Cholinergic properties of neurons differentiated from an embryonal carcinoma cell-line (P19)

BACE1 Inhibitor, Neuroprotective, and Neuritogenic Activities of Melatonin Derivatives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Melatonin (MLT) has been reported to be neuroprotective agent, and its modified structures exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities. Therefore, the activity of MLT and its derivatives against AD was investigated. Herein, the targeted enzymes, such as β-secretase (BACE1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as the neuroprotective and neuritogenic effects on P19-derived neurons were evaluated. All the derivatives (1–5), including MLT, displayed potent inhibitory activity for BACE1, with inhibition values of more than 75% at 5 µM. A molecular docking study predicted that MLT, 5-MT, and 5 bound with BACE1 at catalytic amino acids Asp32 and the flap region, whereas 1–4 interacted with allosteric residue Thr232 and the flap region. The additional π-π interactions between 2, 3, and 5 with Tyr71 promoted ligand-enzyme binding. In addition, MLT, 1, 3, and 5 significantly protected neuron cells from oxidative stress by increasing the cell viability to 97.95, 74.29, 70.80, and 69.50% at 1 nM, respectively. Moreover, these derivatives significantly induced neurite outgrowth by increasing the neurite length and number. The derivatives 1, 3, and 5 should be thoroughly studied as potential AD treatment and neuroprotective agents.

Differentiation of human glioblastoma U87 cells into cholinergic neuron

To facilitate research methodologies for investigating the role of cholinergic nerves in many diseases, establishing an in vitro cholinergic neuron model is necessary. In this study, we investigated whether human glioblastoma U87 cells could be differentiated into cholinergic neurons in vitro. Sodium butyrate was used as the differentiation agent. The differentiated cells established by inducing U87 cells with sodium butyrate were named D-U87 cells. Immunofluorescence was used to label the neuronal markers MAP2, NF-M, and ChAT and the glial marker GFAP in D-U87 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell cycle distribution in D-U87 cells. PCR, protein chip, and western blot assays were used to measure the expression levels of muscarinic cholinergic receptor 1 (M1), M4, ChAT, SYP and Akt. ELISA was used to measure neurotransmitter levels. As a result, we found that sodium butyrate induced U87 cell differentiation into cells with neuronal characteristics and increased not only the expression levels of the cholinergic neuron-related proteins M1, M4, ChAT and SYP in D-U87 cells but also the acetylcholine neurotransmitters in D-U87 cells. Moreover, the Akt protein expression in D-U87 cells was increased compared with that in U87 cells. Finally, we found that M1, M4, ChAT and SYP protein expression and acetylcholine secretion levels were significantly decreased in D-U87 cells after treatment with the Akt inhibitor MK-2206. These results demonstrate that D-U87 cells exhibit cholinergic neuron characteristics and that sodium butyrate induced U87 cell differentiation into cholinergic neuron partially through Akt signaling.

Non-Serotonergic Neurotoxicity by MDMA (Ecstasy) in Neurons Derived from Mouse P19 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is a commonly abused recreational drug that causes neurotoxic effects in both humans and animals. The mechanism behind MDMA-induced neurotoxicity is suggested to be species-dependent and needs to be further investigated on the cellular level. In this study, the effects of MDMA in neuronally differentiated P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells have been examined. MDMA produces a concentration-, time- and temperature-dependent toxicity in differentiated P19 neurons, as measured by intracellular MTT reduction and extracellular LDH activity assays. The P19-derived neurons express both the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), that is functionally active, and the serotonin metabolizing enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). The involvement of these proteins in the MDMA-induced toxicity was investigated by a pharmacological approach. The MAO inhibitors clorgyline and deprenyl, and the SERT inhibitor fluoxetine, per se or in combination, were not able to mimic the toxic effects of MDMA in the P19-derived neurons or block the MDMA-induced cell toxicity. Oxidative stress has been implicated in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, but pre-treatment with the antioxidants α-tocopherol or N-acetylcysteine did not reveal any protective effects in the P19 neurons. Involvement of mitochondria in the MDMA-induced cytotoxicity was also examined, but MDMA did not alter the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in the P19 neurons. We conclude that MDMA produce a concentration-, time- and temperature-dependent neurotoxicity and our results suggest that the mechanism behind MDMA-induced toxicity in mouse-derived neurons do not involve the serotonergic system, oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction.

Progress in cell based assays for botulinum neurotoxin detection

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent human toxins known and the causative agent of botulism, and are widely used as valuable pharmaceuticals. The BoNTs are modular proteins consisting of a heavy chain and a light chain linked by a disulfide bond. Intoxication of neuronal cells by BoNTs is a multi-step process including specific cell binding, endocytosis, conformational change in the endosome, translocation of the enzymatic light chain into the cells cytosol, and SNARE target cleavage. The quantitative and reliable potency determination of fully functional BoNTs produced as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) requires an assay that considers all steps in the intoxication pathway. The in vivo mouse bioassay has for years been the 'gold standard' assay used for this purpose, but it requires the use of large numbers of mice and thus causes associated costs and ethical concerns. Cell-based assays are currently the only in vitro alternative that detect fully functional BoNTs in a single assay and have been utilized for years for research purposes. Within the last 5 years, several cell-based BoNT detection assays have been developed that are able to quantitatively determine BoNT potency with similar or greater sensitivity than the mouse bioassay. These assays now offer an alternative method for BoNT potency determination. Such quantitative and reliable BoNT potency determination is a crucial step in basic research, in the development of pharmaceutical BoNTs, and in the quantitative detection of neutralizing antibodies.

P19 embryonal carcinoma cells exhibit high sensitivity to botulinum type C and D/C mosaic neurotoxins

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) inhibit neurotransmitter release at peripheral nerve terminals. They are serologically classified from A to G, C/D and D/C mosaic neurotoxins forming further subtypes of serotypes C and D. Cultured primary neurons, as well as neuronal cell lines such as PC12 and Neuro-2a, are often utilized in cell-based experiments on the toxic action of botulinum toxins. However, there are very few reports of the use of neural cell lines for studying BoNTs/C and D. In addition, the differentiated P19 neuronal cell line, which possesses cholinergic properties, has yet to be tested for its susceptibility to BoNTs. Here, the responsiveness of differentiated P19 cells to BoNT/C and BoNT/DC is reported. Both BoNT/C and BoNT/DC were shown to effectively bind to, and be internalized by, neurons derived from P19 cells. Subsequently, the intracellular substrates for BoNT/C and BoNT/DC were cleaved by treatment of the cells with the toxins in a ganglioside-dependent manner. Moreover, P19 neurons exhibited high sensitivity to BoNT/C and BoNT/DC, to the same extent as cultured primary neurons. These findings suggest that differentiated P19 cells possess full sensitivity to BoNT/C and BoNT/DC, thus making them a novel susceptible cell line for research into BoNTs.

A steroid isolated from the water mold Achlya heterosexualis induces neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Using 22R-hydroxycholesterol as a sub-structure to screen natural compound databases, we identified a naturally occurring steroid (sc-7) with a 16-acetoxy-22R-hydroxycholesterol moiety, in which the hydroxyl groups in positions 3 and 22 are esterified by an acetoxy group and in which the carbon in position 26 carries a functional diacetylamino. sc-7 is an analog of the sex steroids dehydro-oogoniol and antheridiol, can be isolated from the water mold Achlya heterosexualis, and promoted neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mouse embryonic teratocarcinoma P19 cells exposed to sc-7 for 2days followed by a 5-day wash-out differentiated into cholinergic neurons that expressed specific neuronal markers and displayed axonal formation. Axons continued growing up to 28days after treatment. In vivo, infusion of sc-7 for 2weeks into the left ventricle of the rat brain followed by a 3-week wash-out induced bromodeoxyuridine uptake by cells of the ependymal layer and subventricular zone that co-localized with doublecortin and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining, demonstrating induction of proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors. Migrating neuroblasts were also observed in the corpus callosum. Thus, under these experimental conditions, adult ependymal cells resumed proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that sc-7 is an interesting molecule for stimulating in situ neurogenesis from resident neuronal progenitors as part of neuron replacement therapy. sc-7 did not bind to nuclear steroid receptors and was not metabolized as a steroid, supporting our hypothesis that the neurogenic effect of sc-7 is not likely due to a steroid-like effect.

Mechanism of acetylcholine-induced calcium signaling during neuronal differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells in vitro

Muscarinic (mAChRs) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in various physiological processes, including neuronal development. We provide evidence for expression of functional nicotinic and muscarinic receptors during differentiation of P19 carcinoma embryonic cells, as an in vitro model of early neurogenesis. We have detected expression and activity of alpha(2)-alpha(7), beta(2), beta(4) nAChR and M1-M5 mAChR subtypes during neuronal differentiation. Nicotinic alpha(3) and beta(2) mRNA transcription was induced by addition of retinoic acid to P19 cells. Gene expression of alpha(2), alpha(4)-alpha(7), beta(4) nAChR subunits decreased during initial differentiation and increased again when P19 cells underwent final maturation. Receptor response in terms of nicotinic agonist-evoked Ca(2+) flux was observed in embryonic and neuronal-differentiated cells. Muscarinic receptor response, merely present in undifferentiated P19 cells, increased during neuronal differentiation. The nAChR-induced elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) response in undifferentiated cells was due to Ca(2+) influx. In differentiated P19 neurons the nAChR-induced [Ca(2+)](i) response was reduced following pretreatment with ryanodine, while the mAChR-induced response was unaffected indicating the contribution of Ca(2+) release from ryanodine-sensitive stores to nAChR- but not mAChR-mediated Ca(2+) responses. The presence of functional nAChRs in embryonic cells suggests that these receptors are involved in triggering Ca(2+) waves during initial neuronal differentiation.

Coordinated expression of cytoskeleton regulating genes in the accelerated neurite outgrowth of P19 embryonic carcinoma cells

The embryonal carcinoma P19 cells provide a model to study neuronal differentiation. Cells that are exposed to retinoic acid become mature neurons within a few days with a pronounced axonal and dendritic polarity. Notably, an accelerated rate of neurite extension characterizes densely but not sparsely plated cells. DNA microarray experiments show maximal differences in gene expression of the dense compared to sparse plated cultures at 18 h after plating. The differentially expressed genes are enriched by functions of cell adhesion and cytoskeletal regulation. Doublecortin, Lis1, Reelin, Map2 and dozens of proteins that regulate cytoskeleton dynamics increase in concordance with a rapid neurite extension. A brief elevation in intracellular cAMP via PKA is sufficient to instigate the phenotype of accelerated neurite extension with no effect on P19 cell fate. Furthermore, we show that the cAMP dependent changes in the expression of cytoskeleton regulators such as doublecortin are restricted to a short time window prior to the establishment of functional neurons. We propose that the wave of gene expression of cytoskeletal regulators that is accompanied by accelerated neurite extension acts in remodeling young developing neurons in the CNS.

Retinoic acid in the development, regeneration and maintenance of the nervous system

Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in the induction of neural differentiation, motor axon outgrowth and neural patterning. Like other developmental molecules, RA continues to play a role after development has been completed. Elevated RA signalling in the adult triggers axon outgrowth and, consequently, nerve regeneration. RA is also involved in the maintenance of the differentiated state of adult neurons, and disruption of RA signalling in the adult leads to the degeneration of motor neurons (motor neuron disease), the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, the development of Parkinson's disease. The data described here strongly suggest that RA could be used as a therapeutic molecule for the induction of axon regeneration and the treatment of neurodegeneration.

Cellular processes underlying maturation of P19 neurons: Changes in protein folding regimen and cytoskeleton organization

Embryonal carcinoma P19 cells provide an ideal model to study molecular programs along differentiation. Upon induction by retinoic acid (RA), the cells undergo a program of differentiation that generates functioning neurons within 60 h. RA induced cells that were plated as sparse (1000 cells/mm(2)) or dense (4000 cells/mm(2)) cultures showed a marked difference in the culture morphology with the dense cultures exhibiting rapid maturation and accelerated neurite outgrowth. The protein expression levels of the sparse and dense cultures were compared 48 h following RA. Cell extracts were separated by 1-DE and 2-DE and differential expression (>four-fold) proteins were identified by MS. Here, we focus on 20 proteins associated with cytoskeletal regulation and stress-dependent protein refolding. The first group includes drebrin, cofilin, alpha-internexin, vimentin, and nestin. Among the proteins in the second group are subunits of the TCP-1, and several chaperones of the Hsp70 and Hsp90 families. We show that coordinated remodeling of the cytoskeleton and modulations in chaperone activity underlie the change in neurite extension rate. Furthermore, a proteomics-based analysis applied on P19 neurons demonstrated pathways underlying neuronal outgrowth, suggesting that a malfunction of such pathways leads to neuropathological conditions.

Geldanamycin derivatives and neuroprotective effect on cultured P19-derived neurons

Geldanamycin (1), an antifungal and anticancer ansamycin, was reported as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective substance against antineoplastic drugs, paclitaxel, vincristine, and cisplatin, on cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons from chick embryos. In this study, 1 in a large quantity, together with a known 17-O-demethylgeldanamycin (2), and a new 17-O-demethylgeldanamycin hydroquinone (3) were obtained from a mangrove Streptomyces sp. A series of O-alkyl and N-alkyl derivatives of 1 were prepared by modification of C-17 and/or C-19 on the quinone ring and were evaluated for in vitro activity against P19-derived neurons. Compound 1 and 19-O-methylgeldanamycin (7) at a very low dose (1nM) enhanced survival and neurite outgrowth of P19-derived neurons and prevented neurotoxicity of paclitaxel and vinblastine. Compound 7, possessing the lowest cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity, is serving as the most promising candidate in neurodegenerative therapy against neurotoxic anticancer drugs.

Neurotransmitter receptor expression and activity during neuronal differentiation of embryonal carcinoma and stem cells: from basic research towards clinical applications

Embryonal carcinoma and embryonic stem cells have served as models to understand basic aspects of neuronal differentiation and are promising candidates for regenerative medicine. Besides being well characterized regarding the capability of embryonal carcinoma and embryonic stem cells to be precursors of different tissues, the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal differentiation are hardly understood. Neuropeptide and neurotransmitter receptors are expressed at early stages of differentiation prior to synaptogenesis, triggering transient changes in calcium concentration and inducing neurone-specific gene expression. In vitro neuronal differentiation of embryonal carcinoma and embryonic stem cells closely resembles early neuronal development in vivo. Murine P19 EC cells are a well-characterized model for in vitro differentiation, which upon treatment with retinoic acid differentiate into neurones. Expression and activity of various receptor proteins is regulated during their differentiation. Stimulation of kinin-B2, endothelin-B, muscarinic acetylcholine, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors results in transient increases of intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) in P19 cells undergoing neuronal differentiation, whereas embryonal cells do not respond or show a smaller change in [Ca(2+)](i) than differentiating cells. Receptor inhibition, as studied with the example of the kinin-B2 receptor, aborts neuronal maturation of P19 cells, demonstrating the crucial importance of B2 receptors during the differentiation process. Future success in obtaining desired neuronal phenotypes from pluripotent cells in vitro may offer new therapeutic perspectives for curing genetic and acquired dysfunctions of the developing and adult nervous system.

Expression of functional CB1 cannabinoid receptors in retinoic acid-differentiated P19 embryonal carcinoma cells

Although primary neuronal cell cultures, usually obtained from embryonic or early postnatal rodents, have been used in vitro to study the neural cannabinoid signalling system, development of cell lines with neural properties exhibiting native expression of cannabinoid receptors is desirable. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in neurons that develop from retinoic acid (RA)-primed mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. Both undifferentiated P19 cells and RA-treated P19 neurons were positive, by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), for CB1 (but not CB2) mRNA. Neuronal differentiation increased the CB1 mRNA expression, and Western blotting with a CB1 receptor antibody showed a strong immunoreactive band at approximately 62 kDa in membranes from P19-derived neurons. The cannabinoid receptor agonists CP 55,940 and HU-210 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-induced (3 microM) cyclic AMP production in the P19-derived neurons (29% at 1 microM CP 55,940 and 34% at 1 microM HU-210), which could be blocked by the CB1-selective receptor antagonist AM251, but not by the CB2-selective antagonist AM630. Furthermore, glutamate (100 microM) induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in P19-derived neurons that could be concentration-dependently blocked by the cannabinoid receptor agonists WIN 55,212-2. Thus, the protocol used provides an in vitro model system expressing CB1 cannabinoid receptors at the level of mRNA, protein, and AM251-sensitive agonist-induced inhibition of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, which may be useful to investigate the developmental regulation, expression and function of neuronal cannabinoid receptors.

Constraining the connectivity of neuronal networks cultured on microelectrode arrays with microfluidic techniques: A step towards neuron-based functional chips

In vitro culture of small neuronal networks with pre-defined topological features is particularly desirable when the electrical activity of such assemblies can be monitored for long periods of time. Indeed, it is hoped that such networks, with pre-determined connectivity, will provide unique insights into the structure/function relationship of biological neural networks and their properties of self-organization. However, the experimental techniques that have been developed so far for that purpose have either failed to provide very long-term pattern definition and retention, or they have not shown potential for integration into more complex microfluidic devices. To address this problem, three-dimensional microfluidic systems in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were fabricated and used in conjunction with both custom-made and commercially available planar microelectrode arrays (pMEAs). Various types of primary neuronal cell cultures were established inside these systems. Extracellular electrical signals were successfully recorded from all types of cells placed inside the patterns, and this bioelectrical activity was present for several weeks. The advantage of this approach is that it can be further integrated with microfluidic devices and pMEAs to yield, for example, complex neuron-based biosensors or chips for pharmacological screening.

Neuronal differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells modulates kinin B2 receptor gene expression and function

Kinins are vasoactive oligopeptides generated upon proteolytic cleavage of low and high molecular weight kininogens by kallikreins. These peptides have a well established signaling role in inflammation and homeostasis. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that bradykinin and other kinins are stored in the central nervous system and may act as neuromediators in the control of nociceptive response. Here we show that the kinin-B2 receptor (B2BKR) is differentially expressed during in vitro neuronal differentiation of P19 cells. Following induction by retinoic acid, cells form embryonic bodies and then undergo neuronal differentiation, which is complete after 8 and 9 days. Immunochemical staining revealed that B2BKR protein expression was below detection limits in nondifferentiated P19 cells but increased during the course of neuronal differentiation and peaked on days 8 and 9. Measurement of [Ca(2+)](i) in the absence and presence of bradykinin showed that most undifferentiated cells are unresponsive to bradykinin application, but following differentiation, P19 cells express high molecular weight neurofilaments, secrete bradykinin into the culture medium, and respond to bradykinin application with a transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i). However, inhibition of B2BKR activity with HOE-140 during early differentiation led to a decrease in the size of embryonic bodies formed. Pretreatment of differentiating P19 cells with HOE-140 on day 5 resulted in a reduction of the calcium response induced by the cholinergic agonist carbamoylcholine and decreased expression levels of M1-M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, indicating crucial functions of the B2BKR during neuronal differentiation.

Retinoic acid-induced differentiation into astrocytes and glutamatergic neurons is associated with expression of functional and activable phospholipase D

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity in mammalian cells has been associated with cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we investigated the expression of PLD during differentiation of pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells (P19) into astrocytes and neurons. Retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation increased PLD1 and PLD2 mRNA levels and PLD activity that was responsive to phorbol myristate acetate. Various agonists of membrane receptors activated PLD in RA-differentiated cells. Glutamate was a potent activator of PLD in neurons but not in astrocytes, whereas noradrenaline and carbachol increased PLD activity only in astrocytes. P19 neurons but not astrocytes released glutamate in response to a depolarizing stimulus, confirming the glutamatergic phenotype of these neurons. These results indicate upregulation of PLD gene expression associated with RA-induced neural differentiation.

HB-GAM/Pleiotrophin and Midkine are differently expressed and distributed during retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation of P19 cells

HB-GAM/Pleiotrophin and Midkine (MK) are developmentally-regulated proteins with putative functions during cell growth and differentiation. Using the P19 cell which is a model to study the events associated with early development, we examined the expression and cellular localization of HB-GAM and MK during neural differentiation of P19 cells induced by retinoic acid (RA). The temporal expressions of HB-GAM and MK transcripts and both the levels and cellular localizations of the corresponding proteins appeared dramatically different. MK mRNA, already expressed in untreated P19 cells, was transiently increased by exposure to RA and then largely down regulated. More interestingly, HB-GAM which was not detected in untreated P19 cells was strongly expressed after 2 days of RA treatment and this expression persists throughout the duration of the culture suggesting that it could be involved in different aspects of this differentiation process.

Adult bone marrow stromal stem cells express germline, ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal genes prior to neurogenesis

Bone marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs) normally differentiate into mesenchymal derivatives but recently have also been converted into neurons, classical ectodermal cells. To begin defining underlying mechanisms, we extended our characterization of MSCs and the differentiated neurons. In addition to expected mesodermal mRNAs, populations and clonal lines of MSCs expressed germinal, endodermal, and ectodermal genes. Thus, the MSCs are apparently "multidifferentiated" in addition to being multipotent. Conversely, the differentiating neurons derived from populations and clonal lines of MSCs expressed the specific markers beta-III tubulin, tau, neurofilament-M, TOAD-64, and synaptophysin de novo. The transmitter enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase were localized to neuronal subpopulations. Our observations suggest that MSCs are already multidifferentiated and that neural differentiation comprises quantitative modulation of gene expression rather than simple on-off switching of neural-specific genes.

Role and distribution of retinoic acid during CNS development

Retinoic acid (RA), the biologically active derivative of vitamin A, induces a variety of embryonal carcinoma and neuroblastoma cell lines to differentiate into neurons. The molecular events underlying this process are reviewed with a view to determining whether these data can lead to a better understanding of the normal process of neuronal differentiation during development. Several transcription factors, intracellular signaling molecules, cytoplasmic proteins, and extracellular molecules are shown to be necessary and sufficient for RA-induced differentiation. The evidence that RA is an endogenous component of the developing central nervous system (CNS) is then reviewed, data which include high-pressure liquid chromotography (HPLC) measurements, reporter systems and the distribution of the enzymes that synthesize RA. The latter is particularly relevant to whether RA signals in a paracrine fashion on adjacent tissues or whether it acts in an autocrine manner on cells that synthesize it. It seems that a paracrine system may operate to begin early patterning events within the developing CNS from adjacent somites and later within the CNS itself to induce subsets of neurons. The distribution of retinoid-binding proteins, retinoid receptors, and RA-synthesizing enzymes is described as well as the effects of knockouts of these genes. Finally, the effects of a deficiency and an excess of RA on the developing CNS are described from the point of view of patterning the CNS, where it seems that the hindbrain is the most susceptible part of the CNS to altered levels of RA or RA receptors and also from the point of view of neuronal differentiation where, as in the case of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, RA promotes neuronal differentiation. The crucial roles played by certain genes, particularly the Hox genes in RA-induced patterning processes, are also emphasized.

Interactions between adaptor protein-1 of the clathrin coat and microtubules via type 1a microtubule-associated proteins

The classical view suggests that adaptor proteins of the clathrin coat mediate the sorting of cargo protein passengers into clathrin-coated pits and the recruitment of clathrin into budding areas in the donor membrane. In the present study, we provide biochemical and morphological evidence that the adaptor protein 1 (AP-1) adaptor of the trans-Golgi network clathrin interacts with microtubules. AP-1 in cytosolic extracts interacted with in vitro assembled microtubules, and these interactions were inhibited by ATP depletion of the extracts or in the presence of 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate. An overexpressed gamma-subunit of the AP-1 complex associated with microtubules, suggesting that this subunit may mediate the interaction of AP-1 with the cytoskeleton. Purified AP-1 did not interact with purified microtubules, but interaction occurred when an isolated microtubule-associated protein fraction was added to the reaction mix. The gamma-adaptin subunit of AP-1 specifically co-immunoprecipitated with a microtubule-associated protein of type 1a from rat brain cytosol. This suggests that type 1a microtubule-associated protein may mediate the association of AP-1 with microtubules in the cytoplasm. The microtubule binding activity of AP-1 was markedly inhibited in cytosol of mitotic cells. By means of its interaction with microtubule-associated proteins, we propose novel roles for AP-1 adaptors in modulating the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, the stability and shape of coated organelles, and the loading of nascent AP-1-coated vesicles onto appropriate microtubular tracks.

Failure to express GAP-43 during neurogenesis affects cell cycle regulation and differentiation of neural precursors and stimulates apoptosis of neurons

GAP-43 is first expressed in proliferating neuroblasts and is required for maturation of neurons. When GAP-43 is not expressed in differentiating embryonal carcinoma P19 cells, reduced numbers of neurons were generated. Here we show that neuronal differentiation is initially disrupted at the onset of cell-cycle arrest in aggregated, proliferating neuronal precursors. The ratio of nestin:beta-tubulin-labeled progeny generated at this stage suggests that the differentiation is asymmetric. Apoptosis of immature neurons subsequently produced was also significantly induced. In vivo, too, proliferation of neuroblasts was significantly reduced in cortex of GAP-43(-/-) mice at E14.5. These data demonstrate that when GAP-43 is not expressed in proliferating neuroblasts, neural differentiation is not initiated appropriately, inducing apoptosis. Moreover, the concurrent inhibition of Ca2+-dependent adhesion between differentiating P19 cells in aggregates implicates GAP-43 in CAM-mediated signaling during neurogenesis, as has been previously shown in growth cones.

Tau promoter activity in neuronally differentiated P19 cells

Tau proteins are encoded by a single gene which is regulated by a unique promoter. The proximal 196 base pairs of the tau 5' flanking region confers tau protein with neuronal specific expression and nerve growth factor inducibility. We tested tau promoter activity in neuronally differentiated embryonal carcinoma cells, the P19 mouse blastoderm cell line. In these experiments, we examined the temporal expression pattern of the tau promoter and compared it to other viral and cellular promoters. Tau promoter activity increases significantly with differentiation, specifically during neurite initiation. In addition, tau promoter activity in neuronally differentiated P19 cells was significantly greater than all five of the other neuronal or non neuronal promoters tested. All other promoters displayed low levels of promoter activity throughout retinoic acid induced neuronal differentiation of P19 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the tau promoter is a good choice for ectopic expression of exogenous genes in P19 cells, which serves as a differentiating neuronal model system.

Culturing neuronal cells on surfaces coated by a novel polyethyleneimine-based polymer

Maintaining cells in culture is essential for studying many aspects of cell biology and physiology. Cell culturing is dependent on proper anchorage of cells to the growth surfaces. For most cell lines, and especially for post-mitotic neurons, coated tissue culture plates are prerequisite for seeding. The most commonly used coating reagents are positively charged polymers such as poly-L-lysine or biologically purified adhesive molecules such as collagen. In this report, we present a simple procedure for synthesizing and for coating cell culture surfaces. The reagent is a biologically inert hydrophobized polyethyleneimine (PEI), which provides adequate adhesive properties for cultured cell lines including those of neuronal lineage. The hydrophobized PEI is branched PEI modified by octadecanyl groups bound to 2 mol% of the amino groups of the PEI. Unlike the native PEI that is water soluble, the modified PEI is soluble in ethanol, and thus resistant to solubilization in biological media. The protocol of coating was optimized for tissue culture plates as well as glass surfaces and in many respects this polymer outperformed other routinely used coating reagents. Neuronal cell lines, plated on the polymer-treated surfaces are resistant to manipulations including repeated media changes and extensive washing. The advantage of coating surfaces with the developed PEI-based polymer compared to other commonly used coating reagents is discussed.

Functional implications of the noradrenergic-cholinergic switch induced by retinoic acid in NB69 neuroblastoma cells

Some neuroblastoma cell lines change their neurotransmitter phenotype from noradrenergic to cholinergic under retinoic acid treatment. Such "neurotransmitter switch" seems to be a consequence of changes in the expression and activity of the biosynthetic machinery for both neurotransmitters. In this study, we have characterized this "neurotransmitter switch" induced by retinoic acid in a human neuroblastoma cell line (NB69) showing catecholaminergic characteristics. Retinoic acid treatment reduced tyrosine hydroxylase activity and noradrenaline levels in NB69 cells but did not modify the expression of this enzyme. Moreover, the calcium-dependent release of [(3)H]noradrenaline in control cells was highly reduced by retinoic acid treatment. On the other hand, NB69 cells treated with retinoic acid enhanced the expression of choline acetyltransferase and acquired the capability to release [(3)H]acetylcholine in a calcium-dependent way. In addition, we found that the expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was increased in those cells treated with retinoic acid. Immunostaining revealed that retinoic acid treatment changed the cellular distribution of both vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and vesicular acetylcholine transporter. In conclusion, retinoic acid induces a noradrenergic to cholinergic switch in NB69 cells by acting at several levels of the neurotransmitter phenotypic expression.

Expression of mu-, kappa- and delta-opioid receptors in P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells

P19 embryonal carcinoma cells are pluripotential and able to differentiate into a variety of cell types, including neurons, glia and fibroblast-like cells, upon retinoic acid treatment and cellular aggregation. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, ligand binding and immunocytochemical methods, kappa- and delta-opioid receptors were detected in undifferentiated P19 cells. The mu-opioid receptor was not observed until one day after plating, following one essential step of differentiation, but increased in number in the four days after plating. Several different expression patterns were detected in these differentiated cells. Some cells exhibited mu- and delta-opioid receptors co-expressed, with or without K-opioid receptor; whereas some of the cells expressed only K-opioid receptor. All three opioid receptors are detected on aggregated cells which are postmitotic and also expressing neurofilaments, indicating neuronal characteristics. Furthermore, those cells expressing mu and delta-opioid receptors also expressed glutamate decarboxylase, characteristic of the GABAergic phenotype. Based on these findings, we propose that P19 cells may serve as a model system to study the developmental regulation of opioid receptors, and in particular their relationship with GABA.

Highly sensitive ELISA-based assay for quantifying protein levels in neuronal cultures

A simple assay for quantifying the expression level of proteins in situ is presented. The assay is performed directly in culture plates and simply requires incubating the cells (either fixed or in live cultures) with the appropriate antibody against the desired protein. Cells are then incubated with a peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody followed by incubation with the soluble peroxidase substrate-tetramethylbenzidine. Antibody binding levels are quantified in an ELISA-based protocol by reading optical density at 450 nm. The assay is applicable for any surface-attached cell culture. The assay is highly sensitive, allowing detection of expressed proteins in a monolayer of cell cultured in a 96 well plate. The assay was optimized for a neuronal cell-line-P19. These are embryonal carcinoma cells which differentiate into neurons after treatment with retinoic acid. The neurons do not survive well in 96 well plates and are thus plated in 24 or 48 well plates. We demonstrate the use of the method for an in vivo labeling of neurons by quantifying epitopes which are exposed upon nerve stimulation. Advantages of a routine ELISA protocol in quantification over wide range of sensitivity and in performing simultaneous large number of repetitions and different controls are thus fully extended to live cell cultures.

Expression and localization of muscarinic receptors in P19-derived neurons

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are important in a variety of physiological processes such as induction of secretion from various glands and regulation of pacemaker activity, muscle tone, and neurotransmission. To date, the muscarinic receptor family includes five members (designated m1-m5), of which m1-m4 are abundant in brain and in peripheral tissues, and m5 is found exclusively in brain, and even there at very low levels. The expression of m1-m5 receptor subtypes was studied in neurons derived from the murine embryonal carcinoma cell line P19. These cells serve as a model system for differentiation and maturation of neurons resembling CNS neurons. Our results show that P19 neurons express mainly the m2, m3, and m5 subtypes. Low levels of m1 receptors are also detected and m4 subtype is practically absent. Furthermore, muscarinic receptors in P19 neurons are functional in activating second messenger signaling pathways. The localization of m2 receptors is predominantly presynaptic, whereas the m5 subtype is mainly postsynaptic. Consequently, P19 cells provide a model system for the study of pre- and postsynaptic muscarinic acetylcholine-receptor subtypes in a proper neuronal context. This is particularly valid for the rare m5 receptors.

Acceleration of neuronal maturation of P19 cells by increasing culture density

P19 embryonal carcinoma cells differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and fibroblast-like cells following induction with retinoic acid. The mature neurons are capable of neurotransmitter release, and from functional synapses. We have previously shown that high culture density suppresses the cholinergic phenotype of P19 neurons. Here we demonstrate that increasing culture density accelerates the maturation of P19 neurons in a continuous manner. This is manifested by several criteria: increased efficiency of evoked [3H]aspartate release; decreased level of basal release; up-regulation of synaptic vesicle proteins; increased neurite outgrowth rate; and earlier segregation of axons and dendrites. While glutamate release is enhanced in dense cultures, the efficiency of [3H]GABA release is hardly affected, suggesting that P19 GABAergic neurons are not affected by culture density. The acceleration of neuronal maturation in dense cultures is also exhibited by the ability of dense, but not sparse cultures to release [3H]aspartate at an earlier day of differentiation. Furthermore, density effects are monitored already a few hours after plating the cultures, when neurite length in dense cultures is several fold higher than in sparse cultures. This indicates that commitment to a faster and coordinated maturation process occurs already very early during P19 neuronal differentiation.

Culture density regulates both the cholinergic phenotype and the expression of the CNTF receptor in P19 neurons

The P19 embryonal carcinoma cells differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and fibroblast-like cells following induction with retinoic acid. The cells mature into functional neurons, as determined by their ability to release neurotransmitters in a Ca(2+)- and depolarization-dependent manner. P19 neurons in culture represent a mixed population in terms of their neurotransmitter phenotype. The cholinergic phenotype of these neurons is modulated by culture density. Cholinergic markers, such as the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, acetyl cholinesterase, and choline acetyltransferase, are expressed in about 85% of the cells in sparse cultures and are largely suppressed at high cell densities. In contrast, glutamate release is enhanced in dense P19 neuronal cultures. The factor mediating the density effect is concentrated exclusively on the cell membrane of P19 neurons and not on the nonneuronal cells, which also differentiate from P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. This membrane-associated component retains its functionality, even after membrane fixation. The downregulation of the cholinergic properties in dense cultures is paralleled by a downregulation of the alpha subunit of the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) receptor. Thus, it is suggested that the membrane-associated factor, which mediates the density effect, downregulates the cholinergic phenotype by inhibiting the responsiveness of these neurons to CNTF. We further suggest that the P19 cell line can serve as a model system for the study of neurotransmitter phenotype acquisition and plasticity throughout neuronal differentiation.