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Lumi R, Petri S, Siwy J, Latosinska A, Raad J, Zürbig P, Skripuletz T, Mischak H, Beige J. Small peptide CSF fingerprint of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302280. [PMID: 38687737 PMCID: PMC11060592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal protein aggregation in the motor neurons. Present and earlier proteomic studies to characterize peptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with motoneuron pathology did not target low molecular weight proteins and peptides. We hypothesized that specific changes in CSF peptides or low molecular weight proteins are significantly altered in ALS, and that these changes may support deciphering molecular pathophysiology and even guide approaches towards therapeutic interventions. METHODS Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 50 ALS patients and 50 non-ALS controls was collected, centrifuged immediately after collection, aliquoted into polypropylene test tubes, frozen within 30-40 min after the puncture, and stored at -80°C until use. Peptides were sequenced using capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS). FINDINGS In the CSF of 50 patients and 50 non-ALS controls 33 peptides were found, of which 14 could be sequenced using a non-lytic single-pot proteomic detection method, CE/MS. ALS deregulated peptides vs. controls included Integral membrane protein 2B, Neurosecretory protein VGF, Osteopontin, Neuroendocrine protein 7B2 (Secretogranin-V), EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, Xylosyltransferase 1 XT-1, Chromogranin-A, Superoxide dismutase SOD-1, Secretogranin-1 (Chromogranin B), NR2F2 Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 2 and Collagen alpha-1(VII) chain. INTERPRETATION Most striking deregulations in CSF from ALS patients were found in VGF, Osteopontin, SOD-1 and EFEMP1 peptides. No associations of disease severity, duration and region of onset with sequenced peptides were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Lumi
- Department of Neurology, Hannover University Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover University Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Julia Raad
- Mosaiques Diagnostics GmbH, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover University Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Beige
- Kuratorium for Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
- Martin-Luther-University Halle/Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
- Hospital Sankt Georg gGmbH, Leipzig, Germany
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Trujillo V, Camilo TA, Valentim-Lima E, Carbalan QSR, Dos-Santos RC, Felintro V, Reis LC, Lustrino D, Rorato R, Mecawi AS. Neonatal treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) induces adolescent hyperactivity associated with changes in the paraventricular nucleus Crh and Trh expressions. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114867. [PMID: 38246394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of the brain serotoninergic (5-HT) system during development induces long-lasting changes in molecular profile, cytoarchitecture, and function of neurons, impacting behavioral regulation throughout life. In male and female rats, we investigate the effect of neonatal tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibition by using para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) on the expression of 5-HTergic system components and neuropeptides related to adolescent social play behavior regulation. We observed sex-dependent 5-HT levels decrease after pCPA-treatment in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) at 17 and 35 days. Neonatal pCPA-treatment increased playing, social and locomotory behaviors assessed in adolescent rats of both sexes. The pCPA-treated rats demonstrated decreased Crh (17 days) and increased Trh (35 days) expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). There was sex dimorphism in Htr2c (17 days) and VGF (35 days) in the prefrontal cortex, with the females expressing higher levels of it than males. Our results indicate that neonatal pCPA-treatment results in a long-lasting and sex-dependent DRN 5-HT synthesis changes, decreased Crh, and increased Trh expression in the PVN, resulting in a hyperactivity-like phenotype during adolescence. The present work demonstrates that the impairment of TPH function leads to neurobehavioral disorders related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Trujillo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Tays Araújo Camilo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evandro Valentim-Lima
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quézia S R Carbalan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Raoni C Dos-Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Viviane Felintro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Luís C Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Danilo Lustrino
- Laboratory of Basic and Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rorato
- Laboratory of Stress Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André S Mecawi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Cocco C, Manai AL, Manca E, Noli B. Brain-Biomarker Changes in Body Fluids of Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10932. [PMID: 37446110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that is rarely diagnosed at an early stage. Although the understanding of PD-related mechanisms has greatly improved over the last decade, the diagnosis of PD is still based on neurological examination through the identification of motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, and resting tremor. The early phase of PD is characterized by subtle symptoms with a misdiagnosis rate of approximately 16-20%. The difficulty in recognizing early PD has implications for the potential use of novel therapeutic approaches. For this reason, it is important to discover PD brain biomarkers that can indicate early dopaminergic dysfunction through their changes in body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For the CFS-based test, the invasiveness of sampling is a major limitation, whereas the other body fluids are easier to obtain and could also allow population screening. Following the identification of the crucial role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the pathology of PD, a very large number of studies have summarized its changes in body fluids. However, methodological problems have led to the poor diagnostic/prognostic value of this protein and alternative biomarkers are currently being investigated. The aim of this paper is therefore to summarize studies on protein biomarkers that are alternatives to α-syn, particularly those that change in nigrostriatal areas and in biofluids, with a focus on blood, and, eventually, saliva and urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Luigi Manai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Elias Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Park OS, Bang JK, Cheong C, Jeon YH. Structure of AQEE-30 of VGF Neuropeptide in Membrane-Mimicking Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213953. [PMID: 36430431 PMCID: PMC9696787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AQEE-30 is one of the VGF peptides, which are derived from the VGF polypeptide precursor, and related to various physiological phenomena including neuroprotective effects in Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although various functions of AQEE-30 have been reported so far, the structure of this peptide has not been reported yet. In this study, the structure of human AQEE-30 was investigated in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and dodecyl phosphocholine (DPC) micelle solutions, using circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. CD results showed that AQEE-30 had a partial helical structure in aqueous buffer, and the helical structure was stabilized in the HFIP and DPC micelle solutions. The 3D structures determined by NMR spectroscopy showed that AQEE-30 adopted mainly α-helical structure in both the HFIP and DPC micelle solutions. The surface of AQEE-30 showed that it was predominantly negatively charged. The residues from 601 to 611 in both the HFIP and DPC micelle solutions showed amphiphilicity with four negatively charged residues, glutamate. The C-terminal consecutive arginine residues formed a partial positively charged surface. These results suggest an α-helical active structure of AQEE-30 in the cell-membrane environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- One-Sung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University Sejong Campus, Sejong 30019, Korea
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Jeong-Kyu Bang
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Chaejoon Cheong
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
- Department of Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Cheongju 28119, Korea
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (Y.-H.J.)
| | - Young-Ho Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University Sejong Campus, Sejong 30019, Korea
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (Y.-H.J.)
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Wang Y, Qin X, Han Y, Li B. VGF: A prospective biomarker and therapeutic target for neuroendocrine and nervous system disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113099. [PMID: 35594706 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine regulatory polypeptide VGF (nerve growth factor inducible) was firstly found in the rapid induction of nerve growth factor on PC12 cells. It was selectively distributed in neurons and many neuroendocrine tissues. This paper reviewed the latest literatures on the gene structure, transcriptional regulation, protein processing, distribution and potential receptors of VGF. The neuroendocrine roles of VGF and its derived polypeptides in regulating energy, water electrolyte balance, circadian rhythm and reproductive activities were also summarized. Furthermore, based on the experimental evidence in vivo and in vitro, dysregulation of VGF in different neuroendocrine diseases and the possible mechanism mediated by VGF polypeptides were discussed. We next discussed the potential as the clinical diagnosis and therapy for VGF related diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Qin
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yun Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Alqarni S, Alsebai M. Could VGF and/or its derived peptide act as biomarkers for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032192. [PMID: 36619561 PMCID: PMC9817138 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing ageing population has led to an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, as yet, there are no simple biomarkers to predict the onset of such diseases. Recently, VGF and its peptides have been highlighted in neurodegenerative diseases. VGF (non-acronymic) is a polypeptide induced in PC12 cells by neurotrophic factors. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to determine whether VGF and/or its derived peptides can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of ALS, PD, and AD with specific attention to (1) the levels of VGF and/or its derived peptides, (2) amyloid-beta, (3) dopamine, and (4) cognitive score. METHODOLOGY A search was undertaken in the Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for observational studies. Publications that assessed the level of VGF and/or its derived peptides among people with neurodegenerative diseases and compared them with healthy people were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool. RESULT A search of the databases yielded 834 studies, of which, eight observational studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 673 participants (51.7% males) aged >18 years. Seven studies showed significant decreases in VGF and its derived peptides in adults with AD, PD, and ALS compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). However, one study showed that there was no significant difference in VGF in AD compared to healthy control(p>0.05). Furthermore, only one study reported that VGF levels were positively correlated with those of tissue dopamine but not with Aβ1-42, and low levels of VGF were associated to cognitive deficits. CONCLUSION The use of VGF and its derivatives for the diagnosis of PD, ALS, AD remains unclear, so further investigation of the role of VGF in neurodegenerative diseases and pathophysiology is needed to provide new insights.
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Quinn JP, Kandigian SE, Trombetta BA, Arnold SE, Carlyle BC. VGF as a biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab261. [PMID: 34778762 PMCID: PMC8578498 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosecretory protein VGF (non-acronymic) belongs to the granin family of neuropeptides. VGF and VGF-derived peptides have been repeatedly identified in well-powered and well-designed multi-omic studies as dysregulated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. New therapeutics is urgently needed for these devastating and costly diseases, as are new biomarkers to improve disease diagnosis and mechanistic understanding. From a list of 537 genes involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, VGF was highlighted by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Alzheimer's disease as the potential therapeutic target of greatest interest. VGF levels are consistently decreased in brain tissue and CSF samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease compared to controls, and its levels correlate with disease severity and Alzheimer's disease pathology. In the brain, VGF exists as multiple functional VGF-derived peptides. Full-length human VGF1-615 undergoes proteolytic processing by prohormone convertases and other proteases in the regulated secretory pathway to produce at least 12 active VGF-derived peptides. In cell and animal models, these VGF-derived peptides have been linked to energy balance regulation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, learning and memory, and depression-related behaviours throughout development and adulthood. The C-terminal VGF-derived peptides, TLQP-62 (VGF554-615) and TLQP-21 (VGF554-574) have differential effects on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, neuronal and microglial activity, and learning and memory. TLQP-62 activates neuronal cell-surface receptors and regulates long-term hippocampal memory formation. TLQP-62 also prevents immune-mediated memory impairment, depression-like and anxiety-like behaviours in mice. TLQP-21 binds to microglial cell-surface receptors, triggering microglial chemotaxis and phagocytosis. These actions were reported to reduce amyloid-β plaques and decrease neuritic dystrophy in a transgenic mouse model of familial Alzheimer's disease. Expression differences of VGF-derived peptides have also been associated with frontotemporal lobar dementias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body diseases, Huntington's disease, pain, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and antidepressant response. This review summarizes current knowledge and highlights questions for future investigation regarding the roles of VGF and its dysregulation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease. Finally, the potential of VGF and VGF-derived peptides as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Quinn
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Savannah E Kandigian
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bianca A Trombetta
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven E Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Becky C Carlyle
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Oxytocin, Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: Last Discoveries and Possible Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910376. [PMID: 34638719 PMCID: PMC8509000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A continuously increasing amount of research shows that oxytocin is involved in numerous central functions. Among the functions in which oxytocin is thought to be involved are those that play a role in social and sexual behaviors, and the involvement of central oxytocin in erectile function and sexual behavior was indeed one of the first to be discovered in laboratory animals in the 1980s. The first part of this review summarizes the results of studies done in laboratory animals that support a facilitatory role of oxytocin in male and female sexual behavior and reveal mechanisms through which this ancient neuropeptide participates in concert with other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in this complex function, which is fundamental for the species reproduction. The second part summarizes the results of studies done mainly with intranasal oxytocin in men and women with the aim to translate the results found in laboratory animals to humans. Unexpectedly, the results of these studies do not appear to confirm the facilitatory role of oxytocin found in male and female sexual behavior in animals, both in men and women. Possible explanations for the failure of oxytocin to improve sexual behavior in men and women and strategies to attempt to overcome this impasse are considered.
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Targeting Complement C3a Receptor to Improve Outcome After Ischemic Brain Injury. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2626-2637. [PMID: 34379293 PMCID: PMC8437837 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability. No efficient therapy is currently available, except for the removal of the occluding blood clot during the first hours after symptom onset. Loss of function after stroke is due to cell death in the infarcted tissue, cell dysfunction in the peri-infarct region, as well as dysfunction and neurodegeneration in remote brain areas. Plasticity responses in spared brain regions are a major contributor to functional recovery, while secondary neurodegeneration in remote regions is associated with depression and impedes the long-term outcome after stroke. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia is the leading cause of neurological disability resulting from birth complications. Despite major progress in neonatal care, approximately 50% of survivors develop complications such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy or epilepsy. The C3a receptor (C3aR) is expressed by many cell types including neurons and glia. While there is a body of evidence for its deleterious effects in the acute phase after ischemic injury to the adult brain, C3aR signaling contributes to better outcome in the post-acute and chronic phase after ischemic stroke in adults and in the ischemic immature brain. Here we discuss recent insights into the novel roles of C3aR signaling in the ischemic brain with focus on the therapeutic opportunities of modulating C3aR activity to improve the outcome after ischemic stroke and birth asphyxia.
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Dalbøge LS, Jacobsen JM, Mehrotra S, Mercer AJ, Cox N, Liu F, Bennett CM, Said M, Tang-Christensen M, Raun K, Hansen JL, Grove KL, Baquero AF. Evaluation of VGF peptides as potential anti-obesity candidates in pre-clinical animal models. Peptides 2021; 136:170444. [PMID: 33245952 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
VGF is a peptide precursor expressed in neuroendocrine cells that is suggested to play a role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. VGF is proteolytically cleaved to yield multiple bioactive peptides. However, the specific actions of VGF-derived peptides on energy homeostasis remain unclear. The aim of the present work was to investigate the role of VGF-derived peptides in energy homeostasis and explore the pharmacological actions of VGF-derived peptides on body weight in preclinical animal models. VGF-derived peptides (NERP-1, NERP-2, PGH-NH2, PGH-OH, NERP-4, TLQP-21, TLQP-30, TLQP-62, HHPD-41, AQEE-30, and LQEQ-19) were synthesized and screened for their ability to affect neuronal activity in vitro on hypothalamic brain slices and modulate food intake and energy expenditure after acute central administration in vivo. In addition, the effects of NERP-1, NERP-2, PGH-NH2, TLQP-21, TLQP-62, and HHPD-41 on energy homeostasis were studied after chronic central infusion. NERP-1, PGH-NH2, HHPD-41, and TLQP-62 increased the functional activity of hypothalamic neuronal networks. However, none of the peptides altered energy homeostasis after either acute or chronic ICV administration. The present data do not support the potential use of the tested VGF-derived peptides as novel anti-obesity drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise S Dalbøge
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Julie M Jacobsen
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Suneet Mehrotra
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Aaron J Mercer
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nick Cox
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Camdin M Bennett
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Meerit Said
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Kirsten Raun
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Jakob L Hansen
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Kevin L Grove
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Arian F Baquero
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., 530 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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Corda G, Noli B, Manconi B, Brancia C, Pellegrini M, Naro F, Olianas A, Ferri GL, Cocco C. TLQP-21 changes in response to a glucose load. Tissue Cell 2020; 68:101471. [PMID: 33348234 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101471] [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: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TLQP-21 peptide potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, hence we investigated its endogenous response to glucose. METHODS Fasted mice received intraperitoneal glucose (3 g/kg), or saline (controls), and were sacrificed 30 and 120 min later (4 groups, n = 6/group). We investigated TLQP-21 in pancreas and plasma using immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as well as TLQP-21 receptors (gC1q-R and C3a-R1) expression in pancreas by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In pancreas, TLQP-immunoreactivity (TLQP-ir.) was shown in insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-containing cells. Upon glucose, TLQP-ir. decreased at 30 min (∼40 % vs. controls), while returning to basal values at 120 min. In all groups, C3a-R1 was localized in ∼50 % of TLQP labelled islet cells (mostly central), while gC1q-R was detected in ∼25 % of TLQP cells (mainly peripheral). HPLC fractions of control pancreas extracts, assessed by ELISA, confirmed the presence of a TLQP-21 compatible-form (∼2.5 kDa MW). In plasma, TLQP-ir. increased at 30 min (∼30 %), with highest concentrations at 120 min (both: p<0.05 vs. controls), while HPLC fractions showed an increase in the TLQP-21 compatible form. CONCLUSIONS Upon hyperglycaemia, TLQP-21 would be released from islets, to enhance insulin secretion but we cannot exclude an autocrine activity which may regulate insulin storage/secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Department of Life and Enviromental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Carla Brancia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Manuela Pellegrini
- Department of Anatomical, Istological and Legal Medicine Sciences of the locomotor apparatus, University of "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Naro
- Department of Anatomical, Istological and Legal Medicine Sciences of the locomotor apparatus, University of "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Olianas
- Department of Life and Enviromental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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12
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Park O, Bang JK, Ryu K, Hwang E, Hong KS, Byun Y, Cheong C, Jeon YH. Structure of neuroendocrine regulatory peptide‐2 in membrane‐mimicking environments. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- One‐Sung Park
- College of Pharmacy Korea University Sejong Campus Sejong South Korea
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Kyoung‐Seok Ryu
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Eunha Hwang
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Hong
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Youngjoo Byun
- College of Pharmacy Korea University Sejong Campus Sejong South Korea
| | - Chaejoon Cheong
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis Korea Basic Science Institute Cheongju South Korea
| | - Young Ho Jeon
- College of Pharmacy Korea University Sejong Campus Sejong South Korea
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13
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Noli B, Brancia C, Corda G, Ferri GL, Cocco C. Dynamic of TLQP-peptides upon fasting. Tissue Cell 2020; 65:101368. [PMID: 32746995 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The VGF-derived TLQP peptides (TLQPp), a new potential drug target for obesity, are expressed in stomach, pancreas, adrenal gland as well as in adipose tissues, and, when exogenously injected, regulate energy expenditure and food intake. However, it is not clear if these peptides physiologically change in these organs in response to fasting. METHODS Rats were subdivided into four groups: (A) fed ad libitum, (B) fed with restrictions (once a day) (C) fast for 48 h and (D) fast for 48 h and then fed 1 h before sacrifice. Immunosorbent assay was used to possibly reveal TLQPp changes upon fasting in plasma as well as in pancreas, adrenal gland, stomach and adipose tissues. In the latter organs, we also measured the levels of the VGF precursor protein while immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the presence of the TLQP-21 receptors. RESULTS During fasting, TLQPp were down-regulated in the stomach (45 %), pancreas (47 %), adrenal gland (51 %) and WAT (45.2 %) in parallel with a significant increase in the blood (36.6 %), all versus ad libitum group. In the same organs where the TLQPp were decreased upon fasting, the VGF precursor levels were not changed. In ad libitum rats, TLQP-21 receptors were well represented within the same cells that expressed TLQPp, suggesting an autocrine activity to be better investigated. CONCLUSIONS During fasting, TLQPp are probably produced and immediately secreted into the blood circulation, until the hypoglycaemia is counteracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Noli
- NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Carla Brancia
- NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giulia Corda
- NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- NEF-Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Cho K, Jang YJ, Lee SJ, Jeon YN, Shim YL, Lee JY, Lim DS, Kim DH, Yoon SY. TLQP-21 mediated activation of microglial BV2 cells promotes clearance of extracellular fibril amyloid-β. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:764-771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Noda Y, Tanaka M, Nakamura S, Ito J, Kakita A, Hara H, Shimazawa M. Identification of VGF nerve growth factor inducible-producing cells in human spinal cords and expression change in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:480-489. [PMID: 32174778 PMCID: PMC7053308 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.39101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. The neuroendocrine polypeptide VGF is localized in the central nervous system and peripheral endocrine neurons and is cleaved into several polypeptides with multiple functions. Previous studies revealed that VGF was decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS model mice and sporadic ALS patients. However, it is unknown which cells supply VGF in the spinal cord and a detailed localization is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the VGF-producing cells and protein localization using in situ hybridization and immunostaining in the spinal cords of ALS and control patients. VGF mRNA was localized both in the dorsal and anterior horns of the spinal cords. Moreover, in the anterior horn, VGF mRNA co-localized with a neurofilament heavy chain, which is a motor neuron marker, and VGF mRNA-positive motor neurons were decreased in the spinal cords of ALS patients. We revealed that VGF protein level was decreased in the anterior horn of ALS patients; however, the expression level of VGF protein was not changed in the posterior horn or white matter. Furthermore, the expression level of VGF protein was conserved in ALS patients with long-term survival. These results reveal that VGF is mainly supplied by human motor neurons, and suggest that VGF expression changes may be involved in ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Noda
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Miruto Tanaka
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Junko Ito
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
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16
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Bresciani E, Possenti R, Coco S, Rizzi L, Meanti R, Molteni L, Locatelli V, Torsello A. TLQP-21, A VGF-Derived Peptide Endowed of Endocrine and Extraendocrine Properties: Focus on In Vitro Calcium Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010130. [PMID: 31878142 PMCID: PMC6982260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
VGF gene encodes for a neuropeptide precursor of 68 kDa composed by 615 (human) and 617 (rat, mice) residues, expressed prevalently in the central nervous system (CNS), but also in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in various endocrine cells. This precursor undergoes proteolytic cleavage, generating a family of peptides different in length and biological activity. Among them, TLQP-21, a peptide of 21 amino acids, has been widely investigated for its relevant endocrine and extraendocrine activities. The complement complement C3a receptor-1 (C3aR1) has been suggested as the TLQP-21 receptor and, in different cell lines, its activation by TLQP-21 induces an increase of intracellular Ca2+. This effect relies both on Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and extracellular Ca2+ entry. The latter depends on stromal interaction molecules (STIM)-Orai1 interaction or transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) involvement. After Ca2+ entry, the activation of outward K+-Ca2+-dependent currents, mainly the KCa3.1 currents, provides a membrane polarizing influence which offset the depolarizing action of Ca2+ elevation and indirectly maintains the driving force for optimal Ca2+ increase in the cytosol. In this review, we address the main endocrine and extraendocrine actions displayed by TLQP-21, highlighting recent findings on its mechanism of action and its potential in different pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy;
| | - Silvia Coco
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Laura Molteni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (S.C.); (L.R.); (R.M.); (L.M.); (V.L.); (A.T.)
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17
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VGF peptides as novel biomarkers in Parkinson's disease. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:93-107. [PMID: 31713727 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). At disease onset, a diagnosis is often difficult. VGF peptides are abundant in the SN and peripheral circulation; hence, we investigate whether their plasma profile may reflect the brain dopamine reduction. Using antibodies against the VGF C-terminal portion, we analyzed the rat brain and human plasma, with immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Rats were unilaterally lesioned with 6-hyroxydopamine and sacrificed either 3 or 6 weeks later with or without levodopa treatment. Plasma samples were obtained from PD patients, either at the time of diagnosis (group 1, drug naïve, n = 23) or upon dopamine replacement (group 2, 1-6 years, n = 24; group 3, > 6 years, n = 16), compared with age-matched control subjects (group 4, n = 21). Assessment of the olfactory function was carried out in group 2 using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. VGF immunoreactivity was present in GABAergic neurons and, on the lesioned side, it was reduced at 3 weeks and abolished at 6 weeks after lesion. Conversely, upon levopoda, VGF labeling was restored. In PD patients, VGF levels were reduced at the time of diagnosis (1504 ± 587 vs. 643 ± 348 pmol/mL, means ± S.E.M: control vs. naïve; p < 0.05) but were comparable with the controls after long-term drug treatment (> 6 years). A linear correlation was demonstrated between VGF immunoreactivity and disease duration, levodopa equivalent dose and olfactory dysfunction. Plasma VGF levels may represent a useful biomarker, especially in the early stages of PD.
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18
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Jiang C, Lin WJ, Labonté B, Tamminga CA, Turecki G, Nestler EJ, Russo SJ, Salton SR. VGF and its C-terminal peptide TLQP-62 in ventromedial prefrontal cortex regulate depression-related behaviors and the response to ketamine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:971-981. [PMID: 30504797 PMCID: PMC6462025 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) often have structural and functional deficits in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), but the underlying molecular pathways are incompletely understood. The neuropeptide precursor VGF (non-acronymic) plays a critical role in depression and antidepressant efficacy in hippocampus and nucleus accumbens, however its function in vmPFC has not been investigated. Here, we show that VGF levels were reduced in Brodmann area 25 (a portion of human vmPFC) of MDD patients and in mouse vmPFC following chronic restraint stress (CRS), and were increased by ketamine in mouse vmPFC. VGF overexpression in vmPFC prevented behavioral deficits induced by CRS, and VGF knockdown in vmPFC increased susceptibility to subchronic variable stress (SCVS) and reduced ketamine's antidepressant efficacy. Acute intra-vmPFC TLQP-62 infusion induced behavioral phenotypes that mimic those produced by antidepressant drug treatment. These antidepressant-like effects were sustained for 7 days and were abolished by local Bdnf gene ablation, or pretreatment with xestospongin C, an inhibitor of IP3-mediated Ca2+ release, or SKF96365, an inhibitor of store-operated and TRPC channel-mediated Ca2+ entry. In conclusion, VGF in the vmPFC regulates susceptibility to stress and the antidepressant response to ketamine. TLQP-62 infusion produces sustained antidepressant responses that require BDNF expression and calcium mobilization in vmPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jiang
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0001 2360 039Xgrid.12981.33RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, 510120 Guangzhou, China ,0000 0001 2360 039Xgrid.12981.33Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Benoit Labonté
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0004 1936 8390grid.23856.3aDepartment of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
| | - Carol A. Tamminga
- 0000 0000 9482 7121grid.267313.2Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235 USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- 0000 0004 1936 8649grid.14709.3bDepartment of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cFriedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Scott J. Russo
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cFriedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Stephen R. Salton
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cFriedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA ,0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cDepartment of Geriatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
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19
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Pakdel M, von Blume J. Exploring new routes for secretory protein export from the trans-Golgi network. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 29:235-240. [PMID: 29382805 PMCID: PMC5996961 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-02-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorting of soluble proteins for transport to intracellular compartments and for secretion from cells is essential for cell and tissue homeostasis. The trans-Golgi network (TGN) is a major sorting station that sorts secretory proteins into specific carriers to transport them to their final destinations. The sorting of lysosomal hydrolases at the TGN by the mannose 6-phosphate receptor is well understood. The recent discovery of a Ca2+-based sorting of secretory cargo at the TGN is beginning to uncover the mechanism by which cells sort secretory cargoes from Golgi residents and cargoes destined to the other cellular compartments. This Ca2+-based sorting involves the cytoplasmic actin cytoskeleton, which through membrane anchored Ca2+ ATPase SPCA1 and the luminal Ca2+ binding protein Cab45 sorts of a subset of secretory proteins at the TGN. We present this discovery and highlight important challenges that remain unaddressed in the overall pathway of cargo sorting at the TGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrshad Pakdel
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Julia von Blume
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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20
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Noda Y, Motoyama S, Nakamura S, Shimazawa M, Hara H. Neuropeptide VGF-Derived Peptide LQEQ-19 has Neuroprotective Effects in an In Vitro Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:897-904. [PMID: 30656593 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02725-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. Recently, VGF, a neuropeptide that is a precursor of bioactive polypeptides, was found to be decreased in ALS patients, and its inducer exerted protective effects in models of ALS. These findings suggested that VGF was involved in the pathology of ALS. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of various VGF-derived peptides in an in vitro ALS model. We applied seven VGF-derived peptides (TLQP-21, AQEE-30, AQEE-11, LQEQ-19, QEEL-16, LENY-13, and HVLL-7) to the motor neuron-derived cell line, NSC-34, expressing SOD1G93A, which is one of the mutated proteins responsible for familial ALS. Nuclear staining revealed that AQEE-30 and LQEQ-19, which are derived from the C-terminal polypeptide of the VGF precursor protein, attenuated neuronal cell death. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis demonstrated that LQEQ-19 promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibiting these mitogen-activated MAP kinases (MAPKs) with phosphoinositide 3-kinase or MEK/ERK inhibitors, eliminated the neuroprotective effects of LQEQ-19. In conclusion, these results suggest that VGF C-terminal peptides exert their neuroprotective effects via activation of MAPKs such as Akt and ERK1/2. Furthermore, these findings indicate that VGF-derived peptides have potential application in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Noda
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - S Motoyama
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - S Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - M Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - H Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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21
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Lv D, Chen Y, Shen M, Liu X, Zhang Y, Xu J, Wang C. Mechanisms underlying the rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects of neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) C-terminal peptide TLQP-62. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:317-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Mizoguchi T, Shimazawa M, Ohuchi K, Kuse Y, Nakamura S, Hara H. Impaired Cerebellar Development in Mice Overexpressing VGF. Neurochem Res 2018; 44:374-387. [PMID: 30460640 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) is a neuropeptide precursor induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. VGF is increased in the prefrontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid in schizophrenia patients. In our previous study, VGF-overexpressing mice exhibited schizophrenia-like behaviors and smaller brain weights. Brain developmental abnormality is one cause of mental illness. Research on brain development is important for discovery of pathogenesis of mental disorders. In the present study, we investigated the role of VGF on cerebellar development. We performed a histological analysis with cerebellar sections of adult and postnatal day 3 mice by Nissl staining. To investigate cerebellar development, we performed immunostaining with antibodies of immature and mature granule cell markers. To understand the mechanism underlying these histological changes, we examined MAPK, Wnt, and sonic hedgehog signaling by Western blot. Finally, we performed rotarod and footprint tests using adult mice to investigate motor function. VGF-overexpressing adult mice exhibited smaller cerebellar sagittal section area. In postnatal day 3 mice, a cerebellar sagittal section area reduction of the whole cerebellum and external granule layer and a decrease in the number of mature granule cells were found in VGF-overexpressing mice. Additionally, the number of proliferative granule cell precursors was lower in VGF-overexpressing mice. Phosphorylation of Trk and Erk1 were increased in the cerebellum of postnatal day 3 VGF-overexpressing mice. Adult VGF-overexpressing mice exhibited motor disability. All together, these findings implicate VGF in the development of cerebellar granule cells via promoting MAPK signaling and motor function in the adult stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Mizoguchi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohuchi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kuse
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-Nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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23
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Takeuchi H, Inagaki S, Morozumi W, Nakano Y, Inoue Y, Kuse Y, Mizoguchi T, Nakamura S, Funato M, Kaneko H, Hara H, Shimazawa M. VGF nerve growth factor inducible is involved in retinal ganglion cells death induced by optic nerve crush. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16443. [PMID: 30401804 PMCID: PMC6219571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) is a polypeptide that is induced by neurotrophic factors and is involved in neurite growth and neuroprotection. The mRNA of the Vgf gene has been detected in the adult rat retina, however the roles played by VGF in the retina are still undetermined. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of VGF on the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of mice in the optic nerve crush (ONC) model, rat-derived primary cultured RGCs and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived RGCs. The mRNA and protein of Vgf were upregulated after the ONC. Immunostaining showed that the VGF was located in glial cells including Müller glia and astrocytes but not in the retinal neurons and their axons. AQEE-30, a VGF peptide, suppressed the loss of RGCs induced by the ONC, and it increased survival rat-derived RGCs and promoted the outgrowth of neurites of rat and human iPSCs derived RGCs in vitro. These findings indicate that VGF plays important roles in neuronal degeneration and has protective effects against the ONC on RGCs. Thus, VGF should be considered as a treatment of RGCs degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Takeuchi
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inagaki
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.,Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Wataru Morozumi
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yukimichi Nakano
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuki Inoue
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kuse
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Mizoguchi
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Michinori Funato
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideo Kaneko
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
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Lagadec C, Toillon RA, Le Bourhis X. WhatsApp com between glioma stem cells and differentiated cells to sustain tumor growth. Stem Cell Investig 2018; 5:28. [PMID: 30363752 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2018.08.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chann Lagadec
- INSERM U908 "Cell Plasticity and Cancer", University of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Xuefen Le Bourhis
- INSERM U908 "Cell Plasticity and Cancer", University of Lille, Lille, France
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Stephens SB, Edwards RJ, Sadahiro M, Lin WJ, Jiang C, Salton SR, Newgard CB. The Prohormone VGF Regulates β Cell Function via Insulin Secretory Granule Biogenesis. Cell Rep 2018; 20:2480-2489. [PMID: 28877479 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prohormone VGF is expressed in neuroendocrine and endocrine tissues and regulates nutrient and energy status both centrally and peripherally. We and others have shown that VGF-derived peptides have direct action on the islet β cell as secretagogues and cytoprotective agents; however, the endogenous function of VGF in the β cell has not been described. Here, we demonstrate that VGF regulates secretory granule formation. VGF loss-of-function studies in both isolated islets and conditional knockout mice reveal a profound decrease in stimulus-coupled insulin secretion. Moreover, VGF is necessary to facilitate efficient exit of granule cargo from the trans-Golgi network and proinsulin processing. It also functions to replenish insulin granule stores following nutrient stimulation. Our data support a model in which VGF operates at a critical node of granule biogenesis in the islet β cell to coordinate insulin biosynthesis with β cell secretory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel B Stephens
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA.
| | - Robert J Edwards
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA
| | - Masato Sadahiro
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Cheng Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephen R Salton
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher B Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA
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Brancia C, Noli B, Boido M, Pilleri R, Boi A, Puddu R, Marrosu F, Vercelli A, Bongioanni P, Ferri GL, Cocco C. TLQP Peptides in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Possible Blood Biomarkers with a Neuroprotective Role. Neuroscience 2018; 380:152-163. [PMID: 29588252 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the VGF-derived TLQP peptides have been shown to prevent neuronal apoptosis, and to act on synaptic strengthening, their involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) remains unclarified. We studied human ALS patients' plasma (taken at early to late disease stages) and primary fibroblast cultures (patients vs controls), in parallel with SOD1-G93A transgenic mice (taken at pre-, early- and late symptomatic stages) and the mouse motor neuron cell line (NSC-34) treated with Sodium Arsenite (SA) to induce oxidative stress. TLQP peptides were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in parallel with gel chromatography characterization, while their localization was studied by immunohistochemistry. In controls, TLQP peptides, including forms compatible with TLQP-21 and 62, were revealed in plasma and spinal cord motor neurons, as well as in fibroblasts and NSC-34 cells. TLQP peptides were reduced in ALS patients' plasma starting in the early disease stage (14% of controls) and remaining so at the late stage (16% of controls). In mice, a comparable pattern of reduction was shown (vs wild type), in both plasma and spinal cord already in the pre-symptomatic phase (about 26% and 70%, respectively). Similarly, the levels of TLQP peptides were reduced in ALS fibroblasts (31% of controls) and in the NSC-34 treated with Sodium Arsenite (53% of decrease), however, the exogeneous TLQP-21 improved cell viability (SA-treated cells with TLQP-21, vs SA-treated cells only: about 83% vs. 75%). Hence, TLQP peptides, reduced upon oxidative stress, are suggested as blood biomarkers, while TLQP-21 exerts a neuroprotective activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Brancia
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Barbara Noli
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Dept. Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Pilleri
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Boi
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberta Puddu
- Dept. Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari & University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Marrosu
- Dept. Neurology, Azienda Universitario Ospedaliera di Cagliari & University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Dept. Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Bongioanni
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Dept. Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Mizoguchi T, Minakuchi H, Ishisaka M, Tsuruma K, Shimazawa M, Hara H. Behavioral abnormalities with disruption of brain structure in mice overexpressing VGF. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4691. [PMID: 28680036 PMCID: PMC5498671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) is a neuropeptide induced by nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This peptide is involved in synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neurite growth in the brain. Patients with depression and bipolar disorder have lower-than-normal levels of VGF, whereas patients with schizophrenia and other cohorts of patients with depression have higher-than-normal levels. VGF knockout mice display behavioral abnormalities such as higher depressive behavior and memory dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether upregulation of VGF affects brain function. In the present study, we generated mice that overexpress VGF and investigated several behavioral phenotypes and the brain structure. These adult VGF-overexpressing mice showed (a) hyperactivity, working memory impairment, a higher depressive state, and lower sociality compared with wild-type mice; (b) lower brain weight without a change in body weight; (c) increased lateral ventricle volume compared with wild-type mice; and (d) striatal morphological defects. These results suggest that VGF may modulate a variety of behaviors and brain development. This transgenic mouse line may provide a useful model for research on mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Mizoguchi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroko Minakuchi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mitsue Ishisaka
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tsuruma
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
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28
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Noli B, Sanna F, Brancia C, D'Amato F, Manconi B, Vincenzoni F, Messana I, Melis MR, Argiolas A, Ferri GL, Cocco C. Profiles of VGF Peptides in the Rat Brain and Their Modulations after Phencyclidine Treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28626390 PMCID: PMC5454051 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
From the VGF precursor protein originate several low molecular weight peptides, whose distribution in the brain and blood circulation is not entirely known. Among the VGF peptides, those containing the N-terminus portion were altered in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) and hypothalamus of schizophrenia patients. "Hence, we aimed to better investigate the involvement of the VGF peptides in schizophrenia by studying their localization in the brain regions relevant for the disease, and revealing their possible modulations in response to certain neuronal alterations occurring in schizophrenia". We produced antibodies against different VGF peptides encompassing the N-terminus, but also C-terminus-, TLQP-, GGGE- peptide sequences, and the so named NERP-3 and -4. These antibodies were used to carry out specific ELISA and immunolocalization studies while mass spectrometry (MS) analysis was also performed to recognize the intact brain VGF fragments. We used a schizophrenia rat model, in which alterations in the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response occurred after PCP treatment. In normal rats, all the VGF peptides studied were distributed in the brain areas examined including hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, accumbens and amygdaloid nuclei and also in the plasma. By liquid chromatography-high resolution mass, we identified different intact VGF peptide fragments, including those encompassing the N-terminus and the NERPs. PCP treatment caused behavioral changes that closely mimic schizophrenia, estimated by us as a disruption of PPI of the acoustic startle response. The PCP treatment also induced selective changes in the VGF peptide levels within certain brain areas. Indeed, an increase in VGF C-terminus and TLQP peptides was revealed in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.01) where they were localized within parvoalbumin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) containing neurons, respectively. Conversely, in the nucleus accumbens, PCP treatment produced a down-regulation in the levels of VGF C-terminus-, N-terminus- and GGGE- peptides (p < 0.01), expressed in GABAergic- (C-terminus/GGGE) and somatostatin- (N-terminus) neurons. These results confirm that VGF peptides are widely distributed in the brain and modulated in specific areas involved in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Noli
- Neuro-Endocrine-Fluorecence (NEF) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Brancia
- Neuro-Endocrine-Fluorecence (NEF) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Filomena D'Amato
- Neuro-Endocrine-Fluorecence (NEF) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzoni
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic UniversityRome, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Institute of Chemistry of the Molecular Recognition, National Research Council (CNR)Rome, Italy
| | - Maria R Melis
- Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Argiolas
- Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- Neuro-Endocrine-Fluorecence (NEF) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Neuro-Endocrine-Fluorecence (NEF) Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
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Molteni L, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Possenti R, Petrocchi Passeri P, Ghè C, Muccioli G, Fehrentz JA, Verdié P, Martinez J, Omeljaniuk RJ, Biagini G, Binda A, Rivolta I, Locatelli V, Torsello A. Pharmacological and Biochemical Characterization of TLQP-21 Activation of a Binding Site on CHO Cells. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:167. [PMID: 28424618 PMCID: PMC5371653 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
VGF is a propeptide of 617 amino acids expressed throughout the central and the peripheral nervous system. VGF and peptides derived from its processing have been found in dense core vesicles and are released from neuronal and neuroendocrine cells via the regulated secretory pathway. Among VGF-derived neuropeptides, TLQP-21 (VGF556-576) has raised a huge interest and is one of most studied. TLQP-21 is a multifunctional neuropeptide involved in the control of several physiological functions, potentially including energy homeostasis, pain modulation, stress responsiveness and reproduction. Although little information is available about its receptor and the intracellular mechanisms mediating its biological effects, recent reports suggest that TLQP-21 may bind to the complement receptors C3aR1 and/or gC1qR. The first aim of this study was to ascertain the existence and nature of TLQP-21 binding sites in CHO cells. Secondly, we endeavored to characterize the ligand binding to these sites by using a small panel of VGF-derived peptides. And finally, we investigated the influence of TLQP-21 on selected intracellular signaling pathways. We report that CHO cells express a single class of saturable and specific binding sites for TLQP-21 with an affinity and capacity of Kd = 0.55 ± 0.05 × 10-9 M and Bmax = 81.7 ± 3.9 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Among the many bioactive products derived from the C-terminal region of VGF that we tested, TLQP-21 was the most potent in stimulating intracellular calcium mobilization in CHO cells; this effect is primarily due to its C-terminal fragment (HFHH-10). TLQP-21 induced rapid and transient dephosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ1 and phospholipase A2. Generation of IP3 and diacylglycerol was crucial for TLQP-21 bioactivity. In conclusion, our results suggest that the receptor stimulated by TLQP-21 belongs to the family of the Gq-coupled receptors, and its activation first increases membrane-lipid derived second messengers which thereby induce the mobilization of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum followed by a slower store-operated Ca2+ entry from outside the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Molteni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy.,PhD Program in Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Medicine of Systems, University of Rome "Tor Vergata"Rome, Italy
| | | | - Corrado Ghè
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Giampiero Muccioli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules UMR5247, University of Montpellier, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de MontpellierMontpellier, France
| | - Pascal Verdié
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules UMR5247, University of Montpellier, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de MontpellierMontpellier, France
| | - Jean Martinez
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules UMR5247, University of Montpellier, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de MontpellierMontpellier, France
| | | | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Laboratory of Experimental Epileptology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena, Italy
| | - Anna Binda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
| | - Antonio Torsello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-BicoccaMonza, Italy
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Neuropeptide VGF Promotes Maturation of Hippocampal Dendrites That Is Reduced by Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030612. [PMID: 28287464 PMCID: PMC5372628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) is induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as synaptic activity. However, morphological changes induced by VGF have not been elucidated. Developing hippocampal neurons were exposed to VGF through bath application or virus-mediated expression in vitro. VGF-derived peptide, TLQP-62, enhanced dendritic branching, and outgrowth. Furthermore, VGF increased dendritic spine density and the proportion of immature spines. Spine formation was associated with increased synaptic protein expression and co-localization of pre- and postsynaptic markers. Three non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected in human VGF gene. Transfection of N2a cells with plasmids containing these SNPs revealed no relative change in protein expression levels and normal protein size, except for a truncated protein from the premature stop codon, E525X. All three SNPs resulted in a lower proportion of N2a cells bearing neurites relative to wild-type VGF. Furthermore, all three mutations reduced the total length of dendrites in developing hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our results suggest VGF enhances dendritic maturation and that these effects can be altered by common mutations in the VGF gene. The findings may have implications for people suffering from psychiatric disease or other conditions who may have altered VGF levels.
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Hypothalamic over-expression of VGF in the Siberian hamster increases energy expenditure and reduces body weight gain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172724. [PMID: 28235047 PMCID: PMC5325529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
VGF (non-acronymic) was first highlighted to have a role in energy homeostasis through experiments involving dietary manipulation in mice. Fasting increased VGF mRNA in the Arc and levels were subsequently reduced upon refeeding. This anabolic role for VGF was supported by observations in a VGF null (VGF-/-) mouse and in the diet-induced and gold-thioglucose obese mice. However, this anabolic role for VGF has not been supported by a number of subsequent studies investigating the physiological effects of VGF-derived peptides. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of TLQP-21 increased resting energy expenditure and rectal temperature in mice and protected against diet-induced obesity. Similarly, ICV infusion of TLQP-21 into Siberian hamsters significantly reduced body weight, but this was due to a decrease in food intake, with no effect on energy expenditure. Subsequently NERP-2 was shown to increase food intake in rats via the orexin system, suggesting opposing roles for these VGF-derived peptides. Thus to further elucidate the role of hypothalamic VGF in the regulation of energy homeostasis we utilised a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector to over-express VGF in adult male Siberian hamsters, thus avoiding any developmental effects or associated functional compensation. Initially, hypothalamic over-expression of VGF in adult Siberian hamsters produced no effect on metabolic parameters, but by 12 weeks post-infusion hamsters had increased oxygen consumption and a tendency to increased carbon dioxide production; this attenuated body weight gain, reduced interscapular white adipose tissue and resulted in a compensatory increase in food intake. These observed changes in energy expenditure and food intake were associated with an increase in the hypothalamic contents of the VGF-derived peptides AQEE, TLQP and NERP-2. The complex phenotype of the VGF-/- mice is a likely consequence of global ablation of the gene and its derived peptides during development, as well as in the adult.
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Lind AL, Emami Khoonsari P, Sjödin M, Katila L, Wetterhall M, Gordh T, Kultima K. Spinal Cord Stimulation Alters Protein Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Neuropathic Pain Patients: A Proteomic Mass Spectrometric Analysis. Neuromodulation 2017; 19:549-62. [PMID: 27513633 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Electrical neuromodulation by spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established method for treatment of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism behind the pain relieving effect in patients remains largely unknown. In this study, we target the human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome, a little investigated aspect of SCS mechanism of action. METHODS Two different proteomic mass spectrometry protocols were used to analyze the CSF of 14 SCS responsive neuropathic pain patients. Each patient acted as his or her own control and protein content was compared when the stimulator was turned off for 48 hours, and after the stimulator had been used as normal for three weeks. RESULTS Eighty-six proteins were statistically significantly altered in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients using SCS, when comparing the stimulator off condition to the stimulator on condition. The top 12 of the altered proteins are involved in neuroprotection (clusterin, gelsolin, mimecan, angiotensinogen, secretogranin-1, amyloid beta A4 protein), synaptic plasticity/learning/memory (gelsolin, apolipoprotein C1, apolipoprotein E, contactin-1, neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein), nociceptive signaling (neurosecretory protein VGF), and immune regulation (dickkopf-related protein 3). CONCLUSION Previously unknown effects of SCS on levels of proteins involved in neuroprotection, nociceptive signaling, immune regulation, and synaptic plasticity are demonstrated. These findings, in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients, expand the picture of SCS effects on the neurochemical environment of the human spinal cord. An improved understanding of SCS mechanism may lead to new tracks of investigation and improved treatment strategies for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Li Lind
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Payam Emami Khoonsari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sjödin
- Department of Chemistry-BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala//GE Healthcare, Sweden
| | - Lenka Katila
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Wetterhall
- Department of Chemistry-BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala//GE Healthcare, Sweden
| | - Torsten Gordh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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D’Amato F, Noli B, Angioni L, Cossu E, Incani M, Messana I, Manconi B, Solinas P, Isola R, Mariotti S, Ferri GL, Cocco C. VGF Peptide Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients' Plasma and in Obese Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142333. [PMID: 26562304 PMCID: PMC4643017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the possible involvement of VGF peptides in obesity and diabetes, we studied type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obese patients, and high-fat diet induced obese mice. Two VGF peptides (NAPP-19 and QQET-30) were identified in human plasma by HPLC-ESI-MS. The VGF C-terminus, the above two cleaved peptides, and the TLQP-21 related peptide/s were studied using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. In euglycemic patients, plasma NAPPE and TLQP like peptides were significantly reduced with obesity (74±10 vs. 167±28, and 92±10 vs. 191±19 pmol/ml, mean+SEM, n = 10 and 6, obese vs. normal BMI, respectively, p<0.03). Upon a standard glucose load, a distinct response was shown for VGF C-terminus, TLQP and QQET-like (ERVW immunoreactive) peptides in euglycemic normal BMI patients, but was virtually abolished in euglycemic obese, and in T2D patients independently of BMI. High-fat diet induced obese mice showed reduced plasma VGF C-terminus, NAPPE and QQET-like (ERVW) peptide/s (3±0.2 vs. 4.6±0.3, 22±3.5 vs. 34±1.3, and 48±7 vs. 100±7 pmol/ml, mean+SEM, n = 8/group, obese vs. slim, respectively, p<0.03), with a loss of the response to glucose for all VGF peptides studied. In immunohistochemistry, TLQP and/or VGF C-terminus antibodies labelled VGF containing perikarya in mouse celiac ganglia, pancreatic islet cells and thin beaded nerve fibres in brown adipose tissues, with fewer in white adipose tissue. Upon the glucose load, tyrosine hydroxylase and VGF C-terminus immunoreactive axons became apparent in pancreatic islets of slim animals, but not in obese animals. Alltogether, a significant loss of VGF peptide immunoreactivity and/or their response to glucose was demonstrated in obese patients, with or without T2D, in parallel with a similar loss in high-fat diet induced obese mice. An involvement of VGF in metabolic regulations, including those of brown and/or white adipose tissues is underlined, and may point out specific VGF peptides as potential targets for diagnosis and/or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena D’Amato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Laura Angioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Efisio Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Michela Incani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Raffaella Isola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefano Mariotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
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Petrocchi-Passeri P, Cero C, Cutarelli A, Frank C, Severini C, Bartolomucci A, Possenti R. The VGF-derived peptide TLQP-62 modulates insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. J Mol Endocrinol 2015; 54:227-39. [PMID: 25917832 DOI: 10.1530/jme-14-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Insulin secretion control is critical for glucose homeostasis. Paracrine and autocrine molecules secreted by cells of the islet of Langerhans, as well as by intramural and autonomic neurons, control the release of different hormones that modulate insulin secretion. In pancreatic islets, the abundant presence of the granin protein VGF (nonacronymic; unrelated to VEGF) suggests that some of its proteolytically derived peptides could modulate hormone release. Thus, in the present study, we screened several VGF-derived peptides for their ability to induce insulin secretion, and we identified the VGF C-terminal peptide TLQP-62 as the most effective fragment. TLQP-62 induced a potent increase in basal insulin secretion as well as in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in several insulinoma cell lines. We found that this peptide stimulated insulin release via increased intracellular calcium mobilization and fast expression of the insulin 1 gene. Moreover, the peripheral injection of TLQP-62 in mice improved glucose tolerance. Together, the present findings suggest that TLQP-62, acting as an endocrine, paracrine, or autocrine factor, can be considered a new, strong insulinotropic peptide that can be targeted for innovative antidiabetic drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Petrocchi-Passeri
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Cheryl Cero
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cutarelli
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Claudio Frank
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy Department of Medicine of SystemsUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 100133 Rome, ItalyInstitute of Cell Biology and NeurobiologyCNR, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USAIstituto Superiore di SanitàRome, ItalyEBRI FoundationRome, Italy
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Abstract
The vgf gene (non-acronymic) is highly conserved and was identified on the basis of its rapid induction in vitro by nerve growth factor, although can also be induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial-derived growth factor. The VGF gene gives rise to a 68 kDa precursor polypeptide, which is induced robustly, relatively selectively and is synthesized exclusively in neuronal and neuroendocrine cells. Post-translational processing by neuroendocrine specific prohormone convertases in these cells results in the production of a number of smaller peptides. The VGF gene and peptides are widely expressed throughout the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, in peripheral tissues including the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, and the pancreas, and in the gastrointestinal tract in both the myenteric plexus and in endocrine cells. VGF peptides have been associated with a number of neuroendocrine roles, and in this review, we aim to describe these roles to highlight the importance of VGF as therapeutic target for a number of disorders, particularly those associated with energy metabolism, pain, reproduction, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo E. Lewis
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK
| | - John M. Brameld
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Preeti H. Jethwa
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
- *Correspondence: Preeti H. Jethwa, Division of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK e-mail:
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Noli B, Brancia C, D’Amato F, Ferri GL, Cocco C. VGF changes during the estrous cycle: a novel endocrine role for TLQP peptides? PLoS One 2014; 9:e108456. [PMID: 25280008 PMCID: PMC4184793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the VGF derived peptide TLQP-21 stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin secretion, available data on VGF peptides and reproduction are limited. We used antibodies specific for the two ends of the VGF precursor, and for two VGF derived peptides namely TLQP and PGH, to be used in immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay complemented with gel chromatography. In cycling female rats, VGF C-/N-terminus and PGH peptide antibodies selectively labelled neurones containing either GnRH, or kisspeptin (VGF N-terminus only), pituitary gonadotrophs and lactotrophs, or oocytes (PGH peptides only). Conversely, TLQP peptides were restricted to somatostatin neurones, gonadotrophs, and ovarian granulosa, interstitial and theca cells. TLQP levels were highest, especially in plasma and ovary, with several molecular forms shown in chromatography including one compatible with TLQP-21. Among the cycle phases, TLQP levels were higher during metestrus-diestrus in median eminence and pituitary, while increased in the ovary and decreased in plasma during proestrus. VGF N- and C-terminus peptides also showed modulations over the estrous cycle, in median eminence, pituitary and plasma, while PGH peptides did not. In ovariectomised rats, plasmatic TLQP peptide levels showed distinct reduction suggestive of a major origin from the ovary, while the estrogen-progesterone treatment modulated VGF C-terminus and TLQP peptides in the hypothalamus-pituitary complex. In in vitro hypothalamus, TLQP-21 stimulated release of growth hormone releasing hormone but not of somatostatin. In conclusion, various VGF peptides may regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary complex via specific neuroendocrine mechanisms while TLQP peptides may act at further, multiple levels via endocrine mechanisms involving the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Carla Brancia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Filomena D’Amato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Gian-Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
- * E-mail: (CC); (GLF)
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
- * E-mail: (CC); (GLF)
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Saderi N, Buijs F, Salgado-Delgado R, Merkenstein M, Basualdo M, Ferri GL, Escobar C, Buijs R. A role for VGF in the hypothalamic arcuate and paraventricular nuclei in the control of energy homeostasis. Neuroscience 2014; 265:184-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Fargali S, Garcia AL, Sadahiro M, Jiang C, Janssen WG, Lin WJ, Cogliani V, Elste A, Mortillo S, Cero C, Veitenheimer B, Graiani G, Pasinetti GM, Mahata SK, Osborn JW, Huntley GW, Phillips GR, Benson DL, Bartolomucci A, Salton SR. The granin VGF promotes genesis of secretory vesicles, and regulates circulating catecholamine levels and blood pressure. FASEB J 2014; 28:2120-33. [PMID: 24497580 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-239509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Secretion of proteins and neurotransmitters from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) is a highly regulated process. Adrenal LDCV formation involves the granin proteins chromogranin A (CgA) and chromogranin B (CgB); CgA- and CgB-derived peptides regulate catecholamine levels and blood pressure. We investigated function of the granin VGF (nonacronymic) in LDCV formation and the regulation of catecholamine levels and blood pressure. Expression of exogenous VGF in nonendocrine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts resulted in the formation of LDCV-like structures and depolarization-induced VGF secretion. Analysis of germline VGF-knockout mouse adrenal medulla revealed decreased LDCV size in noradrenergic chromaffin cells, increased adrenal norepinephrine and epinephrine content and circulating plasma epinephrine, and decreased adrenal CgB. These neurochemical changes in VGF-knockout mice were associated with hypertension. Germline knock-in of human VGF1-615 into the mouse Vgf locus rescued the hypertensive knockout phenotype, while knock-in of a truncated human VGF1-524 that lacks several C-terminal peptides, including TLQP-21, resulted in a small but significant increase in systolic blood pressure compared to hVGF1-615 mice. Finally, acute and chronic administration of the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 to rodents decreased blood pressure. Our studies establish a role for VGF in adrenal LDCV formation and the regulation of catecholamine levels and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Fargali
- 1Department of Neuroscience, Box 1065, Ichan School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Zhang W, Ni C, Sheng J, Hua Y, Ma J, Wang L, Zhao Y, Xing Y. TLQP-21 protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against high-glucose-induced apoptosis by increasing G6PD expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79760. [PMID: 24278172 PMCID: PMC3836798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress that could damage vascular endothelial cells, leading to cardiovascular complications. The Vgf gene was identified as a nerve growth factor-responsive gene, and its protein product, VGF, is characterized by the presence of partially cleaved products. One of the VGF-derived peptides is TLQP-21, which is composed of 21 amino acids (residues 556-576). Past studies have reported that TLQP-21 could stimulate insulin secretion in pancreatic cells and protect these cells from apoptosis, which suggests that TLQP-21 has a potential function in diabetes therapy. Here, we explore the protective role of TLQP-21 against the high glucose-mediated injury of vascular endothelial cells. Using human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), we demonstrated that TLQP-21 (10 or 50 nM) dose-dependently prevented apoptosis under high-glucose (30 mmol/L) conditions (the normal glucose concentration is 5.6 mmol/L). TLQP-21 enhanced the expression of NAPDH, resulting in upregulation of glutathione (GSH) and a reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). TLQP-21 also upregulated the expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is known as the main source of NADPH. Knockdown of G6PD almost completely blocked the increase of NADPH induced by TLQP-21, indicating that TLQP-21 functions mainly through G6PD to promote NADPH generation. In conclusion, TLQP-21 could increase G6PD expression, which in turn may increase the synthesis of NADPH and GSH, thereby partially restoring the redox status of vascular endothelial cells under high glucose injury. We propose that TLQP-21 is a promising drug for diabetes therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Ni
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanyin Hua
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangbo Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yubo Xing
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- * E-mail:
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Argiolas A, Melis MR. Neuropeptides and central control of sexual behaviour from the past to the present: a review. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 108:80-107. [PMID: 23851261 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Of the numerous neuropeptides identified in the central nervous system, only a few are involved in the control of sexual behaviour. Among these, the most studied are oxytocin, adrenocorticotropin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and opioid peptides. While opioid peptides inhibit sexual performance, the others facilitate sexual behaviour in most of the species studied so far (rats, mice, monkeys and humans). However, evidence for a sexual role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin releasing factor, neuropeptide Y, galanin and galanin-like peptide, cholecystokinin, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, vasopressin, angiotensin II, hypocretins/orexins and VGF-derived peptides are also available. Corticotropin releasing factor, neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin, vasopressin and angiotensin II inhibit, while substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, hypocretins/orexins and some VGF-derived peptide facilitate sexual behaviour. Neuropeptides influence sexual behaviour by acting mainly in the hypothalamic nuclei (i.e., lateral hypothalamus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, arcuate nucleus), in the medial preoptic area and in the spinal cord. However, it is often unclear whether neuropeptides influence the anticipatory phase (sexual arousal and/or motivation) or the consummatory phase (performance) of sexual behaviour, except in a few cases (e.g., opioid peptides and oxytocin). Unfortunately, scarce information has been added in the last 15 years on the neural mechanisms by which neuropeptides influence sexual behaviour, most studied neuropeptides apart. This may be due to a decreased interest of researchers on neuropeptides and sexual behaviour or on sexual behaviour in general. Such a decrease may be related to the discovery of orally effective, locally acting type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the therapy of erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Argiolas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Aguilar E, Pineda R, Gaytán F, Sánchez-Garrido MA, Romero M, Romero-Ruiz A, Ruiz-Pino F, Tena-Sempere M, Pinilla L. Characterization of the reproductive effects of the Vgf-derived peptide TLQP-21 in female rats: in vivo and in vitro studies. Neuroendocrinology 2013; 98:38-50. [PMID: 23485923 DOI: 10.1159/000350323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VGF (non-acronymic), a protein expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary, is involved in the control of metabolism and body weight homeostasis. Different active peptide fragments are generated from VGF, including TLQP-21. Previous studies of our group reported that this molecule participates also in the regulation of reproductive function in male rats, with predominant stimulatory effects. METHODS We report herein a series of studies on the reproductive effects of TLQP-21 in female rats, as evaluated by a combination of in vivo and in vitro analyses. RESULTS TLQP-21 modestly increased serum LH levels after systemic administration and directly stimulated pituitary LH and FSH secretion in prepubertal female rats, while acute central injection of TLQP-21 was unable to modify LH secretion at this age. Repeated central administration of TLQP-21 during the pubertal transition (between PND-28 and -35) to female rats fed ad libitum advanced the timing of vaginal opening and increased the percentage of animals with signs of ovulation. Moreover, an analogous treatment slightly enhanced ovarian maturation in pubertal female rats subjected to chronic undernutrition, but was unable to rescue the delay of vaginal opening induced by food deprivation. In addition, TLQP-21 oppositely modified LH secretion in adult female rats depending on the stage of the ovarian cycle: it stimulated LH secretion when injected in the morning of diestrus and decreased the magnitude of the preovulatory LH (but not FSH) surge when injected in the afternoon of proestrus. CONCLUSIONS Our data are the first to document the potential involvement of TLQP-21 in the control of reproductive function in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Aguilar
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Córdoba, CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, and Instituto Maimónides de Investigaciones Biomédicas-IMIBIC/Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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Petrocchi Passeri P, Biondini L, Mongiardi MP, Mordini N, Quaresima S, Frank C, Baratta M, Bartolomucci A, Levi A, Severini C, Possenti R. Neuropeptide TLQP-21, a VGF internal fragment, modulates hormonal gene expression and secretion in GH3 cell line. Neuroendocrinology 2013; 97:212-24. [PMID: 22699300 DOI: 10.1159/000339855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we demonstrated that TLQP-21, a biologically active peptide derived from the processing of the larger pro-VGF granin, plays a role in mammotrophic cell differentiation. We used an established in vitro model, the GH3 cell line, which upon treatment with epidermal growth factor develops a mammotrophic phenotype consisting of induction of prolactin expression and secretion, and inhibition of growth hormone. Here we determined for the first time that during mammotrophic differentiation, epidermal growth factor also induces Vgf gene expression and increases VGF protein precursor processing and peptide secretion. After this initial observation we set out to determine the specific role of the VGF encoded TLQP-21 peptide on this model. TLQP-21 induced a trophic effect on GH3 cells and increased prolactin expression and its own gene transcription without affecting growth hormone expression. TLQP-21 was also able to induce a significant rise of cytoplasmic calcium, as measured by Fura2AM, due to the release from a thapsigargin-sensitive store. TLQP-21-dependent rise in cytoplasmic calcium was, at least in part, dependent on the activation of phospholipase followed by phosphorylation of PKC and ERK. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that TLQP-21 contributes to differentiation of the GH3 cell line toward a mammotrophic phenotype and suggest that it may exert a neuroendocrine role in vivo on lactotroph cells in the pituitary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Petrocchi Passeri
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology and Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR Rome, Rome, Italy
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Biophysical characterization of a binding site for TLQP-21, a naturally occurring peptide which induces resistance to obesity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:455-60. [PMID: 23122777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that TLQP-21 triggers lipolysis and induces resistance to obesity by reducing fat accumulation [1]. TLQP-21 is a 21 amino acid peptide cleavage product of the neuroprotein VGF and was first identified in rat brain. Although TLQP-21 biological activity and its molecular signaling is under active investigation, a receptor for TLQP-21 has not yet been characterized. We now demonstrate that TLQP-21 stimulates intracellular calcium mobilization in CHO cells. Furthermore, using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we also provide evidence of TLQP-21 binding-site characteristics in CHO cells. AFM was used in force mapping mode equipped with a cantilever suitably functionalized with TLQP-21. Attraction of this functionalized probe to the cell surface was specific and consistent with the biological activity of TLQP-21; by contrast, there was no attraction of a probe functionalized with biologically inactive analogues. We detected interaction of the peptide with the binding-site by scanning the cell surface with the cantilever tip. The attractive force between TLQP-21 and its binding site was measured, statistically analyzed and quantified at approximately 40 pN on average, indicating a single class of binding sites. Furthermore we observed that the distribution of these binding sites on the surface was relatively uniform.
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Neuroendocrine regulatory peptide-1 and neuroendocrine regulatory peptide-2 influence differentially feeding and penile erection in male rats: Sites of action in the brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 177:46-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 03/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Stephens SB, Schisler JC, Hohmeier HE, An J, Sun AY, Pitt GS, Newgard CB. A VGF-derived peptide attenuates development of type 2 diabetes via enhancement of islet β-cell survival and function. Cell Metab 2012; 16:33-43. [PMID: 22768837 PMCID: PMC3695697 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Deterioration of functional islet β-cell mass is the final step in progression to Type 2 diabetes. We previously reported that overexpression of Nkx6.1 in rat islets has the dual effects of enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and increasing β-cell replication. Here we show that Nkx6.1 strongly upregulates the prohormone VGF in rat islets and that VGF is both necessary and sufficient for Nkx6.1-mediated enhancement of GSIS. Moreover, the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 potentiates GSIS in rat and human islets and improves glucose tolerance in vivo. Chronic injection of TLQP-21 in prediabetic ZDF rats preserves islet mass and slows diabetes onset. TLQP-21 prevents islet cell apoptosis by a pathway similar to that used by GLP-1, but independent of the GLP-1, GIP, or VIP receptors. Unlike GLP-1, TLQP-21 does not inhibit gastric emptying or increase heart rate. We conclude that TLQP-21 is a targeted agent for enhancing islet β-cell survival and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel B Stephens
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27704, USA
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D’Amato F, Cocco C, Noli B, Cabras T, Messana I, Ferri GL. VGF peptides upon osmotic stimuli: Changes in neuroendocrine regulatory peptides 1 and 2 in the hypothalamic–pituitary-axis and plasma. J Chem Neuroanat 2012; 44:57-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Implication of the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 in mouse acute and chronic stress responses. Behav Brain Res 2012; 229:333-9. [PMID: 22289198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress is widely recognized in the etiology of multiple disorders. In particular, psychological stress may increase the risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and mood disorders. Several genes are considered potential candidates to account for the deleterious consequences of stress and recent data point to role of Vgf. VGF mRNA is abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus, where it has been involved in metabolism and energy homeostasis; more recently a link between VGF-derived peptides and mood disorders has been highlighted. The following experiments were performed to address the contribution of the VGF-system to stress induced changes in mice: the distribution of VGF immuno-reactivity in hypothalamic nuclei and its modulation by social stress; the role of VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 in plasma catecholamine release induced by acute restraint stress (RS); the efficacy of chronic TLQP-21 in a mouse model of chronic subordination stress (CSS). VGF fibers were found in high density in arcuate, dorsomedial, and suprachiasmatic and, at lower density, in lateral, paraventricular, and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. Central administration of either 2 or 4 mM TLQP-21 acutely altered the biphasic serum epinephrine release and decreased norepinephrine serum levels in response to RS. Finally, 28-day of 40 μg/day TLQP-21 treatment increased CSS-induced social avoidance of an unfamiliar conspecific. Overall these data support a role for TLQP-21 in stress responses providing a promising starting point to further elucidate its role as a player in stress-related human pathologies.
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Characterization of a novel peripheral pro-lipolytic mechanism in mice: role of VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21. Biochem J 2011; 441:511-22. [PMID: 21880012 DOI: 10.1042/bj20111165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The peptides encoded by the VGF gene are gaining biomedical interest and are increasingly being scrutinized as biomarkers for human disease. An endocrine/neuromodulatory role for VGF peptides has been suggested but never demonstrated. Furthermore, no study has demonstrated so far the existence of a receptor-mediated mechanism for any VGF peptide. In the present study, we provide a comprehensive in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo identification of a novel pro-lipolytic pathway mediated by the TLQP-21 peptide. We show for the first time that VGF-immunoreactivity is present within sympathetic fibres in the WAT (white adipose tissue) but not in the adipocytes. Furthermore, we identified a saturable receptor-binding activity for the TLQP-21 peptide. The maximum binding capacity for TLQP-21 was higher in the WAT as compared with other tissues, and selectively up-regulated in the adipose tissue of obese mice. TLQP-21 increases lipolysis in murine adipocytes via a mechanism encompassing the activation of noradrenaline/β-adrenergic receptors pathways and dose-dependently decreases adipocytes diameters in two models of obesity. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel and previously uncharacterized peripheral lipolytic pathway encompassing the VGF peptide TLQP-21. Targeting the sympathetic nerve–adipocytes interaction might prove to be a novel approach for the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic complications.
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VGF: an inducible gene product, precursor of a diverse array of neuro-endocrine peptides and tissue-specific disease biomarkers. J Chem Neuroanat 2011; 42:249-61. [PMID: 21621608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The vgf gene (non-acronymic) is induced in vivo by neurotrophins including Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain Derived Growth Factor (BDNF) and Glial Derived Growth Factor (GDNF), by synaptic activity and by homeostatic and other stimuli. Post-translational processing of a single VGF precursor gives raise to a varied multiplicity of neuro-endocrine peptides, some of which are secreted upon stimulation both in vitro and in vivo. Several VGF peptides, accounting for ∼20% of the VGF precursor sequence, have shown biological roles including regulation of food intake, energy balance, reproductive and homeostatic mechanisms, synaptic strengthening, long-term potentiation (LTP) and anti-depressant activity. From a further ∼50% of VGF derive multiple "fragments", largely identified in the human cerebro-spinal fluid by proteomic studies searching for disease biomarkers. These represent an important starting point for discovery of further VGF products relevant to neuronal brain functions, as well as to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease conditions. A distinct feature of VGF peptides is their cell type specific diversity in all neuroendocrine organs studied so far. Selective differential profiles are found across the cell populations of pituitary, adrenal medulla and pancreatic islets, and in gastric neuroendocrine as well as some further mucosal cells, and are yet to be investigated in neuronal systems. At the same time, specific VGF peptide/s undergo selective modulation in response to organ or cell population relevant stimuli. Such pattern argues for a multiplicity of roles for VGF peptides, including endocrine functions, local intercellular communication, as well as the possible mediation of intracellular mechanisms.
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