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Forsell P, Parrado Fernández C, Nilsson B, Sandin J, Nordvall G, Segerdahl M. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Trk Receptors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:997. [PMID: 39204102 PMCID: PMC11357672 DOI: 10.3390/ph17080997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are important regulators of neuronal and non-neuronal functions. As such, the neurotrophins and their receptors, the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has attracted intense research interest and their role in multiple diseases including Alzheimer's disease has been described. Attempts to administer neurotrophins to patients have been reported, but the clinical trials have so far have been hampered by side effects or a lack of clear efficacy. Thus, much of the focus during recent years has been on identifying small molecules acting as agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of Trk receptors. Two examples of successful discovery and development of PAMs are the TrkA-PAM E2511 and the pan-Trk PAM ACD856. E2511 has been reported to have disease-modifying effects in preclinical models, whereas ACD856 demonstrates both a symptomatic and a disease-modifying effect in preclinical models. Both molecules have reached the stage of clinical development and were reported to be safe and well tolerated in clinical phase 1 studies, albeit with different pharmacokinetic profiles. These two emerging small molecules are interesting examples of possible novel symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments that could complement the existing anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to present the concept of positive allosteric modulators of the Trk receptors as a novel future treatment option for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, and the current preclinical and clinical data supporting this new concept. Preclinical data indicate dual mechanisms, not only as cognitive enhancers, but also a tentative neurorestorative function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Forsell
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cristina Parrado Fernández
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Boel Nilsson
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Märta Segerdahl
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
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Gavioli E, Mantelli F, Cesta MC, Sacchetti M, Allegretti M. The History of Nerve Growth Factor: From Molecule to Drug. Biomolecules 2024; 14:635. [PMID: 38927039 PMCID: PMC11201509 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), the first neurotrophin to be discovered, has a long and eventful research journey with a series of turning points, setbacks, and achievements. Since the groundbreaking investigations led by Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, advancements in the comprehension of NGF's functions have revolutionized the field of neuroscience, offering new insights and opportunities for therapeutic innovation. However, the clinical application of NGF has historically been hindered by challenges in determining appropriate dosing, administration strategies, and complications related to the production process. Recent advances in the production and scientific knowledge of recombinant NGF have enabled its clinical development, and in 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved cenegermin-bkbj, a recombinant human NGF, for the treatment of all stages of neurotrophic keratitis. This review traces the evolutionary path that transformed NGF from a biological molecule into a novel therapy with potential research applications beyond the eye. Special emphasis is put on the studies that advanced NGF from discovery to the first medicinal product approved to treat a human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavio Mantelli
- Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia, 6, 20122 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Candida Cesta
- Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia, 6, 20122 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Marta Sacchetti
- Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia, 6, 20122 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia, 6, 20122 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (M.C.C.); (M.S.)
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Gujar V, Pande RD, Das S. Nerve Growth Factor Shows Biphasic Expression during Adjuvant-Induced Neurogenic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4029. [PMID: 38612839 PMCID: PMC11012393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases are considered the most significant cause of death worldwide. Current treatments for inflammatory diseases are limited due to the lack of understanding of the biological factors involved in early-stage disease progression. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor directly associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown that NGF levels are significantly upregulated at the site of inflammation and play a crucial role in developing a robust inflammatory response. However, little is known about NGF's temporal expression profile during the initial progressive phase of inflammation. This study aimed to determine the temporal expression patterns of NGF in rat skin (epidermis) during adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-treated groups. Levels of NGF were evaluated following unilateral AIA at different time points, and it was found that peripheral inflammation due to AIA significantly upregulated the expression of NGF mRNA and protein in a biphasic pattern. These results suggest that NGF signaling is crucial for initiating and maintaining peripheral neurogenic inflammation in rats during AIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikramsingh Gujar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
| | - Radhika D. Pande
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA; (R.D.P.); (S.D.)
| | - Subhas Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA; (R.D.P.); (S.D.)
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Makoudjou MA, Fico E, Rosso P, Triaca V, De Simone L, Rossetti D, Cattani F, Allegretti M, Tirassa P. ProNGF processing in adult rat tissues and bioactivity of NGF prodomain peptides. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:643-654. [PMID: 38429912 PMCID: PMC10988682 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13768] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF are both bioactive and exert similar or opposite actions depending on the cell target and its milieu. The balance between NGF and proNGF is crucial for cell and tissue homeostasis and it is considered an indicator of pathological conditions. Proteolytical cleavage of proNGF to the mature form results in different fragments, whose function and/or bioactivity is still unclear. The present study was conducted to investigate the distribution of proNGF fragments derived from endogenous cleavage in brain and peripheral tissues of adult rats in the healthy condition and following inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Different anti-proNGF antibodies were tested and the presence of short peptides corresponding to the prodomain sequence (pdNGFpep) was identified. Processing of proNGF was found to be tissue-specific and accumulation of pdNGFpeps was found in inflamed tissues, mainly in testis, intestine and heart, suggesting a possible correlation between organ functions and a response to insults and/or injury. The bioactivity of pdNGFpep was also demonstrated in vitro by using primary hippocampal neurons. Our study supports a biological function for the NGF precursor prodomain and indicates that short peptides from residues 1-60, differing from the 70-110 sequence, induce apoptosis, thereby opening the way for identification of new molecular targets to study pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Anne Makoudjou
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)Campus A. Buzzati‐Traverso, MonterotondoRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
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Pathare-Ingawale P, Gogate N, Thube Y, Mansour SMA, Chavan-Gautam P, Wagh G, Joshi S. Association between proNGF receptors and apoptotic factors in human placentae. Placenta 2023; 139:43-48. [PMID: 37300939 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Earlier studies have shown higher apoptosis in the pre-term placenta as compared to term. However, the exact mechanisms triggering these are not completely understood. Studies in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues have shown that the precursor form of NGF (proNGF) triggers apoptosis through preferential activation of p75NTR and sortilin receptors. We therefore, investigated placental expression of proNGF, mature NGF, p75NTR, co-receptor sortilin and their association with apoptosis. We further compared the levels of pro-protein convertase, furin between samples having high and low proNGF: mature NGF ratio. METHODS Placenta samples were collected from women delivering at term (≥37 weeks; n = 41) and preterm (<37 weeks; n = 44). The protein levels of NGF, proNGF, p75NTR, Bax, Bcl-2 and furin were estimated by ELISA. Mean values of variables between different groups were compared using the independent sample t-test and associations were studied by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS The placental mature NGF, proNGF and p75NTR protein levels were comparable between groups. Bax: Bcl-2 ratio was higher in preterm (p < 0.05) compared to term placenta. p75NTR was positively associated with Bax levels and sortilin levels were positively associated with p75NTR in whole cohort as well as individual groups. DISCUSSION The higher Bax: Bcl-2 ratio in preterm placenta suggests the sensitivity to apoptosis. There were no differences in levels of NGF, proNGF, p75NTR, sortilin, and furin between groups. The observed associations between p75NTR, sortilin and Bax suggest that p75NTR and sortilin mediated signalling may be involved in the mechanisms leading to higher apoptosis in preterm placentae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niharika Gogate
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Yogesh Thube
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Salma M A Mansour
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Preeti Chavan-Gautam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
| | - Girija Wagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Sadhana Joshi
- Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
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Chiavacci E, Bagnoli S, Cellerino A, Terzibasi Tozzini E. Distribution of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Brain of the Small-Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula, and Evolution of Neurotrophins in Basal Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119495. [PMID: 37298444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTFs) are structurally related neurotrophic factors essential for differentiation, survival, neurite outgrowth, and the plasticity of neurons. Abnormalities associated with neurotrophin-signaling (NTF-signaling) were associated with neuropathies, neurodegenerative disorders, and age-associated cognitive decline. Among the neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has the highest expression and is expressed in mammals by specific cells throughout the brain, with particularly high expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Whole genome sequencing efforts showed that NTF signaling evolved before the evolution of Vertebrates; thus, the shared ancestor of Protostomes, Cyclostomes, and Deuterostomes must have possessed a single ortholog of neurotrophins. After the first round of whole genome duplication that occurred in the last common ancestor of Vertebrates, the presence of two neurotrophins in Agnatha was hypothesized, while the monophyletic group of cartilaginous fishes, or Chondrichthyans, was situated immediately after the second whole genome duplication round that occurred in the last common ancestor of Gnathostomes. Chondrichthyans represent the outgroup of all other living jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomes) and the sister group of Osteichthyans (comprehensive of Actinopterygians and Sarcopterygians). We were able to first identify the second neurotrophin in Agnatha. Secondly, we expanded our analysis to include the Chondrichthyans, with their strategic phylogenetic position as the most basal extant Gnathostome taxon. Results from the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of four neurotrophins in the Chondrichthyans, namely the orthologs of the four mammalian neurotrophins BDNF, NGF, NT-3, and NT-4. We then proceeded to study the expression of BDNF in the adult brain of the Chondrichthyan Scyliorhinus canicula. Our results showed that BDNF is highly expressed in the S. canicula brain and that its expression is highest in the Telencephalon, while the Mesencephalic and Diencephalic areas showed expression of BDNF in isolated and well-defined cell groups. NGF was expressed at much lower levels that could be detected by PCR but not by in situ hybridization. Our results warrant further investigations in Chondrichthyans to characterize the putative ancestral function of neurotrophins in Vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chiavacci
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms Department (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bagnoli
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cellerino
- Biology Laboratory (BIO@SNS), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Fritz Lipmann Institute for Age Research, Leibniz Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Eva Terzibasi Tozzini
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms Department (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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NGF and Its Role in Immunoendocrine Communication during Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031957. [PMID: 36768281 PMCID: PMC9916855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first neurotrophin described. This neurotrophin contributes to organogenesis by promoting sensory innervation and angiogenesis in the endocrine and immune systems. Neuronal and non-neuronal cells produce and secrete NGF, and several cell types throughout the body express the high-affinity neurotrophin receptor TrkA and the low-affinity receptor p75NTR. NGF is essential for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the complete development of pancreatic islets. Plus, this factor is involved in regulating lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Immune cells produce and respond to NGF, modulating their inflammatory phenotype and the secretion of cytokines, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic homeostasis. This neurotrophin regulates the synthesis of gonadal steroid hormones, which ultimately participate in the metabolic homeostasis of other tissues. Therefore, we propose that this neurotrophin's imbalance in concentrations and signaling during metabolic syndrome contribute to its pathophysiology. In the present work, we describe the multiple roles of NGF in immunoendocrine organs that are important in metabolic homeostasis and related to the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome.
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Nerve Growth Factor and Burn Wound Healing: Update of Molecular Interactions with Skin Cells. Burns 2022:S0305-4179(22)00282-0. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Zhang Y, Gao X, Bai X, Yao S, Chang YZ, Gao G. The emerging role of furin in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:39. [PMID: 35996194 PMCID: PMC9395820 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin is an important mammalian proprotein convertase that catalyzes the proteolytic maturation of a variety of prohormones and proproteins in the secretory pathway. In the brain, the substrates of furin include the proproteins of growth factors, receptors and enzymes. Emerging evidence, such as reduced FURIN mRNA expression in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients or schizophrenia patients, has implicated a crucial role of furin in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, compared to cancer and infectious diseases, the aberrant expression of furin and its pharmaceutical potentials in neurological diseases remain poorly understood. In this article, we provide an overview on the physiological roles of furin and its substrates in the brain, summarize the deregulation of furin expression and its effects in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and discuss the implications and current approaches that target furin for therapeutic interventions. This review may expedite future studies to clarify the molecular mechanisms of furin deregulation and involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, and to develop new diagnosis and treatment strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xiaoqin Gao
- Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050027, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Guofen Gao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Nyström S, Kendall A, Adepu S, Lindahl A, Skiöldebrand E. The expression of nerve growth factor in healthy and inflamed equine chondrocytes analysed by capillary western immunoassay. Res Vet Sci 2022; 151:156-163. [PMID: 36029605 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a signalling molecule for pain and inflammation. NGF is increased in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic humans and animals, compared to healthy controls. Monoclonal antibody therapy directed against NGF has been approved to treat pain in osteoarthritic dogs but despite many years of trialling, therapy has not been approved for human use. One reason for this is that adverse reactions with rapidly progressing osteoarthritis has occurred in some individuals. More detailed knowledge of NGF expression in joints is needed. In this study, capillary-based Simple Western was used to analyse NGF in cultured equine chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were collected post mortem from three macroscopically healthy intercarpal joints and three intercarpal joints with mild osteoarthritic changes. The chondrocytes were expanded to passage one and seeded in chondrogenic medium to maintain the phenotype. On day four, cells were either stimulated with LPS or kept untreated in medium. All cells were harvested on day five. Wes analysis of lysates did not show mature NGF but two proforms, 40 and 45 kDa, were identified. Results were confirmed with western blot. The same proforms were expressed in chondrocytes from healthy and osteoarthritic joints. Acute inflammation induced by LPS stimulation did not change the forms of expressed NGF. Capillary Simple Western offers a sensitive and sample-sparing alternative to traditional western blot. However, confirmation of peaks is imperative in order to avoid misinterpretation of findings. In addition, in this case the method did not offer the possibility of quantification advertised by the manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Nyström
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Bruna Stråket 16, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Kendall
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Saritha Adepu
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anders Lindahl
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Bruna Stråket 16, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Eva Skiöldebrand
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Capsoni S, Arisi I, Malerba F, D’Onofrio M, Cattaneo A, Cherubini E. Targeting the Cation-Chloride Co-Transporter NKCC1 to Re-Establish GABAergic Inhibition and an Appropriate Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance in Selective Neuronal Circuits: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:783. [PMID: 35741668 PMCID: PMC9221351 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, depolarizes and excites immature neurons because of an initially higher intracellular chloride concentration [Cl-]i due to the delayed expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 at birth. Depolarization-induced calcium rise via NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels is instrumental in shaping neuronal circuits and in controlling the excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance in selective brain areas. An E/I imbalance accounts for cognitive impairment observed in several neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data on the mechanisms by which alterations of GABAergic signaling alter the E/I balance in cortical and hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of cation-chloride co-transporters in this process. In particular, we discuss the NGF and AD relationship and how mice engineered to express recombinant neutralizing anti-NGF antibodies (AD11 mice), which develop a neurodegenerative pathology reminiscent of that observed in AD patients, exhibit a depolarizing action of GABA due to KCC2 impairment. Treating AD and other forms of dementia with bumetanide, a selective KCC2 antagonist, contributes to re-establishing a proper E/I balance in selective brain areas, leading to amelioration of AD symptoms and the slowing down of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Enrico Cherubini
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
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Farina L, Minnone G, Alivernini S, Caiello I, MacDonald L, Soligo M, Manni L, Tolusso B, Coppola S, Zara E, Conti LA, Aquilani A, Magni-Manzoni S, Kurowska-Stolarska M, Gremese E, De Benedetti F, Bracci-Laudiero L. Pro Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor p75NTR Activate Inflammatory Responses in Synovial Fibroblasts: A Novel Targetable Mechanism in Arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818630. [PMID: 35309353 PMCID: PMC8931659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently provided new evidence for a role of p75NTR receptor and its preferential ligand proNGF in amplifying inflammatory responses in synovial mononuclear cells of chronic arthritis patients. In the present study, to better investigate how activation of the p75NTR/proNGF axis impacts synovial inflammation, we have studied the effects of proNGF on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which play a central role in modulating local immune responses and in activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Using single cell RNA sequencing in synovial tissues from active and treatment-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, we demonstrated that p75NTR and sortilin, which form a high affinity receptor complex for proNGF, are highly expressed in PRG4pos lining and THY1posCOL1A1pos sublining fibroblast clusters in RA synovia but decreased in RA patients in sustained clinical remission. In ex vivo experiments we found that FLS from rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA-FLS) retained in vitro a markedly higher expression of p75NTR and sortilin than FLS from osteoarthritis patients (OA-FLS). Inflammatory stimuli further up-regulated p75NTR expression and induced endogenous production of proNGF in RA-FLS, leading to an autocrine activation of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway that results in an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data on the inhibition of p75NTR receptor, which reduced the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, further confirmed the key role of p75NTR activation in regulating inflammatory cytokine production. In a set of ex vivo experiments, we used RA-FLS and cultured them in the presence of synovial fluids obtained from arthritis patients that, as we demonstrated, are characterized by a high concentration of proNGF. Our data show that the high levels of proNGF present in inflamed synovial fluids induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by RA-FLS. The blocking of NGF binding to p75NTR using specific inhibitors led instead to the disruption of this pro-inflammatory loop, reducing activation of the p38 and JNK intracellular pathways and decreasing inflammatory cytokine production. Overall, our data demonstrate that an active proNGF/p75NTR axis promotes pro-inflammatory responses in synovial fibroblasts, thereby contributing to chronic synovial inflammation, and point to the possible use of p75NTR inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach in chronic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciapia Farina
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Minnone
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Alivernini
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Caiello
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy MacDonald
- Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Coppola
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanita’, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Zara
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanita’, Rome, Italy
| | - Libenzio Adrian Conti
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Research Center, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Aquilani
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Magni-Manzoni
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska
- Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Benedetti
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci-Laudiero
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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13
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Cade S, Zhou XF, Bobrovskaya L. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in age-related brain atrophy and the transition to Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2022; 33:515-529. [PMID: 34982865 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is potentially mediated by synaptic dysfunction before the onset of cognitive impairments. The disease mostly affects elderly people and there is currently no therapeutic which halts its progression. One therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease is to regenerate lost synapses by targeting mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity. This strategy has led to promising drug candidates in clinical trials, but further progress needs to be made. An unresolved problem of Alzheimer's disease is to identify the molecular mechanisms that render the aged brain susceptible to synaptic dysfunction. Understanding this susceptibility may identify drug targets which could halt, or even reverse, the disease's progression. Brain derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophin expressed in the brain previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease due to its involvement in synaptic plasticity. Low levels of the protein increase susceptibility to the disease and post-mortem studies consistently show reductions in its expression. A desirable therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease is to stimulate the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor and potentially regenerate lost synapses. However, synthesis and secretion of the protein are regulated by complex activity-dependent mechanisms within neurons, which makes this approach challenging. Moreover, the protein is synthesised as a precursor which exerts the opposite effect of its mature form through the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. This review will evaluate current evidence on how age-related alterations in the synthesis, processing and signalling of brain derived neurotrophic factor may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Cade
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Lin PH, Kuo LT, Luh HT. The Roles of Neurotrophins in Traumatic Brain Injury. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:life12010026. [PMID: 35054419 PMCID: PMC8780368 DOI: 10.3390/life12010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a collection of structurally and functionally related proteins. They play important roles in many aspects of neural development, survival, and plasticity. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to different levels of central nervous tissue destruction and cellular repair through various compensatory mechanisms promoted by the injured brain. Many studies have shown that neurotrophins are key modulators of neuroinflammation, apoptosis, blood–brain barrier permeability, memory capacity, and neurite regeneration. The expression of neurotrophins following TBI is affected by the severity of injury, genetic polymorphism, and different post-traumatic time points. Emerging research is focused on the potential therapeutic applications of neurotrophins in managing TBI. We conducted a comprehensive review by organizing the studies that demonstrate the role of neurotrophins in the management of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hung Lin
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Lu-Ting Kuo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Tzung Luh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-956279587
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15
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Manni L, Conti G, Chiaretti A, Soligo M. Intranasal Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurotrauma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:754502. [PMID: 34867367 PMCID: PMC8635100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.754502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s, the development of a pharmacology based on nerve growth factor (NGF) has been postulated for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This hypothesis was based on the rescuing effect of the neurotrophin on the cholinergic phenotype of the basal forebrain neurons, primarily compromised during the development of AD. Subsequently, the use of NGF was put forward to treat a broader spectrum of neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, degenerative retinopathies, severe brain traumas and neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. While supported by solid rational assumptions, the progress of a pharmacology founded on these hypotheses has been hampered by the difficulty of conveying NGF towards the brain parenchyma without resorting to invasive and risky delivery methods. At the end of the last century, it was shown that NGF administered intranasally to the olfactory epithelium was able to spread into the brain parenchyma. Notably, after such delivery, pharmacologically relevant concentration of exogenous NGF was found in brain areas located at considerable distances from the injection site along the rostral-caudal axis. These observations paved the way for preclinical characterization and clinical trials on the efficacy of intranasal NGF for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and of the consequences of brain trauma. In this review, a summary of the preclinical and clinical studies published to date will be attempted, as well as a discussion about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and the possible development of the pharmacology based on intranasal conveyance of NGF to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Emergency, Intensive Pediatric Therapy and Pediatric Trauma Center, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
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16
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Fyk-Kolodziej BE, Mueller PJ. Sedentary Conditions Promote Subregionally Specific Changes in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla. Front Physiol 2021; 12:756542. [PMID: 34721079 PMCID: PMC8548431 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.756542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle is the top preventable cause of death and accounts for substantial socioeconomic costs to society. The rostral ventrolateral medulla regulates blood pressure under normal and pathophysiological states, and demonstrates inactivity-related structural and functional neuroplasticity, which is subregionally specific. The purpose of this study was to examine pro- and mature forms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and their respective receptors in the male rat rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and its rostral extension following sedentary vs. active (running wheels) conditions (10–12weeks). We used subregionally specific Western blotting to determine that the mature form of BDNF and its ratio to its pro-form were lower in more caudal subregions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla of sedentary rats but higher in the rostral extension when both were compared to active rats. The full-length form of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and the non-glycosylated form of the 75 kilodalton neurotrophin receptor were lower in sedentary compared to active rats. The rostrocaudal patterns of expression of the mature form of BDNF and the full-length form of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor were remarkably similar to the subregionally specific patterns of enhanced dendritic branching, neuronal activity, and glutamate-mediated increases in sympathetic nerve activity observed in previous studies performed in sedentary rats. Our studies suggest signaling pathways related to BDNF within subregions of both the rostral ventrolateral medulla and its rostral extension contribute to cardiovascular disease and premature death related to a sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozena E Fyk-Kolodziej
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Patrick J Mueller
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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Begenisic T, Pavese C, Aiachini B, Nardone A, Rossi D. Dynamics of biomarkers across the stages of traumatic spinal cord injury - implications for neural plasticity and repair. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2021; 39:339-366. [PMID: 34657853 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex medical condition causing significant physical disability and psychological distress. While the adult spinal cord is characterized by poor regenerative potential, some recovery of neurological function is still possible through activation of neural plasticity mechanisms. We still have limited knowledge about the activation of these mechanisms in the different stages after human SCI. OBJECTIVE In this review, we discuss the potential role of biomarkers of SCI as indicators of the plasticity mechanisms at work during the different phases of SCI. METHODS An extensive review of literature related to SCI pathophysiology, neural plasticity and humoral biomarkers was conducted by consulting the PubMed database. Research and review articles from SCI animal models and SCI clinical trials published in English until January 2021 were reviewed. The selection of candidates for humoral biomarkers of plasticity after SCI was based on the following criteria: 1) strong evidence supporting involvement in neural plasticity (mandatory); 2) evidence supporting altered expression after SCI (optional). RESULTS Based on selected findings, we identified two main groups of potential humoral biomarkers of neural plasticity after SCI: 1) neurotrophic factors including: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Nerve growth factor (NGF), Neurotrofin-3 (NT-3), and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1); 2) other factors including: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), and MicroRNAs (miRNAs). Plasticity changes associated with these biomarkers often can be both adaptive (promoting functional improvement) and maladaptive. This dual role seems to be influenced by their concentrations and time-window during SCI. CONCLUSIONS Further studies of dynamics of biomarkers across the stages of SCI are necessary to elucidate the way in which they reflect the remodeling of neural pathways. A better knowledge about the mechanisms underlying plasticity could guide the selection of more appropriate therapeutic strategies to enhance positive spinal network reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Begenisic
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Pavese
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation and Spinal Units, ICS Maugeri SPA SB, Institute of Pavia, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Aiachini
- Neurorehabilitation and Spinal Units, ICS Maugeri SPA SB, Institute of Pavia, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation and Spinal Units, ICS Maugeri SPA SB, Institute of Pavia, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, ICS Maugeri SPA SB, Institute of Pavia, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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Pathare-Ingawale P, Chavan-Gautam P. The balance between cell survival and death in the placenta: Do neurotrophins have a role? Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 68:3-12. [PMID: 34615417 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1980132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NT) are a closely related family of growth factors, which regulate the nervous system's development, maintenance, and function. Although NTs have been well studied in neuronal cells, they are also expressed in the placenta. Despite their suggested role in regulating fetoplacental development, their precise functional significance in the placenta remains elusive. NT activate two different classes of receptors. These include the Trk, tropomyosin-related kinase family of high-affinity tropomyosin-related kinase receptors, which induces cell survival, and the p75NTR, p75 neurotrophin receptor, a member of the tumor necrosis factor(TNF) receptor superfamily, which induces apoptosis in neuronal cells. Mature NT molecule results from proteolysis of a biologically active precursor form called pro-neurotrophins (pro-NT) by the intracellular proprotein convertase or furin. Pro-NTs have a regulatory role in determining cell survival and apoptosis. Here, we review the literature on the expression and functions of NTs and their receptors in the placenta and discuss their possible role in placental tissue development and apoptosis. The possible implications of imbalance in pro-NT and mature-NT levels for fetoplacental development are also discussed.Abbreviations AGE/ALEs: Advanced glycation/lipoxidation end products; Bax: Bcl 2 Associated X; Bcl-2: B-cell lymphoma 2; BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; FAS/FASL: Fas cell surface death receptor/ ligand; IUGR: Intrauterine growth restriction; JNK: c-Jun amino-terminal kinase; MAP: mitogen-activated protein k; mRNA: Messenger ribonucleic acid; NGF: Nerve growth factor; NT: Neurotrophins; NRAGE: Neurotrophin receptor-interacting MAGE homolog; NRIF: Neurotrophin receptor interacting factor; PE: Preeclampsia; PI3k: Phosphoinositide 3- kinase; PLC: Phospholipase C; p75NTR: p75 neurotrophin receptor; Pro-NT: Pro-neurotrophins; PTB: Preterm birth; p53: Tumor protein p53; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; TRAF: TNFR-associated factors; Trk: Tropomyosin-related kinase; siRNA: small interfering ribonucleic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Preeti Chavan-Gautam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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19
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Kropf E, Fahnestock M. Effects of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on TrkA Expression and Signalling: Implications for proNGF in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081983. [PMID: 34440751 PMCID: PMC8392605 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor form, proNGF, are critical for neuronal survival and cognitive function. In the brain, proNGF is the only detectable form of NGF. Dysregulation of proNGF in the brain is implicated in age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterized by early and progressive degeneration of the basal forebrain, an area critical for learning, memory, and attention. Learning and memory deficits in AD are associated with loss of proNGF survival signalling and impaired retrograde transport of proNGF to the basal forebrain. ProNGF transport and signalling may be impaired by the increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) observed in the aged and AD brain. The current literature suggests that ROS/RNS nitrate proNGF and reduce the expression of the proNGF receptor tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA), disrupting its downstream survival signalling. ROS/RNS-induced reductions in TrkA expression reduce cell viability, as proNGF loses its neurotrophic function in the absence of TrkA and instead generates apoptotic signalling via the pan-neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. ROS/RNS also interfere with kinesin and dynein motor functions, causing transport deficits. ROS/RNS-induced deficits in microtubule motor function and TrkA expression and signalling may contribute to the vulnerability of the basal forebrain in AD. Antioxidant treatments may be beneficial in restoring proNGF signalling and axonal transport and reducing basal forebrain neurodegeneration and related deficits in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Kropf
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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20
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Morton AB, Jacobsen NL, Segal SS. Functionalizing biomaterials to promote neurovascular regeneration following skeletal muscle injury. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C1099-C1111. [PMID: 33852364 PMCID: PMC8285637 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00501.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, blood vessels and nerves develop with similar branching structure in response to shared signaling pathways guiding network growth. With both systems integral to physiological homeostasis, dual targeting of blood vessels and nerves to promote neurovascular regeneration following injury is an emerging therapeutic approach in biomedical engineering. A limitation to this strategy is that the nature of cross talk between emergent vessels and nerves during regeneration in an adult is poorly understood. Following peripheral nerve transection, intraneural vascular cells infiltrate the site of injury to provide a migratory pathway for mobilized Schwann cells of regenerating axons. As Schwann cells demyelinate, they secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, which promotes angiogenesis. Recent advances point to concomitant restoration of neurovascular architecture and function through simultaneous targeting of growth factors and guidance cues shared by both systems during regeneration. In the context of traumatic injury associated with volumetric muscle loss, we consider the nature of biomaterials used to engineer three-dimensional scaffolds, functionalization of scaffolds with molecular signals that guide and promote neurovascular growth, and seeding scaffolds with progenitor cells. Physiological success is defined by each tissue component of the bioconstruct (nerve, vessel, muscle) becoming integrated with that of the host. Advances in microfabrication, cell culture techniques, and progenitor cell biology hold great promise for engineering bioconstructs able to restore organ function after volumetric muscle loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Morton
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Nicole L Jacobsen
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
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21
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Liu Z, Wu H, Huang S. Role of NGF and its receptors in wound healing (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:599. [PMID: 33884037 PMCID: PMC8056114 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is an important and complicated process that includes four highly integrated and overlapping phases, haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodelling. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first member of a family of neurotrophic factors to be discovered, and is an essential neurotrophic factor for the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies have proposed that NGF and its receptors, tropomyosin-related kinase receptor 1 and NGF receptor, are involved in the wound healing process, and are important components of the healing of several wounds both in vivo and in vitro. Topical application of NGF significantly promotes the healing of different types of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and corneal wounds. The present review summarizes the status of NGF and its receptors in current literature, and discusses data obtained in the last few years on the healing action of NGF in cutaneous, corneal and oral wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Haiwei Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shengyun Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Abstract
It is consistently reported that in inflammatory arthritis (IA), pain may continue despite well-controlled inflammation, most likely due to interactions between joint pathology and pain pathway alterations. Nervous system alterations have been described, but much remains to be understood about neuronal and central non-neuronal changes in IA. Using a rat model of IA induced by intra-articular complete Freund's adjuvant injection, this study includes a thorough characterization of joint pathology and objectives to identify peripheral innervation changes and alterations in the spinal dorsal horn (DH) that could alter DH excitatory balancing. Male and female rats displayed long-lasting pain-related behavior, but, in agreement with our previous studies, other pathological alterations emerged only at later times. Cartilage vascularization, thinning, and decreased proteoglycan content were not detectable in the ipsilateral cartilage until 4 weeks after complete Freund's adjuvant. Sympathetic and peptidergic nociceptive fibers invaded the ipsilateral cartilage alongside blood vessels, complex innervation changes were observed in the surrounding skin, and ipsilateral nerve growth factor protein expression was increased. In the DH, we examined innervation by peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptors, inhibitory terminal density, the KCl cotransporter KCC2, microgliosis, and astrocytosis. Here, we detected the presence of microgliosis and, interestingly, an apparent loss of inhibitory terminals and decreased expression of KCC2. In conclusion, we found evidence of anatomical, inflammatory, and neuronal alterations in the peripheral and central nervous systems in a model of IA. Together, these suggest that there may be a shift in the balance between incoming and outgoing excitation, and modulatory inhibitory tone in the DH.
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Moattari CR, Granstein RD. Neuropeptides and neurohormones in immune, inflammatory and cellular responses to ultraviolet radiation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13644. [PMID: 33724698 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to varying amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through sunlight. UVR penetrates into human skin leading to release of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones. These messengers released from local sensory nerves, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells (LCs), mast cells, melanocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) modulate local and systemic immune responses, mediate inflammation and promote differing cell biologic effects. In this review, we will focus on both animal and human studies that elucidate the roles of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF), nitric oxide and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) derivatives in mediating immune and inflammatory effects of exposure to UVR as well as other cell biologic effects of UVR exposure.
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Luo M, Shi X, Guo Q, Li S, Zhang Q, Sun X, Piao F. 2,5-Hexanedione induced apoptosis in rat spinal cord neurons and VSC4.1 cells via the proNGF/p75NTR and JNK pathways. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20204264. [PMID: 33792642 PMCID: PMC8035625 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20204264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that n-hexane induces nerve injury via neuronal apoptosis induced by its active metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Studies have confirmed that pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF), a precursor of mature nerve growth factor (mNGF), might activate apoptotic signaling by binding to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in neurons. Therefore, we studied the mechanism of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with 400 mg/kg HD once a day for 5 weeks, and VSC4.1 cells were treated with 10, 20, and 40 mM HD in vitro. Results showed that HD effectively induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, it up-regulated proNGF and p75NTR levels, activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun, and disrupted the balance between B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Our findings revealed that the proNGF/p75NTR signaling pathway was involved in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis; it can serve as a theoretical basis for further exploration of the neurotoxic mechanisms of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaoxia Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Environment Hygiene Division, Dalian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Shuangyue Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, school of public health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
| | - Xiuyan Sun
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- Department of Integrative Laboratory, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116001, China
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Pentz R, Iulita MF, Ducatenzeiler A, Videla L, Benejam B, Carmona‐Iragui M, Blesa R, Lleó A, Fortea J, Cuello AC. Nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway biomarkers in Down syndrome prior to and after the onset of clinical Alzheimer's disease: A paired CSF and plasma study. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:605-617. [PMID: 33226181 PMCID: PMC8043977 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery that nerve growth factor (NGF) metabolism is altered in Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains offered a framework for the identification of novel biomarkers signalling NGF deregulation in AD pathology. METHODS We examined levels of NGF pathway proteins (proNGF, neuroserpin, tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], and metalloproteases [MMP]) in matched cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma samples from AD-symptomatic (DSAD) and AD-asymptomatic (aDS) individuals with DS, as well as controls (HC). RESULTS ProNGF and MMP-3 were elevated while tPA was decreased in plasma from individuals with DS. CSF from individuals with DS showed elevated proNGF, neuroserpin, MMP-3, and MMP-9. ProNGF and MMP-9 in CSF differentiated DSAD from aDS (area under the curve = 0.86, 0.87). NGF pathway markers associated with CSF amyloid beta and tau and differed by sex. DISCUSSION Brain NGF metabolism changes can be monitored in plasma and CSF, supporting relevance in AD pathology. These markers could assist staging, subtyping, or precision medicine for AD in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Pentz
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - M. Florencia Iulita
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | | | - Laura Videla
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
- Barcelona Down Medical CenterFundación Catalana Síndrome de DownBarcelonaSpain
| | - Bessy Benejam
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
- Barcelona Down Medical CenterFundación Catalana Síndrome de DownBarcelonaSpain
| | - María Carmona‐Iragui
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
- Barcelona Down Medical CenterFundación Catalana Síndrome de DownBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rafael Blesa
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Alberto Lleó
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Juan Fortea
- Sant Pau Memory UnitDepartment of NeurologyHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBiomedical Research Institute Sant PauUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
- Barcelona Down Medical CenterFundación Catalana Síndrome de DownBarcelonaSpain
| | - A. Claudio Cuello
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxfordUK
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Intervention of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Other Neurotrophins in Adult Neurogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1331:95-115. [PMID: 34453295 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74046-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell survival during adult neurogenesis and the modulation of each step, namely, proliferation, lineage differentiation, migration, maturation, and functional integration of the newborn cells into the existing circuitry, is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Transduction of extracellular niche signals triggers the activation of intracellular mechanisms that regulate adult neurogenesis by affecting gene expression. While the intrinsic factors include transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, the extrinsic factors are molecular signals that are present in the neurogenic niche microenvironment. These include morphogens, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and signaling molecules secreted as soluble factors or associated to the extracellular matrix. Among these molecular mechanisms are neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors which have been implicated in the regulation of adult neurogenesis at different levels, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) being the most studied neurotrophin. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge about the role of neurotrophins in the regulation of adult neurogenesis in both the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ).
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Kendall A, Nyström S, Ekman S, Hultén LM, Lindahl A, Hansson E, Skiöldebrand E. Nerve growth factor in the equine joint. Vet J 2020; 267:105579. [PMID: 33375964 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin with many functions. In humans, it is involved in inflammation, nerve growth, apoptosis and pain signalling. Increased concentrations of NGF in synovial fluid has been shown in humans and dogs with osteoarthritis. Despite osteoarthritis being a common problem in horses, no studies have previously been published on NGF in the equine joint. The aim of this study was to quantify NGF in equine synovial fluid from healthy joints, acutely inflamed septic joints and joints with structural changes associated with osteoarthritis. A secondary aim was to identify the localisation of NGF and its two receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, in healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilage. NGF concentrations in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic joints (n = 27), septic joints (n = 9) and healthy joints (n = 16) were determined by ELISA. In addition, articular cartilage from osteoarthritic and healthy joints was examined for NGF, TrkA and p75NTR using immunohistochemistry staining. NGF was present in equine synovial fluid and articular cartilage. Compared to synovial fluid from healthy joints, NGF concentration was higher in synovial fluid from joints with structural osteoarthritic changes (P = 0.032) or acute septic inflammation (P = 0.006). In articular cartilage with severe osteoarthritic changes, there was more abundant positive immunohistochemistry staining for NGF and its receptors than in normal articular cartilage. Further studies should focus on identifying precursor forms of NGF, and on receptor expression and downstream signalling of TrkA and P75NTR in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kendall
- Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - S Nyström
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Bruna Stråket 16, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Ekman
- Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L M Hultén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Wallenberg Laboratory, Bruna Stråket 16, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Lindahl
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Bruna Stråket 16, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Hansson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Skiöldebrand
- Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Soligo M, Protto V, Chiaretti A, Piccinin S, De Stefano ME, Nisticò R, Bracci-Laudiero L, Manni L. Effects of intranasally-delivered pro-nerve growth factors on the septo-hippocampal system in healthy and diabetic rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 176:108223. [PMID: 32681844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF) is the predominant form of NGF in the brain and its levels increase in neurodegenerative diseases. The balance between NGF receptors may explain the contradictory biological activities of proNGF. However, the specific role of the two main proNGF variants is mostly unexplored. proNGF-A is prevalently expressed in healthy brain, while proNGF-B content increases in the neuro-degenerating brain. Recently we have investigated in vitro the biological action of native mouse proNGF variants. To gain further insights into the specific functions of the two proNGFs, here we intranasally delivered mouse-derived proNGF-A and proNGF-B to the brain parenchyma of healthy and diabetic rats, the latter characterized by dysfunction in spatial learning and memory, in the septo-hippocampal circuitry and by relative increase in proNGF-B hippocampal levels. Exogenous proNGF-B induces depression of hippocampal DG-LTP and impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis in healthy animals, with concomitant decrease in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and cholinergic fibers projecting to the hippocampus. proNGF-A, while ineffective in healthy animals, rescues the diabetes-induced impairment in DG-LTP and hippocampal neurogenesis, promoting the concomitant recovery of the basal forebrain cholinergic phenotype. Our experimental evidences suggest that the balance between different proNGFs may influence the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Protto
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci-Laudiero
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy; Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy.
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29
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Soligo M, Chiaretti A, Leotta E, Lardone E, Boschelle C, Mantuano E, Veneziano L, Manni L. Construction and preliminary characterization of human recombinant proNGF-A variant. Neurochem Int 2020; 140:104812. [PMID: 32758589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The precursor of Nerve Growth Factor (proNGF) is the predominant form of NGF in the brain, where its tissue levels are increased in neurodegenerative diseases. proNGF exists in two main splicing variants, the long proNGF-A and the short proNGF-B. We demonstrated that proNGF-B is selectively increased in the hippocampus of rats affected by early diabetic encephalopathy and that native, purified proNGFs elicit different responses when used to stimulate PC12 cells. Therefore, the evaluation of the proNGF-B/proNGF-A ratio may be of important diagnostic and prognostic value in pathologies characterized by dysfunctions of NGF system. To date there is not clear pharmacological characterization of the different proNGFs variants, due to the lack of a proper recombinant proNGF-A. Using a bioinformatics approach, we predicted aminoacid sites involved in proNGF-A intracellular cleavage/conversion into proNGF-B, we cloned and expressed non-cleavable proNGF-A in HeLa cells and pursued a first characterization of their secretion modalities. Finally, we studied the biological effects of different proNGF-A mutants, stimulating PC12 cells with conditioned media from transfected HeLa cells. Based on our results, we propose the A73Y mutation as essential to obtaining an intact proNGF-A, limiting its conversion to proNGF-B. proNGF-A A73Y is probably released in an activity dependent manner and, when supplied to PC12 cells, shows a moderate differentiative capacity opposed to high neuroprotective potential. This preliminary study lays the foundation for future research aimed at uncovering the selective biological activities of proNGF-A and proNGF-B, and at developing pharmacological treatments that target the unbalance of proNGF system, induced by neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Leotta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Lardone
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Boschelle
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Elide Mantuano
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Liana Veneziano
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy.
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30
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Ding XW, Li R, Geetha T, Tao YX, Babu JR. Nerve growth factor in metabolic complications and Alzheimer's disease: Physiology and therapeutic potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165858. [PMID: 32531260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the population ages, obesity and metabolic complications as well as neurological disorders are becoming more prevalent, with huge economic burdens on both societies and families. New therapeutics are urgently needed. Nerve growth factor (NGF), first discovered in 1950s, is a neurotrophic factor involved in regulating cell proliferation, growth, survival, and apoptosis in both central and peripheral nervous systems. NGF and its precursor, proNGF, bind to TrkA and p75 receptors and initiate protein phosphorylation cascades, resulting in changes of cellular functions, and are associated with obesity, diabetes and its complications, and Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we summarize changes in NGF levels in metabolic and neuronal disorders, the signal transduction initiated by NGF and proNGF, the physiological and pathophysiological relevance, and therapeutic potential in treating chronic metabolic diseases and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rongzi Li
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Thangiah Geetha
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Jeganathan Ramesh Babu
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Barker PA, Mantyh P, Arendt-Nielsen L, Viktrup L, Tive L. Nerve Growth Factor Signaling and Its Contribution to Pain. J Pain Res 2020; 13:1223-1241. [PMID: 32547184 PMCID: PMC7266393 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s247472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic protein essential for the growth, differentiation, and survival of sympathetic and sensory afferent neurons during development. A substantial body of evidence, based on both animal and human studies, demonstrates that NGF plays a pivotal role in modulation of nociception in adulthood. This has spurred development of a variety of novel analgesics that target the NGF signaling pathway. Here, we present a narrative review designed to summarize how NGF receptor activation and downstream signaling alters nociception through direct sensitization of nociceptors at the site of injury and changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion that collectively increase nociceptive signaling from the periphery to the central nervous system. This review illustrates that NGF has a well-known and multifunctional role in nociceptive processing, although the precise signaling pathways downstream of NGF receptor activation that mediate nociception are complex and not completely understood. Additionally, much of the existing knowledge derives from studies performed in animal models and may not accurately represent the human condition. However, available data establish a role for NGF in the modulation of nociception through effects on the release of inflammatory mediators, nociceptive ion channel/receptor activity, nociceptive gene expression, and local neuronal sprouting. The role of NGF in nociception and the generation and/or maintenance of chronic pain has led to it becoming a novel and attractive target of pain therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Barker
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick Mantyh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology and the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction/Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Different responses of PC12 cells to different pro-nerve growth factor protein variants. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104498. [PMID: 31278975 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to explore the innovative hypothesis that different transcript/protein variants of a pro-neurotrophin may generate different biological outcomes in a cellular system. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is important in the development and progression of neurodegenerative and cancer conditions. Mature NGF (mNGF) originates from a precursor, proNGF, produced in mouse in two major variants, proNGF-A and proNGF-B. Different receptors bind mNGF and proNGF, generating neurotrophic or neurotoxic outcomes. It is known that dysregulation in the proNGF/mNGF ratio and in NGF-receptors expression affects brain homeostasis. To date, however, the specific roles of the two major proNGF variants remain unexplored. Here we attempted a first characterization of the possible differential effects of proNGF-A and proNGF-B on viability, differentiation and endogenous ngf gene expression in the PC12 cell line. We also investigated the differential involvement of NGF receptors in the actions of proNGF. We found that native mouse mNGF, proNGF-A and proNGF-B elicited different effects on PC12 cell survival and differentiation. Only mNGF and proNGF-A promoted neurotrophic responses when all NGF receptors are exposed at the cell surface. Tropomyosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) blockade inhibited cell differentiation, regardless of which NGF was added to culture media. Only proNGF-A exerted a pro-survival effect when TrkA was inhibited. Conversely, proNGF-B exerted differentiative effects when the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) was antagonized. Stimulation with NGF variants differentially regulated the autocrine production of distinct proNgf mRNA. Overall, our findings suggest that mNGF and proNGF-A may elicit similar neurotrophic effects, not necessarily linked to activation of the same NGF-receptor, while the action of proNGF-B may be determined by the NGF-receptors balance. Thus, the proposed involvement of proNGF/NGF on the development and progression of neurodegenerative and tumor conditions may depend on the NGF-receptors balance, on specific NGF trancript expression and on the proNGF protein variant ratio.
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Corvaglia V, Cilli D, Scopa C, Brandi R, Arisi I, Malerba F, La Regina F, Scardigli R, Cattaneo A. ProNGF Is a Cell-Type-Specific Mitogen for Adult Hippocampal and for Induced Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1223-1237. [PMID: 31132299 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of proNGF, the precursor of nerve growth factor (NGF), in the biology of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) is still unclear. Here, we analyzed adult hippocampal neurogenesis in AD11 transgenic mice, in which the constitutive expression of anti-NGF antibody leads to an imbalance of proNGF over mature NGF. We found increased proliferation of progenitors but a reduced neurogenesis in the AD11 dentate gyrus (DG)-hippocampus (HP). Also in vitro, AD11 hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferated more, but were unable to differentiate into morphologically mature neurons. By treating wild-type hippocampal progenitors with the uncleavable form of proNGF (proNGF-KR), we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on aNSCs at low concentration. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was specifically addressed to the radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells through the induction of cyclin D1 expression. These cells express high levels of p75NTR , as demonstrated by immunofluorescence analyses performed ex vivo on RGL cells isolated from freshly dissociated HP-DG or selected in vitro from NSCs by leukemia inhibitory factor. Clonogenic assay performed in the absence of mitogens showed that RGLs respond to proNGF-KR by reactivating their proliferation and thus leading to neurospheres formation. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was further exploited in the expansion of mouse-induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). Chronic exposure of iNSCs to proNGF-KR increased their proliferation. Altogether, we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on hippocampal and iNSCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1223-1237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Corvaglia
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Domenica Cilli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Chiara Scopa
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Department of Biology, University "Roma Tre", Italy
| | | | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Scardigli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
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Troullinaki M, Alexaki V, Mitroulis I, Witt A, Klotzsche–von Ameln A, Chung K, Chavakis T, Economopoulou M. Nerve growth factor regulates endothelial cell survival and pathological retinal angiogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2362-2371. [PMID: 30680928 PMCID: PMC6433692 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying vasoproliferative retinopathies like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is hypoxia-triggered neovascularisation. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophin supporting survival and differentiation of neuronal cells may also regulate endothelial cell functions. Here we studied the role of NGF in pathological retinal angiogenesis in the course of the ROP mouse model. Topical application of NGF enhanced while intraocular injections of anti-NGF neutralizing antibody reduced pathological retinal vascularization in mice subjected to the ROP model. The pro-angiogenic effect of NGF in the retina was mediated by inhibition of retinal endothelial cell apoptosis. In vitro, NGF decreased the intrinsic (mitochondria-dependent) apoptosis in hypoxia-treated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells and preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential. The anti-apoptotic effect of NGF was associated with increased BCL2 and reduced BAX, as well as with enhanced ERK and AKT phosphorylation, and was abolished by inhibition of the AKT pathway. Our findings reveal an anti-apoptotic role of NGF in the hypoxic retinal endothelium, which is involved in promoting pathological retinal vascularization, thereby pointing to NGF as a potential target for proliferative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Troullinaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Vasileia‐Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Anke Witt
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Anne Klotzsche–von Ameln
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Kyoung‐Jin Chung
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Matina Economopoulou
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU DresdenDresdenGermany
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Fahnestock M, Shekari A. ProNGF and Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:129. [PMID: 30853882 PMCID: PMC6395390 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Profound and early basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Loss of synapses between basal forebrain and hippocampal and cortical target tissue correlates highly with the degree of dementia and is thought to be a major contributor to memory loss. BFCNs depend for their survival, connectivity and function on the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) which is retrogradely transported from its sites of synthesis in the cortex and hippocampus. The form of NGF found in human brain is proNGF. ProNGF binds to the NGF receptors TrkA and p75NTR, but it binds more strongly to p75NTR and more weakly to TrkA than does mature NGF. This renders proNGF more sensitive to receptor balance than mature NGF. In the healthy brain, where BFCNs express both TrkA and p75NTR, proNGF is neurotrophic, activating TrkA-dependent signaling pathways such as MAPK and Akt-mTOR and eliciting cell survival and neurite outgrowth. However, if TrkA is lost or if p75NTR is increased, proNGF activates p75NTR-dependent apoptotic pathways such as JNK. This receptor sensitivity serves as a neurotrophic/apoptotic switch that eliminates BFCNs that cannot maintain TrkA/p75NTR balance and therefore synaptic connections with their targets. TrkA is increasingly lost in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. In addition, proNGF accumulates at BFCN terminals in cortex and hippocampus, reducing the amount of trophic factor that reaches BFCN cell bodies. The loss of TrkA and accumulation of proNGF occur early in MCI and correlate with cognitive impairment. Increased levels of proNGF and reduced levels of TrkA lead to BFCN neurodegeneration and eventual p75NTR-dependent apoptosis. In addition, in AD BFCNs suffer from reduced TrkA-dependent retrograde transport which reduces neurotrophic support. Thus, BFCNs are particularly vulnerable to AD due to their dependence upon retrograde trophic support from proNGF signaling and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Arman Shekari
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Montroull LE, Danelon V, Cragnolini AB, Mascó DH. Loss of TrkB Signaling Due to Status Epilepticus Induces a proBDNF-Dependent Cell Death. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:4. [PMID: 30800056 PMCID: PMC6375841 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are secretory proteins that bind to target receptors and influence many cellular functions, such as cell survival and cell death in neurons. The mammalian NT brain-derived neurotrophic factor (matBDNF) is the C-terminal mature form released by cleavage from the proBDNF precursor. The binding of matBDNF to the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) activates different signaling cascades and leads to neuron survival and plasticity, while the interaction of proBDNF with the p75 NT receptor (p75NTR)/sortilin receptor complex has been highly involved in apoptosis. Many studies have demonstrated that prolonged seizures such as status epilepticus (SE) induce changes in the expression of NT, pro-NT, and their receptors. We have previously described that the blockage of both matBDNF and proBDNF signaling reduces neuronal death after SE in vivo (Unsain et al., 2008). We used an in vitro model as well as an in vivo model of SE to determine the specific role of TrkB and proBDNF signaling during neuronal cell death. We found that the matBDNF sequestering molecule TrkB-Fc induced an increase in neuronal death in both models of SE, and it also prevented a decrease in TrkB levels. Moreover, SE triggered the interaction between proBDNF and p75NTR, which was not altered by sequestering matBDNF. The intra-hippocampal administration of TrkB-Fc, combined with an antibody against proBDNF, prevented neuronal degeneration. In addition, we demonstrated that proBDNF binding to p75NTR exacerbates neuronal death when matBDNF signaling is impaired through TrkB. Our results indicated that both the mature and the precursor forms of BDNF may have opposite effects depending on the scenario in which they function and the signaling pathways they activate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ester Montroull
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Víctor Danelon
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Beatriz Cragnolini
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daniel Hugo Mascó
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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McGregor CE, English AW. The Role of BDNF in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Activity-Dependent Treatments and Val66Met. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 12:522. [PMID: 30687012 PMCID: PMC6336700 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ability of peripheral nerves to spontaneously regenerate after injury, recovery is generally very poor. The neurotrophins have emerged as an important modulator of axon regeneration, particularly brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF regulation and signaling, as well as its role in activity-dependent treatments including electrical stimulation, exercise, and optogenetic stimulation are discussed here. The importance of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene, Val66Met, which is present in 30% of the human population and may hinder the efficacy of these treatments in enhancing regeneration after injury is considered. Preliminary data are presented on the effectiveness of one such activity-dependent treatment, electrical stimulation, in enhancing axon regeneration in mice expressing the met allele of the Val66Met polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Emma McGregor
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Sari LM, Zampini R, Argañaraz ME, Carretero MI, Fumuso FG, Barraza DE, Ratto M, Apichela SA. Expression of β‐NGF and high‐affinity NGF receptor (TrKA) in llama (
Lama glama
) male reproductive tract and spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:934-944. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M. Sari
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Renato Zampini
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánSan Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - Martin E. Argañaraz
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánSan Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - María I. Carretero
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de TeriogenologíaBuenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Fernanda G. Fumuso
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Cátedra de TeriogenologíaBuenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Daniela E. Barraza
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
| | - Marcelo Ratto
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla TejaValdivia Chile
| | - Silvana A. Apichela
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET‐UNT, and Instituto de Biología “Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri,” Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, UNTSan Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Zootecnia General I, Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de TucumánEl Manantial Tucumán Argentina
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The Structure of the Pro-domain of Mouse proNGF in Contact with the NGF Domain. Structure 2018; 27:78-89.e3. [PMID: 30393051 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an important neurotrophic factor involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and survival of target neurons. Expressed as a proNGF precursor, NGF is matured by furin-mediated protease cleavage. Increasing evidence suggests that NGF and proNGF have distinct functional roles. While the structure of mature NGF is available, little is known about that of the pro-domain because of its dynamical structural features. We exploited an ad hoc hybrid strategy based on nuclear magnetic resonance and modeling validated by small-angle X-ray scattering to gain novel insights on the pro-domain, both in isolation and in the context of proNGF. We show that the isolated pro-domain is intrinsically unstructured but forms transient intramolecular contacts with mature NGF and has per se the ability to induce growth cone collapse, indicating functional independence. Our data represent an important step toward the structural and functional characterization of the properties of proNGF.
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40
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Transgenic overexpression of furin increases epileptic susceptibility. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1058. [PMID: 30333479 PMCID: PMC6193048 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The proprotein convertase Furin plays crucial roles in the pathology of many diseases. However, the specific role of furin in epilepsy remains unclear. In our study, furin protein was increased in the temporal neocortex of epileptic patients and in the hippocampus and cortex of epileptic mice. The furin transgenic (TG) mice showed increased susceptibility to epilepsy and heightened epileptic activity compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Conversely, lentivirus-mediated knockdown of furin restrained epileptic activity. Using whole-cell patch clamp, furin knockdown and overexpression influenced neuronal inhibitory by regulating postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR)-mediated synaptic transmission. Importantly, furin influenced the expression of GABAAR β2/3 membrane and total protein in epileptic mice by changing transcription level of GABAAR β2/3, not the protein degradation. These results reveal that furin may regulate GABAAR-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission by altering the transcription of GABAAR β2/3 subunits in epilepsy; this finding could provide new insight into epilepsy prevention and treatment.
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41
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Madeo M, Colbert PL, Vermeer DW, Lucido CT, Cain JT, Vichaya EG, Grossberg AJ, Muirhead D, Rickel AP, Hong Z, Zhao J, Weimer JM, Spanos WC, Lee JH, Dantzer R, Vermeer PD. Cancer exosomes induce tumor innervation. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4284. [PMID: 30327461 PMCID: PMC6191452 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with densely innervated tumors suffer with increased metastasis and decreased survival as compared to those with less innervated tumors. We hypothesize that in some tumors, nerves are acquired by a tumor-induced process, called axonogenesis. Here, we use PC12 cells as an in vitro neuronal model, human tumor samples and murine in vivo models to test this hypothesis. When appropriately stimulated, PC12 cells extend processes, called neurites. We show that patient tumors release vesicles, called exosomes, which induce PC12 neurite outgrowth. Using a cancer mouse model, we show that tumors compromised in exosome release are less innervated than controls. Moreover, in vivo pharmacological blockade of exosome release similarly attenuates tumor innervation. We characterize these nerves as sensory in nature and demonstrate that axonogenesis is potentiated by the exosome-packaged axonal guidance molecule, EphrinB1. These findings indicate that tumor released exosomes induce tumor innervation and exosomes containing EphrinB1 potentiate this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Madeo
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Paul L Colbert
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Daniel W Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Christopher T Lucido
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Jacob T Cain
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Elisabeth G Vichaya
- Department of Symptom Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 384, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Aaron J Grossberg
- Department of Symptom Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 384, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 2720 SW Moody Ave KR-CEDR, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - DesiRae Muirhead
- Sanford Health Pathology Clinic, Sanford Health, 1305 West 18th St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Alex P Rickel
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Dakota, 4800 North Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107, USA
| | - Zhongkui Hong
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Dakota, 4800 North Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107, USA
| | - Jing Zhao
- Population Health Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - William C Spanos
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
- Sanford Ears, Nose and Throat, 1310 West 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - John H Lee
- NantKwest, 9920 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, USA
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 384, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Paola D Vermeer
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th St north, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.
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Sang Q, Sun D, Chen Z, Zhao W. NGF and PI3K/Akt signaling participate in the ventral motor neuronal protection of curcumin in sciatic nerve injury rat models. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:1146-1153. [PMID: 29715758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been reported that sciatic nerve injury (SNI) leads to degeneration, damage, and apoptosis of motor neurons. Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a pivotal role in regeneration and reestablishment of neuronal function via activating PI3K/Akt survival signaling pathways. Curcumin owns neuroprotective effect following brain injury. In the present study, we attempt to investigate underlying mechanism of neuroprotective effect of curcumin through elucidating its correlation with NGF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. METHODS PC-12 cells were exposed H2O2 in order to induce neuron cell injury and cells were then treated with curcumin. Caspase-3, NGF level and Akt phosphorylation were determined using flow cytometry and western blotting. Then, cells were treated with NGF specific siRNA followed by measurement of apoptosis, NGF and Akt phosphorylation levels. In animal model, rats were subjected to SNI and then randomly designated into four different groups: curcumin, curcumin + LY294002, curcumin + NGF shRNA, and negative controls and 12 rats in each group (n = 12). After four weeks of continuous treatment, tissue samples were obtained and subjected to TUNEL, NeuN double staining and western blotting. RESULTS Curcumin significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells induced by H2O2 and this effect was associated with upregulation of TrkA, Akt and downregulation of p17. ProNGF level was significantly decreased while mature NGF level was increased with curcumin treatment. When NGF was suppressed, anti-apoptotic effect of curcumin was attenuated. In addition, inhibition of PI3K/Akt results in increased apoptotic rate compared to vehicles following curcumin treatment which was reflected by decreased p17, Ki67, and cyclin D1. Suppression of NGF and inhibition of PI3K led to increased neuron cell death through increasing proNGF and decreasing mNGF, Akt, TrkA, p75NTR, and p17. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that curcumin exerts its protective effect against injured neurons through stimulating NGF release which further activates TrkA and PI3K/Akt cell survival signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Sang
- Third Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Daju Sun
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zonghan Chen
- Office of Educational Administration, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weijia Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295 Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming 650031, Yunnan Province, China.
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Nerve growth factor upregulates sirtuin 1 expression in cholestasis: a potential therapeutic target. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:e426. [PMID: 29328070 PMCID: PMC5799797 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the regulatory role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in cholestatic livers. We evaluated the expression of NGF and its cognate receptors in human livers with hepatolithiasis and the effects of NGF therapy on liver injury and hepatic SIRT1 expression in a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model. Histopathological and molecular analyses showed that the hepatocytes of human diseased livers expressed NGF, proNGF (a precursor of NGF), TrkA and p75NTR, whereas only p75NTR was upregulated in hepatolithiasis, compared with non-hepatolithiasis livers. In the BDL model without NGF therapy, p75NTR, but not TrkA antagonism, significantly deteriorated BDL-induced liver injury. By contrast, the hepatoprotective effect of NGF was abrogated only by TrkA and not by p75NTR antagonism in animals receiving NGF therapy. Intriguingly, a positive correlation between hepatic SIRT1 and NGF expression was found in human livers. In vitro studies demonstrated that NGF upregulated SIRT1 expression in mouse livers and human Huh-7 and rodent hepatocytes. Both NGF and proNGF induced protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in Huh-7 cells, whereas inhibition of TrkA and p75NTR activity prevented oxidative cell death. Mechanistically, NGF, but not proNGF, upregulated SIRT1 expression in human Huh-7 and rodent hepatocytes via nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity, whereas NGF-induced phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt, extracellular signal–regulated kinase and NF-κB signaling and SIRT1 activity were involved in its hepatoprotective effects against oxidative injury. These findings suggest that pharmacological manipulation of the NGF/SIRT1 axis might serve as a novel approach for the treatment of cholestatic disease.
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Yang H, Xu W, Zhao W, Gu M, Wang W. 1,3,7-Trihydroxyxanthone, derived from Polygalae Radix, a herbal medicine, stimulates the expression of neurotrophic factors in rat astrocyte primary cultures via cAMP- and ERK-dependent pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:762-768. [PMID: 29571244 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
1,3,7-Trihydroxyxanthone is a compound isolated from Polygalae Radix, a medicinal herb frequently applied for treatment of psychiatric disordres with symptoms of forgetfulness and depression in ancient China. In current research, this compound was applied onto rat astrocyte primary cultures in exploring the action mechanisms of 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone on regulating synthesis of neurotrophic factors. It was found that 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone could significantly stimulate the expression of NGF and BDNF in dose-dependent manners: the stimulation was both in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone might fulfill this effect by regulating critical enzymes, such as plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator, neuroserpin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in metabolic pathway of neurotrophic factors. Besides, inhibitors of cAMP- and ERK-dependent pathways, which implied the possible signaling pathway, could reverse this inducing effect. These results might support the potentiality of 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone in drug development in treating psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huai'an Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Laboratory, Huai'yin Hospital of Huai'an City, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Maolin Gu
- Inspection Center, Huai'an No 4 People's Hospital, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China.
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AL-QUDAH M, SHAMMALA DA, AL-DWAIRI A, AL-SHBOUL O, MUSTAFA AG. Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS)-Induced Colitis Alters the Expression of Neurotrophins in Smooth Muscle Cells of Rat Colon. Physiol Res 2017; 66:1009-1020. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are present in the gastrointestinal tract where they participate in the survival and growth of enteric neurons, augmentation of enteric circuits, elevation of colonic myoelectrical activity and also in different aspects of colitis. Previous studies largely focused on the role of neural and mucosal neurotrophins in gut inflammation. The expression of neurotrophins in colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the interactions of this potential source with colitis has not been studied in the gut. The expression of NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 in SMCs from longitudinal and circular muscle layers of rat colon from normal and dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis rats was measured by ELISA. NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 are differentially expressed in both longitudinal and circular SMCs, where the expressions of BDNF and NT-4 proteins were greater in SMCs from the longitudinal muscle layer than from the circular muscle layer, while NGF protein expression was greater in circular SMCs and NT-3 expression was equal in cells from both muscle layers. Induction of colitis with DSS significantly alters neurotrophins expression pattern in colonic SMCs. NGF levels upregulated in circular SMCs. BDNF level was increased in DSS-induced colitis in longitudinal SMCs. NGF, NT-3 and NT-4 levels were downregulated in longitudinal SMCs of DSS-induced colitis rats' colon. Disturbances of neurotrophins expression in SMCs resulted from colitis might account for the structural and functional changes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as loss of innervation and characteristic hypercontractility of longitudinal muscle in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. AL-QUDAH
- Department of Physiology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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46
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Pham TL, He J, Kakazu AH, Jun B, Bazan NG, Bazan HEP. Defining a mechanistic link between pigment epithelium-derived factor, docosahexaenoic acid, and corneal nerve regeneration. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:18486-18499. [PMID: 28972155 PMCID: PMC5682960 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.801472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is densely innervated to sustain the integrity of the ocular surface. Corneal nerve damage produced by aging, diabetes, refractive surgeries, and viral or bacterial infections impairs tear production, the blinking reflex, and epithelial wound healing, resulting in loss of transparency and vision. A combination of the known neuroprotective molecule, pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to stimulate corneal nerve regeneration, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we sought to define the molecular events of this effect in an in vivo mouse injury model. We first confirmed that PEDF + DHA increased nerve regeneration in the mouse cornea. Treatment with PEDF activates the phospholipase A2 activity of the PEDF-receptor (PEDF-R) leading to the release of DHA; this free DHA led to enhanced docosanoid synthesis and induction of bdnf, ngf, and the axon growth promoter semaphorin 7a (sema7a), and as a consequence, their products appeared in the mouse tears. Surprisingly, corneal injury and treatment with PEDF + DHA induced transcription of neuropeptide y (npy), small proline-rich protein 1a (sprr1a), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (vip) in the trigeminal ganglia (TG). The PEDF-R inhibitor, atglistatin, blocked all of these changes in the cornea and TG. In conclusion, we uncovered here an active cornea–TG axis, driven by PEDF-R activation, that fosters axon outgrowth in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang Luong Pham
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
| | - Jiucheng He
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
| | - Azucena H Kakazu
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
| | - Bokkyoo Jun
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
| | - Haydee E P Bazan
- From the Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223
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Minnone G, Soligo M, Caiello I, Prencipe G, Manni L, Marafon DP, Magni-Manzoni S, Manzo A, De Benedetti F, Bracci-Laudiero L. ProNGF-p75NTR axis plays a proinflammatory role in inflamed joints: a novel pathogenic mechanism in chronic arthritis. RMD Open 2017; 3:e000441. [PMID: 28955492 PMCID: PMC5604749 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify the role of mature nerve growth factor (mNGF), its immature form proNGF and their receptors in arthritis inflammation. Methods Real-time PCR, western blot and ELISA were performed to evaluate NGF, proNGF, their receptor and cytokine expression in synovial tissue and cells of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and controls. Results proNGF and not mNGF is the prevalent form measured in synovial fluids of patients with JIA and RA with synovial fibroblasts as a major source of proNGF in the inflamed synoviae. p75NTR, the specific receptor for proNGF, is the NGF receptor most expressed in mononuclear cells of patients with JIA, while TrkA is the prevalent receptor in healthy donors. In ex vivo experiments the effects of proNGF differ from those of mNGF, suggesting that the balance of p75NTR and TrkA expression represents a critical factor in regulating mNGF/proNGF functions, determining which intracellular pathways and biological activities are triggered. Contrary to NGF, proNGF administration increased inflammatory cytokines but not interleukin (IL)-10 expression, inducing a stronger activation of p38 and JNK pathways. proNGF effects depend on its binding to p75NTR, as inhibition of p75NTR with neutralising antibodies or LM11A-31 abolished proNGF-induced production of IL-6 in patients’ mononuclear cells, while inhibition of TrkA did not. There is a correlation in patients with arthritis between high p75NTR levels and severity of clinical symptoms. Conclusions Our data suggest that an active proNGF-p75NTR axis promotes proinflammatory mechanisms contributing to chronic tissue inflammation, and that the use of p75NTR inhibitors may represent a new therapeutic approach in chronic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetana Minnone
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Caiello
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusi Prencipe
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Denise Pires Marafon
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Magni-Manzoni
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Manzo
- Division of Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Benedetti
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci-Laudiero
- Division of Rheumatology and Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Differential deregulation of NGF and BDNF neurotrophins in a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:307-323. [PMID: 28865749 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human neuropathological studies indicates that the levels of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are compromised in Alzheimer's disease. However, the causes and temporal (pathology-dependent) evolution of these alterations are not completely understood. To elucidate these issues, we investigated the McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic rat, which exhibits progressive intracellular and extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology and ensuing cognitive deficits. Neurochemical analyses revealed a differential dysregulation of NGF and BDNF transcripts and protein expression. While BDNF mRNA levels were significantly reduced at very early stages of amyloid pathology, before plaques appeared, there were no changes in NGF mRNA expression even at advanced stages. Paradoxically, the protein levels of the NGF precursor were increased. These changes in neurotrophin expression are identical to those seen during the progression of Alzheimer's disease. At advanced pathological stages, deficits in the protease cascade controlling the maturation and degradation of NGF were evident in McGill transgenic rats, in line with the paradoxical upregulation of proNGF, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, in the absence of changes in NGF mRNA. The compromise in NGF metabolism and BDNF levels was accompanied by downregulation of cortical cholinergic synapses; strengthening the evidence that neurotrophin dysregulation affects cholinergic synapses and synaptic plasticity. Our findings suggest a differential temporal deregulation of NGF and BDNF neurotrophins, whereby deficits in BDNF mRNA appear at early stages of intraneuronal Aβ pathology, before alterations in NGF metabolism and cholinergic synapse loss manifest.
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49
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Trabjerg E, Kartberg F, Christensen S, Rand KD. Conformational characterization of nerve growth factor-β reveals that its regulatory pro-part domain stabilizes three loop regions in its mature part. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16665-16676. [PMID: 28798232 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.803320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor-β (NGF) is essential for the correct development of the nervous system. NGF exists in both a mature form and a pro-form (proNGF). The two forms have opposing effects on neurons: NGF induces proliferation, whereas proNGF induces apoptosis via binding to a receptor complex of the common neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and sortilin. The overexpression of both proNGF and sortilin has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Insights into the conformational differences between proNGF and NGF are central to a better understanding of the opposing mechanisms of action of NGF and proNGF on neurons. However, whereas the structure of NGF has been determined by X-ray crystallography, the structural details for proNGF remain elusive. Here, using a sensitive MS-based analytical method to measure the hydrogen/deuterium exchange of proteins in solution, we analyzed the conformational properties of proNGF and NGF. We detected the presence of a localized higher-order structure motif in the pro-part of proNGF. Furthermore, by comparing the hydrogen/deuterium exchange in the mature part of NGF and proNGF, we found that the presence of the pro-part in proNGF causes a structural stabilization of three loop regions in the mature part, possibly through a direct molecular interaction. Moreover, using tandem MS analyses, we identified two N-linked and two O-linked glycosylations in the pro-part of proNGF. These results advance our knowledge of the conformational properties of proNGF and NGF and help provide a rationale for the diverse biological effects of NGF and proNGF at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esben Trabjerg
- From the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen E, Denmark and.,the Department of Biologics, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Kartberg
- the Department of Biologics, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark
| | - Søren Christensen
- the Department of Biologics, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark
| | - Kasper D Rand
- From the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen E, Denmark and
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Hussain H, Fisher DI, Abbott WM, Roth RG, Dickson AJ. Use of a protein engineering strategy to overcome limitations in the production of “Difficult to Express” recombinant proteins. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hirra Hussain
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; Faculty of Science and Engineering; University of Manchester; M1 7DN Manchester United Kingdom
| | - David I. Fisher
- AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park; Milton Cambridge United Kingdom
| | - W. Mark Abbott
- AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park; Milton Cambridge United Kingdom
| | | | - Alan J. Dickson
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; Faculty of Science and Engineering; University of Manchester; M1 7DN Manchester United Kingdom
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