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Bharadwaj S, Groza Y, Mierzwicka JM, Malý P. Current understanding on TREM-2 molecular biology and physiopathological functions. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112042. [PMID: 38703564 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), a glycosylated receptor belonging to the immunoglobin superfamily and especially expressed in the myeloid cell lineage, is frequently explained as a reminiscent receptor for both adaptive and innate immunity regulation. TREM-2 is also acknowledged to influence NK cell differentiation via the PI3K and PLCγ signaling pathways, as well as the partial activation or direct inhibition of T cells. Additionally, TREM-2 overexpression is substantially linked to cell-specific functions, such as enhanced phagocytosis, reduced toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory cytokine production, increased transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reshaped T cell function. Whereas TREM-2-deficient cells exhibit diminished phagocytic function and enhanced proinflammatory cytokines production, proceeding to inflammatory injuries and an immunosuppressive environment for disease progression. Despite the growing literature supporting TREM-2+ cells in various diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, substantial facets of TREM-2-mediated signaling remain inadequately understood relevant to pathophysiology conditions. In this direction, herein, we have summarized the current knowledge on TREM-2 biology and cell-specific TREM-2 expression, particularly in the modulation of pivotal TREM-2-dependent functions under physiopathological conditions. Furthermore, molecular regulation and generic biological relevance of TREM-2 are also discussed, which might provide an alternative approach for preventing or reducing TREM-2-associated deformities. At last, we discussed the TREM-2 function in supporting an immunosuppressive cancer environment and as a potential drug target for cancer immunotherapy. Hence, summarized knowledge of TREM-2 might provide a window to overcome challenges in clinically effective therapies for TREM-2-induced diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bharadwaj
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Yaroslava Groza
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna M Mierzwicka
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Malý
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
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Mackiewicz J, Tomczak J, Lisek M, Sakowicz A, Guo F, Boczek T. NFATc4 Knockout Promotes Neuroprotection and Retinal Ganglion Cell Regeneration After Optic Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04129-0. [PMID: 38639863 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04129-0] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), neurons transmitting visual information via the optic nerve, fail to regenerate their axons after injury. The progressive loss of RGC function underlies the pathophysiology of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies, often leading to irreversible blindness. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the regulators of RGC survival and the regenerative program. In this study, we investigated the role of the family of transcription factors known as nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which are expressed in the retina; however, their role in RGC survival after injury is unknown. Using the optic nerve crush (ONC) model, widely employed to study optic neuropathies and central nervous system axon injury, we found that NFATc4 is specifically but transiently up-regulated in response to mechanical injury. In the injured retina, NFATc4 immunolocalized primarily to the ganglionic cell layer. Utilizing NFATc4-/- and NFATc3-/- mice, we demonstrated that NFATc4, but not NFATc3, knockout increased RGC survival, improved retina function, and delayed axonal degeneration. Microarray screening data, along with decreased immunostaining of cleaved caspase-3, revealed that NFATc4 knockout was protective against ONC-induced degeneration by suppressing pro-apoptotic signaling. Finally, we used lentiviral-mediated NFATc4 delivery to the retina of NFATc4-/- mice and reversed the pro-survival effect of NFATc4 knockout, conclusively linking the enhanced survival of injured RGCs to NFATc4-dependent mechanisms. In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that NFATc4 knockout may confer transient RGC neuroprotection and decelerate axonal degeneration after injury, providing a potent therapeutic strategy for optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mackiewicz
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Julia Tomczak
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Malwina Lisek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Sakowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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3
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Mackiewicz J, Lisek M, Boczek T. Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281882. [PMID: 38077352 PMCID: PMC10701682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Malko P, Jia X, Wood I, Jiang LH. Piezo1 channel-mediated Ca 2+ signaling inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway and generation of TNF-α and IL-6 in microglial cells. Glia 2023; 71:848-865. [PMID: 36447422 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are crucial in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and mediating CNS disease pathogenesis. Increasing evidence supports that alterations in the mechanical properties of CNS microenvironments influence glial cell phenotypes, but the mechanisms regulating microglial cell function remain elusive. Here, we examined the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel in microglial cells, particularly, how Piezo1 channel activation regulates pro-inflammatory activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, using BV2 and primary microglial cells. Piezo1 expression in microglial cells was detected both at mRNA and protein levels. Application of Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 induced Ca2+ flux to increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration that was reduced by treatment with ruthenium red, a Piezo1 inhibitor, or Piezo1-specific siRNA, supporting that Piezo1 functions as a cell surface Ca2+ -permeable channel. Priming with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced microglial cell activation and production of TNF-α and IL-6, which were inhibited by treatment with Yoda1. Furthermore, LPS priming induced the activation of ERK, p38 MAPKs, and NF-κB. LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, but not ERK and p38, was inhibited by treatment with Yoda1. Yoda1-induced inhibition was blunted by siRNA-mediated depletion of Piezo1 expression and, furthermore, treatment with BAPTA-AM to prevent intracellular Ca2+ increase. Collectively, our results support that Piezo1 channel activation downregulates the pro-inflammatory function of microglial cells, especially production of TNF-α and IL-6, by initiating intracellular Ca2+ signaling to inhibit the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. These findings reveal Piezo1 channel activation as a previously unrecognized mechanism regulating microglial cell function, raising an interesting perspective on targeting this molecular mechanism to alleviate neuroinflammation and associated CNS pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Malko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ian Wood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lin-Hua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, and Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,A4245-Transplantation, Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France
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Andronie-Cioara FL, Ardelean AI, Nistor-Cseppento CD, Jurcau A, Jurcau MC, Pascalau N, Marcu F. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031869. [PMID: 36768235 PMCID: PMC9915182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most prominent risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Aging associates with a chronic inflammatory state both in the periphery and in the central nervous system, the evidence thereof and the mechanisms leading to chronic neuroinflammation being discussed. Nonetheless, neuroinflammation is significantly enhanced by the accumulation of amyloid beta and accelerates the progression of Alzheimer's disease through various pathways discussed in the present review. Decades of clinical trials targeting the 2 abnormal proteins in Alzheimer's disease, amyloid beta and tau, led to many failures. As such, targeting neuroinflammation via different strategies could prove a valuable therapeutic strategy, although much research is still needed to identify the appropriate time window. Active research focusing on identifying early biomarkers could help translating these novel strategies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adriana Ioana Ardelean
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.N.-C.); (N.P.)
| | - Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | | | - Nicoleta Pascalau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.N.-C.); (N.P.)
| | - Florin Marcu
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
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Barisano G, Kisler K, Wilkinson B, Nikolakopoulou AM, Sagare AP, Wang Y, Gilliam W, Huuskonen MT, Hung ST, Ichida JK, Gao F, Coba MP, Zlokovic BV. A "multi-omics" analysis of blood-brain barrier and synaptic dysfunction in APOE4 mice. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20221137. [PMID: 36040482 PMCID: PMC9435921 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), the main susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease, leads to blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in humans and mice. Remarkably, BBB dysfunction predicts cognitive decline and precedes synaptic deficits in APOE4 human carriers. How APOE4 affects BBB and synaptic function at a molecular level, however, remains elusive. Using single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and phosphoproteome and proteome analysis, we show that APOE4 compared with APOE3 leads to an early disruption of the BBB transcriptome in 2-3-mo-old APOE4 knock-in mice, followed by dysregulation in protein signaling networks controlling cell junctions, cytoskeleton, clathrin-mediated transport, and translation in brain endothelium, as well as transcription and RNA splicing suggestive of DNA damage in pericytes. Changes in BBB signaling mechanisms paralleled an early, progressive BBB breakdown and loss of pericytes, which preceded postsynaptic interactome disruption and behavioral deficits that developed 2-5 mo later. Thus, dysregulated signaling mechanisms in endothelium and pericytes in APOE4 mice reflect a molecular signature of a progressive BBB failure preceding changes in synaptic function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Barisano
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kassandra Kisler
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Brent Wilkinson
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Angeliki Maria Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Abhay P. Sagare
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yaoming Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - William Gilliam
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mikko T. Huuskonen
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shu-Ting Hung
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Justin K. Ichida
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Fan Gao
- Caltech Bioinformatics Resource Center, Caltech, Pasadena, CA
| | - Marcelo P. Coba
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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7
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Fighting fire with fire: the immune system might be key in our fight against Alzheimer's disease. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1261-1283. [PMID: 35032668 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still unknown and no disease-modifying treatment exists. Emerging evidence supports the concept that the immune system has a key role in AD pathogenesis. This awareness leads to the idea that specific parts of the immune system must be engaged to ward off the disease. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved the management of several previously untreatable cancers and could hold similar promise as a novel therapy for treating AD. However, before potent immunotherapies can be rationally designed as treatment against AD, we need to fully understand the dynamic interplay between AD and the different parts of our immune system. Accordingly, here we review the most important aspects of both the innate and adaptive immune system in relation to AD pathology. Teaser: Emerging results support the concept that Alzheimer's disease is affected by the inability of the immune system to contain the pathology of the brain. Here, we discuss how we can engage our immune system to fight this devastating disease.
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Smit T, Deshayes NAC, Borchelt DR, Kamphuis W, Middeldorp J, Hol EM. Reactive astrocytes as treatment targets in Alzheimer's disease-Systematic review of studies using the APPswePS1dE9 mouse model. Glia 2021; 69:1852-1881. [PMID: 33634529 PMCID: PMC8247905 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate synaptic communication and are essential for proper brain functioning. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) astrocytes become reactive, which is characterized by an increased expression of intermediate filament proteins and cellular hypertrophy. Reactive astrocytes are found in close association with amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits. Synaptic communication and neuronal network function could be directly modulated by reactive astrocytes, potentially contributing to cognitive decline in AD. In this review, we focus on reactive astrocytes as treatment targets in AD in the APPswePS1dE9 AD mouse model, a widely used model to study amyloidosis and gliosis. We first give an overview of the model; that is, how it was generated, which cells express the transgenes, and the effect of its genetic background on Aβ pathology. Subsequently, to determine whether modifying reactive astrocytes in AD could influence pathogenesis and cognition, we review studies using this mouse model in which interventions were directly targeted at reactive astrocytes or had an indirect effect on reactive astrocytes. Overall, studies specifically targeting astrocytes to reduce astrogliosis showed beneficial effects on cognition, which indicates that targeting astrocytes should be included in developing novel therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Smit
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life SciencesCenter for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Natasja A. C. Deshayes
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life SciencesCenter for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - David R. Borchelt
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Florida College of MedicineGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Willem Kamphuis
- Netherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAn Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of ImmunobiologyBiomedical Primate Research CentreRijswijkThe Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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9
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Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) regulation of IL-1β-induced retinal vascular inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166238. [PMID: 34343639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low-grade retinal inflammation is an essential contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is characterized by increased retinal cell expression and secretion of a variety of inflammatory cytokines; among these, IL-1β has the reputation of being a major driver of cytokine-induced inflammation. IL-1β and other cytokines drive inflammatory changes that cause damage to retinal cells, leading to the hallmark vascular lesions of DR; these include increased leukocyte adherence, vascular permeability, and capillary cell death. Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is a transcriptional regulator of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules and is expressed in retinal cells. Consequently, it may influence multiple pathogenic steps early in DR. We investigated the NFAT-dependency of IL-1β-induced inflammation in human Müller cells (hMC) and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC). Our results show that an NFAT inhibitor, Inhibitor of NFAT-Calcineurin Association-6 (INCA-6), decreased IL-1β-induced expression of IL-1β and TNFα in hMC, while having no effect on VEGF, CCL2, or CCL5 expression. We also demonstrate that INCA-6 attenuated IL-1β-induced increases of IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, CCL2, and CCL5 (inflammatory cytokines and chemokines), and ICAM-1 and E-selectin (leukocyte adhesion molecules) expression in hRMEC. INCA-6 similarly inhibited IL-1β-induced increases in leukocyte adhesion in both hRMEC monolayers in vitro and an acute model of retinal inflammation in vivo. Finally, INCA-6 rescued IL-1β-induced permeability in both hRMEC monolayers in vitro and an acute model of retinal inflammation in vivo. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of NFAT inhibition to mitigate retinal inflammation secondary to diabetes.
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Kraner SD, Artiushin IA, Cloyd RA, Chishti EA, Koren SA, Nation GK, Abisambra JF, Huzian O, Nagy LI, Santha M, Hackler L, Puskas LG, Norris CM. Q134R: Small chemical compound with NFAT inhibitory properties improves behavioral performance and synapse function in mouse models of amyloid pathology. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13416. [PMID: 34117818 PMCID: PMC8282246 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) ameliorates pathophysiologic and cognitive changes in aging rodents and mice with aging-related Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. However, concerns over adverse effects have slowed the transition of common CN-inhibiting drugs to the clinic for the treatment of AD and AD-related disorders. Targeting substrates of CN, like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), has been suggested as an alternative, safer approach to CN inhibitors. However, small chemical inhibitors of NFATs have only rarely been described. Here, we investigate a newly developed neuroprotective hydroxyquinoline derivative (Q134R) that suppresses NFAT signaling, without inhibiting CN activity. Q134R partially inhibited NFAT activity in primary rat astrocytes, but did not prevent CN-mediated dephosphorylation of a non-NFAT target, either in vivo, or in vitro. Acute (≤1 week) oral delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 (12 months old) or wild-type mice (3-4 months old) infused with oligomeric Aβ peptides led to improved Y maze performance. Chronic (≥3 months) oral delivery of Q134R appeared to be safe, and, in fact, promoted survival in wild-type (WT) mice when given for many months beyond middle age. Finally, chronic delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 mice during the early stages of amyloid pathology (i.e., between 6 and 9 months) tended to reduce signs of glial reactivity, prevented the upregulation of astrocytic NFAT4, and ameliorated deficits in synaptic strength and plasticity, without noticeably altering parenchymal Aβ plaque pathology. The results suggest that Q134R is a promising drug for treating AD and aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jenna L. Gollihue
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Ryan A. Cloyd
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Emad A. Chishti
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Shon A. Koren
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Grant K. Nation
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jose F. Abisambra
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
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11
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Chen F, Chen L, Wang J, Xie J. LRRK2-NFATc2 Pathway Associated with Neuroinflammation May Be a Potential Therapeutic Target for Parkinson's Disease. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2583-2586. [PMID: 34168481 PMCID: PMC8217840 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s301531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanisms involved in extracellular α‑synuclein-induced proinflammatory microglial responses through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) are unclear. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a serine/threonine kinase, and its mutations are closely related to autosomal dominant PD. Recently, Masliah et al characterized a novel-specific neuroinflammation cascade dependent on LRRK2-NFATc2 in microglia activated by neuron-released α-synuclein. LRRK2 selectively phosphorylated and induced nuclear translocation of NFATc2 to activate a neuroinflammation cascade. In this cascade, LRRK2 kinase was activated by neuron-released α-synuclein in microglia via TLR2. Further, NFATc2, as a kinase substrate for LRRK2, was directly phosphorylated, which accelerated nuclear translocation of NFATc2, where cytokine/chemokine gene expression including TNF-α and IL-6 is regulated by NFATc2 transcriptional activity, resulting in a neurotoxic inflammatory environment. Moreover, an abnormal increase of NFATc2 in nuclear was observed in the brains of patients and a mouse model of PD. Additionally, the administration of an LRRK2 inhibitor could ameliorate neuroinflammation, prevent neuronal loss, and improve motor function. Therefore, modulation of LRKK2-NFATc2 signaling cascade might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcui Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Leilei Chen
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Lee HY, Jeon Y, Kim YK, Jang JY, Cho YS, Bhak J, Cho KH. Identifying molecular targets for reverse aging using integrated network analysis of transcriptomic and epigenomic changes during aging. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12317. [PMID: 34112891 PMCID: PMC8192508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with widespread physiological changes, including skeletal muscle weakening, neuron system degeneration, hair loss, and skin wrinkling. Previous studies have identified numerous molecular biomarkers involved in these changes, but their regulatory mechanisms and functional repercussions remain elusive. In this study, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA methylation and RNA sequencing of blood samples from 51 healthy adults between 20 and 74 years of age and identified aging-related epigenetic and transcriptomic biomarkers. We also identified candidate molecular targets that can reversely regulate the transcriptomic biomarkers of aging by reconstructing a gene regulatory network model and performing signal flow analysis. For validation, we screened public experimental data including gene expression profiles in response to thousands of chemical perturbagens. Despite insufficient data on the binding targets of perturbagens and their modes of action, curcumin, which reversely regulated the biomarkers in the experimental dataset, was found to bind and inhibit JUN, which was identified as a candidate target via signal flow analysis. Collectively, our results demonstrate the utility of a network model for integrative analysis of omics data, which can help elucidate inter-omics regulatory mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies against aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwang-Yeol Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Genome Research Institute, Clinomics Inc, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonsu Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.,Korea Genomics Center (KOGIC), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.,Korea Genomics Center (KOGIC), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.,Korea Genomics Center (KOGIC), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sung Cho
- Genome Research Institute, Clinomics Inc, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Bhak
- Genome Research Institute, Clinomics Inc, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea. .,Korea Genomics Center (KOGIC), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea. .,Personal Genomics Institute (PGI), Genome Research Foundation (GRF), Osong, 28160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwang-Hyun Cho
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Maksoud MJE, Tellios V, Lu WY. Nitric oxide attenuates microglia proliferation by sequentially facilitating calcium influx through TRPV2 channels, activating NFATC2, and increasing p21 transcription. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:417-433. [PMID: 33530820 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1877936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia proliferation is critical for proper development and function of the central nervous system (CNS), while dysregulation of proliferation contributes to pathology. We recently reported that male inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS-/-) mice displayed significantly more proliferating microglia in their postnatal cortex than age-matched wildtype (WT) male mice. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) signaling in mouse microglia greatly upregulates calcium entry through transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2) channels. Considering that TRPV2 activity restricts astrocytic proliferation within glioma tissues, we investigated the roles of iNOS/NO signaling and TRPV2 expression in the regulation of microglial proliferation in vitro using assays of calcium imaging, immunocytochemistry, western blot, and polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that non-dividing microglia exhibited substantially higher expression of TRPV2 on the plasma membrane and significantly larger calcium influx through TRPV2 channels in comparison to dividing microglia. Additionally, non-dividing WT microglia exhibited significantly more NO production than dividing WT microglia. Furthermore, the NO-donor NOC18 increased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 2 (NFATC2) and the mRNA of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and decreased the percentage of dividing WT and iNOS-/- microglia in culture. Importantly, the presence of the TRPV2 inhibitor tranilast abolished these effects of NOC18. Together, results from this study indicated that iNOS/NO signaling inhibits microglial proliferation through TRPV2-mediated calcium influx, nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFATC2, and p21 expression. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J E Maksoud
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada.,Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada
| | - Vasiliki Tellios
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada.,Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada
| | - Wei-Yang Lu
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada.,Translational Neuroscience Research Group, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario , London, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario , London, Canada
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14
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Shimamoto-Mitsuyama C, Nakaya A, Esaki K, Balan S, Iwayama Y, Ohnishi T, Maekawa M, Toyota T, Dean B, Yoshikawa T. Lipid Pathology of the Corpus Callosum in Schizophrenia and the Potential Role of Abnormal Gene Regulatory Networks with Reduced Microglial Marker Expression. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:448-462. [PMID: 32924060 PMCID: PMC7727339 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural changes in the corpus callosum have been reported in schizophrenia; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. As the corpus callosum is high in lipid content, we analyzed the lipid contents of the corpora callosa from 15 patients with schizophrenia and 15 age- and sex-matched controls using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and identified lipid combinations associated with schizophrenia. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses using extended samples (schizophrenia, n = 95; control, n = 91) showed low expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes and their potential upstream transcription factors in schizophrenia. Subsequent pathway analysis identified a gene regulatory network where nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATC2) is placed most upstream. We also observed low gene expression levels of microglial markers, inflammatory cytokines, and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), which is known to regulate the density of microglia, in the corpus callosum in schizophrenia. The interactions between CSF1R and several genes in the presently identified gene network originating from NFATC2 have been reported. Collectively, this study provides evidence regarding lipid abnormalities in the corpora callosa of patients with schizophrenia and proposes the potential role of impaired “NFATC2-relevant gene network-microglial axis” as its underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihiro Nakaya
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Laboratory of Genome Data Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kayoko Esaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shabeesh Balan
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Support Unit for Bio-Material Analysis, Research Resources Division, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ohnishi
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Motoko Maekawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Brian Dean
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Howard Florey Laboratories, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,The Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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15
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Deczkowska A, Weiner A, Amit I. The Physiology, Pathology, and Potential Therapeutic Applications of the TREM2 Signaling Pathway. Cell 2020; 181:1207-1217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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Safety and Neuroprotective Efficacy of Palm Oil and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction from Palm Oil: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020521. [PMID: 32085610 PMCID: PMC7071496 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several natural products have been reported to elicit beneficial effects against neurodegenerative disorders due to their vitamin E contents. However, the neuroprotective efficacy of palm oil or its tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from the pre-clinical cell and animal studies have not been systematically reviewed. Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was registered in “PROSPERO” (CRD42019150408). This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) descriptors of PubMed with Boolean operators were used to construct keywords, including (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Nervous System”[Mesh], (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Neurodegenerative Diseases”[Mesh], (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Brain”[Mesh], and (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Cognition”[Mesh], to retrieve the pertinent records from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect from 1990 to 2019, while bibliographies, ProQuest and Google Scholar were searched to ensure a comprehensive identification of relevant articles. Two independent investigators were involved at every stage of the systematic review, while discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third investigator. Results: All of the 18 included studies in this review (10 animal and eight cell studies) showed that palm oil and TRF enhanced the cognitive performance of healthy animals. In diabetes-induced rats, TRF and α-tocotrienol enhanced cognitive function and exerted antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities, while in a transgenic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal model, TRF enhanced the cognitive function and reduced the deposition of β-amyloid by altering the expression of several genes related to AD and neuroprotection. In cell studies, simultaneous treatment with α-tocotrienols and neurotoxins improved the redox status in neuronal cells better than γ- and δ-tocotrienols. Both pre-treatment and post-treatment with α-tocotrienol relative to oxidative insults were able to enhance the survival of neuronal cells via increased antioxidant responses. Conclusions: Palm oil and its TRF enhanced the cognitive functions of healthy animals, while TRF and α-tocotrienol enhanced the cognitive performance with attenuation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis in diabetes-induced or transgenic AD animal models. In cell studies, TRF and α-tocotrienol exerted prophylactic neuroprotective effects, while α-tocotrienol exerted therapeutic neuroprotective effects that were superior to those of γ- and δ-tocotrienol isomers.
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17
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Wang S, Colonna M. Microglia in Alzheimer's disease: A target for immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:219-227. [PMID: 30725482 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0818-319r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident Mϕs of the CNS that play pleiotropic functions in brain development and homeostasis. Impaired microglial functions are thought to be involved in the onset and progression of various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, understanding microglia in these settings may indicate new approaches for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review recent evidence implicating microglia in Alzheimer's disease and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglia and their receptors in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoutang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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18
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Chun H, Marriott I, Lee CJ, Cho H. Elucidating the Interactive Roles of Glia in Alzheimer's Disease Using Established and Newly Developed Experimental Models. Front Neurol 2018; 9:797. [PMID: 30319529 PMCID: PMC6168676 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative illness and the exact etiology of the disease remains unknown. It is characterized by long preclinical and prodromal phases with pathological features including an accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides into extracellular Aβ plaques in the brain parenchyma and the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) within neurons as a result of abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated tau proteins. In addition, prominent activation of innate immune cells is also observed and/or followed by marked neuroinflammation. While such neuroinflammatory responses may function in a neuroprotective manner by clearing neurotoxic factors, they can also be neurotoxic by contributing to neurodegeneration via elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, and altered levels of neurotransmitters, that underlie pathological symptoms including synaptic and cognitive impairment, neuronal death, reduced memory, and neocortex and hippocampus malfunctions. Glial cells, particularly activated microglia and reactive astrocytes, appear to play critical and interactive roles in such dichotomous responses. Accumulating evidences clearly point to their critical involvement in the prevention, initiation, and progression, of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Here, we review recent findings on the roles of astrocyte-microglial interactions in neurodegeneration in the context of AD and discuss newly developed in vitro and in vivo experimental models that will enable more detailed analysis of glial interplay. An increased understanding of the roles of glia and the development of new exploratory tools are likely to be crucial for the development of new interventions for early stage AD prevention and cures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Chun
- Center for Glia-Neuron Interaction, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Glia-Neuron Interaction, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Bio-Med, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hansang Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,The Nanoscale Science Program, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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19
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Kraner SD, Norris CM. Astrocyte Activation and the Calcineurin/NFAT Pathway in Cerebrovascular Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:287. [PMID: 30297999 PMCID: PMC6160594 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase with high abundance in nervous tissue. Though enriched in neurons, CN can become strongly induced in subsets of activated astrocytes under different pathological conditions where it interacts extensively with the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs). Recent work has shown that regions of small vessel damage are associated with the upregulation of a proteolized, highly active form of CN in nearby astrocytes, suggesting a link between the CN/NFAT pathway and chronic cerebrovascular disease. In this Mini Review article, we discuss CN/NFAT signaling properties in the context of vascular disease and use previous cell type-specific intervention studies in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury models as a framework to understand how astrocytic CN/NFATs may couple vascular pathology to neurodegeneration and cognitive loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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20
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Sompol P, Norris CM. Ca 2+, Astrocyte Activation and Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:199. [PMID: 30038565 PMCID: PMC6046440 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports a fundamental role for Ca2+ dysregulation in astrocyte activation. Though the activated astrocyte phenotype is complex, cell-type targeting approaches have revealed a number of detrimental roles of activated astrocytes involving neuroinflammation, release of synaptotoxic factors and loss of glutamate regulation. Work from our lab and others has suggested that the Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin (CN), provides a critical link between Ca2+ dysregulation and the activated astrocyte phenotype. A proteolyzed, hyperactivated form of CN appears at high levels in activated astrocytes in both human tissue and rodent tissue around regions of amyloid and vascular pathology. Similar upregulation of the CN-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT4) also appears in activated astrocytes in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (ADs) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Major consequences of hyperactivated CN/NFAT4 signaling in astrocytes are neuroinflammation, synapse dysfunction and glutamate dysregulation/excitotoxicity, which will be covered in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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