1
|
Leal H, Carvalhas-Almeida C, Álvaro AR, Cavadas C. Modeling hypothalamic pathophysiology in vitro for metabolic, circadian, and sleep disorders. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:505-517. [PMID: 38307813 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.001] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The hypothalamus, a small and intricate brain structure, orchestrates numerous neuroendocrine functions through specialized neurons and nuclei. Disruption of this complex circuitry can result in various diseases, including metabolic, circadian, and sleep disorders. Advances in in vitro models and their integration with new technologies have significantly benefited research on hypothalamic function and pathophysiology. We explore existing in vitro hypothalamic models and address their challenges and limitations as well as translational findings. We also highlight how collaborative efforts among multidisciplinary teams are essential to develop relevant and translational experimental models capable of replicating intricate neural circuits and neuroendocrine pathways, thereby advancing our understanding of therapeutic targets and drug discovery in hypothalamus-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Leal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Carvalhas-Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Álvaro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Geiger F, Zeitlmayr S, Staab-Weijnitz CA, Rajan S, Breit A, Gudermann T, Dietrich A. An Inhibitory Function of TRPA1 Channels in TGF-β1-driven Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 68:314-325. [PMID: 36378826 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0159oc] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1) is a nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channel, which was originally cloned from human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ entry is evoked by exposure to several chemicals, including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and a protective effect of TRPA1 activation in the development of cardiac fibrosis has been proposed. Yet the function of TRPA1 in TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)-driven fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and the development of pulmonary fibrosis remains elusive. TRPA1 expression and function were analyzed in cultured primary HLFs, and mRNA concentrations were significantly reduced after adding TGF-β1. Expression of genes encoding fibrosis markers (e.g., ACTA2, SERPINE1 [plasminogen activator inhibitor 1], FN1 [fibronectin], COL1A1 [type I collagen]) was increased after siRNA-mediated downregulation of TRPA1 mRNA in HLFs. Moreover, AITC-induced Ca2+ entry in HLFs was decreased after TGF-β1 treatment and by application of TRPA1 siRNAs, while AITC treatment alone did not reduce cell viability or enhance apoptosis. Most interestingly, AITC-induced TRPA1 activation augmented ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and SMAD2 linker phosphorylation, which might inhibit TGF-β-receptor signaling. Our results suggest an inhibitory function of TRPA1 channels in TGF-β1-driven fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Therefore, activation of TRPA1 channels might be protective during the development of pulmonary fibrosis in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Geiger
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Sarah Zeitlmayr
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive and Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Suhasini Rajan
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Alexander Dietrich
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| |
Collapse
|