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Shade RD, Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the cannabinoid system to counteract the deleterious effects of stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:949361. [PMID: 36268196 PMCID: PMC9577232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.949361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically in postmortem human brains by the presence of dense protein accumulations known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plaques and tangles develop over decades of aberrant protein processing, post-translational modification, and misfolding throughout an individual’s lifetime. We present a foundation of evidence from the literature that suggests chronic stress is associated with increased disease severity in Alzheimer’s patient populations. Taken together with preclinical evidence that chronic stress signaling can precipitate cellular distress, we argue that chronic psychological stress renders select circuits more vulnerable to amyloid- and tau- related abnormalities. We discuss the ongoing investigation of systemic and cellular processes that maintain the integrity of protein homeostasis in health and in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed multiple potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the endogenous cannabinoid system traverses the central and peripheral neural systems while simultaneously exerting anti-inflammatory influence over the immune response in the brain and throughout the body. Moreover, the cannabinoid system converges on several stress-integrative neuronal circuits and critical regions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with the capacity to dampen responses to psychological and cellular stress. Targeting the cannabinoid system by influencing endogenous processes or exogenously stimulating cannabinoid receptors with natural or synthetic cannabis compounds has been identified as a promising route for Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. We build on our foundational framework focusing on the significance of chronic psychological and cellular stress on the development of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by integrating literature on cannabinoid function and dysfunction within Alzheimer’s Disease and conclude with remarks on optimal strategies for treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D. Shade
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer A. Ross,
| | - Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Balogh B, Vecsernyés M, Veres-Székely A, Berta G, Stayer-Harci A, Tarjányi O, Sétáló G. Urocortin stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation and proliferation but reduces ATP production of MCF7 breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 547:111610. [PMID: 35219718 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins are members of the stress-related corticotropin-releasing factor family. Small amounts of them are present in the circulation and they are produced locally in various tissues of higher vertebrates. Aside from regulating circulation, or food uptake they also influence, via auto- and paracrine mechanisms, cell proliferation. In the present study we investigated in MCF7 human breast cancer cells the effect of urocortin onto mitogenic signaling via ERK1/2. Our results revealed that already 10 nM urocortin could stimulate the phosphorylation of these kinases and cell proliferation of MCF7 cells while ATP production was reduced when kept in the presence of the peptide up to two days. We examined the expression and contribution of the specific receptors of urocortin to the activation of ERK1/2 and to cell proliferation, the intracellular distribution of phosphorylated ERK1/2, and the involvement of additional proteins like PKA, PKB/Akt, MEK, p53, Rb and E2F-1 behind the observed phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Balogh
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary.
| | - Mónika Vecsernyés
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Apor Veres-Székely
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1083, Budapest, 53-54. Bókay Street, Hungary; ELKH-SE Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Alexandra Stayer-Harci
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Oktávia Tarjányi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - György Sétáló
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
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Lichlyter DA, Krumm ZA, Golde TA, Doré S. Role of CRF and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in stroke: revisiting temporal considerations and targeting a new generation of therapeutics. FEBS J 2022; 290:1986-2010. [PMID: 35108458 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ischaemic neurovascular stroke represents a leading cause of death in the developed world. Preclinical and human epidemiological evidence implicates the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of neuropeptides as mediators of acute neurovascular injury pathology. Preclinical investigations of the role of CRF, CRF receptors and CRF-dependent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have pointed toward a tissue-specific and temporal relationship between activation of these pathways and physiological outcomes. Based on the literature, the major phases of ischaemic stroke aetiology may be separated into an acute phase in which CRF and anti-inflammatory stress signalling are beneficial and a chronic phase in which these contribute to neural degeneration, toxicity and apoptotic signalling. Significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding the pathway, temporality and systemic impact of CRF signalling and stress biology in neurovascular injury progression. Heterogeneity among experimental designs poses a challenge to defining the apparent reciprocal relationship between neurological injury and stress metabolism. Despite these challenges, it is our opinion that the elucidated temporality may be best matched with an antibody against CRF with a half-life of days to weeks as opposed to minutes to hours as with small-molecule CRF receptor antagonists. This state-of-the-art review will take a multipronged approach to explore the expected potential benefit of a CRF antibody by modulating CRF and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 signalling, glucocorticoids and autonomic nervous system activity. Additionally, this review compares the modulation of CRF and HPA axis activity in neuropsychiatric diseases and their counterpart outcomes post-stroke and assess lessons learned from antibody therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Lichlyter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zachary A Krumm
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd A Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sylvain Doré
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, Pharmaceutics, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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4
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Denver RJ. Stress hormones mediate developmental plasticity in vertebrates with complex life cycles. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100301. [PMID: 33614863 PMCID: PMC7879041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment experienced by developing organisms can shape the timing and character of developmental processes, generating different phenotypes from the same genotype, each with different probabilities of survival and performance as adults. Chordates have two basic modes of development, indirect and direct. Species with indirect development, which includes most fishes and amphibians, have a complex life cycle with a free-swimming larva that is typically a growth stage, followed by a metamorphosis into the adult form. Species with direct development, which is an evolutionarily derived developmental mode, develop directly from embryo to the juvenile without an intervening larval stage. Among the best studied species with complex life cycles are the amphibians, especially the anurans (frogs and toads). Amphibian tadpoles are exposed to diverse biotic and abiotic factors in their developmental habitat. They have extensive capacity for developmental plasticity, which can lead to the expression of different, adaptive morphologies as tadpoles (polyphenism), variation in the timing of and size at metamorphosis, and carry-over effects on the phenotype of the juvenile/adult. The neuroendocrine stress axis plays a pivotal role in mediating environmental effects on amphibian development. Before initiating metamorphosis, if tadpoles are exposed to predators they upregulate production of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT), which acts directly on the tail to cause it to grow, thereby increasing escape performance. When tadpoles reach a minimum body size to initiate metamorphosis they can vary the timing of transformation in relation to growth opportunity or mortality risk in the larval habitat. They do this by modulating the production of thyroid hormone (TH), the primary inducer of metamorphosis, and CORT, which synergizes with TH to promote tissue transformation. Hypophysiotropic neurons that release the stress neurohormone corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are activated in response to environmental stress (e.g., pond drying, food restriction, etc.), and CRF accelerates metamorphosis by directly inducing secretion of pituitary thyrotropin and corticotropin, thereby increasing secretion of TH and CORT. Although activation of the neuroendocrine stress axis promotes immediate survival in a deteriorating larval habitat, costs may be incurred such as reduced tadpole growth and size at metamorphosis. Small size at transformation can impair performance of the adult, reducing probability of survival in the terrestrial habitat, or fecundity. Furthermore, elevations in CORT in the tadpole caused by environmental stressors cause long term, stable changes in neuroendocrine function, behavior and physiology of the adult, which can affect fitness. Comparative studies show that the roles of stress hormones in developmental plasticity are conserved across vertebrate taxa including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Denver
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1085, USA
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5
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Williams TA, Bernier NJ. Corticotropin-releasing factor protects against ammonia neurotoxicity in isolated larval zebrafish brains. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb211540. [PMID: 31988165 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.211540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The physiological roles of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) have recently been extended to cytoprotection. Here, to determine whether CRF is neuroprotective in fish, the effects of CRF against high environmental ammonia (HEA)-mediated neurogenic impairment and cell death were investigated in zebrafish. In vivo, exposure of 1 day post-fertilization (dpf) embryos to HEA only reduced the expression of the determined neuron marker neurod1 In contrast, in 5 dpf larvae, HEA increased the expression of nes and sox2, neural progenitor cell markers, and reduced the expression of neurog1, gfap and mbpa, proneuronal cell, radial glia and oligodendrocyte markers, respectively, and neurod1 The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor inhibitor MK801 rescued the HEA-induced reduction in neurod1 in 5 dpf larvae but did not affect the HEA-induced transcriptional changes in other neural cell types, suggesting that hyperactivation of NMDA receptors specifically contributes to the deleterious effects of HEA in determined neurons. As observed in vivo, HEA exposure elicited marked changes in the expression of cell type-specific markers in isolated 5 dpf larval brains. The addition of CRF reversed the in vitro effects of HEA on neurod1 expression and prevented an HEA-induced increase in cell death. Finally, the protective effects of CRF against HEA-mediated neurogenic impairment and cell death were prevented by the CRF type 1 receptor selective antagonist antalarmin. Together, these results provide novel evidence that HEA has developmental time- and cell type-specific neurotoxic effects, that NMDA receptor hyperactivation contributes to HEA-mediated impairment of determined neurons, and that CRF has neuroprotective properties in the larval zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan A Williams
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
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6
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Alderman SL, Leishman EM, Fuzzen MLM, Bernier NJ. Corticotropin-releasing factor regulates caspase-3 and may protect developing zebrafish from stress-induced apoptosis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 265:207-213. [PMID: 29807032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system is expressed in the earliest stages of zebrafish development, long before its canonical function in the endocrine stress response is realized, and yet its function during embryogenesis is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that CRF protects embryos from stress-induced apoptosis. Here we confirm that a 1 h heat shock applied at either 6 h post-fertilization (hpf) or 30 hpf elicits an increase in caspase-3 activity, a key effector of apoptosis. Temporal changes in the expression of crf and its binding protein (crf-bp) during recovery from heat shock indicate that the CRF system is responsive to stressors experienced as early as gastrulation. Next, we heat shocked embryos that were microinjected with crf mRNA, and showed that caspase-3 induction is significantly reduced in embryos that overexpress CRF relative to control embryos. In addition, incubating embryos in the presence of the CRF receptor type 1 (CRF-R1) antagonist, antalarmin, during recovery from heat shock significantly increased caspase-3 activity, suggesting that CRF regulates caspase-3 via a CRF-R1-dependent pathway. Finally, we show that most heat shock-induced mortality occurred during the first hour of recovery, long before a significant increase in caspase-3 activity was detected. Indeed, the delayed caspase-3 induction coincided with a mortality plateau, and neither CRF overexpression nor antalarmin treatment altered heat shock induced mortality, supporting previous in vitro evidence that CRF-mediated cytoprotection occurs through the slow and tightly controlled apoptotic pathway. This study provides novel in vivo evidence that CRF regulates stress-induced apoptosis in a vertebrate model species, and demonstrates for the first time a function for the CRF system in early development that precedes its role in the endocrine stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Alderman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada.
| | - Emily M Leishman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Meghan L M Fuzzen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
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7
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Williams TA, Bergstrome JC, Scott J, Bernier NJ. CRF and urocortin 3 protect the heart from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in zebrafish. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 313:R91-R100. [PMID: 28539353 PMCID: PMC5582954 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00045.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fish routinely experience environmental hypoxia and have evolved various strategies to tolerate this challenge. Given the key role of the CRF system in coordinating the response to stressors and its cardioprotective actions against ischemia in mammals, we sought to characterize the cardiac CRF system in zebrafish and its role in hypoxia tolerance. We established that all genes of the CRF system, the ligands CRFa, CRFb, urotensin 1 (UTS1), and urocortin 3 (UCN3); the two receptor subtypes (CRFR1 and CRFR2); and the binding protein (CRFBP) are expressed in the heart of zebrafish: crfr1 > crfr2 = crfbp > crfa > ucn3 > crfb > uts1 In vivo, exposure to 5% O2 saturation for 15 min and 90 min of recovery resulted in four- to five-fold increases in whole heart crfb and ucn3 mRNA levels but did not affect the gene expression of other CRF system components. In vitro, as assessed by monitoring caspase 3 activity and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells, pretreatment of excised whole hearts with CRF or UCN3 for 30 min prevented the increase in apoptosis associated with exposure to 1% O2 saturation for 30 min with a 24-h recovery. Lastly, the addition of the nonselective CRF receptor antagonist αh-CRF(9-41) prevented the cytoprotective effects of CRF. We show that the CRF system is expressed in fish heart, is upregulated by hypoxia, and is cytoprotective. These findings identify a novel role for the CRF system in fish and a new strategy to tolerate hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan A Williams
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian C Bergstrome
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juliana Scott
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Stehouwer JS, Birnbaum MS, Voll RJ, Owens MJ, Plott SJ, Bourke CH, Wassef MA, Kilts CD, Goodman MM. Synthesis, F-18 radiolabeling, and microPET evaluation of 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-alkyl-N-fluoroalkyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-amines as ligands of the corticotropin-releasing factor type-1 (CRF1) receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:4286-4302. [PMID: 26145817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A series of 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-alkyl-N-fluoroalkyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-amines were synthesized and evaluated as potential positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for the corticotropin-releasing factor type-1 (CRF1) receptor. Compounds 27, 28, 29, and 30 all displayed high binding affinity (⩽1.2 nM) to the CRF1 receptor when assessed by in vitro competition binding assays at 23 °C, whereas a decrease in affinity (⩾10-fold) was observed with compound 26. The logP7.4 values of [(18)F]26-[(18)F]29 were in the range of ∼2.2-2.8 and microPET evaluation of [(18)F]26-[(18)F]29 in an anesthetized male cynomolgus monkey demonstrated brain penetrance, but specific binding was not sufficient enough to differentiate regions of high CRF1 receptor density from regions of low CRF1 receptor density. Radioactivity uptake in the skull, and sphenoid bone and/or sphenoid sinus during studies with [(18)F]28, [(18)F]28-d8, and [(18)F]29 was attributed to a combination of [(18)F]fluoride generated by metabolic defluorination of the radiotracer and binding of intact radiotracer to CRF1 receptors expressed on mast cells in the bone marrow. Uptake of [(18)F]26 and [(18)F]27 in the skull and sphenoid region was rapid but then steadily washed out which suggests that this behavior was the result of binding to CRF1 receptors expressed on mast cells in the bone marrow with no contribution from [(18)F]fluoride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Stehouwer
- Center for Systems Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, WWHC 209, 1841 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Matthew S Birnbaum
- Center for Systems Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, WWHC 209, 1841 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Ronald J Voll
- Center for Systems Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, WWHC 209, 1841 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Michael J Owens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan J Plott
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chase H Bourke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael A Wassef
- Center for Systems Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, WWHC 209, 1841 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Clinton D Kilts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mark M Goodman
- Center for Systems Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, WWHC 209, 1841 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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9
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Song H, Park H, Park G, Kim YS, Lee HK, Jin DH, Kang HS, Cho DH, Hur D. Corticotropin-releasing factor induces immune escape of cervical cancer cells by downregulation of NKG2D. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:425-30. [PMID: 24841552 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a coordinator of the body's responses to stress, is found in various cancer tissues and cell lines. However, the exact abilities of CRF to manipulate natural killer (NK) cells during immune response have not been studied. NKG2D is an activating receptor that is expressed on most NK and CD8+ T cells. MHC class I-related chain A (MICA) and UL16-binding protein (ULBP) 1, 2 and 3 are well-known ligands for NKG2D. In the present study, we reported our findings regarding the role of CRF in cervical cancer cell survival. Human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa cells, had significantly higher intracellular expression of UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2) following CRF treatment but had only slightly increased surface expression of ULBP2. Notably, MMPi (pan-metalloproteases inhibitor) blocked the release of ULBP2 molecules from the surface of HeLa cells. Furthermore, incubating NK cells with culture supernatants from CRF-treated HeLa cells, which contained soluble NKG2D ligand, reduced NK cell activity by decreasing surface expression of NKG2D. Collectively, downregulation of NKG2D by CRF-induced soluble NKG2D ligand provides a potential mechanism by which cervical cancer cells escape NKG2D-mediated attack under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunkeun Song
- Department of Anatomy and Research Center for Tumor Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Department of Anatomy and Research Center for Tumor Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabin Park
- Department of Anatomy and Research Center for Tumor Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Seok Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Research Center for Tumor Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Jin
- Institute for Innovative Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Kang
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Ho Cho
- Department of Life Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Yongsan-ku, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyoung Hur
- Department of Anatomy and Research Center for Tumor Immunology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614-735, Republic of Korea
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10
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Jin L, Chen J, Li L, Li C, Chen C, Li S. CRH suppressed TGFβ1-induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via induction of E-cadherin in breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2014; 26:757-65. [PMID: 24412750 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in biopsies from breast cancer patients, the effect of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on carcinoma progression is still unclear. Transforming growth factorβ1 (TGFβ1) promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and induces Snail1 and Twist1 expressions. Loss of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) mainly repressed by Snail1 and Twist1, has been considered as hallmark of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were used to investigate the effect of CRH on TGFβ1-induced EMT by transwell chamber. And HEK293 cells were transiently transfected with CRHR1 or CRHR2 to explore the definite effects of CRH receptor. We reported that CRH inhibited migration of human breast cancer cells through downregulation of Snail1 and Twist1, and subsequent upregulation of E-cadherin. CRH inhibited TGFβ1-mediated migration of MCF-7 via both CRHR1 and CRHR2 while this inhibition in MDA-MB-231 was mainly via CRHR2. Ectopic re-expression of CRHR1 or CRHR2 respectively in HEK293 cells increased E-cadherin expression after CRH stimulation. Furthermore, CRH repressed expression of mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin and induced expression of Occludin, inhibiting EMT in MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231. Our results suggest that CRH may function as a tumor suppressor, at least partly by regulating TGFβ1-mediated EMT. These results may contribute to uncovering the effect of CRH in breast tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Jin
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiandong Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Li Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chuanhua Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Stuhr LEB, Wei ET, Reed RK. Corticotropin-releasing factor reduces tumor volume, halts further growth, and enhances the effect of chemotherapy in 4T1 mammary carcinoma in mice. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:1365-70. [PMID: 24046091 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examines the effect of the endogenous neuroendocrine factor, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), on 4T1 mammary tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. CRF has been detected in breast cancer tissues; however, the biological effects reported in the literature are sparse and variable. We found that exogenously administered CRF significantly reduced tumor growth without influencing angiogenesis or cell death. Furthermore, CRF reduced tumor interstitial fluid pressure (Pif) and potentiated the effect of 5-FU. These results show that CRF has antitumor effect on mammary carcinoma in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E B Stuhr
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Grammatopoulos DK. Insights into mechanisms of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor signal transduction. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:85-97. [PMID: 21883143 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01631.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During evolution, mammals have developed remarkably similar molecular mechanisms to respond to external challenges and maintain survival. Critical regulators of these mechanisms are the family of 'stress'-peptides that consists of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortins (Ucns). These neuropeptides 'fine-tune' integration of an intricate series of physiological responses involving the autonomic, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, which induce a spectrum of behavioural and homeostatic changes. CRH and Ucns exert their actions by activating two types of CRH receptors (CRH-R), CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, which belong to the class-B1 family of GPCRs. The CRH-Rs exhibit signalling promiscuity facilitated by their ability to couple to multiple G-proteins and regulate diverse intracellular networks that involve intracellular effectors such as cAMP and an array of PKs in an agonist and tissue-specific manner, a property that allows them to exert unique roles in the integration of homeostatic mechanisms. We only now begin to unravel the plethora of CRH-R biological actions and the transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms such as alternative mRNA splicing or phosphorylation-mediated desensitization developed to tightly control CRH-Rs biological activity and regulate their physiological actions. This review summarizes the current understanding of CRH-R signalling complexity and regulatory mechanisms that underpin cellular responses to CRH and Ucns.
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13
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Seidel K, Poeggel G, Holetschka R, Helmeke C, Braun K. Paternal deprivation affects the development of corticotrophin-releasing factor-expressing neurones in prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus of the biparental Octodon degus. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:1166-76. [PMID: 21848809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the critical role of maternal care on the development of brain and behaviour of the offspring has been extensively studied, knowledge about the importance of paternal care is comparatively scarce. In biparental species, paternal care significantly contributes to a stimulating socio-emotional family environment, which most likely also includes protection from stressful events. In the biparental caviomorph rodent Octodon degus, we analysed the impact of paternal care on the development of neurones in prefrontal-limbic brain regions, which express corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF). CRF is a polypeptidergic hormone that is expressed and released by a neuronal subpopulation in the brain, and which not only is essential for regulating stress and emotionality, but also is critically involved in cognitive functions. At weaning age [postnatal day (P)21], paternal deprivation resulted in an elevated density of CRF-containing neurones in the orbitofrontal cortex and in the basolateral amygdala of male degus, whereas a reduced density of CRF-expressing neurones was measured in the dentate gyrus and stratum pyramidale of the hippocampal CA1 region at this age. With the exception of the CA1 region, the deprivation-induced changes were no longer evident in adulthood (P90), which suggests a transient change that, in later life, might be normalised by other socio-emotional experience. The central amygdala, characterised by dense clusters of CRF-immunopositive neuropil, and the precentral medial, anterior cingulate, infralimbic and prelimbic cortices, were not affected by paternal deprivation. Taken together, this is the first evidence that paternal care interferes with the developmental expression pattern of CRF-expressing interneurones in an age- and region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Seidel
- Institute of Biology, Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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14
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Hasan TF, Hasan H. Anorexia nervosa: a unified neurological perspective. Int J Med Sci 2011; 8:679-703. [PMID: 22135615 PMCID: PMC3204438 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.8.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), opioid peptides, leptin and ghrelin in anorexia nervosa (AN) were discussed in this paper. CRF is the key mediator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and also acts at various other parts of the brain, such as the limbic system and the peripheral nervous system. CRF action is mediated through the CRF1 and CRF2 receptors, with both HPA axis-dependent and HPA axis-independent actions, where the latter shows nil involvement of the autonomic nervous system. CRF1 receptors mediate both the HPA axis-dependent and independent pathways through CRF, while the CRF2 receptors exclusively mediate the HPA axis-independent pathways through urocortin. Opioid peptides are involved in the adaptation and regulation of energy intake and utilization through reward-related behavior. Opioids play a role in the addictive component of AN, as described by the "auto-addiction opioids theory". Their interactions have demonstrated the psychological aspect of AN and have shown to prevent the functioning of the physiological homeostasis. Important opioids involved are β-lipotropin, β-endorphin and dynorphin, which interact with both µ and κ opioids receptors to regulate reward-mediated behavior and describe the higher incidence of AN seen in females. Moreover, ghrelin is known as the "hunger" hormone and helps stimulate growth hormone (GH) and hepatic insulin-like-growth-factor-1(IGF-1), maintaining anabolism and preserving a lean body mass. In AN, high levels of GH due to GH resistance along with low levels of IGF-1 are observed. Leptin plays a role in suppressing appetite through the inhibition of neuropeptide Y gene. Moreover, the CRF, opioid, leptin and ghrelin mechanisms operate collectively at the HPA axis and express the physiological and psychological components of AN. Fear conditioning is an intricate learning process occurring at the level of the hippocampus, amygdala, lateral septum and the dorsal raphe by involving three distinct pathways, the HPA axis-independent pathway, hypercortisolemia and ghrelin. Opioids mediate CRF through noradrenergic stimulation in association with the locus coeruleus. Furthermore, CRF's inhibitory effect on gonadotropin releasing hormone can be further explained by the direct relationship seen between CRF and opioids. Low levels of gonadotropin have been demonstrated in AN where only estrogen has shown to mediate energy intake. In addition, estrogen is involved in regulating µ receptor concentrations, but in turn both CRF and opioids regulate estrogen. Moreover, opioids and leptin are both an effect of AN, while many studies have demonstrated a causal relationship between CRF and anorexic behavior. Moreover, leptin, estrogen and ghrelin play a role as predictors of survival in starvation. Since both leptin and estrogen are associated with higher levels of bone marrow fat they represent a longer survival than those who favor the ghrelin pathway. Future studies should consider cohort studies involving prepubertal males and females with high CRF. This would help prevent the extrapolation of results from studies on mice and draw more meaningful conclusions in humans. Studies should also consider these mechanisms in post-AN patients, as well as look into what predisposes certain individuals to develop AN. Finally, due to its complex pathogenesis the treatment of AN should focus on both the pharmacological and behavioral perspectives.
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Arranz A, Venihaki M, Mol B, Androulidaki A, Dermitzaki E, Rassouli O, Ripoll J, Stathopoulos EN, Gomariz RP, Margioris AN, Tsatsanis C. The impact of stress on tumor growth: peripheral CRF mediates tumor-promoting effects of stress. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:261. [PMID: 20875132 PMCID: PMC2956730 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress has been shown to be a tumor promoting factor. Both clinical and laboratory studies have shown that chronic stress is associated with tumor growth in several types of cancer. Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) is the major hypothalamic mediator of stress, but is also expressed in peripheral tissues. Earlier studies have shown that peripheral CRF affects breast cancer cell proliferation and motility. The aim of the present study was to assess the significance of peripheral CRF on tumor growth as a mediator of the response to stress in vivo. Methods For this purpose we used the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in cell culture and in vivo. Cells were treated with CRF in culture and gene specific arrays were performed to identify genes directly affected by CRF and involved in breast cancer cell growth. To assess the impact of peripheral CRF as a stress mediator in tumor growth, Balb/c mice were orthotopically injected with 4T1 cells in the mammary fat pad to induce breast tumors. Mice were subjected to repetitive immobilization stress as a model of chronic stress. To inhibit the action of CRF, the CRF antagonist antalarmin was injected intraperitoneally. Breast tissue samples were histologically analyzed and assessed for neoangiogenesis. Results Array analysis revealed among other genes that CRF induced the expression of SMAD2 and β-catenin, genes involved in breast cancer cell proliferation and cytoskeletal changes associated with metastasis. Cell transfection and luciferase assays confirmed the role of CRF in WNT- β-catenin signaling. CRF induced 4T1 cell proliferation and augmented the TGF-β action on proliferation confirming its impact on TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling. In addition, CRF promoted actin reorganization and cell migration, suggesting a direct tumor-promoting action. Chronic stress augmented tumor growth in 4T1 breast tumor bearing mice and peripheral administration of the CRF antagonist antalarmin suppressed this effect. Moreover, antalarmin suppressed neoangiogenesis in 4T1 tumors in vivo. Conclusion This is the first report demonstrating that peripheral CRF, at least in part, mediates the tumor-promoting effects of stress and implicates CRF in SMAD2 and β-catenin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Arranz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School Of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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16
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Kaprara A, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K, Kortsaris A, Chatzaki E. The corticotropin releasing factor system in cancer: expression and pathophysiological implications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:1293-306. [PMID: 20143250 PMCID: PMC11115652 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors express multiple factors that have some role in the regulating networks supporting their ectopic growth. Recently, increased interest has been developing in the expression and biological role of the neuropeptides and receptors of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, the principal neuroendocrine mediator of the stress response, especially in the light of several R&D programs for small molecule antagonists that could present some anticancer therapeutic benefit. In the present article, we review the literature suggesting that the CRF system could be involved in the regulation of human cancer development. Potential implication in growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, or immune parameters via activation of locally expressed receptors could be clinically exploited by presenting targets of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandros Kortsaris
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - Ekaterini Chatzaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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17
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Wang J, Jin L, Chen J, Li S. Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 inhibits the growth of human small cell lung carcinoma cells. Cancer Invest 2010; 28:146-55. [PMID: 19968503 DOI: 10.3109/07357900903179617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we found the activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2) could inhibit tumor growth via an anti-angiogenic pathway, implying CRFR2 may be a tumor therapeutic target. Here, CRFR2 expression in human neuroendocrine small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) tissues and cell lines NCI-H446 and NCI-H1688 were detected. Meanwhile, UCNs could directly inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of SCLC cells via CRFR2. It was also shown that the activation of CRFR2 could inhibit p38 and Akt phosphorylation to suppress the secretion of VEGF in SCLC cells. These observations implied CRFR2 might be a therapeutic target in human SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juejin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Denver RJ. Stress hormones mediate environment-genotype interactions during amphibian development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 164:20-31. [PMID: 19393659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 04/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Environments experienced by organisms during early development shape the character and timing of developmental processes, leading to different probabilities of survival in the developmental habitat, and often profound effects on phenotypic expression later in life. Amphibian larvae have immense capacity for plasticity in behavior, morphology, growth and development rate. This creates the potential for extreme variation in the timing of, and size at metamorphosis, and subsequent phenotype in the juvenile and adult stage. Hormones of the neuroendocrine stress axis play pivotal roles in mediating environmental effects on animal development. Corticotropin-releasing factor, whose secretion by hypothalamic neurons is induced by environmental stress, influences the timing of amphibian metamorphosis by controlling the activity of the thyroid and interrenal (adrenal; corticosteroids) glands. At target tissues, corticosteroids synergize with thyroid hormone to promote metamorphosis. Thus, environmental stress acts centrally to increase the activity of the two principle endocrine axes controlling metamorphosis, and the effectors of these axes synergize at the level of target tissues to promote morphogenesis. While stress hormones can promote survival in a deteriorating larval habitat, costs may be incurred such as reduced tadpole growth and size at metamorphosis. Furthermore, exposure to elevated corticosteroids early in life can cause permanent changes in the expression of genes of the neuroendocrine stress axis, leading to altered physiology and behavior in the juvenile/adult stage. Persistent effects of stress hormone actions early in life may have important fitness consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Denver
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, 3065C Kraus Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA.
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19
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Alderman SL, Bernier NJ. Ontogeny of the corticotropin-releasing factor system in zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 164:61-9. [PMID: 19366623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in fish functions to maintain homeostasis during stress in part by regulating cortisol production via the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis. Towards understanding the role of the CRF system in vertebrate development, we describe the ontogeny of the CRF system, cortisol, and the stress response in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Early embryonic expression of mRNA encoding CRF, urotensin I (UI), CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP), and two CRF receptors (CRF-R1 and CRF-R2) suggest a function in the early organization of the developing embryo. The expression patterns of CRF, UI, and CRF-BP in the larval brain are consistent with the adult distribution patterns for these genes and support HPI-axis independent functions. The relative amounts of CRF and UI mRNA in the heads and tails of developing and adult zebrafish suggest that CRF functions primarily in the brain while UI also plays an important role in the caudal neurosecretory system. The amount of cortisol in developing zebrafish is low and relatively constant through the first 6 days of development. The commencement of feeding after 4 dpf, however, significantly increases basal cortisol production. Finally, we show that zebrafish larvae are able to respond to an osmotic stressor as early as 3 dpf. Overall, results from this study establish the zebrafish as a model species for research on stress during ontogeny and offer new insights into an HPI-axis independent function for the CRF system during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Alderman
- University of Guelph, Department of Integrative Biology, Ont., Canada
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20
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De Luca A, Squillacioti C, Pero ME, Paino S, Langella E, Mirabella N. Urocortin-like immunoreactivity in the primary lymphoid organs of the duck ( Anas platyrhynchos). Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:e20. [PMID: 30256876 PMCID: PMC3168230 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN) is a 40 aminoacid peptide which belongs to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family. This family of peptides stimulates the secretion of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), β-endorphin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) in the pituitary gland. In the present study, using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, the distribution of UCN in the primary lymphoid organs of the duck was investigated at different ages. In the cloacal burse and thymus, Western blot demonstrated the presence of a peptide having a molecular weight compatible with that of the mammalian UCN. In the cloacal burse, immunoreactivity was located in the medullary epithelial cells and in the follicular associated and corticomedullary epithelium. In the thymus, immunoreactivity was located in single epithelial cells. Double labelling immunofluorescence studies showed that UCN immunoreactivity completely colocalised with cytokeratin immunoreactivity in both the thymus and cloacal burse. Statistically significant differences in the percentage of UCN immunoreactivity were observed between different age periods in the cloacal burse. The results suggest that, in birds, urocortin has an important role in regulating the function of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Luca
- Department of Structures, Functions and biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli
| | - C Squillacioti
- Department of Structures, Functions and biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli
| | - M E Pero
- Department of Structures, Functions and biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli
| | - S Paino
- Department of Sciences of Animal Production, University of Basilicata, Italy
| | - E Langella
- Department of Sciences of Animal Production, University of Basilicata, Italy
| | - N Mirabella
- Department of Structures, Functions and biological Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli
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Androulidaki A, Dermitzaki E, Venihaki M, Karagianni E, Rassouli O, Andreakou E, Stournaras C, Margioris AN, Tsatsanis C. Corticotropin Releasing Factor promotes breast cancer cell motility and invasiveness. Mol Cancer 2009; 8:30. [PMID: 19490624 PMCID: PMC2697132 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-8-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer cells secrete bioactive peptides that act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion affecting tumor growth and metastasis. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that controls the response to stress, has been detected in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. CRF can affect breast cancer cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner via its production from innervating sympathetic neurons or immune cells. METHODS In the present study we report our findings regarding the impact of CRF on breast cancer cell motility and invasiveness. For this purpose we used the MCF7 breast cancer cell line and evaluated the effect of CRF on motility and invasiveness using the wound-healing and boyden-chamber assays. In addition, we measured the effect of CRF on molecules that mediate motility by western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA and RT-PCR. RESULTS Our findings show that: 1. CRF transiently inhibited the apoptosis of MCF7 cells. 2. CRF enhanced MCF7 cell motility in a wound healing assay and their invasiveness through extracellular matrix. 3. CRF increased actin polymerization, phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), providing a potential mechanism for the observed induction of MCF7 motility. 4. CRF induced the expression of Cox-1 but not Cox-2 in MCF7 cells as well as the production of prostaglandins, factors known to promote invasiveness and metastasis. CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest that CRF stimulates cell motility and invasiveness of MCF7 cells most probably via induction of FAK phosphorylation and actin filament reorganization and production of prostaglandins via Cox1. Based on these findings we postulate that the stress neuropeptide CRF present in the vicinity of tumors (either produced locally by the tumor cells themselves or by nearby normal cells or secreted from the innervations of surrounding tissues) may play an important role on breast tumor growth and metastatic capacity, providing a potential link between stress and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Androulidaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece.
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Charron C, Schock SC, Proulx G, Thompson CS, Hakim AM, Plamondon H. Protection conferred by Corticotropin-releasing hormone in rat primary cortical neurons against chemical ischemia involves opioid receptor activation. Brain Res 2008; 1257:117-27. [PMID: 19146834 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Different studies have supported neuroprotective effects of Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) against various excitotoxic and oxidative insults in vitro. However, the physiological mechanisms involved in this protection remain largely unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine the impact of CRH administration (at concentrations ranging from 200 fmol to 2 nmol) before and at delayed time intervals following potassium cyanide (KCN)-induced insult in rat primary cortical neurons. A second objective aimed to determine whether kappa and delta opioid receptor (KOR and DOR) blockade, using nor-binaltorphimine and naltrindole respectively (10 microM), could alter CRH-induced cellular protection. Our findings revealed that CRH treatments before or 3 and 8 h following KCN insult conferred significant protection against cortical injury, an effect blocked in cultures treated with alpha-helical CRH (9-41) prior to KCN administration. In addition, KOR and DOR blockade significantly reduced CRH-induced neuronal protection observed 3 but not 8 h post-KCN insult. Using western blotting, we demonstrated increased dynorphin, enkephalin, DOR and KOR protein expression in CRH-treated primary cortical neurons, and immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of opioid peptides and receptors in cortical neurons. These findings suggest protective effects of CRH against KCN-induced neuronal damage, and the contribution of the opioid system in modulating CRH actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlaine Charron
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 11, Marie Curie, Vanier 204, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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23
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Wang J, Xu Y, Xu Y, Zhu H, Zhang R, Zhang G, Li S. Urocortin's inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2. Cancer Invest 2008; 26:359-68. [PMID: 18443956 DOI: 10.1080/07357900701788106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN) functions via corticotrophin-releasing factor receptors (CRFRs), CRFR1 & 2. CRFR2 is reported to be a tonic suppressor of vascularization, implying its role in tumor angiogenesis. Here, it was found that UCN inhibited the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and reduced tumor microvessel density in nude mice. Hepatoma cells didn't express CRFRs whereas vessels expressed CRFRs, mainly CRFR2. In vitro three-dimensional culture assay showed UCN inhibited angiogenesis, this effect was abolished by CRFR2 antagonist, anti-sauvagine-30, demonstrating involvement of CRFR2. Furthermore, UCN inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of endothelial cells and down-regulated VEGF expression in vivo via CRFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juejin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Tao J, Hildebrand ME, Liao P, Liang MC, Tan G, Li S, Snutch TP, Soong TW. Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 selectively inhibits CaV3.2 T-type calcium channels. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 73:1596-609. [PMID: 18292205 DOI: 10.1124/mol.107.043612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptides CRF and uro-cortins 1 to 3 are crucial regulators of mammalian stress and inflammatory responses, and they are also implicated in disorders such as anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. There is considerable interest in the physiological mechanisms by which CRF receptors mediate their widespread effects, and here we report that the native CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) endogenous to the human embryonic kidney 293 cells can functionally couple to mammalian Ca(V)3.2 T-type calcium channels. Activation of CRFR1 by either CRF or urocortin (UCN) 1 reversibly inhibits Ca(V)3.2 currents (IC(50) of approximately 30 nM), but it does not affect Ca(V)3.1 or Ca(V)3.3 channels. Blockade of CRFR1 by the antagonist astressin abolished the inhibition of Ca(V)3.2 channels. The CRFR1-dependent inhibition of Ca(V)3.2 channels was independent of the activities of phospholipase C, tyrosine kinases, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, protein kinase C, and other kinase pathways, but it was dependent upon a cholera toxin-sensitive G protein-mediated mechanism relying upon G protein betagamma subunits (Gbetagamma). The inhibition of Ca(V)3.2 channels via the activation of CRFR1 was due to a hyperpolarized shift in their steady-state inactivation, and it was reversible upon washout of the agonists. Given that UCN affect multiple aspects of cardiac and neuronal physiology and that Ca(V)3.2 channels are widespread throughout the cardiovascular and nervous systems, the results point to a novel and functionally relevant CRFR1-Ca(V)3.2 T-type calcium channel signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
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In vivo administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone at remote intervals following ischemia enhances CA1 neuronal survival and recovery of spatial memory impairments: a role for opioid receptors. Behav Brain Res 2007; 188:125-35. [PMID: 18055027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Revised: 10/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the modulation of ischemia-induced cell death in vivo remains unclear. We characterized the impact of pre-ischemic administration of CRH (0, 0.1, 1, 5 microg, i.c.v., 15 min prior to vessel occlusion) on neuronal damage following global ischemia in rats. The injection of 5 microg CRH led to a 37% increase in CA1 neuronal survival compared to vehicle-treated ischemic animals, while pre-treatment with alpha-helical CRH (9-41) abolished this neuronal protection. A second objective aimed to determine whether CRH protection is maintained over weeks when the peptide is administered at remote time intervals following ischemia. Compared to vehicle-treated ischemic animals, administration of CRH 8h following global ischemia led to a 61% increase in CA1 neuronal survival observed 30 days post-ischemia. Neuronal protection translated into significant improvement of ischemia-induced spatial memory deficits in the radial maze. Finally, our findings demonstrated that selective blockade of kappa- and delta-opioid receptors (using nor-binaltorphimine and naltrindole, respectively) prior to CRH administration significantly reduced CA1 neuronal protection. These findings represent the first demonstration of enhanced neuronal survival following in vivo CRH administration in a global model of ischemia in rats. They also support the idea that CRH-induced neuroprotection involves opioid receptors activation.
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Gutknecht E, Hauger RL, Van der Linden I, Vauquelin G, Dautzenberg FM. Expression, binding, and signaling properties of CRF2(a) receptors endogenously expressed in human retinoblastoma Y79 cells: passage-dependent regulation of functional receptors. J Neurochem 2007; 104:926-36. [PMID: 17976162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous expression of the corticotropin-releasing factor type 2a receptor [CRF2(a)] but not CRF2(b) and CRF2(c) was observed in higher passage cultures of human Y79 retinoblastoma cells. Functional studies further demonstrated an increase in CRF2(a) mRNA and protein levels with higher passage numbers (> 20 passages). Although the CRF1 receptor was expressed at higher levels than the CRF2(a) receptor, both receptors were easily distinguishable from one another by selective receptor ligands. CRF(1)-preferring or non-selective agonists such as CRF, urocortin 1 (UCN1), and sauvagine stimulated cAMP production in Y79 to maximal responses of approximately 100 pmoles/10(5) cells, whereas the exclusive CRF2 receptor-selective agonists UCN2 and 3 stimulated cAMP production to maximal responses of approximately 25-30 pmoles/10(5) cells. UCN2 and 3-mediated cAMP stimulation was potently blocked by the approximately 300-fold selective CRF2 antagonist antisauvagine (IC50 = 6.5 +/- 1.6 nmol/L), whereas the CRF(1)-selective antagonist NBI27914 only blocked cAMP responses at concentrations > 10 microL. When the CRF(1)-preferring agonist ovine CRF was used to activate cAMP signaling, NBI27914 (IC50 = 38.4 +/- 3.6 nmol/L) was a more potent inhibitor than antisauvagine (IC50 = 2.04 +/- 0.2 microL). Finally, UCN2 and 3 treatment potently and rapidly desensitized the CRF2 receptor responses in Y79 cells. These data demonstrate that Y79 cells express functional CRF1 and CRF2a receptors and that the CRF2(a) receptor protein is up-regulated during prolonged culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Gutknecht
- CNS Research, Johnson & Johnson Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
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Wang J, Li S. Corticotropin-releasing factor family and its receptors: tumor therapeutic targets? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 362:785-8. [PMID: 17822675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 08/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are members of CRF family. Though CRF is mainly distributed in central nervous system (CNS), UCN has been reported to play biologically diverse roles in several systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, stress, immunologic system, etc. UCN and CRF bind to two known receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2, to function. Both CRF receptors are distributed in CNS and periphery tissues, and their expression in cancer tissues has been reported. Now there are many documents indicating UCN/CRF play an important role in the regulation of carcinogenesis. There is also evidence indicating UCN/CRF have anticancer effects via CRFRs. This paper will review the effects of CRF family in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juejin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
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Becker K, Abraham A, Kindler J, Helmeke C, Braun K. Exposure to neonatal separation stress alters exploratory behavior and corticotropin releasing factor expression in neurons in the amygdala and hippocampus. Dev Neurobiol 2007; 67:617-29. [PMID: 17443812 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that early emotional experience interferes with the development of the limbic system, which is involved in perception and regulation of emotional behaviors as well as in learning and memory formation. Limbic brain regions, as well as hypothalamic regions and other, nonlimbic areas contain specific neuron subpopulations, which express and release corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Since these neurons serve to connect limbic function to endocrine, stress-related responses, we proposed that stressful experience during early postnatal brain development should interfere with the development of CRF-containing neurons, particularly in brain regions essential for emotional regulation. Applying neonatal separation stress (daily 1 h separation from the parents and litter mates) as stressor, the number of immunocytochemically identified CRF-expressing neurons/fibers was quantified in the amygdala, hippocampus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, piriform cortex, and the somatosensory cortex of 3-week-old stressed and nonstressed Octodon degus, a semi-precocial rodent. Compared to controls neonatally stressed animals showed significantly lower levels of CRF-positive fibers (-60%) in the central amygdala, significantly less CRF-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus (-28%) and the CA1 region (-29%) and significantly lower CRF cell densities in the somatosensory cortex (-26%). On the other hand, we found significantly higher numbers of CRF-immunoreactive neurons in the basolateral amygdaloid complex (+192%) of stressed animals compared to nonstressed controls. No differences in CRF-immunoreactive cell densities were detected in the other regions. Additional behavioral analysis revealed significantly elevated exploratory behavior (+34%) in stressed animals compared to controls, which might indicate reduced anxiety in the stressed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Becker
- Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
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Arzt E, Holsboer F. CRF signaling: molecular specificity for drug targeting in the CNS. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2006; 27:531-8. [PMID: 16935354 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2006.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Revised: 07/24/2006] [Accepted: 08/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) is the key mediator of the central nervous system response needed to adapt to stress. If adaptation fails, hypersecretion of CRF continues and produces, via CRF type 1 receptors, symptoms pertaining to cognition, appetite, sleep and anxiety, implicating CRF as a causal factor in affective disorders. Clinical studies with CRF receptor 1 antagonists support a novel pharmacological strategy for treating stress-related disorders. Here we summarize recent information obtained on CRF receptor 1 signaling and propose the concept of a more focused pharmacological intervention based on the signaling pathways involved. Recent findings suggest that CRF activates, via the same CRF receptor 1, different signaling pathways in specific areas of the brain. This intracellular and neuroanatomical signaling specificity will facilitate the search for less pleiotropic antagonists and new chemical compounds that modulate signal transduction in a site-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Arzt
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, Departamento Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hauger RL, Risbrough V, Brauns O, Dautzenberg FM. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor signaling in the central nervous system: new molecular targets. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2006; 5:453-79. [PMID: 16918397 PMCID: PMC1925123 DOI: 10.2174/187152706777950684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the related urocortin peptides mediate behavioral, cognitive, autonomic, neuroendocrine and immunologic responses to aversive stimuli by activating CRF(1) or CRF(2) receptors in the central nervous system and anterior pituitary. Markers of hyperactive central CRF systems, including CRF hypersecretion and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, have been identified in subpopulations of patients with anxiety, stress and depressive disorders. Because CRF receptors are rapidly desensitized in the presence of high agonist concentrations, CRF hypersecretion alone may be insufficient to account for the enhanced CRF neurotransmission observed in these patients. Concomitant dysregulation of mechanisms stringently controlling magnitude and duration of CRF receptor signaling also may contribute to this phenomenon. While it is well established that the CRF(1) receptor mediates many anxiety- and depression-like behaviors as well as HPA axis stress responses, CRF(2) receptor functions are not well understood at present. One hypothesis holds that CRF(1) receptor activation initiates fear and anxiety-like responses, while CRF(2) receptor activation re-establishes homeostasis by counteracting the aversive effects of CRF(1) receptor signaling. An alternative hypothesis posits that CRF(1) and CRF(2) receptors contribute to opposite defensive modes, with CRF(1) receptors mediating active defensive responses triggered by escapable stressors, and CRF(2) receptors mediating anxiety- and depression-like responses induced by inescapable, uncontrollable stressors. CRF(1) receptor antagonists are being developed as novel treatments for affective and stress disorders. If it is confirmed that the CRF(2) receptor contributes importantly to anxiety and depression, the development of small molecule CRF(2) receptor antagonists would be therapeutically useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Hauger
- San Diego VA Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 929093-0603, USA.
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Choi JS, Pham TTH, Jang YJ, Bui BC, Lee BH, Joo KM, Cha CI, Lee KH. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin promote the survival of cultured cerebellar GABAergic neurons through the type 1 CRF receptor. J Korean Med Sci 2006; 21:518-26. [PMID: 16778399 PMCID: PMC2729961 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2006.21.3.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is known to be involved in the stress response and in some degenerative brain disorders. In addition, CRF has a role as a neuromodulator in adult cerebellar circuits. Data from developmental studies suggest a putative role for CRF as a trophic factor during cerebellar development. In this study, we investigated the trophic role for CRF family of peptides by culturing cerebellar neurons in the presence of CRF, urocortin or urocortin II. Primary cell cultures of cerebella from embryonic day 18 mice were established, and cells were treated for either 1, 5 or 9 days with Basal Medium Eagles complete medium alone or complete medium with 1 microM CRF, urocortin, or urocortin II. The number of GABA-positive neurons in each treatment condition was counted at each culture age for monitoring the changes in neuronal survival. Treatment with 1 microM CRF or 1 microM urocortin increased the survival of GABAergic neurons at 6 days in vitro and 10 days in vitro, and this survival promoting effect was abolished by treatment with astressin in the presence of those peptides. Based on these data, we suggest that CRF or urocortin has a trophic role promoting the survival of cerebellar GABAergic neurons in cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sun Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Thao Thi Hien Pham
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Yoon-Jin Jang
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bao Chi Bui
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bong-Hee Lee
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeong-Min Joo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Choong-Ik Cha
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Hillhouse EW, Grammatopoulos DK. The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the biological activity of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors: implications for physiology and pathophysiology. Endocr Rev 2006; 27:260-86. [PMID: 16484629 DOI: 10.1210/er.2005-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The CRH receptor (CRH-R) is a member of the secretin family of G protein-coupled receptors. Wide expression of CRH-Rs in the central nervous system and periphery ensures that their cognate agonists, the family of CRH-like peptides, are capable of exerting a wide spectrum of actions that underpin their critical role in integrating the stress response and coordinating the activity of fundamental physiological functions, such as the regulation of the cardiovascular system, energy balance, and homeostasis. Two types of mammal CRH-R exist, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, each with unique splicing patterns and remarkably distinct pharmacological properties, but similar signaling properties, probably reflecting their distinct and sometimes contrasting biological functions. The regulation of CRH-R expression and activity is not fully elucidated, and we only now begin to fully understand the impact on mammalian pathophysiology. The focus of this review is the current and evolving understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling CRH-R biological activity and functional flexibility. This shows notable tissue-specific characteristics, highlighted by their ability to couple to distinct G proteins and activate tissue-specific signaling cascades. The type of activating agonist, receptor, and target cell appears to play a major role in determining the overall signaling and biological responses in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Hillhouse
- The Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK.
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Traver S, Marien M, Martin E, Hirsch EC, Michel PP. The phenotypic differentiation of locus ceruleus noradrenergic neurons mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor is enhanced by corticotropin releasing factor through the activation of a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway. Mol Pharmacol 2006; 70:30-40. [PMID: 16569708 DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.022715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a model system of locus ceruleus (LC) neurons in culture, in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces the emergence of noradrenergic neurons attested by the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and the absence of phenylethanolamine N-methyl-transferase. Although inactive in itself, the neuropeptide corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) strongly amplified the effect of BDNF, increasing the number of cells expressing TH and the active accumulation of noradrenaline by a factor of 2 to 3 via a mechanism that was nonmitogenic. CRF also acted cooperatively with neurotrophin-4, which like BDNF is a selective ligand of the TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor. The effect of CRF but not that of BDNF was prevented by astressin, a nonselective CRF-1/CRF-2 receptor antagonist. However, only CRF-1 receptor transcripts were detectable in LC cultures, suggesting that this receptor subtype mediated the effect of CRF. Consistent with the positive coupling of CRF-1 receptors to adenylate cyclase, the trophic action of CRF was mimicked by cAMP elevating agents. Epac, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor directly activated by cAMP, contributed to the effect of CRF through the stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1/2. However, downstream of ERK1/2 activation by CRF, the phenotypic induction of noradrenergic neurons relied upon the stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt transduction pathway by BDNF. Together, our results suggest that CRF participates to the phenotypic differentiation of LC noradrenergic neurons during development. Whether similar mechanisms account for the high degree of plasticity of these neurons in the adult brain remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Traver
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 679, INSERM-UPMC Bâtiment Pharmacie, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, 47 bd de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
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Boorse GC, Denver RJ. Widespread tissue distribution and diverse functions of corticotropin-releasing factor and related peptides. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 146:9-18. [PMID: 16413023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2005] [Revised: 11/18/2005] [Accepted: 11/26/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Peptides of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family are expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues where they play diverse roles in physiology, behavior, and development. Current data supports the existence of four paralogous genes in vertebrates that encode CRF, urocortin/urotensin 1, urocortin 2 or urocortin 3. Corticotropin-releasing factor is the major hypophysiotropin for adrenocorticotropin, and also functions as a thyrotropin-releasing factor in non-mammalian species. In the CNS, CRF peptides function as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. Recent work shows that CRF peptides are also expressed at diverse sites outside of the CNS in mammals, and we found widespread expression of CRF and urocortins, CRF receptors and CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) genes in the frog Xenopus laevis. The functions of CRF peptides expressed in the periphery in non-mammalian species are largely unexplored. We recently found that CRF acts as a cytoprotective agent in the X. laevis tadpole tail, and that the CRF-BP can block CRF action and hasten tail muscle cell death. The expression of the CRF-BP is strongly upregulated in the tadpole tail at metamorphic climax where it may neutralize CRF bioactivity, thus promoting tail resorption. Corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortins are also known to be cytoprotective in mammalian cells. Thus, CRF peptides may play diverse roles in physiology and development, and these functions likely arose early in vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Boorse
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA
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Boorse GC, Kholdani CA, Seasholtz AF, Denver RJ. Corticotropin-releasing factor is cytoprotective in Xenopus tadpole tail: coordination of ligand, receptor, and binding protein in tail muscle cell survival. Endocrinology 2006; 147:1498-507. [PMID: 16322064 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Upon metamorphosis, amphibian tadpoles lose their tails through programmed cell death induced by thyroid hormone (T3). Before transformation, the tail functions as an essential locomotory organ. The binding protein for the stress neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF; CRF-BP) is strongly up-regulated in the tail of Xenopus tadpoles during spontaneous or T3-induced metamorphosis. This finding led us to investigate physiological roles for CRF and CRF-BP in tadpole tail. We found CRF, CRF-BP, and functional CRF1 receptor in tail and CRF and functional CRF1 receptors, but not CRF-BP, in the tail muscle-derived cell line XLT-15. CRF, acting via the CRF1 receptor, slowed spontaneous tail regression in explant culture and caused a reduction in caspase 3/7 activity. CRF increased, but stable CRF-BP overexpression decreased, [3H]thymidine incorporation in XLT-15 cells. Overexpression of CRF-BP in vivo accelerated the loss of tail muscle cells during spontaneous metamorphosis. Lastly, exposure of tail explants to hypoxia increased CRF and urocortin 1 but strongly decreased CRF-BP mRNA expression. We show that CRF is expressed in tadpole tail, is up-regulated by environmental stressors, and is cytoprotective. The inhibitory binding protein for CRF is regulated by hormones or by environmental stressors and can modulate CRF bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Boorse
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048, USA
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Ribeiro-Carvalho A, Manhães AC, Abreu-Villaça Y, Filgueiras CC. Early callosal absence disrupts the establishment of normal neocortical structure in Swiss mice. Int J Dev Neurosci 2006; 24:15-21. [PMID: 16426795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2005] [Revised: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 12/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the ontogenetic development of the corpus callosum is relevant for the establishment of a normal neocortical structure. To that effect, neocortical morphology (thickness and neuronal density) was analyzed in adult Swiss mice rendered acallosal by midline transection at the first postnatal day (Acallosal group) and in non-manipulated mice. The neocortical thicknesses and neuronal densities of layers II+III through VI were measured in area 6 and at the 17/18a border, both of which present abundant callosal inputs, and in the relatively acallosal area 17. For the thickness measure, significant differences between Non-manipulated and Acallosal groups were only found in the areas that receive massive callosal connections. In area 6, Acallosal mice presented a reduced thickness of layer V, while at the 17/18a border, these mice presented a reduced thickness of layers II+III when compared to non-manipulated ones. No statistical difference between acallosal and non-manipulated mice was found regarding the neuronal density measure. The reduced cortical thickness associated with a comparatively normal neuronal density in neocortical regions which normally have abundant callosal connections suggest a reduction in the number of cortical neurons in acallosal mice. Altogether, the present data indicate that the input provided by callosal axons is necessary for the normal development of the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Ribeiro-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Manuel de Abreu 444, 5 Andar, Vila Isabel, RJ 20550-170, Brazil
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Plamondon H, Khan S. The CRH1 antagonist CP154,526 failed to alter ischemia-induced neurodegeneration and spatial memory deficits in rats but inhibited behavioral activity in the novel open field. Behav Brain Res 2006; 166:85-92. [PMID: 16183143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2005.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Revised: 07/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated in ischemia-induced neurotoxicity, due in part to excitatory effects at the hippocampus, and the demonstrated neuroprotective effects of centrally administered, non-specific CRH antagonists. However, a number of issues remain to be clarified from these studies, including the relative contribution of CRH receptor subtypes, and the efficacy of these compounds to alter ischemia-induced behavioral impairments. In the current study, a highly selective, systemically administered CRH1 antagonist (CP154,526) failed to reverse global ischemia-induced cell death in hippocampal CA1 neurons or spatial memory impairments as assessed in the radial arm maze. Similarly, central administration of alpha-helical CRH failed to confer protection against ischemic damage. Interestingly, CRH1 antagonism reversed ischemia-induced hyperactivity in a novel open field, suggesting that modulation of this behavior is independent of effects on hippocampal CA1 cell loss. Failure of the current study to demonstrate neuroprotective effects of either the selective or non-selective CRH antagonists tested challenges the proposed neurotoxic role of CRH in global ischemia. These findings are discussed in relationship to recent findings reconsidering the participation of CRH in excitotoxic-mediated cellular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Plamondon
- University of Ottawa, School of Psychology, Ottawa, Ont. K1N 9A9, Canada.
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Tsatsanis C, Androulidaki A, Dermitzaki E, Charalampopoulos I, Spiess J, Gravanis A, Margioris AN. Urocortin 1 and Urocortin 2 induce macrophage apoptosis via CRFR2. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:4259-64. [PMID: 16054139 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Revised: 06/11/2005] [Accepted: 06/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages undergo apoptosis as a mechanism of regulating their activation and the inflammatory reaction. Macrophages express the Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor-2 (CRFR2) the endogenous agonists of which, the urocortins, are also present at the site of inflammation. We have found that urocortins induced macrophage apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner via CRFR2. In contrast to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis, the pro-apoptosis pathway activated by urocortins involved the pro-apoptotic Bax and Bad proteins and not nitric oxide, JNK and p38MAPK characteristic of LPS. In conclusion, our data suggest that endogenous CRFR2 ligands exert an anti-inflammatory effect via induction of macrophage apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tsatsanis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete GR-710 03, Greece.
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Bayatti N, Behl C. The neuroprotective actions of corticotropin releasing hormone. Ageing Res Rev 2005; 4:258-70. [PMID: 16046283 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2005.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2005] [Accepted: 02/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) modulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and has a key role in mediating neuroendocrine effects that occur in response to stressful stimuli. Disruption of the CRH system however has been shown to be closely associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and these observations prompted an investigation into the potential neuroprotective effects of the hormone. In addition to its regulatory affects on the molecular processes that underlie AD i.e., amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and potentially tau phosphorylation, evidence is provided that the neuroprotective effects of CRH are mediated by a number of diverse mechanisms. These stem from activation of its high affinity receptor, the CRH type 1 receptor, and involve the induction of protective intracellular pathways including PKA-CREB that eventually lead to expression of neurotrophic factors. Conversely, inhibition of harmful events, such as caspase activation during apoptosis may also occur. Taken together, an impressive amount of evidence has accumulated recently, highlighting this new and potentially important function of CRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadhim Bayatti
- Neural Development, Plasticity and Repair, Sir James Spence Institute (Child Health), School of Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
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Refojo D, Echenique C, Müller MB, Reul JMHM, Deussing JM, Wurst W, Sillaber I, Paez-Pereda M, Holsboer F, Arzt E. Corticotropin-releasing hormone activates ERK1/2 MAPK in specific brain areas. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:6183-8. [PMID: 15833812 PMCID: PMC1087957 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502070102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) coordinates hormonal and behavioral responses to stress. The mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mediates several functions in different forebrain structures and recently has been implicated in CRH signaling in cultured cells. To study in vivo CRH-mediated activation of central ERK1/2, we investigated the expression pattern of the phosphorylated ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2) in the mouse brain after intracerebroventricular CRH injections. As shown by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy analysis, CRH administration increased p-ERK1/2 levels specifically in the CA3 and CA1 hippocampal subfields and basolateral complex of the amygdala, both structures related to external environmental information processing and behavioral aspects of stress. Other regions such as hypothalamic nuclei and the central nucleus of the amygdala, also related to central CRH system but involved in the processing of the ascending visceral information and neuroendocrine-autonomic response to stress, did not show CRH-mediated ERK1/2 activation. To dissect the involvement of CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) and CRHR2, we used conditional knockout mice in which Crhr1 is inactivated in the anterior forebrain and limbic structures. The conditional genetic ablation of Crhr1 inhibited the p-ERK1/2 increase, underlining the involvement of CRHR1 in the CRH-mediated activation. These findings underscore the fact that CRH activates p-ERK1/2 through CRHR1 only in selected brain regions, pointing to a specific role of this pathway in mediating behavioral adaptation to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Refojo
- Departamento Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Linden R, Martins RAP, Silveira MS. Control of programmed cell death by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the developing mammalian retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2004; 24:457-91. [PMID: 15845345 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
It has long been known that a barrage of signals from neighboring and connecting cells, as well as components of the extracellular matrix, control cell survival. Given the extensive repertoire of retinal neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neurotrophic factors, and the exhuberant interconnectivity of retinal interneurons, it is likely that various classes of released neuroactive substances may be involved in the control of sensitivity to retinal cell death. The aim of this article is to review evidence that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides control the sensitivity to programmed cell death in the developing retina. Whereas the best understood mechanism of execution of cell death is that of caspase-mediated apoptosis, current evidence shows that not only there are many parallel pathways to apoptotic cell death, but non-apoptotic programs of execution of cell death are also available, and may be triggered either in isolation or combined with apoptosis. The experimental data show that many upstream signaling pathways can modulate cell death, including those dependent on the second messengers cAMP-PKA, calcium and nitric oxide. Evidence for anterograde neurotrophic control is provided by a variety of models of the central nervous system, and the data reviewed here indicate that an early function of certain neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and dopamine, as well as neuropeptides such as pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide is the trophic support of cell populations in the developing retina. This may have implications both regarding the mechanisms of retinal organogenesis, as well as pathological conditions leading to retinal dystrophies and to dysfunctional cellular behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Linden
- Centro de Ciencias da Saude, Instituto de Biofísica da UFRJ, Cidade Universitária, bloco G, Rio de Janeiro 21949-900, Brazil.
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Peeters PJ, Göhlmann HW, Van den Wyngaert I, Swagemakers SM, Bijnens L, Kass SU, Steckler T. Transcriptional Response to Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in AtT-20 Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2004; 66:1083-92. [PMID: 15272051 DOI: 10.1124/mol.104.000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mediating endocrine and behavioral responses to various stressors. Two high-affinity receptors for CRF have been described. Although many of the intracellular signaling pathways activated by CRF have been studied extensively, our knowledge of transcriptional responses downstream of the CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) is still limited. To elucidate gene networks regulated by CRF and CRFR1, we applied microarray technology to explore transcriptional response to CRF stimulation. Therefore, mouse pituitary-derived AtT-20 cells were exposed continuously to CRF either in the presence or absence of the specific CRFR1 antagonist R121919. Transcriptional responses to different treatments were studied in a time course ranging from 0.5 to 24 h. Microarray data were analyzed using classic microarray data analysis tools such as correspondence factor analysis, cluster analysis, and fold-change filtering. Furthermore, spectral map analysis was applied, a recently introduced unsupervised multivariate analysis method. A broad and transient transcriptional response to CRF was identified that could be blocked by the antagonist. This way, several known CRF-induced target genes and novel CRF responsive genes were identified. These include transcription factors such as cAMP-responsive element modulator (7x increased), secreted peptides such as cholecystokinin (1.5x), and proteins involved in modulating intracellular signaling, such as regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (11x). Up-regulation of many of these genes can be explained as negative feedback, attenuating CRF-activated pathways. In addition, spectral map analysis proved to be a promising new tool for microarray data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter J Peeters
- Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium.
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Madtes P, Lee KH, King JS, Burry RW. Corticotropin releasing factor enhances survival of cultured GABAergic cerebellar neurons after exposure to a neurotoxin. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 151:119-28. [PMID: 15246698 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2004.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), in addition to its role as a hormone in the stress response, functions as a neuromodulator in the cerebellum, where it enhances both the spontaneous and amino acid induced firing rate of Purkinje cells. In the cerebellum, CRF and its two types of receptors (CRF-R(1) and CRF-R(2)) are present during cerebellar development at ages that precede the onset of afferent ingrowth and synaptogenesis, suggesting a distinct role during early cerebellar development. The present study was undertaken to determine whether CRF enhances the survival of cerebellar neurons, in particular GABAergic neurons. Primary cultures of cerebellar neurons obtained from embryonic day 18 mice were composed primarily, but not exclusively, of GABAergic neurons. Although CRF-R(1) is present in most neurons in this culture system, when CRF was added to the medium, no significant change in neuronal survival was observed when compared to control cultures. It is possible that a role for CRF is not seen in growth-promoting culture medium at the plating density chosen for this study and may only be evident when the cells have been exposed to conditions that reduce the likelihood of survival, such as exposure to neurotoxins such as AraC. We propose that, because AraC increases the number of cleaved caspase-3 positive cells, indicating apoptosis, it is possible that a CRF effect involves an inhibition of the apoptotic pathway. Cultures treated with AraC had a decrease in the total number of GABAergic neurons and an increase in apoptotic cells as measured with the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3. Co-treatment with CRF rescued many GABAergic neurons. It is interesting to note that apoptotic cells do not exhibit GABA or c-fos positive immunolabeling. Thus, these data support the concept that CRF plays a neuroprotective role in the survival of GABAergic cerebellar neurons in culture after exposure to a neurotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Madtes
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in the hippocampus and its modulation by corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2: a possible link between stress and fear memory. J Neurosci 2004. [PMID: 14673008 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-36-11436.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A coordinated activation of multiple interlinked signaling pathways involving cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Mek-1/2) regulates gene expression and neuronal changes underlying memory consolidation. In the present study we investigated whether these molecular cascades might mediate the effects of stress on memory formation. We also investigated the role of hippocampal corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2) in stress-enhanced learning and molecular signaling mediated by PKA, Mek-1/2, and their downstream targets extracellularly regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Erk-1/2) and p90-ribosomal-s-kinase-1 (p90Rsk-1). Acute 1 hr immobilization was used as a stressful stimulus, and one-trial context-dependent fear conditioning was used as a model for associative learning. Training of BALB/c mice 3 hr after the end of immobilization resulted in an enhancement of conditioned fear, as indicated by significantly increased freezing behavior of stressed when compared with nonstressed mice. Interestingly, Erk-1/2 phosphorylation after conditioning of nonstressed and stressed mice depended on PKA and Mek-1/2, respectively. Intrahippocampal injection of the selective Mek-1/2 inhibitor U0126 or CRF2 antagonist antisauvagine-30 (aSvg-30) prevented stress-enhanced fear conditioning and Mek-1/2-dependent activation of Erk-1/2 and p90Rsk-1. aSvg-30 did not affect the phosphorylation of the PKA regulatory subunit II of stressed mice. The molecular and behavioral effects of CRF2 coincided with stress-induced upregulation of CRF2 mRNA. These results suggest that modulation of Mek-1/2-dependent signaling by hippocampal CRF2 can be selectively involved in the delayed effects of stress on memory consolidation.
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