is significant diversity in motor unit properties across different types of motor units in the DIAm. The mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of motor unit diversity in respiratory muscles (including the DIAm) are not well understood. Recent studies suggest that trophic factor influences contribute to this diversity. Remarkably little is known about the expression of trophic factors and their receptors in phrenic motor neurons. This review will focus on the contribution of trophic factors to the establishment and maintenance of motor unit diversity in the DIAm, during development and in response to injury or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos B Mantilla
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, 4-184 W. Joseph SMH, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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29
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Receptor tyrosine kinases and respiratory motor plasticity. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 164:242-51. [PMID: 18634908 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2008] [Revised: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are a family of enzymes that transfer a phosphate group from adenosine tri-phosphate to an amino acid residue on a protein. The receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are expressed on the outer cell membrane, bind extracellular protein ligands, and phosphorylate tyrosine residues on other proteins-essentially permitting communication between cells. Such activity regulates multiple aspects of cellular physiology including cell growth and differentiation, adhesion, motility, cell death, and morphological and synaptic plasticity. This review will focus on the role of RTKs in respiratory motor plasticity, with particular emphasis on long-term changes in respiratory motoneuron function. Reflecting the predominant literature, specific attention will be devoted to the role of tropomyosin-related kinase type B (TrkB) activation on phrenic motoneuron activity. However, many RTKs share similar patterns of expression and mechanisms of ligand-induced activation and downstream signaling. Thus, a perspective based on TrkB-induced phrenic motor plasticity may provide insight into the potential roles of other RTKs in the neural control of breathing. Finally, understanding how different RTKs affect respiratory motor output in the long-term may provide future avenues for pharmacological development with the goal of increasing respiratory motor output in disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and after spinal cord injury. This is best illustrated in recent studies where we have used small, highly diffusible molecules to transactivate TrkB receptors near phrenic motoneurons to improve breathing after cervical spinal cord injury.
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Angka HE, Geddes AJ, Kablar B. Differential survival response of neurons to exogenous GDNF depends on the presence of skeletal muscle. Dev Dyn 2009; 237:3169-78. [PMID: 18816441 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is known as a potent survival factor for neurons in vitro and in vivo. The current study investigated the effects of a single in utero injection with GDNF in both wild-type and Myf5-/-:MyoD-/- embryos. The embryos in the latter group, denoted double mutants (DM), do not contain skeletal muscle and associated neurotrophic factors due to lack of myogenesis and, therefore, neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system undergo excessively occurring programmed cell death (EPCD). We found that treatment with GDNF had no effect on wild type neuronal numbers in any of the anatomic locations investigated. However, GDNF rescued the neurons of the facial motor nucleus, the mesencephalic nucleus and the median motor column in the absence of skeletal muscle. The findings of the current study agree with previous reports that compromised mouse neurons have increased survival response to GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Angka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Sir Charles Tupper Building, Halifax, Nova Scotia
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31
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Boger HA, Middaugh LD, Zaman V, Hoffer B, Granholm AC. Differential effects of the dopamine neurotoxin MPTP in animals with a partial deletion of the GDNF receptor, GFR alpha1, gene. Brain Res 2008; 1241:18-28. [PMID: 18822276 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Revised: 08/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) superfamily, is a potent neurotrophic protein promoting the survival and maintenance of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra during development and adulthood. DA neurons that project to the striatum in the nigrostriatal pathway express GDNF receptors, GFR alpha1. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these neurons are especially sensitive to neurotoxic insults. Therefore, we examined effects of the dopaminergic toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on locomotion and DA neurons in 26-month-old male GFR alpha1 heterozygous (GFR alpha1(+/-)) mice compared to aged-matched wild-type (WT) littermates. MPTP gave rise to increased locomotion, regardless of genotype, while GFR alpha1(+/-) mice treated with saline exhibited lower spontaneous locomotion, compared to WT mice. Moreover, GFR alpha1(+/-) saline mice had fewer TH-positive neurons, greater expression of inflammatory markers (CD45 immunostaining and phosphorylated p38 MAPK) in the nigra, and reduced striatal TH staining. MPTP exacerbated these effects, with the lowest density of striatal TH and highest density of nigral CD45 and phospho-p38 MAPK immunoreactivity observed in GFR alpha1(+/-) mice. The findings point to increased sensitivity of the DAergic system with age and neurotoxic exposure as a result of a genetic reduction of GFR alpha1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Boger
- Department of Neurosciences, Center on Aging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Kawamura K, Ye Y, Kawamura N, Jing L, Groenen P, Gelpke MS, Rauch R, Hsueh AJW, Tanaka T. Completion of Meiosis I of preovulatory oocytes and facilitation of preimplantation embryo development by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Dev Biol 2007; 315:189-202. [PMID: 18234170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Optimal maturation of oocytes and successful development of preimplantation embryos is essential for reproduction. We performed DNA microarray analyses of ovarian transcripts and identified glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secreted by cumulus, granulosa, and theca cells as an ovarian factor stimulated by the preovulatory LH/hCG surge. Treatment of cumulus-oocyte complexes with GDNF enhanced first polar body extrusion with increase in cyclin B1 synthesis and the GDNF actions are likely mediated by its receptor GDNF family receptor-alpha1 (GFRA1) and a co-receptor ret proto-oncogene (Ret), both expressed in oocytes. However, treatment with GDNF did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. During the preimplantation stages, GDNF was expressed in pregnant oviducts and uteri, whereas GFRA1 and Ret were expressed in embryos throughout early development with an increase after the early blastocyst stage. In blastocysts, both GDNF and GFRA1 were exclusively localized in trophectoderm cells, whereas Ret was detected in both cell lineages. Treatment with GDNF promoted the development of two-cell-stage embryos into blastocysts showing increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis mainly in trophectoderm cells. Our findings suggest potential paracrine roles of GDNF in the promotion of completion of meiosis I and the development of early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
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Quartu M, Serra MP, Boi M, Ferretti MT, Lai ML, Del Fiacco M. Tissue distribution of Ret, GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2 and GFRalpha-3 receptors in the human brainstem at fetal, neonatal and adult age. Brain Res 2007; 1173:36-52. [PMID: 17825269 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 07/28/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Occurrence and localization of receptor components of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands, the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase and the GDNF family receptor (GFR) alpha-1 to -3, were examined by immunohistochemistry in the normal human brainstem at fetal, neonatal, and adult age. Immunoreactive elements were detectable at all examined ages with uneven distribution and consistent pattern for each receptor. As a rule, the GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2 antisera produced the most abundant and diffuse tissue labelling. Immunoreactive perikarya were observed within sensory and motor nuclei of cranial nerves, dorsal column nuclei, olivary nuclear complex, reticular formation, pontine nuclei, locus caeruleus, raphe nuclei, substantia nigra, and quadrigeminal plate. Nerve fibers occurred within gracile and cuneate fasciculi, trigeminal spinal tract and nucleus, facial, trigeminal, vestibular and oculomotor nerves, solitary tract, medial longitudinal fasciculus, medial lemniscus, and inferior and superior cerebellar peduncles. Occasionally, glial cells were stained. Age changes were appreciable in the distribution pattern of each receptor. On the whole, in the grey matter, labelled perikarya were more frequently observed in pre- and perinatal than in adult specimens; on the other hand, in discrete regions, nerve fibers and terminals were abundant and showed a plexiform arrangement only in adult tissue; finally, distinct fiber systems in the white matter were immunolabelled only at pre- and perinatal ages. The results obtained suggest the involvement of Ret and GFRalpha receptors signalling in processes subserving both the organization of discrete brainstem neuronal systems during development and their functional activity and maintenance in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Quartu
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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34
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Yip YP, Capriotti C, Drill E, Tsai LH, Yip JW. Cdk5 selectively affects the migration of different populations of neurons in the developing spinal cord. J Comp Neurol 2007; 503:297-307. [PMID: 17492640 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is crucial for neuronal migration and survival in the brain. However, the role of Cdk5 in neuronal migration in the spinal cord has never been investigated. The present study is the first to show that Cdk5 affects the migration of different populations of neurons in the developing spinal cord. In the absence of Cdk5, at least four neuronal populations failed to migrate to their final destinations: sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, as well as dorsally originating and ventrally originating (U-shaped group) diaphorase-positive dorsal horn interneurons. In contrast, the migration of somatic motor neurons and various types of ventral and dorsal interneurons was unaffected by the absence of Cdk5. Moreover, our results suggest that Cdk5-dependent migration in the developing spinal cord is axon- or glial fiber-mediated. Finally, our results show that sympathetic preganglionic neurons and somatic motor neurons in Cdk5-deficient mice continue to extend processes and project toward their normal target areas, suggesting that Cdk5 has no obvious effects on axonal outgrowth and guidance mechanisms of these two neuronal populations in spinal cord development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Ping Yip
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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35
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He Z, Jiang J, Hofmann MC, Dym M. Gfra1 silencing in mouse spermatogonial stem cells results in their differentiation via the inactivation of RET tyrosine kinase. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:723-33. [PMID: 17625109 PMCID: PMC2911237 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process by which spermatogonial stem cells divide and differentiate into sperm. The role of growth factor receptors in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells remains largely unclear. This study was designed to examine Gfra1 receptor expression in immature and adult mouse testes and determine the effects of Gfra1 knockdown on the proliferation and differentiation of type A spermatogonia. We demonstrated that GFRA1 was expressed in a subpopulation of spermatogonia in immature and adult mice. Neither Gfra1 mRNA nor GFRA1 protein was detected in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. GFRA1 and POU5F1 (also known as OCT4), a marker for spermatogonial stem cells, were co-expressed in a subpopulation of type A spermatogonia from 6-day-old mice. In addition, the spermatogonia expressing GFRA1 exhibited a potential for proliferation and the ability to form colonies in culture, which is a characteristic of stem cells. RNA interference assays showed that Gfra1 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) knocked down the expression of Gfra1 mRNA and GFRA1 protein in type A spermatogonia. Notably, the reduction of Gfra1 expression by Gfra1 siRNAs induced a phenotypic differentiation, as evidenced by the elevated expression of KIT, as well as the decreased expression of POU5F1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Furthermore, Gfra1 silencing resulted in a decrease in RET phosphorylation. Taken together, these data indicate that Gfra1 is expressed dominantly in mouse spermatogonial stem cells and that Gfra1 knockdown leads to their differentiation via the inactivation of RET tyrosine kinase, suggesting an essential role for Gfra1 in spermatogonial stem cell regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuping He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
| | - Jiji Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61802
| | - Martin Dym
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
- Correspondence: Martin Dym, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057. FAX: 202 687 8218;
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36
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Quartu M, Serra MP, Boi M, Sestu N, Lai ML, Del Fiacco M. Tissue distribution of neurturin, persephin and artemin in the human brainstem at fetal, neonatal and adult age. Brain Res 2007; 1143:102-15. [PMID: 17316574 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2006] [Revised: 01/16/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands neurturin (NTN), persephin (PSP), and artemin (ART) was examined by immunohistochemistry in the normal human brainstem at pre-, perinatal and adult age. Immunolabelled neurons were unevenly distributed and each trophin had a consistent distribution pattern. As a rule, the NTN antiserum produced the most abundant and diffuse tissue labelling, whereas the lowest density of positive elements was observed after ART immunostaining. Labelling for NTN, PSP, and ART occurred at all examined ages. For each trophin, neuronal perikarya were observed within sensory and motor nuclei of cranial nerves, dorsal column nuclei, olivary nuclear complex, reticular formation, pontine nuclei, locus caeruleus, raphe nuclei, substantia nigra, and quadrigeminal plate. Nerve fibers occurred within gracile and cuneate fasciculi, trigeminal spinal tract and nucleus, oculomotor and facial nerves, solitary tract, vestibular nerve, medial longitudinal fasciculus, medial and lateral lemnisci, and inferior and superior cerebellar peduncles. Age changes were detected in the distribution pattern for each trophin. On the whole, in the grey matter, labelled perikarya were more frequently observed in pre- and perinatal than in adult specimens; on the other hand, in discrete regions, nerve fibers and terminals were abundant and showed a definite arrangement only in adult tissue; finally, distinct fiber systems in the white matter were immunolabelled only at pre- and perinatal ages. The results support the concept of a trophic involvement of NTN, PSP, and ART in the development, functional activity and maintenance of a variety of human brainstem neuronal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Quartu
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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37
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Zhang J, Huang EJ. Dynamic expression of neurotrophic factor receptors in postnatal spinal motoneurons and in mouse model of ALS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 66:882-95. [PMID: 16680759 PMCID: PMC3600432 DOI: 10.1002/neu.20269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors support the survival of spinal motoneurons (MNs) and have been considered as strong candidates for treating motoneuron diseases. However, it is unclear if the right combination of neurotrophic factor receptors is present in postnatal spinal MNs. In this study, we show that the level of c-ret expression remains relatively stable in embryonic and postnatal spinal MNs. In contrast, the mRNA and protein of GFRalpha1 and -2 are progressively down-regulated in postnatal life. By 3 and 6 months of age, both receptors are barely detectable in spinal MNs. The down-regulation of GFRalpha1 appears accelerated in transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1(G93A). Despite the progressive loss of GFRalpha1 and -2, phosphorylation of c-ret shows no detectable reduction on tyrosine residues or on serine 696. In addition to the GFRalpha subunits, expression of TrkB also shows a dynamic change. During embryogenesis, there is twice as much full-length TrkB as the truncated TrkB isoform. However, this ratio is reversed in postnatal spinal cord. Expression of the mutant SOD1(G93A) appears to have no effect on the TrkB receptor ratio. Taken together, our data indicate that the expression of neurotrophic factor receptors, GFRalpha1, -2, and TrkB, is not static, but undergoes dynamic changes in postnatal spinal MNs. These results provide insights into the use of neurotrophic factors as therapeutic agents for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco and Pathology, Service 113B, VA Medical Center, 94121, USA
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Liu JP. The function of growth/differentiation factor 11 (Gdf11) in rostrocaudal patterning of the developing spinal cord. Development 2006; 133:2865-74. [PMID: 16790475 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hoxc family transcription factors are expressed in different domains along the rostrocaudal (RC) axis of the developing spinal cord and they define RC identities of spinal neurons. Our previous study using an in vitro assay system demonstrated that Fgf and Gdf11 signals located around Hensen's node of chick embryos have the ability to induce profiled Hoxc protein expression. To investigate the function of Gdf11 in RC patterning of the spinal cord in vivo,we expressed Gdf11 in chick embryonic spinal cord by in ovo electroporation and found that ectopic expression of Gdf11 in the neural tissue causes a rostral displacement of Hoxc protein expression domains,accompanied by rostral shifts in the positions of motoneuron columns and pools. Moreover, ectopic expression of follistatin (Fst), an antagonist of Gdf11, has a converse effect and causes caudal displacement of Hox protein expression domains, as well as motoneuron columns and pools. Mouse mutants lacking Gdf11 function exhibit a similar caudal displacement of Hox expression domains, but the severity of phenotype increases towards the caudal end of the spinal cord, indicating that the function of Gdf11 is more important in the caudal spinal cord. We also provide evidence that Gdf11 induces Smad2 phosphorylation and activated Smad2 is able to induce caudal Hox gene expression. These results demonstrate that Gdf11 has an important function in determining Hox gene expression domains and RC identity in the caudal spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeh-Ping Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, 409 Lane Road, MR4, Room 5032, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Lee RHK, Wong WL, Chan CH, Chan SY. Differential effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin in RET/GFRalpha1-expressing cells. J Neurosci Res 2006; 83:80-90. [PMID: 16294336 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The c-ret protooncogene, RET, encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. RET is activated by members of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands, which include GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin. The ligands bind RET through GDNF family receptor alpha, termed GFRalpha1-4. Despite the importance of RET signaling in the development of the enteric nervous system and the kidney, the differential signaling mechanisms between RET ligands are poorly established. It has been suggested that signal specificity is achieved through binding of the ligand to its preferred GFRalpha. To compare the signaling profiles of GDNF and neurturin, we have identified a cell line, NG108-15, which endogenously expresses RET and GFRalpha1 but not GFRalpha2-4. Immunoblot data showed that GDNF caused a transient activation, whereas neurturin caused a sustained activation, of both p44/p42 MAP kinases and PLCgamma. Under serum starvation, NG108-15 cells differentiate and form neurites. Neurturin but not GDNF stimulated neurite outgrowth, which could be blocked by the selective PLC inhibitor U73122. On the other hand, GDNF but not neurturin promoted cell survival, and this could be blocked by the p44/p42 MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059. Our findings not only show the differential signaling of GDNF and neurturin but also suggest that this can be achieved through binding to the same GFRalpha subtype, leading to distinct biological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hui Kwan Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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Knabe W, Sirén AL, Ehrenreich H, Kuhn HJ. Expression patterns of erythropoietin and its receptor in the developing spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 210:209-19. [PMID: 16151855 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-005-0019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) is neuroprotective in animal models of adult spinal cord injury, and reduces apoptosis in adult dorsal root ganglia after spinal nerve crush. The present work demonstrates that spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia share dynamic expression patterns of EPO and its receptor (EPOR) during development. C57Bl mice from embryonic days (E) 8 (E8) to E19 were studied. In spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, EPOR expression in all precursor cells preceded the expression of EPO in subsets of neurons. On E11, EPO-immunoreactive spinal motoneurons and ganglionic sensory neurons resided adjacent to EPOR-expressing radial glial cells and satellite cells, respectively. From E12 onwards, EPOR-immunoreactivity decreased in radial glial cells and, transiently, in satellite cells. Simultaneously, large-scale apoptosis of motoneurons and sensory neurons started, and subsets of neurons were labelled by antibodies against EPOR. Viable neurons expressed EPO and EPOR. Up to E12.5, apoptotic cells were EPOR-immunopositive, but variably EPO-immunonegative or EPO-immunopositive. Thereafter, EPO-immunonegative and EPOR-immunopositive apoptotic cells predominated. Our findings suggest that EPO-mediated neuron-glial and, later, neuron-neuronal interactions promote the differentiation and/or the survival of subsets of neurons and glial cells in central as well as in peripheral parts of the embryonic nervous system. Correspondingly, expression of phospho-Akt-1/protein-kinase B extensively overlapped expression sites of EPO and EPOR, but was absent from apoptotic cells. Identified other sites of EPO and/or EPOR expression include radial glial cells that transform to astrocytes, cells of the floor plate and notochord as well as neural crest-derived boundary cap cells at motor exit points and cells of the primary sympathetic chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Knabe
- Department of Anatomy/Embryology, Georg August University Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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41
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Whitehead J, Keller-Peck C, Kucera J, Tourtellotte WG. Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor-dependent fusimotor neuron survival during development. Mech Dev 2005; 122:27-41. [PMID: 15582775 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2004.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Revised: 09/13/2004] [Accepted: 09/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent survival factor for motor neurons. Previous studies have shown that some motor neurons depend upon GDNF during development but this GDNF-dependent motor neuron subpopulation has not been characterized. We examined GDNF expression patterns in muscle and the impact of altered GDNF expression on the development of subtypes of motor neurons. In GDNF hemizygous mice, motor neuron innervation to muscle spindle stretch receptors (fusimotor neuron innervation) was decreased, whereas in transgenic mice that overexpress GDNF in muscle, fusimotor innervation to muscle spindles was increased. Facial motor neurons, which do not contain fusimotor neurons, were not changed in number when GDNF was over expressed by facial muscles during their development. Taken together, these data indicate that fusimotor neurons depend upon GDNF for survival during development. Since the fraction of cervical and lumbar motor neurons lost in GDNF-deficient mice at birth closely approximates the size of the fusimotor neuron pool, these data suggest that motor neuron loss in GDNF-deficient mice may be primarily of fusimotor neuron origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Whitehead
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Nishimune H, Bernreuther C, Carroll P, Chen S, Schachner M, Henderson CE. Neural adhesion molecules L1 and CHL1 are survival factors for motoneurons. J Neurosci Res 2005; 80:593-9. [PMID: 15880726 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many neurotrophic factors with survival activity for motoneurons in vivo were first identified using cultures of purified embryonic motoneurons. The L1 neural cell adhesion molecule has multiple roles in brain development. We showed by in situ hybridization and RT-PCR that L1 mRNA was expressed at significant levels in motoneurons of embryonic and postnatal spinal cord. We therefore cultured purified motoneurons from E14 rat embryos in the absence of trophic factors but with L1-Fc and CHL1-Fc fusion proteins. L1-Fc prevented the death of approximately half of the motoneurons that were saved by BDNF in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 10 pM). CHL1-Fc saved the same number of motoneurons as did L1-Fc, whereas P0-Fc had little neurotrophic activity at the same concentrations. Survival induced by L1 and CHL1 was completely inhibited by 20 microM LY294002 and PD98059, indicating that both MEK and PI3K pathways are required for signaling by these molecules. L1 can signal in other cell types through the FGF receptor FGFR1. In cultures of motoneurons, effects of suboptimal concentrations of L1 and suboptimal concentrations of FGF-2 were additive, but the effects of optimal concentrations of FGF-2 (50 ng/ml) were not further increased in the presence of L1-Fc. Thus, in this system, too, FGF and L1 may use similar signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Nishimune
- INSERM UMR623, IBDM (CNRS-INSERM-Univ. Mediterranee), Marseille, France
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Enomoto H. Regulation of neural development by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands. Anat Sci Int 2005; 80:42-52. [PMID: 15794130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-073x.2005.00099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its three relatives constitute a novel family of neurotrophic factors, the GDNF family ligands. These factors signal through a multicomponent receptor complex comprising a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface molecule (GDNF family receptor (GFR) alpha) and RET tyrosine kinase, triggering the activation of multiple signaling pathways in responsive cells. Recent gene-targeting studies have demonstrated that GDNF family ligands are essential for the development of a diverse set of neuronal populations and we have now started to understand how these ligands uniquely regulate the formation and sculpting of the nervous system. Recent studies have also revealed interactions by multiple extracellular signals during neural development. The deciphering of GDNF family ligand signaling in neural cells promises to provide vital new insights into the development and pathology of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Enomoto
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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44
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Yang LX, Nelson PG. Glia cell line-derived neurotrophic factor regulates the distribution of acetylcholine receptors in mouse primary skeletal muscle cells. Neuroscience 2005; 128:497-509. [PMID: 15381279 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It was recently reported that glia cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) facilitates presynaptic axonal growth and neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular synapses. Little is known, however, whether GDNF can also act on the postsynaptic apparatus and its underlying mechanisms. Using biochemical cold blocking of existing membrane acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) and biotinylation of newly inserted receptors we demonstrate that GDNF increases the insertion of AChRs into the surface membrane of mouse primary cultured muscle cells and that this does not require protein synthesis. Quantitative data from double-label imaging indicate that GDNF induces a quick and substantial increase in AchR insertion as well as lateral movement into AchR aggregates, relative to a weak effect on reducing the loss of receptors from pre-existing AchR aggregates, which in contrast to the effect of PMA. These effects occur in both innervated and un-innervated muscles, and GDNF affects nerve-muscle co-cultures more than it affects muscle-only cultures. Neurturin, another member of GDNF-family ligands has similar effects on AchRs as GDNF but the unrelated growth factor, EGF does not. Studies on protein phosphorylation and specific inhibitors of cell signal transduction indicate that GDNF function is mediated by receptor GFRalpha1 and involves MAPK, cAMP/cAMP responsive element-binding factor and Src kinase activities. GDNF may signal through c-Ret as well as NCAM-140 pathways since both the signaling receptors are expressed in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). These data suggest that GDNF is an autocrine regulator of NMJ to promote the insertion and stabilization of postsynaptic AchRs. In vivo, GDNF may function as a synaptotrophic modulator for both pre- and postsynaptic differentiation to strengthen the functional and structural connections between nerve and muscle, and contribute to the synaptogenesis and plasticity of neuromuscular synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-X Yang
- Section on Neurobiology, Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg 49, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Sánchez-Carbente MR, Castro-Obregón S, Covarrubias L, Narváez V. Motoneuronal death during spinal cord development is mediated by oxidative stress. Cell Death Differ 2005; 12:279-91. [PMID: 15637642 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neuronal death has been determined in culture, and in association with several neurodegenerative disorders. We examined whether ROS participate in the cell death observed during spinal cord development. We found that the general pattern of high ROS levels, gene expression for some antioxidant enzymes, and motoneuron death correlated positively along spinal cord development. ROS were reduced in spinal cords cultured in the presence of a synthetic superoxide dismutase and catalase mimetic, with a concomitant reduction in cell death and an increase in the number of motoneurons. The number of motoneurons was higher in spinal cords treated with the antioxidant than in those treated with caspase inhibitors. In general, the increase in motoneuron survival did not correlate with the reduction in cells undergoing DNA degradation in the motoneuronal region. These results suggest that ROS are signaling molecules controlling caspase-dependent and caspase-independent programmed motoneuron death, and support the hypothesis that this mechanism is abnormally turned on in some neurodegenerative disorders and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Sánchez-Carbente
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Mor. 62210, México
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Zhao Z, Alam S, Oppenheim RW, Prevette DM, Evenson A, Parsadanian A. Overexpression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the CNS rescues motoneurons from programmed cell death and promotes their long-term survival following axotomy. Exp Neurol 2004; 190:356-72. [PMID: 15530875 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2004.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2004] [Revised: 06/02/2004] [Accepted: 06/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To study the role of one of the most potent motoneuron (MN) survival factors, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) derived from the CNS, we generated transgenic animals overexpressing GDNF under the control of an astrocyte-specific GFAP promoter. In situ hybridization revealed that GDNF was expressed at high levels in astrocytes throughout the brain and spinal cord. We analyzed the effects of CNS-derived GDNF on MN survival during the period of programmed cell death (PCD) and after nerve axotomy. In GFAP-GDNF mice at E15, E18, and P1, the survival of brachial MNs was increased on average by 30%, lumbar MNs by 20%, and thoracic MNs at P1 by 33%. GDNF also prevented MN PCD in several cranial motor nuclei. We demonstrated for the first time that the number of MNs in the mouse abducens nucleus was also increased by 40%, thus extending known MN populations that are responsive to GDNF. Next, we tested if GDNF could support complete and relatively long-term survival of MNs following neonatal facial nerve axotomy. We found that virtually all MNs (91%) in GFAP-GDNF mice survived for up to 18 weeks post-axotomy. This is the longest GDNF-mediated survival of neonatal MNs reported following axotomy. Most of surviving MNs were not atrophic, and MN-specific ChAT and neurofilament immunoreactivity (IR) were preserved. Furthermore, GDNF attenuated axotomy-induced astroglial activation. These data demonstrate that overexpression of GDNF in the CNS has very profound effects on MN survival both during the PCD period and after neuronal injury. GFAP-GDNF mice will be valuable to study the effects of CNS-derived GDNF in mouse models of MN degenerative diseases and axonal regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Zhao
- Center for the Study of Nervous System Injury, Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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47
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Bohn MC. Motoneurons crave glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Exp Neurol 2004; 190:263-75. [PMID: 15530868 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2004.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Accepted: 08/10/2004] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This is a commentary on the developmental and therapeutic relevance of recent studies in the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) transgenic mouse reported by Zhao et al. (2004). This interesting study demonstrated that increased expression of GDNF in astrocytes increases the number of neighboring motoneurons of certain motoneuron subpopulations by diminishing programmed cell death during development. In addition, astrocyte-derived GDNF was shown to protect facial motoneurons from injury-induced cell death. Since this is the first direct demonstration that secretion of GDNF from astrocytes in the CNS can affect motoneuron development in utero and motoneuron survival after axotomy, novel approaches for motor neuron disease are suggested. The known target neurons that respond to GDNF are reviewed, as are studies using GDNF gene delivery in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is postulated that GDNF is a factor to which many motoneurons respond along their whole extent from soma to axon to terminal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha C Bohn
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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48
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Wang W, Redecker C, Bidmon HJ, Witte OW. Delayed neuronal death and damage of GDNF family receptors in CA1 following focal cerebral ischemia. Brain Res 2004; 1023:92-101. [PMID: 15364023 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Delayed neuronal death (DND) of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus has been extensively studied following global brain ischemia, whereas only little is known about DND in this highly vulnerable brain region after focal brain ischemia. In the present study, the distribution and time course of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis were studied following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after the insult. In 60% of the animals, more than 90% of CA1 pyramidal neurons showed strong nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining at day 3 with fragmentation and marginalization of the nuclei in approximately 40% of these cells. The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased within the next days, but 30 days after MCAO, some apoptotic neurons were still present. Analysis of the expression of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptors GFRalpha1, GFRalpha2, and GFRalpha3 using triple immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that in all animals showing marked hippocampal DND, the neuronal staining for GFRalpha1, GFRalpha3, and GDNF decreased prior to the onset of TUNEL staining in CA1. After 7 days, some apoptotic neurons still expressed GFRalpha3, whereas only few showed GFRalpha1 immunoreactivity, indicating that GFRalpha1 may be beneficial for the survival of hippocampal neurons. The data suggest that reduced expression of GDNF and impairment of GFRalpha1/3 may contribute to hippocampal DND after focal brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Schiller University, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747 Jena, Germany
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49
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Oatley JM, Reeves JJ, McLean DJ. Biological activity of cryopreserved bovine spermatogonial stem cells during in vitro culture. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:942-7. [PMID: 15151932 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.028894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional roles of spermatogonial stem cells in spermatogenesis are self-renewing proliferation and production of differentiated daughter progeny. The ability to recapitulate these actions in vitro is important for investigating their biology and inducing genetic modification that could potentially lead to an alternative means of generating transgenic animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival and proliferation of frozen-thawed bovine spermatogonial stem cells in vitro and investigate the effects of exogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In order to accomplish this objective we developed a bovine embryonic fibroblast feeder cell line, termed BEF, to serve as feeder cells in a coculture system with bovine germ cells. Bovine spermatogonial stem cell survival and proliferation in vitro were evaluated by xenogeneic transplantation into the seminiferous tubules of immunodeficient mice. Bovine germ cells cocultured for 1 wk resulted in significantly more round cell donor colonies in recipient mouse testes compared to donor cells transplanted just after thawing. Bovine germ cells cocultured for 2 wk had fewer colony-forming cells than the freshly thawed cell suspensions or cells cultured for 1 wk. Characterization of the feeder cell line revealed endogenous expression of Gdnf mRNA and protein. Addition of exogenous GDNF to the culture medium decreased the number of stem cells present at 1 wk of coculture, but enhanced stem cell maintenance at 2 wk compared to cultures without added GDNF. These data indicate that frozen-thawed bovine spermatogonial stem cells survive cryopreservation and can be maintained during coculture with a feeder cell line in which the maintenance is influenced by GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon M Oatley
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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50
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Vernon EM, Oppenheim RW, Johnson JE. Distinct muscle targets do not vary in the developmental regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. J Comp Neurol 470:317-329,2004. J Comp Neurol 2004; 470:330-7. [PMID: 14755520 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Developing neurons depend on many target-derived signals. One of these signals is the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Exogenous application of BDNF in vitro and in vivo rescues a population of lumbar motoneurons from programmed cell death. Given that BDNF does not rescue all motoneurons and that motoneurons differ in trophic factor receptor expression, subpopulations of motoneurons may have different sensitivities to the factor. These differences may be reflected in distinct target muscles specialized to produce different protein concentrations, or muscles may contain equal amounts of the factor and receptor expression determines motoneuron responsiveness. By using a sensitive electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), we measured normal developmental changes in BDNF protein concentration in anatomically and functionally distinct chick embryonic thigh muscles from E6 to E18. We found that there were no significant differences in BDNF protein concentration between muscles classified according to function (fast vs. slow) or anatomical position (flexor vs. extensor) and that the quantity of BDNF in the target did not appear to be activity dependent. These results suggest that, during development, the differences in the response of motoneurons to BDNF are not due to the anatomical or functional diversity of muscle targets. J. Comp. Neurol. 470:330-337, 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Marie Vernon
- Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
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