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Freiin von Hövel F, Kefalakes E, Grothe C. What Can We Learn from FGF-2 Isoform-Specific Mouse Mutants? Differential Insights into FGF-2 Physiology In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010390. [PMID: 33396566 PMCID: PMC7795026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), ubiquitously expressed in humans and mice, is functionally involved in cell growth, migration and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Based on the same mRNA, an 18-kilo Dalton (kDa) FGF-2 isoform named FGF-2 low molecular weight (FGF-2LMW) isoform is translated in humans and rodents. Additionally, two larger isoforms weighing 21 and 22 kDa also exist, summarized as the FGF-2 high molecular weight (FGF-2HMW) isoform. Meanwhile, the human FGF-2HMW comprises a 22, 23, 24 and 34 kDa protein. Independent studies verified a specific intracellular localization, mode of action and tissue-specific spatiotemporal expression of the FGF-2 isoforms, increasing the complexity of their physiological and pathophysiological roles. In order to analyze their spectrum of effects, FGF-2LMW knock out (ko) and FGF-2HMWko mice have been generated, as well as mice specifically overexpressing either FGF-2LMW or FGF-2HMW. So far, the development and functionality of the cardiovascular system, bone formation and regeneration as well as their impact on the central nervous system including disease models of neurodegeneration, have been examined. This review provides a summary of the studies characterizing the in vivo effects modulated by the FGF-2 isoforms and, thus, offers a comprehensive overview of its actions in the aforementioned organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Freiin von Hövel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany;
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-532-2897; Fax: +49-511-532-2880
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Status Epilepticus Increases Cell Proliferation and Neurogenesis in the Developing Rat Cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 19:48-57. [PMID: 31656012 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) promotes neuronal proliferation and differentiation in the adult and developing rodent hippocampus. However, the effect of SE on other neurogenic brain regions such as the cerebellum has been less explored. To determine whether SE induced by pentylentetrazole (PTZ-SE) and lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pilo-SE) increases cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the developing rat cerebellum. SE was induced in 14-day-old (P14) Wistar rat pups (both sexes). One hour after SE and the following day rats were injected intraperitoneally with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg). Seven days after SE, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect BrdU-positive (BrdU+) cells or BrdU/NeuN+ cells in the cerebellar vermis. SE induced by PTZ or Li-Pilo statistically significant increased the number of cerebellar BrdU+ cells when compared with the control group (58% and 40%, respectively); maximal cell proliferation occurred in lobules II, III, VIb, VIc, VIII, IXa, and IXb of PTZ-SE group and II, V, VIc, VII, and X of Li-Pilo-SE group. An increased number of BrdU/NeuN+ cells was detected in lobules V (17 ± 1.9), VIc (25.8 ± 2.7), and VII (26.2 ± 3.4) after Li-Pilo-SE compared to their control group (9.8 ± 1.7, 12.8 ± 2.8, and 11 ± 1.7, respectively), while the number of BrdU/NeuN+ cells remained the same after PTZ-induced SE or control conditions. SE induced in the developing rat by different experimental models increases cell proliferation in the granular layer of the cerebellar vermis, but only SE of limbic seizures increases neurogenesis in specific cerebellar lobes.
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Gene Therapy for Epilepsy. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Zellinger C, Salvamoser JD, Seeger N, Russmann V, Potschka H. Impact of the neural cell adhesion molecule-derived peptide FGL on seizure progression and cellular alterations in the mouse kindling model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:185-93. [PMID: 24456603 DOI: 10.1021/cn400153g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule peptide mimetic fibroblast growth loop (FGL) proved to exert neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory effects in different in vitro and in vivo experiments. Based on this beneficial efficacy profile, it is currently in clinical development for neurodegenerative diseases and brain insults. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that the peptide might affect development of seizures in a kindling paradigm, as well as associated behavioral and cellular alterations. Both doses tested, 2 and 10 mg/kg FGL, significantly reduced the number of stimulations necessary to induce a generalized seizure. FGL did not exert relevant effects on the behavioral patterns of kindled animals. As expected, kindling increased the hippocampal cell proliferation rate. Whereas the low dose of FGL did not affect this kindling-associated alteration, 10 mg/kg FGL proved to attenuate the expansion of the doublecortin-positive cell population. These data suggest that FGL administration might have an impact on disease-associated alterations in the hippocampal neuronal progenitor cell population. In conclusion, the effects of the peptide mimetic FGL in the kindling model do not confirm a disease-modifying effect with a beneficial impact on the development or course of epilepsy. The results obtained with FGL rather raise some concern regarding a putative effect, which might promote the formation of a hyperexcitable network. Future studies are required to further assess the risks in models with development of spontaneous seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zellinger
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Koeniginstrasse 16, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Josephine D. Salvamoser
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Koeniginstrasse 16, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Natalie Seeger
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Koeniginstrasse 16, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Russmann
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Koeniginstrasse 16, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute
of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Koeniginstrasse 16, D-80539 Munich, Germany
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5
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Paradiso B, Zucchini S, Simonato M. Implication of fibroblast growth factors in epileptogenesis-associated circuit rearrangements. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:152. [PMID: 24062643 PMCID: PMC3772316 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transformation of a normal brain in epileptic (epileptogenesis) is associated with extensive morpho-functional alterations, including cell death, axonal and dendritic plasticity, neurogenesis, and others. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) appear to be very strongly implicated in these phenomena. In this review, we focus on the involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family members. Available data demonstrate that the FGFs are highly involved in the generation of the morpho-functional alterations in brain circuitries associated with epileptogenesis. For example, data on FGF2, the most studied member, suggest that it may be implicated both in seizure susceptibility and in seizure-induced plasticity, exerting different, and apparently contrasting effects: favoring acute seizures but reducing seizure-induced cell death. Even if many FGF members are still unexplored and very limited information is available on the FGF receptors, a complex and fascinating picture is emerging: multiple FGFs producing synergic or antagonistic effects one with another (and/or with other NTFs) on biological parameters that, in turn, facilitate or oppose transformation of the normal tissue in epileptic. In principle, identifying key elements in these phenomena may lead to effective therapies, but reaching this goal will require confronting a huge complexity. One first step could be to generate a "neurotrophicome" listing the FGFs (and all other NTFs) that are active during epileptogenesis. This should include identification of the extent to which each NTF is active (concentrations at the site of action); how it is active (local representation of receptor subtypes); when in the natural history of disease this occurs; how the NTF at hand will possibly interact with other NTFs. This is extraordinarily challenging, but holds the promise of a better understanding of epileptogenesis and, at large, of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Paradiso
- 1Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy ; 2Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology Ferrara, Italy ; 3National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy
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Gross BA, Ropper AE, Du R. Association of mesial temporal sclerosis and moyamoya syndrome. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2012; 115:106-7. [PMID: 22541517 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Gross
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Simonato M, Zucchini S. Are the neurotrophic factors a suitable therapeutic target for the prevention of epileptogenesis? Epilepsia 2010; 51 Suppl 3:48-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02609.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Zechel S, Werner S, Unsicker K, von Bohlen und Halbach O. Expression and Functions of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF-2) in Hippocampal Formation. Neuroscientist 2010; 16:357-73. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858410371513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Among the 23 members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, FGF-2 is the most abundant one in the central nervous system. Its impact on neural cells has been profoundly investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies as well as by gene knockout analyses during the past 2 decades. Key functions of FGF-2 in the nervous system include roles in neurogenesis, promotion of axonal growth, differentiation in development, and maintenance and plasticity in adulthood. From a clinical perspective, its prominent role for the maintenance of lesioned neurons (e.g., ischemia and following transection of fiber tracts) is of particular relevance. In the unlesioned brain, FGF-2 is involved in synaptic plasticity and processes attributed to learning and memory. The focus of this review is on the expression of FGF-2 and its receptors in the hippocampal formation and the physiological and pathophysiological roles of FGF-2 in this region during development and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Zechel
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Werner
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Unsicker
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Xi ZQ, Xiao F, Yuan J, Wang XF, Wang L, Quan FY, Liu GW. Gene expression analysis on anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy. Synapse 2009; 63:1017-28. [PMID: 19623530 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the molecular basis of intractable epilepsy (IE), we used a whole-genome transcriptomic approach to identify genes involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Using a complementary DNAs microarray representing 4096 human genes, we analyzed differential gene expression in the anterior temporal neocortex (ATN) of IE patients relative to control patients who had an operation to relieve head trauma-related intracranial pressure. The results were validated by real-time fluorescence-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The expression of 143 genes (3.5%) was significantly altered in IE patients. Thirty-seven genes (26%) were reduced relative to controls, and 106 (74%) were elevated (more than twofold change vs. controls), including genes involved in immunity, signal transduction, apoptosis, stress, synaptic plasticity, structural, and cellular reorganization, among other processes. Results for 13 of the 14 differentially expressed genes tested by FQ-PCR were consistent with the microarray. Twelve abnormally expressed cytoskeletal genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. Expression of 11 was significantly higher in the ATN of IE patients than in controls. Gene products altered in IE, namely HSPBAP1, TRAP220, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), were tested by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. GSK-3beta and CDK5 levels were significantly higher in the ATN of IE patients. Our gene chip data are generally in agreement with the published findings on epilepsy. Thus, gene chips may serve as a screening tool to elucidate the pathophysiology of IE. Investigation of some of these newly identified genes should enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qin Xi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Zacchigna S, Lambrechts D, Carmeliet P. Neurovascular signalling defects in neurodegeneration. Nat Rev Neurosci 2008; 9:169-81. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn2336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Laskowski A, Howell OW, Sosunov AA, Sosuov AA, McKhann G, Gray WP. NPY mediates basal and seizure-induced proliferation in the subcallosal zone. Neuroreport 2007; 18:1005-8. [PMID: 17558285 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0b013e32815277ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell niches exist around the lateral ventricle and in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus, supporting adult neurogenesis. Recently, a third germinal layer, the subcallosal zone has been identified supporting the generation of oligodendrocytes in the adult brain. We have previously described a proliferative role for neuropeptide Y on precursors in the dentate gyrus, caudal subventricular zone and subcallosal zone under basal conditions and in the dentate gyrus after seizures. Here we sought to determine a role for neuropeptide Y in seizure-induced proliferation in the subcallosal niche. Using the chemoconvulsant kainate and neuropeptide Y(-/-) mice with controls, we show an effect of neuropeptide Y on basal proliferation and demonstrate a significant reduction in seizure-induced proliferation in the subcallosal zone.
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Abstract
1. In recent decades evidence has accumulated demonstrating the birth and functional integration of new neurons in specific regions of the adult mammalian brain, including the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. 2. Studies in a variety of models have revealed genetic, environmental and pharmacological factors that regulate adult neurogenesis. The present review examines some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that could be mediating these regulatory effects in both the normal and dysfunctional brain. 3. The dysregulation of adult neurogenesis may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as psychiatric disorders such as depression. Recent evidence supports this idea and, furthermore, also indicates that factors promoting neurogenesis can modify the onset and progression of specific brain disorders, including Huntington's disease and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Grote
- University Laboratory of Physiology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Xi ZQ, Wang LY, Sun JJ, Liu XZ, Zhu X, Xiao F, Guan LF, Li JM, Wang L, Wang XF. TDAG51 in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy. Neurosci Lett 2007; 425:53-8. [PMID: 17870236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
TDAG51 (T cell death-associated gene 51) is an apoptosis-associated protein. Our aim was to investigate TDAG51 expression in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy (IE), and then to discuss the possible role of TDAG51 in IE. Tissue samples from the anterior temporal neocortex of 33 patients who had surgery for IE were used to detect TDAG51 expression by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We compared these tissues with nine histologically normal anterior temporal lobes from intracranial hypertension patients who had decompression procedures. TDAG51 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells. TDAG51 in IE was significantly higher than that in the controls. These findings were consistently observed using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry techniques. TDAG51 in patients with IE was significantly higher when compared with levels in the controls. This finding suggests TDAG51 is consistent with a possible role of this gene in the evolution of the pathology in IE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-qin Xi
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, 1 You Yi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
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Scharfman HE, Gray WP. Relevance of seizure-induced neurogenesis in animal models of epilepsy to the etiology of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2007; 48 Suppl 2:33-41. [PMID: 17571351 PMCID: PMC2504501 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Seizure induction in laboratory animals is followed by many changes in structure and function, and one of these is an increase in neurogenesis-the birth of new neurons. This phenomenon may be relevant to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), because one of the regions of the brain where seizure-induced neurogenesis is most robust is the dentate gyrus-an area of the brain that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of TLE. Although initial studies predicted that neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus would be important to normal functions, such as learning and memory, the new neurons that are born after seizures may not necessarily promote normal function. There appears to be a complex functional and structural relationship between the new dentate gyrus neurons and preexisting cells, both in the animal models of TLE and in tissue resected from patients with intractable TLE. These studies provide new insights into the mechanisms of TLE, and suggest novel strategies for intervention that could be used to prevent or treat TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research, Helen Hayes Hospital, New York State Department of Health, West Haverstraw, New York 10993-1195, USA.
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Howell OW, Silva S, Scharfman HE, Sosunov AA, Zaben M, Shtaya A, Shatya A, McKhann G, Herzog H, Laskowski A, Gray WP. Neuropeptide Y is important for basal and seizure-induced precursor cell proliferation in the hippocampus. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 26:174-88. [PMID: 17317195 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2006] [Revised: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 12/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that neuropeptide Y (NPY) regulates neurogenesis in the normal dentate gyrus (DG) via Y(1) receptors (Howell, O.W., Scharfman, H.E., Herzog, H., Sundstrom, L.E., Beck-Sickinger, A. and Gray, W.P. (2003) Neuropeptide Y is neuroproliferative for post-natal hippocampal precursor cells. J Neurochem, 86, 646-659; Howell, O.W., Doyle, K., Goodman, J.H., Scharfman, H.E., Herzog, H., Pringle, A., Beck-Sickinger, A.G. and Gray, W.P. (2005) Neuropeptide Y stimulates neuronal precursor proliferation in the post-natal and adult dentate gyrus. J Neurochem, 93, 560-570). This regulation may be relevant to epilepsy, because seizures increase both NPY expression and precursor cell proliferation in the DG. Therefore, the effects of NPY on DG precursors were evaluated in normal conditions and after status epilepticus. In addition, potentially distinct NPY-responsive precursors were identified, and an analysis performed not only of the DG, but also the caudal subventricular zone (cSVZ) and subcallosal zone (SCZ) where seizures modulate glial precursors. We show a proliferative effect of NPY on multipotent nestin cells expressing the stem cell marker Lewis-X from both the DG and the cSVZ/SCZ in vitro. We confirm an effect on proliferation in the cSVZ/SCZ of Y(1) receptor(-/-) mice and demonstrate a significant reduction in basal and seizure-induced proliferation in the DG of NPY(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owain W Howell
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Southampton, Room LD70, D Level, South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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Simonato M, Tongiorgi E, Kokaia M. Angels and demons: neurotrophic factors and epilepsy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2006; 27:631-8. [PMID: 17055067 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2006.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that neurotrophic factors (NTFs) could be key causal mediators in the development of acquired epileptic syndromes. Yet the trophic properties of NTFs indicate that they might be used to treat epilepsy-associated damage. Accordingly, different NTFs, or even the same NTF, could produce functionally contrasting effects in the context of epilepsy. Recent experimental evidence begins to shed light on the mechanisms underlying these contrasting effects. Understanding these mechanisms will be instrumental for the development of effective therapies, which must be based on a careful consideration of the biological properties of NTFs. Here, we critically evaluate new information emerging in this area and discuss its implications for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Simonato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44100, Italy.
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