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Zhao Z, Zeng H, Yu X, Shi Y, Zhao Y, Song Y, Li L, Gao Q, Sun M, Wang B. Hif-1α regulation of the Tet1-β-catenin-Dicer1-miRNAs pathway is involved in depression-like behavior in prenatal hypoxic male offspring. Neuroscience 2025; 576:155-166. [PMID: 40318839 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.04.051] [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: 12/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2025] [Accepted: 04/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Prenatal hypoxia (PH) is a common complication of pregnancy, and it is strongly associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety in the offspring. However, how prenatal hypoxia contributes to psychiatric disorders in the offspring is unclear. In this study, we established a model of prenatally hypoxic mice, where pregnant females were treated with hypoxia (10.5% O2) during gestational days 12.5-17.5, while controls (CON) were kept in a normoxic (21% O2) environment. Compared to CON offspring, PH male offspring exhibited depression-like behaviors. Prenatal hypoxia resulted in significantly higher protein level of the oxygen-sensitive subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif-1α) and lower levels of Ten-eleven translocated methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (Tet1), β-catenin, and downstream Dicer1-miRNAs pathway associated with depressive behavior. Mechanistically, prenatal hypoxia leads to Hif-1α binding to Tet1, which inhibits β-catenin binding to Tet1, leading to an increase in ubiquitination-dependent degradation of β-catenin and down-regulation of the β-catenin-Dicer1-miRNAs pathway. In addition, administration of the β-catenin-specific agonist SKL2001 or overexpressing virus ameliorated the down-regulation of β-catenin-Dicer1-miRNAs signaling and depression-like behavior in PH male offspring. These findings suggest that Hif-1α and β-catenin competition for Tet1 binding is involved in depression-like behaviors in PH offspring, and this study provides important data on the molecular mechanisms by which prenatal hypoxia might be involved in adult psychiatric disorders of fetal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Hongtao Zeng
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yajun Shi
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yueyang Song
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; McKusick‑Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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Volarevic A, Harrell CR, Arsenijevic A, Djonov V, Volarevic V. Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2025; 14:600. [PMID: 40277925 PMCID: PMC12025905 DOI: 10.3390/cells14080600] [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: 02/20/2025] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 04/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, detrimental immune response, and neuroinflammation are mainly responsible for the injury and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brains of patients suffering from PD. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating PD due to their ability to suppress the activation of inflammatory immune cells and enhance the viability and function of dopamine-producing neurons. MSC-EVs can easily bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver their cargo (neuroprotective factors, immunosuppressive proteins, and microRNAs) to injured dopamine-producing neurons and brain-infiltrated inflammatory immune cells. A large number of recently published experimental studies demonstrated that MSC-EVs efficiently alleviated PD-related motor and behavioral deficits in animal models, indicating that MSC-EVs should be considered as potentially new therapeutic agents for the treatment of PD. Accordingly, in this review article, we summarized current knowledge about the therapeutic potential of MSCs-EVs in the treatment of PD, paving the way for their future clinical use in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Volarevic
- Departments of Psychology, Center for Research on Harmful Effects of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Carl Randall Harrell
- Regenerative Processing Plant, LLC, 34176 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, USA
| | - Aleksandar Arsenijevic
- Departments of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Research on Harmful Effects of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Vladislav Volarevic
- Departments of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Research on Harmful Effects of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozara Markovica Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
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Xue C, Chu Q, Shi Q, Zeng Y, Lu J, Li L. Wnt signaling pathways in biology and disease: mechanisms and therapeutic advances. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:106. [PMID: 40180907 PMCID: PMC11968978 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02142-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is critically involved in orchestrating cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, survival, and cell fate determination during development. Given its pivotal role in cellular communication, aberrant Wnt signaling has been extensively linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the Wnt pathway, detailing its signal transduction mechanisms and principal components. Furthermore, the complex network of interactions between Wnt cascades and other key signaling pathways, such as Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, FGF, and NF-κB, is explored. Genetic mutations affecting the Wnt pathway play a pivotal role in disease progression, with particular emphasis on Wnt signaling's involvement in cancer stem cell biology and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review underscores the diverse mechanisms through which Wnt signaling contributes to diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Finally, a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic progress targeting Wnt signaling was given, and the latest progress in disease treatment targeting key components of the Wnt signaling pathway was summarized in detail, including Wnt ligands/receptors, β-catenin destruction complexes, and β-catenin/TCF transcription complexes. The development of small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and combination therapy strategies was emphasized, while the current potential therapeutic challenges were summarized. This aims to enhance the current understanding of this key pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Faraji N, Ebadpour N, Abavisani M, Gorji A. Unlocking Hope: Therapeutic Advances and Approaches in Modulating the Wnt Pathway for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2025; 62:3630-3652. [PMID: 39313658 PMCID: PMC11790780 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04462-4] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are conditions characterized by sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments due to alterations in the structure and function of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite their widespread occurrence, the exact causes of NDs remain largely elusive, and existing treatments fall short in efficacy. The Wnt signaling pathway is an emerging molecular pathway that has been linked to the development and progression of various NDs. Wnt signaling governs numerous cellular processes, such as survival, polarity, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and fate specification, via a complex network of proteins. In the adult CNS, Wnt signaling regulates synaptic transmission, plasticity, memory formation, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and neuroinflammation, all essential for maintaining neuronal function and integrity. Dysregulation of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways contributes to neurodegeneration through various mechanisms, such as amyloid-β accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, dopaminergic neuron degeneration, and synaptic dysfunction, prompting investigations into Wnt modulation as a therapeutic target to restore neuronal function and prevent or delay neurodegenerative processes. Modulating Wnt signaling has the potential to restore neuronal function and impede or postpone neurodegenerative processes, offering a therapeutic approach for targeting NDs. In this article, the current knowledge about how Wnt signaling works in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is discussed. Our study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms, recent discoveries, and challenges involved in developing Wnt-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Faraji
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negar Ebadpour
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abavisani
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Gorji
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Münster University, Münster, Germany.
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
- Neurosurgery Department, Münster University, Münster, Germany.
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Coy-Dibley J, Jayaraj ND, Ren D, Pacifico P, Belmadani A, Wang YZ, Gebis KK, Savas JN, Paller AS, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Keratinocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in painful diabetic neuropathy. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2025; 17:100176. [PMID: 39811188 PMCID: PMC11731614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a challenging complication of diabetes with patients experiencing a painful and burning sensation in their extremities. Existing treatments provide limited relief without addressing the underlying mechanisms of the disease. PDN involves the gradual degeneration of nerve fibers in the skin. Keratinocytes, the most abundant epidermal cell type, are closely positioned to cutaneous nerve terminals, suggesting the possibility of bi-directional communication. Extracellular vesicles are lipid-bilayer encapsulated nanovesicles released from many cell types that mediate cell to cell communication. The role of keratinocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (KDEVs) in influencing signaling between the skin and cutaneous nerve terminals and their contribution to the genesis of PDN has not been explored. In this study, we characterized KDEVs in a well-established high-fat diet mouse model of PDN using primary adult mouse keratinocyte cultures. We obtained highly enriched KDEVs through size-exclusion chromatography and then analyzed their molecular cargo using proteomic analysis and small RNA sequencing. We found significant differences in the protein and microRNA content of high-fat diet KDEVs compared to KDEVs obtained from control mice on a regular diet, including pathways involved in axon guidance and synaptic transmission. Additionally, using an in vivo conditional extracellular vesicle reporter mouse model, we demonstrated that epidermal-originating GFP-tagged KDEVs are retrogradely trafficked into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron cell bodies. This study presents the first comprehensive isolation and molecular characterization of the KDEV protein and microRNA cargo in RD and HFD mice. Our findings suggest a potential novel communication pathway between keratinocytes and DRG neurons in the skin, which could have implications for PDN.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Coy-Dibley
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nirupa D. Jayaraj
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dongjun Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paola Pacifico
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abdelhak Belmadani
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yi-Zhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kamil K. Gebis
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Savas
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy S. Paller
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard J. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniela M. Menichella
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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6
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Coy-Dibley J, Jayaraj ND, Ren D, Pacifico P, Belmadani A, Wang YZ, Gebis KK, Savas JN, Paller AS, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Keratinocyte-Derived Exosomes in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.21.608803. [PMID: 39229068 PMCID: PMC11370388 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.21.608803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a challenging complication of diabetes with patients experiencing a painful and burning sensation in their extremities. Existing treatments provide limited relief without addressing the underlying mechanisms of the disease. PDN involves the gradual degeneration of nerve fibers in the skin. Keratinocytes, the most abundant epidermal cell type, are closely positioned to cutaneous nerve terminals, suggesting the possibility of bi-directional communication. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released from many cell types that mediate cell to cell communication. The role of keratinocyte-derived exosomes (KDEs) in influencing signaling between the skin and cutaneous nerve terminals and their contribution to the genesis of PDN has not been explored. In this study, we characterized KDEs in a well-established high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model of PDN using primary adult mouse keratinocyte cultures. We obtained highly enriched KDEs through size exclusion chromatography and then analyzed their molecular cargo using proteomic analysis and small RNA sequencing. We found significant differences in the protein and microRNA content of HFD KDEs compared to KDEs obtained from control mice on a regular diet (RD), including pathways involved in axon guidance and synaptic transmission. Additionally, using an in vivo conditional extracellular vesicle (EV) reporter mouse model, we demonstrated that epidermal-originating GFP-tagged KDEs are retrogradely trafficked into the DRG neuron cell body. Overall, our study presents a potential novel mode of communication between keratinocytes and DRG neurons in the skin, revealing a possible role for KDEs in contributing to the axonal degeneration that underlies neuropathic pain in PDN. Moreover, this study presents potential therapeutic targets in the skin for developing more effective, disease-modifying, and better-tolerated topical interventions for patients suffering from PDN, one of the most common and untreatable peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Coy-Dibley
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nirupa D Jayaraj
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dongjun Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paola Pacifico
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abdelhak Belmadani
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yi-Zhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kamil K Gebis
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Savas
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy S Paller
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard J Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniela M Menichella
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Oka M, Yoshino R, Kitanaka N, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Kitanaka J. Role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in dependence and abuse liability of alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agad086. [PMID: 38145944 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad086] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a major abused drug worldwide that contributes substantially to health and social problems. These problems result from acute alcohol overuse as well as chronic use, leading to alcohol use disorder (AUD). A major goal of this field is to establish a treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence in patients with AUD. The central molecular mechanisms of acute alcohol actions have been extensively investigated in rodent models. AIMS One of the central mechanisms that may be involved is glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity, a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism but which has crucial roles in numerous cellular processes. Although the exact mechanisms leading from acute alcohol actions to these chronic changes in GSK-3β function are not yet clear, GSK-3β nonetheless constitutes a potential therapeutic target for AUD by reducing its function using GSK-3β inhibitors. This review is focused on the correlation between GSK-3β activity and the degree of alcohol consumption. METHODS Research articles regarding investigation of effect of GSK-3β on alcohol consumption in rodents were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases using keywords "glycogen synthase kinase," "alcohol (or ethanol)," "intake (or consumption)," and evaluated by changes in ratios of pGSK-3βSer9/pGSK-3β. RESULTS In animal experiments, GSK-3β activity decreases in the brain under forced and voluntary alcohol consumption while GSK-3β activity increases under alcohol-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Several pieces of evidence suggest that alterations in GSK-3β function are important mediators of chronic ethanol actions, including those related to alcohol dependence and the adverse effects of chronic ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Oka
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
| | - Rui Yoshino
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
| | - Nobue Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Frederic and Mary Wolfe Center HEB 282D, Mail Stop 1015, 3000 Arlington Avenue,Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - George R Uhl
- Neurology Service, VA Maryland Healthcare System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Junichi Kitanaka
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan
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Kitaoka Y, Sase K. Molecular aspects of optic nerve autophagy in glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101217. [PMID: 37839231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The optic nerve consists of the glia, vessels, and axons including myelin and axoplasm. Since axonal degeneration precedes retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma, the preceding axonal degeneration model may be helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of optic nerve degeneration. Optic nerve samples from these models can provide information on several aspects of autophagy. Autophagosomes, the most typical organelles expressing autophagy, are found much more frequently inside axons than around the glia. Thus, immunoblot findings from the optic nerve can reflect the autophagy state in axons. Autophagic flux impairment may occur in degenerating optic nerve axons, as in other central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases. Several molecular candidates are involved in autophagy enhancement, leading to axonal protection. This concept is an attractive approach to the prevention of further retinal ganglion cell death. In this review, we describe the factors affecting autophagy, including nicotinamide riboside, p38, ULK, AMPK, ROCK, and SIRT1, in the optic nerve and propose potential methods of axonal protection via enhancement of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kitaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Kana Sase
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
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Wang Z, Li XN, Yang SN, Wang Y, Gao KJ, Han B, Ma AJ. Exosomal miR-320e through wnt2targeted inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway allevisate cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:630-644. [PMID: 37771642 PMCID: PMC10523201 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i9.630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomal miRNAs play crucial roles in many central nervous system diseases. Cerebral small vessel disease (CVSD) is a small vessel disease that is affected by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the role of exosomal miR-320e in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway stimulated by oxidative stress and assess its clinical correlation with psychiatric symptoms in patients with CVSD. AIM To explore whether exosomal miR-320e could suppress the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and play a protective role in CVSD progression, as well as examine its potential correlation with cognitive impairment and depression in patients with CVSD. METHODS Differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were filtered by sequencing plasma exosomes from patients with CVSD and healthy controls. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase analyses were used to confirm the binding of miR-320e to Wnt2, and the mRNA and protein levels of downstream components in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were evaluated when overexpressed or with knockdown of miR-320e under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. In addition, Wnt2-targeting siRNA was used to confirm the role of miR-320e in the Wnt2-mediated inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients with CVSD to confirm the correlation between miR-320e expression and the severity of cognitive impairment and depression, which were quantified using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)/Executive Function Assessment (EFA), and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)/Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. RESULTS High-throughput sequencing revealed that exosomal miR-320e was downregulated in patients with CVSD. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments showed that exosomal miR-320e inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in response to oxidative stress by targeting the 3' noncoding region of Wnt2. Uptake of exosomes carrying miR-320e into endothelial cells could also target Wnt2 and inhibit the Wnt2/β-catenin pathway. Elevated miR-320e expression may protect patients with CVSD from relatively severe cognitive impairment and depression, as it was found to have a positive correlation with the MoCA/EFA and HAMD/BDI scores. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that exosomal miR-320e suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and may play a protective role in CVSD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue-Ning Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shao-Nan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ke-Jin Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ai-Jun Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266001, Shandong Province, China
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10
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Isik FI, Katzeff JS, Fu Y, Kim WS. Understanding the Role of CDH4 in Multiple System Atrophy Brain. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 13:1303-1311. [PMID: 38143373 PMCID: PMC10741323 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic dysfunction. A major pathological feature of MSA is the presence of α-synuclein aggregates in oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. A genome-wide association study revealed that the CDH4 gene is associated with MSA. However, virtually nothing is known about the role of CDH4 in the context of MSA. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to compare the expression of CDH4 between MSA and control brains, and to investigate its relationship with α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes. METHODS RNA and protein were prepared from putamen, motor cortex white matter, cerebellum, and superior occipital cortex tissues collected from MSA (N = 11) and control (N = 13) brains. The expression of CDH4 was measured at mRNA and protein levels by qPCR and western blotting. Oligodendrocyte cells were cultured on plates and transfected with CDH4 cDNA and its impact on α-synuclein was analyzed. RESULTS Firstly, we found that CDH4 in MSA brain was significantly elevated in the disease-affected motor cortex white matter in MSA (N = 11) compared to controls (N = 13) and unaltered in the disease-unaffected superior occipital cortex. Secondly, we determined that increases in CDH4 expression caused changes in the cellular levels of α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes. CONCLUSIONS When put together, these results provide evidence that support the GWAS association of CDH4 with MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finula I. Isik
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Jared S. Katzeff
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - YuHong Fu
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Grünblatt E, Homolak J, Babic Perhoc A, Davor V, Knezovic A, Osmanovic Barilar J, Riederer P, Walitza S, Tackenberg C, Salkovic-Petrisic M. From attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to sporadic Alzheimer's disease-Wnt/mTOR pathways hypothesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1104985. [PMID: 36875654 PMCID: PMC9978448 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1104985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with the majority of patients classified as sporadic AD (sAD), in which etiopathogenesis remains unresolved. Though sAD is argued to be a polygenic disorder, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4, was found three decades ago to pose the strongest genetic risk for sAD. Currently, the only clinically approved disease-modifying drugs for AD are aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi). All other AD treatment options are purely symptomatic with modest benefits. Similarly, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is one of the most common neurodevelopmental mental disorders in children and adolescents, acknowledged to persist in adulthood in over 60% of the patients. Moreover, for ADHD whose etiopathogenesis is not completely understood, a large proportion of patients respond well to treatment (first-line psychostimulants, e.g., methylphenidate/MPH), however, no disease-modifying therapy exists. Interestingly, cognitive impairments, executive, and memory deficits seem to be common in ADHD, but also in early stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, including sAD. Therefore, one of many hypotheses is that ADHD and sAD might have similar origins or that they intercalate with one another, as shown recently that ADHD may be considered a risk factor for sAD. Intriguingly, several overlaps have been shown between the two disorders, e.g., inflammatory activation, oxidative stress, glucose and insulin pathways, wingless-INT/mammalian target of rapamycin (Wnt/mTOR) signaling, and altered lipid metabolism. Indeed, Wnt/mTOR activities were found to be modified by MPH in several ADHD studies. Wnt/mTOR was also found to play a role in sAD and in animal models of the disorder. Moreover, MPH treatment in the MCI phase was shown to be successful for apathy including some improvement in cognition, according to a recent meta-analysis. In several AD animal models, ADHD-like behavioral phenotypes have been observed indicating a possible interconnection between ADHD and AD. In this concept paper, we will discuss the various evidence in human and animal models supporting the hypothesis in which ADHD might increase the risk for sAD, with common involvement of the Wnt/mTOR-pathway leading to lifespan alteration at the neuronal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Homolak
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Babic Perhoc
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Virag Davor
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Knezovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Osmanovic Barilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Peter Riederer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department and Research Unit of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Tackenberg
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Melita Salkovic-Petrisic
- Department of Pharmacology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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