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Zieger V, Frejek D, Zimmermann S, Miotto GAA, Koltay P, Zengerle R, Kartmann S. Towards Automation in 3D Cell Culture: Selective and Gentle High-Throughput Handling of Spheroids and Organoids via Novel Pick-Flow-Drop Principle. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303350. [PMID: 38265410 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303350] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
3D cell culture is becoming increasingly important for mimicking physiological tissue structures in areas such as drug discovery and personalized medicine. To enable reproducibility on a large scale, automation technologies for standardized handling are still a challenge. Here, a novel method for fully automated size classification and handling of cell aggregates like spheroids and organoids is presented. Using microfluidic flow generated by a piezoelectric droplet generator, aggregates are aspirated from a reservoir on one side of a thin capillary and deposited on the other side, encapsulated in free-flying nanoliter droplets to a target. The platform has aggregate aspiration and plating efficiencies of 98.1% and 98.4%, respectively, at a processing throughput of up to 21 aggregates per minute. Cytocompatibility of the method is thoroughly assessed with MCF7, LNCaP, A549 spheroids and colon organoids, revealing no adverse effects on cell aggregates as shear stress is reduced compared to manual pipetting. Further, generic size-selective handling of heterogeneous organoid samples, single-aggregate-dispensing efficiencies of up to 100% and the successful embedding of spheroids or organoids in a hydrogel with subsequent proliferation is demonstrated. This platform is a powerful tool for standardized 3D in vitro research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Zieger
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Frejek
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Koltay
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kartmann
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
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Naveed M, Malik A, Anjum H, Ijaz B. LncRNA MALAT1 Expression Regulates Breast Cancer Progression via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Modulation. Biochem Genet 2023:10.1007/s10528-023-10592-6. [PMID: 38110774 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10592-6] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant health challenge for women globally, including the Pakistani population. Numerous pathways and small molecules like noncoding ribonucleotides are implicated in breast cancer development and progression. Among these, lncRNAs, have garnered considerable attention due to their role in breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. In the current study involving 52 mammary tumor samples from the Pakistani population, the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 (metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) was studied via RT-PCR (Real-Time polymerase chain reaction). In addition, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway expression was also assessed through RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in breast cancer patient samples. The study also investigated the cross-talk of lncRNA MALAT1 and PI3K pathway genes by inhibiting it with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) in MDA-MB-231 cell line. Furthermore, lncRNA MALAT1 was silenced in MDA-MB-231 cells using siRNA to determine its impact on breast cancer proliferation and metastasis. The results revealed an upregulated expression of MALAT1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes in grade II and III breast tissue samples before chemotherapy. The proliferation, growth, and invasion of breast cancer cells were significantly reduced upon MALAT1 silencing in MDA-MB-231. Further, its downregulation substantially reduced the PI3K pathway expression levels at mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, the current study suggests that MALAT1 could serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer, underscoring its role in breast cancer proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, the study proposes a mechanism of action of MALAT1, demonstrating that its inhibition can reduce the expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. These findings emphasize the potential significance of targeting MALAT1 as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, and further exploration of this interaction is warranted to gain deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of this lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Naveed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road Thokar Niaz Baig , Lahore, 53700, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Malik
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road Thokar Niaz Baig , Lahore, 53700, Pakistan
| | - Hamza Anjum
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road Thokar Niaz Baig , Lahore, 53700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Ijaz
- Laboratory of Applied and Functional Genomics, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Bank Road, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan.
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Wang R, Li N, Zhang T, Sun Y, He X, Lu X, Chu L, Sun K. Tumor microenvironment-responsive micelles assembled from a prodrug of mitoxantrone and 1-methyl tryptophan for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2182254. [PMID: 36840464 PMCID: PMC9970211 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2182254] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitoxantrone (MX) can induce the immunogenic-cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and activate anti-tumor immune responses. However, it can also cause high expression of indole amine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) during ICD, leading to T-cell apoptosis and a weakened immune response. An IDO inhibitor, 1-methyl tryptophan (1-MT), can inhibit the activity of IDO caused by MX, resulting in enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. Here, MX-1-MT was connected by ester bond which could be broken in an acidic tumor microenvironment. MX-1-MT was combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) via a disulfide bond which could be reduced by glutathione overexpressed in tumors, thereby accelerating drug release at target sites. Folic acid-modified distearoyl phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG-FA) was introduced to form targeting micelles. The micelles were of uniform particle size, high stability, and high responsiveness. They could be taken-up by drug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells, displayed high targeting ability, and induced enhanced cytotoxicity and ICD. Due to 1-MT addition, micelles could inhibit IDO. In vivo studies demonstrated that micelles could accumulate in the tumor tissues of nude mice, resulting in an enhanced antitumor effect and few side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nuannuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yiying Sun
- Yantai Saipute Analyzing Service Co. Ltd, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Liuxiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kaoxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China,CONTACT Kaoxiang Sun Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
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Llorente A, Loughran RM, Emerling BM. Targeting phosphoinositide signaling in cancer: relevant techniques to study lipids and novel avenues for therapeutic intervention. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1297355. [PMID: 37954209 PMCID: PMC10634348 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1297355] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides serve as essential players in numerous biological activities and are critical for overall cellular function. Due to their complex chemical structures, localization, and low abundance, current challenges in the phosphoinositide field include the accurate measurement and identification of specific variants, particularly those with acyl chains. Researchers are intensively developing innovative techniques and approaches to address these challenges and advance our understanding of the impact of phosphoinositide signaling on cellular biology. This article provides an overview of recent advances in the study of phosphoinositides, including mass spectrometry, lipid biosensors, and real-time activity assays using fluorometric sensors. These methodologies have proven instrumental for a comprehensive exploration of the cellular distribution and dynamics of phosphoinositides and have shed light on the growing significance of these lipids in human health and various pathological processes, including cancer. To illustrate the importance of phosphoinositide signaling in disease, this perspective also highlights the role of a family of lipid kinases named phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks), which have recently emerged as exciting therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The ongoing exploration of phosphoinositide signaling not only deepens our understanding of cellular biology but also holds promise for novel interventions in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brooke M. Emerling
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Ha S, Gujrati H, Wang BD. Aberrant PI3Kδ splice isoform as a potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target for endocrine cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1190479. [PMID: 37670888 PMCID: PMC10475954 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1190479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is upregulated in a broad spectrum of cancers. Among the class I PI3Ks (PI3Kδ/β/δ isoforms), PI3Kδ has been implicated in hematologic cancers and solid tumors. Alternative splicing is a post-transcriptional process for acquiring proteomic diversity in eukaryotic cells. Emerging evidence has highlighted the involvement of aberrant mRNA splicing in cancer development/progression. Methods Our previous studies revealed that PIK3CD-S is an oncogenic splice variant that promotes tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in prostate cancer (PCa). To further evaluate the potential of utilizing PI3Kδ-S (encoded from PIK3CD-S) as a cancer biomarker and/or drug target, comprehensive analyses were performed in a series of patient samples and cell lines derived from endocrine/solid tumors. Specifically, IHC, immunofluorescence, western blot and RT-PCR assay results have demonstrated that PI3Kδ isoforms were highly expressed in endocrine/solid tumor patient specimens and cell lines. Results Differential PIK3CD-S/PIK3CD-L expression profiles were identified in a panel of endocrine/solid tumor cells. SiRNA knockdown of PIK3CD-L or PIK3CD-S differentially inhibits AKT/mTOR signaling in PCa, breast, colon and lung cancer cell lines. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of PTEN increased PI3Kδ levels and activated AKT/mTOR signaling, while overexpression of PTEN reduced PI3Kδ levels and inhibited AKT/mTOR signaling in cancer cells. Intriguingly, PI3Kδ-S levels remained unchanged upon either siRNA knockdown or overexpression of PTEN. Taken together, these results suggested that PTEN negatively regulates PI3Kδ-L and its downstream AKT/mTOR signaling, while PI3Kδ-S promotes AKT/mTOR signaling without regulation by PTEN. Lastly, PI3Kδ inhibitor Idelalisib and SRPK1/2 inhibitor SRPIN340 were employed to assess their efficacies on inhibiting the PI3Kδ-expressing endocrine/solid tumors. Our results have shown that Idelalisib effectively inhibited PI3Kδ-L (but not PI3Kδ-S) mediated AKT/mTOR signaling. In contrast, SRPIN340 reversed the aberrant mRNA splicing, thereby inhibiting AKT/mTOR signaling. In-vitro functional assays have further demonstrated that a combination of Idelalisib and SRPIN340 achieved a synergistic drug effect (with drastically reduced cell viabilities/growths of tumor spheroids) in inhibiting the advanced tumor cells. Conclusion In summary, our study has suggested a promising potential of utilizing PI3Kδ-S (an oncogenic isoform conferring drug resistance and exempt from PTEN regulation) as a prognostic biomarker and drug target in advanced endocrine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyoung Ha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, United States
| | - Himali Gujrati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, United States
| | - Bi-Dar Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, United States
- Hormone Related Cancers Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wu Q, Zhou D, Shen Z, Chen B, Wang G, Wu L, Zhang L, Li X, Yuan L, Wu Y, Qu N, Zhou W. VPS34-IN1 induces apoptosis of ER + breast cancer cells via activating PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115634. [PMID: 37290596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115634] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
VPS34-IN1 is a specific selective inhibitor of Class III Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and has been shown to exhibit a significant antitumor effect in leukemia and liver cancer. In current study, we focused on the anticancer effect and potential mechanism of VPS34-IN1 in estrogen receptor positive (ER + ) breast cancer. Our results revealed that VPS34-IN1 inhibited the viability of ER + breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses showed that VPS34-IN1 treatment induced breast cancer cell apopotosis. Interestingly, VPS34-IN1 treatment activated protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) branch of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, knockdown of PERK by siRNA or inhibition of PERK activity by chemical inhibitor GSK2656157 could attenuate VPS34-IN1-mediated apoptosis in ER + breast cancer cells. Collectively, VPS34-IN1 has an antitumor effect in breast cancer, and it may result from activating PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway of ER stress to induce cell apoptosis. These findings broaden our understanding of the anti-breast cancer effects and mechanisms of VPS34-IN1 and provide new ideas and reference directions for the treatment of ER + breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuya Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Duanfang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhengze Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 439 Xuanhua Road, Yongchuan District, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lihong Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Limei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuanli Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Na Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Weiying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Liu Y, Yang Q, Chen S, Li Z, Fu L. Targeting VPS34 in autophagy: An update on pharmacological small-molecule compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115467. [PMID: 37178482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
VPS34 is well-known to be the unique member of the class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family, forming VPS34 complex 1 and complex 2, which are involved in several key physiological processes. Of note, VPS34 complex 1 is an important node of autophagosome generation, which controls T cell metabolism and maintains cellular homeostasis through the autophagic pathway. And, VPS34 complex 2 is involved in endocytosis as well as vesicular transport, and is closely related to neurotransmission, antigen presentation and brain development. Due to the two important biological functions of VPS34, its dysregulation can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurological disorders, and many types of human diseases by altering normal human physiology. Thus, in this review, we not only summarize the molecular structure and function of VPS34, but demonstrate the relationships between VPS34 and human diseases. Moreover, we further discuss the current small molecule inhibitors targeting VPS34 based upon the structure and function of VPS34, which may provide an insight into the future targeted drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Qilin Yang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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Androgens and NGF Mediate the Neurite-Outgrowth through Inactivation of RhoA. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030373. [PMID: 36766714 PMCID: PMC9913450 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030373] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones and growth factors control neuritogenesis through their cognate receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. We have already shown that nerve growth factor and androgens induce neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells through a reciprocal crosstalk between the NGF receptor, TrkA and the androgen receptor. Here, we report that androgens or NGF induce neuritogenesis in PC12 cells through inactivation of RhoA. Ectopic expression of the dominant negative RhoA N19 promotes, indeed, the neurite-elongation of unchallenged and androgen- or NGF-challenged PC12 cells and the increase in the expression levels of βIII tubulin, a specific neuronal marker. Pharmacological inhibition of the Ser/Thr kinase ROCK, an RhoA effector, induces neuritogenesis in unchallenged PC12 cells, and potentiates the effect of androgens and NGF, confirming the role of RhoA/ROCK axis in the neuritogenesis induced by androgen and NGF, through the phosphorylation of Akt. These findings suggest that therapies based on new selective androgen receptor modulators and/or RhoA/ROCK inhibitors might exert beneficial effects in the treatment of neuro-disorders, neurological diseases and ageing-related processes.
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