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Gong Y, Haeri M, Zhang X, Li Y, Liu A, Wu D, Zhang Q, Jazwinski SM, Zhou X, Wang X, Jiang L, Chen YP, Yan X, Swerdlow RH, Shen H, Deng HW. Spatial Dissection of the Distinct Cellular Responses to Normal Aging and Alzheimer's Disease in Human Prefrontal Cortex at Single-Nucleus Resolution. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.21.24306783. [PMID: 38826275 PMCID: PMC11142279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.24306783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Aging significantly elevates the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), contributing to the accumulation of AD pathologies, such as amyloid-β (Aβ), inflammation, and oxidative stress. The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) is highly vulnerable to the impacts of both aging and AD. Unveiling and understanding the molecular alterations in PFC associated with normal aging (NA) and AD is essential for elucidating the mechanisms of AD progression and developing novel therapeutics for this devastating disease. In this study, for the first time, we employed a cutting-edge spatial transcriptome platform, STOmics® SpaTial Enhanced Resolution Omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq), to generate the first comprehensive, subcellular resolution spatial transcriptome atlas of the human PFC from six AD cases at various neuropathological stages and six age, sex, and ethnicity matched controls. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptional alterations across six neocortex layers, highlighted the AD-associated disruptions in laminar architecture, and identified changes in layer-to-layer interactions as AD progresses. Further, throughout the progression from NA to various stages of AD, we discovered specific genes that were significantly upregulated in neurons experiencing high stress and in nearby non-neuronal cells, compared to cells distant from the source of stress. Notably, the cell-cell interactions between the neurons under the high stress and adjacent glial cells that promote Aβ clearance and neuroprotection were diminished in AD in response to stressors compared to NA. Through cell-type specific gene co-expression analysis, we identified three modules in excitatory and inhibitory neurons associated with neuronal protection, protein dephosphorylation, and negative regulation of Aβ plaque formation. These modules negatively correlated with AD progression, indicating a reduced capacity for toxic substance clearance in AD subject samples. Moreover, we have discovered a novel transcription factor, ZNF460, that regulates all three modules, establishing it as a potential new therapeutic target for AD. Overall, utilizing the latest spatial transcriptome platform, our study developed the first transcriptome-wide atlas with subcellular resolution for assessing the molecular alterations in the human PFC due to AD. This atlas sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying the progression from NA to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Gong
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Yisu Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science of Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Anqi Liu
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Qilei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - S. Michal Jazwinski
- Tulane Center for Aging, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicne, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lindong Jiang
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science of Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, 66160, USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Beckers P, Doyen PJ, Hermans E. Modulation of Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Calcium Mobilization by Regulator of G Protein Signaling 4 (RGS4) in Cultured Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38391904 PMCID: PMC10886878 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acting as GTPase activating proteins promoting the silencing of activated G-proteins, regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs) are generally considered negative modulators of cell signaling. In the CNS, the expression of RGS4 is altered in diverse pathologies and its upregulation was reported in astrocytes exposed to an inflammatory environment. In a model of cultured cortical astrocytes, we herein investigate the influence of RGS4 on intracellular calcium signaling mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5), which is known to support the bidirectional communication between neurons and glial cells. RGS4 activity was manipulated by exposure to the inhibitor CCG 63802 or by infecting the cells with lentiviruses designed to achieve the silencing or overexpression of RGS4. The pharmacological inhibition or silencing of RGS4 resulted in a decrease in the percentage of cells responding to the mGluR5 agonist DHPG and in the proportion of cells showing typical calcium oscillations. Conversely, RGS4-lentivirus infection increased the percentage of cells showing calcium oscillations. While the physiological implication of cytosolic calcium oscillations in astrocytes is still under investigation, the fine-tuning of calcium signaling likely determines the coding of diverse biological events. Indirect signaling modulators such as RGS4 inhibitors, used in combination with receptor ligands, could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for diverse neurological disorders with improved efficacy and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.B.); (P.J.D.)
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Ali MU, Anwar L, Ali MH, Iqubal MK, Iqubal A, Baboota S, Ali J. Signalling Pathways Involved in Microglial Activation in Alzheimer's Disease and Potential Neuroprotective Role of Phytoconstituents. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:819-840. [PMID: 36567300 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666221223091529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a commonly reported neurodegenerative disorder associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. The pathophysiology of AD comprises Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau protein formation, abrupt cholinergic cascade, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. Recent findings have established the profound role of immunological dysfunction and microglial activation in the pathogenesis of AD. Microglial activation is a multifactorial cascade encompassing various signalling molecules and pathways such as Nrf2/NLRP3/NF-kB/p38 MAPKs/ GSK-3β. Additionally, deposited Aβ or tau protein triggers microglial activation and accelerates its pathogenesis. Currently, the FDA-approved therapeutic regimens are based on the modulation of the cholinergic system, and recently, one more drug, aducanumab, has been approved by the FDA. On the one hand, these drugs only offer symptomatic relief and not a cure for AD. Additionally, no targetedbased microglial medicines are available for treating and managing AD. On the other hand, various natural products have been explored for the possible anti-Alzheimer effect via targeting microglial activation or different targets of microglial activation. Therefore, the present review focuses on exploring the mechanism and associated signalling related to microglial activation and a detailed description of various natural products that have previously been reported with anti-Alzheimer's effect via mitigation of microglial activation. Additionally, we have discussed the various patents and clinical trials related to managing and treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Uzair Ali
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Laiba Anwar
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohd Humair Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
- Sentiss Research Centre, Department of Product Development, Sentiss Pharma Pvt Ltd., Gurugram 122001, India
| | - Ashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sanjula Baboota
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Javed Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
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Xia P, Ma H, Chen J, Liu Y, Cui X, Wang C, Zong S, Wang L, Liu Y, Lu Z. Differential expression of pyroptosis-related genes in the hippocampus of patients with Alzheimer's disease. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:56. [PMID: 36918839 PMCID: PMC10012531 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder with insidious onset. Some scholars believe that there is a close relationship between pyroptosis and AD. However, studies with evidence supporting this relationship are lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS The microarray data of AD were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with the datasets merged using the R package inSilicoMerging. R software package Limma was used to perform the differential expression analysis to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We further performed the enrichment analyses of the DEGs based on Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases to identify the metabolic pathways with a significant difference. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was applied to identify the significant pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on the STRING database with the hub genes identified. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses based on HT22 cells were performed to validate the findings based on the microarray analysis. Gene expression correlation heatmaps were generated to evaluate the relationships among the genes. RESULTS A new dataset was derived by merging 4 microarray datasets in the hippocampus of AD patients in the GEO database. Differential gene expression analysis yielded a volcano plot of a total of 20 DEGs (14 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated). GO analysis revealed a group of GO terms with a significant difference, e.g., cytoplasmic vesicle membrane, vesicle membrane, and monocyte chemotaxis. KEGG analysis detected the metabolic pathways with a significant difference, e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis and Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. The results of the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of the microarray data showed that gene set ALZHEIMER_DISEASE and the gene set PYROPTOSIS were both up-regulated. PPI network showed that pyroptosis-related genes were divided into two groups. In the Aβ-induced HT22 cell model, three genes (i.e., BAX, IL18, and CYCS) were revealed with significant differences. Gene expression correlation heatmaps revealed strong correlations between pyroptotic genes and AD-related genes. CONCLUSION The pyroptosis-related genes BAX, IL18, and CYCS were significantly different between AD patients and normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolin Cui
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuai Zong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhiming Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Ge X, Yao T, Zhang C, Wang Q, Wang X, Xu LC. Human microRNA-4433 (hsa-miR-4443) Targets 18 Genes to be a Risk Factor of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:511-522. [PMID: 35929619 PMCID: PMC9906632 DOI: 10.2174/1567205019666220805120303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease patients (AD), Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are common causes of morbidity, mortality, and cognitive impairment in older adults. OBJECTIVE We aimed to understand the transcriptome characteristics of the cortex of neurodegenerative diseases and to provide an insight into the target genes of differently expressed microRNAs in the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS The Limma package of R software was used to analyze GSE33000, GSE157239, GSE64977 and GSE72962 datasets to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs in the cortex of neurodegenerative diseases. Bioinformatics methods, such as GO enrichment analysis, KEGG enrichment analysis and gene interaction network analysis, were used to explore the biological functions of DEGs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to cluster DEGs into modules. RNA22, miRDB, miRNet 2.0 and TargetScan7 databases were performed to predict the target genes of microRNAs. RESULTS Among 310 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 157 Huntington's disease (HD) patients and 157 non-demented control (Con) individuals, 214 co-DEGs were identified. Those co-DEGs were filtered into 2 different interaction network complexes, representing immune-related genes and synapserelated genes. The WGCNA results identified five modules: yellow, blue, green, turquoise, and brown. Most of the co-DEGs were clustered into the turquoise module and blue module, which respectively regulated synapse-related function and immune-related function. In addition, human microRNA-4433 (hsa-miR-4443), which targets 18 co-DEGs, was the only 1 co-up-regulated microRNA identified in the cortex of neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSION 214 DEGs and 5 modules regulate the immune-related and synapse-related function of the cortex in neurodegenerative diseases. Hsa-miR-4443 targets 18 co-DEGs and may be a potential molecular mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases' occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ge
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China;
| | - Tingting Yao
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China;
| | - Chaoran Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China;
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xuzhou Children’s Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
| | - Xuxu Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China;
| | - Li-Chun Xu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China; ,Address correspondence to this author at the School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 209 Tong-Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China; Tel: +86-516-83262650; Fax: +86-516-83262650; E-mail:
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G N S HS, Marise VLP, Rajalekshmi SG, Burri RR, Krishna Murthy TP. Articulating target-mining techniques to disinter Alzheimer's specific targets for drug repurposing. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 222:106931. [PMID: 35724476 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Alzheimer's Disease (AD), an extremely progressive neurodegenerative disorder is an amalgamation of numerous intricate pathological networks. This century old disease is still an unmet medical condition owing to the modest efficacy of existing therapeutic agents in antagonizing the multi-targeted pathological pathways underlying AD. Given the paucity in AD specific drugs, fabricating comprehensive research strategies to envision disease specific targets to channelize and expedite drug discovery are mandated. However, the dwindling approval rates and stringent regulatory constraints concerning the approval of a new chemical entity is daunting the pharmaceutical industries from effectuating de novo research. To bridge the existing gaps in AD drug research, a promising contemporary way out could be drug repurposing. This drug repurposing investigation is intended to envisage AD specific targets and create drug libraries pertinent to the shortlisted targets via a series of avant-garde bioinformatics and computational strategies. METHODS Transcriptomic analysis of three AD specific datasets viz., GSE122063, GSE15222 and GSE5281 revealed significant Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) and subsequent Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network analysis captured crucial AD targets. Later, homology model was constructed through I-TASSER for a shortlisted target protein which lacked X-ray crystallographic structure and the built protein model was validated by molecular dynamic simulations. Further, drug library was created for the shortlisted target based on structural and side effect similarity with respective standard drugs. Finally, molecular docking, binding energy calculations and molecular dynamics studies were carried out to unravel the interactions exhibited by drugs from the created library with amino acids in active binding pocket of RGS4. RESULTS SST and RGS4 were shortlisted as potentially significant AD specific targets, however, the less explored target RGS4 was considered for further sequential analysis. Homology model constructed for RGS4 displayed best quality when validated through Ramachandran plot and ERRAT plot. Subsequent docking and molecular dynamics studies showcased substantial affinity demonstrated by three drugs viz., Ziprasidone, Melfoquine and Metaxalone from the created drug libraries, towards RGS4. CONCLUSION This virtual analysis forecasted the repurposable potential of Ziprasidone, Melfoquine and Metaxalone against AD based on their affinity towards RGS4, a key AD-specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Sree G N S
- Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka 560094, India
| | - V Lakshmi Prasanna Marise
- Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka 560094, India; Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka 560094, India
| | - Saraswathy Ganesan Rajalekshmi
- Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka 560094, India; Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka 560094, India.
| | | | - T P Krishna Murthy
- Department of Biotechnology, M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka 560054, India
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Karoussiotis C, Marti-Solano M, Stepniewski TM, Symeonof A, Selent J, Georgoussi Z. A highly conserved δ-opioid receptor region determines RGS4 interaction. FEBS J 2019; 287:736-748. [PMID: 31386272 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) couples to Gi/Go proteins to modulate a variety of responses in the nervous system. Τhe regulator of G protein signalling 4 (RGS4) was previously shown to directly interact within the C-terminal region of δ-OR using its N-terminal domain to negatively modulate opioid receptor signalling. Herein, using molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro pull-down experiments we delimit this interaction to 12 helix 8 residues of δ-ΟR and to the first 17 N-terminal residues (NT) of RGS4. Monitoring the complex arrangement and stabilization between RGS4 and δ-OR by molecular dynamics simulations combined with mutagenesis studies, we defined that two critical interactions are formed: one between Phe329 of helix8 of δ-ΟR and Pro9 of the NT of RGS4 and the other a salt bridge between Glu323 of δ-ΟR and Lys17 of RGS4. Our observations allow drafting for the first time a structural model of a ternary complex including the δ-opioid receptor, a G protein and a RGS protein. Furthermore, the high degree of conservation among opioid receptors of the RGS4-binding region, points to a conserved interaction mode between opioid receptors and this important regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karoussiotis
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Marti-Solano
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexandra Symeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB) - Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
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Squires KE, Montañez-Miranda C, Pandya RR, Torres MP, Hepler JR. Genetic Analysis of Rare Human Variants of Regulators of G Protein Signaling Proteins and Their Role in Human Physiology and Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:446-474. [PMID: 29871944 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.015354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulate the physiologic actions of many neurotransmitters, hormones, and other signaling molecules. Human RGS proteins comprise a family of 20 canonical proteins that bind directly to G protein-coupled receptors/G protein complexes to limit the lifetime of their signaling events, which regulate all aspects of cell and organ physiology. Genetic variations account for diverse human traits and individual predispositions to disease. RGS proteins contribute to many complex polygenic human traits and pathologies such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, addiction, cancers, and many others. Recent analysis indicates that most human diseases are due to extremely rare genetic variants. In this study, we summarize physiologic roles for RGS proteins and links to human diseases/traits and report rare variants found within each human RGS protein exome sequence derived from global population studies. Each RGS sequence is analyzed using recently described bioinformatics and proteomic tools for measures of missense tolerance ratio paired with combined annotation-dependent depletion scores, and protein post-translational modification (PTM) alignment cluster analysis. We highlight selected variants within the well-studied RGS domain that likely disrupt RGS protein functions and provide comprehensive variant and PTM data for each RGS protein for future study. We propose that rare variants in functionally sensitive regions of RGS proteins confer profound change-of-function phenotypes that may contribute, in newly appreciated ways, to complex human diseases and/or traits. This information provides investigators with a valuable database to explore variation in RGS protein function, and for targeting RGS proteins as future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Squires
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Carolina Montañez-Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Rushika R Pandya
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Matthew P Torres
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - John R Hepler
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
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Pallaki P, Georganta EM, Serafimidis I, Papakonstantinou MP, Papanikolaou V, Koutloglou S, Papadimitriou E, Agalou A, Tserga A, Simeonof A, Thomaidou D, Gaitanou M, Georgoussi Z. A novel regulatory role of RGS4 in STAT5B activation, neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation. Neuropharmacology 2017; 117:408-421. [PMID: 28219718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Regulator of G protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) is a multitask protein that interacts with and negatively modulates opioid receptor signalling. Previously, we showed that the δ-opioid receptor (δ-OR) forms a multiprotein signalling complex consisting of Gi/Go proteins and the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5B (STAT5B) that leads to neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth upon δ-ΟR activation. Here, we investigated whether RGS4 could participate in signalling pathways to regulate neurotropic events. We demonstrate that RGS4 interacts directly with STAT5B independently of δ-ΟR presence both in vitro and in living cells. This interaction involves the N-terminal portion of RGS4 and the DNA-binding SH3 domain of STAT5B. Expression of RGS4 in HEK293 cells expressing δ-OR and/or erythropoietin receptor results in inhibition of [D-Ser2, Leu5, Thr6]-enkephalin (DSLET)-and erythropoietin-dependent STAT5B phosphorylation and subsequent transcriptional activation. DSLET-dependent neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells is also blocked by RGS4 expression, whereas primary cortical cultures of RGS4 knockout mice (RGS4-/-) exhibit enhanced neuronal sprouting after δ-OR activation. Additional studies in adult brain extracts from RGS4-/- mice revealed increased levels of p-STAT5B. Finally, neuronal progenitor cultures from RGS4-/- mice exhibit enhanced proliferation with concomitant increases in the mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic STAT5B target genes bcl2 and bcl-xl. These observations suggest that RGS4 is implicated in opioid dependent neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth via a "non-canonical" signaling pathway regulating STAT5B-directed responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalina Pallaki
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Serafimidis
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Pagona Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Papanikolaou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutloglou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Elsa Papadimitriou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Agalou
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Tserga
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Simeonof
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Zafiroula Georgoussi
- Laboratory of Cellular Signalling and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research «Demokritos», 15310 Athens, Greece.
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Zhang Y, Li F, Wang H, Yin C, Huang J, Mahavadi S, Murthy KS, Hu W. Immune/Inflammatory Response and Hypocontractility of Rabbit Colonic Smooth Muscle After TNBS-Induced Colitis. Dig Dis Sci 2016; 61:1925-40. [PMID: 26879904 PMCID: PMC4920730 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contractility of colonic smooth muscle is dysregulated due to immune/inflammatory responses in inflammatory bowel diseases. Inflammation in vitro induces up-regulation of regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (RGS4) expression in colonic smooth muscle cells. AIMS To characterize the immune/inflammatory responses and RGS4 expression pattern in colonic smooth muscle after induction of colitis. METHODS Colitis was induced in rabbits by intrarectal instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Innate/adaptive immune response RT-qPCR array was performed using colonic circular muscle strips. At 1-9 weeks after colonic intramuscular microinjection of lentivirus, the distal and proximal colons were collected, and muscle strips and dispersed muscle cells were prepared from circular muscle layer. Expression levels of RGS4 and NFκB signaling components were determined by Western blot analysis. The biological consequences of RGS4 knockdown were assessed by measurement of muscle contraction and phospholipase C (PLC)-β activity in response to acetylcholine (ACh). RESULTS Contraction in response to ACh was significantly inhibited in the inflamed colonic circular smooth muscle cells. RGS4, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, CCL3, CD1D, and ITGB2 were significantly up-regulated, while IL-18, CXCR4, CD86, and C3 were significantly down-regulated in the inflamed muscle strips. RGS4 protein expression in the inflamed smooth muscles was dramatically increased. RGS4 stable knockdown in vivo augmented ACh-stimulated PLC-β activity and contraction in colonic smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION Inflamed smooth muscle exhibits up-regulation of IL-1-related signaling components, Th1 cytokines and RGS4, and inhibition of contraction. Stable knockdown of endogenous RGS4 in colonic smooth muscle increases PLC-β activity and contractile responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Chaoran Yin
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - JieAn Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Sunila Mahavadi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Karnam S. Murthy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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11
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Li MD, Burns TC, Morgan AA, Khatri P. Integrated multi-cohort transcriptional meta-analysis of neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:93. [PMID: 25187168 PMCID: PMC4167139 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0093-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurodegenerative diseases share common pathologic features including neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and protein aggregation, suggesting common underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. We undertook a meta-analysis of public gene expression data for neurodegenerative diseases to identify a common transcriptional signature of neurodegeneration. Results Using 1,270 post-mortem central nervous system tissue samples from 13 patient cohorts covering four neurodegenerative diseases, we identified 243 differentially expressed genes, which were similarly dysregulated in 15 additional patient cohorts of 205 samples including seven neurodegenerative diseases. This gene signature correlated with histologic disease severity. Metallothioneins featured prominently among differentially expressed genes, and functional pathway analysis identified specific convergent themes of dysregulation. MetaCore network analyses revealed various novel candidate hub genes (e.g. STAU2). Genes associated with M1-polarized macrophages and reactive astrocytes were strongly enriched in the meta-analysis data. Evaluation of genes enriched in neurons revealed 70 down-regulated genes, over half not previously associated with neurodegeneration. Comparison with aging brain data (3 patient cohorts, 221 samples) revealed 53 of these to be unique to neurodegenerative disease, many of which are strong candidates to be important in neuropathogenesis (e.g. NDN, NAP1L2). ENCODE ChIP-seq analysis predicted common upstream transcriptional regulators not associated with normal aging (REST, RBBP5, SIN3A, SP2, YY1, ZNF143, IKZF1). Finally, we removed genes common to neurodegeneration from disease-specific gene signatures, revealing uniquely robust immune response and JAK-STAT signaling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Conclusions Our results implicate pervasive bioenergetic deficits, M1-type microglial activation and gliosis as unifying themes of neurodegeneration, and identify numerous novel genes associated with neurodegenerative processes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40478-014-0093-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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12
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Li SJ, Li Y, Cui SC, Qi Y, Zhao JJ, Liu XY, Xu P, Chen XH. Splicing factor transformer-2β (Tra2β) regulates the expression of regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) gene and is induced by morphine. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72220. [PMID: 23977258 PMCID: PMC3747076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) is a critical modulator of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling and plays important roles in many neural process and diseases. Particularly, drug-induced alteration in RGS4 protein levels is associated with acute and chronic effects of drugs of abuse. However, the precise mechanism underlying the regulation of RGS4 expression is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of RGS4 gene was subject to regulation by alternative splicing of the exon 6. Transformer-2β (Tra2β), an important splicing factor, bound to RGS4 mRNA and increased the relative level of RGS4-1 mRNA isoform by enhancing the inclusion of exon 6. Meanwhile, Tra2β increased the expression of full-length RGS4 protein. In rat brain, Tra2β was co-localized with RGS4 in multiple opioid action-related brain regions. In addition, the acute and chronic morphine treatment induced alteration in the expression level of Tra2β in rat locus coerulus (LC) in parallel to that of RGS4 proteins. It suggests that induction of this splicing factor may contribute to the change of RGS4 level elicited by morphine. Taken together, the results provide the evidence demonstrating the function of Tra2β as a new mediator in opioid-induced signaling pathway via regulating RGS4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Genomic Physiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-chao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Genomic Physiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Bastin G, Heximer SP. Rab family proteins regulate the endosomal trafficking and function of RGS4. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:21836-49. [PMID: 23733193 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.466888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RGS4, a heterotrimeric G-protein inhibitor, localizes to plasma membrane (PM) and endosomal compartments. Here, we examined Rab-mediated control of RGS4 internalization and recycling. Wild type and constitutively active Rab5 decreased RGS4 PM levels while increasing its endosomal targeting. Rab5, however, did not appreciably affect the PM localization or function of the M1 muscarinic receptor (M1R)/Gq signaling cascade. RGS4-containing endosomes co-localized with subsets of Rab5-, transferrin receptor-, and Lamp1/Lysotracker-marked compartments suggesting RGS4 traffics through PM recycling or acidified endosome pathways. Rab7 activity promoted TGN association, whereas Rab7(dominant negative) trapped RGS4 in late endosomes. Furthermore, RGS4 was found to co-localize with an endosomal pool marked by Rab11, the protein that mediates recycling/sorting of proteins to the PM. The Cys-12 residue in RGS4 appeared important for its Rab11-mediated trafficking to the PM. Rab11(dominant negative) decreased RGS4 PM levels and increased the number of RGS4-containing endosomes. Inhibition of Rab11 activity decreased RGS4 function as an inhibitor of M1R activity without affecting localization and function of the M1R/Gq signaling complex. Thus, both Rab5 activation and Rab11 inhibition decreased RGS4 function in a manner that is independent from their effects on the localization and function of the M1R/Gq signaling complex. This is the first study to implicate Rab GTPases in the intracellular trafficking of an RGS protein. Thus, Rab GTPases may be novel molecular targets for the selective regulation of M1R-mediated signaling via their specific effects on RGS4 trafficking and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bastin
- Department of Physiology, Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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Association of ALOX12 and ALOX15 gene polymorphisms with age at menarche and natural menopause in Chinese women. Menopause 2013; 19:1029-36. [PMID: 22668814 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31824e6160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lipoxygenase (LOX) is one of the major metabolic enzymes for arachidonic acid, which has been reported to be associated with many postmenopausal and many hormone-related diseases. In rats, selective inhibition of the LOX pathway led to defective ovulation. However, little is known about the association of the LOX-related genes with menstruation in women. In this study, we investigated the possible association of two key gene (ALOX12 and ALOX15) polymorphisms with age of menarche and menopause in Chinese women. METHODS Six tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ALOX12 and five SNPs of ALOX15 were genotyped. The association of single SNPs and haplotypes in two candidate genes and age at menarche (AAM) variation was tested in 401 Chinese nuclear families using the quantitative transmissing disequilibrium test. Furthermore, the association between these SNPs and haplotypes and age at natural menopause (AANM) in 710 postmenopausal Chinese women was measured. RESULTS Using family- and population-based statistical procedures, significant association was found between SNPs rs312462 in ALOX12 and AAM in nuclear families (P = 0.043), and three SNPs (rs2292350, rs312470, and rs312462) in ALOX12 were significantly associated with AANM in postmenopausal women (P = 0.012, P = 0.045, and P = 0.033, respectively). Haplotype analyses corroborated our single SNP results (P = 0.030). However, we failed to find a significant association between ALOX15 gene polymorphisms and AAM as well as AANM (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our present results suggest that genetic variations in ALOX12 are associated with both the onset and cessation of menstruation in Chinese women living in Shanghai.
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Unveiling clusters of RNA transcript pairs associated with markers of Alzheimer's disease progression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45535. [PMID: 23029078 PMCID: PMC3448659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One primary goal of transcriptomic studies is identifying gene expression patterns correlating with disease progression. This is usually achieved by considering transcripts that independently pass an arbitrary threshold (e.g. p<0.05). In diseases involving severe perturbations of multiple molecular systems, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), this univariate approach often results in a large list of seemingly unrelated transcripts. We utilised a powerful multivariate clustering approach to identify clusters of RNA biomarkers strongly associated with markers of AD progression. We discuss the value of considering pairs of transcripts which, in contrast to individual transcripts, helps avoid natural human transcriptome variation that can overshadow disease-related changes. Methodology/Principal Findings We re-analysed a dataset of hippocampal transcript levels in nine controls and 22 patients with varying degrees of AD. A large-scale clustering approach determined groups of transcript probe sets that correlate strongly with measures of AD progression, including both clinical and neuropathological measures and quantifiers of the characteristic transcriptome shift from control to severe AD. This enabled identification of restricted groups of highly correlated probe sets from an initial list of 1,372 previously published by our group. We repeated this analysis on an expanded dataset that included all pair-wise combinations of the 1,372 probe sets. As clustering of this massive dataset is unfeasible using standard computational tools, we adapted and re-implemented a clustering algorithm that uses external memory algorithmic approach. This identified various pairs that strongly correlated with markers of AD progression and highlighted important biological pathways potentially involved in AD pathogenesis. Conclusions/Significance Our analyses demonstrate that, although there exists a relatively large molecular signature of AD progression, only a small number of transcripts recurrently cluster with different markers of AD progression. Furthermore, considering the relationship between two transcripts can highlight important biological relationships that are missed when considering either transcript in isolation.
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Schwendt M, Sigmon SA, McGinty JF. RGS4 overexpression in the rat dorsal striatum modulates mGluR5- and amphetamine-mediated behavior and signaling. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 221:621-35. [PMID: 22193724 PMCID: PMC4507824 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (RGS4) is a brain-enriched negative modulator of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. Decreased availability of RGS4 in the frontal cortex and striatum has been described in animal models of schizophrenia and drug addiction. However, cellular and behavioral consequences of dysregulated RGS4-dependent receptor signaling in the brain remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether RGS4, through inhibiting the function of mGluR5 receptors in the dorsal striatum (dSTR), regulates cellular and behavioral responses to acute amphetamine. METHODS After herpes simplex virus-RGS4 was infused into the dSTR, RGS4 overexpression as well as binding of recombinant RGS4 to mGluR5 was assessed. The effect of RGS4 overexpression on behavioral activity induced by the intrastriatal mGluR5 agonist, DHPG, or amphetamine was recorded. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt (protein kinase B) was measured in the dSTR tissue at the end of each behavioral experiment. RESULTS RGS4 overexpressed in the dSTR coimmunoprecipitated with mGluR5 receptors and suppressed both behavioral activity and phospho-ERK levels induced by DHPG. RGS4 overexpression or the mGluR5 antagonist, 3-((2-methyl-4-thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP), attenuated amphetamine-induced phospho-ERK (but not phospho-Akt) levels. RGS4 suppressed amphetamine-induced vertical activity and augmented horizontal activity over 90 min. Similarly, MTEP augmented amphetamine-induced horizontal activity, but did not affect vertical activity. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate that RGS4 in the dSTR attenuates amphetamine-induced ERK signaling and decreases the behavioral efficacy of acute amphetamine likely by limiting mGluR5 function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacqueline F. McGinty
- Address all correspondence and reprint requests to: Jacqueline McGinty, Ph.D., Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, BSB 403, MSC 510, Charleston, SC 29425-5100, tel 843-792-9036, fax 843-792-4423,
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Lee JK, Chung J, Druey KM, Tansey MG. RGS10 exerts a neuroprotective role through the PKA/c-AMP response-element (CREB) pathway in dopaminergic neuron-like cells. J Neurochem 2012; 122:333-43. [PMID: 22564151 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of G-protein signaling-10 (RGS10) is a GTPase activating protein for Gαi/q/z subunits that is highly expressed in the immune system and in a broad range of brain regions including the hippocampus, striatum, dorsal raphe, and ventral midbrain. Previously, we reported that RGS10-null mice display increased vulnerability to chronic systemic inflammation-induced degeneration of nigral dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Given that RGS10 is expressed in DA neurons, we investigated the extent to which RGS10 regulates cell survival under conditions of inflammatory stress. Because of the inherent limitations associated with use of primary DA neurons for biochemical analyses, we employed a well-characterized ventral mesencephalon DA neuroblastoma cell line (MN9D) for our studies. We found that stable over-expression of RGS10 rendered them resistant to TNF-induced cytotoxicity; whereas MN9D cells expressing mutant RGS10-S168A (which is resistant to phosphorylation by protein kinase A at a serine residue that promotes its nuclear translocation) showed similar sensitivity to TNF as the parental MN9D cells. Using biochemical and pharmacologic approaches, we identified protein kinase A and the downstream phospho-cAMP response element-binding signaling pathway (and ruled out ERK 1/2, JNK, and NFkB) as key mediators of the neuroprotective effect of RGS10 against inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Kyung Lee
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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18
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Differential regulation of RGS proteins in the prefrontal cortex of short- and long-term human opiate abusers. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:1044-51. [PMID: 22056472 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Opiate addiction is characterized by drug tolerance and dependence which involve adaptive changes in μ-opioid receptors (MORs) signaling. Regulators of G-protein signaling RGS9, RGS4 and RGS10 proteins negatively regulate G(αi/o) protein activity modulating MOR function. An important role of RGS proteins in drug addiction has been described but the status of RGS proteins in human brain of opiate addicts remains unknown. The present study evaluated the immunoreactivity levels of RGS4, RGS9 and RGS10 proteins in prefrontal cortex of short- (n = 15) and long-term (n = 21) opiate abusers and in matched control subjects. RGS4 protein was not altered in short-term opiate abusers but, in long-term abusers it was significantly up-regulated (Δ = 29 ± 6%). RGS10 protein expression was significantly decreased in short-term (Δ = -42 ± 7%) but remained unaltered in long-term opiate abusers. RGS9 protein levels in opiate abusers did not differ from matched controls either in the short-term or in the long-term opiate abuser groups. RGS4, RGS9 and RGS10 levels were also studied in brains (frontal cortex) of rats submitted to acute and chronic morphine treatment and to spontaneous and naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal. Chronic morphine treatment in rats was associated with an increase in RGS4 protein immunoreactivity (Δ = 28 ± 7%), which persisted in spontaneous (Δ = 35 ± 8%) and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal (Δ = 30 ± 9%) without significant changes in RGS9 and RGS10 proteins. The specific modulation of RGS4 and RGS10 protein expression observed in the prefrontal cortex of opiate abusers might be relevant in the neurobiology of opiate tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
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Sequeira PA, Martin MV, Vawter MP. The first decade and beyond of transcriptional profiling in schizophrenia. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:23-36. [PMID: 21396449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression changes in brains of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) have been hypothesized to reflect possible pathways related to pathophysiology and/or medication. Other factors having robust effects on gene expression profiling in brain and possibly influence the schizophrenia transcriptome such as age and pH are examined. Pathways of curated gene expression or gene correlation networks reported in SZ (white matter, apoptosis, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, immune and stress-response, mitochondrial, and neurodevelopment) are not unique to SZ and have been associated with other psychiatric disorders. Suggestions going forward to improve the next decade of profiling: consider multiple brain regions that are carefully dissected, release large datasets from multiple brain regions in controls to better understand neurocircuitry, integrate genetics and gene expression, measure expression variants on genome wide level, peripheral biomarker studies, and analyze the transcriptome across a developmental series of brains. Gene expression, while an important feature of the genomic landscape, requires further systems biology to advance from control brains to a more precise definition of the schizophrenia interactome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Adolfo Sequeira
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4260, USA
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Rivero G, Gabilondo AM, García-Sevilla JA, La Harpe R, Morentín B, Javier Meana J. Characterization of regulators of G-protein signaling RGS4 and RGS10 proteins in the postmortem human brain. Neurochem Int 2010; 57:722-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Li F, Hu DY, Liu S, Mahavadi S, Yen W, Murthy KS, Khalili K, Hu W. RNA-binding protein HuR regulates RGS4 mRNA stability in rabbit colonic smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2010; 299:C1418-29. [PMID: 20881234 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00093.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) regulates the strength and duration of G protein signaling and plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction, cardiac development, and psychiatric disorders. Little is known about the posttranscriptional regulation of RGS4 expression. We cloned the full-length cDNA of rabbit RGS4, which contains a long 3'-untranslated region (UTR) with several AU-rich elements (AREs). We determined whether RGS4 mRNA stability is mediated by the RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) and contributes to IL-1β-induced upregulation of RGS4 expression. We show that IL-1β treatment in colonic smooth muscle cells doubled the half-life of RGS4 mRNA. Addition of RGS4 3'-UTR to the downstream of Renilla luciferase reporter induced dramatic reduction in the enzyme activity and mRNA expression of luciferase, which was attenuated by the site-directed mutation of the two 3'-most ARE sites. IL-1β increased luciferase mRNA stability in a UTR-dependent manner. Knockdown of HuR significantly aggravated UTR-mediated instability of luciferase and inhibited IL-1β-induced upregulation of RGS4 mRNA. In addition, IL-1β increased cytosolic translocation and RGS4 mRNA binding of HuR. These findings suggest that 3'-most ARE sites within RGS4 3'-UTR are essential for the instability of RGS4 mRNA and IL-1β promotes the stability of RGS4 mRNA through HuR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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Buonocore F, Hill MJ, Campbell CD, Oladimeji PB, Jeffries AR, Troakes C, Hortobagyi T, Williams BP, Cooper JD, Bray NJ. Effects of cis-regulatory variation differ across regions of the adult human brain. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:4490-6. [PMID: 20829226 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cis-regulatory variation is considered to be an important determinant of human phenotypic variability, including susceptibility to complex disease. Recent studies have shown that the effects of cis-regulatory polymorphism on gene expression can differ widely between tissues. In the present study, we tested whether the effects of cis-regulatory variation can also differ between regions of the adult human brain. We used relative allelic expression to measure cis-effects on the RNA expression of five candidate genes for neuropsychiatric illness (ZNF804A, NOS1, RGS4, AKT1 and TCF4) across multiple discrete brain regions within individual subjects. For all five genes, we observed significant differences in allelic expression between brain regions in several individual subjects, suggesting regional differences in the effects of cis-regulatory polymorphism to be a common phenomenon. As well as highlighting an important caveat for studies of regulatory polymorphism in the brain, our findings indicate that it is possible to delineate brain areas in which cis-regulatory variants are active. This may provide important insights into the fundamental biology of neuropsychiatric phenotypes with which such variants are associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Buonocore
- Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry,King’s College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, UK
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Cloning and characterization of rabbit Rgs4 promoter in gut smooth muscle. Gene 2009; 451:45-53. [PMID: 19945517 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2009.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of G-protein signaling 4 (Rgs4) regulates the strength and duration of G-protein signaling, and plays an important role in cardiac development, smooth muscle contraction and psychiatric disorders. Rgs4 expression is regulated at both mRNA and protein levels. In order to examine the transcriptional mechanism of Rgs4 expression, we have cloned and characterized rabbit Rgs4 promoter. The coding sequence of rabbit Rgs4 was obtained by degenerative RT-PCR and used for Northern blot and 5'-RACE analysis. A single transcript was identified in rabbit colonic smooth muscle cells. The 5'-untranslated region (UTR) extended 120 bp nucleotides upstream of the Rgs4 start codon. A putative promoter sequence (1389 bp) showed a consensus TATA box and cis-acting binding sites for several potential transcriptional factors. Reporter gene assay identified strong promoter activity in various cell types. Further analysis by deletion mutagenesis suggested that the proximal region had a highest core promoter activity while the distal region is suppressive. IL-1beta significantly increased the promoter activity. The in vitro and in vivo binding activities for NF-kappaB transcription factor were validated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay respectively. Mutation of NF-kappaB site reduced the promoter activity. These data suggest that the cloned rabbit Rgs4 promoter is functionally active and NF-kappaB binding site possesses enhancer activity in regulating Rgs4 transcription. Our studies provide an important basis for further understanding of Rgs4 regulation and function in different diseases.
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McOmish CE, Burrows EL, Howard M, Hannan AJ. PLC-beta1 knockout mice as a model of disrupted cortical development and plasticity: behavioral endophenotypes and dysregulation of RGS4 gene expression. Hippocampus 2008; 18:824-34. [PMID: 18493969 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the genetics underlying schizophrenia is highlighted by the multitude of molecular pathways that have been reported to be disrupted in the disorder including muscarinic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic signaling systems. It is of interest, therefore, that phospholipase C-beta1 (PLC-beta1) acts as a point of convergence for these pathways during cortical development and plasticity. These signaling pathways, furthermore, are susceptible to modulation by RGS4, one of the more promising candidate genes for schizophrenia. PLC-beta1 knockout mice were behaviorally assessed on tests including fear conditioning, elevated plus maze, and the Y maze. In situ hybridization was used to assess RGS4 expression. We found that PLC-beta1 knockout mice display abnormal anxiety profiles on some, but not all measures assessed, including decreased anxiety on the elevated plus maze. We also show memory impairment and a complete absence of acquisition of hippocampal-dependent fear conditioning. Furthermore, at a molecular level, we demonstrate dramatic changes in expression of RGS4 mRNA in selective regions of the PLC-beta1 knockout mouse brain, particularly the CA1 region of the hippocampus. These results validate the utility of the PLC-beta1 knockout mouse as a model of schizophrenia, including molecular and cellular evidence for disrupted cortical maturation and associated behavioral endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E McOmish
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Ding L, Mychaleckyj JC, Hegde AN. Full length cloning and expression analysis of splice variants of regulator of G-protein signaling RGS4 in human and murine brain. Gene 2007; 401:46-60. [PMID: 17707117 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RGS4 (regulator of G protein signaling 4) protein is a GTPase-activating protein specific for Gi/o and Gq alpha subunits. It is highly expressed in brain but the mechanisms by which RGS4 expression is regulated remain unknown. RGS4 is associated with schizophrenia either through heritable genetic polymorphisms or as a co-regulated mediator of the pathology, and may play a role in other brain diseases. As a necessary step towards understanding the transcriptional regulation of RGS4, we isolated full-length splice variants of the human RGS4 and mouse Rgs4 gene using bioinformatic predictions, followed by RACE, RT-PCR, and sequencing. In human brain, we found five different isoforms RGS4-1, RGS4-2, RGS4-3, RGS4-4 and RGS4-5 of which RGS4-2, RGS4-3, RGS4-4 and RGS4-5 are novel. RGS4-1 and 2 encode a 205-amino acid protein, while RGS4-3 encodes a 302 aa protein with an N-terminal extension. RGS4-4 and RGS4-5 encode truncated proteins of 93 aa and 187 aa respectively. Our results indicate that RGS4-1, RGS4-2, RGS4-3 and RGS4-4 are translated into proteins. In contrast, the mouse brain has 3 different splice variants, Rgs4-1, Rgs4-2 and Rgs4-3 which encode the same 205 aa protein but vary in their 3'UTRs. Among the mouse isoforms, Rgs4-1 and Rgs4-3 are novel. Human RGS4 has four different transcription start sites and three different stop sites. We found differential expression of the human isoforms in dorsolateral prefrontal and visual cortex. All five RGS4 splice variants are expressed at high levels in human cortical areas although RGS4 isoforms 1, 2, and 3 are not expressed in the cerebellum. RGS4-2 is tissue-specific whereas RGS4-4 and RGS4-5 appear to be ubiquitously expressed. Our results suggest the intriguing possibility that RGS4 gene expression in the human brain is spatially and temporally regulated through differential transcription of isoforms from alternative promoters. This may have implications for the physiological role of RGS4 and in pathologies of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ding
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Cheung CL, Chan V, Kung AWC. A differential association of ALOX15 polymorphisms with bone mineral density in pre- and post-menopausal women. Hum Hered 2007; 65:1-8. [PMID: 17652958 DOI: 10.1159/000106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The 12/15-lipoxygenase gene ALOX15 is reported to be a negative regulator of BMD in knockout mice. Nonetheless results are controversial as over-expression of ALOX15 protects against inflammation-related bone loss. The aim of the present study is to systematically study the relation of ALOX15 polymorphisms in BMD variation in southern Chinese women. METHODS Ten tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped in 942 subjects with either low BMD (defined by a BMD Z score < or =-1.28 at either the hip or spine) or high BMD (Z score > or =+1). Single locus and haplotype associations were performed using logistic regression with adjustment of age, height and weight. RESULTS The variant 'G' allele of rs2619112 was associated with a reduced risk of low BMD at the femoral neck in pre-menopausal women (OR = 0.442, p = 0.007) but an increased risk in post-menopausal women (OR = 1.727, p = 0.042). Haplotype analysis revealed findings similar to the single locus tests. CONCLUSION The variant alleles of rs2619112 and rs916055 and their haplotypes of ALOX15 are associated with high BMD in pre-menopausal women but low BMD in post-menopausal women. This suggests that ALOX15 is a dual modulator of BMD variation with opposing effects in pre- and post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Lung Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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McShea A, Marlatt MW, Lee HG, Tarkowsky SM, Smit M, Smith MA. The Application of Microarray Technology to Neuropathology: Cutting Edge Tool With Clinical Diagnostics Potential or Too Much Information? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2006; 65:1031-9. [PMID: 17086099 DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000240471.04920.3c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microarray technology is a tremendously powerful method for simultaneously monitoring the expression of thousands of species of nucleic acids, usually cellular mRNA, producing a high-resolution representation of the genes encoded or expressed in a cell. As such, microarray technology has great potential for impacting research and clinical approaches to treatment. However, this complex technology has been challenging to apply as a result of difficulties discerning biologic variation from technologic issues, therefore slowing the application of the technology to human diagnostics. Nevertheless, significant advances in microarray technology, improvements that avoid potential pitfalls, and a wider spectrum of application are making this technology easier to apply. Indeed, microarray technology has provided valuable insights into mechanisms involving gene regulation and expression in Alzheimer disease, and it remains a powerful tool to identify biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Ultimately, the most robust markers will enable the application of more specific treatments particular to disease stages or subcategories. Currently, no widely applicable molecular test is available to identify those at risk for developing Alzheimer disease or those who have early markers of pathology but show discernible cognitive impairment. The progression of this technology will lead to earlier detection of the disease through enhanced understanding of disease onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McShea
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Ebert PJ, Campbell DB, Levitt P. Bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic analysis of dynamic expression patterns of regulator of G-protein signaling 4 during development. II. Subcortical regions. Neuroscience 2006; 142:1163-81. [PMID: 16989953 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.08.012] [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] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Revised: 08/04/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A large family of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulates signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors. Previous studies have implicated RGS4 as a vulnerability gene in schizophrenia. To begin to understand structure-function relationships, we have utilized bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) methods to create transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of endogenous RGS4 enhancer elements, circumventing the lack of suitable antibodies for analysis of dynamic patterns of expression. This report follows from the accompanying mapping paper in cerebral cortex, with a focus on developmental and mature expression patterns in subcortical telencephalic, diencephalic and brainstem areas. Based on reporter distribution, the data suggest that alterations in RGS4 function will engender a complex phenotype of increased and decreased neuronal output, with developmental, regional, and cellular specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Ebert
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Ave South, MRB III, Room 8114, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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