Signalling through the JAK-STAT pathway in the developing brain

Identification of a novel non-coding deletion in Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome by long-read HiFi genome sequencing

BACKGROUND

Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is an X-linked disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the SLC16A2 gene. Although most reported variants are found in protein-coding regions or adjacent junctions, structural variations (SVs) within non-coding regions have not been previously reported.

METHODS

We investigated two male siblings with severe neurodevelopmental disorders and spasticity, who had remained undiagnosed for over a decade and were negative from exome sequencing, utilizing long-read HiFi genome sequencing. We conducted a comprehensive analysis including short-tandem repeats (STRs) and SVs to identify the genetic cause in this familial case.

RESULTS

While coding variant and STR analyses yielded negative results, SV analysis revealed a novel hemizygous deletion in intron 1 of the SLC16A2 gene (chrX:74,460,691 - 74,463,566; 2,876 bp), inherited from their carrier mother and shared by the siblings. Determination of the breakpoints indicates that the deletion probably resulted from Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangements between homologous AluY pairs. The deleted region is predicted to include multiple transcription factor binding sites, such as Stat2, Zic1, Zic2, and FOXD3, which are crucial for the neurodevelopmental process, as well as a regulatory element including an eQTL (rs1263181) that is implicated in the tissue-specific regulation of SLC16A2 expression, notably in skeletal muscle and thyroid tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

This report, to our knowledge, is the first to describe a non-coding deletion associated with AHDS, demonstrating the potential utility of long-read sequencing for undiagnosed patients. Although interpreting variants in non-coding regions remains challenging, our study highlights this region as a high priority for future investigation and functional studies.

Argon neuroprotection in ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanism

Ischemic stroke (IS), primarily caused by cerebrovascular obstruction, results in severe neurological deficits and has emerged as a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Recently, there has been increasing exploration of the neuroprotective properties of the inert gas argon. Argon has exhibited impressive neuroprotection in many in vivo and ex vivo experiments without signs of adverse effects, coupled with the advantages of being inexpensive and easily available. However, the efficient administration strategy and underlying mechanisms of neuroprotection by argon in IS are still unclear. This review summarizes current research on the neuroprotective effects of argon in IS with the goal to provide effective guidance for argon application and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of argon neuroprotection. Early and appropriate argon administration at as high a concentration as possible offers favorable neuroprotection in IS. Argon inhalation has been shown to provide some long-term protection benefits. Argon provides the anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic cytoprotective effects mainly around Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4), mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-ĸB) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Therefore, argon holds significant promise as a novel clinical neuroprotective gas agent for ischemic stroke after further researches to identify the optimal application strategy and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in spinal cord injury: an updated review

Cytokines are involved in neural homeostasis and pathological processes associated with neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI). The biological effect of cytokines, including those associated with acute or chronic SCI pathologies, are the result of receptor-mediated signaling through the Janus kinases (JAKs) as well as the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) DNA-binding protein families. Although therapies targeting at cytokines have led to significant changes in the treatment of SCI, they present difficulties in various aspects for the direct use by patients themselves. Several small-molecule inhibitors of JAKs, which may affect multiple pro-inflammatory cytokine-dependent pathways, as well as STATs, are in clinical development for the treatment of SCI. This review describes the current understanding of the JAK-STAT signaling in neuroendocrine homeostasis and diseases, together with the rationale for targeting at this pathway for the treatment of SCI.

EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling induced Müller cell gliosis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in experimental glaucoma

Previous work showed that ephrinA3/EphA4 forward signaling contributed to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in experimental glaucoma. Since up-regulated patterns of ephrinA3 and EphA4 were observed in Müller cells and RGCs, an EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling may exist in Müller cells of chronic ocular hypertension (COH) retina. We investigated effects of EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling activation on Müller cells in COH retina. Intravitreal injection of the ephrinA3 agonist EphA4-Fc increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in normal retinas, suggestive of Müller cell gliosis, which was confirmed in purified cultured Müller cells treated with EphA4-Fc. These effects were mediated by intracellular STAT3 signaling pathway as phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) levels and ratios of p-STAT3/STAT3 were significantly increased in both COH retinas and EphA4-Fc intravitreally injected retinas, as well as in EphA4-Fc treated purified cultured Müller cells. The increase of GFAP protein levels in EphA4-Fc-injected retinas and EphA4-Fc treated purified cultured Müller cells could be partially eliminated by stattic, a selective STAT3 blocker. Co-immunoprecipitation results testified to the presence of interaction between ephrinA3 and STAT3/p-STAT3. In addition, intravitreal injection of EphA4-Fc or EphA4-Fc treatment of cultured Müller cells significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, intravitreal injection of EphA4-Fc increased the number of apoptotic RGCs, which could be reversed by the tyrosine kinase blocker PP2. Overall, EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling may induce Müller cell gliosis and increases release of pro-inflammatory factors, which could contribute to RGC death in glaucoma. Inhibition of EphA4/ephrinA3 signaling may provide an effective neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Neuroglia Cells Transcriptomic in Brain Development, Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Glia cells are essential for brain functioning during development, aging and disease. However, the role of astroglia plays during brain development is quite different from the role played in the adult lesioned brain. Therefore, a deeper understanding of pathomechanisms underlying astroglia activity in the aging brain and cerebrovascular diseases is essential to guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. To this end, this review provides a comparison between the transcriptomic activity of astroglia cells during development, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia. During fetal brain development, astrocytes and microglia often affect the same developmental processes such as neuro-/gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic pruning. In the adult brain astrocytes are a critical player in the synapse remodeling by mediating synapse elimination while microglia activity has been associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and remove cell debris by constantly sensing the environment. However, in the lesioned brain astrocytes proliferate and play essential functions with regard to energy supply to the neurons, neurotransmission and buildup of a protective scar isolating the lesion site from the surroundings. Inflammation, neurodegeneration, or loss of brain homeostasis induce changes in microglia gene expression, morphology, and function, generally referred to as "primed" microglia. These changes in gene expression are characterized by an enrichment of phagosome, lysosome, and antigen presentation signaling pathways and is associated with an up-regulation of genes encoding cell surface receptors. In addition, primed microglia are characterized by upregulation of a network of genes in response to interferon gamma. Conclusion. A comparison of astroglia cells transcriptomic activity during brain development, aging and neurodegenerative disorders might provide us with new therapeutic strategies with which to protect the aging brain and improve clinical outcome.

Impact of Zinc Transport Mechanisms on Embryonic and Brain Development

The trace element zinc (Zn) binds to over ten percent of proteins in eukaryotic cells. Zn flexible chemistry allows it to regulate the activity of hundreds of enzymes and influence scores of metabolic processes in cells throughout the body. Deficiency of Zn in humans has a profound effect on development and in adults later in life, particularly in the brain, where Zn deficiency is linked to several neurological disorders. In this review, we will summarize the importance of Zn during development through a description of the outcomes of both genetic and early dietary Zn deficiency, focusing on the pathological consequences on the whole body and brain. The epidemiology and the symptomology of Zn deficiency in humans will be described, including the most studied inherited Zn deficiency disease, Acrodermatitis enteropathica. In addition, we will give an overview of the different forms and animal models of Zn deficiency, as well as the 24 Zn transporters, distributed into two families: the ZIPs and the ZnTs, which control the balance of Zn throughout the body. Lastly, we will describe the TRPM7 ion channel, which was recently shown to contribute to intestinal Zn absorption and has its own significant impact on early embryonic development.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Inhibits Microglia Pyroptosis Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Through Regulating STAT3 Signaling

Purpose

Neuroinflammation runs through the whole process of nervous system diseases and brain injury. Inflammasomes are thought to be especially relevant to immune homeostasis, and their dysregulation contributes to pyroptosis. The natural compound Ginsenoside Rg1 has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects; however, its underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the role and mechanisms of Rg1 in regulating the production of inflammasomes and pyroptosis of microglia in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

BV-2 microglial cells were pretreated with Rg1, stattic and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2μg/mL). Hoechst staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay were then carried out. The expression levels of cleaved-caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), mature-IL-1β, gasdermin D (GSDMD), activated NH(2)-terminal fragment of GSDMD (GSDMD-N), NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phosphorylated STAT3 in BV-2 were detected by Western blotting. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the expression of NLRP3 and p-STAT3 in postnatal rat brain and BV-2 microglia subjected to LPS stimulation and Rg1 pretreatment. The targets of transcription factor STAT3 were predicted by hTFtarget and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to confirm the interaction between STAT3 and AIM2.

Results

We showed here that Rg1 effectively inhibited the expression of inflammasomes and microglia pyroptosis induced by LPS. The targets predicted data of Rg1 from Swiss target prediction database showed STAT3 had the highest thresholds of probability score. Rg1 can regulate the phosphorylation of STAT3, which binds to the promoter region of inflammasome AIM2.

Conclusion

It is suggested that STAT3 signaling can initiate the transcription activity of AIM2. Rg1 regulates microglia pyroptosis in neuroinflammation induced by LPS through targeting STAT3 signaling.

A human isogenic iPSC-derived cell line panel identifies major regulators of aberrant astrocyte proliferation in Down syndrome

Astrocytes exert adverse effects on the brains of individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Although a neurogenic-to-gliogenic shift in the fate-specification step has been reported, the mechanisms and key regulators underlying the accelerated proliferation of astrocyte precursor cells (APCs) in DS remain elusive. Here, we established a human isogenic cell line panel based on DS-specific induced pluripotent stem cells, the XIST-mediated transcriptional silencing system in trisomic chromosome 21, and genome/chromosome-editing technologies to eliminate phenotypic fluctuations caused by genetic variation. The transcriptional responses of genes observed upon XIST induction and/or downregulation are not uniform, and only a small subset of genes show a characteristic expression pattern, which is consistent with the proliferative phenotypes of DS APCs. Comparative analysis and experimental verification using gene modification reveal dose-dependent proliferation-promoting activity of DYRK1A and PIGP on DS APCs. Our collection of human isogenic cell lines provides a comprehensive set of cellular models for further DS investigations.

Keiji Kawatani et al. developed a panel of Down syndrome (DS) isogenic astrocytes derived from iPSCs to observe the consequence of DS on astrocyte precursor proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. Their results suggest a dose-dependent effect of DYRK1A and PIGP on DS-derived astrocyte precursor proliferation, and represent a valuable resource and cellular model for future DS research.

Sigma 1 Receptor Modulates Optic Nerve Head Astrocyte Reactivity

Purpose

Stimulation of Sigma 1 Receptor (S1R) is neuroprotective in retina and optic nerve. S1R is expressed in both neurons and glia. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the ability of S1R to modulate reactivity responses of optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHAs) by investigating the extent to which S1R activation alters ONHA reactivity under conditions of ischemic cellular stress.

Methods

Wild type (WT) and S1R knockout (KO) ONHAs were derived and treated with vehicle or S1R agonist, (+)-pentazocine ((+)-PTZ). Cells were subjected to six hours of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by 18 hours of re-oxygenation (OGD/R). Astrocyte reactivity responses were measured. Molecules that regulate ONHA reactivity, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), were evaluated.

Results

Baseline glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were increased in nonstressed KO ONHAs compared with WT cultures. Baseline cellular migration was also increased in nonstressed KO ONHAs compared with WT. Treatment with (+)-PTZ increased cellular migration in nonstressed WT ONHAs but not in KO ONHAs. Exposure of both WT and KO ONHAs to ischemia (OGD/R), increased GFAP levels and cellular proliferation. However, (+)-PTZ treatment of OGD/R-exposed ONHAs enhanced GFAP levels, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration in WT but not KO cultures. The (+)-PTZ treatment of WT ONHAs also enhanced the OGD/R-induced increase in cellular pSTAT3 levels. However, treatment of WT ONHAs with (+)-PTZ abrogated the OGD/R-induced rise in NF-kB(p65) activation.

Conclusions

Under ischemic stress conditions, S1R activation enhanced ONHA reactivity characteristics. Future studies should address effects of these responses on RGC survival.

Working memory and hippocampal expression of BDNF, ARC, and P-STAT3 in rats: effects of diet and exercise

OBJECTIVES

Mounting evidence suggests diet and exercise influence learning and memory (LM). We compared a high-fat, high-sucrose Western diet (WD) to a plant-based, amylose/amylopectin blend, lower-fat diet known as the Daniel Fast (DF) in rats with and without regular aerobic exercise on a task of spatial working memory (WM).

METHODS

Rats were randomly assigned to the WD or DF at 6 weeks of age. Exercised rats (WD-E, DF-E) ran on a treadmill 3 times/week for 30 min while the sedentary rats did not (WD-S, DF-S). Rats adhered to these assignments for 12 weeks, inclusive of ab libitum food intake, after which mild food restriction was implemented to encourage responding during WM testing. For nine months, WM performance was assessed once daily, six days per week, after which hippocampal sections were collected for subsequent analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein (ARC), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P-STAT3, Tyr705).

RESULTS

DF-E rats exhibited the best DSA performance. Surprisingly, the WD-S group outperformed the WD-E group, but had significantly lower BDNF and ARC relative to the DF-S group, with a similar trend from the WD-E group. P-STAT3 expression was also significantly elevated in the WD-S group compared to both the DF-S and WD-E groups.

DISCUSSION

These results support previous research demonstrating negative effects of the WD on spatial LM, demonstrate the plant-based DF regimen combined with chronic aerobic exercise produces measurable WM and neuroprotective benefits, and suggest the need to carefully design exercise prescriptions to avoid over-stressing individuals making concurrent dietary changes.

In ovo Sound Stimulation Mediated Regulation of BDNF in the Auditory Cortex and Hippocampus of Neonatal Chicks

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to mediate activity-dependent changes in the developing auditory system. Its expression in the brainstem auditory nuclei, auditory cortex and hippocampus of neonatal chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) in response to in ovo high intensity sound exposure at 110 dB (arrhythmic sound: recorded traffic noise, 30-3000 Hz with peak at 2700 Hz, rhythmic sound: sitar music, 100-4000 Hz) was examined to understand the previously reported altered volume and neuronal number in these regions. In the brainstem auditory nuclei, no mature BDNF, but proBDNF at the protein level was detected, and no change in its levels was observed after in ovo sound stimulation (music and noise). Increased ProBDNF protein levels were found in the auditory cortex in response to arrhythmic sound, along with decreased levels of one of the BDNF mRNA transcripts, in response to both rhythmic and arrhythmic sound stimulation. In the hippocampus, increased levels of mature BDNF were found in response to music. Expression microarray analysis was performed to understand changes in gene expression in the hippocampus in response to music and noise, followed by gene ontology analysis showing enrichment of probable signaling pathways. Differentially expressed genes like CAMK1 and STAT1 were found to be involved in downstream signaling on comparing music versus noise-exposed chicks. In conclusion, we report that BDNF is differentially regulated in the auditory cortex at the transcriptional and post-translational level, and in the hippocampus at the post-translational level in response to in ovo sound stimulation.

Drug Targets in Neurotrophin Signaling in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that play an important role in the regulation of the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system. Neurotrophins were earlier characterized by their role in early development, growth, maintenance, and the plasticity of the nervous system during development, but recent findings also indicate their complex role during normal physiology in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Therefore, it is important to recognize a deficiency in the expression of neurotrophins, a major factor driving the debilitating features of several neurologic and psychiatric diseases/disorders. On the other hand, overexpression of neurotrophins is well known to play a critical role in pathogenesis of chronic pain and afferent sensitization, underlying conditions such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/disorders and osteoarthritis. The existence of a redundant receptor system of high-and low-affinity receptors accounts for the diverse, often antagonistic, effects of neurotrophins in neurons and non-neuronal tissues in a spatial and temporal manner. In addition, studies looking at bladder dysfunction because of conditions such as spinal cord injury and diabetes mellitus have found alterations in the levels of these neurotrophins in the bladder, as well as in sensory afferent neurons, which further opens a new avenue for therapeutic targets. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics and roles of key neurotrophins and their involvement in the central and periphery nervous system in both normal and diseased conditions.

Optic nerve astrocyte reactivity protects function in experimental glaucoma and other nerve injuries

Reactive remodeling of optic nerve head astrocytes is consistently observed in glaucoma and other optic nerve injuries. However, it is unknown whether this reactivity is beneficial or harmful for visual function. In this study, we used the Cre recombinase (Cre)-loxP system under regulation of the mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter to knock out the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) from astrocytes and test the effect this has on reactive remodeling, ganglion cell survival, and visual function after experimental glaucoma and nerve crush. After injury, STAT3 knockout mice displayed attenuated astrocyte hypertrophy and reactive remodeling; astrocytes largely maintained their honeycomb organization and glial tubes. These changes were associated with increased loss of ganglion cells and visual function over a 30-day period. Thus, reactive astrocytes play a protective role, preserving visual function. STAT3 signaling is an important mediator of various aspects of the reactive phenotype within optic nerve astrocytes.

Effect of puerarin on transcriptome of astrocyte during oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury

Stroke is a serious disease with complex pathomechanism and limited therapeutic effect in clinic. Our previous research has found obvious therapeutic effect of Puerarin (Pur) on stroke injury of rat. The aim of this study is to investigate the transcriptome changes of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-injured astrocytes before and after the intervention of Pur. Cells activity and apoptosis detection indicated that the activity of OGD/R-injured astrocytes was improved, and the apoptosis was ameliorated by Pur. Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array assays indicated that after intervention of Pur, mRNA expressions of 31 genes were up-regulated and 40 genes were down-regulated in OGD group, whereas mRNA expression of 36 genes were up-regulated, and 88 genes were down-regulated in OGD/R group. Pathway analysis indicated that the olfactory transduction pathway and the JAK (janus kinase) 2/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) three pathways were down-regulated by Pur during OGD/R injury of astrocytes. These data indicated that Pur regulates transcriptome and expresses protective effect on astrocytes during OGD/R injury, and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of stroke.

AMPA-Kainate Receptor Inhibition Promotes Neurologic Recovery in Premature Rabbits with Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants leads to cerebral inflammation, reduced myelination of the white matter, and neurological deficits. No therapeutic strategy exists against the IVH-induced white matter injury. AMPA-kainate receptor induced excitotoxicity contributes to oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) damage and hypomyelination in both neonatal and adult models of brain injury. Here, we hypothesized that IVH damages white matter via AMPA receptor activation, and that AMPA-kainate receptor inhibition suppresses inflammation and restores OPC maturation, myelination, and neurologic recovery in preterm newborns with IVH. We tested these hypotheses in a rabbit model of glycerol-induced IVH and evaluated the expression of AMPA receptors in autopsy samples from human preterm infants. GluR1-GluR4 expressions were comparable between preterm humans and rabbits with and without IVH. However, GluR1 and GluR2 levels were significantly lower in the embryonic white matter and germinal matrix relative to the neocortex in both infants with and without IVH. Pharmacological blockade of AMPA-kainate receptors with systemic NBQX, or selective AMPA receptor inhibition by intramuscular perampanel restored myelination and neurologic recovery in rabbits with IVH. NBQX administration also reduced the population of apoptotic OPCs, levels of several cytokines (TNFα, IL-β, IL-6, LIF), and the density of Iba1(+) microglia in pups with IVH. Additionally, NBQX treatment inhibited STAT-3 phosphorylation, but not astrogliosis or transcription factors regulating gliosis. Our data suggest that AMPA-kainate receptor inhibition alleviates OPC loss and IVH-induced inflammation and restores myelination and neurologic recovery in preterm rabbits with IVH. Therapeutic use of FDA-approved perampanel treatment might enhance neurologic outcome in premature infants with IVH.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a major complication of prematurity and a large number of survivors with IVH develop cerebral palsy and cognitive deficits. The development of IVH leads to inflammation of the periventricular white matter, apoptosis and arrested maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and hypomyelination. Here, we show that AMPA-kainate receptor inhibition by NBQX suppresses inflammation, attenuates apoptosis of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and promotes myelination as well as clinical recovery in preterm rabbits with IVH. Importantly, AMPA-specific inhibition by the FDA-approved perampanel, which unlike NBQX has a low side-effect profile, also enhances myelination and neurological recovery in rabbits with IVH. Hence, the present study highlights the role of AMPA-kainate receptor in IVH-induced white matter injury and identifies a novel strategy of neuroprotection, which might improve the neurological outcome for premature infants with IVH.

The role of the JAK-STAT pathway in neural stem cells, neural progenitor cells and reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury

Patients with spinal cord injuries can develop severe neurological damage and dysfunction, which is not only induced by primary but also by secondary injuries. As an evolutionarily conserved pathway of eukaryotes, the JAK-STAT pathway is associated with cell growth, survival, development and differentiation; activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been previously reported in central nervous system injury. The JAK-STAT pathway is directly associated with neurogenesis and glia scar formation in the injury region. Following injury of the axon, the overexpression and activation of STAT3 is exhibited specifically in protecting neurons. To investigate the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in neuroprotection, we summarized the effect of JAK-STAT pathway in the following three sections: Firstly, the modulation of JAK-STAT pathway in proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and neural progenitor cells is discussed; secondly, the time-dependent effect of JAK-STAT pathway in reactive astrocytes to reveal their capability of neuroprotection is revealed and lastly, we focus on how the astrocyte-secretory polypeptides (astrocyte-derived cytokines and trophic factors) accomplish neuroprotection via the JAK-STAT pathway.

Interleukin 18 activates MAPKs and STAT3 but not NF-κB in hippocampal HT-22 cells

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine previously demonstrated to participate in neuroinflammatory processes. Since the components of the IL-18 receptor complex are expressed in neurons throughout the brain, IL-18 is also believed to directly influence neuronal function. Here we tested this hypothesis on mouse hippocampal neurons by measuring the effects of IL-18 on three pathways previously shown to be regulated by this cytokine in non-neuronal cells: the MAPK pathways, p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs, STAT3 and NF-κB. Experiments were carried out in vitro using the immortalized hippocampal neuronal line HT-22 or in vivo following i.c.v. injection with recombinant mouse IL-18. We showed that IL-18 did not activate NF-κB in HT-22 cells whereas it induced a rapid (within 15min) activation of the MAPK pathways. Moreover, we demonstrated that IL-18 treatment enhanced P-STAT3 (Tyr705)/STAT3 ratio in the nucleus of HT-22 cells after 30-60min of exposure. A similar increase in P-STAT3 (Tyr705)/STAT3 ratio was observed in the whole hippocampus one hour after i.c.v. injection. These data demonstrate that IL-18 can act directly on neuronal cells affecting the STAT3 pathway; therefore, possibly regulating the expression of specific genes within the hippocampus. This effect may help to explain some of the IL-18-induced effects on synaptic plasticity and functionality within the hippocampal system.

The regulation of reactive changes around multiple sclerosis lesions by phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription

Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by phosphorylation is thought to mediate anti-inflammatory responses to CNS injury. Several studies have reported an increase in phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in peripheral T cells and monocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during relapses, suggesting that pSTAT3 might represent an inflammatory marker. Here, we examined immunoreactivity for pSTAT3 in brain tissue samples from MS patients and controls. Phosphorylated STAT3 immunoreactivity was sparse within lesions, with no difference between active and inactive lesions. It was, however, significantly greater in white matter (WM) adjacent to active and inactive lesions; moreover, it was significantly greater in WM adjacent to active versus inactive lesions. Phosphorylated STAT3-positive cells were identified as astrocytes and macrophages/microglia. Phosphorylated STAT3 expression was also detected by Western blotting in WM of patients with MS. In comparison, pSTAT3 immunoreactivity was either rare or found focally in brain tissue samples from patients with other neurologic diseases. Our findings show that pSTAT3 does not correlate with inflammatory activity in MS lesions, but that it may play an important role in regulating reactive changes proximal to MS lesions.

Selective inhibition of STAT1 reduces spinal cord injury in mice

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is associated with neuronal cell death after cerebral ischemia. However, the role of STAT1 in the spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. Here, we examined whether STAT1 blockade reduces neural tissue damage and locomotor impairment after SCI in mice. The small interfering RNA against STAT1 (STAT1 siRNA) or control non-targeting siRNA was injected intraperitoneally into SCI mice. Histological damage and locomotor function were evaluated. Inflammatory markers and apoptosis were determined. STAT1 siRNA treatment significantly decreased the histological damage following SCI. STAT1 siRNA-treated mice showed significantly improved locomotor function compared with the controls. Furthermore, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels at the injured site from the STAT1 siRNA-treated group were significantly reduced and IL-10 increased, in comparison with controls. The NF-κB activation and apoptosis in SCI were also inhibited. These results reveal that selective STAT1 inhibition reduced neural tissue damage and locomotor impairment by regulating inflammatory response and possibly apoptosis. STAT1 represents a novel therapeutic target after SCI.

Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody reduces neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury in mice

The present study reports the beneficial effects of an anti-mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antibody (MR16-1) on neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). Following laminectomy, contusion SCI models were produced using an Infinite Horizon (IH)-impactor. MR16-1 was continuously injected for 14 days using Alzet osmotic pumps. A mouse IL-6 ELISA kit was then used to analyze IL-6 levels in the spinal cord tissue between 12 and 72 h after injury. Motor and sensory functions were evaluated each week using the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), plantar von Frey and thermal threshold tests. Histological examinations were performed 42 days after SCI. Between 24 and 72 h after SCI, the expression levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased in the MR16-1 treated group. Six weeks after surgery, the BMS score of the MR16-1-treated group indicated significant recovery of neurological functions. MR16-1-treated mice in the SCI group exhibited lower paw withdrawal thresholds in the plantar von Frey and thermal tests, which were used to evaluate allodynia. MR16-1 treatment significantly increased the area of Luxol fast blue-stained tissue, representing spared myelin sheaths. These results indicate that the continuous inhibition of IL-6 signaling by MR16-1 between the early and sub-acute phases following SCI leads to neurological recovery and the suppression of hyperalgesia and allodynia. Overall, our data suggest that the inhibition of severe inflammation may be a promising neuroprotective approach to limit secondary injury following SCI and that an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody may have clinical potential for the treatment of SCI.

Inactivation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis and downregulation of M1 mAChR cause cognitive impairment in klotho mutant mice, a genetic model of aging

We previously reported cognitive dysfunction in klotho mutant mice. In the present study, we further examined novel mechanisms involved in cognitive impairment in these mice. Significantly decreased janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3) phosphorylation were observed in the hippocampus of klotho mutant mice. A selective decrease in protein expression and binding density of the M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M1 mAChR) was observed in these mice. Cholinergic parameters (ie, acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)) and NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) were significantly impaired in klotho mutant mice. McN-A-343 (McN), an M1 mAChR agonist, significantly attenuated these impairments. AG490 (AG), a JAK2 inhibitor, counteracted the attenuating effects of McN, although AG did not significantly alter the McN-induced effect on AChE. Furthermore, AG significantly inhibited the attenuating effects of McN on decreased NMDAR-dependent LTP, protein kinase C βII, p-ERK, p-CREB, BDNF, and p-JAK2/p-STAT3-expression in klotho mutant mice. In addition, k252a, a BDNF receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) inhibitor, significantly counteracted McN effects on decreased ChAT, ACh, and M1 mAChR and p-JAK2/p-STAT3 expression. McN-induced effects on cognitive impairment in klotho mutant mice were consistently counteracted by either AG or k252a. Our results suggest that inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis and M1 mAChR downregulation play a critical role in cognitive impairment observed in klotho mutant mice.

Temporal expression of cytokines and signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 activation after neonatal hypoxia/ischemia in mice

Hypoxia/ischemia (HI) is a prevalent reason for neonatal brain injury with inflammation being an inevitable phenomenon following such injury; but there is a scarcity of data regarding the signaling pathway involved and the effector molecules. The signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) is known to modulate injury following imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral and central nervous system injury making it a potential molecule for study. The current study investigates the temporal expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) after carotid occlusion and hypoxia (8% O2, 55 min) in postnatal day 7 C57BL/6 mice from 3 h to 21 days after hypoxia. Protein array illustrated notable changes in cytokines expressed in both hemispheres in a time-dependent manner. The major pro-inflammatory cytokines showing immediate changes between ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres were IL-6 and IL-1β. The anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 demonstrated a delayed augmentation with no prominent differences between hemispheres, while IL-1ra showed two distinct peaks of expression spread over time. We also illustrate for the first time the spatiotemporal activation of pSTAT3 (Y705 phosphorylation) after a neonatal HI in mice brain. The main regions expressing pSTAT3 were the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. pSTAT3+ cells were mostly a subpopulation of activated astrocytes (GFAP+) and microglia/macrophages (F4/80+) seen only in the ipsilateral hemisphere at most time points studied (till 7 days after hypoxia). The highest expression of pSTAT3+ cells was observed to be around 24-48 h, where the presence of pSTAT3+ astrocytes and pSTAT3+ microglia/macrophages was seen by confocal micrographs. In conclusion, our study highlights a synchronized expression of some pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, especially in the long term not previously defined. It also points towards a significant role of STAT3 signaling following micro- and astrogliosis in the pathophysiology of neonatal HI-related brain injury. In the study, a shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine profile was also noted as the injury progressed. We suggest that while designing efficient neuroprotective therapies using inflammatory molecules, the time of intervention and balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines must be considered.

IL-6 attenuates trimethyltin-induced cognitive dysfunction via activation of JAK2/STAT3, M1 mAChR and ERK signaling network

We previously reported that interleukin (IL)-6 deficiency potentiates trimethyltin (TMT)-induced convulsive neurotoxicity. The purpose in this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which cytokines affect TMT-induced cognitive impairment. To accomplish this, we examined hippocampal changes in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in relation to cholinergic parameters after TMT treatment in mice genetically deficient in IL-6 (IL-6(-/-)), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α(-/-)), or interferon-γ (IFN-γ(-/-)). The IL-6(-/-) mice were the most susceptible to TMT-induced cognitive dysfunction and exhibited significant decreases in JAK2/STAT3 signaling and M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) expression, as well as other cholinergic parameters, compared with wild-type (WT) animals. Recombinant IL-6 protein (rIL-6) significantly attenuated these impairments in TMT-treated IL-6(-/-) mice, whereas an IL-6 receptor antibody potentiated these impairments in TMT-treated WT animals. Inhibition of JAK2 with AG490 or inhibition of cholinergic signaling with the M1 mAChR antagonist dicyclomine counteracted the attenuating effects of rIL-6 on phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression, or on cognitive impairment in TMT-treated IL-6(-/-) mice. However, neither AG490 nor dicyclomine significantly attenuated effects of rIL-6 on acetylcholinesterase values. Our results suggest that activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling and upregulation of the M1 mAChR are essential components of IL-6-mediated memory improvement against TMT toxicity.

Regulation of STAT3 by miR-106a is linked to cognitive impairment in ovariectomized mice

MicroRNAs are abundantly expressed in the brain and play an important role in disorders of the brain, including cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing body of evidence suggests that the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, it is unclear whether miRNAs are involved in this process. Therefore, we characterized the expression and role of miR-106a and JAK/STAT signaling in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment, as indicated by escape latency and time spent in the platform quadrant in the Morris water maze test, was significantly reduced at 12 weeks post-OVX, compared to age-matched controls. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting demonstrated that miR-106a was upregulated, and STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 were downregulated in the hippocampus at 12 weeks post-OVX, compared with age matched controls and the 6 and 8 weeks post-OVX groups. Transfection of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with a miR-106a mimic reduced the expression of STAT3 mRNA, compared to control cells transfected with a scrambled mimic. STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 protein expression was upregulated or downregulated by a miR-106a inhibitor or miR-106a mimic, respectively, indicating that miR-106a negatively regulates STAT3. Luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-106a directly targets the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of STAT3. This study suggests that miR-106a negatively regulates STAT3 activation, and also that miR-106a may provide a marker of onset or potential therapeutic target for cognitive disturbances.

Molecular pathways controlling inhibitory receptor expression

Epilepsy is a disease of complex etiology, and multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to its development. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may result from an initial precipitating event such as hypoxia, head injury, or prolonged seizure (i.e., status epilepticus [SE]), that is followed by a latent period of months to years before spontaneous seizures occur. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor (GABA(A) R) subunit changes occur during this latent period and may persist following the onset of spontaneous seizures. Research into the molecular mechanisms regulating these changes and potential targets for intervention to reverse GABA(A) R subunit alterations have uncovered seizure-induced pathways that contribute to epileptogenesis. Several growth or transcription factors are known to be activated by SE, including (but not limited to): brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), and early growth response factors (Egrs). Results of multiple studies suggest that these factors transcriptionally regulate GABA(A) R subunit gene expression in a way that is pertinent to the development of epilepsy. This article focuses on these signaling elements and describes their possible roles in gene regulatory pathways that may be critical in the development of chronic epilepsy.

The Jak/STAT pathway is involved in synaptic plasticity

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is involved in many cellular processes, including cell growth and differentiation, immune functions and cancer. It is activated by various cytokines, growth factors, and protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and regulates the transcription of many genes. Of the four JAK isoforms and seven STAT isoforms known, JAK2 and STAT3 are highly expressed in the brain where they are present in the postsynaptic density (PSD). Here, we demonstrate a new neuronal function for the JAK/STAT pathway. Using a variety of complementary approaches, we show that the JAK/STAT pathway plays an essential role in the induction of NMDA-receptor dependent long-term depression (NMDAR-LTD) in the hippocampus. Therefore, in addition to established roles in cytokine signaling, the JAK/STAT pathway is involved in synaptic plasticity in the brain.

Targeting mTOR as a novel therapeutic strategy for traumatic CNS injuries

The adult central nervous system (CNS) has a remarkable ability to repair itself. However, severe brain and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause lasting disability and there are only a few therapies that can prevent or restore function in such cases. In this review, we provide an overview of traumatic CNS injuries and discuss several emerging pharmacological options that have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies. We highlight therapies that modulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, a pathway that is well known for its roles in cell growth, metabolism and cancer. Interestingly, this pathway is also gaining newfound attention for its role in CNS repair and regeneration.

High level interleukin-6 in the medium of human pancreatic cancer cell culture suppresses production of neurotransmitters by PC12 cell line

It has been suggested that pancreatic cancer is associated with a greater prevalence of depression than many other cancers, but the mechanism accounting for this potential association has not yet been illustrated. In the present study, conditioned media (CM) from three pancreatic cancer cell lines and primary pancreatic cancer cells from two patients were added to culture system of differentiated pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. The release of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) by PC12 was significantly inhibited after CM treatment (P < 0.05), similar to what happened after recombinant interleukin 6(IL-6) treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment with anti-IL-6 antibody significantly blocked the inhibitory effects of pancreatic cancer CM on DA and NE production (P < 0.05). We also demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of catecholamine, was reduced after exposure to IL-6, which was accompanied by JAK-STAT3 pathway activation. Our results demonstrated that IL-6 in CM from pancreatic cancer down-regulated the production of DA and NE by PC12 cell. The possible underlying mechanisms might be decreasing TH production via activation of JAK-STAT3 signal transduction pathway. The present study might help to better understand the close relationship between pancreatic cancer and depression.

Lipocalin-2 Is a chemokine inducer in the central nervous system: role of chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in lipocalin-2-induced cell migration

The secreted protein lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been implicated in diverse cellular processes, including cell morphology and migration. Little is known, however, about the role of LCN2 in the CNS. Here, we show that LCN2 promotes cell migration through up-regulation of chemokines in brain. Studies using cultured glial cells, microvascular endothelial cells, and neuronal cells suggest that LCN2 may act as a chemokine inducer on the multiple cell types in the CNS. In particular, up-regulation of CXCL10 by JAK2/STAT3 and IKK/NF-κB pathways in astrocytes played a pivotal role in LCN2-induced cell migration. The cell migration-promoting activity of LCN2 in the CNS was verified in vivo using mouse models. The expression of LCN2 was notably increased in brain following LPS injection or focal injury. Mice lacking LCN2 showed the impaired migration of astrocytes to injury sites with a reduced CXCL10 expression in the neuroinflammation or injury models. Thus, the LCN2 proteins, secreted under inflammatory conditions, may amplify neuroinflammation by inducing CNS cells to secrete chemokines such as CXCL10, which recruit additional inflammatory cells.

The potential role of JAK2/STAT3 pathway on the anti-apoptotic effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) after experimental traumatic brain injury of rats

Previous studies indicate that administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) protects cortical neurons following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mechanisms of rhEPO's neuroprotection are complex and interacting, including anti-apoptosis. Here we aim to demonstrate the role of janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway on the anti-apoptotic effect of rhEPO in Feeney free falling TBI model. Activation of JAK2/STAT3 in pericontusional cortex was analyzed among rats in Sham, TBI, TBI+rhEPO, TBI+rhEPO+AG490 groups (rhEPO: 5000 U/kg day; JAK2 inhibitor AG490: 5 mg/kg day, intraperitoneal) through Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression (Q-PCR, Western blotting) and cell apoptosis (TUNEL) in pericontusional cortex were also detected in each group. As a result, we found that TBI could activate JAK2 and STAT3, and increase cell apoptosis in pericontusional cortex. RhEPO enhanced the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, followed by increased cell survival. Moreover, AG490 attenuated rhEPO's neuroprotection by down-regulating rhEPO-induced activation of JAK2/STAT3, and inhibiting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. These results suggest the essential role of JAK2/STAT3 pathway on the anti-apoptotic benefit of post-TBI rhEPO treatment.

Mitochondrial localized STAT3 is involved in NGF induced neurite outgrowth

Background

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays critical roles in neural development and is increasingly recognized as a major mediator of injury response in the nervous system. Cytokines and growth factors are known to phosphorylate STAT3 at tyrosine⁷⁰⁵ with or without the concomitant phosphorylation at serine⁷²⁷, resulting in the nuclear localization of STAT3 and subsequent transcriptional activation of genes. Recent evidence suggests that STAT3 may control cell function via alternative mechanisms independent of its transcriptional activity. Currently, the involvement of STAT3 mono-phosphorylated at residue serine⁷²⁷ (P-Ser-STAT3) in neurite outgrowth and the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.

Principal Findings

In this study, we investigated the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) induced P-Ser-STAT3 in mediating neurite outgrowth. NGF induced the phosphorylation of residue serine⁷²⁷ but not tyrosine⁷⁰⁵ of STAT3 in PC12 and primary cortical neuronal cells. In PC12 cells, serine but not tyrosine dominant negative mutant of STAT3 was found to impair NGF induced neurite outgrowth. Unexpectedly, NGF induced P-Ser-STAT3 was localized to the mitochondria but not in the nucleus. Mitochondrial STAT3 was further found to be intimately involved in NGF induced neurite outgrowth and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Conclusion

Taken together, the findings herein demonstrated a hitherto unrecognized novel transcription independent mechanism whereby the mitochondria localized P-Ser-STAT3 is involved in NGF induced neurite outgrowth.

Activation of JAK2/STAT pathway in cerebral cortex after experimental traumatic brain injury of rats

The janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) is one of the main pathways downstream of cytokine receptors and growth factor receptors by transducing signals from cell surface to the nucleus. In this study, we aimed to survey the role of JAK2/STAT pathway in the progress of TBI. Right parietal cortical contusion in rats was induced by the Feeney free falling model. The activation of JAK2, STAT1 and STAT3 in pericontusional cortex was determined by Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Moreover, we assessed the neurological recovery (using Neurological Severity Scores (NSS)) of rats under the pretreatment of a JAK2 inhibitor, AG490. Western blotting revealed that expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 increased immediately, peaked at 3h after TBI and decreased thereafter, and the activation could be inhibited by AG490. Immunohistochemical study showed that JAK2/STAT pathway was activated in both neurons and astrocytes at 3h after TBI. STAT3-specific binding activity was obviously enhanced after TBI and down-regulated after AG490 administration. The higher NSS of TBI+AG490 group revealed a worse behavior recovery when compared with TBI+DMSO group. Our results suggest that the JAK2/STAT pathway is activated in pericontusional cortex of rats, and may be involved in the neurological function recovery after TBI.

Comparison of canine umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation times: involvement of astrogliosis, inflammation, intracellular actin cytoskeleton pathways, and neurotrophin-3

Canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood represent a potentially useful source of stem cells for therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different transplantation times of cMSCs after spinal cord injury (SCI). A total of 21 dogs were subjected to SCI by balloon-induced compression of the first lumbar vertebrae for 12 h. Of the 21 dogs, 12 were divided into four groups of three according to the time of stem cell (1 × 10(6)) transplantation at the injury site: control no treatment, 12 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks. The remaining 9 animals were negative harvest (HA) time controls for each treatment group (n = 3). Olby and Tarlov scores were used to evaluate functional recovery of the hindlimbs. Markers for neuronal regeneration (Tuj-1, nestin, MAP2, and NF-M), astrogliosis (GALC, GFAP, and pSTAT3), signal molecules for actin cytoskeleton (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1), inflammation (COX-2), and neurotrophins (NT-3) were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Scores of the 1-week transplantation group showed significant improvement compared to controls. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed less fibrosis at the injury site in the 1-week transplantation group compared to other groups and immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of neuronal markers. Furthermore, in both 1-week and 2-week transplantation groups, Tuj-1, nestin, MAP2, NF-M, NT-3, and GFAP increased, but pSTAT3, GALC, and COX2 decreased. RhoA decreased and Rac1 and Cdc42 increased in the 1-week transplantation group. In conclusion, transplantation of cMSCs 1 week after SCI was more effective in improving clinical signs and neuronal regeneration and reducing fibrosis formation compared to the other transplantation times evaluated. Subsequently, these data may contribute to the optimization of timing for MSC transplantation used as a therapeutic modality.

Excess thyroid hormone inhibits embryonic neural stem/progenitor cells proliferation and maintenance through STAT3 signalling pathway

Hyperthyroidism is prevalent during pregnancy, but little is known about the effects of excess thyroid hormone on the development of embryonic neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs), and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Previous studies indicate that STAT3 plays a crucial role in determining NSC fate during neurodevelopment. In this study, we investigated the effects of a supraphysiological dose of 3,5,3'-L-triiodothyronine (T3) on the proliferation and maintenance of NSCs derived from embryonic day 13.5 mouse neocortex, and the involvement of STAT3 in this process. Our results suggest that excess T3 treatment inhibits NSC proliferation and maintenance. T3 decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK2 and STAT3, and subsequently inhibited STAT3-DNA binding activity. Furthermore, proliferation and maintenance of NSCs were decreased by inhibitors of JAKs and STAT3, indicating that the STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the process of NSC proliferation and maintenance. Taken together, these results suggest that the STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the process of T3-induced inhibition of embryonic NSC proliferation and maintenance. These findings provide data for understanding the effects of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy on fetal brain development, and the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Activation of the JAK-STAT pathway by olanzapine is necessary for desensitization of serotonin2A receptor-stimulated phospholipase C signaling in rat frontal cortex but not serotonin2A receptor-stimulated hormone release

Chronic treatment with olanzapine causes desensitization of serotonin 2A receptor signaling. The purpose of the current study was to further understand the mechanisms underlying this desensitization response of serotonin 2A receptor signaling in vivo. We report that desensitization of serotonin 2A receptor stimulated-phospholipase C activity in rat frontal cortex induced by olanzapine is dependent on the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Olanzapine treatment for 7 days significantly increased the levels of the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS7) protein, RGS7 mRNA levels, and activation of JAK2 in rat frontal cortex. Pre-treatment with a JAK2 inhibitor AG490, significantly attenuated the olanzapine-induced reductions in serotonin 2A receptor-stimulated phospholipase C activity and prevented the olanzapine-induced increases in RGS7 mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway with AG490 did not reverse the olanzapine-induced desensitization of the serotonin 2A receptor pathway in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus mediating increases in plasma hormone levels. AG490 dose-dependently inhibited serotonin 2A receptor-stimulated oxytocin and corticosterone release. These results suggest that the olanzapine-induced increase in RGS7 expression is mediated by the activation of JAK-STAT and is necessary for olanzapine-induced desensitization of serotonin 2A receptor-stimulated phospholipase C activity in the frontal cortex but not serotonin 2A receptor-stimulated hormone release.

A direct cross-talk between interferon-gamma and sonic hedgehog signaling that leads to the proliferation of neuronal precursor cells

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is critical for innate and adaptive immunity. Recent evidence suggests a connection between IFN-gamma signaling and the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway in the developing brain with CNS-targeted expression of IFN-gamma transgene in mice. To determine the relationship between these distinct pathways, we have found that IFN-gamma induces a rapid Shh transcription in cultured primary granular neuron precursor (GNP) cells. The transcriptional induction of Shh by IFN-gamma is resistant to protein synthesis inhibition. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis reveals a direct binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 to the Shh promoter. Functional analyses, including dual immunofluorescent labeling with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation indicate that IFN-gamma treatment leads to significant GNP proliferation. This mitogenic effect of IFN-gamma is blocked by inhibition of Shh signaling. Therefore, Shh is an IFN-gamma target gene and is responsible for IFN-gamma-induced GNP proliferation. This previously unrecognized cross-talk between IFN-gamma and Shh highlights a potential importance of this immune mediator in the pathogenesis of human developmental and psychiatric disorders.

Innate immune signaling pathways in animals: beyond reductionism

The immune system plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the stability and equilibrium of the internal environment in living organisms. The field of animal innate immunity has been the global focus of immunological research for decades. It is now known that the functions of innate immunity inevitably rely on the action of the molecular machines of the cascades or network of immune signaling pathways. Up to date, many researches on the immune signaling pathways in animals were focused on identifying the component functions or cascade molecules in details, which essentially followed a reductionist paradigm without paying high attention to the integrated features. The main purpose of this article was dedicated to accentuating the shift of this field from a reductionist to a systemic view. First, the former part of this article made efforts to summarize the main aspects of the signaling pathways of animal innate immunity including the web resources, the recapitulation of highlighted pathways, the cross-talks, and the evolutionary considerations, which heavily emphasized the integrated characteristics of the immune signaling pathways. Subsequently, the later part of this article was based on the holistic feature of the immune signaling pathways, mainly dedicated to propose a novel hypothesis. From a whole perspective, the oscillating balance hypothesis was deliberately formulated to characterize the holistic pattern of the signaling transduction network of animal innate immune system, which might help to understand some immunological phenomena through the integral principle of the immune network.

Role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in neuronal survival and regeneration

Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) comprise a family of transcription factors that mediate a wide variety of biological functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Injury to neural tissue induces STAT activation, and STATs are increasingly recognized for their role in neuronal survival. In this review, we discuss the role of STAT3 during neural development and following ischemic and traumatic injury in brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. We focus on STAT3 because of the expanding body of literature that investigates protective and regenerative effects of growth factors, hormones and cytokines that use STAT3 to mediate their effect, in part through transcriptional upregulation of neuroprotective and neurotrophic genes. Defining the endogenous molecular mechanisms that lead to neuroprotection by STAT3 after injury might identify novel therapeutic targets against acute neural tissue damage as well as chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

Ambivalent aspects of interleukin-6 in cerebral ischemia: inflammatory versus neurotrophic aspects

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is pleiotropic cytokine involved in many central nervous system disorders including stroke, and elevated serum IL-6 has been found in acute stroke patients. IL-6 is implicated in the inflammation, which contributes to both injury and repair process after cerebral ischemia. However, IL-6 is one of the neurotrophic cytokines sharing a common receptor subunit, gp130, with other neurotrophic cytokines, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor. The expression of IL-6 is most prominently identified in neurons in the peri-ischemic regions, and LIF expression shows a similar pattern. The direct injection of these cytokines into the brain after ischemia can reduce ischemic brain injury. The cytokine receptors are localized on the neuron surface, suggesting that neurons are the cytokine target. The major IL-6 downstream signaling pathway is JAK-STAT, and Stat3 activation occurs mainly in neurons during postischemic reperfusion. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the exact role of Stat3 signaling in neuroprotection. Taken together, the information suggests that IL-6 plays a double role in cerebral ischemia, as an inflammatory mediator during the acute phase and as a neurotrophic mediator between the subacute and prolonged phases.

STAT3 silencing with lentivirus inhibits growth and induces apoptosis and differentiation of U251 cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common type of central nervous system tumor in humans, is highly proliferative and resistant to apoptosis associated with genetic mutations that deregulate cell cycle. Signal transduction and activation of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a key signal transduction protein that mediated signaling by cytokines and contributed to oncogenesis. It is constitutively activated in numerous cancers including glioblastoma. To determine the effect on proliferation and differentiation of glioblastoma U251 cells after inhibiting STAT3 expression by RNAi, STAT3 gene was silenced with lentivirus vector in U251 cells. We demonstrate that a lentivirus-based shRNA vector had highly infecting efficiency to U251 cells and lentivirus vector-mediated RNAi significantly suppressed Stat3 expression and activation in U251 cells. Knockdown of STAT3 expression by RNAi suppressed the growth and induced apoptosis of U251 cells by down-regulating expression of Bcl-2. It was found that the cell proportion of G0/G1 phase significantly increased after silencing Stat3 by down-regulating expression of cyclin D1. Knockdown of Stat3 also induces morphological changes of U251 cell. It increases significantly expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in U251 cells. This study demonstrates that STAT3 silencing with lentivirus effectively inhibits STAT3 gene expression and activation. Stat3 is associated with the survival, growth and differentiation of U251 cells. Lentivirus vector-mediated RNAi may be serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of GBM with expression constitutively and activation of STAT3 gene.

STAT3 is a critical regulator of astrogliosis and scar formation after spinal cord injury

Signaling mechanisms that regulate astrocyte reactivity and scar formation after spinal cord injury (SCI) are not well defined. We used the Cre recombinase (Cre)-loxP system under regulation of the mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter to conditionally delete the cytokine and growth factor signal transducer, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), from astrocytes. After SCI in GFAP-Cre reporter mice, >99% of spinal cord cells that exhibited Cre activity as detected by reporter protein expression were GFAP-expressing astrocytes. Conditional deletion (or knock-out) of STAT3 (STAT3-CKO) from astrocytes in GFAP-Cre-loxP mice was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. In uninjured adult STAT3-CKO mice, astrocytes appeared morphologically similar to those in STAT3+/+ mice except for a partially reduced expression of GFAP. In STAT3+/+ mice, phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) was not detectable in astrocytes in uninjured spinal cord, and pSTAT3 was markedly upregulated after SCI in astrocytes and other cell types near the injury. Mice with STAT3-CKO from astrocytes exhibited attenuated upregulation of GFAP, failure of astrocyte hypertrophy, and pronounced disruption of astroglial scar formation after SCI. These changes were associated with increased spread of inflammation, increased lesion volume and partially attenuated motor recovery over the first 28 d after SCI. These findings indicate that STAT3 signaling is a critical regulator of certain aspects of reactive astrogliosis and provide additional evidence that scar-forming astrocytes restrict the spread of inflammatory cells after SCI.

A 3.2 Mb deletion on 18q12 in a patient with childhood autism and high-grade myopia

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders with unknown aetiology. Even though ASDs are suggested to be among the most heritable complex disorders, only a few reproducible mutations leading to susceptibility for ASD have been identified. In an attempt to identify ASD susceptibility genes through chromosome rearrangements, we investigated a female patient with childhood autism and high-grade myopia, and an apparently balanced de novo translocation, t(5;18)(q34;q12.2). Further analyses revealed a 3.2 Mb deletion encompassing 17 genes at the 18q break point and an additional deletion of 1.27 Mb containing two genes on chromosome 4q35. Q-PCR analysis of 14 of the 17 genes deleted on chromosome 18 showed that 11 of these genes were expressed in the brain, suggesting that haploinsufficiency of one or more genes may have contributed to the childhood autism phenotype of the patient. Identification of multiple genetic changes in this patient with childhood autism agrees with the most frequently suggested genetic model of ASDs as complex, polygenic disorders.

Chronic olanzapine activates the Stat3 signal transduction pathway and alters expression of components of the 5-HT2A receptor signaling system in rat frontal cortex

The mechanisms underlying desensitization of serotonin 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptor signaling by antagonists are unclear but may involve changes in gene expression mediated via signal transduction pathways. In cells in culture, olanzapine causes desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling and increases the levels of regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) 7 protein dependent on phosphorylation/activation of the Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway. In the current study, the 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling system in rat frontal cortex was examined following 7 days of daily treatment with 0.5, 2.0 or 10.0 mg/kg i.p. olanzapine. Olanzapine increased phosphorylation of Stat3 in rats treated daily with 10 mg/kg olanzapine and caused a dose-dependent desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated phospholipase C activity. There were dose-dependent increases in the levels of membrane-associated 5-HT(2A) receptor, G(alpha11) and G(alphaq) protein levels but no changes in the G(beta) protein levels. With olanzapine treatment, RGS4 protein levels increase in the membrane-fraction and decrease in the cytosolic fraction by similar amounts suggesting a redistribution of RGS4 protein within neurons. RGS7 protein levels increase in both the membrane and cytosolic fractions in rats treated daily with 10mg/kg olanzapine. The olanzapine-induced increase in Stat3 activity could underlie the increase in RGS7 protein expression in vivo as previously demonstrated in cultured cells. Furthermore, the increases in membrane-associated RGS proteins could play a role in desensitization of signaling by terminating the activated G(alphaq/11) proteins more rapidly.

Inhibitory effect on cerebral inflammatory agents that accompany traumatic brain injury in a rat model: a potential neuroprotective mechanism of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO)

Erythropoietin (EPO) has recently been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Cerebral inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of secondary brain injury after TBI. We, therefore, tried to analyze how recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) might effect the inflammation-related factors common to TBI: nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a rat TBI model. Male rats were given 0 or 5000 units/kg injections of rhEPO 1h post-injury and on days 1, 2 and 3 after surgery. Brain samples were extracted at 3 days after trauma. We measured NF-kappaB by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA); IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); ICAM-1 by immunohistochemistry; brain edema by wet/dry method; blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability by Evans blue extravasation and cortical apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. We found that NF-kappaB, pro-inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 were increased in all injured animals. In animals given rhEPO post-TBI, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 were decreased in comparison to vehicle-treated animals. Measures of IL-6 showed no change after rhEPO treatment. Administration of rhEPO reduced brain edema, BBB permeability and apoptotic cells in the injured brain. In conclusion, post-TBI rhEPO administration may attenuate inflammatory response in the injured rat brain, and this may be one mechanism by which rhEPO improves outcome following TBI.

Theaflavin ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through its anti-inflammatory effect and modulation of STAT-1

Theaflavin, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as the antioxidative, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory ones. The purpose of this study was to verify whether theaflavin reduces focal cerebral ischemia injury in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed 24 hours reperfusion. Theaflavin administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IV) ameliorated infarct and edema volume. Theaflavin inhibited leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS in injured brain. Phosphorylation of STAT-1, a protein which mediates intracellular signaling to the nucleus, was enhanced 2-fold over that of sham group and was inhibited by theaflavin. Our study demonstrated that theaflavin significantly protected neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by limiting leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, and suppressing upregulation of inflammatory-related prooxidative enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) in ischemic brain via, at least in part, reducing the phosphorylation of STAT-1.

Long-lasting effects of elevated neonatal leptin on rat hippocampal function, synaptic proteins and NMDA receptor subunits

The high circulating levels of leptin in neonatal rodents do not seem to be regulating energy balance at this age, but rather may play an important role for brain development. We tested the hypothesis that high neonatal leptin levels modify hippocampal function and production of synaptic proteins with possible long-term consequences on long-term potentiation (LTP) in adulthood. We first showed that in postnatal day (PND) 10 neonates, acute leptin treatment functionally activated leptin receptors (ObR) in the CA1 and DG regions of the hippocampus through the induction of phosphoERK1/2, but not phosphoSTAT3 protein although both phospho-proteins were induced in the arcuate nucleus. We next examined whether chronic leptin administration (3 mg/kg BW, intraperitoneally) during the first 2 weeks of life (postnatal day, PND 2-14) produces a functional signal in the hippocampus that alters the expression of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B), synaptic proteins and LTP in the short and long-term. In PND 10 as in adults (PND 70) rats, chronic leptin treatment increased NR1 expression in the hippocampus while reducing NR2B protein levels. Elevated hippocampal concentrations of synapsin2A and synaptophysin were detected during leptin treatment on PND 10 suggesting increased neurotransmitter release. In adults, only SNAP-25 expression was increased after neonatal leptin treatment. LTP was reduced dramatically by leptin treatment in preweaning rats although the changes did not persist until adulthood. Elevated exposure to leptin during a critical period of neonatal hippocampal development might serve to enhance NMDA-dependent functions other than LTP and have important effects on synaptogenesis and neurotransmitter release.