1
|
Stahl A, Tomchik SM. Modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Drosophila mushroom body. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053816. [PMID: 38876485 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053816.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful platform to investigate the genetic, molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms of behavior. Research in this model system has shed light on multiple aspects of brain physiology and behavior, from fundamental neuronal function to complex behaviors. A major anatomical region that modulates complex behaviors is the mushroom body (MB). The MB integrates multimodal sensory information and is involved in behaviors ranging from sensory processing/responses to learning and memory. Many genes that underlie brain disorders are conserved, from flies to humans, and studies in Drosophila have contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain disorders. Genetic mutations that mimic human diseases-such as Fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease-affect MB structure and function, altering behavior. Studies dissecting the effects of disease-causing mutations in the MB have identified key pathological mechanisms, and the development of a complete connectome promises to add a comprehensive anatomical framework for disease modeling. Here, we review Drosophila models of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders via the effects of their underlying mutations on MB structure, function, and the resulting behavioral alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Empowering Melatonin Therapeutics with Drosophila Models. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040067. [PMID: 34698120 PMCID: PMC8544433 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin functions as a central regulator of cell and organismal function as well as a neurohormone involved in several processes, e.g., the regulation of the circadian rhythm, sleep, aging, oxidative response, and more. As such, it holds immense pharmacological potential. Receptor-mediated melatonin function mainly occurs through MT1 and MT2, conserved amongst mammals. Other melatonin-binding proteins exist. Non-receptor-mediated activities involve regulating the mitochondrial function and antioxidant cascade, which are frequently affected by normal aging as well as disease. Several pathologies display diseased or dysfunctional mitochondria, suggesting melatonin may be used therapeutically. Drosophila models have extensively been employed to study disease pathogenesis and discover new drugs. Here, we review the multiple functions of melatonin through the lens of functional conservation and model organism research to empower potential melatonin therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative and renal diseases.
Collapse
|
3
|
Beneficial Effect of Melatonin on Motor and Memory Disturbances in 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:702-712. [PMID: 33403591 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01760-z] [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: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous evidence has shown a link between neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), and melatonin. The data in the literature about the impact of the hormone under different experimental PD conditions are quite controversial, and its effect on memory impairment in the disease is very poorly explored. The current research was aimed at investigating the role of melatonin pretreatment on memory and motor behavior in healthy rats and those with the partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD. All rodents were pretreated with melatonin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 5 days. At 24 h and 7 days after the first treatment for healthy rats, and at the second and third week post-lesion for those with PD, the animals were tested behaviorally (apomorphine-induced rotations, rotarod, and passive avoidance tests). The neurochemical levels of dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin (Sero) in the brain were also determined. The results showed that in healthy animals, melatonin pretreatment had amnestic and motor-suppressive effects and did not change the levels of measured brain neurotransmitters. In animals with PD, melatonin pretreatment exerted a neuroprotective effect, manifested as a significantly decreased number of apomorphine-induced rotations, reduced number of falls in the rotarod test, and improved memory performance. The brain DA and ACh concentrations in the same animals were restored to the control levels, and those of NA and Sero did not change. Our results demonstrate a beneficial effect of melatonin on memory and motor disturbance in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bhat A, Pires AS, Tan V, Babu Chidambaram S, Guillemin GJ. Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Tryptophan Metabolism. Int J Tryptophan Res 2020; 13:1178646920970902. [PMID: 33281456 PMCID: PMC7686593 DOI: 10.1177/1178646920970902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep has a regulatory role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and cellular functions. Inadequate sleep time and sleep disorders have become more prevalent in the modern lifestyle. Fragmentation of sleep pattern alters critical intracellular second messengers and neurotransmitters which have key functions in brain development and behavioral functions. Tryptophan metabolism has also been found to get altered in SD and it is linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. The kynurenine pathway is a major regulator of the immune response. Adequate sleep alleviates neuroinflammation and facilitates the cellular clearance of metabolic toxins produced within the brain, while sleep deprivation activates the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway, which results in an increased accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites. SD causes increased production and accumulation of kynurenic acid in various regions of the brain. Higher levels of kynurenic acid have been found to trigger apoptosis, leads to cognitive decline, and inhibit neurogenesis. This review aims to link the impact of sleep deprivation on tryptophan metabolism and associated complication in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ananda Staats Pires
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Onaolapo AY, Adebisi EO, Adeleye AE, Olofinnade AT, Onaolapo OJ. Dietary Melatonin Protects Against Behavioural, Metabolic, Oxidative, and Organ Morphological Changes in Mice that are Fed High-Fat, High- Sugar Diet. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 20:570-583. [PMID: 32138638 DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666191009161228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome is a complex pattern of disorders that occur jointly and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore the need for more-efficient options of treatment has become imperative. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effect of dietary-melatonin in the management of behavioural, metabolic, antioxidant, and organ changes due to high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice. METHODS Mice were randomly assigned into five groups of ten animals each. Groups were normal control [fed standard diet (SD)], HFHS control, and 3 groups of melatonin incorporated into HFHS at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of feed. Mice were fed for seven weeks, and body weight was assessed weekly. Open-field behaviours, radial-arm, and Y-maze spatial memory were scored at the end of the experimental period. Twenty-four hours after the last behavioural test, blood was taken for estimation of blood glucose levels after an overnight fast. Animals were then euthanised, and blood was taken for estimation of plasma insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels, and serum lipid profile. The liver, kidneys, and brain were excised and processed for general histology, while homogenates of the liver and whole brain were used to assess oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS Results showed that dietary melatonin (compared to HFHS diet) was associated with a decrease in body weight, food intake, and novelty-induced behaviours; and an increase in spatial-working memory scores. A decrease in glucose, insulin, leptin, and malondialdehyde levels; and an increase in adiponectin levels and superoxide dismutase activity were also observed. Histomorphological/ histomorphometric examination revealed evidence of organ injury with HFHS diet, and varying degrees of amelioration with melatonin-supplemented diet. CONCLUSION In conclusion, dietary melatonin supplementation may have beneficial effects in the management of the metabolic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo
- Behavioural Neuroscience and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Anthony Tope Olofinnade
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Olakunle James Onaolapo
- Behavioural Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Unit, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo Y, Yang J, Wang H, Gan Z, Ran D. Cellular Mechanism Underlying rTMS Treatment for the Neural Plasticity of Nervous System in Drosophila Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184625. [PMID: 31540425 PMCID: PMC6770261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is used as a research tool and clinical treatment for the non-clinical and clinical populations, to modulate brain plasticity. In the case of neurologic and psychiatric disease, there is significant evidence to suggest that rTMS plays an important role in the functional recovery after neurological dysfunction. However, the causal role for rTMS in the recovery of nervous dysfunction remains unclear. The purpose of the present study is to detect the regulation of rTMS on the excitatory neuronal transmission and specify the mode of action of rTMS on the neural plasticity using Drosophila whole brain. Therefore, we identified the effects of rTMS on the neural plasticity of central neural system (CNS) by detecting the electrophysiology properties of projection neurons (PNs) from adult Drosophila brain after rTMS. Using patch clamp recordings, we recorded the mini excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) of PNs after rTMS at varying frequencies (1 Hz and 100 Hz) and intensities (1%, 10%, 50%, and 100%). Then, the chronic electrophysiology recordings, including mEPSC, spontaneous action potential (sAP), and calcium channel currents from PNs after rTMS at low frequency (1 Hz), with low intensity (1%) were detected and the properties of the recordings were analyzed. Finally, the frequency and decay time of mEPSC, the resting potential and frequency of sAP, and the current density and rise time of calcium channel currents were significantly changed by rTMS. Our work reveals that rTMS can be used as a tool to regulate the presynaptic function of neural circuit, by modulating the calcium channel in a frequency-, intensity- and time-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Junqing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Zongjie Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Donzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tamtaji OR, Reiter RJ, Alipoor R, Dadgostar E, Kouchaki E, Asemi Z. Melatonin and Parkinson Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives for Molecular Mechanisms. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:15-23. [PMID: 31388798 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic and neurodegenerative disease with motor and nonmotor symptoms. Multiple pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of PD, including apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and changes in the neurotransmitters. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that melatonin supplementation is an appropriate therapy for PD. Administration of melatonin leads to inhibition of some pathways related to apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and dopamine loss in PD. In addition, melatonin improves some nonmotor symptom in patients with PD. Limited studies, however, have evaluated the role of melatonin on molecular mechanisms and clinical symptoms in PD. This review summarizes what is known regarding the impact of melatonin on PD in preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Reza Alipoor
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | | | - Ebrahim Kouchaki
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|