Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor: hypoxia-inducible expression in vitro and stimulation of neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Cytokine polarized, alternatively activated bone marrow neutrophils drive axon regeneration

The adult central nervous system (CNS) possesses a limited capacity for self-repair. Severed CNS axons typically fail to regrow. There is an unmet need for treatments designed to enhance neuronal viability, facilitate axon regeneration and ultimately restore lost neurological functions to individuals affected by traumatic CNS injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other neurological disorders. Here we demonstrate that both mouse and human bone marrow neutrophils, when polarized with a combination of recombinant interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), upregulate alternative activation markers and produce an array of growth factors, thereby gaining the capacity to promote neurite outgrowth. Moreover, adoptive transfer of IL-4/G-CSF-polarized bone marrow neutrophils into experimental models of CNS injury triggered substantial axon regeneration within the optic nerve and spinal cord. These findings have far-reaching implications for the future development of autologous myeloid cell-based therapies that may bring us closer to effective solutions for reversing CNS damage.

The astrocyte-produced growth factor HB-EGF limits autoimmune CNS pathology

Central nervous system (CNS)-resident cells such as microglia, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes are gaining increasing attention in respect to their contribution to CNS pathologies including multiple sclerosis (MS). Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of pro-inflammatory glial subsets in the pathogenesis and propagation of inflammatory events in MS and its animal models. However, it has only recently become clear that the underlying heterogeneity of astrocytes and microglia can not only drive inflammation, but also lead to its resolution through direct and indirect mechanisms. Failure of these tissue-protective mechanisms may potentiate disease and increase the risk of conversion to progressive stages of MS, for which currently available therapies are limited. Using proteomic analyses of cerebrospinal fluid specimens from patients with MS in combination with experimental studies, we here identify Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) as a central mediator of tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects important for the recovery from acute inflammatory lesions in CNS autoimmunity. Hypoxic conditions drive the rapid upregulation of HB-EGF by astrocytes during early CNS inflammation, while pro-inflammatory conditions suppress trophic HB-EGF signaling through epigenetic modifications. Finally, we demonstrate both anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects of HB-EGF in a broad variety of cell types in vitro and use intranasal administration of HB-EGF in acute and post-acute stages of autoimmune neuroinflammation to attenuate disease in a preclinical mouse model of MS. Altogether, we identify astrocyte-derived HB-EGF and its epigenetic regulation as a modulator of autoimmune CNS inflammation and potential therapeutic target in MS.

Modeling methamphetamine use disorder and relapse in animals: short- and long-term epigenetic, transcriptional., and biochemical consequences in the rat brain

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by binge drug taking episodes, intervals of abstinence, and relapses to drug use even during treatment. MUD has been modeled in rodents and investigators are attempting to identify its molecular bases. Preclinical experiments have shown that different schedules of methamphetamine self-administration can cause diverse transcriptional changes in the dorsal striatum of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present review, we present data on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the rat striatum following methamphetamine intake. These include genes involved in transcription regulation, potassium channel function, and neuroinflammation. We then use the striatal data to discuss the potential significance of the molecular changes induced by methamphetamine by reviewing concordant or discordant data from the literature. This review identified potential molecular targets for pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, there is a need for more research on methamphetamine-induced transcriptional consequences in various brain regions. These data should provide a more detailed neuroanatomical map of methamphetamine-induced changes and should better inform therapeutic interventions against MUD.

Cytokine polarized, alternatively activated bone marrow neutrophils drive axon regeneration

The adult central nervous system (CNS) possesses a limited capacity for self-repair. Severed CNS axons typically fail to regrow. There is an unmet need for treatments designed to enhance neuronal viability, facilitate axon regeneration, and ultimately restore lost neurological functions to individuals affected by traumatic CNS injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological disorders. Here we demonstrate that both mouse and human bone marrow (BM) neutrophils, when polarized with a combination of recombinant interleukin (IL)-4 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), upregulate alternative activation markers and produce an array of growth factors, thereby gaining the capacity to promote neurite outgrowth. Moreover, adoptive transfer of IL-4/G-CSF polarized BM neutrophils into experimental models of CNS injury triggered substantial axon regeneration within the optic nerve and spinal cord. These findings have far-reaching implications for the future development of autologous myeloid cell-based therapies that may bring us closer to effective solutions for reversing CNS damage.

Spinal cord repair is modulated by the neurogenic factor Hb-egf under direction of a regeneration-associated enhancer

Unlike adult mammals, zebrafish regenerate spinal cord tissue and recover locomotor ability after a paralyzing injury. Here, we find that ependymal cells in zebrafish spinal cords produce the neurogenic factor Hb-egfa upon transection injury. Animals with hb-egfa mutations display defective swim capacity, axon crossing, and tissue bridging after spinal cord transection, associated with disrupted indicators of neuron production. Local recombinant human HB-EGF delivery alters ependymal cell cycling and tissue bridging, enhancing functional regeneration. Epigenetic profiling reveals a tissue regeneration enhancer element (TREE) linked to hb-egfa that directs gene expression in spinal cord injuries. Systemically delivered recombinant AAVs containing this zebrafish TREE target gene expression to crush injuries of neonatal, but not adult, murine spinal cords. Moreover, enhancer-based HB-EGF delivery by AAV administration improves axon densities after crush injury in neonatal cords. Our results identify Hb-egf as a neurogenic factor necessary for innate spinal cord regeneration and suggest strategies to improve spinal cord repair in mammals.

Kidins220 sets the threshold for survival of neural stem cells and progenitors to sustain adult neurogenesis

In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) located in highly restricted niches sustain the generation of new neurons that integrate into existing circuits. A reduction in adult neurogenesis is linked to ageing and neurodegeneration, whereas dysregulation of proliferation and survival of NSCs have been hypothesized to be at the origin of glioma. Thus, unravelling the molecular underpinnings of the regulated activation that NSCs must undergo to proliferate and generate new progeny is of considerable relevance. Current research has identified cues promoting or restraining NSCs activation. Yet, whether NSCs depend on external signals to survive or if intrinsic factors establish a threshold for sustaining their viability remains elusive, even if this knowledge could involve potential for devising novel therapeutic strategies. Kidins220 (Kinase D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa) is an essential effector of crucial pathways for neuronal survival and differentiation. It is dramatically altered in cancer and in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, emerging as a regulatory molecule with important functions in human disease. Herein, we discover severe neurogenic deficits and hippocampal-based spatial memory defects accompanied by increased neuroblast death and high loss of newly formed neurons in Kidins220 deficient mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Kidins220-dependent activation of AKT in response to EGF restraints GSK3 activity preventing NSCs apoptosis. We also show that NSCs with Kidins220 can survive with lower concentrations of EGF than the ones lacking this molecule. Hence, Kidins220 levels set a molecular threshold for survival in response to mitogens, allowing adult NSCs growth and expansion. Our study identifies Kidins220 as a key player for sensing the availability of growth factors to sustain adult neurogenesis, uncovering a molecular link that may help paving the way towards neurorepair.

Organization of self-advantageous niche by neural stem/progenitor cells during development via autocrine VEGF-A under hypoxia

BACKGROUND

Tissue stem cells are confined within a special microenvironment called niche. Stem cells in such a niche are supplied with nutrients and contacted by other cells to maintain their characters and also to keep or expand their population size. Besides, oxygen concentration is a key factor for stem cell niche. Adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are known to reside in a hypoxic niche. Oxygen concentration levels are lower in fetal organs including brain than maternal organs. However, how fetal NSPCs adapt to the hypoxic environment during brain development, particularly before pial and periventricular vessels start to invade the telencephalon, has not fully been elucidated.

METHODS

NSPCs were prepared from cerebral cortices of embryonic day (E) 11.5 or E14.5 mouse embryos and were enriched by 4-day incubation with FGF2. To evaluate NSPC numbers, neurosphere formation assay was performed. Sparsely plated NSPCs were cultured to form neurospheres under the hypoxic (1% O₂) or normoxic condition. VEGF-A secreted from NSPCs in the culture medium was measured by ELISA. VEGF-A expression and Hif-1a in the developing brain was investigated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Here we show that neurosphere formation of embryonic NSPCs is dramatically increased under hypoxia compared to normoxia. Vegf-A gene expression and its protein secretion were both up-regulated in the NSPCs under hypoxia. Either recombinant VEGF-A or conditioned medium of the hypoxic NSPC culture enhanced the neurosphere forming ability of normoxic NSPCs, which was attenuated by a VEGF-A signaling inhibitor. Furthermore, in the developing brain, VEGF-A was strongly expressed in the VZ where NSPCs are confined.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that NSPCs secret VEGF-A in an autocrine fashion to efficiently maintain themselves under hypoxic developmental environment. Our results suggest that NSPCs have adaptive potential to respond to hypoxia to organize self-advantageous niche involving VEGF-A when the vascular system is immature.

A Potential Strategy for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders by Regulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Human Brain

Abstract:

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a multistage mechanism that continues throughout the lifespan of human and non-human mammals. These adult-born neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) play a significant role in various hippocampus-dependent processes, including learning, mood regulation, pattern recognition, etc. Reduction of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, caused by multiple factors such as neurological disorders and aging, would impair neuronal proliferation and differentiation and result in memory loss. Accumulating studies have indicated that functional neuron impairment could be restored by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In this review, we summarized the small molecules that could efficiently promote the process of adult neurogenesis, particularly the agents that have the capacity of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and showed in vivo efficacy in mammalian brains. This may pave the way for the rational design of drugs to treat humnan neurodegenerative disorders in the future.

Elevated HB-EGF expression in neural stem cells causes middle age obesity by suppressing Hypocretin/Orexin expression

Obesity is common in the middle aged population and it increases the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and dementia. Yet, its etiology remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that ectopic expression of HB-EGF, an important regulator of neurogenesis, in Nestin⁺ neuroepithelial progenitors with the Cre-LoxP system leads to development of spontaneous middle age obesity in male mice accompanied by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The Nestin-HB-EGF mice show decreases in food uptake, energy expenditure, and physical activity, suggesting that reduced energy expenditure underlies the pathogenesis of this obesity model. However, HB-EGF expression in appetite-controlling POMC or AgRP neurons or adipocytes fails to induce obesity. Mechanistically, HB-EGF suppresses expression of Hypocretin/Orexin, an orexigenic neuropeptide hormone, in the hypothalamus of middle aged Nestin-HB-EGF mice. Hypothalamus Orexin administration alleviates the obese and hyperglycemic phenotypes in Nestin-HB-EGF mice. This study uncovers an important role for HB-EGF in regulating Orexin expression and energy expenditure and establishes a midlife obesity model whose pathogenesis involves age-dependent changes in hypothalamus neurons.

Human Muse cells-derived neural precursor cells as the novel seed cells for the repair of spinal cord injury

At present, stem cell transplantation has a significant therapeutic effect on spinal cord injury (SCI), however, it is still challenging for the seed cells selection. In this study, in order to explore cells with wide neural repair potentials, we selected the pluripotent stem cells multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells, inducing the in vitro differentiation of human Muse cells into neural precursor cells (Muse-NPCs) by applying neural induction medium. Here, we found induced Muse-NPCs expressed neural stem cell markers Nestin and NCAM, capable of differentiating into three types of neural cells (neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte), and have certain biological functions. When Muse-NPCs were transplanted into rats suffering from T10 SCI, motor function was improved. These results provide an insight for application of Muse-NPCs in cell therapy or tissue engineering for the repair of SCI in future.

Activation of the δ opioid receptor relieves cerebral ischemic injury in rats via EGFR transactivation

Delta opioids are thought to relieve ischemic injury and have tissue-protective properties. However, the detailed mechanisms of delta opioids have not been well identified. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have been shown to mediate downstream signals of δ opioid receptor (δOR) activation through the metalloproteinase (MMP)-dependent EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) excretion pathway, which is called transactivation. In this study, to investigate the role of EGFR in δOR-induced anti-ischemic effects in the brain, we applied the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model followed by reperfusion to mimic ischemic stroke injury in rats. Pre-treatment with the δOR agonist [D-ala², D-leu⁵] enkephalin (DADLE) improved the neurologic deficits and the decreased infarct volume caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, which were blocked by the EGFR inhibitor AG1478 and the MMP inhibitor GM6001, respectively. Further results indicated that DADLE activated EGFR, Akt and ERK1/2 and upregulated EGFR expression in the hippocampus in a time-dependent manner, which were inhibited by AG1478 and GM6001. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that δOR activation led to an increase in HB-EGF release, but HB-EGF in tissue was downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, this protective action caused by δOR agonists may involve attenuated hippocampal cellular apoptosis. Overall, these results demonstrate that MMP-mediated transactivation of EGFR is essential for δOR agonist-induced MCAO/reperfusion injury relief. These findings provide a potential molecular mechanism for the neuroprotective property of δOR and may add new insight into mitigating or preventing injury.

APP Binds to the EGFR Ligands HB-EGF and EGF, Acting Synergistically with EGF to Promote ERK Signaling and Neuritogenesis

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein central to Alzheimer's disease (AD) with functions in brain development and plasticity, including in neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) are well-described neurotrophic and neuromodulator EGFR ligands, both implicated in neurological disorders, including AD. Pro-HB-EGF arose as a putative novel APP interactor in a human brain cDNA library yeast two-hybrid screen. Based on their structural and functional similarities, we first aimed to verify if APP could bind to (HB-)EGF proforms. Here, we show that APP interacts with these two EGFR ligands, and further characterized the effects of APP-EGF interaction in ERK activation and neuritogenesis. Yeast co-transformation and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed APP interaction with HB-EGF. Co-immunoprecipitation also revealed that APP binds to cellular pro-EGF. Overexpression of HB-EGF in HeLa cells, or exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to EGF, both resulted in increased APP protein levels. EGF and APP were observed to synergistically activate the ERK pathway, crucial for neuronal differentiation. Immunofluorescence analysis of cellular neuritogenesis in APP overexpression and EGF exposure conditions confirmed a synergistic effect in promoting the number and the mean length of neurite-like processes. Synergistic ERK activation and neuritogenic effects were completely blocked by the EGFR inhibitor PD 168393, implying APP/EGF-induced activation of EGFR as part of the mechanism. This work shows novel APP protein interactors and provides a major insight into the APP/EGF-driven mechanisms underlying neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation, with potential relevance for AD and for adult neuroregeneration.

Locally administered heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor reduces radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice

Oral mucositis refers to lesions of the oral mucosa observed in patients with cancer being treated with radiation with or without chemotherapy, and can significantly affect quality of life. There is a large unmet medical need to prevent oral mucositis that can occur with radiation either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. We investigated the efficacy of locally administered heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a potent epithelial proliferation and migration stimulator of the oral mucosa as a potential therapy to prevent radiation induced oral mucositis. Using a single dose (20 Gy) of radiation to the oral cavity of female C57BL/6 J mice, we evaluated the efficacy of HB-EGF treatment (5 µl of 10 µg/ml) solution. The results show that HB-EGF delivered post radiation, significantly increased the area of epithelial thickness on the tongue (dorsal tongue (42,106 vs 53,493 µm2, p < 0.01), ventral tongue (30,793 vs 39,095 µm2, *p < 0.05)) compared to vehicle control, enhanced new epithelial cell division, and increased the quality and quantity of desmosomes in the oral mucosa measured in the tongue and buccal mucosa. This data provides the proof of concept that local administration of HB-EGF has the potential to be developed as a topical treatment to mitigate oral mucositis following radiation.

Protective Functions of Reactive Astrocytes Following Central Nervous System Insult

Astrocytes play important roles in numerous central nervous system disorders including autoimmune inflammatory, hypoxic, and degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the spatial and temporal context, activated astrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis, progression, and recovery of disease. Recent progress in the dissection of transcriptional responses to varying forms of central nervous system insult has shed light on the mechanisms that govern the complexity of reactive astrocyte functions. While a large body of research focuses on the pathogenic effects of reactive astrocytes, little is known about how they limit inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration. However, these protective astrocyte pathways might be of relevance for the understanding of the underlying pathology in disease and may lead to novel targeted approaches to treat autoimmune inflammatory and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In this review article, we have revisited the emerging concept of protective astrocyte functions and discuss their role in the recovery from inflammatory and ischemic disease as well as their role in degenerative disorders. Focusing on soluble astrocyte derived mediators, we aggregate the existing knowledge on astrocyte functions in the maintenance of homeostasis as well as their reparative and tissue-protective function after acute lesions and in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we give an outlook of how these mediators may guide future therapeutic strategies to tackle yet untreatable disorders of the central nervous system.

RNA-Seq Analyses Reveal That Endothelial Activation and Fibrosis Are Induced Early and Progressively by Besnoitia besnoiti Host Cell Invasion and Proliferation

The pathogenesis of bovine besnoitiosis and the molecular bases that govern disease progression remain to be elucidated. Thus, we have employed an in vitro model of infection based on primary bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), target cells during the acute infection. Host-parasite interactions were investigated by RNA-Seq at two post-infection (pi) time points: 12 hpi, when tachyzoites have already invaded host cells, and 32 hpi, when tachyzoites have replicated for at least two generations. Additionally, the gene expression profile of B. besnoiti tachyzoites was studied at both pi time points. Up to 446 differentially expressed B. taurus genes (DEGs) were found in BAEC between both pi time points: 249 DEGs were up-regulated and 197 DEGs were down-regulated at 32 hpi. Upregulation of different genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, leukocyte adhesion molecules predominantly at 12 hpi implies an activation of endothelial cells, whilst upregulation of genes involved in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix organization was detected at both time points. NF-κB and TNF-α signaling pathways appeared to be mainly modulated upon infection, coordinating the expression of several effector proteins with proinflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotypes. These mediators are thought to be responsible for macrophage recruitment setting the basis for chronic inflammation and fibrosis characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis. Angiogenesis regulation also predominated, and this multistep process was evidenced by the upregulation of markers involved in both early (e.g., growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases) and late steps (e.g., integrins and vasohibin). Besnoitia besnoiti ortholog genes present in other Toxoplasmatinae members and involved in the lytic cycle have shown to be differentially expressed among the two time points studied, with a higher expression at 32 hpi (e.g., ROP40, ROP5B, MIC1, MIC10). This study gives molecular clues on B. besnoiti- BAECs interaction and shows the progression of type II endothelial cell activation upon parasite invasion and proliferation.

Exosomal 2',3'-CNP from mesenchymal stem cells promotes hippocampus CA1 neurogenesis/neuritogenesis and contributes to rescue of cognition/learning deficiencies of damaged brain

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in clinical studies to treat neurological diseases and damage. However, implanted MSCs do not achieve their regenerative effects by differentiating into and replacing neural cells. Instead, MSC secretome components mediate the regenerative effects of MSCs. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes carry cargo responsible for rescuing brain damage. We previously showed that EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes have enhanced regenerative potential to rescue hippocampal damage, compared with EVs/exosomes from untreated MSCs. Here we show that EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes promote neurosphere formation in vitro and increase neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi; basal MSC EVs/exosomes do not contribute to these regenerative effects. 2',3'-Cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) levels in EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes are 20-fold higher than CNP levels in basal MSC EVs/exosomes. Decreasing elevated exosomal CNP levels in EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes reduced the efficacy of these EVs/exosomes in promoting β3-tubulin polymerization and in converting toxic 2',3'-cAMP into neuroprotective adenosine. CNP-depleted EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes lost the ability to promote neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi. Systemic administration of EV/exosomes from EP₄ -antagonist derived MSC EVs/exosomes repaired cognition, learning, and memory deficiencies in mice caused by hippocampal damage. In contrast, CNP-depleted EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes failed to repair this damage. Exosomal CNP contributes to the ability of EP₄ antagonist-elicited MSC EVs/exosomes to promote neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi and recovery of cognition, memory, and learning. This experimental approach should be generally applicable to identifying the role of EV/exosomal components in eliciting a variety of biological responses.

Influence of Growth Factors on the Development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Growth factors have important roles in gastrointestinal tract development, maintenance, and response to injury. Various experiments have been used to demonstrate growth factor influence in multiple disease processes. These studies demonstrated enhancement of mucosal proliferation, intestinal motility, immune modulation, and many other beneficial effects. Select growth factors, including epidermal growth factor and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor, demonstrate some beneficial effects in experimental and clinical intestinal injury demonstrated in necrotizing enterocolitis. The roles of glucagon-like peptide 2, insulin-like growth factor 1, erythropoietin, growth hormone, and hepatocyte growth factor in necrotizing enterocolitis are summarized in this article.

ADAM9 contributes to vascular invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

A disintegrin and a metalloprotease (ADAM)‐9 is a metzincin cell‐surface protease with strongly elevated expression in solid tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) of a tissue microarray (TMA) to examine the expression of ADAM9 in a cohort of >100 clinically annotated PDAC cases. We report that ADAM9 is prominently expressed by PDAC tumor cells, and increased ADAM9 expression levels correlate with poor tumor grading (P = 0.027) and the presence of vasculature invasion (P = 0.017). We employed gene expression silencing to generate a loss‐of‐function system for ADAM9 in two established PDAC cell lines. In vitro analysis showed that loss of ADAM9 does not impede cellular proliferation and invasiveness in basement membrane. However, ADAM9 plays a crucial role in mediating cell migration and adhesion to extracellular matrix substrates such as fibronectin, tenascin, and vitronectin. This effect appears to depend on its catalytic activity. In addition, ADAM9 facilitates anchorage‐independent growth. In AsPC1 cells, but not in MiaPaCa‐2 cells, we noted a pronounced yet heterogeneous impact of ADAM9 on the abundance of various integrins, a process that we characterized as post‐translational regulation. Sprout formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is promoted by ADAM9, as examined by transfer of cancer cell conditioned medium; this finding further supports a pro‐angiogenic role of ADAM9 expressed by PDAC cancer cells. Immunoblotting analysis of cancer cell conditioned medium highlighted that ADAM9 regulates the levels of angiogenic factors, including shed heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF). Finally, we carried out orthotopic seeding of either wild‐type AsPC‐1 cells or AsPC‐1 cells with silenced ADAM9 expression into murine pancreas. In this in vivo setting, ADAM9 was also found to foster angiogenesis without an impact on tumor cell proliferation. In summary, our results characterize ADAM9 as an important regulator in PDAC tumor biology with a strong pro‐angiogenic impact.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor attenuates lung inflammation and injury in a murine model of pulmonary emphysema

Pulmonary inflammation and progressive lung destruction are the major causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in emphysema and irreversible pulmonary dysfunction. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), is known to play a protective role in the process of various inflammatory diseases. However, its effect on COPD is poorly understood. This study was designed to determine the effect of HB-EGF on lung inflammation and injury in a murine model of pulmonary emphysema. HB-EGF promoted percent survival and body weight, attenuated lung injury, inflammatory cells, and cytokines infiltration, and prevented lung function decline. Additionally, treatment of rHB-EGF suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65, decreased TUNEL-positive cells and the expression of caspase 3, and increased the expression of PCNA, HB-EGF, and EGF receptor (EGFR). We conclude that HB-EGF attenuates lung inflammation and injury, probably through the activation of EGFR, followed by suppression of NF-ΚB signalling, promotion of cell proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis.

Rapamycin mediates mTOR signaling in reactive astrocytes and reduces retinal ganglion cell loss

Damage and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can cause visual impairment. The underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate RGC death in ischemic retinal diseases are still unclear. In this study, we sought to understand the neuroprotective effect of rapamycin, the selective inhibitor of mTORC1, on RGC survival and the cellular mechanics that mediate this effect. Recent studies have reported that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor shows an increase in expression in astrocytes after injury, and this receptor can promote their transformation into reactive astrocytes. Our results, along with previous works from others, show the colocalization of phosphor-EGF receptors with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic proteins in reactive astrocytes in the injured retina. In our in vitro studies, using primary astrocyte cultures of the optic nerve head of rats, showed that rapamycin significantly blocked EGF-induced mTOR signaling mainly through the PI3K/Akt pathway in primary astrocytes, but not through the MAPK/Erk pathway. Additionally, rapamycin dramatically inhibited the activation of mTOR signaling in our ratinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury model in vivo. Astrocyte activation was assessed by immunostaining retinal flat mounts or cross sections with antibody against GFAP, and we also used western blots to detect the expression of GFAP. Taken together, these results revealed that rapamycin decreases the activation of astrocytes after retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, rapamycin can improve retinal RGC survival in rats during I/R, as detected by FluoroGold labeling. Our data reveals the neuroprotective effects of rapamycin in an experimental retina injury model, possibly through decreasing glial-dependent intracellular signaling mechanisms for suppressing apoptosis of RGCs. Our study also presents an approach to targeting reactive astrocytes for the treatment of optic neurodegenerations.

Neural stem cell therapies and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult as well as in the neonate. Extensive pre-clinical studies have shown promising therapeutic effects of neural stem cell-based treatments for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. There are two major strategies of neural stem cell-based therapies: transplanting exogenous neural stem cells and boosting self-repair of endogenous neural stem cells. Neural stem cell transplantation has been proved to improve functional recovery after brain injury through multiple by-stander mechanisms (e.g., neuroprotection, immunomodulation), rather than simple cell-replacement. Endogenous neural stem cells reside in certain neurogenic niches of the brain and response to brain injury. Many molecules (e.g., neurotrophic factors) can stimulate or enhance proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells after injury. In this review, we first present an overview of neural stem cells during normal brain development and the effect of hypoxic-ischemic injury on the activation and function of endogenous neural stem cells in the brain. We then summarize and discuss the current knowledge of strategies and mechanisms for neural stem cell-based therapies on brain hypoxic-ischemic injury, including neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and adult ischemic stroke.

HB-EGF expression as a potential biomarker of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma

CONCLUSIONS

The heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) plays an essential role in the development and invasiveness of cholesteatoma. This study may help to realize the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma and make HB-EGF a promising target for drug intervention of cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE

To detect HB-EGF expression in human surgical specimens of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and analyze its functional role as a regulator of epithelial keratinocytes hyperproliferation.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients who underwent surgical treatment for middle ear cholesteatoma were recruited in the study. The mRNA and protein expression of HB-EGF in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues and normal postauricular skin tissues was investigated by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blot. The correlation between bone resorption degree and HB-EGF expression was also analyzed.

RESULTS

On average, compared with normal postauricular skin, expression of HB-EGF mRNA in the cholesteatoma epithelium was significantly elevated 2.41-fold by RT-qPCR, and HB-EGF protein significantly upregulated 2.32-fold by western blot. Positive HB-EGF immunostaining observed in the basal and suprabasal layers of cholesteatoma epithelium was significantly stronger than in normal postauricular skin. Meanwhile, an obviously positive correlation between HB-EGF protein expression and bone resorption degree was discovered.

Systems biology approach to late-onset Alzheimer's disease genome-wide association study identifies novel candidate genes validated using brain expression data and Caenorhabditis elegans experiments

INTRODUCTION

We sought to determine whether a systems biology approach may identify novel late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) loci.

METHODS

We performed gene-wide association analyses and integrated results with human protein-protein interaction data using network analyses. We performed functional validation on novel genes using a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Aβ proteotoxicity model and evaluated novel genes using brain expression data from people with LOAD and other neurodegenerative conditions.

RESULTS

We identified 13 novel candidate LOAD genes outside chromosome 19. Of those, RNA interference knockdowns of the C. elegans orthologs of UBC, NDUFS3, EGR1, and ATP5H were associated with Aβ toxicity, and NDUFS3, SLC25A11, ATP5H, and APP were differentially expressed in the temporal cortex.

DISCUSSION

Network analyses identified novel LOAD candidate genes. We demonstrated a functional role for four of these in a C. elegans model and found enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the temporal cortex.

A mechanism for sickness sleep: lessons from invertebrates

During health, animal sleep is regulated by an internal clock and by the duration of prior wakefulness. During sickness, sleep is regulated by cytokines released from either peripheral cells or from cells within the nervous system. These cytokines regulate central nervous system neurons to induce sleep. Recent research in the invertebrates Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster has led to new insights into the mechanism of sleep during sickness. Sickness is triggered by exposure to environments such as infection, heat, or ultraviolet light irradiation, all of which cause cellular stress. Epidermal growth factor is released from stressed cells and signals to activate central neuroendocrine cell(s). These neuron(s) release neuropeptides including those containing an amidated arginine(R)-phenylalanine(F) motif at their C-termini (RFamide peptides). Importantly, mechanisms regulating sickness sleep are partially distinct from those regulating healthy sleep. We will here review key findings that have elucidated the central neuroendocrine mechanism of sleep during sickness. Adaptive mechanisms employed in the control of sickness sleep may play a role in correcting cellular homeostasis after various insults. We speculate that these mechanisms may play a maladaptive role in human pathological conditions such as in the fatigue and anorexia associated with autoimmune diseases, with major depression, and with unexplained chronic fatigue.

Role for Egr1 in the Transcriptional Program Associated with Neuronal Differentiation of PC12 Cells

PC12 cells are a well-established model to study how differences in signal transduction duration can elicit distinct cell behaviors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates transient ERK signaling in PC12 cells that lasts 30–60 min, which in turn promotes proliferation; nerve growth factor (NGF) activates more sustained ERK signaling that lasts 4–6 h, which in turns induces neuronal differentiation. Data presented here extend a previous study by Mullenbrock et al. (2011) that demonstrated that sustained ERK signaling in response to NGF induces preferential expression of a 69-member gene set compared to transient ERK signaling in response to EGF and that the transcription factors AP-1 and CREB play a major role in the preferential expression of several genes within the set. Here, we examined whether the Egr family of transcription factors also contributes to the preferential expression of the gene set in response to NGF. Our data demonstrate that NGF causes transient induction of all Egr family member transcripts, but a corresponding induction of protein was detected for only Egr1 and 2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments provided clearest evidence that, after induction, Egr1 binds 12 of the 69 genes that are preferentially expressed during sustained ERK signaling. In addition, Egr1 expression and binding upstream of its target genes were both sustained in response to NGF versus EGF within the same timeframe that its targets are preferentially expressed. These data thus provide evidence that Egr1 contributes to the transcriptional program activated by sustained ERK signaling in response to NGF, specifically by contributing to the preferential expression of its target genes identified here.

Nucleolin inhibitor GroA triggers reduction in epidermal growth factor receptor activation: Pharmacological implication for glial scarring after spinal cord injury

Glial scarring, formed by reactive astrocytes, is one of the major impediments for regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Reactive astrocytes become hypertrophic, proliferate and secrete chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans into the extracellular matrix (ECM). Many studies have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) can mediate astrocyte reactivity after neurotrauma. Previously we showed that there is crosstalk between nucleolin and EGFR that leads to increased EGFR activation followed by increased cell proliferation. Treatment with the nucleolin inhibitor GroA (AS1411) prevented these effects in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we hypothesized that similar interactions may mediate astrogliosis after SCI. Our results demonstrate that nucleolin and EGFR interaction may play a pivotal role in mediating astrocyte proliferation and reactivity after SCI. Moreover, we demonstrate that treatment with GroA reduces EGFR activation, astrocyte proliferation and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans secretion, therefore promoting axonal regeneration and sprouting into the lesion site. Our results identify, for the first time, a role for the interaction between nucleolin and EGFR in astrocytes after SCI, indicating that nucleolin inhibitor GroA may be used as a novel treatment after neurotrauma. A major barrier for axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury is glial scar created by reactive and proliferating astrocytes. EGFR mediate astrocyte reactivity. We showed that inhibition of nucleolin by GroA, reduces EGFR activation, which results in attenuation of astrocyte reactivity and proliferation in vivo and in vitro. EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced impairment of Aβ clearance requires HB-EGF-dependent sequential activation of HIF1α and MMP9

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) manifests Alzheimer's Disease (AD) neuropathology, marked by increased amyloid beta (Aβ). Besides, hypoxia stimulates Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) mRNA expression in the hippocampus. However, involvement of HB-EGF in CCH-induced Aβ pathology remains unidentified. Here, using Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion mouse model, we explored the mechanism of HB-EGF regulated Aβ induction in CCH. We found that HB-EGF inhibition suppressed, while exogenous-HB-EGF triggered hippocampal Aβ, proving HB-EGF-dependent Aβ increase. We also detected that HB-EGF affected the expression of primary Aβ transporters, receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1), indicating impaired Aβ clearance across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). An HB-EGF-dependent loss in BBB integrity supported impaired Aβ clearance. The effect of HB-EGF on Amyloid Precursor Protein pathway was relatively insignificant, suggesting a lesser effect on Aβ generation. Delving into BBB disruption mechanism demonstrated HB-EGF-mediated stimulation of Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP9), which affected BBB via HB-EGF-ectodomain shedding and epidermal growth factor receptor activation. Examining the intersection of HB-EGF-regulated pathway and hypoxia revealed HB-EGF-dependent increase in transcription factor, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF1α). Further, via binding to hypoxia-responsive elements in MMP9 gene, HIF1α stimulated MMP9 expression, and therefore appeared as a prominent intermediary in HB-EGF-induced BBB damage. Overall, our study reveals the essential role of HB-EGF in triggering CCH-mediated Aβ accumulation. The proposed mechanism involves an HB-EGF-dependent HIF1α increase, generating MMP9 that stimulates soluble-HB-EGF/EGFR-induced BBB disintegration. Consequently, CCH-mediated hippocampal RAGE and LRP-1 deregulation together with BBB damage impair Aβ transport and clearance where HB-EGF plays a pivotal role.

K, Subbarao N. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation study of EGFR1 with EGF-like peptides to understand molecular interactions

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are oncogenes, which regulate the expression of genes in various pathways, allowing cells to grow and divide.

Fingolimod induces neuroprotective factors in human astrocytes

Background

Fingolimod (FTY720) is the first sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The phosphorylated active metabolite FTY720-phosphate (FTY-P) interferes with lymphocyte trafficking. In addition, it accumulates in the CNS and reduces brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS), and neuroprotective effects are hypothesized.

Methods

Human primary astrocytes as well as human astrocytoma cells were stimulated with FTY-P or S1P. We analyzed gene expression by a genome-wide microarray and validated induced candidate genes by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA. To identify the S1P-receptor subtypes involved, we applied a membrane-impermeable S1P analog (dihydro-S1P), receptor subtype specific agonists and antagonists, as well as RNAi silencing.

Results

FTY-P induced leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interleukin 11 (IL11), and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) mRNA, as well as secretion of LIF and IL11 protein. In order to mimic an inflammatory milieu as observed in active MS lesions, we combined FTY-P application with tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In the presence of this key inflammatory cytokine, FTY-P synergistically induced LIF, HBEGF, and IL11 mRNA, as well as secretion of LIF and IL11 protein. TNF itself induced inflammatory, B-cell promoting, and antiviral factors (CXCL10, BAFF, MX1, and OAS2). Their induction was blocked by FTY-P. After continuous exposure of cells to FTY-P or S1P for up to 7 days, the extent of induction of neurotrophic factors and the suppression of TNF-induced inflammatory genes declined but was still detectable. The induction of neurotrophic factors was mediated via surface S1P receptors 1 (S1PR1) and 3 (S1PR3).

Conclusions

We identified effects of FTY-P on astrocytes, namely induction of neurotrophic mediators (LIF, HBEGF, and IL11) and inhibition of TNF-induced inflammatory genes (CXCL10, BAFF, MX1, and OAS2). This supports the view that a part of the effects of fingolimod may be mediated via astrocytes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0393-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cypermethrin Stimulates GSK3β-Dependent Aβ and p-tau Proteins and Cognitive Loss in Young Rats: Reduced HB-EGF Signaling and Downstream Neuroinflammation as Critical Regulators

Pesticide exposure is recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated early signs of AD-like pathology upon exposure to a pyrethroid pesticide, cypermethrin, reported to impair neurodevelopment. We treated weanling rats with cypermethrin (10 and 25 mg/kg) and detected dose-dependent increase in the key proteins of AD, amyloid beta (Aβ), and phospho-tau, in frontal cortex and hippocampus as early as postnatal day 45. Upregulation of Aβ pathway involved an increase in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its pro-amyloidogenic processing through beta-secretase (BACE) and gamma-secretase. Tau pathway entailed elevation in tau and glycogen-synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK3β)-dependent, phospho-tau. GSK3β emerged as a molecular link between the two pathways, evident from reduction in phospho-tau as well as BACE upon treating GSK3β inhibitor, lithium chloride. Exploring the mechanism revealed an attenuated heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) signaling and downstream astrogliosis-mediated neuroinflammation to be responsible for inducing Aβ and phospho-tau. Cypermethrin caused a proximal reduction in HB-EGF, which promoted astrocytic nuclear factor kappa B signaling and astroglial activation close to Aβ and phospho-tau. Glial activation stimulated generation of interleukin-1 (IL-1), which upregulated GSK3β, and APP and tau as well, resulting in co-localization of Aβ and phospho-tau with IL-1 receptor. Intracerebral insertion of exogenous HB-EGF restored its own signaling and suppressed neuroinflammation and thereby Aβ and phospho-tau in cypermethrin-exposed rats, proving a central role of reduced HB-EGF signaling in cypermethrin-mediated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, cypermethrin stimulated cognitive impairments, which could be prevented by exogenous HB-EGF. Our data demonstrate that cypermethrin induces premature upregulation of GSK3β-dependent Aβ and tau pathways, where HB-EGF signaling and neuroinflammation serve as essential regulators.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 inhibits adult neurogenesis and is regulated by fractone-associated heparan sulfates in the subventricular zone

Fractones are extracellular matrix structures that display a fractal ultrastructure and that are visualized as puncta after immunolabeling for laminin or heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In the adult brain, fractones are found throughout the subventricular zone (SVZ). The role of fractones is just emerging. We have recently shown that fractones sequester fibroblast growth factor-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-7 from the brain ventricles to regulate cell proliferation in the SVZ of the lateral ventricle, the primary neural stem cell niche and neurogenic zone in adulthood. Here, we have examined in vivo the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) on cell proliferation in the SVZ and we have determined whether BMP-4 interacts with fractones to promote this effect. To examine BMP-4 effect on cell proliferation, BMP-4 was intracerebroventricularly injected, and bromodeoxyuridine immunolabeling was performed on frozen sections of the adult mouse brain. To identify the location of BMP-4 binding, biotinylated-BMP-4 was injected, and its binding localized post-mortem with streptavidin, Texas red conjugate. Injection of heparitinase-1 was used to desulfate fractones and determine whether the binding and the effect of BMP-4 on cell proliferation are heparan sulfate-dependent. BMP-4 inhibited cell proliferation in the SVZ neurogenic zone. Biotinylated-BMP-4 bound to fractones and some adjacent blood vessels. Co-injection of heparitinase-1 and biotinylated-BMP-4 resulted in the absence of signal for biotinylated-BMP-4, indicating that the binding was heparan sulfate dependent. Moreover, preventing the binding of BMP-4 to fractones by heparitinase-1 reinforced the inhibitory effect of BMP-4 on cell proliferation in the SVZ. These results show that BMP-4 inhibits cell proliferation in the SVZ neurogenic zone and that the binding of BMP-4 to fractone-associated heparan sulfates moderates this inhibitory effect. Together with our previous results, these data support the view that fractones capture growth factors and modulate their activity in the neural tissues lining the ventricles.

Herbal medicines for ischemic stroke: combating inflammation as therapeutic targets

Stroke is a debilitating disease for which limited therapeutic approaches are available currently. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing novel therapies for stroke. Astrocytes, endothelial cells and pericytes constitute a neurovascular network for metabolic requirement of neurons. During ischemic stroke, these cells contribute to post-ischemic inflammation at multiple stages of ischemic cascades. Upon ischemia onset, activated resident microglia and astrocytes, and infiltrated immune cells release multiple inflammation factors including cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, free radicals and other small molecules, not only inducing brain damage but affecting brain repair. Recent progress indicates that anti-inflammation is an important therapeutic strategy for stroke. Given a long history with direct experience in the treatment of human subjects, Traditional Chinese Medicine and its related natural compounds are recognized as important sources for drug discovery. Last decade, a great progress has been made to identify active compounds from herbal medicines with the properties of modulating post-ischemic inflammation for neuroprotection. Herein, we discuss the inflammatory pathway in early stage and secondary response to injured tissues after stroke from initial artery occlusion to brain repair, and review the active ingredients from natural products with anti-inflammation and neuroprotection effects as therapeutic agents for ischemic stroke. Further studies on the post-ischemic inflammatory mechanisms and corresponding drug candidates from herbal medicine may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in stroke treatment.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor restores Wnt/β-catenin signaling in intestinal stem cells exposed to ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

We have previously demonstrated that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) protects the intestines from injury in several different experimental animal models. In the current study, we investigated whether the ability of HB-EGF to protect the intestines from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was related to its effects on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in intestinal stem cells (ISC).

METHODS

Lucien-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic (TG) mice with fluorescently labeled ISC, as well as the same mice treated with intraluminal HB-EGF or genetically engineered to overexpress HB-EGF, were exposed to segmental mesenteric artery occlusion (sMAO) to the terminal ilium. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was evaluated using immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting.

RESULTS

LGR5 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the ISC of the terminal ilium of LGR5-EGFP TG mice was significantly reduced 24 hours after sMAO. Intraluminal administration of HB-EGF or HB-EGF overexpression in these mice led to preservation of LGR5 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

CONCLUSION

These data show that HB-EGF preserves Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ISC after I/R injury.

Pericytes and adaptive angioplasticity: the role of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)

The TNF superfamily member TWEAK has emerged as a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates many cellular functions that include immune/inflammatory activity, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and fate. TWEAK through its inducible receptor, FGF-inducible molecule 14 (Fn14), can induce both beneficial and deleterious activity that has a profound effect on cell survival. Thus it is highly likely that TWEAK and Fn14 expressed by cells of the neurovascular unit help regulate and maintain vascular and tissue homeostasis. In this chapter we discuss the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 signaling in the cerebral microvascular pericyte. Pericytes are a highly enigmatic population of microvascular cells that are important in regulatory pathways that modulate physiological angiogenesis in response to chronic mild hypoxic stress. A brief introduction will identify the microvascular pericyte. A more detailed discussion of pericyte TWEAK signaling during adaptive angioplasticity will follow.

Mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord express preferentially secreted factors related to neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising tools for the treatment of diseases such as infarcted myocardia and strokes because of their ability to promote endogenous angiogenesis and neurogenesis via a variety of secreted factors. MSCs found in the Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord are easily obtained and are capable of transplantation without rejection. We isolated MSCs from Wharton’s jelly and bone marrow (WJ-MSCs and BM-MSCs, respectively) and compared their secretomes. It was found that WJ-MSCs expressed more genes, especially secreted factors, involved in angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Functional validation showed that WJ-MSCs induced better neural differentiation and neural cell migration via a paracrine mechanism. Moreover, WJ-MSCs afforded better neuroprotection efficacy because they preferentially enhanced neuronal growth and reduced cell apoptotic death of primary cortical cells in an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) culture model that mimics the acute ischemic stroke situation in humans. In terms of angiogenesis, WJ-MSCs induced better microvasculature formation and cell migration on co-cultured endothelial cells. Our results suggest that WJ-MSC, because of a unique secretome, is a better MSC source to promote in vivo neurorestoration and endothelium repair. This study provides a basis for the development of cell-based therapy and carrying out of follow-up mechanistic studies related to MSC biology.

mTOR activation in immature cells of primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma and anti-tumor effect of rapamycin in vitro and in vivo

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a key pathway in the progression of different cancers and in the homeostasis of stem cells. Here, we investigated the link between mTOR signaling and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We found that human primary NPC expressed embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers: CD133, SOX2 and OCT4 as well as pmTOR and pS6. Primary ESC-positive NPC cells could form secondary NPC in BALB/c nude mice. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, significantly suppressed ESC-positive NPC cell growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Our findings suggest that mTOR signaling is activated in CSC-like cells and plays an important role in NPC growth.

Adult neural stem cells from the subventricular zone: a review of the neurosphere assay

The possibility of obtaining large numbers of cells with potential to become functional neurons implies a great advance in regenerative medicine. A source of cells for therapy is the subventricular zone (SVZ) where adult neural stem cells (NSCs) retain the ability to proliferate, self-renew, and differentiate into several mature cell types. The neurosphere assay, a method to isolate, maintain, and expand these cells has been extensively utilized by research groups to analyze the biological properties of aNSCs and to graft into injured brains from animal models. In this review we briefly describe the neurosphere assay and its limitations, the methods to optimize culture conditions, the identity and the morphology of aNSC-derived neurospheres (including new ultrastructural data). The controversy regarding the identity and "stemness" of cells within the neurosphere is revised. The fine morphology of neurospheres, described thoroughly, allows for phenotypical characterization of cells in the neurospheres and may reveal slight changes that indirectly inform about cell integrity, cell damage, or oncogenic transformation. Along this review we largely highlight the critical points that researchers have to keep in mind before extrapolating results or translating experimental transplantation of neurosphere-derived cells to the clinical setting.

The neurovascular unit and its growth factors: coordinated response in the vascular and nervous systems

The nervous and vascular systems contain many common organizational features and develop similarly in terms of anatomical patterning. During embryogenesis and in regions of the brain undergoing postnatal neurogenesis, neural stem cells and endothelial cells are found in close proximity, or within a so-called vascular niche. The similarities in patterning and proximity may reflect coordinated development based on responsiveness to similar growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, semaphorin, and ephrins/Ephs: molecules involved in the development and maintenance of both the nervous and vascular systems. Despite the blatant similarities between the vascular and nervous systems, little is still known about the co-dependence and/or interactions between the two systems during development and following alterations in metabolic demand as seen during aging, exercise, and disease processes. The interactions between the two systems involving common growth factors suggest these two systems have evolved in an interconnected way.

The role of growth factors in intestinal regeneration and repair in necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease resulting in major neonatal morbidity and mortality. The pathology is poorly understood, and the means of preventing and treating NEC are limited. Several endogenous growth factors have been identified as having important roles in intestinal growth as well as aiding intestinal repair from injury or inflammation. In this review, we will discuss several growth factors as mediators of intestinal regeneration and repair as well as potential therapeutic agents for NEC.

Nardilysin in human brain diseases: both friend and foe

Nardilysin is a metalloprotease that cleaves peptides, such as dynorphin-A, α-neoendorphin, and glucagon, at the N-terminus of arginine and lysine residues in dibasic moieties. It has various functionally important molecular interaction partners (heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, tumour necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme, neuregulin 1, beta-secretase 1, malate dehydrogenase, P42(IP4)/centaurin-α1, the histone H3 dimethyl Lys4, and others) and is involved in a plethora of normal brain functions. Less is known about possible implications of nardilysin for brain diseases. This review, which includes some of our own recent findings, attempts to summarize the current knowledge on possible roles of nardilysin in Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, mood disorders, alcohol abuse, heroin addiction, and cancer. We herein show that nardilysin is a Janus-faced enzyme with regard to brain pathology, being probably neuropathogenic in some diseases, but neuroprotective in others.

Essential roles of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in the brain

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the EGF family of growth factors, which interacts with the EGF receptor to exert mitogenic activity for various types of cells. Through its interactions with various molecules, it is involved in diverse biological processes, including wound healing, blast implantation, and tumor formation. At the same time, HB-EGF is widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and is considered to play pivotal roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Because HB-EGF protein levels in the brain are much higher than those of TGF-α and EGF, it is possible that HB-EGF serves as a major physiologic ligand for the EGF receptor (ErbB1) within the central nervous system. Recent studies indicate that HB-EGF contributes to the neuronal survival and proliferation of glial/stem cells. HB-EGF also promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons, an action mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as by the Akt signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the implications of HB-EGF in higher brain functions of the central nervous system.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor promotes murine enteric nervous system development and enteric neural crest cell migration

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Developmental defects of the enteric nervous system lead to a variety of disorders including Hirschprung disease. We have previously shown that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) exerts neuroprotective effects on injured neurons. The goals of this study were to assess the role of HB-EGF in enteric nervous system development and to evaluate the effect of HB-EGF on enteric neural crest-derived cell (ENCC) migration in the developing gastrointestinal tract of mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HB-EGF immunohistochemistry was used to examine HB-EGF protein expression in the hindgut of embryonic mice. Gut specimens were stained for PGP9.5 (a neuronal cell marker) to examine the extent of ENCC migration in the intestine at different embryonic stages in HB-EGF knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Embryonic gut organ cultures were established to examine the effect of HB-EGF on ENCC migration.

RESULTS

The expression of HB-EGF was limited to the endodermal epithelium of the hindgut in early gestation, but rapidly involved the hindgut mesenchyme after ENCC migrated into this region. ENCC migration was significantly delayed in HB-EGF KO compared with WT embryos, leading to defects in neural colonization of the distal gut in postnatal HB-EGF KO mice. Addition of HB-EGF to WT embryonic intestine significantly promoted ENCC migration, as demonstrated by a significant increase in the ratio of ENCC migration distance toward the distal hindgut/total colon length (78% ± 4% vs 53% ± 2%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion of the HB-EGF gene leads to enteric nervous system developmental defects. HB-EGF stimulates ENCC migration in the gut, supporting a potential role for administration of HB-EGF in the future for the treatment of patients with intestinal neuronal disorders.