1
|
Li S, Ren X, Guan Y, Zhao F, Cao Y, Geng X, Wang Y, Wu N, Wu L, Zhao X. Genetic etiology study in a large cohort with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00616. [PMID: 38833577 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pathogenic variations in the NTRK1 can cause congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), a rare autosomal recessive inherited neuropathy. The precise diagnosis of CIPA relies on the identification of pathogenic genotypes. Therefore, it is essential to expand the NTRK1 variation spectrum and improve molecular diagnosis methods. In this study, 74 probands with typical manifestations of CIPA but unknown genotypes were recruited. A comprehensive molecular genetic analysis was performed to identify variations in the NTRK1, using techniques including Sanger and next-generation sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), gap-PCR, short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping, and reverse-transcription PCR. In addition, functional assays were conducted to determine the pathogenicity of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and further characterized changes in glycosylation and phosphorylation of 14 overexpressed mutant vectors with variants at different domains in the TrkA protein, which is encoded by NTRK1. A total of 48 variations in the NTRK1 were identified, including 22 novel ones. When combined with data from another 53 CIPA patients examined in our previous work, this study establishes the largest genotypic and phenotypic spectra of CIPA worldwide, including 127 CIPA families. Moreover, functional studies indicated that the pathogenicity of VUS mainly affected insufficient glycosylation in the extracellular domain and abnormal phosphorylation in the intracellular domain. This study not only provides important evidence for precise diagnosis of CIPA but also further enriches our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuzhi Ren
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Feiyue Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhu Geng
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhou Wang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiuli Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Pediatric Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Neurotrophin mimetics and tropomyosin kinase receptors: a futuristic pharmacological tool for Parkinson's. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06684-1. [PMID: 36870001 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06684-1] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a complex age-related progressive dopaminergic neurodegenerative disease consistently viewed as a disorder of movement and is characterized by its cardinal motor symptoms. While the motor symptoms and its clinical manifestations are attributed to the nigral dopaminergic neuronal death and basal ganglia dysfunction, studies have subsequently proven that the non-dopaminergic neurons in various brain regions are also additionally involved with the disease progression. Thus, it is now well accepted that the involvement of various neurotransmitters and other ligands accounts for the non-motor symptoms (NMS) associated with the Parkinson's disease. Consequently, this has demonstrated to possess remarkable clinical concerns to the patients in terms of various disability, such impaired to compromised quality of life and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, available pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical therapeutic strategies neither prevent, arrest, nor reverse the nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Thus, there is an imminent medical necessity to increase patient's quality of life and survival, which in turn decreases the incidence and prevalence of the NMS. The current research article reviews the potential direct involvement of neurotrophin and its mimetics to target and modulate neurotrophin-mediated signal transduction pathways to enlighten a new and novel therapeutic strategy along with the pre-existing treatments for Parkinson's disease and other neurological/neurodegenerative disorders which are associated with the downregulation of neurotrophins.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chiu YJ, Lin TH, Chang KH, Lin W, Hsieh-Li HM, Su MT, Chen CM, Sun YC, Lee-Chen GJ. Novel TRKB agonists activate TRKB and downstream ERK and AKT signaling to protect Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ toxicity. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7568-7586. [PMID: 36170028 PMCID: PMC9550238 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204306] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Decreased BDNF and impaired TRKB signaling contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have shown previously that coumarin derivative LM-031 enhanced CREB/BDNF/BCL2 pathway. In this study we explored if LM-031 analogs LMDS-1 to -4 may act as TRKB agonists to protect SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ toxicity. By docking computation for binding with TRKB using 7,8-DHF as a control, all four LMDS compounds displayed potential of binding to domain d5 of TRKB. In addition, all four LMDS compounds exhibited anti-aggregation and neuroprotective efficacy on SH-SY5Y cells with induced Aβ-GFP expression. Knock-down of TRKB significantly attenuated TRKB downstream signaling and the neurite outgrowth-promoting effects of these LMDS compounds. Among them, LMDS-1 and -2 were further examined for TRKB signaling. Treatment of ERK inhibitor U0126 or PI3K inhibitor wortmannin decreased p-CREB, BDNF and BCL2 in Aβ-GFP cells, implicating the neuroprotective effects are via activating TRKB downstream ERK, PI3K-AKT and CREB signaling. LMDS-1 and -2 are blood–brain barrier permeable as shown by parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Our results demonstrate how LMDS-1 and -2 are likely to work as TRKB agonists to exert neuroprotection in Aβ cells, which may shed light on the potential application in therapeutics of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jen Chiu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chiang NN, Lin TH, Teng YS, Sun YC, Chang KH, Lin CY, Hsieh-Li HM, Su MT, Chen CM, Lee-Chen GJ. Flavones 7,8-DHF, Quercetin, and Apigenin Against Tau Toxicity via Activation of TRKB Signaling in ΔK280 Tau RD-DsRed SH-SY5Y Cells. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:758895. [PMID: 34975454 PMCID: PMC8714935 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.758895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with memory loss and cognitive decline. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein are one of the pathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases including AD. Heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) is a molecular chaperone that promotes the correct folding of other proteins in response to environmental stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2), a redox-regulated transcription factor, is the master regulator of the cellular response to excess reactive oxygen species. Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) is a membrane-bound receptor that, upon binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylates itself to initiate downstream signaling for neuronal survival and axonal growth. In this study, four natural flavones such as 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), wogonin, quercetin, and apigenin were evaluated for Tau aggregation inhibitory activity and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma. Among the tested flavones, 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin reduced Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, and caspase-1 activity as well as improved neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed folding reporter. Treatments with 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin rescued the reduced HSPB1 and NRF2 and activated TRKB-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling to upregulate cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and its downstream antiapoptotic BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2). Knockdown of TRKB attenuated the neuroprotective effects of these three flavones. Our results suggest 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin targeting HSPB1, NRF2, and TRKB to reduce Tau aggregation and protect cells against Tau neurotoxicity and may provide new treatment strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Ni Chiang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Teng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yin Lin
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
NTRK insights: best practices for pathologists. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:298-305. [PMID: 34531526 PMCID: PMC8860742 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of an oncogenic tropomyosin-receptor kinase (TRK) fusion protein in the early 1980s, our understanding of neurotrophic tropomyosin-receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions, their unique patterns of frequency in different tumor types, and methods to detect them have grown in scope and depth. Identification of these molecular alterations in the management of patients with cancer has become increasingly important with the emergence of histology-agnostic, US Food and Drug Administration-approved, effective TRK protein inhibitors. Herein, we review the biology of TRK in normal and malignant tissues, as well as the prevalence and enrichment patterns of these fusions across tumor types. Testing methods currently used to identify NTRK1-3 fusions will be reviewed in detail, with attention to newer assays including RNA-based next-generation sequencing. Recently proposed algorithms for NTRK fusion testing will be compared, and practical insights provided on how testing can best be implemented and communicated within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Collapse
|
6
|
Brahimi F, Galan A, Jmaeff S, Barcelona PF, De Jay N, Dejgaard K, Young JC, Kleinman CL, Thomas DY, Saragovi HU. Alternative Splicing of a Receptor Intracellular Domain Yields Different Ectodomain Conformations, Enabling Isoform-Selective Functional Ligands. iScience 2020; 23:101447. [PMID: 32829283 PMCID: PMC7452315 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Events at a receptor ectodomain affect the intracellular domain conformation, activating signal transduction (out-to-in conformational effects). We investigated the reverse direction (in-to-out) where the intracellular domain may impact on ectodomain conformation. The primary sequences of naturally occurring TrkC receptor isoforms (TrkC-FL and TrkC.T1) only differ at the intracellular domain. However, owing to their differential association with Protein Disulfide Isomerase the isoforms have different disulfide bonding and conformations at the ectodomain. Conformations were exploited to develop artificial ligands, mAbs, and small molecules, with isoform-specific binding and biased activation. Consistent, the physiological ligands NT-3 and PTP-sigma bind both isoforms, but NT-3 activates all signaling pathways, whereas PTP-sigma activates biased signals. Our data support an "in-to-out" model controlling receptor ectodomain conformation, a strategy that enables heterogeneity in receptors, ligands, and bioactivity. These concepts may be extended to the many wild-type or oncogenic receptors with known isoforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo F. Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Nicolas De Jay
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kurt Dejgaard
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason C. Young
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia L. Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Y. Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee AK, Khaled H, Chofflet N, Takahashi H. Synaptic Organizers in Alzheimer's Disease: A Classification Based on Amyloid-β Sensitivity. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:281. [PMID: 32982693 PMCID: PMC7492772 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic pathology is one of the major hallmarks observed from the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), leading to cognitive and memory impairment characteristic of AD patients. Synaptic connectivity and specificity are regulated by multiple trans-bindings between pre- and post-synaptic organizers, the complex of which exerts synaptogenic activity. Neurexins (NRXs) and Leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs) are the major presynaptic organizers promoting synaptogenesis through their distinct binding to a wide array of postsynaptic organizers. Recent studies have shown that amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs), a major detrimental molecule in AD, interact with NRXs and neuroligin-1, an NRX-binding postsynaptic organizer, to cause synaptic impairment. On the other hand, LAR-RPTPs and their postsynaptic binding partners have no interaction with AβOs, and their synaptogenic activity is maintained even in the presence of AβOs. Here, we review the current evidence regarding the involvement of synaptic organizers in AD, with a focus on Aβ synaptic pathology, to propose a new classification where NRX-based and LAR-RPTP-based synaptic organizing complexes are classified into Aβ-sensitive and Aβ-insensitive synaptic organizers, respectively. We further discuss how their different Aβ sensitivity is involved in Aβ vulnerability and tolerance of synapses for exploring potential therapeutic approaches for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Kihoon Lee
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Husam Khaled
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chofflet
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hideto Takahashi
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Unveiling functional motions based on point mutations in biased signaling systems: A normal mode study on nerve growth factor bound to TrkA. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231542. [PMID: 32497034 PMCID: PMC7272051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many receptors elicit signal transduction by activating multiple intracellular pathways. This transduction can be triggered by a non-specific ligand, which simultaneously activates all the signaling pathways of the receptors. However, the binding of one biased ligand preferentially trigger one pathway over another, in a process called biased signaling. The identification the functional motions related to each of these distinct pathways has a direct impact on the development of new effective and specific drugs. We show here how to detect specific functional motions by considering the case of the NGF/TrkA-Ig2 complex. NGF-mediated TrkA receptor activation is dependent on specific structural motions that trigger the neuronal growth, development, and survival of neurons in nervous system. The R221W mutation in the ngf gene impairs nociceptive signaling. We discuss how the large-scale structural effects of this mutation lead to the suppression of collective motions necessary to induce TrkA activation of nociceptive signaling. Our results suggest that subtle changes in the NGF interaction network due to the point mutation are sufficient to inhibit the motions of TrkA receptors putatively linked to nociception. The methodological approach presented in this article, based jointly on the normal mode analysis and the experimentally observed functional alterations due to point mutations provides an essential tool to reveal the structural changes and motions linked to the disease, which in turn could be necessary for a drug design study.
Collapse
|
9
|
Triaca V, Fico E, Sposato V, Caioli S, Ciotti MT, Zona C, Mercanti D, La Mendola D, Satriano C, Rizzarelli E, Tirassa P, Calissano P. hNGF Peptides Elicit the NGF-TrkA Signalling Pathway in Cholinergic Neurons and Retain Full Neurotrophic Activity in the DRG Assay. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020216. [PMID: 32024191 PMCID: PMC7072391 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-based clinical approaches have lacked specific and efficient Tyrosine Kinase A (TrkA) agonists for brain delivery. Nowadays, the characterization of novel small peptidomimetic is taking centre stage in preclinical studies, in order to overcome the main size-related limitation in brain delivery of NGF holoprotein for Central Nervous System (CNS) pathologies. Here we investigated the NGF mimetic properties of the human NGF 1–14 sequence (hNGF1–14) and its derivatives, by resorting to primary cholinergic and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Briefly, we observed that: 1) hNGF1–14 peptides engage the NGF pathway through TrkA phosphorylation at tyrosine 490 (Y490), and activation of ShcC/PI3K and Plc-γ/MAPK signalling, promoting AKT-dependent survival and CREB-driven neuronal activity, as seen by levels of the immediate early gene c-Fos, of the cholinergic marker Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT), and of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); 2) their NGF mimetic activity is lost upon selective TrkA inhibition by means of GW441756; 3) hNGF1–14 peptides are able to sustain DRG survival and differentiation in absence of NGF. Furthermore, the acetylated derivative Ac-hNGF1–14 demonstrated an optimal NGF mimetic activity in both neuronal paradigms and an electrophysiological profile similar to NGF in cholinergic neurons. Cumulatively, the findings here reported pinpoint the hNGF1–14 peptide, and in particular its acetylated derivative, as novel, specific and low molecular weight TrkA specific agonists in both CNS and PNS primary neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), International Campus A. Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-90091357
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Valentina Sposato
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Silvia Caioli
- IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Cristina Zona
- IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “TorVergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Delio Mercanti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (C.S.); (E.R.)
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council (CNR-IC), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR-IBBC), at Department of Sense Organs, University of Rome “ La Sapienza”, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao CY, Zhang CC, Shi XW, Li D, Cao W, Yin X, Gao JM. Sarcodonin G Derivatives Exhibit Distinctive Effects on Neurite Outgrowth by Modulating NGF Signaling in PC12 Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1607-1615. [PMID: 29653489 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcodonin G, one of the cyathane diterpenoids isolated from the mushroom Sarcodon scabrosus, possesses pronounced neurotrophic activity but ambiguous mechanical understanding. In this work, sarcodonin G was chosen as a lead compound to prepare a series of 19- O-benzoyl derivatives by semisynthesis and their neuritogenic activities were evaluated. 6 and 15 (10 μM) were investigated with opposite effects in PC12 cells. 6 exhibited a superior activity to sarcodonin G by promoting NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, while 15 showed an inhibitory effect. Supportingly, 6 and 15 (20 μM) significantly induced and suppressed neurite extension in primary cultured rat cortical neurons, respectively. In mechanism, the two derivatives were revealed to influence NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells through the regulation of PKC-dependent and -independent ERK/CREB signaling as well as the upstream TrkA receptor phosphorylation. Furthermore, a possible pattern of interaction among NGF, 6/15 and TrkA was presented using molecular simulations. It revealed that 6/15 may contribute to the stabilization of the NGF-TrkAd5 complex by establishing several hydrophobic and hydrogen-bond interactions with NGF and TrkA, respectively. Taken together, 6 and 15 modulate PKC-dependent and -independent ERK/CREB signaling pathways possibly by influencing the binding affinity of NGF to the receptor TrkA, and finally regulate neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yu Cao
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| | - Cheng-Chen Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| | - Xin-Wei Shi
- Xi'an Botanical Garden , Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province , Xi'an 710061 , Shaanxi China
| | - Ding Li
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| | - Wei Cao
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| | - Xia Yin
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| | - Jin-Ming Gao
- Shaanxi Key Labotory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy , Northwest A&F University , Yangling 712100 , China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), bind to their high-affinity receptors to promote neuronal survival during brain development. One of the key downstream pathways is the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway, which not only plays a central role in calcium release from internal store but also in activation of TRPC channels coupled with neurotrophin receptors. TRPC channels are required for the neurotrophin-mediated neuronal protective effects. In addition, activation of TRPC channels is able to protect neurons in the absence of neurotrophin. In some circumstances, TRPC channels coupled with metabotropic glutamate receptor may mediate the excitotoxicity by calcium overload. One of the key questions in the field is the channel gating mechanisms; understanding of which would help design compounds to modulate the channel properties. The development and identification of TRPC channel agonists or blockers are promising and may unveil new therapeutic drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy.
Collapse
|
12
|
Norman BH, McDermott JS. Targeting the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Pathway in Drug Discovery. Potential Applications to New Therapies for Chronic Pain. J Med Chem 2016; 60:66-88. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan H. Norman
- Discovery Chemistry
Research and Technologies and ‡Neurophysiology, Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Lilly
Corporate Center, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jeff S. McDermott
- Discovery Chemistry
Research and Technologies and ‡Neurophysiology, Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Lilly
Corporate Center, Indiana 46285, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Naito Y, Lee AK, Takahashi H. Emerging roles of the neurotrophin receptor TrkC in synapse organization. Neurosci Res 2016; 116:10-17. [PMID: 27697534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tropomyosin-receptor-kinase (Trk) receptors have been extensively studied for their roles in kinase-dependent signaling cascades in nervous system development. Synapse organization is coordinated by trans-synaptic interactions of various cell adhesion proteins, a representative example of which is the neurexin-neuroligin complex. Recently, a novel role for TrkC as a synapse organizing protein has been established. Post-synaptic TrkC binds to pre-synaptic type-IIa receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ). TrkC-PTPσ specifically induces excitatory synapses in a kinase domain-independent manner. TrkC has distinct extracellular domains for PTPσ- and NT-3-binding and thus may bind both ligands simultaneously. Indeed, NT-3 enhances the TrkC-PTPσ interaction, thus facilitating synapse induction at the pre-synaptic side and increasing pre-synaptic vesicle recycling in a kinase-independent fashion. A crystal structure study has revealed the detailed structure of the TrkC-PTPσ complex as well as competitive modulation of TrkC-mediated synaptogenesis by heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which bind the same domain of TrkC as PTPσ. Thus, there is strong evidence supporting a role for the TrkC-PTPσ complex in mechanisms underlying the fine turning of neural connectivity. Furthermore, disruption of the TrkC-PTPσ complex may be the underlying cause of certain psychiatric disorders caused by mutations in the gene encoding TrkC (NTRK3), supporting its role in cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Naito
- Synapse Development and Plasticity, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alfred Kihoon Lee
- Synapse Development and Plasticity, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Hideto Takahashi
- Synapse Development and Plasticity, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ledda F, Paratcha G. Assembly of Neuronal Connectivity by Neurotrophic Factors and Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:199. [PMID: 27555809 PMCID: PMC4977320 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper function of the nervous system critically relies on sophisticated neuronal networks interconnected in a highly specific pattern. The architecture of these connections arises from sequential developmental steps such as axonal growth and guidance, dendrite development, target determination, synapse formation and plasticity. Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) transmembrane proteins have been involved in cell-type specific signaling pathways that underlie these developmental processes. The members of this superfamily of proteins execute their functions acting as trans-synaptic cell adhesion molecules involved in target specificity and synapse formation or working in cis as cell-intrinsic modulators of neurotrophic factor receptor trafficking and signaling. In this review, we will focus on novel physiological mechanisms through which LRR proteins regulate neurotrophic factor receptor signaling, highlighting the importance of these modulatory events for proper axonal extension and guidance, tissue innervation and dendrite morphogenesis. Additionally, we discuss few examples linking this set of LRR proteins to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Ledda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine-University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Paratcha
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (IBCN)-CONICET, School of Medicine-University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Neurotrophin, p75, and Trk Signaling Module in the Developing Nervous System of the Marine Annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2456062. [PMID: 27069919 PMCID: PMC4812194 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2456062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, neurotrophic signaling plays an important role in neuronal development, neural circuit formation, and neuronal plasticity, but its evolutionary origin remains obscure. We found and validated nucleotide sequences encoding putative neurotrophic ligands (neurotrophin, NT) and receptors (Trk and p75) in two annelids, Platynereis dumerilii (Errantia) and Capitella teleta (Sedentaria, for which some sequences were found recently by Wilson, 2009). Predicted protein sequences and structures of Platynereis neurotrophic molecules reveal a high degree of conservation with the vertebrate counterparts; some amino acids signatures present in the annelid Trk sequences are absent in the basal chordate amphioxus, reflecting secondary loss in the cephalochordate lineage. In addition, expression analysis of NT, Trk, and p75 during Platynereis development by whole-mount mRNA in situ hybridization supports a role of these molecules in nervous system and circuit development. These annelid data corroborate the hypothesis that the neurotrophic signaling and its involvement in shaping neural networks predate the protostome-deuterostome split and were present in bilaterian ancestors.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kue CS, Kamkaew A, Burgess K, Kiew LV, Chung LY, Lee HB. Small Molecules for Active Targeting in Cancer. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:494-575. [PMID: 26992114 DOI: 10.1002/med.21387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
For the purpose of this review, active targeting in cancer research encompasses strategies wherein a ligand for a cell surface receptor expressed on tumor cells is used to deliver a cytotoxic or imaging cargo. This area of research is more than two decades old, but in those 20 and more years, how many receptors have been studied extensively? What kinds of the ligands are used for active targeting? Are they mostly naturally occurring molecules such as folic acid, or synthetic substances developed in campaigns for medicinal chemistry efforts? This review outlines the most important receptor or ligand combinations that have been used in active targeting to answer these questions, and therefore to address the most important one of all: is research in active targeting affording diminishing returns, or is this an area for which the potential far exceeds progress made so far?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chin S Kue
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anyanee Kamkaew
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Lik V Kiew
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lip Y Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong B Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luberg K, Park R, Aleksejeva E, Timmusk T. Novel transcripts reveal a complex structure of the human TRKA gene and imply the presence of multiple protein isoforms. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:78. [PMID: 26581861 PMCID: PMC4652384 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tropomyosin-related kinase A (TRKA) is a nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor that belongs to the tyrosine kinase receptor family. It is critical for the correct development of many types of neurons including pain-mediating sensory neurons and also controls proliferation, differentiation and survival of many neuronal and non-neuronal cells. TRKA (also known as NTRK1) gene is a target of alternative splicing which can result in several different protein isoforms. Presently, three human isoforms (TRKAI, TRKAII and TRKAIII) and two rat isoforms (TRKA L0 and TRKA L1) have been described. Results We show here that human TRKA gene is overlapped by two genes and spans 67 kb—almost three times the size that has been previously described. Numerous transcription initiation sites from eight different 5′ exons and a sophisticated splicing pattern among exons encoding the extracellular part of TRKA receptor indicate that there might be a large variety of alternative protein isoforms. TrkA genes in rat and mouse appear to be considerably shorter, are not overlapped by other genes and display more straightforward splicing patterns. We describe the expression profile of alternatively spliced TRKA transcripts in different tissues of human, rat and mouse, as well as analyze putative endogenous TRKA protein isoforms in human SH-SY5Y and rat PC12 cells. We also characterize a selection of novel putative protein isoforms by portraying their phosphorylation, glycosylation and intracellular localization patterns. Our findings show that an isoform comprising mainly of TRKA kinase domain is capable of entering the nucleus. Conclusions Results obtained in this study refer to the existence of a multitude of TRKA mRNA and protein isoforms, with some putative proteins possessing very distinct properties. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-015-0215-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Luberg
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Competence Center for Cancer Research, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Rahel Park
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Competence Center for Cancer Research, Tallinn, Estonia. .,VIB lab for Systems Biology & CMPG Lab for Genetics and Genomics, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elina Aleksejeva
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Competence Center for Cancer Research, Tallinn, Estonia. .,French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Paris, France.
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Competence Center for Cancer Research, Tallinn, Estonia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shoemark DK, Williams C, Fahey MS, Watson JJ, Tyler SJ, Scoltock SJ, Ellis RZ, Wickenden E, Burton AJ, Hemmings JL, Bailey CD, Dawbarn D, Jane DE, Willis CL, Sessions RB, Allen SJ, Crump MP. Design and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure determination of the second extracellular immunoglobulin tyrosine kinase A (TrkAIg2) domain construct for binding site elucidation in drug discovery. J Med Chem 2014; 58:767-77. [PMID: 25454499 PMCID: PMC4504729 DOI: 10.1021/jm501307e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) receptor
is a validated therapeutic
intervention point for a wide range of conditions. TrkA activation
by nerve growth factor (NGF) binding the second extracellular immunoglobulin
(TrkAIg2) domain triggers intracellular signaling cascades. In the
periphery, this promotes the pain phenotype and, in the brain, cell
survival or differentiation. Reproducible structural information and
detailed validation of protein–ligand interactions aid drug
discovery. However, the isolated TrkAIg2 domain crystallizes as a β-strand-swapped
dimer in the absence of NGF, occluding the binding surface. Here we
report the design and structural validation by nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy of the first stable, biologically active construct of
the TrkAIg2 domain for binding site confirmation. Our structure closely
mimics the wild-type fold of TrkAIg2 in complex with NGF (1WWW.pdb), and the 1H–15N correlation spectra confirm that both
NGF and a competing small molecule interact at the known binding interface
in solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie K Shoemark
- School of Clinical Sciences, Level 2, Learning and Research, Southmead Hospital , Bristol BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Goto Y, Kametani Y, Kikugawa A, Tsuda B, Miyazawa M, Kajiwara H, Terao Y, Takekoshi S, Nakamura N, Takeda S, Mikami M. Defect of tropomyosin-related kinase B isotype expression in ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma. Biosci Trends 2014; 8:93-100. [PMID: 24815386 DOI: 10.5582/bst.8.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) is a functional signal molecule that correlates with cell survival and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is essential for the invasiveness of malignant cancer cells. While a truncated isoform of TrkB has a dominant negative effect, full-length TrkB with its tyrosine kinase domain is predicted to play a role in cancer progression. Because ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) shows worse prognosis compared to other cancer types, we investigated the correlation between TrkB isoforms and the progression of CCA. Ovarian adenocarcinoma and benign tumor samples were obtained from Tokai University Hospital and Juntendo University Hospital. These samples were examined for the TrkB expression of isotype-specific proteins and mRNAs by immunohistochemistry and domain-specific semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. While TrkB mRNA expression was detected in all of the ovarian tissues and TrkB protein expression was predominant in ovarian cancer tissues, the number of tissues expressing the tyrosine kinase-truncated isoforms (T-Shc or T1) decreased according to the clinical stage of CCA. Irregular isoforms were also observed in some CCA samples. The decrease in T-Shc and T1 were less obvious in mucinous adenocarcinoma and not observed in serous or endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Decreased expression of the truncated isoforms (T-Shc and T1) was associated with CCA progression. These results demonstrate that irregular expression of TrkB isoforms is a characteristic of CCA tissues. The unique TrkB expression profile may be useful for the diagnosis of CCA subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Protein tyrosine phosphatases PTPδ, PTPσ, and LAR: presynaptic hubs for synapse organization. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:522-34. [PMID: 23835198 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Synapse development requires differentiation of presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites and postsynaptic receptive apparatus coordinated by synapse organizing proteins. In addition to the well-characterized neurexins, recent studies identified presynaptic type IIa receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) as mediators of presynaptic differentiation and triggers of postsynaptic differentiation, thus extending the roles of RPTPs from axon outgrowth and guidance. Similarly to neurexins, RPTPs exist in multiple isoforms generated by alternative splicing that interact in a splice-selective code with diverse postsynaptic partners. The parallel RPTP and neurexin hub design facilitates synapse self-assembly through cooperation, pairs presynaptic similarity with postsynaptic diversity, and balances excitation with inhibition. Upon mutation of individual genes in neuropsychiatric disorders, imbalance of this synaptic organizing network may contribute to impaired cognitive function.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wuhanqimuge, Itakura A, Matsuki Y, Tanaka M, Arioka M. Lysophosphatidylcholine enhances NGF-induced MAPK and Akt signals through the extracellular domain of TrkA in PC12 cells. FEBS Open Bio 2013; 3:243-51. [PMID: 23772401 PMCID: PMC3678299 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is one of the major lysophospholipids mainly generated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC). We previously found that LPC displays neurotrophin-like activity in the rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and in cerebellar granule neurons, but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. We report here that LPC specifically enhances nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced signals in PC12 cells. When PC12 cells were treated with NGF, MAPK was phosphorylated, but this phosphorylation was significantly elevated when LPC was added together. In accordance, NGF-induced expression of immediate early genes, c-fos and NGF-IA, was upregulated by LPC. Phosphorylation of the upstream components, MEK and NGF receptor TrkA, was also promoted by LPC, which was in line with increased phosphorylation of Akt. In contrast, LPC did not enhance epidermal growth factor (EGF)-, basic fibroblast growth factor-, or insulin-like growth factor-1-induced signals. Studies using TrkA/EGF receptor chimeras demonstrated that the extracellular domain, but not the transmembrane or intracellular domains, of TrkA is responsible for the effect of LPC. Exogenously-added secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) enhanced NGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation at a comparable level to LPC, suggesting that LPC generated in situ by sPLA2-mediated hydrolysis of membrane PC stimulated NGF-TrkA signal. Taken together, these results indicate a specific role and function of LPC on NGF-TrkA signaling pathway. LPC potentiates NGF-induced MAPK and Akt phosphorylation in PC12 cells. LPC enhances NGF-induced MEK and TrkA phosphorylation. LPC does not affect the signals of EGF, FGF, and IGF-1. The effect of LPC requires the extracellular domain of TrkA. sPLA2 also potentiates NGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation.
Collapse
Key Words
- Akt
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- CGNs, cerebellar granule neurons
- DMEM, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein
- EGFR, EGF receptor
- GPCR, G protein-coupled receptors
- IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1
- LPA, lysophosphatidic acid
- LPC, lysophosphatidylcholine
- LPE, lysophosphatidylethanolamine
- LPS, lysophosphatidylserine
- Lysophosphatidylcholine
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MEK, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Nerve growth factor
- PC, phosphatidylcholine
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- PLA2, phospholipase A2
- RT-PCR, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
- SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate
- TTBS, Tris-buffered saline containing 0.01% Tween 20
- TrkA
- bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor
- sPLA2, secretory PLA2
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuhanqimuge
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Boulle F, Kenis G, Cazorla M, Hamon M, Steinbusch HWM, Lanfumey L, van den Hove DLA. TrkB inhibition as a therapeutic target for CNS-related disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 98:197-206. [PMID: 22705453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) is involved in fundamental cellular processes including neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival as well as neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. TrkB signaling has been widely associated with beneficial, trophic effects and many commonly used psychotropic drugs aim to increase BDNF levels in the brain. However, it is likely that a prolonged increased TrkB activation is observed in many pathological conditions, which may underlie the development and course of clinical symptoms. Interestingly, genetic and pharmacological studies aiming at decreasing TrkB activation in rodent models mimicking human pathology have demonstrated a promising therapeutic landscape for TrkB inhibitors in the treatment of various diseases, e.g. central nervous system (CNS) disorders and several types of cancer. Up to date, only a few selective and potent TrkB inhibitors have been developed. As such, the use of crystallography and in silico approaches to model BDNF-TrkB interaction and to generate relevant pharmacophores represent powerful tools to develop novel compounds targeting the TrkB receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Boulle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, European Graduate School for Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Curtis KM, Gomez LA, Schiller PC. Rac1b regulates NT3-stimulated Mek-Erk signaling, directing marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cells toward an early neuronal phenotype. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 49:138-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
|
24
|
Chuenkova MV, Pereiraperrin M. Neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration in Chagas disease. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 76:195-233. [PMID: 21884893 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385895-5.00009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction plays a significant role in the development of chronic Chagas disease (CD). Destruction of cardiac parasympathetic ganglia can underlie arrhythmia and heart failure, while lesions of enteric neurons in the intestinal plexuses are a direct cause of aperistalsis and megasyndromes. Neuropathology is generated by acute infection when the parasite, though not directly damaging to neuronal cells, elicits immune reactions that can become cytotoxic, inducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Anti-neuronal autoimmunity may further contribute to neuropathology. Much less clear is the mechanism of subsequent neuronal regeneration in patients that survive acute infection. Morphological and functional recovery of the peripheral neurons in these patients correlates with the absence of CD clinical symptoms, while persistent neuronal deficiency is observed for the symptomatic group. The discovery that Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase can moonlight as a parasite-derived neurotrophic factor (PDNF) suggests that the parasite might influence the balance between neuronal degeneration and regeneration. PDNF functionally mimics mammalian neurotrophic factors in that it binds and activates neurotrophin Trk tyrosine kinase receptors, a mechanism which prevents neurodegeneration. PDNF binding to Trk receptors triggers PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β and MAPK/Erk/CREB signalling cascades which in neurons translates into resistance to oxidative and nutritional stress, and inhibition of apoptosis, whereas in the cytoplasm of infected cells, PDNF represents a substrate-activator of the host Akt kinase, enhancing host-cell survival until completion of the intracellular cycle of the parasite. Such dual activity of PDNF provides sustained activation of survival mechanisms which, while prolonging parasite persistence in host tissues, can underlie distinct outcomes of CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Chuenkova
- Department of Pathology and Sackler School of Graduate Students, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Neurotrophin receptor TrkC is an entry receptor for Trypanosoma cruzi in neural, glial, and epithelial cells. Infect Immun 2011; 79:4081-7. [PMID: 21788388 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05403-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas' disease, infects a variety of mammalian cells in a process that includes multiple cycles of intracellular division and differentiation starting with host receptor recognition by a parasite ligand(s). Earlier work in our laboratory showed that the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) receptor TrkC is activated by T. cruzi surface trans-sialidase, also known as parasite-derived neurotrophic factor (PDNF). However, it has remained unclear whether TrkC is used by T. cruzi to enter host cells. Here, we show that a neuronal cell line (PC12-NNR5) relatively resistant to T. cruzi became highly susceptible to infection when overexpressing human TrkC but not human TrkB. Furthermore, trkC transfection conferred an ∼3.0-fold intracellular growth advantage. Sialylation-deficient Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) epithelial cell lines Lec1 and Lec2 also became much more permissive to T. cruzi after transfection with the trkC gene. Additionally, NT-3 specifically blocked T. cruzi infection of the TrkC-NNR5 transfectants and of naturally permissive TrkC-bearing Schwann cells and astrocytes, as did recombinant PDNF. Two specific inhibitors of Trk autophosphorylation (K252a and AG879) and inhibitors of Trk-induced MAPK/Erk (U0126) and Akt kinase (LY294002) signaling, but not an inhibitor of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, abrogated TrkC-mediated cell invasion. Antibody to TrkC blocked T. cruzi infection of the TrkC-NNR5 transfectants and of cells that naturally express TrkC. The TrkC antibody also significantly and specifically reduced cutaneous infection in a mouse model of acute Chagas' disease. TrkC is ubiquitously expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and in nonneural cells infected by T. cruzi, including cardiac and gastrointestinal muscle cells. Thus, TrkC is implicated as a functional PDNF receptor in cell entry, independently of sialic acid recognition, mediating broad T. cruzi infection both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
26
|
Travaglia A, Arena G, Fattorusso R, Isernia C, La Mendola D, Malgieri G, Nicoletti VG, Rizzarelli E. The Inorganic Perspective of Nerve Growth Factor: Interactions of Cu
2+
and Zn
2+
with the N‐Terminus Fragment of Nerve Growth Factor Encompassing the Recognition Domain of the TrkA Receptor. Chemistry 2011; 17:3726-38. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201002294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Travaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania (Italy)
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania (Italy)
| | - Roberto Fattorusso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta (Italy)
| | - Carla Isernia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta (Italy)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini‐CNR c/o Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania (Italy), Fax: (+39) 095‐337678
| | - Gaetano Malgieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta (Italy)
| | - Vincenzo G. Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania (Italy)
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania (Italy)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Takahashi H, Arstikaitis P, Prasad T, Bartlett TE, Wang YT, Murphy TH, Craig AM. Postsynaptic TrkC and presynaptic PTPσ function as a bidirectional excitatory synaptic organizing complex. Neuron 2011; 69:287-303. [PMID: 21262467 PMCID: PMC3056349 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinases (Trks) have well-defined trophic roles in nervous system development through kinase activation by neurotrophins. Yet Trks have typical cell-adhesion domains and express noncatalytic isoforms, suggesting additional functions. Here we discovered noncatalytic TrkC in an unbiased hippocampal neuron-fibroblast coculture screen for proteins that trigger differentiation of neurotransmitter release sites in axons. All TrkC isoforms, but not TrkA or TrkB, function directly in excitatory glutamatergic synaptic adhesion by neurotrophin-independent high-affinity trans binding to axonal protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor PTPσ. PTPσ triggers and TrkC mediates clustering of postsynaptic molecules in dendrites, indicating bidirectional synaptic organizing functions. Effects of a TrkC-neutralizing antibody that blocks TrkC-PTPσ interaction and TrkC knockdown in culture and in vivo reveal essential roles of TrkC-PTPσ in glutamatergic synapse formation. Thus, postsynaptic TrkC trans interaction with presynaptic PTPσ generates bidirectional adhesion and recruitment essential for excitatory synapse development and positions these signaling molecules at the center of synaptic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Takahashi
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Pamela Arstikaitis
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Tuhina Prasad
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Thomas E. Bartlett
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Timothy H. Murphy
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| | - Ann Marie Craig
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2B5
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Luberg K, Wong J, Weickert CS, Timmusk T. Human TrkB gene: novel alternative transcripts, protein isoforms and expression pattern in the prefrontal cerebral cortex during postnatal development. J Neurochem 2010; 113:952-64. [PMID: 20193039 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.06662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4 high-affinity receptor tropomyosine related kinase (Trk) B is required for the differentiation and maintenance of specific neuron populations. Misregulation of TrkB has been reported in many human diseases, including cancer, obesity and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Alternative splicing that generates receptor isoforms with different functional properties also regulates TrkB function. Here, we describe numerous novel isoforms of TrkB proteins, including isoforms generated by alternative splicing of cassette exons in the regions encoding both the extracellular and intracellular domain and also N-terminally truncated isoforms encoded by novel 5' exon-containing transcripts. We also characterize the intracellular localization and phosphorylation potential of novel TrkB isoforms and find that these proteins have unique properties. In addition, we describe the expression profiles of all the known human TrkB transcripts in adult tissues and also during postnatal development in the human prefrontal cortex. We show that transcripts encoding the full-length TrkB receptor and the C-terminally truncated TrkB-T1 have different expression profiles as compared to the proteins they encode. Identification of 36 potential TrkB protein isoforms suggests high complexity in the synthesis, regulation and function of this important neurotrophin receptor emphasizing the need for further study of these novel TrkB variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Luberg
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Griesbach GS, Hovda DA, Gomez-Pinilla F. Exercise-induced improvement in cognitive performance after traumatic brain injury in rats is dependent on BDNF activation. Brain Res 2009; 1288:105-15. [PMID: 19555673 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that voluntary exercise upregulates brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within the hippocampus and is associated with an enhancement of cognitive recovery after a lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI). In order to determine if BDNF is critical to this effect we used an immunoadhesin chimera (TrkB-IgG) that inactivates free BDNF. This BDNF inhibitor was administered to adult male rats two weeks after they had received a mild fluid percussion injury (FPI) or sham surgery. These animals were then housed with or without access to a running wheel (RW) from post-injury-day (PID) 14 to 20. On PID 21, rats were tested for spatial learning in a Morris Water Maze. Results showed that exercise counteracted the cognitive deficits associated with the injury. However this exercise-induced cognitive improvement was attenuated in the FPI-RW rats that were treated with TrkB-IgG. Molecules important for synaptic plasticity and learning were measured in a separate group of rats that were sacrificed immediately after exercise (PID 21). Western blot analyses showed that exercise increased the mature form of BDNF, synapsin I and cyclic-AMP response-element-binding protein (CREB) in the vehicle treated Sham-RW group. However, only the mature form of BDNF and CREB were increased in the vehicle treated FPI-RW group. Blocking BDNF (pre administration of TrkB-IgG) greatly reduced the molecular effects of exercise in that exercise-induced increases of BDNF, synapsin I and CREB were not observed. These studies provide evidence that BDNF has a major role in exercise's cognitive effects in traumatically injured brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Sophia Griesbach
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Neurotrophins were christened in consideration of their actions on the nervous system and, for a long time, they were the exclusive interest of neuroscientists. However, more recently, this family of proteins has been shown to possess essential cardiovascular functions. During cardiovascular development, neurotrophins and their receptors are essential factors in the formation of the heart and critical regulator of vascular development. Postnatally, neurotrophins control the survival of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes and regulate angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Recent studies suggest the capacity of neurotrophins, via their tropomyosin-kinase receptors, to promote therapeutic neovascularization in animal models of hindlimb ischemia. Conversely, the neurotrophin low-affinity p75(NTR) receptor induces apoptosis of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and impairs angiogenesis. Finally, nerve growth factor looks particularly promising in treating microvascular complications of diabetes or reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the infarcted heart. These seminal discoveries have fuelled basic and translational research and thus opened a new field of investigation in cardiovascular medicine and therapeutics. Here, we review recent progress on the molecular signaling and roles played by neurotrophins in cardiovascular development, function, and pathology, and we discuss therapeutic potential of strategies based on neurotrophin manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caporali
- Division of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Homma S, Shimada T, Hikake T, Yaginuma H. Expression pattern of LRR and Ig domain-containing protein (LRRIG protein) in the early mouse embryo. Gene Expr Patterns 2008; 9:1-26. [PMID: 18848646 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2008.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The combination of leucine-rich repeat (LRR) and immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains is found in the domain architecture of the Trk neurotrophin receptor protein. Recently dozens of such proteins simultaneously carrying LRR and Ig domains as the Trk receptors have been identified. Given the significant biological roles of Trk and such newly identified proteins, we have searched the public database for human proteins with LRR and Ig domains (collectively termed the leucine-rich repeat and Ig domain-containing protein, LRRIG protein, in this study), and have analyzed the mRNA expression pattern of mouse orthologs of obtained human LRRIG proteins at embryonic day 10. The list of the LRRIG proteins includes 36 human proteins: four LINGO, three NGL, five SALM, three NLRR, three Pal, two ISLR, three LRIG, two GPR, two Adlican, two Peroxidasin-like proteins, three Trk neurotrophin receptors, a yet unnamed protein AAI11068, and three AMIGO. Some molecules (LINGO2, LINGO4, NGL1, SALM1, SALM5, and TrkB) were expressed exclusively in neuronal tissues, whereas others (ISLR1, GPR124, and Adlican2) exhibited non-neuronal expression profiles. However, the majority of LRRIG protein family exhibited broad mRNA tissue-expression profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsaku Homma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushimashi, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jang SW, Okada M, Sayeed I, Xiao G, Stein D, Jin P, Ye K. Gambogic amide, a selective agonist for TrkA receptor that possesses robust neurotrophic activity, prevents neuronal cell death. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16329-34. [PMID: 17911251 PMCID: PMC2042206 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0706662104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) binds to TrkA receptor and triggers activation of numerous signaling cascades, which play critical roles in neuronal plasticity, survival, and neurite outgrowth. To mimic NGF functions pharmacologically, we developed a high-throughput screening assay to identify small-molecule agonists for TrkA receptor. The most potent compound, gambogic amide, selectively binds to TrkA, but not TrkB or TrkC, and robustly induces its tyrosine phosphorylation and downstream signaling activation, including Akt and MAPKs. Further, it strongly prevents glutamate-induced neuronal cell death and provokes prominent neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Gambogic amide specifically interacts with the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane domain of TrkA receptor and triggers its dimerization. Administration of this molecule in mice substantially diminishes kainic acid-triggered neuronal cell death and decreases infarct volume in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke. Thus, gambogic amide might not only establish a powerful platform for dissection of the physiological roles of NGF and TrkA receptor but also provide effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ge Xiao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Inorganic Toxicology Laboratory, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop F-18, Atlanta, GA 30341
| | | | - Peng Jin
- Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322; and
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Departments of *Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- To whom all correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Geiger TR, Peeper DS. Critical role for TrkB kinase function in anoikis suppression, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Cancer Res 2007; 67:6221-9. [PMID: 17616679 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anoikis, or cell death induced by cell detachment, provides protection against the metastatic spread of tumor cells. We have previously shown that the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB suppresses anoikis in rat intestinal epithelial cells and renders them highly tumorigenic and metastatic. Because TrkB is overexpressed in several aggressive human cancers, first attempts are being made to target TrkB in cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms underlying TrkB-mediated anoikis suppression, tumorigenesis, and metastasis still remain largely elusive. Although, to date, most attempts to neutralize TrkB in tumors aim to inactivate its kinase activity, it is unclear whether TrkB kinase activity is required for its oncogenic functions. Indeed, it has been suggested that also other properties of the receptor contribute to functions that are relevant to tumor cell survival. Specifically, several adhesion motifs reside within the extracellular domains of TrkB. In line with this, TrkB-expressing epithelial cells form large cellular aggregates in suspension cultures, possibly facilitating tumor cell survival. Therefore, we set out to study the relative contributions of TrkB's kinase activity and its adhesion domains to anoikis suppression and oncogenicity. On the basis of a structure-function analysis, we report that TrkB kinase activity is required and, unexpectedly, also sufficient for anoikis suppression, tumor formation, and experimental metastasis. Thus, TrkB can act tumorigenically independent of its adhesion motifs. These results suggest that targeting the enzymatic activity of TrkB might be beneficial in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Geiger
- Division of Molecular Genetics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tacconelli A, Farina AR, Cappabianca L, Gulino A, Mackay AR. Alternative TrkAIII splicing: a potential regulated tumor-promoting switch and therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. Future Oncol 2007; 1:689-98. [PMID: 16556046 DOI: 10.2217/14796694.1.5.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An association between elevated tyrosine kinase receptor (Trk)-A expression and better prognosis; the absence of mutation-activated TrkA oncogenes; the induction of apoptosis, growth arrest, morphological differentiation and inhibition of xenograft growth; and angiogenesis by TrkA gene transduction, provide the basis for the current concept of an exclusively tumor-suppressor role for TrkA in the aggressive pediatric tumor, neuroblastoma. This concept, however, has recently been challenged by the discovery of a novel hypoxia-regulated alternative TrkAIII splice variant, initial data for which suggest predominant expression in advanced-stage neuroblastoma. TrkAIII exhibits neuroblastoma xenograft tumor-promoting activity associated with the induction of a more angiogenic and stress-resistant neuroblastoma phenotype and antagonises nerve growth factor/TrkAI antioncogenic signaling. In this short review, the authors integrate this novel information into a modified concept that places alternative TrkA splicing as a potential pivotal regulator of neuroblastoma behavior and identifies the TrkAIII alternative splice variant as a potential biomarker of patient prognosis and novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tacconelli
- University of L'Aquila, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ivanisevic L, Zheng W, Woo SB, Neet KE, Saragovi HU. TrkA Receptor “Hot Spots” for Binding of NT-3 as a Heterologous Ligand. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:16754-63. [PMID: 17439940 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m701996200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins signal via Trk tyrosine kinase receptors. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the cognate ligand for TrkA, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor for TrkB, and NT-3 for TrkC. NT-3 also binds TrkA as a lower affinity heterologous ligand. Because neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) interactions with TrkA are biologically relevant, we aimed to define the TrkA "hot spot" functional docking sites of NT-3. The Trk extracellular domain consists of two cysteine-rich subdomains (D1 and D3), flanking a leucine-rich subdomain (D2), and two immunoglobulin-like subdomains IgC1(D4) and IgC2(D5). Previously, the D5 subdomain was defined as the primary ligand-binding site of neurotrophins for their cognate receptors (e.g. NGF binds and activates through TRKA-D5 hot spots). Here binding studies with truncated and chimeric extracellular subdomains show that TRKA-D5 also includes an NT-3 docking and activation hot spot (site 1), and competition studies show that the NGF and NT-3 hot spots on TRKA-D5 are distinct but partially overlapping. In addition, ligand binding studies provide evidence for an NT-3-binding/allosteric site on TRKA-D4 (site 2). NT-3 docking on sites 1 and/or 2 partially blocks NGF binding. Functional survival studies showed that sites 1 and 2 regulate TrkA activation. NT-3 docking on both sites 1 and 2 affords full agonism, which can be additive with NGF activation of Trk. However, NT-3 docking solely on site 1 is partially agonistic but noncompetitively antagonizes NGF binding and activation of Trk. This study demonstrates that Trk signaling is more complex than previously thought because it involves several receptor subdomains and hot spots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ljubica Ivanisevic
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Since the discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the 1950s and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the 1980s, a great deal of evidence has mounted for the roles of neurotrophins (NGF; BDNF; neurotrophin-3, NT-3; and neurotrophin-4/5, NT-4/5) in development, physiology, and pathology. BDNF in particular has important roles in neural development and cell survival, as well as appearing essential to molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and larger scale structural rearrangements of axons and dendrites. Basic activity-related changes in the central nervous system (CNS) are thought to depend on BDNF modulation of synaptic transmission. Pathologic levels of BDNF-dependent synaptic plasticity may contribute to conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain sensitization, whereas application of the trophic properties of BDNF may lead to novel therapeutic options in neurodegenerative diseases and perhaps even in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this chapter, I review neurotrophin structure, signal transduction mechanisms, localization and regulation within the nervous system, and various potential roles in disease. Modulation of neurotrophin action holds significant potential for novel therapies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin K Binder
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sossin WS. Tracing the evolution and function of the Trk superfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2006; 68:145-56. [PMID: 16912468 DOI: 10.1159/000094084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Most growth factors and their receptors have been strongly conserved during evolution. In contrast, Trks (Tropomyosin-related kinases) and related receptors in the Trk superfamily, Rors (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptors), Musks (muscle specific kinases) and Ddrs (discoidin domain receptor family), appear to be ancient, but their function has been lost in multiple lineages and the roles for the receptors have been modified over time. We will trace the evolution of the Trk superfamily and discuss possible conserved functional roles, including a unifying theme of target recognition by growing axons. We present an analogy between the evolution of G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), proposing that an important driving force for the divergence of receptors is the ease of divergence of their ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne S Sossin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Verpoorten N, Claeys KG, Deprez L, Jacobs A, Van Gerwen V, Lagae L, Arts WF, De Meirleir L, Keymolen K, Ceuterick-de Groote C, De Jonghe P, Timmerman V, Nelis E. Novel frameshift and splice site mutations in the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 gene (NTRK1) associated with hereditary sensory neuropathy type IV. Neuromuscul Disord 2005; 16:19-25. [PMID: 16373086 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Revised: 10/18/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV (HSAN IV) is the first human genetic disorder implicated in the neurotrophin signal transduction pathway. HSAN IV is characterized by absence of reaction to noxious stimuli, recurrent episodes of fever, anhidrosis, self-mutilating behavior and often mental retardation. Mutations in the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 1 (NTRK1) are associated with this disorder. Here we report four homozygous mutations, two frameshift (p.Gln626fsX6 and p.Gly181fsX58), one missense (p.Arg761Trp) and one splice site (c.359+5G>T) mutation in four HSAN IV patients. The splice site mutation caused skipping of exons 2 and 3 in patient's mRNA resulting in an in-frame deletion of the second leucine-rich motif. NTRK1 mutations are only rarely reported in the European population. This report extends the spectrum of NTRK1 mutations observed in patients diagnosed with HSAN IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Verpoorten
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang Q, Wang J, Fan S, Wang L, Cao L, Tang K, Peng C, Li Z, Li W, Gan K, Liu Z, Li X, Shen S, Li G. Expression and functional characterization ofLRRC4, a novel brain-specific member of the LRR superfamily. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:3674-82. [PMID: 15967442 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 04/20/2005] [Accepted: 05/09/2005] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
LRRC4, a novel member of LRR superfamily thought to be involved in development and tumorigenesis of the nervous tissue, has the potential to suppress tumorigenesis and cell proliferation of U251MG cells. This study aimed at revealing the correlation between expression of LRRC4 and the maintenance of normal function and tumorigenesis suppression within the central nervous system. We systematically analyzed the expression and tissue distributions of the gene in tissues. Results showed that LRRC4 expression was limited to normal adult brain, both in human and in mouse, and exhibited a development-regulated pattern, but was down-regulated in brain tumor tissues and U251MG cell line. Furthermore, dynamic alterations in gene expression associated with cell cycle progression were investigated by using Tet-on system. Results showed that LRRC4 induced a cell cycle delay at the late G1 phase, probably through the alteration of the expression of different cell cycle regulating proteins responsible for mediating G1-S progression, such as p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1), Cdk2 and PCNA, p-ERK1/2. These findings suggest that LRRC4 may play an important role in maintaining normal function and suppressing tumorigenesis in the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Covaceuszach S, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Neutralization of NGF-TrkA receptor interaction by the novel antagonistic anti-TrkA monoclonal antibody MNAC13: A structural insight. Proteins 2004; 58:717-27. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.20366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
41
|
Tacconelli A, Farina AR, Cappabianca L, Desantis G, Tessitore A, Vetuschi A, Sferra R, Rucci N, Argenti B, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Mackay AR. TrkA alternative splicing: a regulated tumor-promoting switch in human neuroblastoma. Cancer Cell 2004; 6:347-60. [PMID: 15488758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2004.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2004] [Revised: 07/22/2004] [Accepted: 09/07/2004] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We identify a novel alternative TrkA splice variant, TrkAIII, with deletion of exons 6, 7, and 9 and functional extracellular IG-C1 and N-glycosylation domains, that exhibits expression restricted to undifferentiated early neural progenitors, human neuroblastomas (NBs), and a subset of other neural crest-derived tumors. This NGF-unresponsive isoform is oncogenic in NIH3T3 cells and promotes tumorigenic NB cell behavior in vitro and in vivo (cell survival, xenograft growth, angiogenesis) resulting from spontaneous tyrosine kinase activity and IP3K/Akt/NF-kappaB but not Ras/MAPK signaling. TrkAIII antagonizes NGF/TrkAI signaling, which is responsible for NB growth arrest and differentiation through Ras/MAPK, and its expression is promoted by hypoxia at the expense of NGF-responsive receptors, providing a mechanism for converting NGF/TrkA/Ras/MAPK antioncogenic signals to TrkAIII/IP3K/Akt/NF-kappaB tumor-promoting signals during tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tacconelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lee HB, Zaccaro MC, Pattarawarapan M, Roy S, Saragovi HU, Burgess K. Syntheses and activities of new C10 beta-turn peptidomimetics. J Org Chem 2004; 69:701-13. [PMID: 14750794 DOI: 10.1021/jo034167x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A program to identify small molecules that mimic or disrupt protein-protein interactions led us to design the peptidomimetics 1-3. Solid-phase syntheses of 1-3 were developed. The purities of the crude materials isolated from the resin tend to be highest for the S- and N-compounds 2 and 3 and better than in the corresponding syntheses of peptidomimetics A. The particular dipeptide units incorporated were chosen to correspond with the turn regions of the neurotrophins (e.g., nerve growth factor [NGF] and the neurotrophin factor-3 [NT-3]). Preliminary studies were performed to access the binding of these analogues to Trk receptors and their ability to induce cell survival (just as NGF and NT-3 do). Several active compounds were identified. However, poor water solubilities of some of the other compounds preclude reliable testing. Consequently, solid-phase modifications to the synthetic procedures were investigated to provide access to the derivatives 12-14 in which the aromatic nitro group is replaced by amine, guanidine, or sulfonamide functionalities. The latter are more acceptable pharmacophores than nitro groups and also tend to increase the water solubilities of the peptidomimetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Boon Lee
- Chemistry Department, Texas A & M University, P.O. Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77843-3012, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Carim-Todd L, Escarceller M, Estivill X, Sumoy L. LRRN6A/LERN1 (leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein 1), a novel gene with enriched expression in limbic system and neocortex. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 18:3167-82. [PMID: 14686891 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2003.03003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human chromosome 15q24-q26 is a very complex genomic region containing several blocks of segmental duplications to which susceptibility to anxiety disorders has been mapped (Gratacos et al., 2001, Cell, 106, 367-379; Pujana et al., 2001, Genome Res., 11, 98-111). Through an in silico gene content analysis of the 15q24-q26 region we have identifie1d a novel gene, LRRN6A (leucine-rich repeat neuronal 6A), and confirmed its location to the centromeric end of this complex region. LRRN6A encodes a transmembrane leucine-rich repeat protein, LERN1 (leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein 1), with similarity to proteins involved in axonal guidance and migration, nervous system development and regeneration processes. The identification of homologous genes to LRRN6A on chromosomes 9 and 19 and the orthologous genes in the mouse genome and other organisms suggests that LERN proteins constitute a novel subfamily of LRR (leucine-rich repeat)-containing proteins. The LRRN6A expression pattern is specific to the central nervous system, highly and broadly expressed during early stages of development and gradually restricted to forebrain structures as development proceeds. Expression level in adulthood is lower in general but remains stable and significantly enriched in the limbic system and cerebral cortex. Taken together, the confirmation of LRRN6A's expression profile, its predicted protein structure and its similarity to nervous system-expressed LRR proteins with essential roles in nervous system development and maintenance suggest that LRRN6A is a novel gene of relevance in the molecular and cellular neurobiology of vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carim-Todd
- Programme of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG), Passeig Marítim 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Affiliation(s)
- Mookda Pattarawarapan
- Texas A & M University, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77841-3012, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Binder DK. The Role of BDNF in Epilepsy and Other Diseases of the Mature Nervous System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2004; 548:34-56. [PMID: 15250584 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4757-6376-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is ubiquitous in the central nervous system (CNS) throughout life. In addition to trophic effects on target neurons, BDNF appears to be part of a general mechanism for activity-dependent modification of synapses in the developing and adult nervous system. Thus, diseases of abnormal trophic support (such as neurodegenerative diseases) and diseases of abnormal excitability (such as epilepsy and central pain sensitization) can be related in some cases to abnormal BDNF signaling. For example, various studies have shown that BDNF is upregulated in areas implicated in epileptogenesis, and interference with BDNF signal transduction inhibits the development of the epileptic state. Further study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which BDNF influences cell survival and excitability will likely provide novel concepts and targets for the treatment of diverse CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin K Binder
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, Moffitt Hospital, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Suzuki S, Mizutani M, Suzuki K, Yamada M, Kojima M, Hatanaka H, Koizumi S. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes interaction of the Nck2 adaptor protein with the TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 294:1087-92. [PMID: 12074588 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)00606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) binds to and activates the TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor to regulate cell differentiation, survival, and neural plasticity in the nervous system. However, the identities of the downstream signaling proteins involved in this process remain unclear. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen with the intracellular domain (ICD-TrkB) of the TrkB BDNF receptor, we identified the Nck2 adaptor protein as a novel interaction partner of the active form of TrkB. Additionally, we identified three tyrosines in ICD-TrkB (Y694, Y695, and Y771) that are crucial for this interaction. Similar results were obtained for Nck1, an Nck2 homolog. We also found that TrkB could be co-precipitated with GST-Nck2 recombinant protein or anti-Nck antibody in BDNF-activated cortical neurons. These results suggest that BDNF stimulation promotes interaction of Ncks with TrkB in cortical neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Suzuki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) domain swapping creates a bond between two or more protein molecules as they exchange their identical domains. Since the term '3D domain swapping' was first used to describe the dimeric structure of diphtheria toxin, the database of domain-swapped proteins has greatly expanded. Analyses of the now about 40 structurally characterized cases of domain-swapped proteins reveal that most swapped domains are at either the N or C terminus and that the swapped domains are diverse in their primary and secondary structures. In addition to tabulating domain-swapped proteins, we describe in detail several examples of 3D domain swapping which show the swapping of more than one domain in a protein, the structural evidence for 3D domain swapping in amyloid proteins, and the flexibility of hinge loops. We also discuss the physiological relevance of 3D domain swapping and a possible mechanism for 3D domain swapping. The present state of knowledge leads us to suggest that 3D domain swapping can occur under appropriate conditions in any protein with an unconstrained terminus. As domains continue to swap, this review attempts not only a summary of the known domain-swapped proteins, but also a framework for understanding future findings of 3D domain swapping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshun Liu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA-DOE Laboratory of Structural Biology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hossain WA, Brumwell CL, Morest DK. Sequential interactions of fibroblast growth factor-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and their receptors define critical periods in the development of cochlear ganglion cells. Exp Neurol 2002; 175:138-51. [PMID: 12009766 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2002.7872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We studied the interactions of neurotrophin-3 (NT3) with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and their effects on tyrosine kinase C (TrkC) expression during cochlear ganglion development. Otocysts were explanted from white leghorn chicken embryos at stages when the neuronal precursors normally start to migrate. Cultures were fed with various combinations of NT3, BDNF, and FGF-2. NT3 appeared to have a greater effect on neurite outgrowth than on migration and was enhanced by BDNF. The results from in situ hybridization and immunostaining for TrkC receptor revealed up-regulation of the mRNA and protein by combining NT-3 and BDNF. NT-3 combined with FGF-2 produced down-regulation of receptor. Neutralizing antibody to NT3 had an inhibitory effect on neuronal development, suggesting that endogenous NT3 is normally active during the period examined. The findings suggest an interactive role of NT3 in early neuronal development. The trophic synergism of NT3 and BDNF may result from up-regulation of TrkC. This hypothesis is consistent with immunostaining in the embryonic basilar papilla, which localized TrkC to the initial axonal invasion sites. While the growth factors each produce particular trophic effects, the interactions of these factors define a critical sequence of developmental events based on modulation of receptor expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Amin Hossain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030-3401, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Duchemin AM, Ren Q, Mo L, Neff NH, Hadjiconstantinou M. GM1 ganglioside induces phosphorylation and activation of Trk and Erk in brain. J Neurochem 2002; 81:696-707. [PMID: 12065629 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the ability of GM1 to induce phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase receptor for neurotrophins, Trk, in rat brain, and activation of possible down-stream signaling cascades. GM1 increased phosphorylated Trk (pTrk) in slices of striatum, hippocampus and frontal cortex in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and enhanced the activity of Trk kinase resulting in receptor autophosphorylation. The ability of GM1 to induce pTrk was shared by other gangliosides, and was blocked by the selective Trk kinase inhibitors K252a and AG879. GM1 induced phosphorylation of TrkA > TrkC > TrkB in a region-specific distribution. Adding GM1 to brain slices activated extracellular-regulated protein kinases (Erks) in all three brain regions studied. In striatum, GM1 elicited activation of Erk2 > Erk1 in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. The GM1 effect on Erk2 was mimicked by other gangliosides, and was blocked by the Trk kinase inhibitors K252a and AG879. Pertussis toxin, as well as Src protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C inhibitors, did not prevent the GM1-induced activation of Erk2, apparently excluding the participation of Gi and Gq/11 protein-coupled receptors. Intracerebroventricular administration of GM1 induced a transient phosphorylation of TrkA and Erk1/2 in the striatum and hippocampus complementing the in situ studies. These observations support a role for GM1 in modulating Trk and Erk phosphorylation and activity in brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Duchemin
- Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, 1670 Upham Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Naylor RL, Robertson AGS, Allen SJ, Sessions RB, Clarke AR, Mason GGF, Burston JJ, Tyler SJ, Wilcock GK, Dawbarn D. A discrete domain of the human TrkB receptor defines the binding sites for BDNF and NT-4. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 291:501-7. [PMID: 11855816 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2002.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
TrkB is a member of the Trk family of tyrosine kinase receptors. In vivo, the extracellular region of TrkB is known to bind, with high affinity, the neurotrophin protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). We describe the expression and purification of the second Ig-like domain of human TrkB (TrkBIg(2)) and show, using surface plasmon resonance, that this domain is sufficient to bind BDNF and NT-4 with subnanomolar affinity. BDNF and NT-4 may have therapeutic implications for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The specificity of binding of the neurotrophins to their receptor TrkB is therefore of interest. We examine the specificity of TrkBIg(2) for all the neurotrophins, and use our molecular model of the BDNF-TrkBIg(2) complex to examine the residues involved in binding. It is hoped that the understanding of specific interactions will allow design of small molecule neurotrophin mimetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth L Naylor
- University Research Centre for Neuroendocrinology (Care of the Elderly), Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|