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Nguyen-Thi PT, Vo TK, Pham THT, Nguyen TT, Van Vo G. Natural flavonoids as potential therapeutics in the management of Alzheimer's disease: a review. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38357675 PMCID: PMC10861420 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03925-8] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder which is associated with the accumulation of proteotoxic Aβ peptides, and pathologically characterized by the deposition of Aβ-enriched plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Given the social and economic burden caused by the rising frequency of AD, there is an urgent need for the development of appropriate therapeutics. Natural compounds are gaining popularity as alternatives to synthetic drugs due to their neuroprotective properties and higher biocompatibility. While natural compound's therapeutic effects for AD have been recently investigated in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, only few have developed to clinical trials. The present review aims to provide a brief overview of the therapeutic effects, new insights, and upcoming perspectives of the preclinical and clinical trials of flavonoids for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tuong Kha Vo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 100000 Vietnam
| | - Thi Hong Trang Pham
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000 Vietnam
| | - Thuy Trang Nguyen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 71420 Vietnam
| | - Giau Van Vo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000 Vietnam
- Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health (CGRH), School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Vietnam
- Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000 Vietnam
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2
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Veremeyko T, Jiang R, He M, Ponomarev ED. Complement C4-deficient mice have a high mortality rate during PTZ-induced epileptic seizures, which correlates with cognitive problems and the deficiency in the expression of Egr1 and other immediate early genes. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1170031. [PMID: 37234916 PMCID: PMC10206007 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement system plays an important role in the immune defense against pathogens; however, recent studies demonstrated an important role of complement subunits C1q, C4, and C3 in normal functions of the central nervous system (CNS) such as non-functional synapse elimination (synapse pruning), and during various neurologic pathologies. Humans have two forms of C4 protein encoded by C4A and C4B genes that share 99.5% homology, while mice have only one C4B gene that is functionally active in the complement cascade. Overexpression of the human C4A gene was shown to contribute to the development of schizophrenia by mediating extensive synapse pruning through the activation C1q-C4-C3 pathway, while C4B deficiency or low levels of C4B expression were shown to relate to the development of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders possibly via other mechanisms not related to synapse elimination. To investigate the potential role of C4B in neuronal functions not related to synapse pruning, we compared wildtype (WT) mice with C3- and C4B- deficient animals for their susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- induced epileptic seizures. We found that C4B (but not C3)-deficient mice were highly susceptible to convulsant and subconvulsant doses of PTZ when compared to WT controls. Further gene expression analysis revealed that in contrast to WT or C3-deficient animals, C4B-deficient mice failed to upregulate expressions of multiple immediate early genes (IEGs) Egrs1-4, c-Fos, c-Jus, FosB, Npas4, and Nur77 during epileptic seizures. Moreover, C4B-deficient mice had low levels of baseline expression of Egr1 on mRNA and protein levels, which was correlated with the cognitive problems of these animals. C4-deficient animals also failed to upregulate several genes downstream of IEGs such as BDNF and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF. Taken together, our study demonstrates a new role of C4B in the regulation of expression of IEGs and their downstream targets during CNS insults such as epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Veremeyko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Rongcai Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post Neuro-Injury Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingliang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eugene D. Ponomarev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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3
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Neurotrophin mimetics and tropomyosin kinase receptors: a futuristic pharmacological tool for Parkinson's. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06684-1. [PMID: 36870001 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06684-1] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a complex age-related progressive dopaminergic neurodegenerative disease consistently viewed as a disorder of movement and is characterized by its cardinal motor symptoms. While the motor symptoms and its clinical manifestations are attributed to the nigral dopaminergic neuronal death and basal ganglia dysfunction, studies have subsequently proven that the non-dopaminergic neurons in various brain regions are also additionally involved with the disease progression. Thus, it is now well accepted that the involvement of various neurotransmitters and other ligands accounts for the non-motor symptoms (NMS) associated with the Parkinson's disease. Consequently, this has demonstrated to possess remarkable clinical concerns to the patients in terms of various disability, such impaired to compromised quality of life and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, available pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical therapeutic strategies neither prevent, arrest, nor reverse the nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Thus, there is an imminent medical necessity to increase patient's quality of life and survival, which in turn decreases the incidence and prevalence of the NMS. The current research article reviews the potential direct involvement of neurotrophin and its mimetics to target and modulate neurotrophin-mediated signal transduction pathways to enlighten a new and novel therapeutic strategy along with the pre-existing treatments for Parkinson's disease and other neurological/neurodegenerative disorders which are associated with the downregulation of neurotrophins.
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Alfonsetti M, d’Angelo M, Castelli V. Neurotrophic factor-based pharmacological approaches in neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1220-1228. [PMID: 36453397 PMCID: PMC9838155 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.358619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a physiological event dependent on multiple pathways that are linked to lifespan and processes leading to cognitive decline. This process represents the major risk factor for aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The incidence of all these pathologies increases exponentially with age. Research on aging biology has currently focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms leading to the development of those pathologies. Cognitive deficit and neurodegeneration, common features of aging-related pathologies, are related to the alteration of the activity and levels of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. For this reason, treatments that modulate neurotrophin levels have acquired a great deal of interest in preventing neurodegeneration and promoting neural regeneration in several neurological diseases. Those treatments include both the direct administration of neurotrophic factors and the induced expression with viral vectors, neurotrophins' binding with biomaterials or other molecules to increase their bioavailability but also cell-based therapies. Considering neurotrophins' crucial role in aging pathologies, here we discuss the involvement of several neurotrophic factors in the most common brain aging-related diseases and the most recent therapeutic approaches that provide direct and sustained neurotrophic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Alfonsetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy,Correspondence to: Vanessa Castelli, .
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Abstract
Cellular senescence is characterized by cell cycle arrest, resistance to apoptosis, and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) whereby cells secrete pro-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling factors. Given that the SASP exacerbates age-associated pathologies, some aging interventions aim at selectively eliminating senescent cells. In this study, a drug library screen uncovered TrkB (NTRK2) inhibitors capable of triggering apoptosis of several senescent, but not proliferating, human cells. Senescent cells expressed high levels of TrkB, which supported senescent cell viability, and secreted the TrkB ligand BDNF. The reduced viability of senescent cells after ablating BDNF signaling suggested an autocrine function for TrkB and BDNF, which activated ERK5 and elevated BCL2L2 levels, favoring senescent cell survival. Treatment with TrkB inhibitors reduced the accumulation of senescent cells in aged mouse organs. We propose that the activation of TrkB by SASP factor BDNF promotes cell survival and could be exploited therapeutically to reduce the senescent-cell burden.
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Bogacheva PO, Molchanova AI, Pravdivceva ES, Miteva AS, Balezina OP, Gaydukov AE. ProBDNF and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Prodomain Differently Modulate Acetylcholine Release in Regenerating and Mature Mouse Motor Synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:866802. [PMID: 35591942 PMCID: PMC9110780 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.866802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) processing by-products (proBDNF and BDNF prodomain) on the activity of mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were studied in synapses formed during the reinnervation of extensor digitorum longus muscle (m. EDL) and mature synapses of the diaphragm. The parameters of spontaneous miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) and evoked endplate potentials (EPPs) were analyzed in presence of each of the BDNF maturation products (both – 1 nM). In newly formed NMJs, proBDNF caused an increase in the resting membrane potential of muscle fibers and a decrease in the frequency of MEPPs, which was prevented by tertiapin-Q, a G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) blocker but not by p75 receptor signaling inhibitor TAT-Pep5. proBDNF had no effect on the parameters of EPPs. BDNF prodomain in newly formed synapses had effects different from those of proBDNF: it increased the amplitude of MEPPs, which was prevented by vesamicol, an inhibitor of vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter; and reduced the quantal content of EPPs. In mature NMJs, proBDNF did not influence MEPPs parameters, but BDNF prodomain suppressed both spontaneous and evoked ACh release: decreased the frequency and amplitude of MEPPs, and the amplitude and quantal content of EPPs. This effect of the BDNF prodomain was prevented by blocking GIRK channels, by TAT-Pep5 or by Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632. At the same time, the BDNF prodomain did not show any inhibitory effects in diaphragm motor synapses of pannexin 1 knockout mice, which have impaired purinergic regulation of neuromuscular transmission. The data obtained suggest that there is a previously unknown mechanism for the acute suppression of spontaneous and evoked ACh release in mature motor synapses, which involves the activation of p75 receptors, ROCK and GIRK channels by BDNF prodomain and requires interaction with metabotropic purinoreceptors. In general, our results show that both the precursor of BDNF and the product of its maturation have predominantly inhibitory effects on spontaneous and evoked ACh release in newly formed or functionally mature neuromuscular junctions, which are mainly opposite to the effects of BDNF. The inhibitory influences of both proteins related to brain neurotrophin are mediated via GIRK channels of mouse NMJs.
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Chrysin restores memory deficit in hypothyroidism mice: Behavioral, neurochemical and computational approaches involving the neurotrophinergic system. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 144:225-233. [PMID: 34700210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects multiple systems, including the central nervous system, causing, for example, cognitive deficits closely related to Alzheimer's disease. The flavonoid chrysin is a natural compound associated with neuronal improvement in several experimental models. Here, we evaluated the effect of chrysin on cognitive impairment in hypothyroid female mice by exploring neuroplasticity. Hypothyroidism was induced by continuous exposure to 0.1% methimazole (MTZ) in drinking water for 31 days. On the 32nd day, the animals showed low plasma levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroid mice) than the control group (euthyroid mice). Subsequently, mice were intragastrically administered with vehicle or chrysin (20 mg/kg) once a day for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatments, behavioral tests were performed: open-field test (OFT) and morris water maze (MWM). Then, the levels of neurotrophins (BDNF and NGF) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were measured and tested the affinity of chrysin with neurotrophinergic receptors through molecular docking. Hypothyroid mice showed memory deficit in the MWM and reduced neurotrophins levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, meanwhile, the chrysin treatment was able to reversed the deficit of spatial memory function and increased the levels of BDNF in hipocamppus and NGF in both structures. Additionally, molecular docking analysis showed that chrysin potentially binds to the active site of the TrkA, TrkB, and p75NTR receptors. Together, these findings suggest that chrysin reversed behavioral and neurochemical alterations associated with memory deficit induced by hypothyroidism, possibly by modulating synaptic plasticity in the neurotrophinergic system.
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La Mendola D, Arena G, Pietropaolo A, Satriano C, Rizzarelli E. Metal ion coordination in peptide fragments of neurotrophins: A crucial step for understanding the role and signaling of these proteins in the brain. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.213790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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9
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Morton AB, Jacobsen NL, Segal SS. Functionalizing biomaterials to promote neurovascular regeneration following skeletal muscle injury. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C1099-C1111. [PMID: 33852364 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00501.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, blood vessels and nerves develop with similar branching structure in response to shared signaling pathways guiding network growth. With both systems integral to physiological homeostasis, dual targeting of blood vessels and nerves to promote neurovascular regeneration following injury is an emerging therapeutic approach in biomedical engineering. A limitation to this strategy is that the nature of cross talk between emergent vessels and nerves during regeneration in an adult is poorly understood. Following peripheral nerve transection, intraneural vascular cells infiltrate the site of injury to provide a migratory pathway for mobilized Schwann cells of regenerating axons. As Schwann cells demyelinate, they secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, which promotes angiogenesis. Recent advances point to concomitant restoration of neurovascular architecture and function through simultaneous targeting of growth factors and guidance cues shared by both systems during regeneration. In the context of traumatic injury associated with volumetric muscle loss, we consider the nature of biomaterials used to engineer three-dimensional scaffolds, functionalization of scaffolds with molecular signals that guide and promote neurovascular growth, and seeding scaffolds with progenitor cells. Physiological success is defined by each tissue component of the bioconstruct (nerve, vessel, muscle) becoming integrated with that of the host. Advances in microfabrication, cell culture techniques, and progenitor cell biology hold great promise for engineering bioconstructs able to restore organ function after volumetric muscle loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Morton
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Nicole L Jacobsen
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
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Jacquemin V, Antoine M, Duerinckx S, Massart A, Desir J, Perazzolo C, Cassart M, Thomas D, Segers V, Lecomte S, Abramowicz M, Pirson I. TrkA mediates effect of novel KIDINS220 mutation in human brain ventriculomegaly. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3757-3764. [PMID: 33205811 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hydrocephalus is a potentially devastating, highly heterogeneous condition whose genetic subset remains incompletely known. We here report a consanguineous family where three fetuses presented with brain ventriculomegaly and limb contractures and shared a very rare homozygous variant of KIDINS220, consisting of an in-frame deletion of three amino acids adjacent to the fourth transmembrane domain. Fetal brain imaging and autopsy showed major ventriculomegaly, reduced brain mass, and with no histomorphologic abnormalities. We demonstrate that the binding of KIDINS220 to TrkA is diminished by the deletion mutation. This family is the second that associates a KIDINS220 genetic variant with human ventriculomegaly and limb contractures, validating causality of the gene and indicating TrkA as a likely mediator of the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathieu Antoine
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Duerinckx
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.,Neurology Department, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annick Massart
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Universitaire d'Anvers, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Julie Desir
- Human Genetics Center, Institute of Pathology and Genetics, 6041 Charleroi, Belgium
| | | | - Marie Cassart
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpitaux Iris Sud, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpitaux Iris Sud, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valérie Segers
- Department of Anatomopathology, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Department of Anatomopathology, CHU Brugmann, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Abramowicz
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Pirson
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Sajanti A, Lyne SB, Girard R, Frantzén J, Rantamäki T, Heino I, Cao Y, Diniz C, Umemori J, Li Y, Takala R, Posti JP, Roine S, Koskimäki F, Rahi M, Rinne J, Castrén E, Koskimäki J. A comprehensive p75 neurotrophin receptor gene network and pathway analyses identifying new target genes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14984. [PMID: 32917932 PMCID: PMC7486379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
P75 neurotrophic receptor (p75NTR) is an important receptor for the role of neurotrophins in modulating brain plasticity and apoptosis. The current understanding of the role of p75NTR in cellular adaptation following pathological insults remains blurred, which makes p75NTR’s related signaling networks an interesting and challenging initial point of investigation. We identified p75NTR and related genes through extensive data mining of a PubMed literature search including published works related to p75NTR from the past 20 years. Bioinformatic network and pathway analyses of identified genes (n = 235) were performed using ReactomeFIViz in Cytoscape based on the highly reliable Reactome functional interaction network algorithm. This approach merges interactions extracted from human curated pathways with predicted interactions from machine learning. Genome-wide pathway analysis showed total of 16 enriched hierarchical clusters. A total of 278 enriched single pathways were also identified (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Gene network analyses showed multiple known and new targets in the p75NTR gene network. This study provides a comprehensive analysis and investigation into the current knowledge of p75NTR signaling networks and pathways. These results also identify several genes and their respective protein products as involved in the p75NTR network, which have not previously been clearly studied in this pathway. These results can be used to generate novel hypotheses to gain a greater understanding of p75NTR in acute brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and general response to cellular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Sajanti
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Seán B Lyne
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, 5841 S. Maryland, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, 5841 S. Maryland, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Janek Frantzén
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Tomi Rantamäki
- Laboratory of Neurotherapeutics, Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iiro Heino
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Ying Cao
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, 5841 S. Maryland, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Cassiano Diniz
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juzoh Umemori
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yan Li
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, 5841 S. Maryland, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Center for Research Informatics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Riikka Takala
- Perioperative Services, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Turku University Hospital, POB 52, 20521, Turku, Finland.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi P Posti
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Susanna Roine
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Fredrika Koskimäki
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Melissa Rahi
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko Rinne
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Koskimäki
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland. .,Department of Psychiatry, Central Hospital of Southern Ostrobothnia, Hanneksenrinne 7, 60220, Seinäjoki, Finland.
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12
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Seo E, Kim JS, Ma YE, Cho HW, Ju HY, Lee SH, Lee JW, Yoo KH, Sung KW, Koo HH. Differential Clinical Significance of Neurotrophin-3 Expression according to MYCN Amplification and TrkC Expression in Neuroblastoma. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e254. [PMID: 31602824 PMCID: PMC6786962 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), a member of the NT family, has only been considered an ancillary compound that provides anti-apoptotic benefits by inactivating tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC)-induced apoptotic signals. However, little is known about the clinical relevance of NT-3 expression itself in neuroblastoma. The purpose of this study was to assess NT-3 expression in patients with neuroblastoma and its relevance to clinicopathologic findings and treatment outcomes. METHODS In this study, expression of NT-3 and TrkC was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in 240 patients with newly diagnosed neuroblastoma. RESULTS The results of the study revealed that NT-3 expression was associated with older age at diagnosis, localized tumors, and more differentiated tumors but was not associated with early treatment response (degree of residual tumor volume after three cycles of chemotherapy) and progression-free survival (PFS). However, when analysis was confined to patients with MYCN amplified tumors, NT-3 expression was associated with better early treatment response with borderline significance (P = 0.092) and higher PFS (86.9% vs. 58.2%; P = 0.044). In multivariate analysis in patients with MYCN amplified tumors, NT-3 was independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 0.246; 95% confidence interval, 0.061-0.997; P = 0.050). In another subgroup analysis, the early treatment response was better if NT-3 was expressed in patients without TrkC expression (P = 0.053) while it was poorer in patients with TrkC expression (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION This study suggests that NT-3 expression in neuroblastoma has its own clinical significance independent of TrkC expression, and its prognostic significance differs depending on the status of MYCN amplification and/or TrkC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunseop Seo
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Sun Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Eun Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Won Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Young Ju
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keon Hee Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Woong Sung
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hong Hoe Koo
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Naletova I, Grasso GI, Satriano C, Travaglia A, La Mendola D, Arena G, Rizzarelli E. Copper complexes of synthetic peptides mimicking neurotrophin-3 enhance neurite outgrowth and CREB phosphorylation. Metallomics 2019; 11:1567-1578. [PMID: 31482903 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00045c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work we report on the synthesis and physiochemical/biological characterization of a peptide encompassing the first thirteen residues of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The protein capability to promote neurite outgrowth and axonal branching by a downstream mechanism that involves the increase of the cAMP response element-binding level (CREB) was found for the NT3(1-13) peptide, thus validating its protein mimetic behaviour. Since copper ions are also involved in neurotransmission and their internalization may be an essential step in neuron differentiation and CREB phosphorylation, the peptide and its copper complexes were characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic techniques, including UV-visible, CD and EPR. To have a detailed picture of the coordination features of the copper complexes with NT3(1-13), we also scrutinized the two peptide fragments encompassing the shorter sequences 1-5 and 5-13, respectively, showing that the amino group is the main anchoring site for Cu(ii) at physiological pH. The peptide activity increased in the presence of copper ions. The effect of copper(ii) addition is more marked for NT3(1-13) than the other two peptide fragments, in agreement with its higher affinity for metal ions. Confocal microscopy measurements carried out on fluorescently labelled NT3(1-13) indicated that copper ions increase peptide internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Naletova
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa Ida Grasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Alessio Travaglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy. and Institute of Crystallography UOS Catania, National Council of Research (IC-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, I-95126 Catania, Italy
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14
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Agrawal L, Vimal SK, Shiga T. Role of serotonin 4 receptor in the growth of hippocampal neurons during the embryonic development in mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107712. [PMID: 31325432 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) homeostasis is critical for the brain development which influences neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and circuit formation. Distinctive distribution patterns of serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) in the brain govern various physiological activities. Amongst the 5-HTRs, serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R) is widely expressed in embryonic forebrain and affects neuronal development, synaptogenesis, and behavior, but its specific role in brain development is still not completely understood. Therefore, in the present study, we addressed the roles of 5-HT4R in the growth of hippocampal neurons during the development of mice brain. We cultured hippocampal neurons of the mouse at embryonic day 18 and then treatment of 5-HT4R agonist RS67333 was employed. We found RS67333 significantly increased the axonal length, diameter and branching along with total dendritic length, number of primary dendrites and their branching. In addition, these effects were neutralized by the concomitant treatment of 5-HT4R antagonist GR125487, which confirmed the specific role of the 5-HT4R in the growth of axon and dendrites. Further, the treatment of RS67333 upregulated the mRNA expression of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) and non-phosphorylated CRMP2 (npCRMP2) together with neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NT-3, NGF) and TRK-A. Additionally, the current research findings reveal that the knockdown of CRMP2 inhibited RS67333-induced growth of the axons and dendrites, which indicates that CRMP2 is required for the 5-HT4R-mediated growth of the axons and dendrites. Overall, the findings of the present in vitro study enrich the understanding and provide insight roles of 5-HT4R in embryonic brain development by promoting the growth of hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Agrawal
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Sunil Kumar Vimal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Takashi Shiga
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan; Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan.
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15
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Rotamer Dynamics: Analysis of Rotamers in Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Proteins. Biophys J 2019; 116:2062-2072. [PMID: 31084902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given by χ torsional angles, rotamers describe the side-chain conformations of amino acid residues in a protein based on the rotational isomers (hence the word rotamer). Constructed rotamer libraries, based on either protein crystal structures or dynamics studies, are the tools for classifying rotamers (torsional angles) in a way that reflect their frequency in nature. Rotamer libraries are routinely used in structure modeling and evaluation. In this perspective article, we would like to encourage researchers to apply rotamer analyses beyond their traditional use. Molecular dynamics (MD) of proteins highlight the in silico behavior of molecules in solution and thus can identify favorable side-chain conformations. In this article, we used simple computational tools to study rotamer dynamics (RD) in MD simulations. First, we isolated each frame in the MD trajectories in separate Protein Data Bank files via the cpptraj module in AMBER. Then, we extracted torsional angles via the Bio3D module in R language. The classification of torsional angles was also done in R according to the penultimate rotamer library. RD analysis is useful for various applications such as protein folding, study of rotamer-rotamer relationship in protein-protein interaction, real-time correlation between secondary structures and rotamers, study of flexibility of side chains in binding site for molecular docking preparations, use of RD as guide in functional analysis and study of structural changes caused by mutations, providing parameters for improving coarse-grained MD accuracy and speed, and many others. Major challenges facing RD to emerge as a new scientific field involve the validation of results via easy, inexpensive wet-lab methods. This realm is yet to be explored.
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16
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Magrì A, La Mendola D. Copper Binding Features of Tropomyosin-Receptor-Kinase-A Fragment: Clue for Neurotrophic Factors and Metals Link. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082374. [PMID: 30103559 PMCID: PMC6121459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin essential for the development and maintenance of neurons, whose activity is influenced by copper ions. The NGF protein exerts its action by binding to its specific receptor, TrkA. In this study, a specific domain of the TrkA receptor, region 58⁻64, was synthesized and its copper(II) complexes characterized by means of potentiometric and spectroscopic studies. The two vicinal histidine residues provide excellent metal anchoring sites and, at physiological pH, a complex with the involvement of the peptide backbone amide nitrogen is the predominant species. The TrkA peptide is competitive for metal binding with analogous peptides due to the N-terminal domain of NGF. These data provide cues for future exploration of the effect of metal ions on the activity of the NGF and its specific cellular receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Council of Research (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB), via Celso Ulpiani, 27, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB), via Celso Ulpiani, 27, 70125 Bari, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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17
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Yu T, Li L, Liu H, Li H, Liu Z, Li Z. KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons can be therapeutic targets of neuropathic pain in diabetic rats. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918793229. [PMID: 30027794 PMCID: PMC6088482 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918793229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic neuropathic pain is poorly controlled by analgesics, and the precise molecular mechanisms underlying hyperalgesia remain unclear. The KCNQ2/3/5 channels expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons are important in pain transmission. The expression and activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain were investigated in this study. Methods The mRNA levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were evaluated by Western blot assay. KCNQ2/3/5 channel expression in situ in dorsal root ganglion neurons was detected by double fluorescent labeling technique. M current (IM) density and neuronal excitability were determined by whole-cell voltage and current clamp recordings. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by von Frey filaments and plantar analgesia tester, respectively. Results The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels significantly decreased, followed by the reduction of IM density and elevation of neuronal excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons from diabetic rats. Activation of KCNQ channels with retigabine reduced the hyperexcitability and inhibition of KCNQ channels with XE991 enhanced the hyperexcitability. Administration of retigabine alleviated both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, while XE991 augmented both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathic pain in rats. Conclusion The findings elucidate the mechanisms by which downregulation of the expression and reduction of the activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in diabetic rat dorsal root ganglion neurons contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, which results in hyperalgesia. These data provide intriguing evidence that activation of KCNQ2/3/5 channels might be the potential new targets for alleviating diabetic neuropathic pain symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,2 Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Lei Li
- 3 Department of Diagnosis, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huaxiang Liu
- 4 Department of Rheumatology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Li
- 5 Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhong Li
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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18
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Pietropaolo A, Magrì A, Greco V, Losasso V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Carloni P, Rizzarelli E. Binding of Zn(II) to Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase A in Complex with Its Cognate Nerve Growth Factor: Insights from Molecular Simulation and in Vitro Essays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1095-1103. [PMID: 29281262 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00470] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding of the human nerve growth factor (NGF) protein to tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) is associated with Alzhemeir's development. Owing to the large presence of zinc(II) ions in the synaptic compartments, the zinc ions might be bound to the complex in vivo. Here, we have identified a putative zinc binding site using a combination of computations and experiments. First, we have predicted structural features of the NGF/TrkA complex in an aqueous solution by molecular simulation. Metadynamics free energy calculations suggest that these are very similar to those in the X-ray structure. Here, the "crab" structure of the NGF shape binds tightly to two TrkA "pincers". Transient conformations of the complex include both more extended and more closed conformations. Interestingly, the latter features facial histidines (His60 and His61) among the N-terminal D1-D3 domains, each of which is a potential binding region for biometals. This suggests the presence of a four-His Zn binding site connecting the two chains. To address this issue, we investigated the binding of a D1-D3 domains' peptide mimic by stability constant and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, complemented by density functional theory-based calculations. Taken together, these establish unambiguously a four-His coordination of the metal ion in the model systems, supporting the presence of our postulated binding site in the NGF/TrkA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- IBB-CNR, UOS Catania, via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Losasso
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9/INM-9) Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9/INM-9) Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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