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Del Casale A, Modesti MN, Gentile G, Guariglia C, Ferracuti S, Simmaco M, Borro M. Is the Hedgehog Pathway Involved in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia? A Systematic Review of Current Evidence of Neural Molecular Correlates and Perspectives on Drug Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5322-5336. [PMID: 38920990 PMCID: PMC11202070 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060318] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the pathophysiological correlates of schizophrenia, recent research suggests a potential role for the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway, which has been traditionally studied in embryonic development and oncology. Its dysregulation may impact brain homeostasis, neuroplasticity, and potential involvement in neural processes. This systematic review provides an overview of the involvement of Hh signalling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and antipsychotic responses. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify peer-reviewed scientific studies focusing on Hh and schizophrenia, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, finally including eight studies, including three articles focused on patients with schizophrenia, two animal models of schizophrenia, two animal embryo studies, and one cellular differentiation study. The Hh pathway is crucial in the development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, neuroplasticity mechanisms, regulating astrocyte phenotype and function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, brain glutamatergic neural transmission, and responses to antipsychotics. Overall, results indicate an involvement of Hh in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and antipsychotic responses, although an exiguity of studies characterises the literature. The heterogeneity between animal and human studies is another main limitation. Further research can lead to better comprehension and the development of novel personalised drug treatments and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Psychiatry, Emergency and Admissions Department, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, Mental Health Department, Santissimo Gonfalone Hospital, Local Health Service Roma 5, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Risk Management, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Chen YL, Feng XL, Tam KW, Fan CY, Cheung MPL, Yang YT, Wong S, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung CW, Cheung M, Liu JA. Intrinsic and extrinsic actions of human neural progenitors with SUFU inhibition promote tissue repair and functional recovery from severe spinal cord injury. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38519518 PMCID: PMC10959923 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00352-4] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs) provide major cell sources for repairing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the injury niche and inadequate intrinsic factors in the adult spinal cord restrict the therapeutic potential of transplanted NPCs. The Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) has crucial roles in neurodevelopment by promoting the formation of motorneurons and oligodendrocytes as well as its recently described neuroprotective features in response to the injury, indicating its essential role in neural homeostasis and tissue repair. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated SHH signaling in hNPCs by inhibiting its negative regulator, SUFU, enhanced cell survival and promoted robust neuronal differentiation with extensive axonal outgrowth, counteracting the harmful effects of the injured niche. Importantly, SUFU inhibition in NPCs exert non-cell autonomous effects on promoting survival and neurogenesis of endogenous cells and modulating the microenvironment by reducing suppressive barriers around lesion sites. The combined beneficial effects of SUFU inhibition in hNPCs resulted in the effective reconstruction of neuronal connectivity with the host and corticospinal regeneration, significantly improving neurobehavioral recovery in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that SUFU inhibition confers hNPCs with potent therapeutic potential to overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers in transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang-Lan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao-Yang Fan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui-Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ting Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stanley Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong sanatorium hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Chen Y, Ren P, He X, Yan F, Gu R, Bai J, Zhang X. Olfactory bulb neurogenesis depending on signaling in the subventricular zone. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:11102-11111. [PMID: 37746807 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfaction is a crucial sense that is essential for the well-being and survival of individuals. Olfactory bulb (OB) is the first olfactory relay station, and its function depends on newly generated neurons from the subventricular zone (SVZ). These newly born neurons constantly migrate through the rostral migratory stream to integrate into existing neural networks within the OB, thereby contributing to olfactory information processing. However, the mechanisms underlying the contribution of SVZ adult neurogenesis to OB neurogenesis remain largely elusive. Adult neurogenesis is a finely regulated multistep process involving the proliferation of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) and neural precursor cells, as well as the migration and differentiation of neuroblasts, and integration of newly generated neurons into preexisting neuronal circuitries. Recently, extensive studies have explored the mechanism of SVZ and OB neurogenesis. This review focused on elucidating various molecules and signaling pathways associated with OB neurogenesis dependent on the SVZ function. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the OB neurogenesis on the adult brain is an attractive prospect to induce aNSCs in SVZ to generate new neurons to ameliorate olfactory dysfunction that is involved in various diseases. It will also contribute to developing new strategies for the human aNSCs-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Peng Ren
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiongjie He
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Rou Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xianwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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Wang X, Tan S, Yang S, Liu X, Lei J, Li H. Activation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Regulates Human Trabecular Meshwork Cell Function. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:430-438. [PMID: 37307020 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0022] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling on primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Methods: Primary HTM cells were isolated from healthy donors and cultured. Recombinant Shh (rShh) protein and cyclopamine were used to activate and inhibit the Shh signaling pathway, respectively. A cell viability assay was performed to assess the effects of rShh on the activity of primary HTM cells. Functional assessment of cell adhesion and phagocytosis was also performed. The proportion of apoptotic cells was examined using flow cytometry. Fibronectin (FN) and transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2) protein were detected to assess the influence of rShh on the metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of Shh signaling pathway-associated factors GLI Family Zinc Finger 1 (GLI1) and Suppressor of Fused (SUFU). Results: rShh significantly enhanced primary HTM cell viability at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL. rShh increased the adhesion and phagocytic abilities of primary HTM cells, and decreased cell apoptosis. FN and TGF-β2 protein expression increased in primary HTM cells treated with rShh. rShh upregulated the transcriptional activity and protein levels of GLI1, and downregulated those of SUFU. Correspondingly, the rShh-induced GLI1 upexpression was partially blocked by pretreatment with the Shh pathway inhibitor cyclopamine at a concentration of 10 μM. Conclusions: Activation of Shh signaling can regulate the function of primary HTM cells through GLI1. Regulation of Shh signaling may be a potential target for attenuating cell damage in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Sisi Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianmao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Junqin Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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