1
|
Brunialti E, Rizzi N, Pinto-Costa R, Villa A, Panzeri A, Meda C, Rebecchi M, Di Monte DA, Ciana P. Design and validation of a reporter mouse to study the dynamic regulation of TFEB and TFE3 activity through in vivo imaging techniques. Autophagy 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38522425 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2334111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
TFEB and TFE3 belong to the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors that bind identical DNA responsive elements in the regulatory regions of target genes. They are involved in regulating lysosomal biogenesis, function, exocytosis, autophagy, and lipid catabolism. Precise control of TFEB and TFE3 activity is crucial for processes such as senescence, stress response, energy metabolism, and cellular catabolism. Dysregulation of these factors is implicated in various diseases, thus researchers have explored pharmacological approaches to modulate MiT/TFE activity, considering these transcription factors as potential therapeutic targets. However, the physiological complexity of their functions and the lack of suitable in vivo tools have limited the development of selective MiT/TFE modulating agents. Here, we have created a reporter-based biosensor, named CLEARoptimized, facilitating the pharmacological profiling of TFEB- and TFE3-mediated transcription. This innovative tool enables the measurement of TFEB and TFE3 activity in living cells and mice through imaging and biochemical techniques. CLEARoptimized consists of a promoter with six coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation motifs identified through an in-depth bioinformatic analysis of the promoters of 128 TFEB-target genes. The biosensor drives the expression of luciferase and tdTomato reporter genes, allowing the quantification of TFEB and TFE3 activity in cells and in animals through optical imaging and biochemical assays. The biosensor's validity was confirmed by modulating MiT/TFE activity in both cell culture and reporter mice using physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Overall, this study introduces an innovative tool for studying autophagy and lysosomal pathway modulation at various biological levels, from individual cells to the entire organism.Abbreviations: CLEAR: coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation; MAR: matrix attachment regions; MiT: microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; ROI: region of interest; TBS: tris-buffered saline; TF: transcription factor; TFE3: transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TH: tyrosine hydroxylase; TK: thymidine kinase; TSS: transcription start site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Panzeri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rebecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sex-Specific Microglial Responses to Glucocerebrosidase Inhibition: Relevance to GBA1-Linked Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030343. [PMID: 36766684 PMCID: PMC9913749 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are heterogenous cells characterized by distinct populations each contributing to specific biological processes in the nervous system, including neuroprotection. To elucidate the impact of sex-specific microglia heterogenicity to the susceptibility of neuronal stress, we video-recorded with time-lapse microscopy the changes in shape and motility occurring in primary cells derived from mice of both sexes in response to pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic stimulations. With this morpho-functional analysis, we documented distinct microglia subpopulations eliciting sex-specific responses to stimulation: male microglia tended to have a more pro-inflammatory phenotype, while female microglia showed increased sensitivity to conduritol-B-epoxide (CBE), a small molecule inhibitor of glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme encoded by the GBA1 gene, mutations of which are the major risk factor for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Interestingly, glucocerebrosidase inhibition particularly impaired the ability of female microglia to enhance the Nrf2-dependent detoxification pathway in neurons, attenuating the sex differences observed in this neuroprotective function. This finding is consistent with the clinical impact of GBA1 mutations, in which the 1.5-2-fold reduced risk of developing idiopathic PD observed in female individuals is lost in the GBA1 carrier population, thus suggesting a sex-specific role for microglia in the etiopathogenesis of PD-GBA1.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pepe G, Sfogliarini C, Rizzello L, Battaglia G, Pinna C, Rovati G, Ciana P, Brunialti E, Mornata F, Maggi A, Locati M, Vegeto E. ERα-independent NRF2-mediated immunoregulatory activity of tamoxifen. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112274. [PMID: 34653752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in immune-mediated diseases are linked to the activity of estrogens on innate immunity cells, including macrophages. Tamoxifen (TAM) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-dependent breast cancers and off-target indications such as infections, although the immune activity of TAM and its active metabolite, 4-OH tamoxifen (4HT), is poorly characterized. Here, we aimed at investigating the endocrine and immune activity of these SERMs in macrophages. Using primary cultures of female mouse macrophages, we analyzed the expression of immune mediators and activation of effector functions in competition experiments with SERMs and 17β-estradiol (E2) or the bacterial endotoxin LPS. We observed that 4HT and TAM induce estrogen antagonist effects when used at nanomolar concentrations, while pharmacological concentrations that are reached by TAM in clinical settings regulate the expression of VEGFα and other immune activation genes by ERα- and G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPER1)-independent mechanisms that involve NRF2 through PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanisms. Importantly, we observed that SERMs potentiate cell phagocytosis and modify the effects of LPS on the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα and IL1β, with an overall increase in cell inflammatory phenotype, further sustained by potentiation of IL1β secretion through caspase-1 activation. Altogether, our data unravel a novel molecular mechanism and immune functions for TAM and 4HT, sustaining their repurposing in infective and other estrogen receptors-unrelated pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Sfogliarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Loris Rizzello
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM) Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Chemistry and; The EPSRC/Jeol Centre for Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy, University College London, WC1H 0AJ London, U.K; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Physics of Living System, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, U.K; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Pinna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Electra Brunialti
- Department of Health Sciences University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mornata
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brunialti E, Villa A, Mekhaeil M, Mornata F, Vegeto E, Maggi A, Di Monte DA, Ciana P. Inhibition of microglial β-glucocerebrosidase hampers the microglia-mediated antioxidant and protective response in neurons. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:220. [PMID: 34551802 PMCID: PMC8459568 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homozygotic mutations in the GBA gene cause Gaucher's disease; moreover, both patients and heterozygotic carriers have been associated with 20- to 30-fold increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. In homozygosis, these mutations impair the activity of β-glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme encoded by GBA, and generate a lysosomal disorder in macrophages, which changes morphology towards an engorged phenotype, considered the hallmark of Gaucher's disease. Notwithstanding the key role of macrophages in this disease, most of the effects in the brain have been attributed to the β-glucocerebrosidase deficit in neurons, while a microglial phenotype for these mutations has never been reported. METHODS We applied the bioluminescence imaging technology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis to investigate the consequences of microglial β-glucocerebrosidase inhibition in the brain of reporter mice, in primary neuron/microglia cocultures and in cell lines. The use of primary cells from reporter mice allowed for the first time, to discriminate in cocultures neuronal from microglial responses consequent to the β-glucocerebrosidase inhibition; results were finally confirmed by pharmacological depletion of microglia from the brain of mice. RESULTS Our data demonstrate the existence of a novel neuroprotective mechanism mediated by a direct microglia-to-neuron contact supported by functional actin structures. This cellular contact stimulates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activity in neurons, a key signal involved in drug detoxification, redox balance, metabolism, autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis, mitochondrial dysfunctions, and neuroinflammation. The central role played by microglia in this neuronal response in vivo was proven by depletion of the lineage in the brain of reporter mice. Pharmacological inhibition of microglial β-glucocerebrosidase was proven to induce morphological changes, to turn on an anti-inflammatory/repairing pathway, and to hinder the microglia ability to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 response, thus increasing the neuronal susceptibility to neurotoxins. CONCLUSION This mechanism provides a possible explanation for the increased risk of neurodegeneration observed in carriers of GBA mutations and suggest novel therapeutic strategies designed to revert the microglial phenotype associated with β-glucocerebrosidase inhibition, aimed at resetting the protective microglia-to-neuron communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Federica Mornata
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mornata F, Pepe G, Sfogliarini C, Brunialti E, Rovati G, Locati M, Maggi A, Vegeto E. Reciprocal interference between the NRF2 and LPS signaling pathways on the immune-metabolic phenotype of peritoneal macrophages. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2020; 8:e00638. [PMID: 32794353 PMCID: PMC7426195 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolic and immune adaptation to extracellular signals allows macrophages to carry out specialized functions involved in immune protection and tissue homeostasis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that coordinates cell redox and metabolic responses to stressors. However, the individual and concomitant activation of NRF2 and inflammatory pathways have been poorly investigated in isolated macrophages. We here took advantage of reporter mice for the transcriptional activities of NRF2 and nuclear factor-kB (NFκB), a key transcription factor in inflammation, and observe a persisting reciprocal interference in the response of peritoneal macrophages to the respective activators, tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When analyzed separately by gene expression studies, these pathways trigger macrophage-specific metabolic and proliferative target genes that are associated with tBHQ-induced pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) with no proliferative response, and with opposite effects observed with LPS. Importantly, the simultaneous administration of tBHQ + LPS alters the effects of each individual pathway in a target gene-specific manner. In fact, this co-treatment potentiates the effects of tBHQ on the antioxidant enzyme, HMOX1, and the antibacterial enzyme, IRG1, respectively; moreover, the combined treatment reduces tBHQ activity on the glycolytic enzymes, TALDO1 and TKT, and decreases LPS effects on the metabolic enzyme IDH1, the proliferation-related proteins KI67 and PPAT, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. Altogether, our results show that the activation of NRF2 redirects the metabolic, immune, and proliferative response of peritoneal macrophages to inflammatory signals, with relevant consequences for the pharmacological treatment of diseases that are associated with unopposed inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mornata
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Giovanna Pepe
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Chiara Sfogliarini
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Electra Brunialti
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Massimo Locati
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational MedicineUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center‐ IRCCSRozzanoItaly
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Sa Y, Wang G, Pan X, Zhen Y, Cheng X, Zhang K, Fu L, Wang H, Liu B. The protective effects of citrullus colocynthis on inhibiting oxidative damage and autophagy-associated cell death in Parkinson's disease. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Vasconcelos AR, Dos Santos NB, Scavone C, Munhoz CD. Nrf2/ARE Pathway Modulation by Dietary Energy Regulation in Neurological Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:33. [PMID: 30778297 PMCID: PMC6369171 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the expression of an array of enzymes with important detoxifying and antioxidant functions. Current findings support the role of high levels of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Given the central role played by Nrf2 in counteracting oxidative damage, a number of studies have targeted the modulation of this transcription factor in order to confer neuroprotection. Nrf2 activity is tightly regulated by oxidative stress and energy-based stimuli. Thus, many dietary interventions based on energy intake regulation, such as dietary energy restriction (DER) or high-fat diet (HFD), modulate Nrf2 with consequences for a variety of cellular processes that affect brain health. DER, by either restricting calorie intake or meal frequency, activates Nrf2 thereby triggering its protective effects, whilst HFD inhibit this pathway, thereby exacerbating oxidative stress. Consequently, DER protocols can be valuable strategies in the management of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Herein, we review current knowledge of the role of Nrf2 signaling in neurological diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral ischemia, as well as the potential of energy intake regulation in the management of Nrf2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rodrigues Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilton Barreto Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinopharmacology and Immunomodulation, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristoforo Scavone
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Demarchi Munhoz
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinopharmacology and Immunomodulation, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Halcomb M, Argyriou E, Cyders MA. Integrating Preclinical and Clinical Models of Negative Urgency. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:324. [PMID: 31191369 PMCID: PMC6541698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence suggests that negative urgency is robustly associated with rash, ill-advised behavior, and this trait may hamper attempts to treat patients with substance use disorder. Research applying negative urgency to clinical treatment settings has been limited, in part, due to the absence of an objective, behavioral, and translational model of negative urgency. We suggest that development of such a model will allow for determination of prime neurological and physiological treatment targets, the testing of treatment effectiveness in the preclinical and the clinical laboratory, and, ultimately, improvement in negative-urgency-related treatment response and effectiveness. In the current paper, we review the literature on measurement of negative urgency and discuss limitations of current attempts to assess this trait in human models. Then, we review the limited research on animal models of negative urgency and make suggestions for some promising models that could lead to a translational measurement model. Finally, we discuss the importance of applying objective, behavioral, and translational models of negative urgency, especially those that are easily administered in both animals and humans, to treatment development and testing and make suggestions on necessary future work in this field. Given that negative urgency is a transdiagnostic risk factor that impedes treatment success, the impact of this work could be large in reducing client suffering and societal costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Halcomb
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Evangelia Argyriou
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Melissa A Cyders
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|