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Montero-Martin N, Girón MD, Vílchez JD, Salto R. Sodium Tungstate Promotes Neurite Outgrowth and Confers Neuroprotection in Neuro2a and SH-SY5Y Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9150. [PMID: 39273113 PMCID: PMC11394838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179150] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) normalizes glucose metabolism in the liver and muscle, activating the Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway. Because this pathway controls neuronal survival and differentiation, we investigated the effects of Na2WO4 in mouse Neuro2a and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma monolayer cell cultures. Na2WO4 promotes differentiation to cholinergic neurites via an increased G1/G0 cell cycle in response to the synergic activation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K/Akt) and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. In Neuro2a cells, Na2WO4 increases protein synthesis by activating the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6K kinases and GLUT3-mediated glucose uptake, providing the energy and protein synthesis needed for neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, Na2WO4 increased the expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), a member of a family of transcription factors involved in neuronal survival and plasticity, through a post-translational mechanism that increases its half-life. Site-directed mutations of residues involved in the sumoylation of the protein abrogated the positive effects of Na2WO4 on the MEF2D-dependent transcriptional activity. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of Na2WO4 were evaluated in the presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs diminished neurite differentiation owing to a reduction in the G1/G0 cell cycle, concomitant with lower expression of MEF2D and the GLUT3 transporter. These negative effects were corrected in both cell lines after incubation with Na2WO4. These findings support the role of Na2WO4 in neuronal plasticity, albeit further experiments using 3D cultures, and animal models will be needed to validate the therapeutic potential of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Montero-Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María D Girón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José D Vílchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Salto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E18071 Granada, Spain
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2
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Chaudhary R, Agarwal V, Kaushik AS, Rehman M. Involvement of myocyte enhancer factor 2c in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06854. [PMID: 33981903 PMCID: PMC8082549 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a family of transcription factor of MADS (minichromosome maintenance 1, agamous, deficiens and serum response factor)-box family needed in the growth and differentiation of a variety of human cells, such as neural, immune, endothelial, and muscles. As per existing literature, MEF2 transcription factors have also been associated with synaptic plasticity, the developmental mechanisms governing memory and learning, and several neurologic conditions, like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent genomic findings have ascertained a link between MEF2 defects, particularly in the MEF2C isoform and the ASD. In this review, we summarized a concise overview of the general regulation, structure and functional roles of the MEF2C transcription factor. We further outlined the potential role of MEF2C as a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD, MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
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3
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Differential miRNA-Gene Expression in M Cells in Response to Crohn's Disease-Associated AIEC. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081205. [PMID: 32784656 PMCID: PMC7466023 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), which abnormally colonize the ileal mucosa of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, are able to invade intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and translocate through M cells overlying Peyer’s patches. The levels of microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression in IECs and M cells upon AIEC infection have not been investigated. Here, we used human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 monolayers and an in vitro M-cell model of AIEC translocation to analyze comprehensive miRNA and gene profiling under basal condition and upon infection with the reference AIEC LF82 strain. Our results showed that AIEC LF82 translocated through M cells but not Caco-2 monolayers. Both differential gene expression and miRNA profile in M cells compared to Caco-2 cells were obtained. In addition, AIEC infection induces changes in gene and miRNA profiles in both Caco-2 and M cells. In silico analysis showed that certain genes dysregulated upon AIEC infection were potential targets of AIEC-dysregulated miRNAs, suggesting a miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression during AIEC infection in Caco-2, as well as M cells. This study facilitates the discovery of M cell-specific and AIEC response-specific gene-miRNA signature and enhances the molecular understanding of M cell biology under basal condition and in response to infection with CD-associated AIEC.
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4
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Wang N, Yang W, Li L, Tian M. MEF2D upregulation protects neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced injury by enhancing Nrf2 activation. Brain Res 2020; 1741:146878. [PMID: 32407713 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) is a pro-survival factor for neurons. However, whether MEF2D is involved in protecting neurons from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unknown. The current study was designed to investigate the exact role and mechanism of MEF2D in regulating oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury, an in vitro model used to study cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. MEF2D expression was significantly induced in neurons in response to OGD/R injury. Functional analysis demonstrated that MEF2D upregulation significantly rescued the decreased viability of OGD/R-injured neurons and suppressed OGD/R-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By contrast, MEF2D knockdown increased the sensitivity of neurons to OGD/R-induced injury. Moreover, MEF2D overexpression increased the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and enhanced the activation of Nrf2 antioxidant signaling. However, Nrf2 knockdown partially blocked the MEF2D-mediated neuroprotective effect in OGD/R-exposed neurons. Overall, these results reveal that MEF2D overexpression attenuates OGD/R-induced injury by enhancing Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling. These findings suggest that MEF2D may serve as a neuroprotective target with a potential application for treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
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Yang Y, Chen R, Wu X, Zhao Y, Fan Y, Xiao Z, Han J, Sun L, Wang X, Dai J. Rapid and Efficient Conversion of Human Fibroblasts into Functional Neurons by Small Molecules. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:862-876. [PMID: 31631018 PMCID: PMC6893066 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that human astrocytes and fibroblasts can be directly converted into functional neurons by small molecules. However, fibroblasts, as a potentially better cell resource for transplantation, are not as easy to reprogram as astrocytes regarding their fate to neurons, and chemically induced neurons (iNs) with low efficiency from fibroblasts resulted in limited application for the treatment of neurological disorders, including depression. Here, we report that human fibroblasts can be efficiently and directly reprogrammed into glutamatergic neuron-like cells by serially exposing cells to a combination of small molecules. These iNs displayed neuronal transcriptional networks, and also exhibited mature firing patterns and formed functional synapses. Importantly, iNs could integrate into local circuits after transplantation into postnatal mouse brain. Our study provides a rapid and efficient transgene-free approach for chemically generating neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts. Furthermore, our approach offers strategies for disease modeling and drug discovery in central nervous system disorders. Small molecules efficiently reprogram human fibroblasts into glutamatergic neurons iNs show neuronal transcriptional networks resembling that of human primary neurons iNs can survive, mature, and integrate into local circuits after transplantation P7C3-A20 is the most important component of the cocktail in the reprogramming process
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruiguo Chen
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xianming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Le Sun
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoqun Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Oliveira ADAB, Melo NDFM, Vieira ÉDS, Nogueira PAS, Coope A, Velloso LA, Dezonne RS, Ueira-Vieira C, Botelho FV, Gomes JDAS, Zanon RG. Palmitate treated-astrocyte conditioned medium contains increased glutathione and interferes in hypothalamic synaptic network in vitro. Neurochem Int 2018; 120:140-148. [PMID: 30138641 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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7
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Han KA, Shin WH, Jung S, Seol W, Seo H, Ko C, Chung KC. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 exacerbates neuronal cytotoxicity through phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 3 and histone deacetylation. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1-18. [PMID: 27798112 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by slow, progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of neuronal death in PD is largely unknown, but several genetic loci, including leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), have been identified. LRRK2 has guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) and kinase activities, and mutations in LRRK2 are the major cause of autosomal-dominant familial PD. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups from lysine residues on histone tails, promoting transcriptional repression via condensation of chromatin. Here, we demonstrate that LRRK2 binds to and directly phosphorylates HDAC3 at Ser-424, thereby stimulating HDAC activity. Specifically, LRRK2 promoted the deacetylation of Lys-5 and Lys-12 on histone H4, causing repression of gene transcription. Moreover, LRRK2 stimulated nuclear translocation of HDAC3 via the phoshorylation of karyopherin subunit α2 and α6. HDAC3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation were increased in response to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. LRRK2 also inhibited myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2D activity, which is required for neuronal survival. LRRK2 ultimately promoted 6-OHDA-induced cell death via positive modulation of HDAC3. These findings suggest that LRRK2 affects epigenetic histone modification and neuronal survival by facilitating HDAC3 activity and regulating its localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ah Han
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Hyun Shin
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyeon Jung
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wongi Seol
- InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemyung Seo
- Department of Molecular and Life Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kwang Chul Chung
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Wang P, Wang L, Chen L, Sun X. Dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A Gene Transcription is regulated by Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2D. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7240. [PMID: 28775333 PMCID: PMC5543054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07655-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is localized in the Down syndrome critical region of chromosome 21. As a candidate gene responsible for learning defects associated with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease (AD), DYRK1A has been implied to play pivotal roles in cell proliferation and brain development. MEF2D, a member of the myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors, was proved to be in control of neuronal cell differentiation and development. Here we demonstrated that MEF2D could upregulate DYRK1A gene expression through specific activation of DYRK1A isoform 5 gene transcription. A MEF2D responsive element from -268 to -254 bp on promoter region of DYRK1A isoform 5 was identified and confirmed by luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The coordinated expression of DYRK1A and MEF2D in mouse brain development indicated a possibility of the cross-interaction of these two genes during neurodevelopment. The DYRK1A kinase activity was also affected by MEF2D's transcriptional regulation of DYRK1A. Therefore, the molecular regulation of DYRK1A by MEF2D further supported their involvement in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Wang
- Otolaryngology Key Lab, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Luanluan Wang
- Otolaryngology Key Lab, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Long Chen
- Otolaryngology Key Lab, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiulian Sun
- Brain Research Institute, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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9
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Long BL, Li H, Mahadevan A, Tang T, Balotin K, Grandel N, Soto J, Wong SY, Abrego A, Li S, Qutub AA. GAIN: A graphical method to automatically analyze individual neurite outgrowth. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 283:62-71. [PMID: 28336360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurite outgrowth is a metric widely used to assess the success of in vitro neural stem cell differentiation or neuron reprogramming protocols and to evaluate high-content screening assays for neural regenerative drug discovery. However, neurite measurements are tedious to perform manually, and there is a paucity of freely available, fully automated software to determine neurite measurements and neuron counting. To provide such a tool to the neurobiology, stem cell, cell engineering, and neuroregenerative communities, we developed an algorithm for performing high-throughput neurite analysis in immunofluorescent images. NEW METHOD Given an input of paired neuronal nuclear and cytoskeletal microscopy images, the GAIN algorithm calculates neurite length statistics linked to individual cells or clusters of cells. It also provides an estimate of the number of nuclei in clusters of overlapping cells, thereby increasing the accuracy of neurite length statistics for higher confluency cultures. GAIN combines image processing for neuronal cell bodies and neurites with an algorithm for resolving neurite junctions. RESULTS GAIN produces a table of neurite lengths from cell body to neurite tip per cell cluster in an image along with a count of cells per cluster. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS GAIN's performance compares favorably with the popular ImageJ plugin NeuriteTracer for counting neurons, and provides the added benefit of assigning neurites to their respective cell bodies. CONCLUSIONS In summary, GAIN provides a new tool to improve the robust assessment of neural cells by image-based analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Long
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA.
| | - H Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - A Mahadevan
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - T Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - K Balotin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - N Grandel
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - J Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - S Y Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - A Abrego
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - S Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - A A Qutub
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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Li P, Lee EH, Du F, Gordon RE, Yuelling LW, Liu Y, Ng JMY, Zhang H, Wu J, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Curran T, Yang ZJ. Nestin Mediates Hedgehog Pathway Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5573-83. [PMID: 27496710 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The intermediate filament protein Nestin serves as a biomarker for stem cells and has been used to identify subsets of cancer stem-like cells. However, the mechanistic contributions of Nestin to cancer pathogenesis are not understood. Here, we report that Nestin binds the hedgehog pathway transcription factor Gli3 to mediate the development of medulloblastomas of the hedgehog subtype. In a mouse model system, Nestin levels increased progressively during medulloblastoma formation, resulting in enhanced tumor growth. Conversely, loss of Nestin dramatically inhibited proliferation and promoted differentiation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the tumor-promoting effects of Nestin were mediated by binding to Gli3, a zinc finger transcription factor that negatively regulates hedgehog signaling. Nestin binding to Gli3 blocked Gli3 phosphorylation and its subsequent proteolytic processing, thereby abrogating its ability to negatively regulate the hedgehog pathway. Our findings show how Nestin drives hedgehog pathway-driven cancers and uncover in Gli3 a therapeutic target to treat these malignancies. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5573-83. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric H Lee
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Fang Du
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Renata E Gordon
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Larra W Yuelling
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica M Y Ng
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Hao Zhang
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jinhua Wu
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tom Curran
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Zeng-Jie Yang
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Andrews T, Meader S, Vulto-van Silfhout A, Taylor A, Steinberg J, Hehir-Kwa J, Pfundt R, de Leeuw N, de Vries BBA, Webber C. Gene networks underlying convergent and pleiotropic phenotypes in a large and systematically-phenotyped cohort with heterogeneous developmental disorders. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005012. [PMID: 25781962 PMCID: PMC4362763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Readily-accessible and standardised capture of genotypic variation has revolutionised our understanding of the genetic contribution to disease. Unfortunately, the corresponding systematic capture of patient phenotypic variation needed to fully interpret the impact of genetic variation has lagged far behind. Exploiting deep and systematic phenotyping of a cohort of 197 patients presenting with heterogeneous developmental disorders and whose genomes harbour de novo CNVs, we systematically applied a range of commonly-used functional genomics approaches to identify the underlying molecular perturbations and their phenotypic impact. Grouping patients into 408 non-exclusive patient-phenotype groups, we identified a functional association amongst the genes disrupted in 209 (51%) groups. We find evidence for a significant number of molecular interactions amongst the association-contributing genes, including a single highly-interconnected network disrupted in 20% of patients with intellectual disability, and show using microcephaly how these molecular networks can be used as baits to identify additional members whose genes are variant in other patients with the same phenotype. Exploiting the systematic phenotyping of this cohort, we observe phenotypic concordance amongst patients whose variant genes contribute to the same functional association but note that (i) this relationship shows significant variation across the different approaches used to infer a commonly perturbed molecular pathway, and (ii) that the phenotypic similarities detected amongst patients who share the same inferred pathway perturbation result from these patients sharing many distinct phenotypes, rather than sharing a more specific phenotype, inferring that these pathways are best characterized by their pleiotropic effects. Developmental disorders occur in ∼3% of live births, and exhibit a broad range of abnormalities including: intellectual disability, autism, heart defects, and other neurological and morphological problems. Often, patients are grouped into genetic syndromes which are defined by a specific set of mutations and a common set of abnormalities. However, many mutations are unique to a single patient and many patients present a range of abnormalities which do not fit one of the recognized genetic syndromes, making diagnosis difficult. Using a dataset of 197 patients with systematically described abnormalities, we identified molecular pathways whose disruption was associated with specific abnormalities among many patients. Importantly, patients with mutations in the same pathway often exhibited similar co-morbid symptoms and thus the commonly disrupted pathway appeared responsible for the broad range of shared abnormalities amongst these patients. These findings support the general concept that patients with mutations in distinct genes could be etiologically grouped together through the common pathway that these mutated genes participate in, with a view to improving diagnoses, prognoses and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallulah Andrews
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Meader
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Avigail Taylor
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Steinberg
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Hehir-Kwa
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole de Leeuw
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert B. A. de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail: (BBAdV); (CW)
| | - Caleb Webber
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (BBAdV); (CW)
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Gardiner EJ, Cairns MJ, Liu B, Beveridge NJ, Carr V, Kelly B, Scott RJ, Tooney PA. Gene expression analysis reveals schizophrenia-associated dysregulation of immune pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:425-37. [PMID: 23218666 PMCID: PMC7094548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent an accessible tissue source for gene expression profiling in schizophrenia that could provide insight into the molecular basis of the disorder. This study used the Illumina HT_12 microarray platform and quantitative real time PCR (QPCR) to perform mRNA expression profiling on 114 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 80 non-psychiatric controls from the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB). Differential expression analysis revealed altered expression of 164 genes (59 up-regulated and 105 down-regulated) in the PBMCs from patients with schizophrenia compared to controls. Bioinformatic analysis indicated significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes known to be involved or associated with immune function and regulating the immune response. The differential expression of 6 genes, EIF2C2 (Ago 2), MEF2D, EVL, PI3, S100A12 and DEFA4 was confirmed by QPCR. Genome-wide expression analysis of PBMCs from individuals with schizophrenia was characterized by the alteration of genes with immune system function, supporting the hypothesis that the disorder has a significant immunological component in its etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J. Gardiner
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray J. Cairns
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Bing Liu
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Beveridge
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaughan Carr
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Kelly
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Scott
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- The Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Area Pathology Service, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul A. Tooney
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Imprinted DLK1-DIO3 region of 14q32 defines a schizophrenia-associated miRNA signature in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mol Psychiatry 2012; 17:827-40. [PMID: 21727898 PMCID: PMC3404364 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are important for coordinating nervous system development and neuronal function in the mature brain. We have recently identified schizophrenia-associated alteration of cortical miRNA biogenesis and expression in post-mortem brain tissue with implications for the dysregulation of schizophrenia candidate genes. Although these changes were observed in the central nervous system, it is plausible that schizophrenia-associated miRNA expression signatures may also be detected in non-neural tissue. To explore this possibility, we investigated the miRNA expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 112 patients with schizophrenia and 76 non-psychiatric controls. miRNA expression analysis of total RNA conducted using commercial miRNA arrays revealed that 33 miRNAs were significantly downregulated after correction for multiple testing with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0%, which increased to 83 when we considered miRNA with an FDR<5%. Seven miRNAs altered in microarray analysis of schizophrenia were also confirmed to be downregulated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A large subgroup consisting of 17 downregulated miRNAs is transcribed from a single imprinted locus at the maternally expressed DLK1-DIO3 region on chromosome 14q32. This pattern of differentially expressed miRNA in PBMCs may be indicative of significant underlying genetic or epigenetic alteration associated with schizophrenia.
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14
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Petrik D, Jiang Y, Birnbaum SG, Powell CM, Kim MS, Hsieh J, Eisch AJ. Functional and mechanistic exploration of an adult neurogenesis-promoting small molecule. FASEB J 2012; 26:3148-62. [PMID: 22542682 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-201426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis occurs throughout life in the mammalian hippocampus and is essential for memory and mood control. There is significant interest in identifying ways to promote neurogenesis and ensure maintenance of these hippocampal functions. Previous work with a synthetic small molecule, isoxazole 9 (Isx-9), highlighted its neuronal-differentiating properties in vitro. However, the ability of Isx-9 to drive neurogenesis in vivo or improve hippocampal function was unknown. Here we show that Isx-9 promotes neurogenesis in vivo, enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) neuroblasts, and the dendritic arborization of adult-generated dentate gyrus neurons. Isx-9 also improves hippocampal function, enhancing memory in the Morris water maze. Notably, Isx-9 enhances neurogenesis and memory without detectable increases in cellular or animal activity or vascularization. Molecular exploration of Isx-9-induced regulation of neurogenesis (via FACS and microarray of SGZ stem and progenitor cells) suggested the involvement of the myocyte-enhancer family of proteins (Mef2). Indeed, transgenic-mediated inducible knockout of all brain-enriched Mef2 isoforms (Mef2a/c/d) specifically from neural stem cells and their progeny confirmed Mef2's requirement for Isx-9-induced increase in hippocampal neurogenesis. Thus, Isx-9 enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and memory in vivo, and its effects are reliant on Mef2, revealing a novel cell-intrinsic molecular pathway regulating adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Petrik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9070, USA
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15
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Ye W, Xu K, Huang D, Liang A, Peng Y, Zhu W, Li C. Age-related increases of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy in rat nucleus pulposus. Connect Tissue Res 2011; 52:472-8. [PMID: 21591930 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2011.564336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Excessive apoptosis plays an important role in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. However, the effect of autophagy, another type of programmed cell death, on the pathogenesis of disc degeneration is still unclear. Macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) change and intervertebral disc degeneration aggravates with age. This study aims at examining the expression changes of light chain 3 (LC3), lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP-2A), and Hsc70, the indicator substrates of macroautophagy and CMA, in rat nucleus pulposus (NP) to prove that macroautophagy and CMA are both related with age. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats of 3, 12, and 24 months (n = 8 per age) were used in this study. Autophagic vacuoles in NP cells were detected by transmission electron microscopy. In NP, the expressions of LC3-II and LAMP-2A protein and mRNA were examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. LC3-II, LC3-I, and LAMP-2A protein were also measured by western blot. The mRNA and protein level of myocyte enhancer factor-2D regulated by LAMP-2A and Hsc70 were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. RESULTS Transmission electron microscopy showed more autophagic vacuoles in 12- and 24-month groups than in 3-month group. Expression of LC3-II and LC3-II/LC3-I in 24-month group was significantly higher than in 3-month group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, LAMP-2A expression was significantly higher in 24-month group than in 3-month group (p < 0.05). However, lower expression of Hsc70 and myocyte enhancer factor-2D was found in the 24-month rats than in 3-month group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Macroautophagy and CMA were present and increased with age in rat NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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16
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Lam BYH, Zhang W, Ng DCH, Maruthappu M, Roderick HL, Chawla S. CREB-dependent Nur77 induction following depolarization in PC12 cells and neurons is modulated by MEF2 transcription factors. J Neurochem 2009; 112:1065-73. [PMID: 19968756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06521.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the nuclear orphan receptor gene Nur77 in neuronal cells is induced by activity-dependent increases in intracellular Ca2+ ions. Ca2+ responsiveness of the Nur77 gene has been attributed to two distinct DNA regulatory regions that recruit the transcription factors cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2). Here we used dominant interfering and constitutively active mutants of CREB and MEF2 proteins to assess their relative contribution to depolarization-induced Nur77 expression in undifferentiated PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons. We show that while CREB is necessary for Ca2+-activated Nur77 expression MEF2 functions to modulate CREB-dependent Nur77 expression by acting as a repressor in quiescent cells.
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Beveridge NJ, Tooney PA, Carroll AP, Tran N, Cairns MJ. Down-regulation of miR-17 family expression in response to retinoic acid induced neuronal differentiation. Cell Signal 2009; 21:1837-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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18
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Neely MD, Robert EM, Baucum AJ, Colbran RJ, Muly EC, Deutch AY. Localization of myocyte enhancer factor 2 in the rodent forebrain: regionally-specific cytoplasmic expression of MEF2A. Brain Res 2009; 1274:55-65. [PMID: 19362076 PMCID: PMC2723059 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) is expressed throughout the central nervous system, where four MEF2 isoforms play important roles in neuronal survival and differentiation and in synapse formation and maintenance. It is therefore somewhat surprising that there is a lack of detailed information on the localization of MEF2 isoforms in the mammalian brain. We have analyzed the regional, cellular, and subcellular expression of MEF2A and MEF2D in the rodent brain. These two MEF2 isoforms were co-expressed in virtually all neurons in the cortex and the striatum, but were not detected in astrocytes. MEF2A and MEF2D were localized to the nuclei of neurons in many forebrain areas, consistent with their roles as transcriptional regulators. However, in several subcortical sites we observed extensive cytoplasmic expression of MEF2A but not MEF2D. MEF2A was particularly enriched in processes of neurons in the lateral septum and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, as well as in several other limbic sites, including the central amygdala and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and thalamus. Ultrastructural examination similarly revealed MEF2A-ir in axons and dendrites as well as MEF2A-ir nuclei in the lateral septum and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis neurons. This study demonstrates for the first time extensive cytoplasmic localization of a MEF2 transcription factor in the mammalian brain in vivo. The extranuclear localization of MEF2A suggests novel roles for MEF2A in specific neuronal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Diana Neely
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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19
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Lam BYH, Zhang W, Enticknap N, Haggis E, Cader MZ, Chawla S. Inverse regulation of plasticity-related immediate early genes by calcineurin in hippocampal neurons. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:12562-71. [PMID: 19270309 PMCID: PMC2673322 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m901121200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian hippocampus, changes in the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) is thought to contribute to long term plastic changes in neurons brought about by learning tasks and high frequency stimulation of synapses. The phosphatase calcineurin has emerged as an important negative regulator of hippocampus-dependent learning and long term potentiation. Here we investigated the possibility that the constraining action of calcineurin on hippocampal plasticity is mediated in part by regulation of gene expression through negative control of transcription factors, such as cAMP-response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB). We assessed the effect of calcineurin inhibitors on CREB activation by neuronal activity and show that calcineurin activity is in fact required for CREB-mediated gene expression. However, inhibition of calcineurin had disparate effects on the transcriptional induction of CREB-dependent IEGs. We find that the IEG c-fos is unaffected by suppression of calcineurin activity, the plasticity-related genes Egr1/Zif268 and Egr2/Krox-20 are up-regulated, and genes encoding the orphan nuclear hormone receptors Nor1 and Nur77 are down-regulated. We further show that the up-regulation of particular IEGs is probably due to the presence of serum response elements (SREs) in their promoters, because SRE-mediated gene expression is enhanced by calcineurin blockers. Moreover, expression of the c-fos gene, which is unaffected by calcineurin inhibitors, could be down-regulated by mutating the SRE. Conversely, SRE-mediated c-fos induction in the absence of a functional CRE was enhanced by calcineurin inhibitors. Our experiments thus implicate calcineurin as a negative regulator of SRE-dependent neuronal genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Yee Hong Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, United Kingdom
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Baek YS, Haas S, Hackstein H, Bein G, Hernandez-Santana M, Lehrach H, Sauer S, Seitz H. Identification of novel transcriptional regulators involved in macrophage differentiation and activation in U937 cells. BMC Immunol 2009; 10:18. [PMID: 19341462 PMCID: PMC2674038 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-10-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monocytes and macrophages play essential role in innate immunity. Understanding the underlying mechanism of macrophage differentiation and the identification of regulatory mechanisms will help to find new strategies to prevent their harmful effects in chronic inflammatory diseases and sepsis. Results Maturation of blood monocytes into tissue macrophages and subsequent inflammatory response was mimicked in U937 cells of human histocytic lymphoma origin. Whole genome array analysis was employed to evaluate gene expression profile to identify underlying transcriptional networks implicated during the processes of differentiation and inflammation. In addition to already known transcription factors (i.e. MAFB, EGR, IRF, BCL6, NFkB, AP1, Nur77), gene expression analysis further revealed novel genes (i.e. MEF2, BRI, HLX, HDAC5, H2AV, TCF7L2, NFIL3) previously uncharacterized to be involved in the differentiation process. A total of 58 selected genes representing cytokines, chemokines, surface antigens, signaling molecules and transcription factors were validated by real time PCR and compared to primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Beside the verification of several new genes, the comparison reveals individual heterogeneity of blood donors. Conclusion Up regulation of MEF2 family, HDACs, and H2AV during cell differentiation and inflammation sheds new lights onto regulation events on transcriptional and epigenetic level controlling these processes. Data generated will serve as a source for further investigation of macrophages differentiation pathways and related biological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sook Baek
- Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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