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Stavropoulos D, Grewal MK, Petriti B, Chau KY, Hammond CJ, Garway-Heath DF, Lascaratos G. The Role of Mitophagy in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Cells 2023; 12:1969. [PMID: 37566048 PMCID: PMC10417839 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide a better understanding of the emerging role of mitophagy in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, which is the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence from genetic and other experimental studies suggests that mitophagy-related genes are implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma in various populations. The association between polymorphisms in these genes and increased risk of glaucoma is presented. Reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, while clinical trials highlight the inadequacy of IOP-lowering therapeutic approaches to prevent sight loss in many glaucoma patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to increase the susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to other risk factors and is implicated in glaucomatous degeneration. Mitophagy holds a vital role in mitochondrial quality control processes, and the current review explores the mitophagy-related pathways which may be linked to glaucoma and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Stavropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Department of Ophthalmology, 417 Veterans Army Hospital (NIMTS), 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Manjot K. Grewal
- NIHR Biomedical Research Center, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Bledi Petriti
- NIHR Biomedical Research Center, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Department of Clinical & Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queens Square Institute of Neurology, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Kai-Yin Chau
- Department of Clinical & Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queens Square Institute of Neurology, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Christopher J. Hammond
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - David F. Garway-Heath
- NIHR Biomedical Research Center, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Gerassimos Lascaratos
- Department of Ophthalmology, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
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A focus on Rho/ROCK signaling pathway: An emerging therapeutic target in depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 946:175648. [PMID: 36894049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175648] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Depression is the most common mental health disorder worldwide; however, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms of this major depressive disorder are unclear so far. Experimental studies have demonstrated that depression is associated with significant cognitive impairment, dendrite spine loss, and reduction in connectivity among neurons that contribute to symptoms associated with mood disorders. Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) receptors are exclusively expressed in the brain and Rho/ROCK signaling has gained considerable attention as it plays a crucial role in the development of neuronal architecture and structural plasticity. Chronic stress-induced activation of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway promotes neuronal apoptosis and loss of neural processes and synapses. Interestingly, accumulated evidence has identified Rho/ROCK signaling pathways as a putative target for treating neurological disorders. Furthermore, inhibition of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway has proven to be effective in different models of depression, which signify the potential benefits of clinical Rho/ROCK inhibition. The ROCK inhibitors extensively modulate antidepressant-related pathways which significantly control the synthesis of proteins, and neuron survival and ultimately led to the enhancement of synaptogenesis, connectivity, and improvement in behavior. Therefore, the present review refines the prevailing contribution of this signaling pathway in depression and highlighted preclinical shreds of evidence for employing ROCK inhibitors as disease-modifying targets along with possible underlying mechanisms in stress-associated depression.
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Mani S, Jindal D, Chopra H, Jha SK, Singh SK, Ashraf GM, Kamal M, Iqbal D, Chellappan DK, Dey A, Dewanjee S, Singh KK, Ojha S, Singh I, Gautam RK, Jha NK. ROCK2 Inhibition: A Futuristic Approach for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104871. [PMID: 36122738 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurons depend on mitochondrial functions for membrane excitability, neurotransmission, and plasticity.Mitochondrialdynamicsare important for neural cell maintenance. To maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, lysosomes remove dysfunctionalmitochondria through mitophagy. Mitophagy promotes mitochondrial turnover and prevents the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. In many neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), mitophagy is disrupted in neurons.Mitophagy is regulated by several proteins; recently,Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) has been suggested to negatively regulate the Parkin-dependent mitophagy pathway.Thus, ROCK2inhibitionmay bea promising therapyfor NDDs. This review summarizesthe mitophagy pathway, the role of ROCK2in Parkin-dependentmitophagyregulation,and mitophagy impairment in the pathology of AD. We further discuss different ROCK inhibitors (synthetic drugs, natural compounds,and genetherapy-based approaches)and examine their effects on triggering neuronal growth and neuroprotection in AD and other NDDs. This comprehensive overview of the role of ROCK in mitophagy inhibition provides a possible explanation for the significance of ROCK inhibitors in the therapeutic management of AD and other NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mani
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India.
| | - Divya Jindal
- Centre for Emerging Disease, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, UP, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | | | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Keshav K Singh
- Department of Genetics, UAB School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Inderbir Singh
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India
| | - Rupesh K Gautam
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala -134007, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India.
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Martín-Cámara O, Cores Á, López-Alvarado P, Menéndez JC. Emerging targets in drug discovery against neurodegenerative diseases: Control of synapsis disfunction by the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113742. [PMID: 34388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic spine morphology is controlled by the activity of Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA, which need to be finely balanced, and in particular RhoA/ROCK prevents the formation of new protrusions by stabilizing actin formation. These processes are crucial to the maturation process, slowing the de novo generation of new spines. The RhoA/ROCK also influences plasticity processes, and selective modulation by ROCK1 of MLC-dependent actin dynamics leads to neurite retraction, but not to spine retraction. ROCK1 is also responsible for the reduction of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. These and other evidences suggest that ROCK1 is the main isoform acting on the presynaptic neuron. On the other hand, ROCK2 seems to have broad effects on LIMK/cofilin-dependent plasticity processes such as cofilin-dependent PSD changes. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is an important factor in several different brain-related pathologies via both downstream and upstream pathways. In the aggregate, these evidences show that the RhoA/ROCK pathway has a central role in the etiopathogenesis of a large group of CNS diseases, which underscores the importance of the pharmacological modulation of RhoA/ROCK as an important pathway to drug discovery in the neurodegenerative disease area. This article aims at providing the first review of the role of compounds acting on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the control of synaptic disfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olmo Martín-Cámara
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Stepankova K, Jendelova P, Machova Urdzikova L. Planet of the AAVs: The Spinal Cord Injury Episode. Biomedicines 2021; 9:613. [PMID: 34071245 PMCID: PMC8228984 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical and life-disrupting condition with devastating consequences for the physical, social, and professional welfare of patients, and there is no adequate treatment for it. At the same time, gene therapy has been studied as a promising approach for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders by delivering remedial genes to the central nervous system (CNS), of which the spinal cord is a part. For gene therapy, multiple vectors have been introduced, including integrating lentiviral vectors and non-integrating adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. AAV vectors are a promising system for transgene delivery into the CNS due to their safety profile as well as long-term gene expression. Gene therapy mediated by AAV vectors shows potential for treating SCI by delivering certain genetic information to specific cell types. This review has focused on a potential treatment of SCI by gene therapy using AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Stepankova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Machova Urdzikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
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Samelska K, Zaleska-Żmijewska A, Bałan B, Grąbczewski A, Szaflik JP, Kubiak AJ, Skopiński P. Immunological and molecular basics of the primary open angle glaucoma pathomechanism. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:111-117. [PMID: 33897292 PMCID: PMC8056342 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.104328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a degenerative process of the optic nerve. Increased intraocular pressure is believed to be the main factor leading to the glaucomatous damage. The in vitro and in vivo animal glaucoma research models provide insight into the molecular changes in the retina in response to the injury factor. The damage is a complex process incorporating molecular and immunological changes. Such changes involve NF kB activity and complement activation. The processes affect the human antigen, JNK, MAPK, p53, MT2 and DBA/2J molecular pathways, activate the autophagy processes and compromise neuroprotective mechanisms. Activation and inhibition of immunological responses contribute to cell injury. The immunological mechanisms of glaucomatous degeneration include glial response, the complement, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) pathways and toll-like receptors athways. Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity are factors contributing to cell death in glaucoma. The authors present an up-to-date review of the mechanisms involved and update on research focusing on a possible innovative glaucoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Samelska
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Zaleska-Żmijewska
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Bałan
- Department of Immunology Biochemistry and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Paweł Szaflik
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Skopiński
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Ribas VT, Vahsen BF, Tatenhorst L, Estrada V, Dambeck V, Almeida RA, Bähr M, Michel U, Koch JC, Müller HW, Lingor P. AAV-mediated inhibition of ULK1 promotes axonal regeneration in the central nervous system in vitro and in vivo. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:213. [PMID: 33637688 PMCID: PMC7910615 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Axonal damage is an early step in traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Damaged axons are not able to regenerate sufficiently in the adult mammalian CNS, leading to permanent neurological deficits. Recently, we showed that inhibition of the autophagic protein ULK1 promotes neuroprotection in different models of neurodegeneration. Moreover, we demonstrated previously that axonal protection improves regeneration of lesioned axons. However, whether axonal protection mediated by ULK1 inhibition could also improve axonal regeneration is unknown. Here, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to express a dominant-negative form of ULK1 (AAV.ULK1.DN) and investigated its effects on axonal regeneration in the CNS. We show that AAV.ULK1.DN fosters axonal regeneration and enhances neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, AAV.ULK1.DN increases neuronal survival and enhances axonal regeneration after optic nerve lesion, and promotes long-term axonal protection after spinal cord injury (SCI) in vivo. Interestingly, AAV.ULK1.DN also increases serotonergic and dopaminergic axon sprouting after SCI. Mechanistically, AAV.ULK1.DN leads to increased ERK1 activation and reduced expression of RhoA and ROCK2. Our findings outline ULK1 as a key regulator of axonal degeneration and regeneration, and define ULK1 as a promising target to promote neuroprotection and regeneration in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil.
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Björn Friedhelm Vahsen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tatenhorst
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Veronica Estrada
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vivian Dambeck
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raquel Alves Almeida
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Michel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hans Werner Müller
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University Medical Center Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Rechts der Isar Hospital of the Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Molecular Mechanisms of Central Nervous System Axonal Regeneration and Remyelination: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218116. [PMID: 33143194 PMCID: PMC7662268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) injury, including stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury, causes severe neurological symptoms such as sensory and motor deficits. Currently, there is no effective therapeutic method to restore neurological function because the adult CNS has limited capacity to regenerate after injury. Many efforts have been made to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CNS regeneration and to establish novel therapeutic methods based on these mechanisms, with a variety of strategies including cell transplantation, modulation of cell intrinsic molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting of the pathological nature of the extracellular environment in CNS injury. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms that regulate CNS regeneration, highlighting the history, recent efforts, and questions left unanswered in this field.
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Abstract
Neurons develop polarity by the formation of specialized dendritic and axonal structural compartments. A new report now provides evidence that reveals how neurons regulate the initiation and further maintenance of axonal growth, challenging our currently held view of RhoA function in axogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Omelchenko
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Bonnie L Firestein
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Barros Ribeiro da Silva V, Porcionatto M, Toledo Ribas V. The Rise of Molecules Able To Regenerate the Central Nervous System. J Med Chem 2019; 63:490-511. [PMID: 31518122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Injury to the adult central nervous system (CNS) usually leads to permanent deficits of cognitive, sensory, and/or motor functions. The failure of axonal regeneration in the damaged CNS limits functional recovery. The lack of information concerning the biological mechanism of axonal regeneration and its complexity has delayed the process of drug discovery for many years compared to other drug classes. Starting in the early 2000s, the ability of many molecules to stimulate axonal regrowth was evaluated through automated screening techniques; many hits and some new mechanisms involved in axonal regeneration were identified. In this Perspective, we discuss the rise of the CNS regenerative drugs, the main biological techniques used to test these drug candidates, some of the most important screens performed so far, and the main challenges following the identification of a drug that is able to induce axonal regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marimélia Porcionatto
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo , Escola Paulista de Medicina, Laboratório de Neurobiologia Molecular, Departmento de Bioquímica , Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669 - third floor, 04039-032 São Paulo , São Paolo , Brazil
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Neurobiologia Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, room O3-245 , - Campus Pampulha, 31270-901 , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
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A Repulsive Environment Induces Neurodegeneration of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. J Neurosci 2019; 38:1323-1325. [PMID: 29438033 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3070-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Hill LJ, Mead B, Thomas CN, Foale S, Feinstein E, Berry M, Blanch RJ, Ahmed Z, Logan A. TGF-β-induced IOP elevations are mediated by RhoA in the early but not the late fibrotic phase of open angle glaucoma. Mol Vis 2018; 24:712-726. [PMID: 30429640 PMCID: PMC6205807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP) are associated with the development of glaucoma and loss of sight. High transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 1 levels in the eye's anterior chamber can lead to dysfunctional contractions through RhoA signaling in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and IOP spikes. Sustained high TGF-β levels leads to TM fibrosis and sustained increases in IOP. We investigated whether inhibiting RhoA, using a siRNA-mediated RhoA (siRhoA), controls IOP by altering TM expression of fibrosis and contractility-related proteins in a rodent model of glaucoma. Methods TGF-β was injected intracamerally twice a week into adult Sprague Dawley rats, and IOP was recorded with tonometry. Animals were euthanized on day 7 and 35 with TM expression of fibrosis and contractility-related proteins, as well as survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) assessed with immunohistochemistry. siRNA against RhoA or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was also injected intracamerally into select animals. Successful RhoA knockdown was determined with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, and the effects of the knockdown on the parameters above analyzed. Results TGF-β caused increased TM contractile proteins and IOP spikes by day 7, sustained increases in IOP from day 15, and TM fibrosis at day 35. siRhoA abolished the transient 7 day IOP rise but not the later sustained IOP increase (due to fibrosis). At 35 days, TGF-β-related RGC loss was not prevented with siRhoA treatment. Conclusions We conclude that RhoA signaling mediates the early IOP rise induced by TM cellular changes associated with contractility but not the sustained IOP elevation caused by TM fibrosis. Thus, RhoA therapies offer a clinically relevant opportunity for IOP management, likely through the modulation of TM contractility, but appear to be ineffective in the amelioration of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Hill
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Mead
- Section of Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe N Thomas
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Foale
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Feinstein
- Research Division, Quark Pharmaceuticals, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Martin Berry
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Blanch
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Logan
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Ching RC, Wiberg M, Kingham PJ. Schwann cell-like differentiated adipose stem cells promote neurite outgrowth via secreted exosomes and RNA transfer. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:266. [PMID: 30309388 PMCID: PMC6182785 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adipose derived stem cells can be stimulated to produce a growth factor rich secretome which enhances axon regeneration. In this study we investigated the importance of exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by many different cell types, including stem cells and endogenous nervous system Schwann cells (SCs), on neurite outgrowth. Methods Adipose derived stem cells were differentiated towards a Schwann cell-like phenotype (dADSCs) by in vitro stimulation with a mix of factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived growth factor-AA, neuregulin-1 and forskolin). Using a precipitation and low-speed centrifugation protocol the extracellular vesicles were isolated from the medium of the stem cells cultures and also from primary SCs. The conditioned media or concentrated vesicles were applied to neurons in vitro and computerised image analysis was used to assess neurite outgrowth. Total RNA was purified from the extracellular vesicles and investigated using qRT-PCR. Results Application of exosomes derived from SCs significantly enhanced in vitro neurite outgrowth and this was replicated by the exosomes from dADSCs. qRT-PCR demonstrated that the exosomes contained mRNAs and miRNAs known to play a role in nerve regeneration and these molecules were up-regulated by the Schwann cell differentiation protocol. Transfer of fluorescently tagged exosomal RNA to neurons was detected and destruction of the RNA by UV-irradiation significantly reduced the dADSCs exosome effects on neurite outgrowth. In contrast, this process had no significant effect on the SCs-derived exosomes. Conclusions In summary, this work suggests that stem cell-derived exosomes might be a useful adjunct to other novel therapeutic interventions in nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna C Ching
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Paul J Kingham
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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ROCK inhibition in models of neurodegeneration and its potential for clinical translation. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 189:1-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Wang J, Li H, Yao Y, Ren Y, Lin J, Hu J, Zheng M, Song X, Zhao T, Chen YY, Shen Y, Zhu YJ, Wang LL. β-Elemene Enhances GAP-43 Expression and Neurite Outgrowth by Inhibiting RhoA Kinase Activation in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury. Neuroscience 2018; 383:12-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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Wen J, Tan D, Li L, Wang X, Pan M, Guo J. RhoA regulates Schwann cell differentiation through JNK pathway. Exp Neurol 2018; 308:26-34. [PMID: 29940159 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RhoA is a small GTPase that regulates many functions of mammalian cells via actin reorganization. Lots of studies uncovered that its activation acts as a major negative regulator of neurite extension, and inhibition of RhoA activity or reduction of its expression can promote neuron survival and axonal regeneration. However, little is known about whether RhoA also exerts important functions on Schwann cells (SCs) which are the glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Recently, we reported that RhoA plays important roles in the proliferation, migration and myelination of SCs. In the present study, using RNA interference to knockdown RhoA expression and CT04 (a cell-permeable C3 Transferase) to inhibit RhoA activation we found that blocking RhoA can slack SC differentiation. Unexpectedly, inhibiting ROCK, the mostly well-known downstream effector of RhoA, has no influence on SC differentiation. Instead, the inhibition of RhoA in differentiating SCs results in the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK. And the inhibitor of JNK but not p38 MAPK can promote SC differentiation in the presence of RhoA inhibition. Overall results indicate that RhoA plays a vital role in SC differentiation via JNK pathway rather than ROCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkun Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dandan Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lixia Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xianghai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mengjie Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiasong Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Institute of Bone Biology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510665, China.
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17
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18
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Zhang G, Hu J, Rodemer W, Li S, Selzer ME. RhoA activation in axotomy-induced neuronal death. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:76-91. [PMID: 29715475 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals, severed axons fail to regenerate, due to both extrinsic inhibitory factors, e.g., the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and myelin-associated growth inhibitors (MAIs), and a developmental loss of intrinsic growth capacity. The latter is suggested by findings in lamprey that the 18 pairs of individually identified reticulospinal neurons vary greatly in their ability to regenerate their axons through the same spinal cord environment. Moreover, those neurons that are poor regenerators undergo very delayed apoptosis, and express common molecular markers after SCI. Thus the signaling pathways for retrograde cell death might converge with those inhibiting axon regeneration. Many extrinsic growth-inhibitory molecules activate RhoA, whereas inhibiting RhoA enhances axon growth. Whether RhoA also is involved in retrograde neuronal death after axotomy is less clear. Therefore, we cloned lamprey RhoA and correlated its mRNA expression and activation state with apoptosis signaling in identified reticulospinal neurons. RhoA mRNA was expressed widely in normal lamprey brain, and only slightly more in poorly-regenerating neurons than in good regenerators. However, within a day after spinal cord transection, RhoA mRNA was found in severed axon tips. Beginning at 5 days post-SCI RhoA mRNA was upregulated selectively in pre-apoptotic neuronal perikarya, as indicated by labelling with fluorescently labeled inhibitors of caspase activation (FLICA). After 2 weeks post-transection, RhoA expression decreased in the perikarya, and was translocated anterogradely into the axons. More striking than changes in RhoA mRNA levels, RhoA was continuously active selectively in FLICA-positive neurons through 9 weeks post-SCI. At that time, almost no neurons whose axons had regenerated were FLICA-positive. These findings are consistent with a role for RhoA activation in triggering retrograde neuronal death after SCI, and suggest that RhoA may be a point of convergence for inhibition of both axon regeneration and neuronal survival after axotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Zhang
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), USA
| | - Jianli Hu
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), USA
| | - William Rodemer
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), USA; Dept. Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Michael E Selzer
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), USA; Dept. of Neurology, USA.
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19
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Wang J, Li Y, King R, Struebing FL, Geisert EE. Optic nerve regeneration in the mouse is a complex trait modulated by genetic background. Mol Vis 2018; 24:174-186. [PMID: 29463955 PMCID: PMC5815339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study is designed to identify the influences of genetic background on optic nerve regeneration using the two parental strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) and seven BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains. Methods To study regeneration in the optic nerve, Pten was knocked down in the retinal ganglion cells using adenoassociated virus (AAV) delivery of shRNA, and a mild inflammatory response was induced with an intravitreal injection of zymosan with CPT-cAMP. The axons of the retinal ganglion cells were damaged by optic nerve crush (ONC). Following a 12-day survival period, regenerating axons were labeled by cholera toxin B, and 2 days later, the regenerating axons within the optic nerve were examined. The number of axons at 0.5 mm and 1 mm from the crush site were counted. In addition, we measured the distance that five axons had grown down the nerve and the longest distance a single axon reached. Results The analysis revealed a considerable amount of differential axonal regeneration across the seven BXD strains and the parental strains. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.014 Mann-Whitney U test) in the regenerative capacity in the number of axons reaching 0.5 mm from a low of 236.1±24.4 axons in the BXD102 mice to a high of 759.8±79.2 axons in the BXD29 mice. There were also statistically significant differences (p=0.014 Mann-Whitney U test) in the distance axons traveled. Looking at a minimum of five axons, the shortest distance was 787.2±46.5 µm in the BXD102 mice, and the maximum distance was 2025.5±223.3 µm in the BXD29 mice. Conclusions Differences in genetic background can have a profound effect on axonal regeneration causing a threefold increase in the number of regenerating axons at 0.5 mm from the crush site and a 2.5-fold increase in the distance traveled by at least five axons in the damaged optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rebecca King
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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20
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A Ser75-to-Asp phospho-mimicking mutation in Src accelerates ageing-related loss of retinal ganglion cells in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16779. [PMID: 29196663 PMCID: PMC5711949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16872-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Src knockout mice show no detectable abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) post-mitotic neurons, likely reflecting functional compensation by other Src family kinases. Cdk1- or Cdk5-dependent Ser75 phosphorylation in the amino-terminal Unique domain of Src, which shares no homology with other Src family kinases, regulates the stability of active Src. To clarify the roles of Src Ser75 phosphorylation in CNS neurons, we established two types of mutant mice with mutations in Src: phospho-mimicking Ser75Asp (SD) and non-phosphorylatable Ser75Ala (SA). In ageing SD/SD mice, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) number in whole retinas was significantly lower than that in young SD/SD mice in the absence of inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure, resembling the pathogenesis of progressive optic neuropathy. By contrast, SA/SA mice and wild-type (WT) mice exhibited no age-related RGC loss. The age-related retinal RGC number reduction was greater in the peripheral rather than the mid-peripheral region of the retina in SD/SD mice. Furthermore, Rho-associated kinase activity in whole retinas of ageing SD/SD mice was significantly higher than that in young SD/SD mice. These results suggest that Src regulates RGC survival during ageing in a manner that depends on Ser75 phosphorylation.
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21
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Nourinia R, Nakao S, Zandi S, Safi S, Hafezi-Moghadam A, Ahmadieh H. ROCK inhibitors for the treatment of ocular diseases. Br J Ophthalmol 2017; 102:bjophthalmol-2017-310378. [PMID: 28794073 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-310378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-kinase/ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase) pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple ocular and systemic disorders. Recently, ROCK inhibitors have been suggested as novel treatments for various ocular diseases. Several in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ROCK inhibitors in the management of ocular disorders such as corneal epithelial and endothelial damage, glaucoma, retinal and choroidal neovascularisation, diabetic macular oedema and optic nerve disorders. In this review, these studies are explored with focus on the relevant clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Nourinia
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shintaro Nakao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Excellence in Functional and Molecular Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Souska Zandi
- Center for Excellence in Functional and Molecular Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Swiss Eye Institute and Clinic for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Berner Augenklinik am Lindenhofspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sare Safi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hafezi-Moghadam
- Center for Excellence in Functional and Molecular Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Ribas VT, Costa MR. Gene Manipulation Strategies to Identify Molecular Regulators of Axon Regeneration in the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:231. [PMID: 28824380 PMCID: PMC5545589 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited axon regeneration in the injured adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) usually results in irreversible functional deficits. Both the presence of extrinsic inhibitory molecules at the injury site and the intrinsically low capacity of adult neurons to grow axons are responsible for the diminished capacity of regeneration in the adult CNS. Conversely, in the embryonic CNS, neurons show a high regenerative capacity, mostly due to the expression of genes that positively control axon growth and downregulation of genes that inhibit axon growth. A better understanding of the role of these key genes controlling pro-regenerative mechanisms is pivotal to develop strategies to promote robust axon regeneration following adult CNS injury. Genetic manipulation techniques have been widely used to investigate the role of specific genes or a combination of different genes in axon regrowth. This review summarizes a myriad of studies that used genetic manipulations to promote axon growth in the injured CNS. We also review the roles of some of these genes during CNS development and suggest possible approaches to identify new candidate genes. Finally, we critically address the main advantages and pitfalls of gene-manipulation techniques, and discuss new strategies to promote robust axon regeneration in the mature CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius T Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcos R Costa
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
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23
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Abstract
Paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to failure of axonal regeneration. It is believed that the capacities of neurons to regrow their axons are due partly to their intrinsic characteristics, which in turn are greatly influenced by several types of inhibitory molecules that are present, or even increased in the extracellular environment of the injured spinal cord. Many of these inhibitory molecules have been studied extensively in recent years. It has been suggested that the small GTPase RhoA is an intracellular convergence point for signaling by these extracellular inhibitory molecules, but due to the complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) in mammals, and the limitation of pharmacological tools, the specific roles of RhoA are unclear. By exploiting the anatomical and technical advantages of the lamprey CNS, we recently demonstrated that RhoA knockdown promotes true axon regeneration through the lesion site after SCI. In addition, we found that RhoA knockdown protects the large, identified reticulospinal neurons from apoptosis after their axons were axotomized in spinal cord. Therefore, manipulation of the RhoA signaling pathway may be an important approach in the development of treatments that are both neuroprotective and axon regeneration-promoting, to enhance functional recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Hu
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael E Selzer
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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24
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Cen LP, Liang JJ, Chen JH, Harvey AR, Ng TK, Zhang M, Pang CP, Cui Q, Fan YM. AAV-mediated transfer of RhoA shRNA and CNTF promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration. Neuroscience 2016; 343:472-482. [PMID: 28017835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) mediated transfer of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and RhoA shRNA has additive effects on promoting the survival and axon regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve crush (ONC). Silencing effects of AAV-RhoA shRNA were confirmed by examining neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and by quantifying RhoA expression levels with western blotting. Young adult Fischer rats received an intravitreal injection of (i) saline, (ii) AAV green fluorescent protein (GFP), (iii) AAV-CNTF, (iv) AAV-RhoA shRNA, or (v) a combination of both AAV-CNTF and AAV-RhoA shRNA. Two weeks later, the ON was completely crushed. Three weeks after ONC, RGC survival was estimated by counting βIII-tubulin-positive neurons in retinal whole mounts. Axon regeneration was evaluated by counting GAP-43-positive axons in the crushed ON. It was found that AAV-RhoA shRNA decreased RhoA expression levels and promoted neurite outgrowth in vitro. In the ONC model, AAV-RhoA shRNA by itself had only weak beneficial effects on RGC axon regeneration. However, when combined with AAV-CNTF, AAV-RhoA shRNA significantly improved the therapeutic effect of AAV-CNTF on axon regeneration by nearly two fold, even though there was no significant change in RGC viability. In sum, this combination of vectors increases the regenerative response and can lead to more successful therapeutic outcomes following neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ping Cen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China.
| | - Jia-Jian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Qi Cui
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - You-Ming Fan
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University for Nationalities, Enshi, PR China.
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Role of the Rho GTPase/Rho kinase signaling pathway in pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma: Bench to bedside research. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:23-32. [PMID: 27593914 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be a predominant risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma, the most prevalent form of glaucoma. Although the etiological mechanisms responsible for increased IOP are not completely clear, impairment in aqueous humor (AH) drainage through the conventional or trabecular pathway is recognized to be a primary cause in glaucoma patients. Importantly, lowering of IOP has been demonstrated to reduce progression of vision loss and is a mainstay of treatment for all types of glaucoma. Currently however, there are limited therapeutic options available for lowering IOP especially as it relates to enhancement of AH outflow through the trabecular pathway. Towards addressing this challenge, bench and bedside research conducted over the course of the last decade and a half has identified the significance of inhibiting Rho kinase for lowering IOP. Rho kinase is a downstream effector of Rho GTPase signaling that regulates actomyosin dynamics in numerous cell types. Studies from several laboratories have demonstrated that inhibition of Rho kinase lowers IOP via relaxation of the trabecular meshwork which enhances AH outflow. By contrast, activation of Rho GTPase/Rho kinase signaling in the trabecular outflow pathway increases IOP by altering the contractile, cell adhesive and permeability barrier characteristics of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal tissues, and by influencing extracellular matrix production and fibrotic activity. This article, written in honor of the late David Epstein, MD, summarizes findings from both basic and clinical studies that have been instrumental for recognition of the importance of the Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway in regulation of AH outflow, and in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors as promising IOP- lowering agents for glaucoma treatment.
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Shaw PX, Sang A, Wang Y, Ho D, Douglas C, Dia L, Goldberg JL. Topical administration of a Rock/Net inhibitor promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:33-42. [PMID: 27443501 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering ophthalmic solutions that inhibit Rho-associated protein kinases (Rock) and norepinephrine transporters (Net) are currently under clinical evaluation. Here we evaluate topical application of one such drug for its effects on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve crush injury. We performed unilateral optic nerve crush on young rats (P18) and topically applied Rock/Net inhibitor AR-13324 or placebo 3 times a day for 14 days. IOP was measured starting 3 days before and up to 9 days after injury. On day 12, cholera toxin B (CTB) was injected intravitreally to trace optic nerve regeneration. On day 14, retinas and optic nerves were collected. The retinas were flat-mounted and stained with RBPMS to quantify RGC survival and the optic nerves were sectioned for optic nerve axon quantification using fluorescent and confocal microscopy. Rock phosphorylation targets implicated in axon growth including cofilin and LIMK were examined by fluorescence microscopy and quantitative western blotting. AR-13324 lowered IOP as expected. RGC survival and optic nerve axon regeneration were significantly higher with Rock/Net inhibitor treatment compared with placebo. Furthermore, topical therapy decreased Rock target protein phosphorylation in the retinas and proximal optic nerves. These data suggest that topical administration of a Rock/Net inhibitor promotes RGC survival and regeneration after optic nerve injury, with associated molecular changes indicative of posterior drug activity. Coordinated IOP lowering and neuroprotective or regenerative effects may be advantageous in the treatment of patients with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter X Shaw
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Alan Sang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Daisy Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Christopher Douglas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Lara Dia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States.
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Fasudil attenuates aggregation of α-synuclein in models of Parkinson's disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:39. [PMID: 27101974 PMCID: PMC4840958 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, yet disease-modifying treatments do not currently exist. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) was recently described as a novel neuroprotective target in PD. Since alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is a major hallmark in the pathogenesis of PD, we aimed to evaluate the anti-aggregative potential of pharmacological ROCK inhibition using the isoquinoline derivative Fasudil, a small molecule inhibitor already approved for clinical use in humans. Fasudil treatment significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in vitro in a H4 cell culture model as well as in a cell-free assay. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis revealed a direct binding of Fasudil to tyrosine residues Y133 and Y136 in the C-terminal region of α-Syn. Importantly, this binding was shown to be biologically relevant using site-directed mutagenesis of these residues in the cell culture model. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of long-term Fasudil treatment on α-Syn pathology in vivo in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing human α-Syn bearing the A53T mutation (α-SynA53T mice). Fasudil treatment improved motor and cognitive functions in α-SynA53T mice as determined by CatwalkTM gait analysis and novel object recognition (NOR), without apparent side effects. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant reduction of α-Syn pathology in the midbrain of α-SynA53T mice after Fasudil treatment. Our results demonstrate that Fasudil, next to its effects mediated by ROCK-inhibition, directly interacts with α-Syn and attenuates α-Syn pathology. This underscores the translational potential of Fasudil as a disease-modifying drug for the treatment of PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Yang W, Liu TT, Song XB, Zhang Y, Li ZH, Hao Q, Cui ZH, Liu HL, Lei CL, Liu J. Neuregulin-1 protects against acute optic nerve injury in rat model. J Neurol Sci 2015; 357:157-66. [PMID: 26235969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we employed a rat model and examined the expression pattern of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) in optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in response to optic nerve injury to understand the role of NRG-1 in conferring protection against acute optic nerve injury. METHOD Forty-eight male rats were randomly divided into two groups, the sham-operation group (n=24) and optic nerve injury group (n=24). Flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP) and fundography images were acquired at different time points following optic nerve injury (2h, 1d, 2d, 7d, 14d and 28d). Semi-quantitative analysis of NGR-1 expression pattern was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. In a related experiment, 100 male rats were randomly divided into NGR-1 treatment group (n=60) (treated with increasing dose of NGR-1 at 0.5μg, 1μg and 3μg), normal saline (NS) group (n=20) and negative control group (n=20). Optic nerve injury was induced in all the animals and in situ cell death was measured by detecting the apoptosis rates using TUNEL assay. RESULTS Fundus photography results revealed no detectable differences between the sham-operation group and optic nerve injury group at 2h, 1d, 2d and 7d. However at 2weeks, the optic discs turned pale in all animals in the optic nerve injury group. NRG-1 expression increased significantly at all time points in the optic nerve injury group (P<0.05), compared to the sham-operation group, with NRG-1 expression peaking at 14d and gradually declining by 28d. Statistically significant differences in amplitude and latency of P100 wave were also detected between the optic nerve injury and sham-operation group (P<0.05). In related experiment, compared to NS group, treatment with 1μg and 3μg of recombinant human NRG-1 resulted in statistically significant FVEP-P100 amplitude values (all P<0.05). Further, compared to the NS group, ganglion cell apoptosis was dramatically reduced in the NRG-1 group at all time points and the reduction was statistically significant in 3μg NRG-1 treatment group at 7d, 14d and 28d (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our results strongly suggest that NRG-1 is highly effective in preserving normal optic nerve function and is essential for tissue repair following optic nerve injury. Thus, NRG-1 expression confers protection against acute optic nerve injury in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Xiao-Bin Song
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Zhao-Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Changchun City, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Qian Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Hua Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
| | - Hong Lei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Chun Ling Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
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Hensel N, Rademacher S, Claus P. Chatting with the neighbors: crosstalk between Rho-kinase (ROCK) and other signaling pathways for treatment of neurological disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:198. [PMID: 26082680 PMCID: PMC4451340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ROCK inhibition has been largely applied as a strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and promising results have been obtained in the recent years. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood and different models have been proposed for neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aim to review the current knowledge obtained for NDDs identifying common mechanisms as well as disease-specific models. In addition to the role of ROCK in different cell types such as neurons and microglia, we focus on the molecular signaling-pathways which mediate the beneficial effects of ROCK. Besides canonical ROCK signaling, modulation of neighboring pathways by non-canonical ROCK-crosstalk is a recurrent pattern in many NDD-model systems and has been suggested to mediate beneficial effects of ROCK-inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hensel
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rademacher
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Claus
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Neuroanatomy Hannover, Germany ; Niedersachsen Research Network on Neuroinfectiology Hannover, Germany ; Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Germany
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