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Childs JE, Morabito S, Das S, Santelli C, Pham V, Kusche K, Vera VA, Reese F, Campbell RR, Matheos DP, Swarup V, Wood MA. Relapse to cocaine seeking is regulated by medial habenula NR4A2/NURR1 in mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113956. [PMID: 38489267 PMCID: PMC11100346 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113956] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs of abuse can persistently change the reward circuit in ways that contribute to relapse behavior, partly via mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure and function. Nuclear orphan receptor subfamily4 groupA member2 (NR4A2, also known as NURR1) is an important effector of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)-dependent mechanisms in persistent memory processes and is highly expressed in the medial habenula (MHb), a region that regulates nicotine-associated behaviors. Here, expressing the Nr4a2 dominant negative (Nurr2c) in the MHb blocks reinstatement of cocaine seeking in mice. We use single-nucleus transcriptomics to characterize the molecular cascade following Nr4a2 manipulation, revealing changes in transcriptional networks related to addiction, neuroplasticity, and GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. The network controlled by NR4A2 is characterized using a transcription factor regulatory network inference algorithm. These results identify the MHb as a pivotal regulator of relapse behavior and demonstrate the importance of NR4A2 as a key mechanism driving the MHb component of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Samuel Morabito
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology (MCSB) Program, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Caterina Santelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Victoria Pham
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kelly Kusche
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Vanessa Alizo Vera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fairlie Reese
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dina P Matheos
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Altbürger C, Holzhauser J, Driever W. CRISPR/Cas9-based QF2 knock-in at the tyrosine hydroxylase ( th) locus reveals novel th-expressing neuron populations in the zebrafish mid- and hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1196868. [PMID: 37603776 PMCID: PMC10433395 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1196868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Catecholaminergic neuron clusters are among the most conserved neuromodulatory systems in vertebrates, yet some clusters show significant evolutionary dynamics. Because of their disease relevance, special attention has been paid to mammalian midbrain dopaminergic systems, which have important functions in motor control, reward, motivation, and cognitive function. In contrast, midbrain dopaminergic neurons in teleosts were thought to be lost secondarily. Here, we generated a CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-in transgene at the th locus, which allows the expression of the Q-system transcription factor QF2 linked to the Tyrosine hydroxylase open reading frame by an E2A peptide. The QF2 knock-in allele still expresses Tyrosine hydroxylase in catecholaminergic neurons. Coexpression analysis of QF2 driven expression of QUAS fluorescent reporter transgenes and of th mRNA and Th protein revealed that essentially all reporter expressing cells also express Th/th. We also observed a small group of previously unidentified cells expressing the reporter gene in the midbrain and a larger group close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary. However, we detected no expression of the catecholaminergic markers ddc, slc6a3, or dbh in these neurons, suggesting that they are not actively transmitting catecholamines. The identified neurons in the midbrain are located in a GABAergic territory. A coexpression analysis with anatomical markers revealed that Th-expressing neurons in the midbrain are located in the tegmentum and those close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary are located in the hindbrain. Our data suggest that zebrafish may still have some evolutionary remnants of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Altbürger
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Holzhauser
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Wang X, Chen X, Liu G, Cai H, Le W. The Crucial Roles of Pitx3 in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron Development and Parkinson's Disease-Associated Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108614. [PMID: 37239960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), is one of the most prominent pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). To uncover the pathogenic mechanisms of mDA neuronal death during PD may provide therapeutic targets to prevent mDA neuronal loss and slow down the disease's progression. Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3) is selectively expressed in the mDA neurons as early as embryonic day 11.5 and plays a critical role in mDA neuron terminal differentiation and subset specification. Moreover, Pitx3-deficient mice exhibit some canonical PD-related features, including the profound loss of SNc mDA neurons, a dramatic decrease in striatal dopamine (DA) levels, and motor abnormalities. However, the precise role of Pitx3 in progressive PD and how this gene contributes to mDA neuronal specification during early stages remains unclear. In this review, we updated the latest findings on Pitx3 by summarizing the crosstalk between Pitx3 and its associated transcription factors in mDA neuron development. We further explored the potential benefits of Pitx3 as a therapeutic target for PD in the future. To better understand the transcriptional network of Pitx3 in mDA neuron development may provide insights into Pitx3-related clinical drug-targeting research and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Guangdong Liu
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenic Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Weidong Le
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 611731, China
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Gamit N, Dharmarajan A, Sethi G, Warrier S. Want of Wnt in Parkinson's disease: Could sFRP disrupt interplay between Nurr1 and Wnt signaling? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115566. [PMID: 37088155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) is a transcription factor known to regulate the development and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. Reports have confirmed that defect or obliteration of Nurr1 results in neurodegeneration and motor function impairment leading to Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have also indicated that Nurr1 regulates the expression of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) and mutations in Nurr1 cause α-SYN overexpression, thereby increasing the risk of PD. Nurr1 is modulated via various pathways including Wnt signaling pathway which is known to play an important role in neurogenesis and deregulation of it contributes to PD pathogenesis. Both Wnt/β-catenin dependent and independent pathways are implicated in the activation of Nurr1 and subsequent downregulation of α-SYN. This review highlights the interaction between Nurr1 and Wnt signaling pathways in mDA neuronal development. We further hypothesize how modulation of Wnt signaling pathway by its antagonist, secreted frizzled related proteins (sFRPs) could be a potential route to treat PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naisarg Gamit
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600 116, India; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia; School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 117 600, Singapore
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India; Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India.
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5
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Yeap YJ, Teddy TJW, Lee MJ, Goh M, Lim KL. From 2D to 3D: Development of Monolayer Dopaminergic Neuronal and Midbrain Organoid Cultures for Parkinson's Disease Modeling and Regenerative Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032523. [PMID: 36768843 PMCID: PMC9917335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized pathologically by the loss of A9-specific dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the midbrain. Despite intensive research, the etiology of PD is currently unresolved, and the disease remains incurable. This, in part, is due to the lack of an experimental disease model that could faithfully recapitulate the features of human PD. However, the recent advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has allowed PD models to be created from patient-derived cells. Indeed, DA neurons from PD patients are now routinely established in many laboratories as monolayers as well as 3D organoid cultures that serve as useful toolboxes for understanding the mechanism underlying PD and also for drug discovery. At the same time, the iPSC technology also provides unprecedented opportunity for autologous cell-based therapy for the PD patient to be performed using the patient's own cells as starting materials. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular processes underpinning the development and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into midbrain DA neurons in both 2D and 3D cultures, as well as the latest advancements in using these cells for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. For the novice entering the field, the cornucopia of differentiation protocols reported for the generation of midbrain DA neurons may seem daunting. Here, we have distilled the essence of the different approaches and summarized the main factors driving DA neuronal differentiation, with the view to provide a useful guide to newcomers who are interested in developing iPSC-based models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Tng J. W. Teddy
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme (IGP-Neuroscience), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mok Jung Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Micaela Goh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
- Correspondence:
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Willems S, Merk D. Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Nurr1 Modulators: An Emerging Strategy in Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9548-9563. [PMID: 35797147 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) is a transcription factor with neuroprotective and antineuroinflammatory properties. Observations from genetic studies and human patients support potential of Nurr1 as a therapeutic target in neurodegeneration, but due to a lack of high-quality chemical tools for pharmacological control of Nurr1, its target validation is pending. Nevertheless, considerable progress has recently been made in elucidating structural and functional characteristics of Nurr1, and several ligand scaffolds have been discovered. Here, we analyze Nurr1's structure and mechanisms compared to other nuclear receptors, summarize the known small molecule Nurr1 ligands, and discuss the available evidence for the therapeutic potential of Nurr1 in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Liu J, Yang L, Li H, Cai Y, Feng J, Hu Z. Conditional ablation of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor U in midbrain dopaminergic neurons results in reduced neuronal size. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 124:102135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sun X, Kato H, Sato H, Han X, Hirofuji Y, Kato TA, Sakai Y, Ohga S, Fukumoto S, Masuda K. Dopamine‐related oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons differentiated from deciduous teeth‐derived stem cells of children with Down syndrome. FASEB Bioadv 2022; 4:454-467. [PMID: 35812076 PMCID: PMC9254221 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the common genetic disorders caused by the trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance play important roles in DS pathology, and altered dopaminergic regulation has been demonstrated in the brain of individuals with DS. However, the pathological association of these elements is not yet fully understood. In this study, we analyzed dopaminergic neurons (DNs) differentiated from deciduous teeth‐derived stem cells of children with DS or healthy control children. As previously observed in the analysis of a single case of DS, compared to controls, patient‐derived DNs (DS‐DNs) displayed shorter neurite outgrowth and fewer branches, as well as downregulated vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and upregulated dopamine transporter 1, both of which are key regulators of dopamine homeostasis in DNs. In agreement with these expression profiles, DS‐DNs accumulated dopamine intracellularly and had increased levels of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). DS‐DNs showed downregulation of non‐canonical Notch ligand, delta‐like 1, which may contribute to dopamine accumulation and increased ROS levels through DAT1 upregulation. Furthermore, DS‐DNs showed mitochondrial dysfunction in consistent with lower expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α) and upregulation of a HSA21‐encoded negative regulator of PGC‐1α, nuclear receptor‐interacting protein 1. These results suggest that dysregulated dopamine homeostasis may participate in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction of the dopaminergic system in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Sun
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Oral Anatomy Kyushu University Graduate School of Dental Science Fukuoka Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Xu Han
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Yuta Hirofuji
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takahiro A. Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Yasunari Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Keiji Masuda
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
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Yu H, Rubinstein M, Low MJ. Developmental single-cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic POMC neurons reveal the genetic trajectories of multiple neuropeptidergic phenotypes. eLife 2022; 11:e72883. [PMID: 35044906 PMCID: PMC8806186 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are essential to regulate food intake and energy balance. However, the ontogenetic transcriptional programs that specify the identity and functioning of these neurons are poorly understood. Here, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to define the transcriptomes characterizing Pomc-expressing cells in the developing hypothalamus and translating ribosome affinity purification with RNA-sequencing (TRAP-seq) to analyze the subsequent translatomes of mature POMC neurons. Our data showed that Pomc-expressing neurons give rise to multiple developmental pathways expressing different levels of Pomc and unique combinations of transcription factors. The predominant cluster, featured by high levels of Pomc and Prdm12 transcripts, represents the canonical arcuate POMC neurons. Additional cell clusters expressing medium or low levels of Pomc mature into different neuronal phenotypes featured by distinct sets of transcription factors, neuropeptides, processing enzymes, cell surface, and nuclear receptors. We conclude that the genetic programs specifying the identity and differentiation of arcuate POMC neurons are diverse and generate a heterogeneous repertoire of neuronal phenotypes early in development that continue to mature postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Marcelo Rubinstein
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasBuenos AiresArgentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborUnited States
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Nkx2.9 Contributes to Mid-Hindbrain Patterning by Regulation of mdDA Neuronal Cell-Fate and Repression of a Hindbrain-Specific Cell-Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312663. [PMID: 34884468 PMCID: PMC8658040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312663] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nkx2.9 is a member of the NK homeobox family and resembles Nkx2.2 both in homology and expression pattern. However, while Nkx2.2 is required for development of serotonergic neurons, the role of Nkx2.9 in the mid-hindbrain region is still ill-defined. We have previously shown that Nkx2.9 expression is downregulated upon loss of En1 during development. Here, we determined whether mdDA neurons require Nkx2.9 during their development. We show that Nkx2.9 is strongly expressed in the IsO and in the VZ and SVZ of the embryonic midbrain, and the majority of mdDA neurons expressed Nkx2.9 during their development. Although the expression of Dat and Cck are slightly affected during development, the overall development and cytoarchitecture of TH-expressing neurons is not affected in the adult Nkx2.9-depleted midbrain. Transcriptome analysis at E14.5 indicated that genes involved in mid- and hindbrain development are affected by Nkx2.9-ablation, such as Wnt8b and Tph2. Although the expression of Tph2 extends more rostral into the isthmic area in the Nkx2.9 mutants, the establishment of the IsO is not affected. Taken together, these data point to a minor role for Nkx2.9 in mid-hindbrain patterning by repressing a hindbrain-specific cell-fate in the IsO and by subtle regulation of mdDA neuronal subset specification.
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Willems S, Zaienne D, Merk D. Targeting Nuclear Receptors in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9592-9638. [PMID: 34251209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors, also known as ligand-activated transcription factors, regulate gene expression upon ligand signals and present as attractive therapeutic targets especially in chronic diseases. Despite the therapeutic relevance of some nuclear receptors in various pathologies, their potential in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is insufficiently established. This perspective gathers preclinical and clinical data for a potential role of individual nuclear receptors as future targets in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, and concomitantly evaluates the level of medicinal chemistry targeting these proteins. Considerable evidence suggests the high promise of ligand-activated transcription factors to counteract neurodegenerative diseases with a particularly high potential of several orphan nuclear receptors. However, potent tools are lacking for orphan receptors, and limited central nervous system exposure or insufficient selectivity also compromises the suitability of well-studied nuclear receptor ligands for functional studies. Medicinal chemistry efforts are needed to develop dedicated high-quality tool compounds for the therapeutic validation of nuclear receptors in neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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12
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Partington HS, Nutter JM, Eells JB. Nurr1 deficiency shortens free running period, enhances photoentrainment to phase advance, and disrupts circadian cycling of the dopamine neuron phenotype. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113347. [PMID: 33991560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease (PD), involve dysfunction in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurotransmission with severity of disease symptoms and progression associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. The nuclear transcription factor Nurr1, essential for DA neuron (DAN) development, survival, and maintenance, is also known to interact with circadian rhythm regulating clock proteins. In the Nurr1-null heterozygous (+/-) mice, a Nurr1 deficient model which reproduces some of the alterations in DA function found in schizophrenia and PD, we measured, using wheel-running activity, the free running period (tau) and photoperiod entrainment. Because Nurr1 has a role in regulating the DA phenotype, we also measured the circadian fluctuations in the number of DANs using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunofluorescence. In Nurr1 +/- mice, tau was significantly shorter and entrainment to a 6 h earlier shift in the dark cycle was accelerated. The Nurr1 wild-type (+/+) mice cycled DAN numbers across time, with a significantly greater number (∼2-fold increase) of DANs at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 than ZT12. The +/- mice, however, did not cycle the DA phenotype, as no differences in DAN numbers were observed between ZT0 and ZT12. Additionally, the +/- mice had significantly fewer DANs at ZT0 but not at ZT12 as compared to +/+ mice. Based these data, circadian rhythms and fluctuations in the DA phenotype requires normal Nurr1 function. A better understanding is needed of the mechanisms regulating the DA phenotype and subsequent neurotransmission across the circadian cycle and how this is altered in circadian rhythm and DA neurotransmission-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath S Partington
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Makenzie Nutter
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Eells
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.
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13
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Masuda K, Han X, Kato H, Sato H, Zhang Y, Sun X, Hirofuji Y, Yamaza H, Yamada A, Fukumoto S. Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Modeling Genetic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052269. [PMID: 33668763 PMCID: PMC7956585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells, developmentally derived from multipotent neural crest cells that form multiple facial tissues, resides within the dental pulp of human teeth. These stem cells show high proliferative capacity in vitro and are multipotent, including adipogenic, myogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and neurogenic potential. Teeth containing viable cells are harvested via minimally invasive procedures, based on various clinical diagnoses, but then usually discarded as medical waste, indicating the relatively low ethical considerations to reuse these cells for medical applications. Previous studies have demonstrated that stem cells derived from healthy subjects are an excellent source for cell-based medicine, tissue regeneration, and bioengineering. Furthermore, stem cells donated by patients affected by genetic disorders can serve as in vitro models of disease-specific genetic variants, indicating additional applications of these stem cells with high plasticity. This review discusses the benefits, limitations, and perspectives of patient-derived dental pulp stem cells as alternatives that may complement other excellent, yet incomplete stem cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, together with our recent data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Masuda
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (S.F.); Tel.: +81-92-642-6402 (K.M. & S.F.)
| | - Xu Han
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Oral Anatomy, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xiao Sun
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yuta Hirofuji
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haruyoshi Yamaza
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Aya Yamada
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (S.F.); Tel.: +81-92-642-6402 (K.M. & S.F.)
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Ruiz-Sánchez E, Jiménez-Genchi J, Alcántara-Flores YM, Castañeda-González CJ, Aviña-Cervantes CL, Yescas P, del Socorro González-Valadez M, Martínez-Rodríguez N, Ríos-Ortiz A, González-González M, López-Navarro ME, Rojas P. Working memory deficits in schizophrenia are associated with the rs34884856 variant and expression levels of the NR4A2 gene in a sample Mexican population: a case control study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:86. [PMID: 33563249 PMCID: PMC7871565 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03081-w] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive functions represent useful endophenotypes to identify the association between genetic variants and schizophrenia. In this sense, the NR4A2 gene has been implicated in schizophrenia and cognition in different animal models and clinical trials. We hypothesized that the NR4A2 gene is associated with working memory performance in schizophrenia. This study aimed to analyze two variants and the expression levels of the NR4A2 gene with susceptibility to schizophrenia, as well as to evaluate whether possession of NR4A2 variants influence the possible correlation between gene expression and working memory performance in schizophrenia. METHODS The current study included 187 schizophrenia patients and 227 controls genotyped for two of the most studied NR4A2 genetic variants in neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Genotyping was performed using High Resolution Melt and sequencing techniques. In addition, mRNA expression of NR4A2 was performed in peripheral mononuclear cells of 112 patients and 118 controls. A group of these participants, 54 patients and 87 controls, performed the working memory index of the WAIS III test. RESULTS Both genotypic frequencies of the two variants and expression levels of the NR4A2 gene showed no significant difference when in patients versus controls. However, patients homozygous for the rs34884856 promoter variant showed a positive correlation between expression levels and auditory working memory. CONCLUSIONS Our finding suggested that changes in expression levels of the NR4A2 gene could be associated with working memory in schizophrenia depending on patients' genotype in a sample from a Mexican population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ruiz-Sánchez
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Laboratory of Neurotoxicology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Jiménez-Genchi
- Research Unit, Hospital Psiquiátrico Fray Bernardino Álvarez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yessica M. Alcántara-Flores
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Laboratory of Neurotoxicology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos L. Aviña-Cervantes
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Department of Psychiatry, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Petra Yescas
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Department of Genetics, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Nancy Martínez-Rodríguez
- grid.414757.40000 0004 0633 3412Epidemiology, Endocrinology & Nutrition Research Unit, Hospital Infantil de México “Federico Gómez”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ríos-Ortiz
- Research Unit, Hospital Psiquiátrico Fray Bernardino Álvarez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha González-González
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Unit of Cognition and Behavior, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María E. López-Navarro
- grid.419204.a0000 0000 8637 5954Laboratory of Neurotoxicology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Rojas
- Laboratory of Neurotoxicology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, "Manuel Velasco Suárez", SS, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Stratilov VA, Tyulkova EI, Vetrovoy OV. Prenatal Stress as a Factor of the
Development of Addictive States. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093020060010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Zelli S, Brancato A, Mattioli F, Pepe M, Alleva E, Carbone C, Cannizzaro C, Adriani W. A new "sudden fright paradigm" to explore the role of (epi)genetic modulations of the DAT gene in fear-induced avoidance behavior. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12709. [PMID: 33070435 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in dopamine (DA) reuptake are involved in several psychiatric disorders whose symptoms can be investigated in knock out rats for the DA transporter (DAT-KO). Recent studies evidenced the role of epigenetic DAT modulation in depressive-like behavior. Accordingly, we used heterozygous (HET) rats born from both HET parents (termed MIX-HET), compared to HET rats born from WT-mother and KO-father (MAT-HET), implementing the role of maternal care on DAT modulation. We developed a "sudden fright" paradigm (based on dark-light test) to study reaction to fearful inputs in the DAT-KO, MAT-HET, MIX-HET, and WT groups. Rats could freely explore the whole 3-chambers apparatus; then, they were gently confined in one room where they experienced the fright; finally, they could freely move again. As expected, after the fearful stimulus only MAT-HET rats showed a different behavior consisting of avoidance towards the fear-associated chamber, compared to WT rats. Furthermore, ex-vivo immuno-fluorescence reveals higher prefrontal DAT levels in MAT-HET compared to MIX-HET and WT rats. Immuno-fluorescence shows also a different histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes concentration. Since HDAC concentration could modulate gene expression, within MAT-HET fore brain, the enhanced expression of DAT could well impair the corticostriatal-thalamic circuit, thus causing aberrant avoidance behavior (observed only in MAT-HET rats). DAT expression seems to be linked to a simply different breeding condition, which points to a reduced care by HET dams for epigenetic regulation. This could imply significant prefronto-cortical influences onto the emotional processes: hence an excessively frightful response, even to mild stressful agents, may draw developmental trajectories toward anxious and depressed-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zelli
- Center Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale "Uninettuno", Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Mattioli
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale "Uninettuno", Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pepe
- Center Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Alleva
- Center Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Carbone
- Center Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Adriani
- Center Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale "Uninettuno", Rome, Italy
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17
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Griffin SM, Pickard MR, Hawkins CP, Williams AC, Fricker RA. Nicotinamide restricts neural precursor proliferation to enhance catecholaminergic neuronal subtype differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233477. [PMID: 32925933 PMCID: PMC7489539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that a strong relationship exists between brain regenerative therapies and nutrition. Early life nutrition plays an important role during embryonic brain development, and there are clear consequences to an imbalance in nutritional factors on both the production and survival of mature neuronal populations and the infant’s risk of diseases in later life. Our research and that of others suggest that vitamins play a fundamental role in the formation of neurons and their survival. There is a growing body of evidence that nicotinamide, the water-soluble amide form of vitamin B3, is implicated in the conversion of pluripotent stem cells to clinically relevant cells for regenerative therapies. This study investigated the ability of nicotinamide to promote the development of mature catecholaminergic neuronal populations (associated with Parkinson’s disease) from mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as investigating the underlying mechanisms of nicotinamide’s action. Nicotinamide selectively enhanced the production of tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons and serotonergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem cell cultures (Sox1GFP knock-in 46C cell line). A 5-Ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay ascertained that nicotinamide, when added in the initial phase, reduced cell proliferation. Nicotinamide drove tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neuron differentiation as effectively as an established cocktail of signalling factors, reducing the proliferation of neural progenitors and accelerating neuronal maturation, neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter expression. These novel findings show that nicotinamide enhanced and enriched catecholaminergic differentiation and inhibited cell proliferation by directing cell cycle arrest in mouse embryonic stem cell cultures, thus driving a critical neural proliferation-to-differentiation switch from neural progenitors to neurons. Further research into the role of vitamin metabolites in embryogenesis will significantly advance cell-based regenerative medicine, and help realize their role as crucial developmental signalling molecules in brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Síle M. Griffin
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark R. Pickard
- Chester Medical School, University Centre Shrewsbury, University of Chester, Shrewsbury, England, United Kingdom
| | - Clive P. Hawkins
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian C. Williams
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary A. Fricker
- Keele Medical School and Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
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Ferreira R, Napoli J, Enver T, Bernardino L, Ferreira L. Advances and challenges in retinoid delivery systems in regenerative and therapeutic medicine. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4265. [PMID: 32848154 PMCID: PMC7450074 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids regulate a wide spectrum of cellular functions from the embryo throughout adulthood, including cell differentiation, metabolic regulation, and inflammation. These traits make retinoids very attractive molecules for medical purposes. In light of some of the physicochemical limitations of retinoids, the development of drug delivery systems offers several advantages for clinical translation of retinoid-based therapies, including improved solubilization, prolonged circulation, reduced toxicity, sustained release, and improved efficacy. In this Review, we discuss advances in preclinical and clinical tests regarding retinoid formulations, specifically the ones based in natural retinoids, evaluated in the context of regenerative medicine, brain, cancer, skin, and immune diseases. Advantages and limitations of retinoid formulations, as well as prospects to push the field forward, will be presented.
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Grants
- MC_U137973817 Medical Research Council
- MR/N000838/1 Medical Research Council
- The authors would like to thank Andreia Vilaça for the illustrations and the financial support of ERA Chair project (ERA@UC, ref:669088) through EU Horizon 2020 program, the POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016390 (acronym: CANCEL STEM) and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029414 (acronym: LIghtBRARY) projects through Compete 2020 and FCT programs, projects 2IQBIONEURO (reference: 0624_2IQBIONEURO_6_E) and NEUROATLANTIC (reference: EAPA_791/2018) co-funded by INTERREG (Atlantic program or V-A Spain-Portugal) and European fund for Regional Development (FEDER), FCT (Portugal, SFRH/BPD/102103/2014), National Funds by Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/Multi/00709/2013), “Programa Operacional do Centro, Centro 2020” through the funding of the ICON project (Interdisciplinary Challenges On Neurodegeneration; CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000013), EXPL/BIM-MED/0822/2013 (LB), (SFRH/BPD/94228/2013, IF/00178/2015) (RF), Cerebrovascular Disease Grant and L’Oréal-UNESCO Portugal for Women in Science for supporting this work. Authors declare there are no conflict of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joseph Napoli
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, 231 Morgan Hall, MC#3104, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Tariq Enver
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Liliana Bernardino
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Lino Ferreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression and Regulatory Network Interaction Data Reveals the Protein Kinase C Family of Serine/Threonine Receptors as a Significant Druggable Target for Parkinson's Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:466-480. [PMID: 32728898 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons, resulting in motor defects mainly tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia along with a wide array of non-motor symptoms. The current study is focused on determining the potential druggable targets of PD by consolidating gene expression profiling and network methodology. Initially, the differentially expressed genes were established from which the central network was constructed by assimilating the interacting partners. Investigating the topological parameters of the network, the genes SYT1, CXCR4, CDC42, KIT, RET, DRD2, NTN1, PRKACB, KDR, NR4A2, SLC18A2, CCK, TH, KCNJ6, and TAC1 were identified as the hub genes and can be explored as potential candidate genes for PD therapeutics. Gene ontology and cluster analysis of the hub genes has provided further insights about the pathophysiology of the disease. Among the hub genes, PRKACB is observed in relatively all the enriched pathways which are modulated by G protein-coupled receptors through protein kinases. Further, we noticed SYT1 as a novel biomarker for PD. Moreover, the regulatory network was constructed with the hub genes as seed nodes with associated transcription factors (TFs) and microRNA (miRNAs). In this analysis, we identified MYC as the major TF and the miRNAs miR-21, miR-155, miR-7, and miR26A1 have a significant role in modulating the hub genes. Briefly, these significant hub genes and their enriched pathways, TFs, and miRNAs have aided in the better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying PD and its potential core target genes.
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Mesman S, Smidt MP. Acquisition of the Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Identity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134638. [PMID: 32629812 PMCID: PMC7369932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) group of neurons comprises molecularly distinct subgroups, of which the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are the best known, due to the selective degeneration of the SN during Parkinson’s disease. However, although significant research has been conducted on the molecular build-up of these subsets, much is still unknown about how these subsets develop and which factors are involved in this process. In this review, we aim to describe the life of an mdDA neuron, from specification in the floor plate to differentiation into the different subsets. All mdDA neurons are born in the mesodiencephalic floor plate under the influence of both SHH-signaling, important for floor plate patterning, and WNT-signaling, involved in establishing the progenitor pool and the start of the specification of mdDA neurons. Furthermore, transcription factors, like Ngn2, Ascl1, Lmx1a, and En1, and epigenetic factors, like Ezh2, are important in the correct specification of dopamine (DA) progenitors. Later during development, mdDA neurons are further subdivided into different molecular subsets by, amongst others, Otx2, involved in the specification of subsets in the VTA, and En1, Pitx3, Lmx1a, and WNT-signaling, involved in the specification of subsets in the SN. Interestingly, factors involved in early specification in the floor plate can serve a dual function and can also be involved in subset specification. Besides the mdDA group of neurons, other systems in the embryo contain different subsets, like the immune system. Interestingly, many factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons are similarly involved in immune system development and vice versa. This indicates that similar mechanisms are used in the development of these systems, and that knowledge about the development of the immune system may hold clues for the factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons, which may be used in culture protocols for cell replacement therapies.
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Development and Differentiation of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron: From Bench to Bedside. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061489. [PMID: 32570916 PMCID: PMC7349799 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor system. It is primarily due to substantial loss of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and to decreased innervation to the striatum. Although existing drug therapy available can relieve the symptoms in early-stage PD patients, it cannot reverse the pathogenic progression of PD. Thus, regenerating functional mDA neurons in PD patients may be a cure to the disease. The proof-of-principle clinical trials showed that human fetal graft-derived mDA neurons could restore the release of dopamine neurotransmitters, could reinnervate the striatum, and could alleviate clinical symptoms in PD patients. The invention of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), autologous source of neural progenitors with less ethical consideration, and risk of graft rejection can now be generated in vitro. This advancement also prompts extensive research to decipher important developmental signaling in differentiation, which is key to successful in vitro production of functional mDA neurons and the enabler of mass manufacturing of the cells required for clinical applications. In this review, we summarize the biology and signaling involved in the development of mDA neurons and the current progress and methodology in driving efficient mDA neuron differentiation from pluripotent stem cells.
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Molecular Regulation in Dopaminergic Neuron Development. Cues to Unveil Molecular Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Targets of Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113995. [PMID: 32503161 PMCID: PMC7312927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relatively few dopaminergic neurons in the mammalian brain are mostly located in the midbrain and regulate many important neural functions, including motor integration, cognition, emotive behaviors and reward. Therefore, alteration of their function or degeneration leads to severe neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Unraveling the mechanisms of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) phenotype induction and maturation and elucidating the role of the gene network involved in the development and maintenance of these neurons is of pivotal importance to rescue or substitute these cells in order to restore dopaminergic functions. Recently, in addition to morphogens and transcription factors, microRNAs have been identified as critical players to confer mDA identity. The elucidation of the gene network involved in mDA neuron development and function will be crucial to identify early changes of mDA neurons that occur in pre-symptomatic pathological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. In addition, it can help to identify targets for new therapies and for cell reprogramming into mDA neurons. In this essay, we review the cascade of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation that confers mDA identity and regulates their functions. Additionally, we highlight certain mechanisms that offer important clues to unveil molecular pathogenesis of mDA neuron dysfunction and potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of mDA neuron dysfunction.
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Green AL, Eid A, Zhan L, Zarbl H, Guo GL, Richardson JR. Epigenetic Regulation of the Ontogenic Expression of the Dopamine Transporter. Front Genet 2019; 10:1099. [PMID: 31749842 PMCID: PMC6844290 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a plasma membrane transport protein responsible for regulating the duration and intensity of dopaminergic signaling. Altered expression of DAT is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and is shown to contribute to the response of psychotropic drugs and neurotoxicants. Although the postnatal levels of DAT have been characterized, there are few data regarding the mechanisms that regulate postnatal DAT expression. Here, we examine the ontogeny of DAT mRNA from postnatal days 0 to 182 in the rat brain and define a role for epigenetic mechanisms regulating DAT expression. DAT mRNA and protein significantly increased between PND 0 and 6 months in rat midbrain and striatum, respectively. The epigenetic modifiers Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Hdac2 demonstrated age associated decreases in mRNA expression whereas Hdac5 and Hdac8 showed increased mRNA expression with age. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed increased protein enrichment of acetylated histone 3 at lysines 9 and 14 and the dopaminergic transcription factors Nurr1 and Pitx3 within the DAT promoter in an age-related manner. Together these studies provide evidence for the role of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of DAT during development. The identification of these mechanisms may contribute to potential therapeutic interventions aimed at neurodevelopmental disorders of the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Green
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Aseel Eid
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Le Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jason R. Richardson
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Jason R. Richardson,
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Romoli B, Lozada AF, Sandoval IM, Manfredsson FP, Hnasko TS, Berg DK, Dulcis D. Neonatal Nicotine Exposure Primes Midbrain Neurons to a Dopaminergic Phenotype and Increases Adult Drug Consumption. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:344-355. [PMID: 31202491 PMCID: PMC7359410 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotine intake induces addiction through neuroplasticity of the reward circuitry, altering the activity of dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area. Prior work demonstrated that altered circuit activity can change neurotransmitter expression in the developing and adult brain. Here we investigated the effects of neonatal nicotine exposure on the dopaminergic system and nicotine consumption in adulthood. METHODS Male and female mice were used for two-bottle-choice test, progressive ratio breakpoint test, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, calcium imaging, and DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs)-mediated chemogenic activation/inhibition experiments. RESULTS Neonatal nicotine exposure potentiates drug preference in adult mice, induces alterations in calcium spike activity of midbrain neurons, and increases the number of dopamine-expressing neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Specifically, glutamatergic neurons are first primed to express transcription factor Nurr1, then acquire the dopaminergic phenotype following nicotine re-exposure in adulthood. Enhanced neuronal activity combined with Nurr1 expression is both necessary and sufficient for the nicotine-mediated neurotransmitter plasticity to occur. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illuminate a new mechanism of neuroplasticity by which early nicotine exposure primes the reward system to display increased susceptibility to drug consumption in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Davide Dulcis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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Huang C, Ma J, Li BX, Sun Y. Wnt1 silencing enhances neurotoxicity induced by paraquat and maneb in SH-SY5Y cells. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3643-3649. [PMID: 31602242 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wingless (Wnt) signaling regulates the proliferation and differentiation of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. Paraquat (PQ) and maneb (MB) are environmental pollutants that can be used to model Parkinson's disease (PD) in rodents. A previous study demonstrated that developmental exposure to PQ and MB affects the expression of Wnt1, Wnt5a, nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (NURR1) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). However, how Wnt signaling regulates these developmental factors in vitro is yet to be determined. To explore this, SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to PQ and MB. The results of the current study indicated that exposure to PQ and MB decreased Wnt1, β-catenin, NURR1 and TH levels and increased Wnt5a levels. Furthermore, Wnt1 silencing has the same effect as exposure to PQ and MB. Additionally, the neurotoxicity induced by PQ and MB is more severe in siWnt1-SH-SY5Y cells compared with normal SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, Wnt1 may serve an important role in regulating developmental DA factors, and may be a candidate gene for PD diagnosis or gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China.,Safety and Quality Institute of Agricultural Products, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Bai-Xiang Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
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26
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Wever I, Wagemans CMRJ, Smidt MP. EZH2 Is Essential for Fate Determination in the Mammalian Isthmic Area. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:76. [PMID: 31024250 PMCID: PMC6465967 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group proteins (PcGs) are a group of epigenetic factors associated with gene silencing. They are found in several families of multiprotein complexes, including polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). EZH2, EED and SUZ12 form the core components of the PRC2 complex, which is responsible for the mono, di- and trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27Me3), the chromatin mark associated with gene silencing. Loss-of-function studies of Ezh2, the catalytic subunit of PRC2, have shown that PRC2 plays a role in regulating developmental transitions of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs); from self-renewal to differentiation and the neurogenic-to-gliogenic fate switch. To further address the function of EZH2 and H3K27me3 during neuronal development, we generated a conditional mutant in which Ezh2 was removed in the mammalian isthmic (mid-hindbrain) region from E10.5 onward. Loss of Ezh2 changed the molecular coding of the anterior ventral hindbrain leading to a fate switch and the appearance of ectopic dopaminergic (DA) neurons. The correct specification of the isthmic region is dependent on the signaling factors produced by the Isthmic organizer (IsO), located at the border of the mid- and hindbrain. We propose that the change of cellular fate is a result of the presence of Otx2 in the hindbrain of Ezh2 conditional knock-outs (cKOs) and a dysfunctional IsO, as represented by the loss of Fgf8 and Wnt1. Our work implies that next to controlling developmental transitions, EZH2 mediated gene silencing is important for specification of the isthmic region by influencing IsO functioning and repressing Otx2 in the hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy M R J Wagemans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Wever I, Largo-Barrientos P, Hoekstra EJ, Smidt MP. Lmx1b Influences Correct Post-mitotic Coding of Mesodiencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:62. [PMID: 30930745 PMCID: PMC6427837 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lim Homeobox transcription factor 1 beta (LMX1b) has been identified as one of the transcription factors important for the development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. During early development, Lmx1b is essential for induction and maintenance of the Isthmic Organizer (IsO), and genetic ablation results in the disruption of inductive activity from the IsO and loss of properly differentiated mdDA neurons. To study the downstream targets of Lmx1b without affecting the IsO, we generated a conditional model in which Lmx1b was selectively deleted in Pitx3-expressing cells from embryonic day (E)13 onward. Supporting previous data, no significant changes could be observed in general dopamine (DA) marks, like Th, Pitx3and Vmat2 at E14.5. However, in depth analysis by means of RNA-sequencing revealed that Lmx1b is important for the mRNA expression level of survival factors En1 and En2 and for the repression of mdDA subset mark Ahd2 during (late) development. Interestingly, the regulation of Ahd2 by Lmx1b was found to be Pitx3 independent, since Pitx3 mRNA levels were not altered in Lmx1b conditional knock-outs (cKOs) and Ahd2 expression was also up-regulated in Lmx1b/Pitx3 double mutants compared to Pitx3 mutants. Further analysis of Lmx1b cKOs showed that post-mitotic deletion of Lmx1b additional leads to a loss of TH+ cells at 3 months age both in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Remarkably, different cell types were affected in the SNc and the VTA. While TH+AHD2+ cells were lost the SNc, TH+AHD2- neurons were affected in the VTA, reflected by a loss of Cck expression, indicating that Lmx1b is important for the survival of a sub-group of mdDA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa J Hoekstra
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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28
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Wever I, von Oerthel L, Wagemans CMRJ, Smidt MP. EZH2 Influences mdDA Neuronal Differentiation, Maintenance and Survival. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:491. [PMID: 30705619 PMCID: PMC6344421 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade several components have been identified to be differentially expressed in subsets of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. These differences in molecular profile have been implied to be involved in the selective degeneration of the SNc neurons in Parkinson’s disease. The emergence and maintenance of individual subsets is dependent on different transcriptional programs already present during development. In addition to the influence of transcription factors, recent studies have led to the hypothesis that modifications of histones might also influence the developmental program of neurons. In this study we focus on the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and its role in the development and maintenance of mdDA neurons. We generated two different conditional knock out (cKO) mice; an En1Cre driven cKO, for deletion of Ezh2 in mdDA progenitors and a Pitx3Cre driven cKO, to study the effect of post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 on mdDA neurons maturation and neuronal survival. During development Ezh2 was found to be important for the generation of the proper amount of TH+ neurons. The loss of neurons primarily affected a rostrolateral population, which is also reflected in the analysis of the subset marks, Ahd2 and Cck. In contrast to early genetic ablation, post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 did not lead to major developmental defects at E14.5. However, in 6 months old animals Cck was found ectopically in the rostral domain of mdDA neurons and Ahd2 expression was reduced in more mediocaudal positioned cells. In addition, Pitx3Cre driven deletion of Ezh2 led to a progressive loss of TH+ cells in the VTA and these animals display reduced climbing behavior. Together, our data demonstrates that Ezh2 is important for the generation of mdDA neurons during development and that during adult stages Ezh2 is important for the preservation of proper neuronal subset identity and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy M R J Wagemans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Phonchai R, Phermthai T, Kitiyanant N, Suwanjang W, Kotchabhakdi N, Chetsawang B. Potential effects and molecular mechanisms of melatonin on the dopaminergic neuronal differentiation of human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells. Neurochem Int 2018; 124:82-93. [PMID: 30593827 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, a highly lipophilic molecule secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, plays a role in various biological functions. Previous studies reported that melatonin exerts its effect on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) survival and differentiation into osteogenic- and adipogenic-lineage. However, the effect of melatonin in neurogenic differentiation in amniotic fluid (AF)-MSCs remains to be explored, thus we investigated the potential role of melatonin on dopaminergic neuron differentiation in AF-MSCs. The results showed that various concentrations of melatonin did not affect cell viability and proliferative effects of AF-MSCs. Increases in the levels of neuronal protein marker (βIII-tubulin) and dopaminergic neuronal markers (tyrosine hydroxylase, TH and NURR1), but decrease in the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were observed in melatonin-treated AF-MSCs. Melatonin induced alteration in differential expression patterns of mesenchymal stem cell antigens by reducing CD29, CD45, CD73, CD90 and CD105, but no changing CD34 expressing cells. AF-MSCs were sequentially induced in neurobasal medium containing standard inducing cocktails (ST: bFGF, SHH, FGF8, BDNF), 1 μM melatonin, or a combination of ST and melatonin. The levels of TUJ1, TH, MAP2, NURR1 and dopamine transporter (DAT) were significantly increased in all treated groups when compared with control-untreated cells. Pretreated AF-MSCs with non-selective MT1/MT2 receptors antagonist, luzindole and selective MT2 receptor antagonist, 4-P-PDOT diminished melatonin-induced increase in dopaminergic neuronal markers and phosphorylated ERK but did not diminish increase in phosphorylated CaMKII by melatonin. Pretreatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059 and CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93 were able to abolish increase in the levels of dopaminergic markers in melatonin-treated AF-MSCs. These findings suggest that melatonin promotes dopaminergic neuronal differentiation of AF-MSCs possibly via the induction in ERK and CaMKII pathways through melatonin receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchee Phonchai
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Tassanee Phermthai
- Stem Cell Research and Development Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narisorn Kitiyanant
- Stem Cell Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Suwanjang
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Banthit Chetsawang
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
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30
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McClymont SA, Hook PW, Soto AI, Reed X, Law WD, Kerans SJ, Waite EL, Briceno NJ, Thole JF, Heckman MG, Diehl NN, Wszolek ZK, Moore CD, Zhu H, Akiyama JA, Dickel DE, Visel A, Pennacchio LA, Ross OA, Beer MA, McCallion AS. Parkinson-Associated SNCA Enhancer Variants Revealed by Open Chromatin in Mouse Dopamine Neurons. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:874-892. [PMID: 30503521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive loss of midbrain (MB) dopaminergic (DA) neurons defines the motor features of Parkinson disease (PD), and modulation of risk by common variants in PD has been well established through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). We acquired open chromatin signatures of purified embryonic mouse MB DA neurons because we anticipated that a fraction of PD-associated genetic variation might mediate the variants' effects within this neuronal population. Correlation with >2,300 putative enhancers assayed in mice revealed enrichment for MB cis-regulatory elements (CREs), and these data were reinforced by transgenic analyses of six additional sequences in zebrafish and mice. One CRE, within intron 4 of the familial PD gene SNCA, directed reporter expression in catecholaminergic neurons from transgenic mice and zebrafish. Sequencing of this CRE in 986 individuals with PD and 992 controls revealed two common variants associated with elevated PD risk. To assess potential mechanisms of action, we screened >16,000 proteins for DNA binding capacity and identified a subset whose binding is impacted by these enhancer variants. Additional genotyping across the SNCA locus identified a single PD-associated haplotype, containing the minor alleles of both of the aforementioned PD-risk variants. Our work posits a model for how common variation at SNCA might modulate PD risk and highlights the value of cell-context-dependent guided searches for functional non-coding variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A McClymont
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Paul W Hook
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alexandra I Soto
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Xylena Reed
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - William D Law
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Samuel J Kerans
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eric L Waite
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nicole J Briceno
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joey F Thole
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michael G Heckman
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Nancy N Diehl
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Cedric D Moore
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer A Akiyama
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Diane E Dickel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA; School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA; Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Owen A Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Neuroscience Track, Mayo Graduate School, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Michael A Beer
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew S McCallion
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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BMP/SMAD Pathway and the Development of Dopamine Substantia Nigra Neurons. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6244-6246. [PMID: 29997164 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0821-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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32
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Hammond SL, Popichak KA, Li X, Hunt LG, Richman EH, Damale PU, Chong EKP, Backos DS, Safe S, Tjalkens RB. The Nurr1 Ligand,1,1-bis(3'-Indolyl)-1-( p-Chlorophenyl)Methane, Modulates Glial Reactivity and Is Neuroprotective in MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 365:636-651. [PMID: 29626009 PMCID: PMC5941193 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.246389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 (also called nuclear receptor-4A2) regulates inflammatory gene expression in glial cells, as well as genes associated with homeostatic and trophic function in dopaminergic neurons. Despite these known functions of Nurr1, an endogenous ligand has not been discovered. We postulated that the activation of Nurr1 would suppress the activation of glia and thereby protect against loss of dopamine (DA) neurons after subacute lesioning with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Our previous studies have shown that a synthetic Nurr1 ligand, 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)methane (C-DIM12), suppresses inflammatory gene expression in primary astrocytes and induces a dopaminergic phenotype in neurons. Pharmacokinetic analysis of C-DIM12 in mice by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrated that approximately three times more compound concentrated in the brain than in plasma. Mice treated with four doses of MPTP + probenecid over 14 days were monitored for neurobehavioral function, loss of dopaminergic neurons, and glial activation. C-DIM12 protected against the loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and DA terminals in the striatum, maintained a ramified phenotype in microglia, and suppressed activation of astrocytes. In vitro reporter assays demonstrated that C-DIM12 was an effective activator of Nurr1 transcription in neuronal cell lines. Computational modeling of C-DIM12 binding to the three-dimensional structure of human Nurr1 identified a high-affinity binding interaction with Nurr1 at the coactivator domain. Taken together, these data suggest that C-DIM12 is an activator of Nurr1 that suppresses glial activation and neuronal loss in vivo after treatment with MPTP, and that this receptor could be an efficacious target for disease modification in individuals with Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Hammond
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Katriana A Popichak
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Lindsay G Hunt
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Evan H Richman
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Pranav U Damale
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Edwin K P Chong
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Donald S Backos
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
| | - Ronald B Tjalkens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (S.L.H., K.A.P., L.G.H., E.H.R., R.B.T.) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (P.D., E.C.), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (X.L., S.S.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (D.S.B.)
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Li X, Yu J, Wu Y, Li B. Effect on the dopaminergic metabolism induced by oral exposure to simazine during the prepubertal period in rats. Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:421-429. [PMID: 29115391 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The herbicide simazine is widely used in agricultural and non-agricultural fields. Studies have shown that simazine inhibits the proliferation of dopaminergic cells and affects the developmental differentiation of dopamine neurons. However, little is known about the effects of simazine on dopaminergic metabolism. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of simazine on Sprague‑Dawley (SD) rats from weaning to puberty (40 days exposure). Simazine was administered orally to SD rats at doses of 0, 12.5, 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The contents of dopamine (DA), levodopa, dihydroxy-phenyl-acetic acid and homovanillic acid in the striatum were then examined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), tyrosine hydroxylase, orphan nuclear hormone (Nurr1), dopamine transporter (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). The results indicated that simazine influenced the synthesis, transport and metabolism of DA and led to a reduction of DA levels in the striatum. One potential underlying mechanism is decreased levels of Nurr1, DAT and VMAT2 impacting upon the transport of DA; another is the decreased level of AADC and increased levels of MAO and COMT impacting upon the synthesis and metabolism of DA. These factors may eventually lead to neurological disorders of the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Li
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Wu
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Baixiang Li
- Department of Toxicology, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
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Gkikas D, Tsampoula M, Politis PK. Nuclear receptors in neural stem/progenitor cell homeostasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4097-4120. [PMID: 28638936 PMCID: PMC11107725 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, embryonic and adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) generate the enormous variety and huge numbers of neuronal and glial cells that provide structural and functional support in the brain and spinal cord. Over the last decades, nuclear receptors and their natural ligands have emerged as critical regulators of NSC homeostasis during embryonic development and adult life. Furthermore, substantial progress has been achieved towards elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nuclear receptors action in proliferative and differentiation capacities of NSCs. Aberrant expression or function of nuclear receptors in NSCs also contributes to the pathogenesis of various nervous system diseases. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory roles of steroid, non-steroid, and orphan nuclear receptors in NSC fate decisions. These studies establish nuclear receptors as key therapeutic targets in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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Mesman S, Smidt MP. Tcf12 Is Involved in Early Cell-Fate Determination and Subset Specification of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:353. [PMID: 29163030 PMCID: PMC5671939 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein family has previously been shown to be involved in the development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons in the murine midbrain. Specifically, Ngn2 and Mash1 are known to have a role in the specification of neural progenitors in the ventricular zone (VZ) of the midbrain towards an mdDA neuronal cell-fate. Furthermore, other members of the bHLH protein family, the E-box factors, are expressed in the developing midbrain and are thought to have a role in neuronal differentiation. Here we show that the E-box factor Tcf12 is implicated in early and late development of mdDA neurons. Tcf12 is expressed in the midbrain and in young TH-expressing mdDA neurons throughout development. Tcf12lox/lox;En1cre/+ embryos, that lose Tcf12 at ~embryonic day (E)9 throughout the En1 expression domain, have a changed spatial expression of Lmx1a and Nurr1 and a consistent loss of rostral TH expression. Expression of the subset marker Ahd2 is initially delayed, but recovers during development, eventually showing an ~10% increase in AHD2-expressing cells at postnatal day (P)30. Tcf12lox/lox;Pitx3cre/+ embryos, that lose Tcf12 at ~E12 in post-mitotic mdDA neurons, show no effect on the amount of TH-expressing neurons in the developing midbrain. However, similar as to Tcf12lox/lox;En1cre/+ embryos, subset specification is delayed during development. Taken together, we have identified Tcf12 as a novel factor in mdDA neuronal development. It serves a dual function; one in early cell-fate commitment of neural progenitors and one late in subset specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Direct conversion from skin fibroblasts to functional dopaminergic neurons for biomedical application. BIOMEDICAL DERMATOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s41702-017-0004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Smidt MP. Pitx3 and En1 determine the size and molecular programming of the dopaminergic neuronal pool. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182421. [PMID: 28800615 PMCID: PMC5553812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are located in the ventral midbrain. These neurons form the substantia nigra (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Two transcription factors that play important roles in the process of terminal differentiation and subset-specification of mdDA neurons, are paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3), and homeobox transcription factor Engrailed 1 (En1). We previously investigated the single Pitx3KO and En1KO and observed important changes in the survival of mdDA neurons of the SNc and VTA as well as altered expression of pivotal rostral- and caudal-markers, Ahd2 and Cck, respectively. To refine our understanding of the regional-specific relationships between En1 and Pitx3 and their (combined) role in the programming mdDA neurons on the rostral-to-caudal axis, we created double En1tm1Alj/tm1Alj;Pitx3gfp/gfp (En1KO;Pitx3GFP/GFP) animals. Here we report, that in absence of En1 and Pitx3, only a limited number of mdDA neurons are present at E14.5. These mdDA neurons have a rudimentary dopaminergic cell fate, as they express Nurr1, Pbx3 and Otx2 but have lost their rostral or caudal subset identity. Furthermore, we report that the expression of Cck depends on En1 expression, while (in contrast) both Pitx3 and En1 are involved in the initiation of Ahd2 expression. Thus we reveal in this manuscript that regulated levels of Pitx3 and En1 control the size and rostral/caudal-identity of the mdDA neuronal population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Green AL, Zhan L, Eid A, Zarbl H, Guo GL, Richardson JR. Valproate increases dopamine transporter expression through histone acetylation and enhanced promoter binding of Nurr1. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:189-196. [PMID: 28743636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is the key regulator of dopaminergic transmission and is a target of several xenobiotics, including pesticides and pharmacological agents. Previously, we identified a prominent role for histone deacetylases in the regulation of DAT expression. Here, we utilized a rat dopaminergic cell line (N27) to probe the responsiveness of DAT mRNA expression to inhibitors of histone acetylation. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) by valproate, butyrate and Trichostatin A led to a 3-10-fold increase in DAT mRNA expression, a 50% increase in protein levels, which were accompanied by increased H3 acetylation levels. To confirm the mechanism of valproate-mediated increase in DAT mRNA, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used and demonstrated a significant increase in enrichment of acetylation of histone 3 on lysines 9 and 14 (H3K9/K14ac) in the DAT promoter. Expression of Nurr1 and Pitx3, key regulators of DAT expression, were increased following valproate treatment and Nurr1 binding was enriched in the DAT promoter. Together, these results indicate that histone acetylation and subsequent enhancement of transcription factor binding are plausible mechanisms for DAT regulation by valproate and, perhaps, by other xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Green
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Le Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Aseel Eid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Grace L Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
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Guerrero-Flores G, Bastidas-Ponce A, Collazo-Navarrete O, Guerra-Crespo M, Covarrubias L. Functional determination of the differentiation potential of ventral mesencephalic neural precursor cells during dopaminergic neurogenesis. Dev Biol 2017; 429:56-70. [PMID: 28733161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ventral mesencephalic neural precursor cells (vmNPCs) that give rise to dopaminergic (DA) neurons have been identified by the expression of distinct genes (e.g., Lmx1a, Foxa2, Msx1/2). However, the commitment of these NPCs to the mesencephalic DA neuronal fate has not been functionally determined. Evaluation of the plasticity of vmNPCs suggests that their commitment occurs after E10.5. Here we show that E9.5 vmNPCs implanted in an ectopic area of E10.5 mesencephalic explants, retained their specification marker Lmx1a and efficiently differentiated into neurons but did not express the gene encoding tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), the limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis. A proportion of E10.5-E11.5 implanted vmNPCs behaved as committed, deriving into Th+ neurons in ectopic sites. Interestingly, implanted cells from E12.5 embryos were unable to give rise to a significant number of Th+ neurons. Concomitantly, differentiation assays in culture and in mesencephalic explants treated with Fgf2+LIF detected vmNPCs with astrogenic potential since E11.5. Despite this, a full suspension of E12.5 vmNPCs give rise to DA neurons in a similar proportion as those of E10.5 when they were transplanted into adult brain, but astrocytes were only detected with the former population. These data suggest that the subventricular postmitotic progenitors present in E12.5 ventral mesencephalon are unable to implant in embryonic explants and are the source of DA neurons in the transplanted adult brain. Based on our findings we propose that during DA differentiation committed vmNPCs emerge at E10.5 and they exhaust their neurogenic capacity with the rise of NPCs with astrogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Guerrero-Flores
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Aimée Bastidas-Ponce
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Omar Collazo-Navarrete
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Magdalena Guerra-Crespo
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Covarrubias
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
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Oliveira MAP, Balling R, Smidt MP, Fleming RMT. Embryonic development of selectively vulnerable neurons in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2017; 3:21. [PMID: 28685157 PMCID: PMC5484687 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-017-0022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific set of brainstem nuclei are susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We hypothesise that neuronal vulnerability reflects shared phenotypic characteristics that confer selective vulnerability to degeneration. Neuronal phenotypic specification is mainly the cumulative result of a transcriptional regulatory program that is active during the development. By manual curation of the developmental biology literature, we comprehensively reconstructed an anatomically resolved cellular developmental lineage for the adult neurons in five brainstem regions that are selectively vulnerable to degeneration in prodromal or early Parkinson's disease. We synthesised the literature on transcription factors that are required to be active, or required to be inactive, in the development of each of these five brainstem regions, and at least two differentially vulnerable nuclei within each region. Certain transcription factors, e.g., Ascl1 and Lmx1b, seem to be required for specification of many brainstem regions that are susceptible to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease. Some transcription factors can even distinguish between differentially vulnerable nuclei within the same brain region, e.g., Pitx3 is required for specification of the substantia nigra pars compacta, but not the ventral tegmental area. We do not suggest that Parkinson's disease is a developmental disorder. In contrast, we consider identification of shared developmental trajectories as part of a broader effort to identify the molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenotypic features that are shared by selectively vulnerable neurons. Systematic in vivo assessment of fate determining transcription factors should be completed for all neuronal populations vulnerable to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. P. Oliveira
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronan M. T. Fleming
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
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Liu H, Liu H, Li T, Cui J, Fu Y, Ren J, Sun X, Jiang P, Yu S, Li C. NR4A2 genetic variation and Parkinson's disease: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Lett 2017; 650:25-32. [PMID: 28385514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The homo sapiens nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A (NR4A2) genetic variation has been implicated as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, the results are inconclusive. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the impact of NR4A2 variation on the risk of PD. METHODS All eligible case-control studies published up to June 2016 by searching Pubmed, OVID, EBSCO, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and China Academic Journals Database were identified. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to access the strength of the association in fixed- or random-effects model. RESULTS Eighteen studies reported 24 genetic variants with a total of 6150 cases and 5919 controls were included. Twelve studies for NR4A2 rs35479735 polymorphism and 4 studies for rs12803 were available for meta-analysis. A significant association was observed for rs35479735 under the homozygous model (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.10-1.56, P=0.003), whereas no significant association for rs12803 was detected. In subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, age onset and familial history, we found no significant association except one in sporadic PD subgroup under the recessive (OR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.23-8.84, P=0.02) and homozygous model (OR=3.43, 95% CI: 1.26-9.33, P=0.02) for rs35479735. CONCLUSION The study comprehensively evaluated the association of NR4A2 variation with PD, and the results failed to demonstrate that the NR4A2 polymorphisms significantly associated with PD except for rs35479735, suggesting that more studies are needed to elucidate if NR4A2 is a risk of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Loudi Center Hospital, Loudi City 417000, China
| | - Ting Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200042, China
| | - Jiayi Cui
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College), Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Juanjuan Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiujia Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shunying Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Chunbo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Identification of NURR1 (Exon 4) and FOXA1 (Exon 3) Haplotypes Associated with mRNA Expression Levels in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Parkinson's Patients in Small Indian Population. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2017; 2017:6025358. [PMID: 28255498 PMCID: PMC5307137 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6025358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we study the expression of NURR1 and FOXA1 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes and its haplotypes in coding region in a small Chennai population of India. Thirty cases of Parkinson's patients (PD) with anti-PD medications (20 males aged 65.85 ± 1.19 and 10 females aged 65.7 ± 1.202) and 30 age matched healthy people (20 males aged 68.45 ± 1.282 and 10 females aged 65.8 ± 1.133) were included. The expression of NURR1 and FOXA1 in PBL was detected by Q-PCR and haplotypes were identified by PCR-SSCP. In the 30 PD cases examined, NURR1 and FOXA1 expression was significantly reduced in both male and female PD patients. However, NURR1 (57.631% reduced in males; 28.93% in females) and FOXA1 (64.42% in males; 55.76% in females) mRNA expression did differ greatly between male and female PD patients. Polymorphisms were identified at exon 4 of the NURR1 and at exon 3 of the FOXA1, respectively, in both male and female patients. A near significant difference in SSCP patterns between genders of control and PD population was analyzed suggesting that further investigations of more patients, more molecular markers, and coding regions should be performed. Such studies could potentially reveal peripheral molecular marker of early PD and different significance to the respective genders.
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Protective effects of a herbal extract combination of Bupleurum falcatum , Paeonia suffruticosa , and Angelica dahurica against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity via regulation of nuclear receptor-related 1 protein. Neuroscience 2017; 340:166-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Larsen K, Momeni J, Farajzadeh L, Callesen H, Bendixen C. Molecular characterization and analysis of the porcine NURR1 gene. BIOCHIMIE OPEN 2016; 3:26-39. [PMID: 29450128 PMCID: PMC5801910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopen.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Orphan receptor NURR1 (also termed NR4A2) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a regulatory factor of differentiation, migration, maturation and maintenance of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. NURR1 plays an important role in nigrostriatal dopamine neuron development and is therefore implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases linked to the dopamine system of the midbrain. Here we report the isolation and characterization of porcine NURR1 cDNA. The NURR1 cDNA was RT-PCR cloned using NURR1-specific oligonucleotide primers derived from in silico sequences. The porcine NURR1 cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 598 amino acids, displaying a very high similarity with bovine, human and mouse (99%) NURR1 protein. Expression analysis revealed a differential NURR1 mRNA expression in various organs and tissues. NURR1 transcripts could be detected as early as at 60 days of embryo development in different brain tissues. A significant increase in NURR1 transcript in the cerebellum and a decrease in NURR1 transcript in the basal ganglia was observed during embryo development. The porcine NURR1 gene was mapped to chromosome 15. Two missense mutations were found in exon 3, the first coding exon of NURR1. Methylation analysis of the porcine NURR1 gene body revealed a high methylation degree in brain tissue, whereas methylation of the promoter was very low. A decrease in DNA methylation in a discrete region of the NURR1 promoter was observed in pig frontal cortex during pig embryo development. This observation correlated with an increase in NURR1 transcripts. Therefore, methylation might be a determinant of NURR1 expression at certain time points in embryo development. The porcine NURR1 gene was cloned and characterized. NURR1 transcript was detected early in pig embryo brain development. Methylation status of NURR1 may be a determinant for its expression.
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Key Words
- CNS, central nervous system
- DAN, dopaminergic neuron
- DAT, dopamin transporter
- DBD, DNA binding domain
- DNA methylation
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- NTD, N-terminal domain
- NURR1
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- Parkinson's disease
- Pig
- RT-PCR, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- SNP
- SNP, Single nucleotide polymorphism
- TSS, transcription start site
- Transcription factor
- UTR, untranslated region
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Affiliation(s)
- Knud Larsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Jamal Momeni
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Leila Farajzadeh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Henrik Callesen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Christian Bendixen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Huang HY, Chiu TL, Chang HF, Hsu HR, Pang CY, Liew HK, Wang MJ. Epigenetic regulation contributes to urocortin-enhanced midbrain dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Stem Cells 2016; 33:1601-17. [PMID: 25641682 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The production of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons requires precise extrinsic inductive signals and intrinsic transcriptional cascade at a specific time point in development. Urocortin (UCN) is a peptide of the corticotropin-releasing hormone family that mediates various responses to stress. UCN was first cloned from adult rat midbrain. However, the contribution of UCN to the development of mDA neurons is poorly understood. Here, we show that UCN is endogenously expressed in the developing ventral midbrain (VM) and its receptors are exhibited in Nurr1(+) postmitotic mDA precursors and TH(+) neurons, suggesting possible roles in regulating their terminal differentiation. UCN treatment increased DA cell numbers in rat VM precursor cultures by promoting the conversion of Nurr1(+) precursors into DA neurons. Furthermore, neutralization of secreted UCN with anti-UCN antibody resulted in a reduction in the number of DA neurons. UCN induced an abundance of acetylated histone H3 and enhanced late DA regulator Nurr1, Foxa2, and Pitx3 expressions. Using pharmacological and RNA interference approaches, we further demonstrated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and late transcriptional factors upregulation contribute to UCN-mediated DA neuron differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that UCN promoted histone acetylation of chromatin surrounding the TH promoter by directly inhibiting HDAC and releasing of methyl CpG binding protein 2-CoREST-HDAC1 repressor complex from the promoter, ultimately leading to an increase in Nurr1/coactivators-mediated transcription of TH gene. Moreover, UCN treatment in vivo also resulted in increased DA neuron differentiation. These findings suggest that UCN might contribute to regulate late mDA neuron differentiation during VM development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Neuro-Medical Scientific Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
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Kouwenhoven WM, Veenvliet JV, van Hooft JA, van der Heide LP, Smidt MP. Engrailed 1 shapes the dopaminergic and serotonergic landscape through proper isthmic organizer maintenance and function. Biol Open 2016; 5:279-88. [PMID: 26879466 PMCID: PMC4810741 DOI: 10.1242/bio.015032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The isthmic organizer (IsO) is a signaling center that specifies the correct and distinct embryonic development of the dopaminergic midbrain and serotonergic hindbrain. The IsO is a linear boundary between the two brain regions, emerging at around embryonic day 7-8 of murine embryonic development, that shapes its surroundings through the expression of instructive signals such as Wnt and growth factors. Homeobox transcription factor engrailed 1 (En1) is present in midbrain and rostral hindbrain (i.e. rhombomere 1, R1). Its expression spans the IsO, and it is known to be an important survival factor for both dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Erroneous composition of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain or serotonergic neurons in the hindbrain is associated with severe pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, depression or autism. Here we investigated the role of En1 in early mid-hindbrain development, using multiple En1-ablated mouse models as well as lineage-tracing techniques, and observed the appearance of ectopic dopaminergic neurons, indistinguishable from midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on molecular profile and intrinsic electrophysiological properties. We propose that this change is the direct result of a caudal relocation of the IsO as represented by ectopic presence of Fgf8, Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signalling. Our work suggests a newly-discovered role for En1: the repression of Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signaling in R1. Overall, our results suggest that En1 is essential for proper IsO maintenance and function. Summary: Local molecular coding under the influence of En1 is essential for proper spatiotemporal expression of key factors involved in the maintenance and function of the isthmic organizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemieke M Kouwenhoven
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse V Veenvliet
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A van Hooft
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rodríguez-Traver E, Solís O, Díaz-Guerra E, Ortiz Ó, Vergaño-Vera E, Méndez-Gómez HR, García-Sanz P, Moratalla R, Vicario-Abejón C. Role of Nurr1 in the Generation and Differentiation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Stem Cells. Neurotox Res 2015; 30:14-31. [PMID: 26678495 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
NURR1 is an essential transcription factor for the differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (DA neurons) as it has been demonstrated using knock-out mice. DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD) and mutations in the Nurr1 gene have been associated with this human disease. Thus, the study of NURR1 actions in vivo is fundamental to understand the mechanisms of neuron generation and degeneration in the dopaminergic system. Here, we present and discuss findings indicating that NURR1 is a valuable molecular tool for the in vitro generation of DA neurons which could be used for modeling and studying PD in cell culture and in transplantation approaches. Transduction of Nurr1 alone or in combination with other transcription factors such as Foxa2, Ngn2, Ascl1, and Pitx3, induces the generation of DA neurons, which upon transplantation have the capacity to survive and restore motor behavior in animal models of PD. We show that the survival of transplanted neurons is increased when the Nurr1-transduced olfactory bulb stem cells are treated with GDNF. The use of these and other factors with the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based technology or the direct reprogramming of astrocytes or fibroblasts into human DA neurons has produced encouraging results for the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD and for the search of new treatments for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rodríguez-Traver
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Solís
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Díaz-Guerra
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Ortiz
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Vergaño-Vera
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor R Méndez-Gómez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia García-Sanz
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Vicario-Abejón
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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48
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Bissonette GB, Roesch MR. Development and function of the midbrain dopamine system: what we know and what we need to. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2015; 15:62-73. [PMID: 26548362 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The past two decades have seen an explosion in our understanding of the origin and development of the midbrain dopamine system. Much of this work has been focused on the aspects of dopamine neuron development related to the onset of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, with the intent of hopefully delaying, preventing or fixing symptoms. While midbrain dopamine degeneration is a major focus for treatment and research, many other human disorders are impacted by abnormal dopamine, including drug addiction, autism and schizophrenia. Understanding dopamine neuron ontogeny and how dopamine connections and circuitry develops may provide us with key insights into potentially important avenues of research for other dopamine-related disorders. This review will provide a brief overview of the major molecular and genetic players throughout the development of midbrain dopamine neurons and what we know about the behavioral- and disease-related implications associated with perturbations to midbrain dopamine neuron development. We intend to combine the knowledge of two broad fields of neuroscience, both developmental and behavioral, with the intent on fostering greater discussion between branches of neuroscience in the service of addressing complex cognitive questions from a developmental perspective and identifying important gaps in our knowledge for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Bissonette
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.,Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - M R Roesch
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.,Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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49
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development has been an intense area of research during recent years. This is due in part to a growing interest in regenerative medicine and the hope that treatment for diseases affecting mDA neurons, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), might be facilitated by a better understanding of how these neurons are specified, differentiated and maintained in vivo. This knowledge might help to instruct efforts to generate mDA neurons in vitro, which holds promise not only for cell replacement therapy, but also for disease modeling and drug discovery. In this Primer, we will focus on recent developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of mDA neurons in vivo, and how they have been used to generate human mDA neurons in vitro from pluripotent stem cells or from somatic cells via direct reprogramming. Current challenges and future avenues in the development of a regenerative medicine for PD will be identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Mark Denham
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - J. Carlos Villaescusa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 61137, Czech Republic
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50
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He XB, Kim M, Kim SY, Yi SH, Rhee YH, Kim T, Lee EH, Park CH, Dixit S, Harrison FE, Lee SH. Vitamin C facilitates dopamine neuron differentiation in fetal midbrain through TET1- and JMJD3-dependent epigenetic control manner. Stem Cells 2015; 33:1320-32. [PMID: 25535150 PMCID: PMC4435601 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular Vitamin C (VC) is maintained at high levels in the developing brain by the activity of sodium-dependent VC transporter 2 (Svct2), suggesting specific VC functions in brain development. A role of VC as a cofactor for Fe(II)-2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases has recently been suggested. We show that VC supplementation in neural stem cell cultures derived from embryonic midbrains greatly enhanced differentiation toward midbrain-type dopamine (mDA) neurons, the neuronal subtype associated with Parkinson's disease. VC induced gain of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and loss of H3K27m3 in DA phenotype gene promoters, which are catalyzed by Tet1 and Jmjd3, respectively. Consequently, VC enhanced DA phenotype gene transcriptions in the progenitors by Nurr1, a transcription factor critical for mDA neuron development, to be more accessible to the gene promoters. Further mechanism studies including Tet1 and Jmjd3 knockdown/inhibition experiments revealed that both the 5hmC and H3K27m3 changes, specifically in the progenitor cells, are indispensible for the VC-mediated mDA neuron differentiation. We finally show that in Svct2 knockout mouse embryos, mDA neuron formation in the developing midbrain decreased along with the 5hmC/H3k27m3 changes. These findings together indicate an epigenetic role of VC in midbrain DA neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Biao He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Mirang Kim
- Biomedical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Biomedical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Yi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Rhee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Taeho Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Lee
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Shilpy Dixit
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Fiona E. Harrison
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
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