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Pollegioni L, Campanini B, Good JM, Motta Z, Murtas G, Buoli Comani V, Pavlidou DC, Mercier N, Mittaz-Crettol L, Sacchi S, Marchesani F. L-serine deficiency: on the properties of the Asn133Ser variant of human phosphoserine phosphatase. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12463. [PMID: 38816452 PMCID: PMC11139964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The non-essential amino acid L-serine is involved in a number of metabolic pathways and in the brain its level is largely due to the biosynthesis from the glycolytic intermediate D-3-phosphoglycerate by the phosphorylated pathway (PP). This cytosolic pathway is made by three enzymes proposed to generate a reversible metabolon named the "serinosome". Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP) catalyses the last and irreversible step, representing the driving force pushing L-serine synthesis. Genetic defects of the PP enzymes result in strong neurological phenotypes. Recently, we identified the homozygous missense variant [NM_004577.4: c.398A > G p.(Asn133Ser)] in the PSPH, the PSP encoding gene, in two siblings with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and a myelopathy. The recombinant Asn133Ser enzyme does not show significant alterations in protein conformation and dimeric oligomerization state, as well as in enzymatic activity and functionality of the reconstructed PP. However, the Asn133Ser variant is less stable than wild-type PSP, a feature also apparent at cellular level. Studies on patients' fibroblasts also highlight a strong decrease in the level of the enzymes of the PP, a partial nuclear and perinuclear localization of variant PSP and a stronger perinuclear aggregates formation. We propose that these alterations contribute to the formation of a dysfunctional serinosome and thus to the observed reduction of L-serine, glycine and D-serine levels (the latter playing a crucial role in modulating NMDA receptors). The characterization of patients harbouring the Asn133Ser PSP substitution allows to go deep into the molecular mechanisms related to L-serine deficit and to suggest treatments to cope with the observed amino acids alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - Barbara Campanini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Good
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Despina-Christina Pavlidou
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noëlle Mercier
- Department of Epileptology, Institution of Lavigny, Lavigny, Switzerland
| | - Laureane Mittaz-Crettol
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
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2
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Zhu Z, Xu S, Wang Z, Delafield DG, Rigby MJ, Lu G, Gu TJ, Liu PK, Ma M, Puglielli L, Li L. CHRISTMAS: Chiral Pair Isobaric Labeling Strategy for Multiplexed Absolute Quantitation of Enantiomeric Amino Acids. Anal Chem 2023; 95:18504-18513. [PMID: 38033201 PMCID: PMC10872458 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) in the d-form are involved in multiple pivotal neurological processes, although their l-enantiomers are most commonly found. Mass spectrometry-based analysis of low-abundance d-AAs has been hindered by challenging enantiomeric separation from l-AAs, low sensitivity for detection, and lack of suitable internal standards for accurate quantification. To address these critical gaps, N,N-dimethyl-l-leucine (l-DiLeu) tags are first validated as novel chiral derivatization reagents for chromatographic separation of 20 pairs of d/l-AAs, allowing the construction of a 4-plex isobaric labeling strategy for enantiomer-resolved quantification through single step tagging. Additionally, the creative design of N,N-dimethyl-d-leucine (d-DiLeu) reagents offers an alternative approach to generate analytically equivalent internal references of d-AAs using d-DiLeu-labeled l-AAs. By labeling cost-effective l-AA standards using paired d- and l-DiLeu, this approach not only enables absolute quantitation of both d-AAs and l-AAs from complex biological matrices with enhanced precision but also significantly boosts the combined signal intensities from all isobaric channels, greatly improving the detection and quantitation of low-abundance AAs, particularly d-AAs. We term this quantitative strategy CHRISTMAS, which stands for chiral pair isobaric labeling strategy for multiplexed absolute quantitation. Leveraging the ion mobility collision cross section (CCS) alignment, interferences from coeluting isomers/isobars are effectively filtered out to provide improved quantitative accuracy. From wild-type and Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse brains, we successfully quantified 20 l-AAs and 5 d-AAs. The significant presence and differential trends of certain d-AAs compared to those of their l-counterparts provide valuable insights into the involvement of d-AAs in aging, AD progression, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shuling Xu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Zicong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Daniel G. Delafield
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Michael J. Rigby
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gaoyuan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Ting-Jia Gu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Peng-Kai Liu
- Biophysics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Min Ma
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Luigi Puglielli
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Lachman Institute for Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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3
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Yu M, Lin L, Xu K, Xu M, Ren J, Niu X, Gao X, Zhang M, Yang Z, Dang J, Tao Q, Han S, Wang W, Cheng J, Zhang Y. Changes in aspartate metabolism in the medial-prefrontal cortex of nicotine addicts based on J-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6429-6438. [PMID: 37909379 PMCID: PMC10681642 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the changes of the aspartate (Asp) level in the medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of subjects with nicotine addiction (nicotine addicts [NAs]) using the J-edited 1 H MR spectroscopy (MRS), which may provide a positive imaging evidence for intervention of NA. From March to August 2022, 45 males aged 40-60 years old were recruited from Henan Province, including 21 in NA and 24 in nonsmoker groups. All subjects underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and J-edited MRS scans on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The Asp level in mPFC was quantified with reference to the total creatine (Asp/Cr) and water (Aspwater-corr , with correction of the brain tissue composition) signals, respectively. Two-tailed independent samples t-test was used to analyze the differences in levels of Asp and other coquantified metabolites (including total N-acetylaspartate [tNAA], total cholinine [tCho], total creatine [tCr], and myo-Inositol [mI]) between the two groups. Finally, the correlations of the Asp level with clinical characteristic assessment scales were performed using the Spearman criteria. Compared with the control group (n = 22), NAs (n = 18) had higher levels of Asp (Asp/Cr: p = .005; Aspwater-corr : p = .004) in the mPFC, and the level of Asp was positively correlated with the daily smoking amount (Asp/Cr: p < .001; Aspwater-corr : p = .004). No significant correlation was found between the level of Asp and the years of nicotine use, Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Russell Reason for Smoking Questionnaire (RRSQ), or Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) score. The elevated Asp level was observed in mPFC of NAs in contrast to nonsmokers, and the Asp level was positively correlated with the amount of daily smoking, which suggests that nicotine addiction may result in elevated Asp metabolism in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Liangjie Lin
- Clinical and Technical SupportPhilips HealthcareBeijingChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Man Xu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jianxin Ren
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyu Niu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhengui Yang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jinghan Dang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiuying Tao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shaoqiang Han
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Weijian Wang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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4
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Souza INDO, Roychaudhuri R, de Belleroche J, Mothet JP. d-Amino acids: new clinical pathways for brain diseases. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:1014-1028. [PMID: 37770379 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Free d-amino acids (d-AAs) are emerging as a novel and important class of signaling molecules in many organs, including the brain and endocrine systems. There has been considerable progress in our understanding of the fundamental roles of these atypical messengers, with increasingly recognized implications in a wide range of neuropathologies, including schizophrenia (SCZ), epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), substance abuse, and chronic pain, among others. Research has enabled the discovery that d-serine, d-aspartate and more recently d-cysteine are essential for the healthy development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). We discuss recent progress that has profoundly transformed our vision of numerous physiological processes but has also shown how d-AAs are now offering therapeutic promise in clinical settings for several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Nem de Oliveira Souza
- Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology Team, Laboratoire LuMIn UMR9024 Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CentraleSupelec, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robin Roychaudhuri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Birth Defects, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jacqueline de Belleroche
- Neurogenetics Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Mothet
- Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology Team, Laboratoire LuMIn UMR9024 Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CentraleSupelec, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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5
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Anirudhan A, Mahema S, Ahmad SF, Emran TB, Ahmed SSSJ, Paramasivam P. Screening of Crucial Cytosolicproteins Interconnecting the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria in Parkinson's Disease and the Impact of Anti-Parkinson Drugs in the Preservation of Organelle Connectivity. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1551. [PMID: 38002511 PMCID: PMC10670093 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is well-established in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its dysfunctions associating with cell organelle connectivity remain unknown. We aimed to establish the crucial cytosolic protein involved in organelle connectivity between mitochondria and the endopalmic reticulum (ER) through a computational approach by constructing an organelle protein network to extract functional clusters presenting the crucial PD protein connecting organelles. Then, we assessed the influence of anti-parkinsonism drugs (n = 35) on the crucial protein through molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation and further validated its gene expression in PD participants under, istradefylline (n = 25) and amantadine (n = 25) treatment. Based on our investigation, D-aspartate oxidase (DDO )protein was found to be the critical that connects both mitochondria and the ER. Further, molecular docking showed that istradefylline has a high affinity (-9.073 kcal/mol) against DDO protein, which may disrupt mitochondrial-ER connectivity. While amantadine (-4.53 kcal/mol) shows negligible effects against DDO that contribute to conformational changes in drug binding, Successively, DDO gene expression was downregulated in istradefylline-treated PD participants, which elucidated the likelihood of an istradefylline off-target mechanism. Overall, our findings illuminate the off-target effects of anti-parkinsonism medications on DDO protein, enabling the recommendation of off-target-free PD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athira Anirudhan
- Central Research Laboratory, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla 689101, Kerala, India
| | - S. Mahema
- Drug Discovery and Multi-Omics Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Shiek S. S. J. Ahmed
- Drug Discovery and Multi-Omics Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prabu Paramasivam
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control & IDF Centre of Education, Gopalapuram, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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6
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Rabattoni V, Motta Z, Miceli M, Molla G, Fissore A, Adinolfi S, Pollegioni L, Sacchi S. On the regulation of human D-aspartate oxidase. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4802. [PMID: 37805834 PMCID: PMC10588558 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The human flavoenzyme D-aspartate oxidase (hDASPO) controls the level of D-aspartate in the brain, a molecule acting as an agonist of NMDA receptors and modulator of AMPA and mGlu5 receptors. hDASPO-induced D-aspartate degradation prevents age-dependent deterioration of brain functions and is related to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Notwithstanding this crucial role, less is known about hDASPO regulation. Here, we report that hDASPO is nitrosylated in vitro, while no evidence of sulfhydration and phosphorylation is apparent: nitrosylation affects the activity of the human flavoenzyme to a limited extent. Furthermore, hDASPO interacts with the primate-specific protein pLG72 (a well-known negative chaperone of D-amino acid oxidase, the enzyme deputed to D-serine degradation in the human brain), yielding a ~114 kDa complex, with a micromolar dissociation constant, promoting the flavoenzyme inactivation. At the cellular level, pLG72 and hDASPO generate a cytosolic complex: the expression of pLG72 negatively affects the hDASPO level by reducing its half-life. We propose that pLG72 binding may represent a protective mechanism aimed at avoiding cytotoxicity due to H2 O2 produced by the hDASPO enzymatic degradation of D-aspartate, especially before the final targeting to peroxisomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rabattoni
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Zoraide Motta
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Matteo Miceli
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Gianluca Molla
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Alex Fissore
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del FarmacoUniversità di TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Salvatore Adinolfi
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del FarmacoUniversità di TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- “The Protein Factory 2.0”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della VitaUniversità degli studi dell'InsubriaVareseItaly
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Tripodi F, Motta Z, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Nonnis S, Grassi Scalvini F, Rinaldi AM, Rizzi R, Bearzi C, Badone B, Sacchi S, Tedeschi G, Maffioli E, Coccetti P, Pollegioni L. Serine metabolism during differentiation of human iPSC-derived astrocytes. FEBS J 2023; 290:4440-4464. [PMID: 37166453 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential players in development and functions, being particularly relevant as regulators of brain energy metabolism, ionic homeostasis and synaptic transmission. They are also the major source of l-serine in the brain, which is synthesized from the glycolytic intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylated pathway. l-Serine is the precursor of the two main co-agonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, glycine and d-serine. Strikingly, dysfunctions in both l- and d-serine metabolism are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we exploited a differentiation protocol, based on the generation of human mature astrocytes from neural stem cells, and investigated the modification of the proteomic and metabolomic profile during the differentiation process. We show that differentiated astrocytes are more similar to mature rather than to reactive ones, and that axogenesis and pyrimidine metabolism increase up to 30 days along with the folate cycle and sphingolipid metabolism. Consistent with the proliferation and cellular maturation processes that are taking place, also the intracellular levels of l-serine, glycine, threonine, l- and d-aspartate (which level is unexpectedly higher than that of d-serine) show the same biosynthetic time course. A significant utilization of l-serine from the medium is apparent while glycine is first consumed and then released with a peak at 30 days, parallel to its intracellular level. These results underline how metabolism changes during astrocyte differentiation, highlight that d-serine synthesis is restricted in differentiated astrocytes and provide a valuable model for developing potential novel therapeutic approaches to address brain diseases, especially the ones related to serine metabolism alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Tripodi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Rizzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council of Italy (ITB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Badone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
- CIMAINA, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Maffioli
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Coccetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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8
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Improda T, Morgera V, Vitale M, Chiariotti L, Passaro F, Feola A, Porcellini A, Cuomo M, Pezone A. Specific Methyl-CpG Configurations Define Cell Identity through Gene Expression Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9951. [PMID: 37373098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell identity is determined by the chromatin structure and profiles of gene expression, which are dependent on chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation of the regions critical for gene expression, such as enhancers and promoters. These epigenetic modifications are required for mammalian development and are essential for the establishment and maintenance of the cellular identity. DNA methylation was once thought to be a permanent repressive epigenetic mark, but systematic analyses in various genomic contexts have revealed a more dynamic regulation than previously thought. In fact, both active DNA methylation and demethylation occur during cell fate commitment and terminal differentiation. To link methylation signatures of specific genes to their expression profiles, we determined the methyl-CpG configurations of the promoters of five genes switched on and off during murine postnatal brain differentiation by bisulfite-targeted sequencing. Here, we report the structure of significant, dynamic, and stable methyl-CpG profiles associated with silencing or activation of the expression of genes during neural stem cell and brain postnatal differentiation. Strikingly, these methylation cores mark different mouse brain areas and cell types derived from the same areas during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Improda
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Morgera
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Vitale
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Passaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonia Feola
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Porcellini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
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9
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Perrone M, Pagano M, Belardo C, Ricciardi F, Ricciardi F, Fusco A, Trotta MC, Infantino R, Gargano F, Parente A, Giacca R, Pieretti G, Luongo L, Maione S, Boccella S, Guida F. Potential role of the hydroxyl carboxylic acid receptor type 2 (HCAR2) in microglia pathophysiology: A possible cross-talk with C-X-C chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1). Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109456. [PMID: 36796675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Following insults or injury, microglia cells are activated contributing to the cytotoxic response or by promoting an immune-mediated damage resolution. Microglia cells express HCA2R, a hydroxy carboxylic acid (HCA) receptor, which has been shown to mediate neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study we found that HCAR2 expression levels were increased in cultured rat microglia cells after Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. In a similar fashion, the treatment with MK 1903, a potent full agonist of HCAR2, increased the receptor protein levels. Moreover, HCAR2 stimulation prevented i) cells viability ii) morphological activation iii) pro/anti-inflammatory mediators production in LPS-treated cells. Likewise, HCAR2 stimulation reduced the proinflammatory mediators mRNA expression induced by neuronal chemokine fractalkine (FKN), a neuronal derived chemokine activating its unique receptor, chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) on microglia surface. Interestingly, electrophysiological recordings in vivo revealed that MK1903 was able to prevent the increase of the nociceptive neurons (NS) firing activity mediated by the spinal FKN application in healthy rats. Collectively, our data demonstrate that HCAR2 is functionally expressed in microglia, by showing its capability to shift microglia toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, we indicated the contribute of HCAR2 in the FKN signaling and suggested a possible HCAR2/CX3CR1 functional interaction. This study paves the way for further investigations aimed at understanding the role HCAR2 as potential target in neuroinflammation-based CNS disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue on "The receptor-receptor interaction as a new target for therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Perrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Pagano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Fusco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Parente
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Giacca
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialities, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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10
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Zhang Y, Feng J, Ou C, Zhou X, Liao Y. AQP4 mitigates chronic neuropathic pain-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 440:114282. [PMID: 36596395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a risk factor for cognitive defects. The ubiquitous expression of AQP4 in astrocytes throughout the central nervous system is altered in the neurodegenerative disease. However, the exact role of AQP4 in cognitive impairment induced by chronic neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that AQP4 protein and mRNA expression decreased time-dependently in the model of chronic neuropathic pain-induced cognitive disorder. AQP4 overexpression recovered mice from cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the concentration of Aβ1-42 in the serum and hippocampus reduced in mice with AQP4 overexpression adeno-associated virus injection. In conclusion, AQP4 in astrocytes is important in mitigating cognitive impairment caused by chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cehua Ou
- Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yonghong Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Laboratory of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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11
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Warpechowski M, Warpechowski J, Kulczyńska-Przybik A, Mroczko B. Biomarkers of Activity-Dependent Plasticity and Persistent Enhancement of Synaptic Transmission in Alzheimer Disease: A Review of the Current Status. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e938826. [PMID: 36600577 PMCID: PMC9832729 DOI: 10.12659/msm.938826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic and heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by complex pathological processes involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and synaptic dysfunction. Understanding the exact neurobiological mechanisms underlying AD pathology may help to provide a biomarker for early diagnosis or at least for assessment of vulnerability to dementia development. Neural plasticity is defined as a capability of the brain to respond to alterations including aging, injury, or learning, with a crucial role of synaptic elements. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are important in regulating synaptic connections between neural cells in functional plasticity. Synaptic loss and impairment of the brain's plasticity in AD leads to cognitive impairment, and one of important roles of synaptic biomarkers is monitoring synaptic dysfunction, response to treatment, and predicting future development of AD. Synaptic biomarkers are undoubtedly very promising in developing novel approach to AD treatment and control, especially in the era of aging of societies, which is one of the most common risk factor of AD. Implementing a widespread measurement of synaptic biomarkers of AD will probably be crucial in early diagnosis of AD, early therapeutic intervention, monitoring progression of the disease, or response to treatment. One of the most important challenges is finding a biomarker whose blood concentration correlates with its level in the central nervous system (CNS). This review aims to present the current status of biomarkers of activity-dependent plasticity and persistent enhancement of synaptic transmission in Alzheimer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warpechowski
- Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland,Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, University Hospital of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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12
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Liu M, Li M, He J, He Y, Yang J, Sun Z. Chiral Amino Acid Profiling in Serum Reveals Potential Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:291-301. [PMID: 37248903 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230142] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, and increasing evidence has linked dysregulation of amino acids to AD pathogenesis. However, the existing studies often ignore the chirality of amino acids, and some results are inconsistent and controversial. The changes of amino acid profiles in AD from the perspective of enantiomers remain elusive. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the levels of amino acids, especially D-amino acids, are deregulated in the peripheral serum of AD patients, with the ultimate goal of discovering novel biomarkers for AD. METHODS The chiral amino acid profiles were determined by HPLC-MS/MS with a pre-column derivatization method. Experimental data obtained from 37 AD patients and 34 healthy controls (HC) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Among the 35 amino acids detected, D-proline, D/total-proline ratio, D-aspartate, and D/total-aspartate ratio were decreased, while D-phenylalanine was elevated in AD compared to HC. Significant age-dependent increases in D-proline, D/total-proline ratio, and D-phenylalanine were observed in HC, but not in AD. Receiver operator characteristic analyses of the combination of D-proline, D-aspartate, D-phenylalanine, and age for discriminating AD from HC provided satisfactory area under the curve (0.87), specificity (97.0%), and sensitivity (83.8%). Furthermore, the D-aspartate level was significantly decreased with the progression of AD, as assessed by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination. CONCLUSION The panels of D-proline, D-phenylalanine, and D-aspartate in peripheral serum may serve as novel biomarker candidates for AD. The latter parameter is further associated with the severity of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Li
- Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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13
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Infantino R, Boccella S, Scuteri D, Perrone M, Ricciardi F, Vitale R, Bonsale R, Parente A, Allocca I, Virtuoso A, De Luca C, Belardo C, Amodeo P, Gentile V, Cirillo G, Bagetta G, Luongo L, Maione S, Guida F. 2-pentadecyl-2-oxazoline prevents cognitive and social behaviour impairments in the Amyloid β-induced Alzheimer-like mice model: Bring the α2 adrenergic receptor back into play. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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14
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Maffioli E, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Badone B, Tripodi F, Iannuzzi F, Licastro D, Nonnis S, Rinaldi AM, Motta Z, Sacchi S, Canu N, Tedeschi G, Coccetti P, Pollegioni L. Insulin and serine metabolism as sex-specific hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in the human hippocampus. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111271. [PMID: 36070700 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy aging is an ambitious aspiration for humans, but neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), strongly affect quality of life. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigate alterations in the molecular composition of postmortem hippocampus samples of healthy persons and individuals with AD. Profound differences are apparent between control and AD male and female cohorts in terms of up- and downregulated metabolic pathways. A decrease in the insulin response is evident in AD when comparing the female with the male group. The serine metabolism (linked to the glycolytic pathway and generating the N-methyl-D-aspartate [NMDA] receptor coagonist D-serine) is also significantly modulated: the D-Ser/total serine ratio represents a way to counteract age-related cognitive decline in healthy men and during AD onset in women. These results show how AD changes and, in certain respects, almost reverses sex-specific proteomic and metabolomic profiles, highlighting how different pathophysiological mechanisms are active in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maffioli
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Beatrice Badone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Farida Tripodi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Filomena Iannuzzi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nonnis
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," 00133 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare (IBBC) CNR, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy; CIMAINA, University of Milano, 20121 Milano, Italy.
| | - Paola Coccetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy.
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15
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Lombardo B, Pagani M, De Rosa A, Nunziato M, Migliarini S, Garofalo M, Terrile M, D’Argenio V, Galbusera A, Nuzzo T, Ranieri A, Vitale A, Leggiero E, Di Maio A, Barsotti N, Borello U, Napolitano F, Mandarino A, Carotenuto M, Heresco-Levy U, Pasqualetti M, Malatesta P, Gozzi A, Errico F, Salvatore F, Pastore L, Usiello A. D-aspartate oxidase gene duplication induces social recognition memory deficit in mice and intellectual disabilities in humans. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:305. [PMID: 35915065 PMCID: PMC9343392 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The D-aspartate oxidase (DDO) gene encodes the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of D-aspartate, an atypical amino acid enriched in the mammalian brain and acting as an endogenous NMDA receptor agonist. Considering the key role of NMDA receptors in neurodevelopmental disorders, recent findings suggest a link between D-aspartate dysmetabolism and schizophrenia. To clarify the role of D-aspartate on brain development and functioning, we used a mouse model with constitutive Ddo overexpression and D-aspartate depletion. In these mice, we found reduced number of BrdU-positive dorsal pallium neurons during corticogenesis, and decreased cortical and striatal gray matter volume at adulthood. Brain abnormalities were associated with social recognition memory deficit at juvenile phase, suggesting that early D-aspartate occurrence influences neurodevelopmental related phenotypes. We corroborated this hypothesis by reporting the first clinical case of a young patient with severe intellectual disability, thought disorders and autism spectrum disorder symptomatology, harboring a duplication of a chromosome 6 region, including the entire DDO gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lombardo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Nunziato
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Garofalo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marta Terrile
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Università di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,grid.496862.70000 0004 0544 6263Present Address: Novartis Ireland ltd, D04A9N6 Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Valeria D’Argenio
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,Dipartimento di Promozione delle Scienze Umane e della Qualità della Vita, Università San Raffaele, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Annaluisa Ranieri
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Vitale
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Leggiero
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Barsotti
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Borello
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandarino
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Uriel Heresco-Levy
- grid.414060.70000 0004 0470 6676Research and Psychiatry Departments, Ezrath Nashim-Herzog Memorial Hospital, 9190501 Jerusalem, Israel ,grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, 9190501 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy ,grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Malatesta
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Centro Interuniversitario per Malattie Multigeniche e Multifattoriali e loro modelli animali (Federico II, 80131, Naples; Tor Vergata, Rome and "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara), Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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16
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Piubelli L, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Pollegioni L. The Role of D-Amino Acids in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:475-492. [PMID: 33554911 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the main cause of dementia worldwide, is characterized by a complex and multifactorial etiology. In large part, excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system is mediated by glutamate and its receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which require the agonist glutamate and a coagonist such as glycine or the D-enantiomer of serine for activation, play a main role here. A second D-amino acid, D-aspartate, acts as agonist of NMDA receptors. D-amino acids, present in low amounts in nature and long considered to be of bacterial origin, have distinctive functions in mammals. In recent years, alterations in physiological levels of various D-amino acids have been linked to various pathological states, ranging from chronic kidney disease to neurological disorders. Actually, the level of NMDA receptor signaling must be balanced to promote neuronal survival and prevent neurodegeneration: this signaling in AD is affected mainly by glutamate availability and modulation of the receptor's functions. Here, we report the experimental findings linking D-serine and D-aspartate, through NMDA receptor modulation, to AD and cognitive functions. Interestingly, AD progression has been also associated with the enzymes related to D-amino acid metabolism as well as with glucose and serine metabolism. Furthermore, the D-serine and D-/total serine ratio in serum have been recently proposed as biomarkers of AD progression. A greater understanding of the role of D-amino acids in excitotoxicity related to the pathogenesis of AD will facilitate novel therapeutic treatments to cure the disease and improve life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Piubelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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17
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Pollegioni L, Molla G, Sacchi S, Murtas G. Human D-aspartate Oxidase: A Key Player in D-aspartate Metabolism. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:689719. [PMID: 34250021 PMCID: PMC8260693 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.689719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the D-enantiomers of amino acids have been recognized as natural molecules present in all kingdoms, playing a variety of biological roles. In humans, d-serine and d-aspartate attracted attention for their presence in the central nervous system. Here, we focus on d-aspartate, which is involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission and the synthesis of various hormones. The biosynthesis of d-aspartate is still obscure, while its degradation is due to the peroxisomal flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing enzyme d-aspartate oxidase. d-Aspartate emergence is strictly controlled: levels decrease in brain within the first days of life while increasing in endocrine glands postnatally and through adulthood. The human d-aspartate oxidase (hDASPO) belongs to the d-amino acid oxidase-like family: its tertiary structure closely resembles that of human d-amino acid oxidase (hDAAO), the enzyme that degrades neutral and basic d-amino acids. The structure-function relationships of the physiological isoform of hDASPO (named hDASPO_341) and the regulation of gene expression and distribution and properties of the longer isoform hDASPO_369 have all been recently elucidated. Beyond the substrate preference, hDASPO and hDAAO also differ in kinetic efficiency, FAD-binding affinity, pH profile, and oligomeric state. Such differences suggest that evolution diverged to create two different ways to modulate d-aspartate and d-serine levels in the human brain. Current knowledge about hDASPO is shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of d-aspartate levels in human tissues and is pushing novel, targeted therapeutic strategies. Now, it has been proposed that dysfunction in NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission is caused by disrupted d-aspartate metabolism in the nervous system during the onset of various disorders (such as schizophrenia): the design of suitable hDASPO inhibitors aimed at increasing d-aspartate levels thus represents a novel and useful form of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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18
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Rabattoni V, Pollegioni L, Tedeschi G, Maffioli E, Sacchi S. Cellular studies of the two main isoforms of human d-aspartate oxidase. FEBS J 2021; 288:4939-4954. [PMID: 33650155 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Human d-aspartate oxidase (hDASPO) is a FAD-dependent enzyme responsible for the degradation of d-aspartate (d-Asp). In the mammalian central nervous system, d-Asp behaves as a classical neurotransmitter, it is thought to be involved in neural development, brain morphology and behavior, and appears to be involved in several pathological states, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Apparently, the human DDO gene produces alternative transcripts encoding for three putative hDASPO isoforms, constituted by 341 (the 'canonical' form), 369, and 282 amino acids. Despite the increasing interest in hDASPO and its physiological role, little is known about these different isoforms. Here, the additional N-terminal peptide present in the hDASPO_369 isoform only has been identified in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease female patients, while peptides corresponding to the remaining part of the protein were present in samples from male and female healthy controls and Alzheimer's disease patients. The hDASPO_369 isoform was largely expressed in E. coli as insoluble protein, hampering with its biochemical characterization. Furthermore, we generated U87 human glioblastoma cell clones stably expressing hDASPO_341 and, for the first time, hDASPO_369 isoforms; the latter protein showed a lower expression compared with the canonical isoform. Both protein isoforms are active (showing similar kinetic properties), localize to the peroxisomes, are very stable (a half-life of approximately 100 h has been estimated), and are primarily degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. These studies shed light on the properties of hDASPO isoforms with the final aim to clarify the mechanisms controlling brain levels of the neuromodulator d-Asp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rabattoni
- "The Protein Factory 2.0", Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- "The Protein Factory 2.0", Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, DIMEVET - Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Maffioli
- Università degli Studi di Milano, DIMEVET - Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- "The Protein Factory 2.0", Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
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19
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Boccella S, Guida F, Iannotta M, Iannotti FA, Infantino R, Ricciardi F, Cristiano C, Vitale RM, Amodeo P, Marabese I, Belardo C, de Novellis V, Paino S, Palazzo E, Calignano A, Di Marzo V, Maione S, Luongo L. 2-Pentadecyl-2-oxazoline ameliorates memory impairment and depression-like behaviour in neuropathic mice: possible role of adrenergic alpha2- and H3 histamine autoreceptors. Mol Brain 2021; 14:28. [PMID: 33557888 PMCID: PMC7871413 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00724-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) remains an untreatable disease due to the complex pathophysiology that involves the whole pain neuraxis including the forebrain. Sensory dysfunctions such as allodynia and hyperalgesia are only part of the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain that extend to memory and affectivity deficits. The development of multi-target molecules might be a promising therapeutic strategy against the symptoms associated with NP. 2-pentadecyl-2-oxazoline (PEA-OXA) is a plant-derived agent, which has shown effectiveness against chronic pain and associated neuropsychiatric disorders. The molecular mechanisms by which PEA-OXA exerts its effects are, however, only partially known. In the current study, we show that PEA-OXA, besides being an alpha2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, also acts as a modulator at histamine H3 receptors, and report data on its effects on sensory, affective and cognitive symptoms associated with the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain in mice. Treatment for 14 days with PEA-OXA after the onset of the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain resulted in the following effects: (i) allodynia was decreased; (ii) affective/cognitive impairment associated with SNI (depression, spatial, and working memories) was counteracted; (iii) long-term potentiation in vivo in the lateral entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus (perforant pathway, LPP) was ameliorated, (iv) hippocampal glutamate, GABA, histamine, norepinephrine and dopamine level alterations after peripheral nerve injury were reversed, (v) expression level of the TH positive neurons in the Locus Coeruleus were normalized. Thus, a 16-day treatment with PEA-OXA alleviates the sensory, emotional, cognitive, electrophysiological and neurochemical alterations associated with SNI-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Vito de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
- IRCSS, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy.
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy.
- IRCSS, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
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20
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Piubelli L, Pollegioni L, Rabattoni V, Mauri M, Princiotta Cariddi L, Versino M, Sacchi S. Serum D-serine levels are altered in early phases of Alzheimer's disease: towards a precocious biomarker. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:77. [PMID: 33500383 PMCID: PMC7838302 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
D-Serine acts as a co-agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) which appear overactivated in AD, while D-aspartate is a modulatory molecule acting on NMDAR as a second agonist. The aim of this work is to clarify whether the levels of these D-amino acids in serum are deregulated in AD, with the final goal to identify novel and precocious biomarkers in AD. Serum levels of L- and D-enantiomers of serine and aspartate were determined by HPLC using a pre-column derivatization procedure and a selective enzymatic degradation. Experimental data obtained from age-matched healthy subjects (HS) and AD patients were statistically evaluated by considering age, gender, and disease progression, and compared. Minor changes were apparent in the serum L- and D-aspartate levels in AD patients compared to HS. A positive correlation for the D-serine level and age was apparent in the AD cohort. Notably, the serum D-serine level and the D-/total serine ratio significantly increased with the progression of the disease. Gender seems to have a minor effect on the levels of all analytes tested. This work proposes that the serum D-serine level and D-/total serine ratio values as novel and valuable biomarkers for the progression of AD: the latter parameter allows to discriminate CDR 2 and CDR 1 patients from healthy (CDR 0) individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Piubelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Mauri
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale di Circolo and Fondazione Macchi, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Lucia Princiotta Cariddi
- Center of Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Versino
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale di Circolo and Fondazione Macchi, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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21
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Simultaneous Measurement of Amino Acid Enantiomers in Aged Mouse Brain Samples by LC/MS/MS Combined with Derivatization Using N
α-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-l-leucinamide (l-FDLA). Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11010057. [PMID: 33467775 PMCID: PMC7829926 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
d-amino acids have distinct roles from their l-enantiomer. In particular, some d-amino acids function as agonists or antagonists of neuronal receptors and are involved in higher brain functions. Thus, it is important to precisely measure the levels of these amino acid enantiomers in cells and tissues. Various quantification methods have been developed for measurements of chiral amino acids. However, each method has advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, measuring the amino acid enantiomers in crude biological samples requires a higher selectivity. In this study, we developed a quantification method for amino acid enantiomers using derivatization with Nα-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-l-leucinamide (l-FDLA) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a conventional reversed-phase column. We simultaneously identified 10 chiral amino acids. Furthermore, we applied this method to investigate murine tissue samples and examined the effect of aging on the amino acid levels in aged brain regions. We found that aging decreased the levels of both d-serine and d-aspartate in the hippocampus. In addition, d-Phenylalanine in the thalamus significantly increased with age. In conclusion, our method is suitable for the quantification of the d-amino acids in crude biological samples and may contribute to elucidating the biological roles of chiral amino acids.
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22
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Grimaldi M, Marino C, Buonocore M, Santoro A, Sommella E, Merciai F, Salviati E, De Rosa A, Nuzzo T, Errico F, Campiglia P, Usiello A, D'Ursi AM. Prenatal and Early Postnatal Cerebral d-Aspartate Depletion Influences l-Amino Acid Pathways, Bioenergetic processes, and Developmental Brain Metabolism. J Proteome Res 2020; 20:727-739. [PMID: 33274941 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
d-Amino acids were believed to occur only in bacteria and invertebrates. Today, it is well known that d-amino acids are also present in mammalian tissues in a considerable amount. In particular, high levels of free d-serine (d-Ser) and d-aspartate (d-Asp) are found in the brain. While the functions of d-Ser are well known, many questions remain unanswered regarding the role of d-Asp in the central nervous system. d-Asp is very abundant at the embryonic stage, while it strongly decreases after birth because of the expression of d-aspartate oxidase (Ddo) enzyme, which catalyzes the oxidation of this d-amino acid into oxaloacetate, ammonium, and hydrogen peroxide. Pharmacologically, d-Asp acts as an endogenous agonist of N-methyl d-aspartate and mGlu5 receptors, which are known to control fundamental brain processes, including brain development, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. In this work, we studied a recently generated knockin mouse model (R26ddo/ddo), which was designed to express DDO beginning at the zygotic stage. This strategy enables d-Asp to be almost eliminated in both prenatal and postnatal lives. To understand which biochemical pathways are affected by depletion of d-Asp, in this study, we carried out a metabolomic and lipidomic study of ddo knockin brains at different stages of embryonic and postnatal development, combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) techniques. Our study shows that d-Asp deficiency in the brain influences amino acid pathways such as threonine, glycine, alanine, valine, and glutamate. Interestingly, d-Asp is also correlated with metabolites involved in brain development and functions such as choline, creatine, phosphocholine (PCho), glycerophosphocholine (GPCho), sphingolipids, and glycerophospholipids, as well as metabolites involved in brain energy metabolism, such as GPCho, glucose, and lactate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Marino
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Michela Buonocore
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Angelo Santoro
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Merciai
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies (DISTABIF), University of Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies (DISTABIF), University of Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università, 100-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, Via De Renzi 50, 84125 Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies (DISTABIF), University of Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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23
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Usiello A, Di Fiore MM, De Rosa A, Falvo S, Errico F, Santillo A, Nuzzo T, Chieffi Baccari G. New Evidence on the Role of D-Aspartate Metabolism in Regulating Brain and Endocrine System Physiology: From Preclinical Observations to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8718. [PMID: 33218144 PMCID: PMC7698810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous amino acids serine and aspartate occur at high concentrations in free D-form in mammalian organs, including the central nervous system and endocrine glands. D-serine (D-Ser) is largely localized in the forebrain structures throughout pre and postnatal life. Pharmacologically, D-Ser plays a functional role by acting as an endogenous coagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Less is known about the role of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) in mammals. Notably, D-Asp has a specific temporal pattern of occurrence. In fact, free D-Asp is abundant during prenatal life and decreases greatly after birth in concomitance with the postnatal onset of D-Asp oxidase expression, which is the only enzyme known to control endogenous levels of this molecule. Conversely, in the endocrine system, D-Asp concentrations enhance after birth during its functional development, thereby suggesting an involvement of the amino acid in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. The substantial binding affinity for the NMDAR glutamate site has led us to investigate the in vivo implications of D-Asp on NMDAR-mediated responses. Herein we review the physiological function of free D-Asp and of its metabolizing enzyme in regulating the functions of the brain and of the neuroendocrine system based on recent genetic and pharmacological human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Usiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Francesco Errico
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
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24
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Seckler JM, Lewis SJ. Advances in D-Amino Acids in Neurological Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197325. [PMID: 33023061 PMCID: PMC7582301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
D-amino acids have been known to exist in the human brain for nearly 40 years, and they continue to be a field of active study to today. This review article aims to give a concise overview of the recent advances in D-amino acid research as they relate to the brain and neurological disorders. This work has largely been focused on modulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and its relationship to Alzheimer’s disease and Schizophrenia, but there has been a wealth of novel research which has elucidated a novel role for several D-amino acids in altering brain chemistry in a neuroprotective manner. D-amino acids which have no currently known activity in the brain but which have active derivatives will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Seckler
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
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25
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Nuzzo T, Miroballo M, Casamassa A, Mancini A, Gaetani L, Nisticò R, Eusebi P, Katane M, Homma H, Calabresi P, Errico F, Parnetti L, Usiello A. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum d-serine concentrations are unaltered across the whole clinical spectrum of Alzheimer's disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140537. [PMID: 32896673 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) relies on the presence of amyloidosis and tauopathy, as reflected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), independently from the clinical stage. Recently, CSF d-serine has been proposed as a possible new AD biomarker, reflecting dysfunctional activation of neuronal glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). In this study, we measured blood serum and CSF concentration of two NMDAR modulators, such as d-serine and d-aspartate, in a cohort of drug-free subjects encompassing the whole AD clinical spectrum. In addition, we also analyzed d-serine levels in a cohort of post-mortem AD and control cortex samples. We reported unaltered serum and CSF concentrations of d-serine and d-aspartate in AD patients both during the AD progression and compared to non-demented controls. Accordingly, no correlation was detected between serum or CSF d-serine content and mini-mental state examination or Clinical Dementia Rating. Similarly, cortical d-serine levels were also unaltered in post-mortem samples of AD patients. Overall, our results failed to confirm previous findings indicating the CSF d-serine as a novel biomarker for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Nuzzo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Mattia Miroballo
- IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Pharmacology of synaptic Plasticity Lab, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Eusebi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Masumi Katane
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurologia, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.
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Shibata K, Imanishi D, Abe K, Suzuki M, Takahashi S, Kera Y. d-Aspartate N-methyltransferase catalyzes biosynthesis of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), a well-known selective agonist of the NMDA receptor, in mice. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140527. [PMID: 32853768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), which is a selective agonist for the NMDA receptor, has recently been shown to be present in various biological tissues. In mammals, the activity of d-aspartate N-methyltransferase (DDNMT), which produces NMDA from d-aspartate, has been detected only in homogenates prepared from rat tissues. Moreover, the enzymatic properties of DDNMT have been poorly studied and its molecular entity has not yet been identified. In this report, we show for the first time that the activity of DDNMT is present in mouse tissues and succeed in obtaining a partially purified enzyme preparation from a mouse tissue homogenate with a purification fold of 1900 or more, and have characterized the enzymatic activity of this preparation. The results indicate that DDNMT, which is highly specific for d-aspartate and is S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent, is a novel enzyme that clearly differs from the known methylamine-glutamate N-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.21) and glycine N-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.20).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimihiko Shibata
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan; Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Fukushima College, 30 Nagao, Kamiarakawa, Taira, Iwaki, Fukushima, 970-8034, Japan.
| | - Daiki Imanishi
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan; Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Fukushima College, 30 Nagao, Kamiarakawa, Taira, Iwaki, Fukushima, 970-8034, Japan
| | - Katsumasa Abe
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Masataka Suzuki
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Fukushima College, 30 Nagao, Kamiarakawa, Taira, Iwaki, Fukushima, 970-8034, Japan
| | - Shouji Takahashi
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kera
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1, Kamitomioka-machi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
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Dysfunctional d-aspartate metabolism in BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140531. [PMID: 32853769 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairment in social interaction, deviance in communication, and repetitive behaviors. Dysfunctional ionotropic NMDA and AMPA receptors, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 activity at excitatory synapses has been recently linked to multiple forms of ASD. Despite emerging evidence showing that d-aspartate and d-serine are important neuromodulators of glutamatergic transmission, no systematic investigation on the occurrence of these D-amino acids in preclinical ASD models has been carried out. METHODS Through HPLC and qPCR analyses we investigated d-aspartate and d-serine metabolism in the brain and serum of four ASD mouse models. These include BTBR mice, an idiopathic model of ASD, and Cntnap2-/-, Shank3-/-, and 16p11.2+/- mice, three established genetic mouse lines recapitulating high confidence ASD-associated mutations. RESULTS Biochemical and gene expression mapping in Cntnap2-/-, Shank3-/-, and 16p11.2+/- failed to find gross cerebral and serum alterations in d-aspartate and d-serine metabolism. Conversely, we found a striking and stereoselective increased d-aspartate content in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and serum of inbred BTBR mice. Consistent with biochemical assessments, in the same brain areas we also found a robust reduction in mRNA levels of d-aspartate oxidase, encoding the enzyme responsible for d-aspartate catabolism. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated the presence of disrupted d-aspartate metabolism in a widely used animal model of idiopathic ASD. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Overall, this work calls for a deeper investigation of D-amino acids in the etiopathology of ASD and related developmental disorders.
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Errico F, Cuomo M, Canu N, Caputo V, Usiello A. New insights on the influence of free d-aspartate metabolism in the mammalian brain during prenatal and postnatal life. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140471. [PMID: 32561430 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Free d-aspartate is abundant in the mammalian embryonic brain. However, following the postnatal onset of the catabolic d-aspartate oxidase (DDO) activity, cerebral d-aspartate levels drastically decrease, remaining constantly low throughout life. d-Aspartate stimulates both glutamatergic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and metabotropic Glu5 receptors. In rodents, short-term d-aspartate exposure increases spine density and synaptic plasticity, and improves cognition. Conversely, persistently high d-Asp levels produce NMDAR-dependent neurotoxic effects, leading to precocious neuroinflammation and cell death. These pieces of evidence highlight the dichotomous impact of d-aspartate signaling on NMDAR-dependent processes and, in turn, unveil a neuroprotective role for DDO in preventing the detrimental effects of excessive d-aspartate stimulation during aging. Here, we will focus on the in vivo influence of altered d-aspartate metabolism on the modulation of glutamatergic functions and its involvement in translational studies. Finally, preliminary data on the role of embryonic d-aspartate in the mouse brain will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), 00015, Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Caputo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Prenatal expression of d-aspartate oxidase causes early cerebral d-aspartate depletion and influences brain morphology and cognitive functions at adulthood. Amino Acids 2020; 52:597-617. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02839-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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30
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d-Aspartate oxidase: distribution, functions, properties, and biotechnological applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:2883-2895. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Selective demethylation of two CpG sites causes postnatal activation of the Dao gene and consequent removal of D-serine within the mouse cerebellum. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:149. [PMID: 31661019 PMCID: PMC6819446 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed epigenetic modifications occurring at early postnatal brain developmental stages may have a long-lasting impact on brain function and complex behavior throughout life. Notably, it is now emerging that several genes that undergo perinatal changes in DNA methylation are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this context, we envisaged that epigenetic modifications during the perinatal period may potentially drive essential changes in the genes regulating brain levels of critical neuromodulators such as D-serine and D-aspartate. Dysfunction of this fine regulation may contribute to the genesis of schizophrenia or other mental disorders, in which altered levels of D-amino acids are found. We recently demonstrated that Ddo, the D-aspartate degradation gene, is actively demethylated to ultimately reduce D-aspartate levels. However, the role of epigenetics as a mechanism driving the regulation of appropriate D-ser levels during brain development has been poorly investigated to date. METHODS We performed comprehensive ultradeep DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation profiling along with mRNA expression and HPLC-based D-amino acids level analyses of genes controlling the mammalian brain levels of D-serine and D-aspartate. DNA methylation changes occurring in specific cerebellar cell types were also investigated. We conducted high coverage targeted bisulfite sequencing by next-generation sequencing and single-molecule bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS We report consistent spatiotemporal modifications occurring at the Dao gene during neonatal development in a specific brain region (the cerebellum) and within specific cell types (astrocytes) for the first time. Dynamic demethylation at two specific CpG sites located just downstream of the transcription start site was sufficient to strongly activate the Dao gene, ultimately promoting the complete physiological degradation of cerebellar D-serine a few days after mouse birth. High amount of 5'-hydroxymethylcytosine, exclusively detected at relevant CpG sites, strongly evoked the occurrence of an active demethylation process. CONCLUSION The present investigation demonstrates that robust and selective demethylation of two CpG sites is associated with postnatal activation of the Dao gene and consequent removal of D-serine within the mouse cerebellum. A single-molecule methylation approach applied at the Dao locus promises to identify different cell-type compositions and functions in different brain areas and developmental stages.
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Lin CH, Yang HT, Lane HY. D-glutamate, D-serine, and D-alanine differ in their roles in cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 185:172760. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Transcriptome analysis identifies a robust gene expression program in the mouse intestinal epithelium on aging. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10410. [PMID: 31320724 PMCID: PMC6639340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium undergoes constant regeneration driven by intestinal stem cells. How old age affects the transcriptome in this highly dynamic tissue is an important, but poorly explored question. Using transcriptomics on sorted intestinal stem cells and adult enterocytes, we identified candidate genes, which change expression on aging. Further validation of these on intestinal epithelium of multiple middle-aged versus old-aged mice highlighted the consistent up-regulation of the expression of the gene encoding chemokine receptor Ccr2, a mediator of inflammation and several disease processes. We observed also increased expression of Strc, coding for stereocilin, and dramatically decreased expression of Rps4l, coding for a ribosome subunit. Ccr2 and Rps4l are located close to the telomeric regions of chromosome 9 and 6, respectively. As only few genes were differentially expressed and we did not observe significant protein level changes of identified ageing markers, our analysis highlights the overall robustness of murine intestinal epithelium gene expression to old age.
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The levels of the NMDA receptor co-agonist D-serine are reduced in the substantia nigra of MPTP-lesioned macaques and in the cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson's disease patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8898. [PMID: 31222058 PMCID: PMC6586824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated transmission is supposed to contribute to the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and to L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Besides the main agonist L-glutamate, two other amino acids in the atypical D-configuration, D-serine and D-aspartate, activate NMDARs. In the present work, we investigated the effect of dopamine depletion on D-amino acids metabolism in the brain of MPTP-lesioned Macaca mulatta, and in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of PD patients. We found that MPTP treatment increases D-aspartate and D-serine in the monkey putamen while L-DOPA rescues both D-amino acids levels. Conversely, dopaminergic denervation is associated with selective D-serine reduction in the substantia nigra. Such decrease suggests that the beneficial effect of D-serine adjuvant therapy previously reported in PD patients may derive from the normalization of endogenous D-serine levels and consequent improvement of nigrostriatal hypoglutamatergic transmission at glycine binding site. We also found reduced D-serine concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of L-DOPA-free PD patients. These results further confirm the existence of deep interaction between dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in PD and disclose a possible direct influence of D-amino acids variations in the changes of NMDAR transmission occurring under dopamine denervation and L-DOPA therapy.
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Free d-aspartate triggers NMDA receptor-dependent cell death in primary cortical neurons and perturbs JNK activation, Tau phosphorylation, and protein SUMOylation in the cerebral cortex of mice lacking d-aspartate oxidase activity. Exp Neurol 2019; 317:51-65. [PMID: 30822420 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, free d-aspartate (D-Asp) is abundant in the embryonic brain, while levels remain very low during adulthood as a result of the postnatal expression and activity of the catabolizing enzyme d-aspartate oxidase (DDO). Previous studies have shown that long-lasting exposure to nonphysiological, higher D-Asp concentrations in Ddo knockout (Ddo-/-) mice elicits a precocious decay of synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, along with a dramatic age-dependent expression of active caspase 3, associated with increased cell death in different brain regions, including hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and substantia nigra pars compacta. Here, we investigate the yet unclear molecular and cellular events associated with the exposure of abnormally high D-Asp concentrations in cortical primary neurons and in the brain of Ddo-/- mice. For the first time, our in vitro findings document that D-Asp induces in a time-, dose-, and NMDA receptor-dependent manner alterations in JNK and Tau phosphorylation levels, associated with pronounced cell death in primary cortical neurons. Moreover, observations obtained in Ddo-/- animals confirmed that high in vivo levels of D-Asp altered cortical JNK signaling, Tau phosphorylation and enhanced protein SUMOylation, indicating a robust indirect role of DDO activity in regulating these biochemical NMDA receptor-related processes. Finally, no gross modifications in D-Asp concentrations and DDO mRNA expression were detected in the cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease when compared to age-matched healthy controls.
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Abstract
Glucose is the long-established, obligatory fuel for brain that fulfills many critical functions, including ATP production, oxidative stress management, and synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and structural components. Neuronal glucose oxidation exceeds that in astrocytes, but both rates increase in direct proportion to excitatory neurotransmission; signaling and metabolism are closely coupled at the local level. Exact details of neuron-astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycling remain to be established, and the specific roles of glucose and lactate in the cellular energetics of these processes are debated. Glycolysis is preferentially upregulated during brain activation even though oxygen availability is sufficient (aerobic glycolysis). Three major pathways, glycolysis, pentose phosphate shunt, and glycogen turnover, contribute to utilization of glucose in excess of oxygen, and adrenergic regulation of aerobic glycolysis draws attention to astrocytic metabolism, particularly glycogen turnover, which has a high impact on the oxygen-carbohydrate mismatch. Aerobic glycolysis is proposed to be predominant in young children and specific brain regions, but re-evaluation of data is necessary. Shuttling of glucose- and glycogen-derived lactate from astrocytes to neurons during activation, neurotransmission, and memory consolidation are controversial topics for which alternative mechanisms are proposed. Nutritional therapy and vagus nerve stimulation are translational bridges from metabolism to clinical treatment of diverse brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock, Arkansas ; and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, New Mexico
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37
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Keller S, Punzo D, Cuomo M, Affinito O, Coretti L, Sacchi S, Florio E, Lembo F, Carella M, Copetti M, Cocozza S, Balu DT, Errico F, Usiello A, Chiariotti L. DNA methylation landscape of the genes regulating D-serine and D-aspartate metabolism in post-mortem brain from controls and subjects with schizophrenia. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10163. [PMID: 29976992 PMCID: PMC6033866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28332-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The spatio-temporal regulation of genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of D-serine and D-aspartate such as serine racemase (SR), D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), G72 and D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), play pivotal roles in determining the correct levels of these D-amino acids in the human brain. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of these genes in post-mortem samples from hippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum from patients with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric controls. DNA methylation analysis was performed at an ultradeep level, measuring individual epialleles frequency by single molecule approach. Differential CpG methylation and expression was detected across different brain regions, although no significant correlations were found with diagnosis. G72 showed the highest CpG and non-CpG methylation degree, which may explain the repression of G72 transcription in the brain regions considered here. Conversely, in line with the sustained SR mRNA expression in the analyzed areas, very low methylation levels were detected at this gene’s regulatory regions. Furthermore, for DAO and DDO, our single-molecule methylation approach demonstrated that analysis of epiallele distribution was able to detect differences in DNA methylation representing area-specific methylation signatures, which are likely not detectable with targeted or genome-wide classic methylation analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Keller
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Punzo
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ornella Affinito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorena Coretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy.,The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano and Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Ermanno Florio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego UCSD, La Jolla, 95000, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Lembo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Unit of Biostatistics, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Sergio Cocozza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Darrick T Balu
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, MA, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, 02478, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy. .,Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy. .,Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology Institute (I.E.O.S.), National Research Council (C.N.R.), 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Li Y, Han H, Yin J, Li T, Yin Y. Role of D-aspartate on biosynthesis, racemization, and potential functions: A mini-review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4:311-315. [PMID: 30175260 PMCID: PMC6116324 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
D-aspartate, a natural and endogenous amino acid, widely exists in animal tissues and can be synthesized through aspartate racemase and transformed by D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). D-aspartate mainly serves as a neurotransmitter and has been demonstrated to exhibit various physiological functions, including nutritional potential, regulation on reproduction and hormone biology, and neuron protection. This article mainly reviews the synthesis, racemization, and physiological functions of D-aspartate with emphasis on the potential in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hui Han
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha 410128, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha 410128, China
- Corresponding authors.
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Skaper SD, Facci L, Zusso M, Giusti P. An Inflammation-Centric View of Neurological Disease: Beyond the Neuron. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:72. [PMID: 29618972 PMCID: PMC5871676 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological response fundamental to how the body deals with injury and infection to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury and effect repair. Unlike a normally beneficial acute inflammatory response, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and ultimately its destruction, and often results from an inappropriate immune response. Inflammation in the nervous system (“neuroinflammation”), especially when prolonged, can be particularly injurious. While inflammation per se may not cause disease, it contributes importantly to disease pathogenesis across both the peripheral (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia) and central [e.g., Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, ischemia and traumatic brain injury, depression, and autism spectrum disorder] nervous systems. The existence of extensive lines of communication between the nervous system and immune system represents a fundamental principle underlying neuroinflammation. Immune cell-derived inflammatory molecules are critical for regulation of host responses to inflammation. Although these mediators can originate from various non-neuronal cells, important sources in the above neuropathologies appear to be microglia and mast cells, together with astrocytes and possibly also oligodendrocytes. Understanding neuroinflammation also requires an appreciation that non-neuronal cell—cell interactions, between both glia and mast cells and glia themselves, are an integral part of the inflammation process. Within this context the mast cell occupies a key niche in orchestrating the inflammatory process, from initiation to prolongation. This review will describe the current state of knowledge concerning the biology of neuroinflammation, emphasizing mast cell-glia and glia-glia interactions, then conclude with a consideration of how a cell's endogenous mechanisms might be leveraged to provide a therapeutic strategy to target neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Skaper
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Facci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Morena Zusso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Giusti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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40
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Zachar G, Jakó T, Vincze I, Wagner Z, Tábi T, Bálint E, Mezey S, Szökő É, Csillag A. Age-related and function-dependent regional alterations of free L- and D-aspartate in postembryonic chick brain. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2018; 69:1-15. [PMID: 29575913 DOI: 10.1556/018.68.2018.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
D-aspartate (D-Asp) modulates adult neural plasticity and embryonic brain development by promoting cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Here, developmental changes of the excitatory amino acids (EAAs) L-Glu, L-Asp and D-Asp were determined during the first postembryonic days, a time window for early learning, in selected brain regions of domestic chickens after chiral separation and capillary electrophoresis. Extracellular concentration (ECC) of EAAs was measured in microdialysis samples from freely moving chicks. ECC of D-Asp (but not L-EAAs) decreased during the first week of age, with no considerable regional or learning-related variation. ECC of L-Asp and L-Glu (but not of D-Asp) were elevated in the mSt/Ac in response to a rewarding stimulus, suggesting importance of Asp-Glu co-release in synaptic plasticity of basal ganglia. Potassium-evoked release of D-Asp, with a protracted transient, was also demonstrated. D-Asp constitutes greater percentage of total aspartate in the extracellular space than in whole tissue extracts, thus the bulk of D-Asp detected in tissue appears in the extracellular space. Conversely, only a fraction of tissue L-EAAs can be detected in extracellular space. The lack of changes in tissue D-Asp following avoidance learning indicates a tonic, rather than phasic, mechanism in the neuromodulatory action of this amino acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and EmbryologySemmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 58, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Jakó
- Department of PharmacodynamicsSemmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Vincze
- Department of PharmacodynamicsSemmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Wagner
- Department of PharmacodynamicsSemmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tábi
- Department of PharmacodynamicsSemmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Bálint
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and EmbryologySemmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 58, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Mezey
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and EmbryologySemmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 58, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Szökő
- Department of PharmacodynamicsSemmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and EmbryologySemmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 58, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
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41
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Furiano A, Luongo L, Bove M, Maione S, Cuomo V, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Celecoxib Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in Soluble Amyloid β-treated Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 372:58-73. [PMID: 29306052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that soluble forms of amyloid-β (sAβ) peptide contribute to synaptic and cognitive dysfunctions in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, neuroinflammation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme have gained increased interest as key factors involved early in AD, although the signaling pathways and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying a link between sAβ-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition on neuropathological alterations induced by sAβ administration in rats. To this purpose, animals received an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of predominantly monomeric forms of sAβ and, 7 days after, behavioral as well as biochemical parameters and neurotransmitter alterations were evaluated. During this period, rats also received a sub-chronic treatment with celecoxib. Biochemical results demonstrated that icv sAβ injection significantly increased both COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the hippocampus (Hipp) of treated rats. In addition, the number of hypertrophic microglial cells and astrocytes were upregulated in sAβ-treated group. Interestingly, rats treated with sAβ showed long-term memory deficits, as confirmed by a significant reduction of discrimination index in the novel object recognition test, along with reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and increased noradrenaline levels in the Hipp. Systemic administration of celecoxib prevented behavioral dysfunctions, as well as biochemical and neurotransmitter alterations. In conclusion, our results suggest that sAβ neurotoxicity might be associated to COX-2-mediated inflammatory pathways and that early treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitor might provide potential remedies to counterbalance the sAβ-induced effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Furiano
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuomo
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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42
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Errico F, Nuzzo T, Carella M, Bertolino A, Usiello A. The Emerging Role of Altered d-Aspartate Metabolism in Schizophrenia: New Insights From Preclinical Models and Human Studies. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:559. [PMID: 30459655 PMCID: PMC6232865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides d-serine, another d-amino acid with endogenous occurrence in the mammalian brain, d-aspartate, has been recently shown to influence NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated transmission. d-aspartate is present in the brain at extracellular level in nanomolar concentrations, binds to the agonist site of NMDARs and activates this subclass of glutamate receptors. Along with its direct effect on NMDARs, d-aspartate can also evoke considerable l-glutamate release in specific brain areas through the presynaptic activation of NMDA, AMPA/kainate and mGlu5 receptors. d-aspartate is enriched in the embryonic brain of rodents and humans and its concentration strongly decreases after birth, due to the post-natal expression of the catabolising enzyme d-aspartate oxidase (DDO). Based on the hypothesis of NMDAR hypofunction in schizophrenia pathogenesis, recent preclinical and clinical studies suggested a relationship between perturbation of d-aspartate metabolism and this psychiatric disorder. Consistently, neurophysiological and behavioral characterization of Ddo knockout (Ddo -/-) and d-aspartate-treated mice highlighted that abnormally higher endogenous d-aspartate levels significantly increase NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity, neuronal spine density and memory. Remarkably, increased d-aspartate levels influence schizophrenia-like phenotypes in rodents, as indicated by improved fronto-hippocampal connectivity, attenuated prepulse inhibition deficits and reduced activation of neuronal circuitry induced by phencyclidine exposure. In healthy humans, a genetic polymorphism associated with reduced prefrontal DDO gene expression predicts changes in prefrontal phenotypes including greater gray matter volume and enhanced functional activity during working memory. Moreover, neurochemical detections in post-mortem brain of schizophrenia-affected patients have shown significantly reduced d-aspartate content in prefrontal regions, associated with increased DDO mRNA expression or DDO enzymatic activity. Overall, these findings suggest a possible involvement of dysregulated embryonic d-aspartate metabolism in schizophrenia pathophysiology and, in turn, highlight the potential use of free d-aspartate supplementation as a new add-on therapy for treating the cognitive symptoms of this mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Translational Neuroscience Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- Translational Neuroscience Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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43
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Gong X, Chen Y, Fu B, Jiang J, Zhang M. Infant nerve injury induces delayed microglial polarization to the M1 phenotype, and exercise reduces delayed neuropathic pain by modulating microglial activity. Neuroscience 2017; 349:76-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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44
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Sacchi S, Novellis VD, Paolone G, Nuzzo T, Iannotta M, Belardo C, Squillace M, Bolognesi P, Rosini E, Motta Z, Frassineti M, Bertolino A, Pollegioni L, Morari M, Maione S, Errico F, Usiello A. Olanzapine, but not clozapine, increases glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex of freely moving mice by inhibiting D-aspartate oxidase activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46288. [PMID: 28393897 PMCID: PMC5385520 DOI: 10.1038/srep46288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
D-aspartate levels in the brain are regulated by the catabolic enzyme D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). D-aspartate activates NMDA receptors, and influences brain connectivity and behaviors relevant to schizophrenia in animal models. In addition, recent evidence reported a significant reduction of D-aspartate levels in the post-mortem brain of schizophrenia-affected patients, associated to higher DDO activity. In the present work, microdialysis experiments in freely moving mice revealed that exogenously administered D-aspartate efficiently cross the blood brain barrier and stimulates L-glutamate efflux in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Consistently, D-aspartate was able to evoke L-glutamate release in a preparation of cortical synaptosomes through presynaptic stimulation of NMDA, mGlu5 and AMPA/kainate receptors. In support of a potential therapeutic relevance of D-aspartate metabolism in schizophrenia, in vitro enzymatic assays revealed that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, differently to clozapine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, bupropion, fluoxetine and amitriptyline, inhibits the human DDO activity. In line with in vitro evidence, chronic systemic administration of olanzapine induces a significant extracellular release of D-aspartate and L-glutamate in the PFC of freely moving mice, which is suppressed in Ddo knockout animals. These results suggest that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, through the inhibition of DDO activity, increases L-glutamate release in the PFC of treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy.,The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano and Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Vito De Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, The Second University of Naples (SUN), 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Paolone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, The Second University of Naples (SUN), 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, The Second University of Naples (SUN), 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Squillace
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Bolognesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Rosini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy.,The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano and Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Martina Frassineti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121, Bari, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy.,The Protein Factory, Politecnico di Milano and Università degli studi dell'Insubria, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, 44100, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, The Second University of Naples (SUN), 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Second University of Naples (SUN), 81100, Caserta, Italy
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45
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Decreased free d-aspartate levels are linked to enhanced d-aspartate oxidase activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia patients. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2017; 3:16. [PMID: 28560262 PMCID: PMC5441530 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-017-0015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is long acknowledged that the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor co-agonist, d-serine, plays a crucial role in several N-methyl d-aspartate receptor-mediated physiological and pathological processes, including schizophrenia. Besides d-serine, another free d-amino acid, d-aspartate, is involved in the activation of N-methyl d-aspartate receptors acting as an agonist of this receptor subclass, and is abundantly detected in the developing human brain. Based on the hypothesis of N-methyl d-aspartate receptor hypofunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and considering the ability of d-aspartate and d-serine to stimulate N-methyl d-aspartate receptor-dependent transmission, in the present work we assessed the concentration of these two d-amino acids in the post-mortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects. Moreover, in this cohort of post-mortem brain samples we investigated the spatiotemporal variations of d-aspartate and d-serine. Consistent with previous work, we found that d-aspartate content was selectively decreased by around 30% in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus, of schizophrenia-affected patients, compared to healthy subjects. Interestingly, such selective reduction was associated to greater (around 25%) cortical activity of the enzyme responsible for d-aspartate catabolism, d-aspartate oxidase. Conversely, no significant changes were found in the methylation state and transcription of DDO gene in patients with schizophrenia, compared to control individuals, as well as in the expression levels of serine racemase, the major enzyme responsible for d-serine biosynthesis, which also catalyzes aspartate racemization. These results reveal the potential involvement of altered d-aspartate metabolism in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a factor contributing to dysfunctional N-methyl d-aspartate receptor-mediated transmission in schizophrenia. Altered metabolism of an amino acid activator of ion channels in the brain could explain dysfunctional nerve signaling in schizophrenia. Researchers in Italy led by Alessandro Usiello from Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate and Loredano Pollegioni from the University of Insubria measured the levels of two amino acids—D-aspartate and D-serine—in post-mortem tissues taken from two brain regions of patients with and without schizophrenia. Both amino acids activate the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor, which is known to be less active in people with schizophrenia. The researchers found a mild increase in D-serine levels but a major decrease in D-aspartate in the schizophrenia patients’ dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a memory and reasoning part of the brain, but not in the hippocampus. They also documented a greater activity of the enzyme responsible for D-aspartate breakdown in the DLPFC.
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46
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Benton MC, Sutherland HG, Macartney-Coxson D, Haupt LM, Lea RA, Griffiths LR. Methylome-wide association study of whole blood DNA in the Norfolk Island isolate identifies robust loci associated with age. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:753-768. [PMID: 28255110 PMCID: PMC5391229 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of various genomic functions, including gene expression, provide mechanisms whereby an organism can dynamically respond to changes in its environment and modify gene expression accordingly. One epigenetic mechanism implicated in human aging and age-related disorders is DNA methylation. Isolated populations such as Norfolk Island (NI) should be advantageous for the identification of epigenetic factors related to aging due to reduced genetic and environmental variation. Here we conducted a methylome-wide association study of age using whole blood DNA in 24 healthy female individuals from the NI genetic isolate (aged 24-47 years). We analysed 450K methylation array data using a machine learning approach (GLMnet) to identify age-associated CpGs. We identified 497 CpG sites, mapping to 422 genes, associated with age, with 11 sites previously associated with age. The strongest associations identified were for a single CpG site in MYOF and an extended region within the promoter of DDO. These hits were validated in curated public data from 2316 blood samples (MARMAL-AID). This study is the first to report robust age associations for MYOF and DDO, both of which have plausible functional roles in aging. This study also illustrates the value of genetic isolates to reveal new associations with epigenome-level data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles C Benton
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Heidi G Sutherland
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Donia Macartney-Coxson
- Kenepuru Science Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington 5240, New Zealand
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Rodney A Lea
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
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47
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Skaper SD, Facci L, Zusso M, Giusti P. Neuroinflammation, Mast Cells, and Glia: Dangerous Liaisons. Neuroscientist 2017; 23:478-498. [PMID: 29283023 DOI: 10.1177/1073858416687249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The perspective of neuroinflammation as an epiphenomenon following neuron damage is being replaced by the awareness of glia and their importance in neural functions and disorders. Systemic inflammation generates signals that communicate with the brain and leads to changes in metabolism and behavior, with microglia assuming a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Identification of potential peripheral-to-central cellular links is thus a critical step in designing effective therapeutics. Mast cells may fulfill such a role. These resident immune cells are found close to and within peripheral nerves and in brain parenchyma/meninges, where they exercise a key role in orchestrating the inflammatory process from initiation through chronic activation. Mast cells and glia engage in crosstalk that contributes to accelerate disease progression; such interactions become exaggerated with aging and increased cell sensitivity to stress. Emerging evidence for oligodendrocytes, independent of myelin and support of axonal integrity, points to their having strong immune functions, innate immune receptor expression, and production/response to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the central nervous system while engaging in crosstalk with microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we summarize the findings related to our understanding of the biology and cellular signaling mechanisms of neuroinflammation, with emphasis on mast cell-glia interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Skaper
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Facci
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Morena Zusso
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Giusti
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
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48
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Xu CJ, Bonder MJ, Söderhäll C, Bustamante M, Baïz N, Gehring U, Jankipersadsing SA, van der Vlies P, van Diemen CC, van Rijkom B, Just J, Kull I, Kere J, Antó JM, Bousquet J, Zhernakova A, Wijmenga C, Annesi-Maesano I, Sunyer J, Melén E, Li Y, Postma DS, Koppelman GH. The emerging landscape of dynamic DNA methylation in early childhood. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:25. [PMID: 28056824 PMCID: PMC5217260 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation has been found to associate with disease, aging and environmental exposure, but it is unknown how genome, environment and disease influence DNA methylation dynamics in childhood. RESULTS By analysing 538 paired DNA blood samples from children at birth and at 4-5 years old and 726 paired samples from children at 4 and 8 years old from four European birth cohorts using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 k chip, we have identified 14,150 consistent age-differential methylation sites (a-DMSs) at epigenome-wide significance of p < 1.14 × 10-7. Genes with an increase in age-differential methylation were enriched in pathways related to 'development', and were more often located in bivalent transcription start site (TSS) regions, which can silence or activate expression of developmental genes. Genes with a decrease in age-differential methylation were involved in cell signalling, and enriched on H3K27ac, which can predict developmental state. Maternal smoking tended to decrease methylation levels at the identified da-DMSs. We also found 101 a-DMSs (0.71%) that were regulated by genetic variants using cis-differential Methylation Quantitative Trait Locus (cis-dMeQTL) mapping. Moreover, a-DMS-associated genes during early development were significantly more likely to be linked with disease. CONCLUSION Our study provides new insights into the dynamic epigenetic landscape of the first 8 years of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jian Xu
- Department of Pulmonology, GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marc Jan Bonder
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cilla Söderhäll
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nour Baïz
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Soesma A Jankipersadsing
- Department of Pulmonology, GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter van der Vlies
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cleo C van Diemen
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca van Rijkom
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jocelyne Just
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Paris, France.,Department of Allergology-Centre de l'Asthme et des Allergies, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Inger Kull
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Stockholm South General Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, and Sachs' Children's Hospital, SE-118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juha Kere
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics and Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Josep Maria Antó
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean Bousquet
- University Hospital, Montpellier, France.,MACVIA-France, Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en France, European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing Reference Site, Paris, France.,INSERM, VIMA: Ageing and chronic diseases. Epidemiological and public health approaches, U1168, Paris, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Erik Melén
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Paediatric Allergy, Beatrix Children's Hospital, GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Dirkje S Postma
- Department of Pulmonology, GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Paediatric Allergy, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Interactions between CYP11B2 Promoter Methylation and Smoking Increase Risk of Essential Hypertension. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1454186. [PMID: 28078278 PMCID: PMC5204072 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1454186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is closely linked to essential hypertension (EH). However, it remains unclear whether the methylation of the CYP11B2 promoter is involved in the development of EH in humans. Our study is aimed at evaluating the contribution of CYP11B2 promoter methylation to the risk of EH. Methylation levels were measured using pyrosequencing technology in 192 participants in a hospital-based case-control study. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to adjust for confounding factors and the GMDR method was applied to investigate high-order gene-environment interactions. Although no significant result was observed linking the four analyzed CpG sites to EH, GMDR detected significant interactions among CpG1, CpG3, CpG4, and smoking correlated with an increased risk of EH (OR = 4.62, adjusted P = 0.011). In addition, CpG2 (adjusted P = 0.013) and CpG3 (adjusted P = 0.039) methylation was significantly lower in healthy males than in healthy females. Likewise, after adjusting for confounding factors, CpG2 methylation (adjusted P = 0.007) still showed significant gender-specific differences among the participants of the study. CpG1 (P = 0.009) site was significantly positively correlated with age, and CpG3 (P = 0.007) and CpG4 (P = 0.006) were both inversely linked to smoking. Our findings suggest that gene-environment interactions are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of EH.
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Florio E, Keller S, Coretti L, Affinito O, Scala G, Errico F, Fico A, Boscia F, Sisalli MJ, Reccia MG, Miele G, Monticelli A, Scorziello A, Lembo F, Colucci-D'Amato L, Minchiotti G, Avvedimento VE, Usiello A, Cocozza S, Chiariotti L. Tracking the evolution of epialleles during neural differentiation and brain development: D-Aspartate oxidase as a model gene. Epigenetics 2016; 12:41-54. [PMID: 27858532 PMCID: PMC5270635 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1260211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed ultra-deep methylation analysis at single molecule level of the promoter region of developmentally regulated D-Aspartate oxidase (Ddo), as a model gene, during brain development and embryonic stem cell neural differentiation. Single molecule methylation analysis enabled us to establish the effective epiallele composition within mixed or pure brain cell populations. In this framework, an epiallele is defined as a specific combination of methylated CpG within Ddo locus and can represent the epigenetic haplotype revealing a cell-to-cell methylation heterogeneity. Using this approach, we found a high degree of polymorphism of methylated alleles (epipolymorphism) evolving in a remarkably conserved fashion during brain development. The different sets of epialleles mark stage, brain areas, and cell type and unravel the possible role of specific CpGs in favoring or inhibiting local methylation. Undifferentiated embryonic stem cells showed non-organized distribution of epialleles that apparently originated by stochastic methylation events on individual CpGs. Upon neural differentiation, despite detecting no changes in average methylation, we observed that the epiallele distribution was profoundly different, gradually shifting toward organized patterns specific to the glial or neuronal cell types. Our findings provide a deep view of gene methylation heterogeneity in brain cell populations promising to furnish innovative ways to unravel mechanisms underlying methylation patterns generation and alteration in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Florio
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Simona Keller
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Lorena Coretti
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Ornella Affinito
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Giovanni Scala
- c Dipartimento di Fisica , Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II" and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare , Sezione di Napoli, Naples , Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,d CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate , Naples , Italy
| | - Annalisa Fico
- e Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- f Department of Neuroscience , Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Maria Josè Sisalli
- f Department of Neuroscience , Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Mafalda Giovanna Reccia
- g Department of Environmental , Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Gennaro Miele
- c Dipartimento di Fisica , Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II" and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare , Sezione di Napoli, Naples , Italy
| | - Antonella Monticelli
- b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Antonella Scorziello
- f Department of Neuroscience , Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesca Lembo
- h Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Luca Colucci-D'Amato
- g Department of Environmental , Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- e Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Vittorio Enrico Avvedimento
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- d CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate , Naples , Italy.,g Department of Environmental , Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Second University of Naples , Caserta , Italy
| | - Sergio Cocozza
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche , Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II' , Naples , Italy.,b Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, IEOS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Naples , Italy
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