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Liu X, Wang FY, Chi S, Liu T, Yang HL, Zhong RJ, Li XY, Gao J. Mitochondria-targeting peptide SS-31 attenuates ferroptosis via inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. Brain Res 2024; 1836:148882. [PMID: 38521160 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148882] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD) andplaysanimportantrole in epileptogenesis. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway has been confirmed to be involved in ferroptosis. The mitochondria-targeting antioxidant Elamipretide (SS-31) can reduce the generation of lipid peroxidation and the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, our present study was to decipher whether SS-31 inhibits ferroptosis via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the rat epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine (PILO).Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CON group), epilepsy group (EP group), SS-31 treatment group (SS group), and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) treatment group (SB group). Our results demonstrated that the rat hippocampal neurons after epilepsy were followed by accumulated iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, upregulated phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein (P-p38) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels, reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) content, and depleted glutathione (GSH) activity. Morphologically, mitochondrial ultrastructural damage under electron microscopy was manifested by a partial increase in outer membrane density, disappearance of mitochondrial cristae, and mitochondrial shrinkage. SS-31 and SB203580 treatment blocked the initiation and progression of ferroptosis in the hippocampus of epileptic rats via reducing the severity of epileptic seizures, reversing the expression of Gpx4, P-p38 , decreasing the levels of iron and MDA, as well as increasing the activity of GSH and Nrf2. To summarize, our findings proved that ferroptosis was coupled with the pathology of epilepsy, and SS-31 can inhibit PILO-induced seizures by preventing ferroptosis, which may be connected to the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, highlighting the potential therapeutic value for targeting ferroptosis process in individuals with seizure-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Fei-Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Song Chi
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Hai-Lin Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ru-Jie Zhong
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China.
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Etebar N, Naderpour S, Akbari S, Zali A, Akhlaghdoust M, Daghighi SM, Baghani M, Sefat F, Hamidi SH, Rahimzadegan M. Impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on brain renin angiotensin system related signaling and its subsequent complications on brain: A theoretical perspective. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 138:102423. [PMID: 38705215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102423] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Cellular ACE2 (cACE2), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), possesses catalytic activity to maintain AngII and Ang 1-7 balance, which is necessary to prevent harmful effects of AngII/AT2R and promote protective pathways of Ang (1-7)/MasR and Ang (1-7)/AT2R. Hemostasis of the brain-RAS is essential for maintaining normal central nervous system (CNS) function. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral disease that causes multi-organ dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 mainly uses cACE2 to enter the cells and cause its downregulation. This, in turn, prevents the conversion of Ang II to Ang (1-7) and disrupts the normal balance of brain-RAS. Brain-RAS disturbances give rise to one of the pathological pathways in which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses neuroprotective pathways and induces inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Finally, these impairments lead to neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, and neurological complications. In conclusion, the influence of RAS on various processes within the brain has significant implications for the neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19. These effects include sensory disturbances, such as olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, as well as cerebrovascular and brain stem-related disorders, all of which are intertwined with disruptions in the RAS homeostasis of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Etebar
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy - Eastern Mediterranean University Famagusta, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Saghi Naderpour
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy - Eastern Mediterranean University Famagusta, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Setareh Akbari
- Neuroscience and Research Committee, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meisam Akhlaghdoust
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; USERN Office, Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Daghighi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Matin Baghani
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Seyed Hootan Hamidi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Acharya BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Milad Rahimzadegan
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Pybus AF, Bitarafan S, Brothers RO, Rohrer A, Khaitan A, Moctezuma FR, Udeshi K, Davies B, Triplett S, Griffin MN, Dammer EB, Rangaraju S, Buckley EM, Wood LB. Profiling the neuroimmune cascade in 3xTg-AD mice exposed to successive mild traumatic brain injuries. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:156. [PMID: 38872143 PMCID: PMC11177462 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) sustained within a window of vulnerability can result in long term cognitive deficits, depression, and eventual neurodegeneration associated with tau pathology, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, gliosis, and neuronal and functional loss. However, a comprehensive study relating acute changes in immune signaling and glial reactivity to neuronal changes and pathological markers after single and repetitive mTBIs is currently lacking. In the current study, we addressed the question of how repeated injuries affect the brain neuroimmune response in the acute phase of injury (< 24 h) by exposing the 3xTg-AD mouse model of tau and Aβ pathology to successive (1x-5x) once-daily weight drop closed-head injuries and quantifying immune markers, pathological markers, and transcriptional profiles at 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after each injury. We used young adult 2-4 month old 3xTg-AD mice to model the effects of rmTBI in the absence of significant tau and Aβ pathology. We identified pronounced sexual dimorphism in this model, with females eliciting more diverse changes after injury compared to males. Specifically, females showed: (1) a single injury caused a decrease in neuron-enriched genes inversely correlated with inflammatory protein expression and an increase in AD-related genes within 24 h, (2) each injury significantly increased a group of cortical cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-9, IL-13, IL-17, KC) and MAPK phospho-proteins (phospho-Atf2, phospho-Mek1), several of which co-labeled with neurons and correlated with phospho-tau, and (3) repetitive injury caused increased expression of genes associated with astrocyte reactivity and macrophage-associated immune function. Collectively our data suggest that neurons respond to a single injury within 24 h, while other cell types, including astrocytes, transition to inflammatory phenotypes within days of repetitive injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa F Pybus
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara Bitarafan
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rowan O Brothers
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alivia Rohrer
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arushi Khaitan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felix Rivera Moctezuma
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kareena Udeshi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brae Davies
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sydney Triplett
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martin N Griffin
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric B Dammer
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Srikant Rangaraju
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erin M Buckley
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Levi B Wood
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Cortes S, Farhat E, Talarico G, Mennigen JA. The dynamic transcriptomic response of the goldfish brain under chronic hypoxia. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101233. [PMID: 38608489 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen is essential to fuel aerobic metabolism. Some species evolved mechanisms to tolerate periods of severe hypoxia and even anoxia in their environment. Among them, goldfish (Carassius auratus) are unique, in that they do not enter a comatose state under severely hypoxic conditions. There is thus significant interest in the field of comparative physiology to uncover the mechanistic basis underlying hypoxia tolerance in goldfish, with a particular focus on the brain. Taking advantage of the recently published and annotated goldfish genome, we profile the transcriptomic response of the goldfish brain under normoxic (21 kPa oxygen saturation) and, following gradual reduction, constant hypoxic conditions after 1 and 4 weeks (2.1 kPa oxygen saturation). In addition to analyzing differentially expressed protein-coding genes and enriched pathways, we also profile differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs). Using in silico approaches, we identify possible miR-mRNA relationships. Differentially expressed transcripts compared to normoxia were either common to both timepoints of hypoxia exposure (n = 174 mRNAs; n = 6 miRs), or exclusive to 1-week (n = 441 mRNAs; n = 23 miRs) or 4-week hypoxia exposure (n = 491 mRNAs; n = 34 miRs). Under chronic hypoxia, an increasing number of transcripts, including those of paralogous genes, was downregulated over time, suggesting a decrease in transcription. GO-terms related to the vascular system, oxidative stress, stress signalling, oxidoreductase activity, nucleotide- and intermediary metabolism, and mRNA posttranscriptional regulation were found to be enriched under chronic hypoxia. Known 'hypoxamiRs', such as miR-210-3p/5p, and miRs such as miR-29b-3p likely contribute to posttranscriptional regulation of these pathways under chronic hypoxia in the goldfish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cortes
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, K1N6N5 20 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - E Farhat
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, K1N6N5 20 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ggm Talarico
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, K1N6N5 20 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J A Mennigen
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, K1N6N5 20 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Separovich RJ, Karakatsanis NM, Gao K, Fuh D, Hamey JJ, Wilkins MR. Proline-directed yeast and human MAP kinases phosphorylate the Dot1p/DOT1L histone H3K79 methyltransferase. FEBS J 2024; 291:2590-2614. [PMID: 38270553 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Disruptor of telomeric silencing 1 (Dot1p) is an exquisitely conserved histone methyltransferase and is the sole enzyme responsible for H3K79 methylation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It has been shown to be highly phosphorylated in vivo; however, the upstream kinases that act on Dot1p are almost entirely unknown in yeast and all other eukaryotes. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo kinase discovery approaches to show that mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1 (Hog1p) is a bona fide kinase of the Dot1p methyltransferase. In vitro kinase assays showed that Hog1p phosphorylates Dot1p at multiple sites, including at several proline-adjacent sites that are consistent with known Hog1p substrate preferences. The activity of Hog1p was specifically enhanced at these proline-adjacent sites on Dot1p upon Hog1p activation by the osmostress-responsive MAP kinase kinase PBS2 (Pbs2p). Genomic deletion of HOG1 reduced phosphorylation at specific sites on Dot1p in vivo, providing further evidence for Hog1p kinase activity on Dot1p in budding yeast cells. Phenotypic analysis of knockout and phosphosite mutant yeast strains revealed the importance of Hog1p-catalysed phosphorylation of Dot1p for cellular responses to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. In mammalian systems, this kinase-substrate relationship was found to be conserved: human DOT1L (the ortholog of yeast Dot1p) can be phosphorylated by the proline-directed kinase p38β (also known as MAPK11; the ortholog of yeast Hog1p) at multiple sites in vitro. Taken together, our findings establish Hog1p and p38β as newly identified upstream kinases of the Dot1p/DOT1L H3K79 methyltransferase enzymes in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Separovich
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola M Karakatsanis
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kelley Gao
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Fuh
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua J Hamey
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Wang DS, Ju L, Pinguelo AG, Kaneshwaran K, Haffey SC, Lecker I, Gohil H, Wheeler MB, Kaustov L, Ariza A, Yu M, Volchuk A, Steinberg BE, Goldenberg NM, Orser BA. Crosstalk between GABA A receptors in astrocytes and neurons triggered by general anesthetic drugs. Transl Res 2024; 267:39-53. [PMID: 38042478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
General anesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits that persist after the drugs have been eliminated. Astrocytes may contribute to such cognition-impairing effects through the release of one or more paracrine factors that increase a tonic inhibitory conductance generated by extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in hippocampal neurons. The mechanisms underlying this astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. Interestingly, astrocytes express anesthetic-sensitive GABAA receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anesthetic drugs activate astrocytic GABAA receptors to initiate crosstalk leading to a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons. We also investigated the signaling pathways in neurons and aimed to identify the paracrine factors released from astrocytes. Astrocytes and neurons from mice were grown in primary cell cultures and studied using in vitro electrophysiological and biochemical assays. We discovered that the commonly used anesthetics etomidate (injectable) and sevoflurane (inhaled) stimulated astrocytic GABAA receptors, which in turn promoted the release paracrine factors, that increased the tonic current in neurons via a p38 MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. The increase in tonic current was mimicked by exogenous IL-1β and abolished by blocking IL-1 receptors; however, unexpectedly, IL-1β and other cytokines were not detected in astrocyte-conditioned media. In summary, we have identified a novel form of crosstalk between GABAA receptors in astrocytes and neurons that engages a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. Brief commentary BACKGROUND: Many older patients experience cognitive deficits after surgery. Anesthetic drugs may be a contributing factor as they cause a sustained increase in the function of "memory blocking" extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are required for this increase; however, the mechanisms underlying the astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. TRANSLATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: We discovered that commonly used general anesthetic drugs stimulate GABAA receptors in astrocytes, which in turn release paracrine factors that trigger a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons via p38 MAPK. This novel form of crosstalk may contribute to persistent cognitive deficits after general anesthesia and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Shi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Li Ju
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arsène G Pinguelo
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirusanthy Kaneshwaran
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean C Haffey
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Lecker
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Himaben Gohil
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Kaustov
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Ariza
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - MeiFeng Yu
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allen Volchuk
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Steinberg
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Neil M Goldenberg
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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7
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Nascimento AA, Pereira-Figueiredo D, Borges-Martins VP, Kubrusly RC, Calaza KC. GABAergic system and chloride cotransporters as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cell death in ischemia. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25355. [PMID: 38808645 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a critical inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that plays a vital role in modulating neuronal excitability. Dysregulation of GABAergic signaling, particularly involving the cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2, has been implicated in various pathologies, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and ischemia. NKCC1 facilitates chloride influx, whereas KCC2 mediates chloride efflux via potassium gradient. Altered expression and function of these cotransporters have been associated with excitotoxicity, inflammation, and cellular death in ischemic events characterized by reduced cerebral blood flow, leading to compromised tissue metabolism and subsequent cell death. NKCC1 inhibition has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to attenuate intracellular chloride accumulation and mitigate neuronal damage during ischemic events. Similarly, targeting KCC2, which regulates chloride efflux, holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing neuronal damage under ischemic conditions. This review emphasizes the critical roles of GABA, NKCC1, and KCC2 in ischemic pathologies and their potential as therapeutic targets. Inhibiting or modulating the activity of these cotransporters represents a promising strategy for reducing neuronal damage, preventing excitotoxicity, and improving neurological outcomes following ischemic events. Furthermore, exploring the interactions between natural compounds and NKCC1/KCC2 provides additional avenues for potential therapeutic interventions for ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Nascimento
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Graduate Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - D Pereira-Figueiredo
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (Physiology and Pharmacology), Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - V P Borges-Martins
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - R C Kubrusly
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - K C Calaza
- Neurobiology of the Retina Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Graduate Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (Physiology and Pharmacology), Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
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8
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Ghosh M, Lee J, Burke AN, Strong TA, Sagen J, Pearse DD. Sex Dependent Disparities in the Central Innate Immune Response after Moderate Spinal Cord Contusion in Rat. Cells 2024; 13:645. [PMID: 38607084 PMCID: PMC11011714 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Subacute spinal cord injury (SCI) displays a complex pathophysiology associated with pro-inflammation and ensuing tissue damage. Microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the CNS, in concert with infiltrating macrophages, are the primary contributors to SCI-induced inflammation. However, subpopulations of activated microglia can also possess immunomodulatory activities that are essential for tissue remodeling and repair, including the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors that are vital for SCI recovery. Recently, reports have provided convincing evidence that sex-dependent differences exist in how microglia function during CNS pathologies and the extent to which these cells contribute to neurorepair and endogenous recovery. Herein we employed flow cytometry and immunohistochemical methods to characterize the phenotype and population dynamics of activated innate immune cells within the injured spinal cord of age-matched male and female rats within the first week (7 days) following thoracic SCI contusion. This assessment included the analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, as well as the expression of critical immunomodulatory kinases, including P38 MAPK, and transcription factors, such as NFκB, which play pivotal roles in injury-induced inflammation. We demonstrate that activated microglia from the injured spinal cord of female rats exhibited a significantly diminutive pro-inflammatory response, but enhanced anti-inflammatory activity compared to males. These changes included lower levels of iNOS and TLR4 expression but increased levels of ARG-1 and CD68 in females after SCI. The altered expression of these markers is indicative of a disparate secretome between the microglia of males and females after SCI and that the female microglia possesses higher phagocytic capabilities (increased CD68). The examination of immunoregulatory kinases and transcription factors revealed that female microglia had higher levels of phosphorylated P38Thr180/Tyr182 MAPK and nuclear NFκB pp50Ser337 but lower amounts of nuclear NFκB pp65Ser536, suggestive of an attenuated pro-inflammatory phenotype in females compared to males after SCI. Collectively, this work provides novel insight into some of the sex disparities that exist in the innate immune response after SCI and indicates that sex is an important variable when designing and testing new therapeutic interventions or interpretating positive or negative responses to an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Ghosh
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
| | - Ashley N. Burke
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
| | - Thomas A. Strong
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
| | - Jacqueline Sagen
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Damien D. Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.L.); (A.N.B.); (T.A.S.); (J.S.); (D.D.P.)
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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9
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Geng M, Shao Q, Fu J, Gu J, Feng L, Zhao L, Liu C, Mu J, Zhang X, Zhao M, Guo X, Song C, Li Y, Wang H, Wang C. Down-regulation of MKP-1 in hippocampus protects against stress-induced depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:130. [PMID: 38424085 PMCID: PMC10904742 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is the primary environmental risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD), and there is compelling evidence that neuroinflammation is the major pathomechanism linking chronic stress to MDD. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a negative regulator of MAPK signaling pathways involved in cellular stress responses, survival, and neuroinflammation. We examined the possible contributions of MKP-1 to stress-induced MDD by comparing depression-like behaviors (anhedonia, motor retardation, behavioral despair), neuroinflammatory marker expression, and MAPK signaling pathways among rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), overexpressing MKP-1 in the hippocampus, and CUMS-exposed rats underexpressing MKP-1 in the hippocampus. Rats exposed to CUMS exhibited MKP-1 overexpression, greater numbers of activated microglia, and enhanced expressions of neuroinflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-6, [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-ɑ, and decreased phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38 in the hippocampus as well as anhedonia in the sucrose preference test, motor retardation in the open field, and greater immobility (despair) in the forced swimming tests. These signs of neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviors and phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38 were also observed in rats overexpressing MKP-1 without CUMS exposure, while CUMS-induced neuroinflammation, microglial activation, phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38, and depression-like behaviors were significantly reversed by MKP-1 knockdown. Moreover, MKP-1 knockdown promoted the activation of the MAPK isoform ERK, implying that the antidepressant-like effects of MKP-1 knockdown may be mediated by the ERK pathway disinhibition. These findings suggested that hippocampal MKP-1 is an essential regulator of stress-induced neuroinflammation and a promising target for antidepressant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Geng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Qiujing Shao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jiacheng Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jingyang Gu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Laipeng Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Liqin Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Cong Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Junlin Mu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Mingjun Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xinsheng Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Cai Song
- Guangdong Ocean University College of Food Science and Technoligy, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yan Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450014, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Huiying Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan Mental Hospital, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang Medical University, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Sleep Medicine, 453002, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
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10
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Jiang X, Li J, Yao X, Ding H, Gu A, Zhou Z. Neuroprotective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor on Alzheimer's disease: a narrative review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1361651. [PMID: 38405664 PMCID: PMC10884281 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1361651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance in brain and amyloidogenesis are principal pathological features of diabetes-related cognitive decline and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining glucose under control in diabetic patients is beneficial for preventing AD development. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DDP4is) are a class of novel glucose-lowering medications through increasing insulin excretion and decreasing glucagon levels that have shown neuroprotective potential in recent studies. This review consolidates extant evidence from earlier and new studies investigating the association between DPP4i use, AD, and other cognitive outcomes. Beyond DPP4i's benefits in alleviating insulin resistance and glucose-lowering, underlying mechanisms for the potential neuroprotection with DPP4i medications were categorized into the following sections: (Ferrari et al., Physiol Rev, 2021, 101, 1,047-1,081): the benefits of DPP4is on directly ameliorating the burden of β-amyloid plaques and reducing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles; DPP4i increasing the bioactivity of neuroprotective DPP4 substrates including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) etc.; pleiotropic effects of DPP4is on neuronal cells and intracerebral structure including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-apoptosis. We further revisited recently published epidemiological studies that provided supportive data to compliment preclinical evidence. Given that there remains a lack of completed randomized trials that aim at assessing the effect of DPP4is in preventing AD development and progression, this review is expected to provide a useful insight into DPP4 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target for AD prevention and treatment. The evidence is helpful for informing the rationales of future clinical research and guiding evidence-based clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Baoying People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Hao Ding
- Baoying People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Aihong Gu
- Baoying People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Zhang T, Dolga AM, Eisel ULM, Schmidt M. Novel crosstalk mechanisms between GluA3 and Epac2 in synaptic plasticity and memory in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 191:106389. [PMID: 38142840 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106389] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which accounts for the most cases of dementia worldwide. Impaired memory, including acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval, is one of the hallmarks in AD. At the cellular level, dysregulated synaptic plasticity partly due to reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) and enhanced long-term depression (LTD) underlies the memory deficits in AD. GluA3 containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) are one of key receptors involved in rapid neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Recent studies revealed a novel form of GluA3 involved in neuronal plasticity that is dependent on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), rather than N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). However, this cAMP-dependent GluA3 pathway is specifically and significantly impaired by amyloid beta (Aβ), a pathological marker of AD. cAMP is a key second messenger that plays an important role in modulating memory and synaptic plasticity. We previously reported that exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (Epac2), acting as a main cAMP effector, plays a specific and time-limited role in memory retrieval. From electrophysiological perspective, Epac2 facilities the maintenance of LTP, a cellular event closely associated with memory retrieval. Additionally, Epac2 was found to be involved in the GluA3-mediated plasticity. In this review, we comprehensively summarize current knowledge regarding the specific roles of GluA3 and Epac2 in synaptic plasticity and memory, and their potential association with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, Netherlands
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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12
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Huang L, Xia L, Nie T, Cui B, Lu J, Lu F, Fan F, Ren D, Lu Y, Gao G, Yang Q. Maintaining Drosha expression with Cdk5 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for early intervention after TBI. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:210-219. [PMID: 38200156 PMCID: PMC10834983 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01152-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in adults. The pathological process of TBI involves a multifactorial cascade in which kinases have been proven contribute to interactions between relevant factors and amplification of signaling cascades. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a promising kinase that has been implicated in various brain disorders, including TBI. However, the mechanism by which Cdk5 induces neuronal damage remains unclear. Here, we show for the first time that Drosha, a key enzyme in microRNA biogenesis, is a pivotal substrate of abnormally activated Cdk5. Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation decreases Drosha expression and exacerbates nerve injury in TBI. We proved that maintaining Drosha expression via the administration of repurposed Cdk5 inhibitors that were previously studied in clinical trials is a promising approach for the early treatment of TBI. Together, our work identifies Drosha as a novel target for neuroprotective strategies after TBI and suggests Cdk5-mediated regulation of Drosha expression as a potential therapeutic strategy for early TBI intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tiejian Nie
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bozhou Cui
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianjun Lu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feiyan Fan
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongni Ren
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guodong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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13
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Achiro JM, Tao Y, Gao F, Lin CH, Watanabe M, Neumann S, Coppola G, Black DL, Martin KC. Aging differentially alters the transcriptome and landscape of chromatin accessibility in the male and female mouse hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1334862. [PMID: 38318533 PMCID: PMC10839115 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1334862] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging-related memory impairment and pathological memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease differ between males and females, and yet little is known about how aging-related changes in the transcriptome and chromatin environment differ between sexes in the hippocampus. To investigate this question, we compared the chromatin accessibility landscape and gene expression/alternative splicing pattern of young adult and aged mouse hippocampus in both males and females using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq. We detected significant aging-dependent changes in the expression of genes involved in immune response and synaptic function and aging-dependent changes in the alternative splicing of myelin sheath genes. We found significant sex-bias in the expression and alternative splicing of hundreds of genes, including aging-dependent female-biased expression of myelin sheath genes and aging-dependent male-biased expression of genes involved in synaptic function. Aging was associated with increased chromatin accessibility in both male and female hippocampus, especially in repetitive elements, and with an increase in LINE-1 transcription. We detected significant sex-bias in chromatin accessibility in both autosomes and the X chromosome, with male-biased accessibility enriched at promoters and CpG-rich regions. Sex differences in gene expression and chromatin accessibility were amplified with aging, findings that may shed light on sex differences in aging-related and pathological memory loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Achiro
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yang Tao
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Fuying Gao
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chia-Ho Lin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marika Watanabe
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sylvia Neumann
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Douglas L. Black
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kelsey C. Martin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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14
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Jastrzębski MK, Wójcik P, Stępnicki P, Kaczor AA. Effects of small molecules on neurogenesis: Neuronal proliferation and differentiation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:20-37. [PMID: 38239239 PMCID: PMC10793103 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons are believed to be non-proliferating cells. However, neuronal stem cells are still present in certain areas of the adult brain, although their proliferation diminishes with age. Just as with other cells, their proliferation and differentiation are modulated by various mechanisms. These mechanisms are foundational to the strategies developed to induce neuronal proliferation and differentiation, with potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases. The most common among these diseases are Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, associated with the formation of β -amyloid (Aβ ) aggregates which cause a reduction in the number of neurons. Compounds such as LiCl, 4-aminothiazoles, Pregnenolone, ACEA, harmine, D2AAK1, methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, and shikonin may induce neuronal proliferation/differentiation through the activation of pathways: MAPK ERK, PI3K/AKT, NFκ B, Wnt, BDNF, and NPAS3. Moreover, combinations of these compounds can potentially transform somatic cells into neurons. This transformation process involves the activation of neuron-specific transcription factors such as NEUROD1, NGN2, ASCL1, and SOX2, which subsequently leads to the transcription of downstream genes, culminating in the transformation of somatic cells into neurons. Neurodegenerative diseases are not the only conditions where inducing neuronal proliferation could be beneficial. Consequently, the impact of pro-proliferative compounds on neurons has also been researched in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał K. Jastrzębski
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Piotr Wójcik
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Piotr Stępnicki
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lublin PL-20093, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland
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15
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Valipour M, Mohammadi M, Valipour H. CNS-Active p38α MAPK Inhibitors for the Management of Neuroinflammatory Diseases: Medicinal Chemical Properties and Therapeutic Capabilities. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03829-3. [PMID: 38041716 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03829-3] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, many p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK) inhibitors have been developed and tested in preclinical/clinical studies for the treatment of various disorders, especially problems with the origin of inflammation. Previous studies strongly suggest the involvement of the p38α MAPK pathway in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the significant progress made in this field, so far no studies have focused on p38α MAPK inhibitors that have the capability to be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In the present review, we evaluated a wide range of well-known p38α MAPK inhibitors (more than 140 small molecules) by measuring key physicochemical parameters to identify those capable of successfully crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). As a result, we identify about 50 naturally occurring and synthetic p38α MAPK inhibitors with high potential to cross the BBB, which can be further explored in the future for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, a detailed analysis of the previously released X-ray crystal structure of the inhibitors in the active site of the p38α MAPK enzyme revealed that some residues such as Met109 play a critical role in the occurrence of effective interactions by constructing strong H-bonds. This study can encourage scientists to focus more on the design, production, and biological evaluation of new central nervous system (CNS)-active p38α MAPK inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Mohammadi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Habib Valipour
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Kim SH, Ju IG, Kim JH, Eo H, Son SR, Jang DS, Oh MS. Linderae Radix Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Damage in Alzheimer's Disease Models. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7196-7207. [PMID: 37542650 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and synaptic damage are important etiologies associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Linderae Radix (LR) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated whether LR attenuates microglia activation-mediated neuroinflammation and synaptic degeneration and improves AD pathological phenotypes induced by amyloid beta oligomers (AβO) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxicity. For in vitro studies, we treated LR to AβO-stimulated HT22 cells or LR LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. For in vivo studies, we administered LR to mice and AβO was injected by stereotaxic to induce cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, and synaptic loss. We found that LR increased the cell viability reduced by AβO. Moreover, LR inhibited pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and downregulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in BV2 cells. Behavioral assessments demonstrated that LR administration significantly improved cognitive decline induced by AβO-injection. Furthermore, we found that microglia activation increased, and the expression of synaptic proteins decreased in the hippocampus of the AβO-injected group, which was alleviated in the LR-treated group. These findings suggest that LR may be a potential candidate for protection against neuroinflammation and synaptic loss, and may prevent or delay AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hye Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - In Gyoung Ju
- Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science and Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyoon Eo
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Ri Son
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Sook Oh
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science and Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Ahmadi A, Ahrari S, Salimian J, Salehi Z, Karimi M, Emamvirdizadeh A, Jamalkandi SA, Ghanei M. p38 MAPK signaling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and inhibitor therapeutics. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:314. [PMID: 37919729 PMCID: PMC10623820 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01337-4] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar remodeling. Although the abnormalities are primarily prompted by chronic exposure to inhaled irritants, maladjusted and self-reinforcing immune responses are significant contributors to the development and progression of the disease. The p38 isoforms are regarded as pivotal hub proteins that regulate immune and inflammatory responses in both healthy and disease states. As a result, their inhibition has been the subject of numerous recent studies exploring their therapeutic potential in COPD. MAIN BODY We performed a systematic search based on the PRISMA guidelines to find relevant studies about P38 signaling in COPD patients. We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and used "P38" AND "COPD" Mesh Terms. We applied the following inclusion criteria: (1) human, animal, ex vivo and in vitro studies; (2) original research articles; (3) published in English; and (4) focused on P38 signaling in COPD pathogenesis, progression, or treatment. We screened the titles and abstracts of the retrieved studies and assessed the full texts of the eligible studies for quality and relevance. We extracted the following data from each study: authors, year, country, sample size, study design, cell type, intervention, outcome, and main findings. We classified the studies according to the role of different cells and treatments in P38 signaling in COPD. CONCLUSION While targeting p38 MAPK has demonstrated some therapeutic potential in COPD, its efficacy is limited. Nevertheless, combining p38 MAPK inhibitors with other anti-inflammatory steroids appears to be a promising treatment choice. Clinical trials testing various p38 MAPK inhibitors have produced mixed results, with some showing improvement in lung function and reduction in exacerbations in COPD patients. Despite these mixed results, research on p38 MAPK inhibitors is still a major area of study to develop new and more effective therapies for COPD. As our understanding of COPD evolves, we may gain a better understanding of how to utilize p38 MAPK inhibitors to treat this disease. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Ahrari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jafar Salimian
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Salehi
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Karimi
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Emamvirdizadeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Bio Sciences, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Azimzadeh Jamalkandi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Gałgańska H, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Gałgański Ł. Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:280. [PMID: 37817178 PMCID: PMC10566067 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01306-x] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gałgańska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gałgański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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19
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Kuo HC, Chen SL, Chiu SC, Lee KF, Chu CH. Tolerized Microglia Protect Neurons Against Endotoxin-Induced TNF-α Production via an LBP-Dependent Intracellular p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway. Inflammation 2023; 46:2011-2023. [PMID: 37365417 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The development of microglial endotoxin tolerance (ET) is a critical event in protecting neurons against excessive immune responses when microglia are administered two consecutive lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges. However, the intrinsic mechanisms of microglia shape ET programs and protect neurons remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether extracellular autocrine cascades or intracellular signaling pathways are involved in ET microglia-mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) reduction and neuroprotection. Neuron-glia cultures composed of astroglia, neurons, and microglia were performed in different conditions: with or without serum or LPS-binding proteins (LBP), along with an induction approach of ET. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed that LPS induced TNF-α tolerance of microglia in an LBP-dependent manner. Furthermore, we determined whether the early pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS might contribute to the development of microglial ET. Our data showed that the neutralization of TNF-α using an anti-TNF-α antibody had no change in the TNF-α tolerance of microglia during the ET challenge. Furthermore, pre-incubation of TNF-α, interleukin-1 beta, and prostaglandin E2 failed to induce any TNF-α tolerance in microglia after LPS treatment. Moreover, using three specific chemical inhibitors that respectively blocked the activities of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) namely p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-related kinases revealed that inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 disrupted the tolerated microglia-mediated TNF-α reduction and neuroprotection. In summary, our findings demonstrated that the LPS pre-treatment immediately programmed the microglial ET to prevent endotoxin-induced TNF-α production and neuronal damage through the intracellular p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chun Kuo
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Research Fellow, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Lan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chen Chiu
- National Laboratory Animal Center (NLAC), NARLabs, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kam-Fai Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, 61363, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsien Chu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 3F, No.367, Sheng-Li Rd, North District, Tainan City 704, Taiwan.
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20
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Ardizzone A, Bova V, Casili G, Filippone A, Lanza M, Repici A, Esposito E, Paterniti I. bFGF-like Activity Supported Tissue Regeneration, Modulated Neuroinflammation, and Rebalanced Ca 2+ Homeostasis following Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14654. [PMID: 37834102 PMCID: PMC10572408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914654] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a well-defined debilitating traumatic event to the spinal cord that usually triggers permanent changes in motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Injured tissue becomes susceptible to secondary mechanisms caused by SCIs, which include pro-inflammatory cytokine release, the activation of astrocytes and microglia, and increased neuronal sensibility. As a consequence, the production of factors such as GFAP, IBA-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and S100-β slow down or inhibit central nervous system (CNS) regeneration. In this regard, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms regulating the CNS, and specifically SCI, is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. It has been demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was successful in the modulation of neurotrophic activity, also promoting neurite survival and tissue repair, thus resulting in the valuable care of CNS disorders. However, bFGF therapeutic use is limited due to the undesirable effects developed following its administration. Therefore, the synthetic compound mimetic of bFGF, SUN11602 (with chemical name 4-[[4-[[2-[(4-Amino-2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl)amino]acetyl]methylamino]-1-piperidinyl]methyl]benzamide), has been reported to show neuroprotective activities similar to those of bFGF, also demonstrating a good pharmacokinetic profile. Here, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective activity of this bFGF-like compound in modulating tissue regeneration, neuroinflammation, and Ca2+ overload by using a subacute mouse model of SCI. SUN11602 (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice for 72 h daily following the in vivo model of SCI, which was generated by the extradural compression of the spinal cord. The data obtained demonstrated that SUN11602 treatment considerably decreased motor alteration and diminished the neuroinflammatory state through the regulation of glial activation, the NF-κB pathway, and kinases. Additionally, by controlling Ca2+-binding proteins and restoring neurotrophin expression, we showed that SUN11602 therapy restored the equilibrium of the neuronal circuit. Because of these findings, bFGF-like compounds may be an effective tool for reducing inflammation in SCI patients while enhancing their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (V.B.); (G.C.); (A.F.); (M.L.); (A.R.); (I.P.)
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21
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Kim J, Chun Y, Ramirez CB, Hoffner LA, Jung S, Jang KH, Rubtsova VI, Jang C, Lee G. MAPK13 stabilization via m 6A mRNA modification limits anticancer efficacy of rapamycin. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105175. [PMID: 37599001 PMCID: PMC10511813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification that controls gene expression through diverse mechanisms. Accordingly, m6A-dependent regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors contributes to tumor development. However, the role of m6A-mediated gene regulation upon drug treatment or resistance is poorly understood. Here, we report that m6A modification of mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK13) mRNA determines the sensitivity of cancer cells to the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-targeting agent rapamycin. mTORC1 induces m6A modification of MAPK13 mRNA at its 3' untranslated region through the methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-METTL14-Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein(WTAP) methyltransferase complex, facilitating its mRNA degradation via an m6A reader protein YTH domain family protein 2. Rapamycin blunts this process and stabilizes MAPK13. On the other hand, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of MAPK13 enhances rapamycin's anticancer effects, which suggests that MAPK13 confers a progrowth signal upon rapamycin treatment, thereby limiting rapamycin efficacy. Together, our data indicate that rapamycin-mediated MAPK13 mRNA stabilization underlies drug resistance, and it should be considered as a promising therapeutic target to sensitize cancer cells to rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohwan Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yujin Chun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Cuauhtemoc B Ramirez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Lauren A Hoffner
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sunhee Jung
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ki-Hong Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Varvara I Rubtsova
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Cholsoon Jang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gina Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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22
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Valipour M. Therapeutic prospects of naturally occurring p38 MAPK inhibitors tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced CNS complications. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3724-3743. [PMID: 37282807 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7902] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication and hyperinflammatory responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, blood-brain barrier-penetrating p38 MAPK inhibitors have good potential for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) complications of COVID-19. The aim of the present study is the characterization of the therapeutic potential of tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of CNS complications of COVID-19. Studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and so forth were used to review the therapeutic capabilities of selected compounds. In continuation of our previous efforts to identify agents with favorable activity/toxicity profiles for the treatment of COVID-19, tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin were identified with a high ability to penetrate the CNS. Considering the nature of the study, no specific time frame was determined for the selection of studies, but the focus was strongly on studies published after the emergence of COVID-19. By describing the association of COVID-19-induced CNS disorders with p38 MAPK pathway disruption, this study concludes that tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin have great potential for better treatment of these complications. The inclusion of these compounds in the drug regimen of COVID-19 patients requires confirmation of their effectiveness through the conduction of high-quality clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Anderson B, Rosston P, Ong HW, Hossain MA, Davis-Gilbert ZW, Drewry DH. How many kinases are druggable? A review of our current understanding. Biochem J 2023; 480:1331-1363. [PMID: 37642371 PMCID: PMC10586788 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
There are over 500 human kinases ranging from very well-studied to almost completely ignored. Kinases are tractable and implicated in many diseases, making them ideal targets for medicinal chemistry campaigns, but is it possible to discover a drug for each individual kinase? For every human kinase, we gathered data on their citation count, availability of chemical probes, approved and investigational drugs, PDB structures, and biochemical and cellular assays. Analysis of these factors highlights which kinase groups have a wealth of information available, and which groups still have room for progress. The data suggest a disproportionate focus on the more well characterized kinases while much of the kinome remains comparatively understudied. It is noteworthy that tool compounds for understudied kinases have already been developed, and there is still untapped potential for further development in this chemical space. Finally, this review discusses many of the different strategies employed to generate selectivity between kinases. Given the large volume of information available and the progress made over the past 20 years when it comes to drugging kinases, we believe it is possible to develop a tool compound for every human kinase. We hope this review will prove to be both a useful resource as well as inspire the discovery of a tool for every kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Anderson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Peter Rosston
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Han Wee Ong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - Zachary W. Davis-Gilbert
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, U.S.A
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24
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Nguyen T, Nguyen N, Cochran AG, Smith JA, Al-Juboori M, Brumett A, Saxena S, Talley S, Campbell EM, Obukhov AG, White FA. Repeated closed-head mild traumatic brain injury-induced inflammation is associated with nociceptive sensitization. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:196. [PMID: 37635235 PMCID: PMC10464478 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02871-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) suffer from several comorbidities, including chronic pain. Despite extensive studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of mTBI-associated chronic pain, the role of inflammation in long-term pain after mTBIs is not fully elucidated. Given the shifting dynamics of inflammation, it is important to understand the spatial-longitudinal changes in inflammatory processes following mTBIs and their effects on TBI-related pain. METHODS We utilized a recently developed transgenic caspase-1 luciferase reporter mouse model to monitor caspase-1 activation through a thinned skull window in the in vivo setting following three closed-head mTBI events. Organotypic coronal brain slice cultures and acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells provided tissue-relevant context of inflammation signal. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by mechanical withdrawal threshold to von Frey and thermal hyperalgesia withdrawal latency to radiant heat. Mouse grimace scale (MGS) was used to detect spontaneous or non-evoked pain. In some experiments, mice were prophylactically treated with MCC950, a potent small molecule inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly to inhibit injury-induced inflammatory signaling. Bioluminescence spatiotemporal dynamics were quantified in the head and hind paws, and caspase-1 activation was confirmed by immunoblot. Immunofluorescence staining was used to monitor the progression of astrogliosis and microglial activation in ex vivo brain tissue following repetitive closed-head mTBIs. RESULTS Mice with repetitive closed-head mTBIs exhibited significant increases of the bioluminescence signals within the brain and paws in vivo for at least one week after each injury. Consistently, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that mTBIs led to caspase-1 activation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Persistent changes in MGS and hind paw withdrawal thresholds, indicative of pain states, were observed post-injury in the same mTBI animals in vivo. We also observed enhanced inflammatory responses in ex vivo brain slice preparations and DRG for at least 3 days following mTBIs. In vivo treatment with MCC950 significantly reduced caspase-1 activation-associated bioluminescent signals in vivo and decreased stimulus-evoked and non-stimulus evoked nociception. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the inflammatory states in the brain and peripheral nervous system following repeated mTBIs are coincidental with the development of nociceptive sensitization, and that these events can be significantly reduced by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Natalie Nguyen
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ashlyn G Cochran
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jared A Smith
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mohammed Al-Juboori
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew Brumett
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Saahil Saxena
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Talley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Edward M Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Alexander G Obukhov
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Fletcher A White
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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25
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Yu H, Wen B, Lu Y, Xie B, Yu F, Zhang M, Ma C, Cong B, Wen D, Bi H. The Role of circTmeff-1 in Morphine Addiction Memory of Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1985. [PMID: 37566064 PMCID: PMC10417613 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151985] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the essential pharmacological effects of opioids, situational cues associated with drug addiction memory are key triggers for drug seeking. CircRNAs, an emerging hotspot regulator in crown genetics, play an important role in central nervous system-related diseases. However, the internal mediating mechanism of circRNAs in the field of drug reward and addiction memory remains unknown. Here, we trained mice on a conditional place preference (CPP) model and collected nucleus accumbens (NAc) tissues from day 1 (T0) and day 8 (T1) for high-throughput RNA sequencing. QRT-PCR analysis revealed that circTmeff-1 was highly expressed in the NAc core but not in the NAc shell, suggesting that it plays a role in addiction memory formation. Meanwhile, the down-regulation of circTmeff-1 by adeno-associated viruses in the NAc core or shell could inhibit the morphine CPP scores. Subsequently, the GO and KEGG analyses indicated that circTmeff-1 might regulate the addiction memory via the MAPK and AMPK pathways. These findings suggest that circTmeff-1 in NAc plays a crucial role in morphine-dependent memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailei Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Boyang Wen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Yun Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Bing Xie
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Feng Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Minglong Zhang
- Department of Biogenetics, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China;
| | - Chunling Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Bin Cong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Di Wen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Haitao Bi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (H.Y.); (B.W.); (Y.L.); (B.X.); (F.Y.); (C.M.); (B.C.)
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26
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Shin JA, Park H, Choi H, Chang YK, Kim JJ, Ham YR, Na KR, Lee KW, Choi DE. ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve the Blood-Brain-Barrier Integrity in Contrast-Induced Blood-Brain-Barrier Injury in Uremic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12168. [PMID: 37569545 PMCID: PMC10418677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with chronic kidney disease, the need for examinations using contrast media (CM) increases because of underlying diseases. Although contrast agents can affect brain cells, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects against brain-cell damage in vivo. However, uremia can disrupt the BBB, increasing the possibility of contrast-agent-induced brain-cell damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown protective effects on various neurological disorders, including uremic brain injury. This study examined whether ω-3 PUFAs attenuate damage to the BBB caused by uremia and contrast agents in a uremic mouse model and evaluated its associated mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice (eight weeks old, male) and fat-1 mice (b6 background/eight weeks old, male) were divided into groups according to uremic induction, CM, and ω-3 PUFA administration. Uremia was induced via 24 h ischemia-reperfusion (IR) renal injury. One day after CM treatment, the brain tissue, kidney tissue, and blood were collected. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), claudin 5, CD31, laminin α4, and laminin α5 increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and the brain of fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in the brains of CM-treated uremic mice. The pro-apoptotic protein expression decreased, whereas the anti-apoptotic proteins increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with CM-treated uremic mice. In addition, the brain-expression levels of p-JNK, p-P53, and p-P38 decreased in the ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in wild-type uremic mice. Our results confirm that uremic toxin and CM damage the BBB and cause brain-cell death. ω-3 PUFAs play a role in BBB protection caused by CM in uremic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ah Shin
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.A.S.); (H.P.)
| | - Hyerim Park
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.A.S.); (H.P.)
| | - Hyunsu Choi
- Clinical Research Institute, Daejeon Saint Mary Hospital, Daejeon 34943, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yoon-Kyung Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Daejeon Saint Mary Hospital, Daejeon 34943, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jwa-Jin Kim
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.-J.K.); (K.R.N.); (K.W.L.)
| | - Young Rok Ham
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.-J.K.); (K.R.N.); (K.W.L.)
| | - Ki Ryang Na
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.-J.K.); (K.R.N.); (K.W.L.)
| | - Kang Wook Lee
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.-J.K.); (K.R.N.); (K.W.L.)
| | - Dae Eun Choi
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.A.S.); (H.P.)
- Department of Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea; (J.-J.K.); (K.R.N.); (K.W.L.)
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Baumgartner TJ, Haghighijoo Z, Goode NA, Dvorak NM, Arman P, Laezza F. Voltage-Gated Na + Channels in Alzheimer's Disease: Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1655. [PMID: 37629512 PMCID: PMC10455313 DOI: 10.3390/life13081655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is classically characterized by two major histopathological abnormalities: extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, it is of the utmost importance to develop disease-modifying therapeutics that tackle AD pathology in its early stages. Attenuation of hippocampal hyperactivity, one of the earliest neuronal abnormalities observed in AD brains, has emerged as a promising strategy to ameliorate cognitive deficits and abate the spread of neurotoxic species. This aberrant hyperactivity has been attributed in part to the dysfunction of voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channels, which are central mediators of neuronal excitability. Therefore, targeting Nav channels is a promising strategy for developing disease-modifying therapeutics that can correct aberrant neuronal phenotypes in early-stage AD. This review will explore the role of Nav channels in neuronal function, their connections to AD pathology, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (T.J.B.); (Z.H.); (N.A.G.); (N.M.D.); (P.A.)
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Pybus AF, Bitarafan S, Brothers RO, Rohrer A, Khaitan A, Moctezuma FR, Udeshi K, Davies B, Triplett S, Dammer E, Rangaraju S, Buckley EM, Wood LB. Profiling the neuroimmune cascade in 3xTg mice exposed to successive mild traumatic brain injuries. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544838. [PMID: 37397993 PMCID: PMC10312742 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) sustained within a window of vulnerability can result in long term cognitive deficits, depression, and eventual neurodegeneration associated with tau pathology, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, gliosis, and neuronal and functional loss. However, we have limited understanding of how successive injuries acutely affect the brain to result in these devastating long-term consequences. In the current study, we addressed the question of how repeated injuries affect the brain in the acute phase of injury (<24hr) by exposing the 3xTg-AD mouse model of tau and Aβ pathology to successive (1x, 3x, 5x) once-daily weight drop closed-head injuries and quantifying immune markers, pathological markers, and transcriptional profiles at 30min, 4hr, and 24hr after each injury. We used young adult mice (2-4 months old) to model the effects of rmTBI relevant to young adult athletes, and in the absence of significant tau and Aβ pathology. Importantly, we identified pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females eliciting more differentially expressed proteins after injury compared to males. Specifically, females showed: 1) a single injury caused a decrease in neuron-enriched genes inversely correlated with inflammatory protein expression as well as an increase in AD-related genes within 24hr, 2) each injury significantly increased expression of a group of cortical cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-9, IL-13, IL-17, KC) and MAPK phospho-proteins (phospho-Atf2, phospho-Mek1), several of which were co-labeled with neurons and correlated with phospho-tau, and 3) repetitive injury caused increased expression of genes associated with astrocyte reactivity and immune function. Collectively our data suggest that neurons respond to a single injury within 24h, while other cell types including astrocytes transition to inflammatory phenotypes within days of repetitive injury.
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Braun DJ, Frazier HN, Davis VA, Coleman MJ, Rogers CB, Van Eldik LJ. Early chronic suppression of microglial p38α in a model of Alzheimer's disease does not significantly alter amyloid-associated neuropathology. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286495. [PMID: 37256881 PMCID: PMC10231773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The p38 alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α) is linked to both innate and adaptive immune responses and is under investigation as a target for drug development in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other conditions with neuroinflammatory dysfunction. While preclinical data has shown that p38α inhibition can protect against AD-associated neuropathology, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Inhibitors of p38α may provide benefit via modulation of microglial-associated neuroinflammatory responses that contribute to AD pathology. The present study tests this hypothesis by knocking out microglial p38α and assessing early-stage pathological changes. Conditional knockout of microglial p38α was accomplished in 5-month-old C57BL/6J wild-type and amyloidogenic AD model (APPswe/PS1dE9) mice using a tamoxifen-inducible Cre/loxP system under control of the Cx3cr1 promoter. Beginning at 7.5 months of age, animals underwent behavioral assessment on the open field, followed by a later radial arm water maze test and collection of cortical and hippocampal tissues at 11 months. Additional endpoint measures included quantification of proinflammatory cytokines, assessment of amyloid burden and plaque deposition, and characterization of microglia-plaque dynamics. Loss of microglial p38α did not alter behavioral outcomes, proinflammatory cytokine levels, or overall amyloid plaque burden. However, this manipulation did significantly increase hippocampal levels of soluble Aβ42 and reduce colocalization of Iba1 and 6E10 in a subset of microglia in close proximity to plaques. The data presented here suggest that rather than reducing inflammation per se, the net effect of microglial p38α inhibition in the context of early AD-type amyloid pathology is a subtle alteration of microglia-plaque interactions. Encouragingly from a therapeutic standpoint, these data suggest no detrimental effect of even substantial decreases in microglial p38α in this context. Additionally, these results support future investigations of microglial p38α signaling at different stages of disease, as well as its relationship to phagocytic processes in this particular cell-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Braun
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Hilaree N. Frazier
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Verda A. Davis
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Meggie J. Coleman
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Colin B. Rogers
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Linda J. Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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30
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Moreno R, Recio J, Barber S, Gil C, Martinez A. The emerging role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) and its potential as a target for neurodegenerative diseases therapies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115511. [PMID: 37247505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115511] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Selective and brain-permeable protein kinase inhibitors are in preclinical development for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, MLK3 inhibitors, with a potent neuroprotective biological action have emerged as valuable agents for the treatment of pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In fact, one MLK3 inhibitor, CEP-1347, reached clinical trials for Parkinson's disease. Additionally, another compound called prostetin/12k, a potent and rather selective MLK3 inhibitor has started clinical development for ALS based on its motor neuron protection in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we will focus on the role of MLK3 in neuron-related cell death processes, neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential advantages of targeting this kinase through pharmacological modulation for neuroprotective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreno
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Recio
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Barber
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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31
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dos Santos DA, Souza HFS, Silber AM, de Souza TDACB, Ávila AR. Protein kinases on carbon metabolism: potential targets for alternative chemotherapies against toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1175409. [PMID: 37287468 PMCID: PMC10242022 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1175409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a global disease that significantly impacts human health. The clinical manifestations are mainly observed in immunocompromised patients, including ocular damage and neuronal alterations leading to psychiatric disorders. The congenital infection leads to miscarriage or severe alterations in the development of newborns. The conventional treatment is limited to the acute phase of illness, without effects in latent parasites; consequently, a cure is not available yet. Furthermore, considerable toxic effects and long-term therapy contribute to high treatment abandonment rates. The investigation of exclusive parasite pathways would provide new drug targets for more effective therapies, eliminating or reducing the side effects of conventional pharmacological approaches. Protein kinases (PKs) have emerged as promising targets for developing specific inhibitors with high selectivity and efficiency against diseases. Studies in T. gondii have indicated the presence of exclusive PKs without homologs in human cells, which could become important targets for developing new drugs. Knockout of specific kinases linked to energy metabolism have shown to impair the parasite development, reinforcing the essentiality of these enzymes in parasite metabolism. In addition, the specificities found in the PKs that regulate the energy metabolism in this parasite could bring new perspectives for safer and more efficient therapies for treating toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the limitations for reaching an efficient treatment and explores the role of PKs in regulating carbon metabolism in Toxoplasma, discussing their potential as targets for more applied and efficient pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Higo Fernando Santos Souza
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Trypanosomes (LabTryp), Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariel M. Silber
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Trypanosomes (LabTryp), Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Andréa Rodrigues Ávila
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Apicomplexa, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil
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Chassé M, Vasdev N. Synthesis and Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of the p38 MAPK Inhibitor [ 11C]Talmapimod: Effects of Drug Efflux and Sex Differences. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37186961 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-activated kinases are targets of interest in neurodegenerative disease due to their involvement in inflammatory signaling and synaptic dysfunction. The p38α kinase has shown clinical and preclinical promise as a druggable target in several neurodegenerative conditions. We report the radiosynthesis and evaluation of the first positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for imaging MAPK p38α/β through radiolabeling of the inhibitor talmapimod (SCIO-469) with carbon-11. [11C]Talmapimod was reliably synthesized by carbon-11 methylation with non-decay corrected radiochemical yields of 3.1 ± 0.7%, molar activities of 38.9 ± 13 GBq/μmol, and >95% radiochemical purity (n = 20). Preclinical PET imaging in rodents revealed a low baseline brain uptake and retention with standardized uptake values (SUV) of ∼0.2 over 90 min; however, pretreatment with the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux transporter inhibitor elacridar enabled [11C]talmapimod to pass the blood-brain barrier (>1.0 SUV) with distinct sex differences in washout kinetics. Blocking studies with a structurally dissimilar p38α/β inhibitor, neflamapimod (VX-745), and displacement imaging studies with talmapimod were attempted in elacridar-pretreated rodents, but neither compound displaced radiotracer uptake in the brain of either sex. Ex vivo radiometabolite analysis revealed substantial differences in the composition of radioactive species present in blood plasma but not in brain homogenates at 40 min post radiotracer injection. Digital autoradiography in fresh-frozen rodent brain tissue confirmed that the radiotracer signal was largely non-displaceable in vitro, where self-blocking and blocking with neflamapimod marginally decreased the total signal by 12.9 ± 8.8% and 2.66 ± 2.1% in C57bl/6 healthy controls and 29.3 ± 2.7% and 26.7 ± 12% in Tg2576 rodent brains, respectively. An MDCK-MDR1 assay suggests that talmapimod is likely to suffer from drug efflux in humans as well as rodents. Future efforts should focus on radiolabeling p38 inhibitors from other structural classes to avoid P-gp efflux and non-displaceable binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Chassé
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T-1R8, Canada
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto M5T-1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
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Iba M, Kim C, Kwon S, Szabo M, Horan-Portelance L, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Reed X, Ding J, Lee SJ, Rissman RA, Cookson MR, Overk C, Wrasidlo W, Masliah E. Inhibition of p38α MAPK restores neuronal p38γ MAPK and ameliorates synaptic degeneration in a mouse model of DLB/PD. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6089. [PMID: 37163617 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Activation of the p38α MAPK isoform and mislocalization of the p38γ MAPK isoform are associated with neuroinflammation and synaptic degeneration in DLB and PD. Therefore, we hypothesized that p38α might be associated with neuronal p38γ distribution and synaptic dysfunction in these diseases. To test this hypothesis, we treated in vitro cellular and in vivo mouse models of DLB/PD with SKF-86002, a compound that attenuates inflammation by inhibiting p38α/β, and then investigated the effects of this compound on p38γ and neurodegenerative pathology. We found that inhibition of p38α reduced neuroinflammation and ameliorated synaptic, neurodegenerative, and motor behavioral deficits in transgenic mice overexpressing human α-synuclein. Moreover, treatment with SKF-86002 promoted the redistribution of p38γ to synapses and reduced the accumulation of α-synuclein in mice overexpressing human α-synuclein. Supporting the potential value of targeting p38 in DLB/PD, we found that SKF-86002 promoted the redistribution of p38γ in neurons differentiated from iPS cells derived from patients with familial PD (carrying the A53T α-synuclein mutation) and healthy controls. Treatment with SKF-86002 ameliorated α-synuclein-induced neurodegeneration in these neurons only when microglia were pretreated with this compound. However, direct treatment of neurons with SKF-86002 did not affect α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that SKF-86002 treatment inhibits α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity mediated by microglia. These findings provide a mechanistic connection between p38α and p38γ as well as a rationale for targeting this pathway in DLB/PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiyo Iba
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Somin Kwon
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marcell Szabo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liam Horan-Portelance
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xylena Reed
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinhui Ding
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Computational Biology Group, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, and Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wolf Wrasidlo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Hoffman GE, Lee D, Bendl J, Fnu P, Hong A, Casey C, Alvia M, Shao Z, Argyriou S, Therrien K, Venkatesh S, Voloudakis G, Haroutunian V, Fullard JF, Roussos P. Efficient differential expression analysis of large-scale single cell transcriptomics data using dreamlet. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533005. [PMID: 36993704 PMCID: PMC10055252 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances in single-cell and -nucleus transcriptomics have enabled generation of increasingly large-scale datasets from hundreds of subjects and millions of cells. These studies promise to give unprecedented insight into the cell type specific biology of human disease. Yet performing differential expression analyses across subjects remains difficult due to challenges in statistical modeling of these complex studies and scaling analyses to large datasets. Our open-source R package dreamlet (DiseaseNeurogenomics.github.io/dreamlet) uses a pseudobulk approach based on precision-weighted linear mixed models to identify genes differentially expressed with traits across subjects for each cell cluster. Designed for data from large cohorts, dreamlet is substantially faster and uses less memory than existing workflows, while supporting complex statistical models and controlling the false positive rate. We demonstrate computational and statistical performance on published datasets, and a novel dataset of 1.4M single nuclei from postmortem brains of 150 Alzheimer's disease cases and 149 controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E. Hoffman
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donghoon Lee
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaroslav Bendl
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prashant Fnu
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aram Hong
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clara Casey
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcela Alvia
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhiping Shao
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stathis Argyriou
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Therrien
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanan Venkatesh
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Georgios Voloudakis
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - John F. Fullard
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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Chen X, Cheng L, Pan Y, Chen P, Luo Y, Li S, Zou W, Wang K. Different immunological mechanisms between AQP4 antibody-positive and MOG antibody-positive optic neuritis based on RNA sequencing analysis of whole blood. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1095966. [PMID: 36969199 PMCID: PMC10036921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1095966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the different immunological mechanisms between aquaporin 4 antibody-associated optic neuritis (AQP4-ON) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON) based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of whole blood. Methods Whole blood was collected from seven healthy volunteers, 6 patients with AQP4-ON and 8 patients with MOG-ON, and used for RNA-seq analysis. An examination of immune cell infiltration was performed using the CIBERSORTx algorithm to identify infiltrated immune cells. Results RNA-seq analysis showed that the inflammatory signaling was mainly activated by TLR2, TLR5, TLR8 and TLR10 in AQP4-ON patients, while which was mainly activated by TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR8 in MOG-ON patients. Biological function identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, as well as Disease Ontology (DO) analysis, showed that the inflammation in AQP4-ON was likely mediated by damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), while which in MOG-ON was likely mediated by pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). Analysis of immune cell infiltration showed that the proportion of immune cell infiltration was related to patients' vision. The infiltration ratios of monocytes (rs=0.69, P=0.006) and M0 macrophages (rs=0.66, P=0.01) were positively correlated with the BCVA (LogMAR), and the infiltration ratio of neutrophils was negatively correlated with the BCVA (LogMAR) (rs=0.65, P=0.01). Conclusion This study reveals different immunological mechanisms between AQP4-ON and MOG-ON based on transcriptomics analysis of patients' whole blood, which may expand the current knowledge regarding optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Libo Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yidan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangnan University Medical Center (JUMC), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Kanugula AK, Gorle S, Kaur J. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Secondary to the Use of Dabrafenib and Trametinib for the Treatment of Advanced Thyroid Carcinoma. Cureus 2023; 15:e35069. [PMID: 36819948 PMCID: PMC9937682 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF V600E mutation in thyroid malignancies is associated with an aggressive phenotype with more rapid tumor growth and higher mortality. V600E is a driver mutation in the BRAF proto-oncogene, where valine (V) is substituted by glutamic acid (E) at amino acid 600. New chemotherapeutic agents targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, including direct BRAF inhibitors, have become available and are increasingly used in various advanced thyroid malignancies. These agents are associated with various rare neurological adverse effects. We present a case of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) secondary to dabrafenib and trametinib therapy for the management of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. A few cases of GBS have been reported previously with the use of these agents in the treatment of melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of GBS with the use of dabrafenib and trametinib for advanced thyroid malignancy. The knowledge of this rare, potentially life-threatening condition is important for clinicians to know, given the increased use of these agents in managing advanced thyroid malignancies.
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Peng H, Li H, Wei Y, Zhang R, Chang X, Meng L, Wang K, He Q, Duan T. Effects of prenatal exposure to THC on hippocampal neural development in offspring. Toxicol Lett 2023; 374:48-56. [PMID: 36529297 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.12.007] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is a worldwide issue with the development of legalization. Prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, is related to affect fetal nervous system development. In our present study, we administered THC to pregnant mice from gestational day 5.5-12.5. Differences in neuronal cell composition and organization between the two groups were found by staining sections of the offspring hippocampus at PND21. In addition, RNA-seq of hippocampal tissue also suggested differences in gene expression due to THC treatment, especially significant enrichment to neurogenesis and neural differentiation. Subsequently, the effect of THC treatment on the proliferation and differentiation capacity of neural stem cells (NSCs) was confirmed. Based on the RNA-seq results, we selected the differentially expressed transcription factor MEF2C for validation. The effect of THC treatment on NSCs differentiation was found to be regulated by knocking down the expression of MEF2C in NSCs. Considering that THC is an agonist of cannabinoid receptor (CB1R), the differentiation outcome of NSC after THC treatment was significantly rescued, by pretreating with the CB1R inhibitor Rimonabant. Notably, pretreatment with Rimonabant restored the expression of MEF2C. Taken together, the present results suggested that THC regulated the MEF2C pathway through CB1R and had an impact on hippocampal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwen Chang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Meng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qizhi He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Sakakibara Y, Yamashiro R, Chikamatsu S, Hirota Y, Tsubokawa Y, Nishijima R, Takei K, Sekiya M, Iijima KM. Drosophila Toll-9 is induced by aging and neurodegeneration to modulate stress signaling and its deficiency exacerbates tau-mediated neurodegeneration. iScience 2023; 26:105968. [PMID: 36718365 PMCID: PMC9883205 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Toll-9 is most closely related to mammalian Toll-like receptors; however, physiological functions of Toll-9 remain elusive. We examined the roles of Toll-9 in fly brains in aging and neurodegeneration. Toll-9 mRNA levels were increased in aged fly heads accompanied by activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling, and many of these changes were modulated by Toll-9 in glial cells. The loss of Toll-9 did not affect lifespan or brain integrity, whereas it exacerbated hydrogen peroxide-induced lethality. Toll-9 expression was also induced by nerve injury but did not affect acute stress response or glial engulfment activity, suggesting Toll-9 may modulate subsequent neurodegeneration. In a fly tauopathy model, Toll-9 deficiency enhanced neurodegeneration and disease-related tau phosphorylation with reduced SAPK activity, and blocking SAPK enhanced tau phosphorylation and neurodegeneration. In sum, Toll-9 is induced upon aging and nerve injury and affects neurodegeneration by modulating stress kinase signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasufumi Sakakibara
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Risa Yamashiro
- Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Sachie Chikamatsu
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Yu Hirota
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Reseach Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Tsubokawa
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Risa Nishijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kimi Takei
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Michiko Sekiya
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan,Corresponding author
| | - Koichi M. Iijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan,Corresponding author
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40
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Li J, Ni Y, Huang L, Yu X, Zhu J. Er-Bai-Tang decoction improved the movement disorders and neuronal injury in the Parkinson's disease model rats via decreasing p38 MAPK pathway and improving the composition of intestinal flora. Acta Cir Bras 2023; 37:e371104. [PMID: 36629531 PMCID: PMC9829241 DOI: 10.1590/acb371104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous study showed that Er-Bai-Tang decoction (EBT) could effectively improve Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' quality of life, sleep, mood, and cognitive disorders, but the mechanism of EBT to treat PD was unclear. So, our study aimed to explore the mechanism of EBT to treat PD via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and intestinal flora. METHODS In our study, the PD rat model was established by subcutaneously injecting 2 mg/kg/d rotenone solution, and 23.43 g/kgEBT was used to treat PD model rats. RESULTS Behavioral test showed that EBT could reverse the motor impairment in the PD model rats. Hematoxylin and eosin result showed that EBT could reduce the cell necrosis in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction showed that EBT could decrease the p38 MAPK expression in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. 16s rRNA sequencing analysis showed that EBT could improve the composition of intestinal flora in the PD model rats. Rikenellaceae at family level and Alistipes and Allobaculum at the genus level were the key species in the PD development and EBT treatment to PD. KEGG showed that EBT might change the iron uptake in PD rats. CONCLUSIONS EBT could improve the motor symptoms and neuronal injury in the PD model rat, and its mechanism may be related to decreasing p38 MAPK pathway and improving the composition of intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong Li
- MS. Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Chongqing, China
| | - Yuehan Ni
- MS. Yuyao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Yuyao, China.,Corresponding author:
- (13 88) 4407199
| | - Li Huang
- St. Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Yu
- PhD. Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- MS. Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital – Chongqing, China
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Current Pharmacotherapy and Multi-Target Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121560. [PMID: 36559010 PMCID: PMC9781592 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decreased synaptic transmission and cerebral atrophy with appearance of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Cognitive, functional, and behavioral alterations are commonly associated with the disease. Different pathophysiological pathways of AD have been proposed, some of which interact and influence one another. Current treatment for AD mainly involves the use of therapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms in AD patients. The conventional single-target treatment approaches do not often cause the desired effect in the disease due to its multifactorial origin. Thus, multi-target strategies have since been undertaken, which aim to simultaneously target multiple targets involved in the development of AD. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis of AD and the current drug therapies for the disease. Additionally, rationales of the multi-target approaches and examples of multi-target drugs with pharmacological actions against AD are also discussed.
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Amaral IM, Scheffauer L, Hofer A, El Rawas R. Protein kinases in natural versus drug reward. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173472. [PMID: 36244528 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural and drug rewards act on the same neural pathway, the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. In brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, drugs of abuse-induced stimulation of signaling pathways can lead to synaptic reshaping within this system. This is believed to be underlying the maladaptive alterations in behaviors associated with addiction. In this review, we discuss animal studies disclosing the implication of several protein kinases, namely protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), p38 MAPK, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), in reward-related brain regions in drug and natural reward. Furthermore, we refer to studies that helped pave the way toward a better understanding of the neurobiology underlying non-drug and drug reward through genetic deletion or brain region-specific pharmacological inhibition of these kinases. Whereas the role of kinases in drug reward has been extensively studied, their implication in natural reward, such as positive social interaction, is less investigated. Discovering molecular candidates, recruited specifically by drug versus natural rewards, can promote the identification of novel targets for the pharmacological treatment of addiction with less off-target effects and being effective when used combined with behavioral-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Amaral
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Laura Scheffauer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Alex Hofer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Rana El Rawas
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria.
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Munoz B, Fritz BM, Yin F, Atwood BK. HCN1 channels mediate mu opioid receptor long-term depression at insular cortex inputs to the dorsal striatum. J Physiol 2022; 600:4917-4938. [PMID: 36181477 DOI: 10.1113/jp283513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are expressed in the dorsal striatum, a brain region that mediates goal-directed (via the dorsomedial striatum) and habitual (via the dorsolateral striatum, DLS) behaviours. Our previous work indicates that glutamate transmission is depressed when MORs are activated in the dorsal striatum, inducing MOR-mediated long-term synaptic depression (MOR-LTD) or short-term depression (MOR-STD), depending on the input. In the DLS, MOR-LTD is produced by MORs on anterior insular cortex (AIC) inputs and MOR-STD occurs at thalamic inputs, suggesting input-specific MOR plasticity mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the mechanisms of induction of MOR-LTD and MOR-STD in the DLS using pharmacology and optogenetics combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology. We found that cAMP/PKA signalling and protein synthesis are necessary for MOR-LTD expression, similar to previous studies of cannabinoid-mediated LTD in DLS. MOR-STD does not utilize these same mechanisms. We also demonstrated that cannabinoid-LTD occurs at AIC inputs to DLS. However, while cannabinoid-LTD requires mTOR signalling in DLS, MOR-LTD does not. We characterized the role of presynaptic HCN1 channels in MOR-LTD induction as HCN1 channels expressed in AIC are necessary for MOR-LTD expression in the DLS. These results suggest a mechanism in which MOR activation requires HCN1 to induce MOR-LTD, suggesting a new target for pharmacological modulation of synaptic plasticity, providing new opportunities to develop novel drugs to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. KEY POINTS: Mu opioid receptor-mediated long-term depression at anterior insular cortex inputs to dorsolateral striatum involves presynaptic cAMP/PKA signalling and protein translation, similar to known mechanisms of cannabinoid long-term depression. Dorsal striatal cannabinoid long-term depression also occurs at anterior insular cortex inputs to the dorsolateral striatum. Dorsal striatal cannabinoid long-term depression requires mTOR signalling, similar to hippocampal cannabinoid long-term depression, but dorsal striatal mu opioid long-term depression does not require mTOR signalling. Mu opioid long-term depression requires presynaptic HCN1 channels at anterior insular cortex inputs to dorsolateral striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braulio Munoz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brandon M Fritz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fuqin Yin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brady K Atwood
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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44
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Braden K, Campolo M, Li Y, Chen Z, Doyle TM, Giancotti LA, Esposito E, Zhang J, Cuzzocrea S, Arnatt CK, Salvemini D. Activation of GPR183 by 7 α,25-Dihydroxycholesterol Induces Behavioral Hypersensitivity through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Nuclear Factor- κB. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:172-181. [PMID: 36116795 PMCID: PMC9553113 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR183 in the development of neuropathic pain. Further investigation of the signaling pathways downstream of GPR183 is needed to support the development of GPR183 antagonists as analgesics. In rodents, intrathecal injection of its ligand, 7α,25-dihydroxycholesterol (7α,25-OHC), causes time-dependent development of mechano-and cold- allodynia (behavioral hypersensitivity). These effects are blocked by the selective small molecule GPR183 antagonist, SAE-14. However, the molecular mechanisms engaged downstream of GPR183 in the spinal cord are not known. Here, we show that 7α,25-OHC-induced behavioral hypersensitivity is Gα i dependent, but not β-arrestin 2-dependent. Non-biased transcriptomic analyses of dorsal-horn spinal cord (DH-SC) tissues harvested at the time of peak hypersensitivity implicate potential contributions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). In support, we found that the development of 7α,25-OHC/GPR183-induced mechano-allodynia was associated with significant activation of MAPKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK], p38) and redox-sensitive transcription factors (NF-κB) and increased formation of inflammatory and neuroexcitatory cytokines. SAE-14 blocked these effects and behavioral hypersensitivity. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insight into how GPR183 signaling in the spinal cord produces hypersensitivity through MAPK and NF-κB activation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we have characterized the molecular mechanisms underpinning 7α,25-OHC/GPR183-induced hypersensitivity in mice. Intrathecal injections of the GPR183 agonist 7α,25-OHC induce behavioral hypersensitivity, and these effects are blocked by the selective GPR183 antagonist SAE-14. We found that 7α,25-OHC-induced allodynia is dependent on MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and results in an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. This study provides a first insight into how GPR183 signaling in the spinal cord is pronociceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Braden
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Michela Campolo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Zhoumou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Timothy M Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Luigino Antonio Giancotti
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Christopher Kent Arnatt
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
| | - Daniela Salvemini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A., D.S.); Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (K.B., Y.L., Z.C., T.M.D., L.A.G., J.Z., C.K.A.,D.S.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy (M.C., E.E., S.C.); and Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri (C.K.A.)
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Fang C, Liu J, Feng M, Jia Z, Li Y, Dai Y, Zhu M, Huang B, Liu L, Wei Z, Wang X, Xiao H. Shengyu Decoction treating vascular cognitive impairment by promoting AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF related cerebrovascular generation and ameliorating MAPK/NF-κB mediated neuroinflammation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115441. [PMID: 35700854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shengyu Decoction (SYD), a classical Chinese medicine formula, is good at nourishing blood, promoting blood circulation, and soothe the nerves. SYD can improve cognitive ability. This decoction is suitable for treating vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). however, its active ingredients and possible mechanism have not been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to observe the effects of SYD on improving the cognitive abilities of rats with VCI, to explore its active ingredients and mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rats with VCI model were established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), and the effects of SYD (5, 2.5 g/kg) on the cognitive abilities of VCI rats were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) and neurological assessment. The pathological changes of hippocampal CA1 were observed by H &E and Nissl staining. The effect of SYD on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was evaluated by Laser Speckle Contrast Imager. The expression of CD31 in the cerebral cortex was measured by immunofluorescence (IF) to evaluate the number of cerebral micro vessels. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were determined using an ELISA kit, and the active components in the plasma and brain tissues of rats after SYD administration were analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The interaction network of the compound-target pathway was established using the SWISS Target, GO, and DAVID databases. The expression of AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF and p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the brain tissues was determined using western blotting (WB). RESULTS SYD (2.5, 5 g/kg) significantly improved the cognitive abilities of VCI rats in the MWM and neurological assessment. H&E and Nissl staining showed that SYD significantly ameliorated the pathological hippocampal CA1 area and increased the number of Nissl bodies. The Laser Speckle Contrast Imager showed that the cortical CBF of VCI rats in the SYD group was significantly increased, and the IF results showed that CD31 expression was significantly increased in the SYD group. The ELISA results showed that the contents of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in SYD were significantly reduced. A total of 29 compounds were found in the plasma and brain tissues of the rats treated with SYD. Network pharmacology revealed 99 targets for the treatment of VCI. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the HIF-1 and MAPK signaling pathways might be important for SYD to ameliorate VCI. WB showed that the expressions of AKT, HIF-1α, and VEGF in the brain tissues of rats were significantly increased; in addition, NF-κB and p38 MAPK were significantly reduced in the SYD group. CONCLUSION SYD can improve the cognitive abilities of VCI rats. The mechanism of action of its active ingredients improves cognitive impairment by affecting the AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF and p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, promoting cerebrovascular generation, and ameliorating neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Menghan Feng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Jia
- Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yueting Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yihang Dai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meixia Zhu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Beibei Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lirong Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zuying Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Xiao
- Research Center of Chinese Medicine Analysis and Transformation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Preclinical and randomized clinical evaluation of the p38α kinase inhibitor neflamapimod for basal forebrain cholinergic degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5308. [PMID: 36130946 PMCID: PMC9492778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosome-associated GTPase Rab5 is a central player in the molecular mechanisms leading to degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN), a long-standing target for drug development. As p38α is a Rab5 activator, we hypothesized that inhibition of this kinase holds potential as an approach to treat diseases associated with BFCN loss. Herein, we report that neflamapimod (oral small molecule p38α inhibitor) reduces Rab5 activity, reverses endosomal pathology, and restores the numbers and morphology of BFCNs in a mouse model that develops BFCN degeneration. We also report on the results of an exploratory (hypothesis-generating) phase 2a randomized double-blind 16-week placebo-controlled clinical trial (Clinical trial registration: NCT04001517/EudraCT #2019-001566-15) of neflamapimod in mild-to-moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a disease in which BFCN degeneration is an important driver of disease expression. A total of 91 participants, all receiving background cholinesterase inhibitor therapy, were randomized 1:1 between neflamapimod 40 mg or matching placebo capsules (taken orally twice-daily if weight <80 kg or thrice-daily if weight >80 kg). Neflamapimod does not show an effect in the clinical study on the primary endpoint, a cognitive-test battery. On two secondary endpoints, a measure of functional mobility and a dementia rating-scale, improvements were seen that are consistent with an effect on BFCN function. Neflamapimod treatment is well-tolerated with no study drug associated treatment discontinuations. The combined preclinical and clinical observations inform on the validity of the Rab5-based pathogenic model of cholinergic degeneration and provide a foundation for confirmatory (hypothesis-testing) clinical evaluation of neflamapimod in DLB.
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47
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Listro R, Rossino G, Piaggi F, Sonekan FF, Rossi D, Linciano P, Collina S. Urea-based anticancer agents. Exploring 100-years of research with an eye to the future. Front Chem 2022; 10:995351. [PMID: 36186578 PMCID: PMC9520293 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.995351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suramin was the first urea-based drug to be approved in clinic, and in the following century a number of milestone drugs based on this scaffold were developed. Indeed, urea soon became a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry for its capability to establish a peculiar network of drug−target interactions, for its physicochemical properties that are useful for tuning the druggability of the new chemical entities, and for its structural and synthetic versatility that opened the door to numerous drug design possibilities. In this review, we highlight the relevance of the urea moiety in the medicinal chemistry scenario of anticancer drugs with a special focus on the kinase inhibitors for which this scaffold represented and still represents a pivotal pharmacophoric feature. A general outlook on the approved drugs, recent patents, and current research in this field is herein provided, and the role of the urea moiety in the drug discovery process is discussed form a medicinal chemistry standpoint. We believe that the present review can benefit both academia and pharmaceutical companies’ medicinal chemists to prompt research towards new urea derivatives as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossino
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Piaggi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Falilat Folasade Sonekan
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Collina,
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Pinocembrin Inhibits P2X4 Receptor–Mediated Pyroptosis in Hippocampus to Alleviate the Behaviours of Chronic Pain and Depression Comorbidity in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7119-7133. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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49
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Hwang E, Scarlett JM, Baquero AF, Bennett CM, Dong Y, Chau D, Brown JM, Mercer AJ, Meek TH, Grove KL, Phan BAN, Morton GJ, Williams KW, Schwartz MW. Sustained inhibition of NPY/AgRP neuronal activity by FGF1. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160891. [PMID: 35917179 PMCID: PMC9536267 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodent models of type 2 diabetes (T2D), central administration of FGF1 normalizes elevated blood glucose levels in a manner that is sustained for weeks or months. Increased activity of NPY/AgRP neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia in these animals, and the ARC is a key brain area for the antidiabetic action of FGF1. We therefore sought to determine whether FGF1 inhibits NPY/AgRP neurons and, if so, whether this inhibitory effect is sufficiently durable to offer a feasible explanation for sustained diabetes remission induced by central administration of FGF1. Here, we show that FGF1 inhibited ARC NPY/AgRP neuron activity, both after intracerebroventricular injection in vivo and when applied ex vivo in a slice preparation; we also showed that the underlying mechanism involved increased input from presynaptic GABAergic neurons. Following central administration, the inhibitory effect of FGF1 on NPY/AgRP neurons was also highly durable, lasting for at least 2 weeks. To our knowledge, no precedent for such a prolonged inhibitory effect exists. Future studies are warranted to determine whether NPY/AgRP neuron inhibition contributes to the sustained antidiabetic action elicited by intracerebroventricular FGF1 injection in rodent models of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsang Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jarrad M. Scarlett
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arian F. Baquero
- Obesity Research, Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Camdin M. Bennett
- Obesity Research, Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yanbin Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dominic Chau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jenny M. Brown
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Copenhagen, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aaron J. Mercer
- Obesity Research, Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas H. Meek
- Obesity Research, Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Discovery Technologies & Genomics, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin L. Grove
- Obesity Research, Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bao Anh N. Phan
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory J. Morton
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin W. Williams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michael W. Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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50
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Song J, Nilsson G, Xu Y, Zelco A, Rocha-Ferreira E, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang S, Ek J, Hagberg H, Zhu C, Wang X. Temporal brain transcriptome analysis reveals key pathological events after germinal matrix hemorrhage in neonatal rats. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1632-1649. [PMID: 35491813 PMCID: PMC9441725 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221098811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a common complication in preterm infants and is associated with high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We used a rat GMH model and performed RNA sequencing to investigate the signaling pathways and biological processes following hemorrhage. GMH induced brain injury characterized by early hematoma and subsequent tissue loss. At 6 hours after GMH, gene expression indicated an increase in mitochondrial activity such as ATP metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation along with upregulation of cytoprotective pathways and heme metabolism. At 24 hours after GMH, the expression pattern suggested an increase in cell cycle progression and downregulation of neurodevelopmental-related pathways. At 72 hours after GMH, there was an increase in genes related to inflammation and an upregulation of ferroptosis. Hemoglobin components and genes related to heme metabolism and ferroptosis such as Hmox1, Alox15, and Alas2 were among the most upregulated genes. We observed dysregulation of processes involved in development, mitochondrial function, cholesterol biosynthesis, and inflammation, all of which contribute to neurodevelopmental deterioration following GMH. This study is the first temporal transcriptome profile providing a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain injury following GMH, and it provides useful guidance in the search for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Song
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gisela Nilsson
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aura Zelco
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Ek
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Hagberg
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Centre for Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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