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Reda SM, Setti SE, Berthiaume AA, Wu W, Taylor RW, Johnston JL, Stein LR, Moebius HJ, Church KJ. Fosgonimeton attenuates amyloid-beta toxicity in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00350. [PMID: 38599894 PMCID: PMC11067346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00350] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Positive modulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on its multimodal neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects addressing the complex pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. Fosgonimeton is a small-molecule positive modulator of the HGF system that has demonstrated neurotrophic and pro-cognitive effects in preclinical models of dementia. Herein, we evaluate the neuroprotective potential of fosgonimeton, or its active metabolite, fosgo-AM, in amyloid-beta (Aβ)-driven preclinical models of AD, providing mechanistic insight into its mode of action. In primary rat cortical neurons challenged with Aβ (Aβ1-42), fosgo-AM treatment significantly improved neuronal survival, protected neurite networks, and reduced tau hyperphosphorylation. Interrogation of intracellular events indicated that cortical neurons treated with fosgo-AM exhibited a significant decrease in mitochondrial oxidative stress and cytochrome c release. Following Aβ injury, fosgo-AM significantly enhanced activation of pro-survival effectors ERK and AKT, and reduced activity of GSK3β, one of the main kinases involved in tau hyperphosphorylation. Fosgo-AM also mitigated Aβ-induced deficits in Unc-like kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin-1, suggesting a potential effect on autophagy. Treatment with fosgo-AM protected cortical neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity, and such effects were abolished in the presence of an AKT or MEK/ERK inhibitor. In vivo, fosgonimeton administration led to functional improvement in an intracerebroventricular Aβ25-35 rat model of AD, as it significantly rescued cognitive function in the passive avoidance test. Together, our data demonstrate the ability of fosgonimeton to counteract mechanisms of Aβ-induced toxicity. Fosgonimeton is currently in clinical trials for mild-to-moderate AD (NCT04488419; NCT04886063).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif M Reda
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sharay E Setti
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | | | - Wei Wu
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Jewel L Johnston
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Liana R Stein
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Hans J Moebius
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Kevin J Church
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA.
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2
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Kretz PF, Wagner C, Mikhaleva A, Montillot C, Hugel S, Morella I, Kannan M, Fischer MC, Milhau M, Yalcin I, Brambilla R, Selloum M, Herault Y, Reymond A, Collins SC, Yalcin B. Dissecting the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus identifies multiple drivers in neuroanatomical phenotypes and unveils a male-specific role for the major vault protein. Genome Biol 2023; 24:261. [PMID: 37968726 PMCID: PMC10647150 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03092-8] [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: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using mouse genetic studies and systematic assessments of brain neuroanatomical phenotypes, we set out to identify which of the 30 genes causes brain defects at the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus. RESULTS We show that multiple genes mapping to this region interact to regulate brain anatomy, with female mice exhibiting far fewer brain neuroanatomical phenotypes. In male mice, among the 13 genes associated with neuroanatomical defects (Mvp, Ppp4c, Zg16, Taok2, Slx1b, Maz, Fam57b, Bola2, Tbx6, Qprt, Spn, Hirip3, and Doc2a), Mvp is the top driver implicated in phenotypes pertaining to brain, cortex, hippocampus, ventricles, and corpus callosum sizes. The major vault protein (MVP), the main component of the vault organelle, is a conserved protein found in eukaryotic cells, yet its function is not understood. Here, we find MVP expression highly specific to the limbic system and show that Mvp regulates neuronal morphology, postnatally and specifically in males. We also recapitulate a previously reported genetic interaction and show that Mvp+/-;Mapk3+/- mice exhibit behavioral deficits, notably decreased anxiety-like traits detected in the elevated plus maze and open field paradigms. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights multiple gene drivers in neuroanatomical phenotypes, interacting with each other through complex relationships. It also provides the first evidence for the involvement of the major vault protein in the regulation of brain size and neuroanatomy, specifically in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine F Kretz
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Christel Wagner
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Anna Mikhaleva
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvain Hugel
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative neuroscience, CNRS, UPR321267000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ilaria Morella
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Meghna Kannan
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Christine Fischer
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Maxence Milhau
- Inserm UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative neuroscience, CNRS, UPR321267000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mohammed Selloum
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, ICS, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, ICS, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Alexandre Reymond
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan C Collins
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France
- Current address: Université de Bourgogne, Inserm UMR1231, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, IGBMC, U964, 67400, Illkirch, France.
- Current address: Université de Bourgogne, Inserm UMR1231, 21000, Dijon, France.
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3
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Indrigo M, Morella I, Orellana D, d'Isa R, Papale A, Parra R, Gurgone A, Lecca D, Cavaccini A, Tigaret CM, Cagnotto A, Jones K, Brooks S, Ratto GM, Allen ND, Lelos MJ, Middei S, Giustetto M, Carta AR, Tonini R, Salmona M, Hall J, Thomas K, Brambilla R, Fasano S. Nuclear ERK1/2 signaling potentiation enhances neuroprotection and cognition via Importinα1/KPNA2. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e15984. [PMID: 37792911 PMCID: PMC10630888 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215984] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling is central to neuronal activity and its dysregulation may lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Here, we show that selective genetic potentiation of neuronal ERK signaling prevents cell death in vitro and in vivo in the mouse brain, while attenuation of ERK signaling does the opposite. This neuroprotective effect mediated by an enhanced nuclear ERK activity can also be induced by the novel cell penetrating peptide RB5. In vitro administration of RB5 disrupts the preferential interaction of ERK1 MAP kinase with importinα1/KPNA2 over ERK2, facilitates ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, and enhances global ERK activity. Importantly, RB5 treatment in vivo promotes neuroprotection in mouse models of Huntington's (HD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD) disease, and enhances ERK signaling in a human cellular model of HD. Additionally, RB5-mediated potentiation of ERK nuclear signaling facilitates synaptic plasticity, enhances cognition in healthy rodents, and rescues cognitive impairments in AD and HD models. The reported molecular mechanism shared across multiple neurodegenerative disorders reveals a potential new therapeutic target approach based on the modulation of KPNA2-ERK1/2 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Indrigo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Daniel Orellana
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanoItaly
| | - Alessandro Papale
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Riccardo Parra
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze CNR, and Scuola Normale SuperiorePisaItaly
| | | | - Daniela Lecca
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Anna Cavaccini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits LaboratoryFondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Cezar M Tigaret
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Alfredo Cagnotto
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia MolecolareIstituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri‐IRCCSMilanoItaly
| | | | - Simon Brooks
- School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Middei
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNRRomaItaly
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
- National Institute of NeuroscienceTorinoItaly
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits LaboratoryFondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenovaItaly
| | - Mario Salmona
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Farmacologia MolecolareIstituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri‐IRCCSMilanoItaly
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Kerrie Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of MedicineCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”Università degli Studi di PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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4
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Zhang WB, Huang Y, Guo XR, Zhang MQ, Yuan XS, Zu HB. DHCR24 reverses Alzheimer's disease-related pathology and cognitive impairment via increasing hippocampal cholesterol levels in 5xFAD mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:102. [PMID: 37344916 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidences reveal that cellular cholesterol deficiency could trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a key regulator, 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) controls cellular cholesterol homeostasis, which was found to be downregulated in AD vulnerable regions and involved in AD-related pathological activities. However, DHCR24 as a potential therapeutic target for AD remains to be identified. In present study, we demonstrated the role of DHCR24 in AD by employing delivery of adeno-associated virus carrying DHCR24 gene into the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice. Here, we found that 5xFAD mice had lower levels of cholesterol and DHCR24 expression, and the cholesterol loss was alleviated by DHCR24 overexpression. Surprisingly, the cognitive impairment of 5xFAD mice was significantly reversed after DHCR24-based gene therapy. Moreover, we revealed that DHCR24 knock-in successfully prevented or reversed AD-related pathology in 5xFAD mice, including amyloid-β deposition, synaptic injuries, autophagy, reactive astrocytosis, microglial phagocytosis and apoptosis. In conclusion, our results firstly demonstrated that the potential value of DHCR24-mediated regulation of cellular cholesterol level as a promising treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Xiao-Rou Guo
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Meng-Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Xiang-Shan Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Heng-Bing Zu
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.1508 Long-Hang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
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5
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Yang LJ, Wu W, Jiang WR, Zhu CL, Yao ZH. Upregulation of RasGRF1 ameliorates spatial cognitive dysfunction in mice after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:2999-3020. [PMID: 37053022 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204654] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-mediated cognitive impairment is a serious problem worldwide. However, given its complexity, the underlying mechanisms by which CCH induces cognitive dysfunction remain unclear, resulting in a lack of effective treatments. In this study, we aimed to determine whether changes in the expression of RasGRF1, an important protein associated with cognition and synaptic plasticity, underlie the associated impairments in cognition after CCH. We found that RasGRF1 levels markedly decreased following CCH. Through prediction and validation studies, we observed that miRNA-323-3p was upregulated after CCH and could bind to the 3'-untranslated region of Rasgrf1 mRNA and regulate its expression in vitro. Moreover, the inhibition of miRNA-323-3p upregulated Rasgrf1 expression in the hippocampus after CCH, which was reversed by Rasgrf1 siRNA. This suggests that miRNA-323-3p is an important regulator of Rasgrf1. The Morris water maze and Y maze tests showed that miRNA-323-3p inhibition and Rasgrf1 upregulation improved spatial learning and memory, and electrophysiological measurements revealed deficits in long-term potentiation after CCH that were reversed by Rasgrf1 upregulation. Dendritic spine density and mature mushroom spine density were also improved after miRNA-323-3p inhibition and Rasgrf1 upregulation. Furthermore, Rasgrf1 upregulation by miRNA-323-3p inhibition improved dendritic spine density and mature mushroom spine density and ameliorated the deterioration of synapses and postsynaptic density. Overall, RasGRF1 regulation attenuated cognitive impairment, helped maintain structural and functional synaptic plasticity, and prevented synapse deterioration after CCH. These results suggest that Rasgrf1 downregulation by miRNA-323-3p plays an important role in cognitive impairment after CCH. Thus, RasGRF1 and miRNA-323-3p may represent potential therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment after CCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wan-Rong Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Yao
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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6
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Li H, Hu T, Zhang Y, Zhao Z, Liu Q, Chen Z, Chen S. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the basolateral amygdala is required for reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1020098. [PMID: 36438183 PMCID: PMC9684340 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory is an independent memory process that occurs following retrieval, which is essential for the sustained capacity of an associative drug stimulus to precipitate heroin-seeking. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) mediates the reconsolidation of drug memory. In the present study, we utilized a rat model of drug craving and relapse to verify the hypothesis that the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory requires ERK in an instrumental heroin-seeking behavior, focusing on the BLA brain region, which is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory processes. We found that bilateral intra-BLA infusions of U0126 (1 μg/0.5 μl), an ERK inhibitor, immediately after retrieving heroin-associated memory significantly reduced cue-induced and drug-induced reinstatement and spontaneous recovery of heroin-seeking compared to the vehicle. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect was related to the characteristic of reconsolidation. Conversely, no effect was observed on the heroin-seeking behavior when the intra-BLA infusion of U0126 was administered 6 h after the heroin-associated memory retrieval or without memory retrieval. Together, these data suggest that disrupting the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory via an ERK inhibitor may serve as a promising option for treating relapse in opiate addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanghui Zhang
- Center of Medical Genetics, Jiangmen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangmen, China
| | - Zijin Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zihua Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Si Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
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7
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Ojea Ramos S, Feld M, Fustiñana MS. Contributions of extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 activity to the memory trace. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988790. [PMID: 36277495 PMCID: PMC9580372 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to learn from experience and consequently adapt our behavior is one of the most fundamental capacities enabled by complex and plastic nervous systems. Next to cellular and systems-level changes, learning and memory formation crucially depends on molecular signaling mechanisms. In particular, the extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK), historically studied in the context of tumor growth and proliferation, has been shown to affect synaptic transmission, regulation of neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis leading to structural synaptic changes. However, to what extent the effects of ERK are specifically related to memory formation and stabilization, or merely the result of general neuronal activation, remains unknown. Here, we review the signals leading to ERK activation in the nervous system, the subcellular ERK targets associated with learning-related plasticity, and how neurons with activated ERK signaling may contribute to the formation of the memory trace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Ojea Ramos
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Feld
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Mariana Feld,
| | - María Sol Fustiñana
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- María Sol Fustiñana,
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Outram AR, Brown MW, Warburton EC, Barker GRI. A critical role for long-term potentiation mechanisms in the maintenance of object recognition memory in perirhinal cortex revealed by the infusion of zeta inhibitory pseudosubstrate. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:970291. [PMID: 36263298 PMCID: PMC9574039 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.970291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Object recognition, the ability to discriminate between a novel and a familiar stimulus, is critically dependent upon the perirhinal cortex. Neural response reductions upon repetition of a stimulus, have been hypothesized to be the mechanism within perirhinal cortex that supports recognition memory function. Thus, investigations into the mechanisms of long-term depression (LTD) in perirhinal cortex has provided insight into the mechanism of object recognition memory formation, but the contribution of long-term potentiation (LTP) to object recognition memory formation has been less studied. Inhibition of atypical PKC activity by Zeta Inhibitory Pseudosubstrate (ZIP) impairs the maintenance of LTP but not LTD, thus here infusion of ZIP into the perirhinal cortex allowed us to investigate the contribution of LTP-like mechanisms to object recognition memory maintenance. Infusion of ZIP into the perirhinal cortex of rats 24 h after the sample phase impaired performance in an object recognition but not an object location task, in contrast infusion of ZIP into the hippocampus impaired performance in an object location but not an object recognition task. The impairment in object recognition by ZIP was prevented by administration of the peptide GluA23y, which blocks the endocytosis of GluA2 containing AMPA receptors. Finally, performance in a perceptual oddity task, which requires perirhinal cortex function, was not disrupted by ZIP. Together these results demonstrate the importance of LTP-like mechanisms to the maintenance of object recognition memory in the perirhinal cortex.
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9
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Zhang X, Lin L, Li H, Xia W, Liu Q, Zhou X, Dong L, Fu X. Update on new trend and progress of the mechanism of polysaccharides in the intervention of Alzheimer's disease, based on the new understanding of relevant theories: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:720-738. [PMID: 35902016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease with insidious onset and progressive progression, is the main type of dementia. Currently, there is no specific cure for the disease. At the same time, a series of drug developments based on the classic theory, the Aβ cascade hypothesis, have not completed phase III clinical trials, challenging the hypothesis. Polysaccharides obtained from natural products can be used in the treatment of AD, which has attracted academic attention due to its advantages of multi-target, multi-channel, no or modest side effects. The TCM syndrome type of AD is mainly "qi and blood deficiency, kidney essence deficiency", and the medicine is mainly used to replenish qi and blood, kidney and bone marrow. Thus, there has been extensive and in-depth research on polysaccharides obtained from tonic Chinese herbal medicine in China. Based on this background, this paper evaluated the effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides on AD by combing and screening English and related literature in recent 5 years and summarized the extraction process and structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Zhang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lizhen Lin
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hang Li
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Wenxin Xia
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Qiansong Liu
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xirong Zhou
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xueyan Fu
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education (Ningxia Medical University), Yinchuan 750004, China.
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10
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Francija E, Lukic I, Petrovic Z, Brkic Z, Mitic M, Radulovic J, Adzic M. GluN2A-ERK-mTOR pathway confers a vulnerability to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113625. [PMID: 34637854 PMCID: PMC9878822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the major depressive disorder. Namely, neuroinflammation can induce the production of neuroactive metabolites that interfere with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR)-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission and contribute to depressive-like behaviour. On the other hand, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity with synaptogenic effects is the main mediator of antidepressant effects of several potent NMDAR antagonists. In this study, we investigated the specific role of GluN2A subunits of NMDAR on the activity of mTOR signaling and behaviour in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induces model of depression. The results showed that mice lacking GluN2A subunit did not display depressive-like behavior after the immune challenge, opposite to LPS-treated wild-type mice. Specifically, in GluN2A knockout mice, we estimated the activity of the mTOR pathway in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) by measuring synaptic levels of upstream regulators (p-Akt, p-ERK, and p-GSK3β) and downstream effectors (p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K) of mTOR activity. In addition, we assessed the changes in the levels of two important synaptic markers, GluA1 and PSD-95. Contrary to downregulated mTOR signaling and decreased synaptic markers in LPS-treated wild-type animals, the resilience of GluN2A KO mice to depressive-like behaviour was paralleled with sustained mTOR signaling activity synaptic stability in hippocampus and PFC. Finally, we disclosed that resistance of GluN2A knockouts to LPS-induced depressive-like behavior was ERK-dependent. These findings demonstrate that GluN2A-ERK-mTOR signaling is a vulnerability factor of inflammation-related depressive behaviour, making this signaling pathway the promising target for developing novel antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Francija
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade
| | - Zorica Petrovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Zeljka Brkic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade
| | - Jelena Radulovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade,corresponding author: Miroslav Adzic, Ph.D., Full Research Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute, of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, P.O. Box 522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia, Phone: +381 11 340-8304,
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11
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Awathale SN, Waghade AM, Kawade HM, Jadhav G, Choudhary AG, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Neuroplastic Changes in the Superior Colliculus and Hippocampus in Self-rewarding Paradigm: Importance of Visual Cues. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:890-915. [PMID: 34797522 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02597-2] [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] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Coincident excitation via different sensory modalities encoding objects of positive salience is known to facilitate learning and memory. With a view to dissect the contribution of visual cues in inducing adaptive neural changes, we monitored the lever press activity of a rat conditioned to self-administer sweet food pellets in the presence/absence of light cues. Application of light cues facilitated learning and consolidation of long-term memory. The superior colliculus (SC) of rats trained on light cue showed increased neuronal activity, dendritic branching, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and mRNA expression. Concomitantly, the hippocampus showed augmented neurogenesis as well as BDNF protein and mRNA expression. While intra-SC administration of U0126 (inhibitor of ERK 1/2 and long-term memory) impaired memory formation, lidocaine (local anaesthetic) hindered memory recall. The light cue-dependent sweet food pellet self-administration was coupled with increased efflux of dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). In conditioned rats, pharmacological inhibition of glutamatergic signalling in dentate gyrus (DG) reduced lever press activity, as well as DA and DOPAC secretion in the AcbSh. We suggest that the neuroplastic changes in the SC and hippocampus might represent memory engrams sculpted by visual cues encoding reward information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay N Awathale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Akash M Waghade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Harish M Kawade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India
| | - Gouri Jadhav
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Amit G Choudhary
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Sneha Sagarkar
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411 008, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440 033, India.
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12
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Shankar SP, Fallurin R, Watson T, Shankar PR, Young TL, Orel-Bixler D, Rauen KA. Ophthalmic manifestations in Costello syndrome caused by Ras pathway dysregulation during development. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 43:48-57. [PMID: 34612139 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1978103] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Costello syndrome (CS) is a multisystem developmental disorder caused by germline pathogenic variants in HRAS resulting in dysregulation of the Ras pathway. A systematic characterization of ophthalmic manifestations provides a unique opportunity to understand the role of Ras signal transduction in ocular development and guide optimal ophthalmic care in CS individuals. METHODS Visual function, ocular features and genotype/phenotype correlations were evaluated in CS individuals harboring HRAS pathogenic variants, by cross-sectional and retrospective studies, and were recruited through the Costello Syndrome Family Network (CSFN) between 2007 and 2020. RESULTS Fifty-six molecularly diagnosed CS individuals including 34 females and 22 males, ages ranging from 0.5 to 37 years were enrolled. The most common ophthalmic manifestations in the cross-sectional study were lack of stereopsis (96%), refractive errors (83%), strabismus (72%), nystagmus (69%), optic nerve hypoplasia or pallor (55%) and ptosis (13.7%) with higher prevalence than in the retrospective data (refractive errors (41%), strabismus (44%), nystagmus (26%), optic nerve hypoplasia or pallor (7%) and ptosis (11%)). Visual acuities were found to ranged from 20/25 to 20/800 and contrast sensitivity from 1.6% to 44%. HRAS pathogenic variants included p.G12S (84%), p.G13C (7%), p.G12A (5.4%), p.G12C (1.8%) and p.A146V (1.8%). CONCLUSION Majority of individuals with CS have refractive errors, strabismus, nystagmus, absent stereopsis, and optic nerve abnormalities suggesting that HRAS and the Ras pathway play a vital role in visual system development. Ptosis, refractive errors and strabismus are amenable to treatment and early ophthalmic evaluation is crucial to prevent long-term vision impairment and improve overall quality of life in CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suma P Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Reshmitha Fallurin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Tonya Watson
- The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Prabhu R Shankar
- Department of Public Health, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Terri L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Deborah Orel-Bixler
- The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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13
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Sahana TG, Zhang K. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080969. [PMID: 34440173 PMCID: PMC8394856 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal motor neuron degenerative disease. Multiple genetic and non-genetic risk factors are associated with disease pathogenesis, and several cellular processes, including protein homeostasis, RNA metabolism, vesicle transport, etc., are severely impaired in ALS conditions. Despite the heterogeneity of the disease manifestation and progression, ALS patients show protein aggregates in the motor cortex and spinal cord tissue, which is believed to be at least partially caused by aberrant phase separation and the formation of persistent stress granules. Consistent with this notion, many studies have implicated cellular stress, such as ER stress, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and growth factor depletion, in ALS conditions. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a fundamental mitogen/stress-activated signal transduction pathway that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Here we summarize the fundamental role of MAPK in physiology and ALS pathogenesis. We also discuss pharmacological inhibitors targeting this pathway tested in pre-clinical models, suggesting their role as potential drug candidates.
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14
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Chen MJ, Ramesha S, Weinstock LD, Gao T, Ping L, Xiao H, Dammer EB, Duong DD, Levey AI, Lah JJ, Seyfried NT, Wood LB, Rangaraju S. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase regulates microglial immune responses in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1704-1721. [PMID: 33729626 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The importance of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling in regulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. We examined the role of MAPK signaling in microglia using a preclinical model of AD pathology and quantitative proteomics studies of postmortem human brains. In multiplex immunoassay analyses of MAPK phosphoproteins in acutely isolated microglia and brain tissue from 5xFAD mice, we found phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was the most strongly upregulated phosphoprotein within the MAPK pathway in acutely isolated microglia, but not whole-brain tissue from 5xFAD mice. The importance of ERK signaling in primary microglia cultures was next investigated using transcriptomic profiling and functional assays of amyloid-β and neuronal phagocytosis, which confirmed that ERK is a critical regulator of IFNγ-mediated pro-inflammatory activation of microglia, although it was also partly important for constitutive microglial functions. Phospho-ERK was an upstream regulator of disease-associated microglial gene expression (Trem2, Tyrobp), as well as several human AD risk genes (Bin1, Cd33, Trem2, Cnn2), indicative of the importance of microglial ERK signaling in AD pathology. Quantitative proteomic analyses of postmortem human brain showed that ERK1 and ERK2 were the only MAPK proteins with increased protein expression and positive associations with neuropathological grade. In a human brain phosphoproteomic study, we found evidence for increased flux through the ERK signaling pathway in AD. Overall, our analyses strongly suggest that ERK phosphorylation, particularly in microglia in mouse models, is a regulator of pro-inflammatory immune responses in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Chen
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Laura D Weinstock
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tianwen Gao
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lingyan Ping
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hailian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric B Dammer
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Duc D Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James J Lah
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Levi B Wood
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Chen QY, Zhang ZL, Liu Q, Chen CJ, Zhang XK, Xu PY, Zhuo M. Presynaptic long-term potentiation requires extracellular signal-regulated kinases in the anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Pain 2020; 16:1744806920917245. [PMID: 32264746 PMCID: PMC7144679 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920917245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases are widely expressed protein kinases in neurons, which serve as important intracellular signaling molecules for central plasticity such as long-term potentiation. Recent studies demonstrate that there are two major forms of long-term potentiation in cortical areas related to pain: postsynaptic long-term potentiation and presynaptic long-term potentiation. In particular, presynaptic long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex has been shown to contribute to chronic pain-related anxiety. In this review, we briefly summarized the components and roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinases in neuronal signaling, especially in the presynaptic long-term potentiation of anterior cingulate cortex, and discuss the possible molecular mechanisms and functional implications in pain-related emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Chinese Medical Integrated Hospital (Huadu), Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Gan-Nan Medical University, Ganzhopu, China
| | - Ping-Yi Xu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Shaw A, Arnold LD, Privitera L, Whitfield PD, Doherty MK, Morè L. A proteomic signature for CNS adaptations to the valence of environmental stimulation. Behav Brain Res 2020; 383:112515. [PMID: 32006564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112515] [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: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Environmental Enrichment leads to a significant improvement in long-term performance across a range of cognitive functions in mammals and it has been shown to produce an increased synaptic density and neurogenesis. Nevertheless it is still an open question as to whether some key aspects of spatial learning & memory and procedural learning might be embodied by different molecular pathways to those of social cognition. Associated with synaptic changes and potentially underlying conditions, the Ras-ERK pathway has been proposed to be the primary mediator of in vivo adaptations to environmental enrichment, acting via the downstream Ras-ERK signalling kinase MSK1 and the transcription factor CREB. Herein, we show that valence of environmental stimulation increased social competition and that this is associated with a specific proteomic signature in the frontal lobe but notably not in the hippocampus. Specifically, we show that altering the valence of environmental stimuli affected the level of social competition, with mice from negatively enriched environments winning significantly more encounters-even though mice from positive were bigger and should display dominance. This behavioural phenotype was accompanied by changes in the proteome of the fronto-ventral pole of the brain, with a differential increase in the relative abundance of proteins involved in the mitochondrial metabolic processes of the TCA cycle and respiratory processes. Investigation of this proteomic signature may pave the way for the elucidation of novel pathways underpinning the behavioural changes caused by negative enrichment and further out understanding of conditions whose core feature is increased social competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Shaw
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Luke D Arnold
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Lucia Privitera
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK & School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Phillip D Whitfield
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Mary K Doherty
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Morè
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
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17
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Giusti L, Molinaro A, Alessandrì MG, Boldrini C, Ciregia F, Lacerenza S, Ronci M, Urbani A, Cioni G, Mazzoni MR, Pizzorusso T, Lucacchini A, Baroncelli L. Brain mitochondrial proteome alteration driven by creatine deficiency suggests novel therapeutic venues for creatine deficiency syndromes. Neuroscience 2019; 409:276-289. [PMID: 31029731 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is a small metabolite with a central role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Creatine deficiency syndromes are inborn errors of Cr metabolism causing Cr depletion in all body tissues and particularly in the nervous system. Patient symptoms involve intellectual disability, language and behavioral disturbances, seizures and movement disorders suggesting that brain cells are particularly sensitive to Cr depletion. Cr deficiency was found to affect metabolic activity and structural abnormalities of mitochondrial organelles; however a detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms linking Cr deficit, energy metabolism alterations and brain dysfunction is still missing. Using a proteomic approach we evaluated the proteome changes of the brain mitochondrial fraction induced by the deletion of the Cr transporter (CrT) in developing mutant mice. We found a marked alteration of the mitochondrial proteomic landscape in the brain of CrT deficient mice, with the overexpression of many proteins involved in energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress. Moreover, our data suggest possible abnormalities of dendritic spines, synaptic function and plasticity, network excitability and neuroinflammatory response. Intriguingly, the alterations occurred in coincidence with the developmental onset of neurological symptoms. Thus, cerebral mitochondrial alterations could represent an early response to Cr deficiency that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giusti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, I-62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Angelo Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135, Florence, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Alessandrì
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Boldrini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Ciregia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; Department of Rheumatology, GIGA Research, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Serena Lacerenza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Catholic university of the sacred heart, I-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135, Florence, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lucacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy.
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18
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Miranda M, Bekinschtein P. Plasticity Mechanisms of Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation in the Perirhinal Cortex. Neuroscience 2018; 370:46-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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19
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Hadziselimovic F, Gegenschatz-Schmid K, Verkauskas G, Demougin P, Bilius V, Dasevicius D, Stadler MB. Genes Involved in Long-Term Memory Are Expressed in Testis of Cryptorchid Boys and Respond to GnRHa Treatment. Cytogenet Genome Res 2017; 152:9-15. [PMID: 28700985 DOI: 10.1159/000477522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been known for many years that boys with unilateral or bilateral undescended testis (cryptorchidism) tend to have a low IQ, and those who belong to the high infertility risk (HIR) group perform less well at school than low infertility risk (LIR) patients. However, the molecular biological processes underlying this phenomenon are not understood. In this study, we report the outcome of testicular RNA profiling for genes involved in long-term memory formation. We analyzed the histology and the transcriptome of testicular biopsies from bilateral HIR cryptorchid boys, comparing those who received GnRHa treatment for 6 months after the first surgery with those who did not receive GnRHa before the second surgery. We found that GnRHa treatment alters the testicular mRNA levels of neuronal genes that are involved in long-term memory and testosterone synthesis. These data highlight a possible molecular link between cryptorchidism, impaired mini-puberty, and diminished cognitive functions. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in cryptorchid boys with altered mini-puberty may affect neuronal genes important for memory and learning, which could help explaining the negative correlation between cryptorchidism and intellectual abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum Liestal, Liestal, Switzerland
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20
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Scott H, Rogers MF, Scott HL, Campbell C, Warburton EC, Uney JB. Recognition memory-induced gene expression in the perirhinal cortex: A transcriptomic analysis. Behav Brain Res 2017; 328:1-12. [PMID: 28389337 PMCID: PMC5469443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have used transcriptome analysis to identify genes and pathways that are activated during recognition memory formation in the perirhinal cortex. Rats were exposed to objects either repeatedly, so that the objects become familiar, or to novel objects in a bow-tie maze over six consecutive days. On the final day, one hour after the last exposure to the series of objects, RNA from the perirhinal cortex was sequenced to compare the transcriptome of naïve control rats and rats exposed to either novel or familiar stimuli. Differentially expressed genes were identified between group Novel and group Familiar rats. These included genes coding for transcription factors, GDNF receptors and extracellular matrix-related proteins. Moreover, differences in alternative splicing were also detected between the two groups, which suggests that this post-transcriptional mechanism may play a role in the consolidation of object recognition memory. To conclude, this study shows that RNA sequencing can be used as a tool to identify differences in gene expression in behaving animals undergoing the same task but encountering different exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Scott
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Mark F Rogers
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Helen L Scott
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Colin Campbell
- Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - James B Uney
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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21
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Vignoli B, Battistini G, Melani R, Blum R, Santi S, Berardi N, Canossa M. Peri-Synaptic Glia Recycles Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor for LTP Stabilization and Memory Retention. Neuron 2016; 92:873-887. [PMID: 27746130 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glial cells respond to neuronal activation and release neuroactive molecules (termed "gliotransmitters") that can affect synaptic activity and modulate plasticity. In this study, we used molecular genetic tools, ultra-structural microscopy, and electrophysiology to assess the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on cortical gliotransmission in vivo. We find that glial cells recycle BDNF that was previously secreted by neurons as pro-neurotrophin following long-term potentiation (LTP)-inducing electrical stimulation. Upon BDNF glial recycling, we observed tight, temporal, highly localized TrkB phosphorylation on adjacent neurons, a process required to sustain LTP. Engagement of BDNF recycling by astrocytes represents a novel mechanism by which cortical synapses can expand BDNF action and provide synaptic changes that are relevant for the acquisition of new memories. Accordingly, mice deficient in BDNF glial recycling fail to recognize familiar from novel objects, indicating a physiological requirement for this process in memory consolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Vignoli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) "Rita Levi-Montalcini", via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo (TN), Italy.
| | - Giulia Battistini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, via San Donato 15, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Melani
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, via Moruzzi 1, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Robert Blum
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University, Versbacher Straße 5, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Spartaco Santi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGM), Laboratory of Muscoloskeletal Cell Biology, IOR, via di Barbiano1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Berardi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, via Moruzzi 1, 56100 Pisa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, via di San Salvi 26, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Canossa
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) "Rita Levi-Montalcini", via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo (TN), Italy.
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22
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by intraneuronal inclusions of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and abnormal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key modulator of neuronal survival and function. The severity of both these pathological hallmarks correlate with the degree of cognitive impairment in patients. However, how tau pathology specifically modifies BDNF signaling and affects neuronal function during early prodromal stages of tauopathy remains unclear. Here, we report that the mild tauopathy developing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of the P301S tau transgenic (P301S) mouse induces functional retinal changes by disrupting BDNF signaling via the TrkB receptor. In adult P301S mice, the physiological visual response of RGCs to pattern light stimuli and retinal acuity decline significantly. As a consequence, the activity-dependent secretion of BDNF in the vitreous is impaired in P301S mice. Further, in P301S retinas, TrkB receptors are selectively upregulated, but uncoupled from downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling. We also show that the impairment of TrkB signaling is triggered by tau pathology and mediates the tau-induced dysfunction of visual response. Overall our results identify a neurotrophin-mediated mechanism by which tau induces neuronal dysfunction during prodromal stages of tauopathy and define tau-driven pathophysiological changes of potential value to support early diagnosis and informed therapeutic decisions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work highlights the potential molecular mechanisms by which initial tauopathy induces neuronal dysfunction. Combining clinically used electrophysiological techniques (i.e., electroretinography) and molecular analyses, this work shows that in a relevant model of early tauopathy, the retina of the P301S mutant human tau transgenic mouse, mild tau pathology results in functional changes of neuronal activity, likely due to selective impairment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor, TrkB. These findings may have important translational implications for early diagnosis in a subset of Alzheimer's disease patients with early visual symptoms and emphasize the need to clarify the pathophysiological changes associated with distinct tauopathy stages to support informed therapeutic decisions and guide drug discovery.
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Uzturk BG, Jin SX, Rubin B, Bartolome C, Feig LA. RasGRF1 regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis specifically in early-adolescent female mice. J Endocrinol 2015; 227:1-12. [PMID: 26246084 PMCID: PMC4560991 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in the induction and prolongation of a variety of psychiatric disorders. As such, much effort has been made to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in its control. However, the vast majority of the studies on the HPA axis have used adult animals, and among these the majority has used males. Here we show that in knockout mice lacking the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RasGRF1, habituation to 30 min/day of restraint stress is markedly accelerated, such that these mice do not display elevated corticosterone levels or enhanced locomotion after 7 days of stress exposure, like WT mice do. Strikingly, this phenotype is present in early-adolescent female RasGRF1 knockout mice, but not in their early-adolescent male, mid-adolescent female, adult female or adult male counterparts. Moreover, not only is there a clear response to restraint stress in early-adolescent female RasGRF1 knockout mice, their response after one, three and five exposures is magnified approximately threefold compared to WT mice. These findings imply that distinct mechanisms exist to regulate the HPA axis in early-adolescent females that involves RasGRF1. A full understanding of how RasGRF1 controls the HPA axis response to stress may be required to design effective strategies to combat stress-associated psychiatric disorders initiated in young females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belkis Gizem Uzturk
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Shan-Xue Jin
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Beverly Rubin
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Christopher Bartolome
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Larry A Feig
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical SciencesDepartments of DevelopmentalMolecular and Chemical BiologyIntegrated Physiology and PathobiologyTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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24
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Jiang X, Chai GS, Wang ZH, Hu Y, Li XG, Ma ZW, Wang Q, Wang JZ, Liu GP. Spatial training preserves associative memory capacity with augmentation of dendrite ramification and spine generation in Tg2576 mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9488. [PMID: 25820815 PMCID: PMC4377552 DOI: 10.1038/srep09488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no efficient cure for this devastating disease. Cognitive stimulation can delay memory loss during aging and in patients with mild cognitive impairment. In 3 × Tg-AD mice, training decreased the neuropathologies with transient amelioration of memory decline. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the learning-improved memory capacity are poorly understood. Here, we found in Tg2576 mice spatial training in Morris water maze (MWM) remarkably improved the subsequent associative memory acquisition detected by contextual fear conditioning. We also found that spatial training enhanced long term potentiation, dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 neurons at 24 h after the training. In the molecular level, the MWM training remarkably activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) with elevation of glutamate AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit (GluA1), postsynaptic density protein 93 (PSD93) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus. Finally, the training also significantly ameliorated AD-like tau and amyloid pathologies. We conclude that spatial training in MWM preserves associative memory capacity in Tg2576 mice, and the mechanisms involve augmentation of dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Department of Pathology, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065. P. R. China
| | - Gao-Shang Chai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wei Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China
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25
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Faridar A, Jones-Davis D, Rider E, Li J, Gobius I, Morcom L, Richards LJ, Sen S, Sherr EH. Mapk/Erk activation in an animal model of social deficits shows a possible link to autism. Mol Autism 2014; 5:57. [PMID: 25874073 PMCID: PMC4396809 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is converging preclinical and clinical evidence to suggest that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway may be dysregulated in autism spectrum disorders. Method We evaluated Mapk/Erk1/2, cellular proliferation and apoptosis in BTBR mice, as a preclinical model of Autism. We had previously generated 410 F2 mice from the cross of BTBR with B6. At that time, six different social behaviors in all F2 mice were evaluated and scored. In this study, eight mice at each extreme of the social behavioral spectrum were selected and the expression and activity levels of Mapk/Erk in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of these mice were compared. Finally, we compared the Mapk/Erk signaling pathway in brain and lymphocytes of the same mice, testing for correlation in the degree of kinase activation across these separate tissues. Results Levels of phosphorylated Erk (p-Erk) were significantly increased in the brains of BTBR versus control mice. We also observed a significant association between juvenile social behavior and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (p-Mek) and p-Erk levels in the prefrontal cortex but not in the cerebellum. In contrast, we did not find a significant association between social behavior and total protein levels of either Mek or Erk. We also tested whether steady-state levels of Erk activation in the cerebral cortex in individual animals correlated with levels of Erk activation in lymphocytes, finding a significant relationship for this signaling pathway. Conclusion These observations suggest that dysregulation of the ERK signaling pathway may be an important mediator of social behavior, and that measuring activation of this pathway in peripheral lymphocytes may serve as a surrogate marker for central nervous system (CNS) ERK activity, and possibly autistic behavior. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2040-2392-5-57) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Faridar
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Way, Suite 214B, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA ; Methodist Neurological Institute, 6550 Fannin St, Houston Texas, 77030 USA
| | - Dorothy Jones-Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Way, Suite 214B, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Eric Rider
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Way, Suite 214B, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Way, Suite 214B, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Ilan Gobius
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Australia
| | - Laura Morcom
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Australia
| | - Linda J Richards
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Australia ; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Saunak Sen
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Way, Suite 214B, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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26
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Jiang X, Chai GS, Wang ZH, Hu Y, Li XG, Ma ZW, Wang Q, Wang JZ, Liu GP. CaMKII-dependent dendrite ramification and spine generation promote spatial training-induced memory improvement in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:867-76. [PMID: 25457025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Participation in cognitively stimulating activities can preserve memory capacities in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we used a rat model with hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor of AD, to study whether spatial training could remodel the synaptic and/or dendritic plasticity and the key molecular target(s) involved. We found that spatial training in water maze remarkably improved the subsequent short-term and long-term memory performance in contextual fear conditioning and Barnes maze. The trained rats showed an enhanced dendrite ramification, spine generation and plasticity in dentate gyrus (DG) neurons, and stimulation of long-term potentiation between perforant path and DG circuit. Spatial training also increased the levels of postsynaptic GluA1, GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD93 with selective activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), although inhibition of CaMKII by stereotaxic injection of KN93 into hippocampal DG, abolished the training-induced cognitive improvement, dendrite ramification, and spine generation. We conclude that spatial training can preserve the cognitive function by CaMKII-dependent remodeling of dendritic plasticity in hyperhomocysteinemia-induced sporadic AD-like rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China; Department of Pathology, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Gao-Shang Chai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China; Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wei Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
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27
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In search of a recognition memory engram. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 50:12-28. [PMID: 25280908 PMCID: PMC4382520 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of the perirhinal cortex in familiarity discrimination is reviewed. Behavioural, pharmacological and electrophysiological evidence is considered. The cortex is found to be essential for memory acquisition, retrieval and storage. The evidence indicates that perirhinal synaptic weakening is critically involved.
A large body of data from human and animal studies using psychological, recording, imaging, and lesion techniques indicates that recognition memory involves at least two separable processes: familiarity discrimination and recollection. Familiarity discrimination for individual visual stimuli seems to be effected by a system centred on the perirhinal cortex of the temporal lobe. The fundamental change that encodes prior occurrence within the perirhinal cortex is a reduction in the responses of neurones when a stimulus is repeated. Neuronal network modelling indicates that a system based on such a change in responsiveness is potentially highly efficient in information theoretic terms. A review is given of findings indicating that perirhinal cortex acts as a storage site for recognition memory of objects and that such storage depends upon processes producing synaptic weakening.
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28
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Turm H, Mukherjee D, Haritan D, Tahor M, Citri A. Comprehensive analysis of transcription dynamics from brain samples following behavioral experience. J Vis Exp 2014:51642. [PMID: 25225819 PMCID: PMC4828017 DOI: 10.3791/51642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The encoding of experiences in the brain and the consolidation of long-term memories depend on gene transcription. Identifying the function of specific genes in encoding experience is one of the main objectives of molecular neuroscience. Furthermore, the functional association of defined genes with specific behaviors has implications for understanding the basis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Induction of robust transcription programs has been observed in the brains of mice following various behavioral manipulations. While some genetic elements are utilized recurrently following different behavioral manipulations and in different brain nuclei, transcriptional programs are overall unique to the inducing stimuli and the structure in which they are studied(1,2). In this publication, a protocol is described for robust and comprehensive transcriptional profiling from brain nuclei of mice in response to behavioral manipulation. The protocol is demonstrated in the context of analysis of gene expression dynamics in the nucleus accumbens following acute cocaine experience. Subsequent to a defined in vivo experience, the target neural tissue is dissected; followed by RNA purification, reverse transcription and utilization of microfluidic arrays for comprehensive qPCR analysis of multiple target genes. This protocol is geared towards comprehensive analysis (addressing 50-500 genes) of limiting quantities of starting material, such as small brain samples or even single cells. The protocol is most advantageous for parallel analysis of multiple samples (e.g. single cells, dynamic analysis following pharmaceutical, viral or behavioral perturbations). However, the protocol could also serve for the characterization and quality assurance of samples prior to whole-genome studies by microarrays or RNAseq, as well as validation of data obtained from whole-genome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Turm
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences & Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Diptendu Mukherjee
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences & Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Doron Haritan
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences & Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Maayan Tahor
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences & Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Ami Citri
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences & Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem;
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29
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Barman A, Assmann A, Richter S, Soch J, Schütze H, Wüstenberg T, Deibele A, Klein M, Richter A, Behnisch G, Düzel E, Zenker M, Seidenbecher CI, Schott BH. Genetic variation of the RASGRF1 regulatory region affects human hippocampus-dependent memory. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:260. [PMID: 24808846 PMCID: PMC4010733 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The guanine nucleotide exchange factor RASGRF1 is an important regulator of intracellular signaling and neural plasticity in the brain. RASGRF1-deficient mice exhibit a complex phenotype with learning deficits and ocular abnormalities. Also in humans, a genome-wide association study has identified the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8027411 in the putative transcription regulatory region of RASGRF1 as a risk variant of myopia. Here we aimed to assess whether, in line with the RASGRF1 knockout mouse phenotype, rs8027411 might also be associated with human memory function. We performed computer-based neuropsychological learning experiments in two independent cohorts of young, healthy participants. Tests included the Verbal Learning and Memory Test (VLMT) and the logical memory section of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). Two sub-cohorts additionally participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of hippocampus function. 119 participants performed a novelty encoding task that had previously been shown to engage the hippocampus, and 63 subjects participated in a reward-related memory encoding study. RASGRF1 rs8027411 genotype was indeed associated with memory performance in an allele dosage-dependent manner, with carriers of the T allele (i.e., the myopia risk allele) showing better memory performance in the early encoding phase of the VLMT and in the recall phase of the WMS logical memory section. In fMRI, T allele carriers exhibited increased hippocampal activation during presentation of novel images and during encoding of pictures associated with monetary reward. Taken together, our results provide evidence for a role of the RASGRF1 gene locus in hippocampus-dependent memory and, along with the previous association with myopia, point toward pleitropic effects of RASGRF1 genetic variations on complex neural function in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Barman
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Assmann
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Richter
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Salzburg Salzburg, Austria
| | - Joram Soch
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany ; Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schütze
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Wüstenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Deibele
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marieke Klein
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Department of Genetics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Anni Richter
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gusalija Behnisch
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emrah Düzel
- Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany ; Helmholtz Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Magdeburg, Germany ; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Zenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Constanze I Seidenbecher
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Björn H Schott
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany ; Department of Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany ; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences Magdeburg, Germany ; Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
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30
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Jin SX, Bartolome C, Arai JA, Hoffman L, Uzturk BG, Kumar-Singh R, Waxham MN, Feig LA. Domain contributions to signaling specificity differences between Ras-guanine nucleotide releasing factor (Ras-GRF) 1 and Ras-GRF2. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:16551-64. [PMID: 24755227 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.557959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-GRF1 (GRF1) and Ras-GRF2 (GRF2) constitute a family of similar calcium sensors that regulate synaptic plasticity. They are both guanine exchange factors that contain a very similar set of functional domains, including N-terminal pleckstrin homology, coiled-coil, and calmodulin-binding IQ domains and C-terminal Dbl homology Rac-activating domains, Ras-exchange motifs, and CDC25 Ras-activating domains. Nevertheless, they regulate different forms of synaptic plasticity. Although both GRF proteins transduce calcium signals emanating from NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, GRF1 promotes LTD, whereas GRF2 promotes θ-burst stimulation-induced LTP (TBS-LTP). GRF1 can also mediate high frequency stimulation-induced LTP (HFS-LTP) in mice over 2-months of age, which involves calcium-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors. To add to our understanding of how proteins with similar domains can have different functions, WT and various chimeras between GRF1 and GRF2 proteins were tested for their abilities to reconstitute defective LTP and/or LTD in the CA1 hippocampus of Grf1/Grf2 double knock-out mice. These studies revealed a critical role for the GRF2 CDC25 domain in the induction of TBS-LTP by GRF proteins. In contrast, the N-terminal pleckstrin homology and/or coiled-coil domains of GRF1 are key to the induction of HFS-LTP by GRF proteins. Finally, the IQ motif of GRF1 determines whether a GRF protein can induce LTD. Overall, these findings show that for the three forms of synaptic plasticity that are regulated by GRF proteins in the CA1 hippocampus, specificity is encoded in only one or two domains, and a different set of domains for each form of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Xue Jin
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
| | - Christopher Bartolome
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
| | - Junko A Arai
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
| | - Laurel Hoffman
- the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas, Houston, Texas
| | - B Gizem Uzturk
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
| | - Rajendra Kumar-Singh
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
| | - M Neal Waxham
- the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas, Houston, Texas
| | - Larry A Feig
- From the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 and
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d'Isa R, Brambilla R, Fasano S. Behavioral methods for the study of the Ras-ERK pathway in memory formation and consolidation: passive avoidance and novel object recognition tests. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1120:131-156. [PMID: 24470023 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-791-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Memory is a high-level brain function that enables organisms to adapt their behavioral responses to the environment, hence increasing their probability of survival. The Ras-ERK pathway is a key molecular intracellular signalling cascade for memory consolidation. In this chapter we will describe two main one-trial behavioral tests commonly used in the field of memory research in order to assess the role of Ras-ERK signalling in long-term memory: passive avoidance and object recognition. Passive avoidance (PA) is a fear-motivated instrumental learning task, designed by Jarvik and Essman in 1960, in which animals learn to refrain from emitting a behavioral response that has previously been associated with a punishment. We will describe here the detailed protocol and show some examples of how PA can reveal impairments or enhancements in memory consolidation following loss or gain of function genetic manipulations of the Ras-ERK pathway. The phenotypes of global mutants as Ras-GRF1 KO, GENA53, and ERK1 KO mice, as well as of conditional region-specific mutants (striatal K-CREB mice), will be illustrated as examples. Novel object recognition (NOR), developed by Ennaceur and Delacour in 1988, is instead a more recent and highly ecological test, which relies on the natural tendency of rodents to spontaneously approach and explore novel objects, representing hence a useful non-stressful tool for the study of memory in animals without the employment of punishments or starvation/water restriction regimens. Careful indications will be given on how to select the positions for the novel object, in order to counterbalance for individual side preferences among mice during the training. Finally, the methods for calculating two learning indexes will be described. In addition to the classical discrimination index (DI) that measures the ability of an animal to discriminate between two different objects which are presented at the same time, we will describe the formula of a new index that we present here for the first time, the recognition index (RI), which quantifies the ability of an animal to recognize a same object at different time points and that, by taking into account the basal individual preferences displayed during the training, can give a more accurate measure of an animal's actual recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, Milan, Italy
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Soleman S, Filippov MA, Dityatev A, Fawcett JW. Targeting the neural extracellular matrix in neurological disorders. Neuroscience 2013; 253:194-213. [PMID: 24012743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to regulate important processes in neuronal cell development, activity and growth. It is associated with the structural stabilization of neuronal processes and synaptic contacts during the maturation of the central nervous system. The remodeling of the ECM during both development and after central nervous system injury has been shown to affect neuronal guidance, synaptic plasticity and their regenerative responses. Particular interest has focused on the inhibitory role of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and their formation into dense lattice-like structures, termed perineuronal nets (PNNs), which enwrap sub-populations of neurons and restrict plasticity. Recent studies in mammalian systems have implicated CSPGs and PNNs in regulating and restricting structural plasticity. The enzymatic degradation of CSPGs or destabilization of PNNs has been shown to enhance neuronal activity and plasticity after central nervous system injury. This review focuses on the role of the ECM, CSPGs and PNNs; and how developmental and pharmacological manipulation of these structures have enhanced neuronal plasticity and aided functional recovery in regeneration, stroke, and amblyopia. In addition to CSPGs, this review also points to the functions and potential therapeutic value of these and several other key ECM molecules in epileptogenesis and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Soleman
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Jin SX, Arai J, Tian X, Kumar-Singh R, Feig LA. Acquisition of contextual discrimination involves the appearance of a RAS-GRF1/p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-mediated signaling pathway that promotes long term potentiation (LTP). J Biol Chem 2013; 288:21703-13. [PMID: 23766509 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.471904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS-GRF1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with the ability to activate RAS and RAC GTPases in response to elevated calcium levels. We previously showed that beginning at 1 month of age, RAS-GRF1 mediates NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR)-induction of long term depression in the CA1 region of the hippocampus of mice. Here we show that beginning at 2 months of age, when mice first acquire the ability to discriminate between closely related contexts, RAS-GRF1 begins to contribute to the induction of long term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 hippocampus by mediating the action of calcium-permeable, AMPA-type glutamate receptors (CP-AMPARs). Surprisingly, LTP induction by CP-AMPARs through RAS-GRF1 occurs via activation of p38 MAP kinase rather than ERK MAP kinase, which has more frequently been linked to LTP. Moreover, contextual discrimination is blocked by knockdown of Ras-Grf1 expression specifically in the CA1 hippocampus, infusion of a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor into the CA1 hippocampus, or the injection of an inhibitor of CP-AMPARs. These findings implicate the CA1 hippocampus in the developmentally dependent capacity to distinguish closely related contexts through the appearance of a novel LTP-supporting signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Xue Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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Extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the basolateral amygdala, but not the nucleus accumbens core, is critical for context-response-cocaine memory reconsolidation in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:753-62. [PMID: 23232446 PMCID: PMC3671999 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The reconsolidation of cocaine memories following retrieval is necessary for the sustained ability of a cocaine-paired environmental context to elicit cocaine seeking. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is an intracellular signaling molecule involved in nucleus accumbens core (NACc)-mediated reconsolidation of Pavlovian cocaine memories. Here, we used a rodent model of drug context-elicited relapse to test the hypothesis that ERK would be similarly required for the reconsolidation of context-response-cocaine memories that underlie drug context-induced reinstatement of instrumental cocaine-seeking behavior, with a focus on the NACc and on the basolateral amygdala (BLA), another important locus for the reconsolidation of cocaine memories. We show that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126 (1.0 μg/0.5 μl/hemisphere), microinfused bilaterally into the BLA--but not the NACc--immediately after brief re-exposure to a previously cocaine-paired context (that is, cocaine-memory reactivation), significantly attenuated subsequent drug context-induced cocaine seeking relative to vehicle (VEH). This effect in the BLA was associated with a transient inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and it depended on memory reactivation given that U0126 administered following exposure to a novel context did not alter subsequent cocaine seeking. Furthermore, similar to U0126, baclofen+muscimol-induced (B+M; 106.8/5.7 ng/0.5 μl/hemisphere) neural inactivation of the NACc, following cocaine-memory reactivation, failed to alter subsequent cocaine seeking. These findings demonstrate that ERK activation in the BLA, but not the NACc, is required for the reconsolidation of context-response-cocaine associative memories. Together with prior research, these results suggest that contextual drug-memory reconsolidation in Pavlovian and instrumental settings involves distinct neuroanatomical mechanisms.
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Fisone G, Brambilla R. Neuronal signaling and behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:72. [PMID: 23129996 PMCID: PMC3487157 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Fisone
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Besnard A, Caboche J, Laroche S. Reconsolidation of memory: A decade of debate. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 99:61-80. [PMID: 22877586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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d'Isa R, Clapcote SJ, Voikar V, Wolfer DP, Giese KP, Brambilla R, Fasano S. Mice Lacking Ras-GRF1 Show Contextual Fear Conditioning but not Spatial Memory Impairments: Convergent Evidence from Two Independently Generated Mouse Mutant Lines. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:78. [PMID: 22164138 PMCID: PMC3230787 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-GRF1 is a neuronal specific guanine exchange factor that, once activated by both ionotropic and metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors, can stimulate Ras proteins, leading to long-term phosphorylation of downstream signaling. The two available reports on the behavior of two independently generated Ras-GRF1 deficient mouse lines provide contrasting evidence on the role of Ras-GRF1 in spatial memory and contextual fear conditioning. These discrepancies may be due to the distinct alterations introduced in the mouse genome by gene targeting in the two lines that could differentially affect expression of nearby genes located in the imprinted region containing the Ras-grf1 locus. In order to determine the real contribution of Ras-GRF1 to spatial memory we compared in Morris Water Maze learning Brambilla’s mice with a third mouse line (GENA53) in which a non-sense mutation was introduced in the Ras-GRF1 coding region without additional changes in the genome and we found that memory in this task is normal. Also, we measured both contextual and cued fear conditioning, which were previously reported to be affected in Brambilla’s mice, and we confirmed that contextual learning but not cued conditioning is impaired in both mouse lines. In addition, we also tested both lines for the first time in conditioned place aversion in the Intellicage, an ecological and remotely controlled behavioral test, and we observed normal learning. Finally, based on previous reports of other mutant lines suggesting that Ras-GRF1 may control body weight, we also measured this non-cognitive phenotype and we confirmed that both Ras-GRF1 deficient mutants are smaller than their control littermates. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Ras-GRF1 has no unique role in spatial memory while its function in contextual fear conditioning is likely to be due not only to its involvement in amygdala functions but possibly to some distinct hippocampal connections specific to contextual learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University Milano, Italy
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Fasano S, Brambilla R. Ras-ERK Signaling in Behavior: Old Questions and New Perspectives. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:79. [PMID: 22131969 PMCID: PMC3223382 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Ras–ERK signaling in behavioral plasticity is well established. Inhibition studies using the blood–brain barrier permeable drug SL327 have conclusively demonstrated that this neuronal cell signaling cascade is a crucial component of the synaptic machinery implicated in the formation of various forms of long-term memory, from spatial learning to fear and operant conditioning. However, abnormal Ras–ERK signaling has also been linked to a number of neuropsychiatric conditions, including mental retardation syndromes (“RASopathies”), drug addiction, and l-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). The work recently done on these brain disorders has pointed to previously underappreciated roles of Ras–ERK in specific subsets of neurons, like GABAergic interneurons of the hippocampus or the cortex, as well as in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Here we will highlight the open questions related to Ras–ERK signaling in these behavioral manifestations and propose crucial experiments for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Fasano
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University Milano, Italy
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