1
|
Li W, Lipsius K, Burns NG, Sato R, Rehman A, Xue H, Combs C, Minichiello L, Gangrade H, Tampakakis E, Mukouyama YS. Vascular smooth muscle cell-derived nerve growth factor regulates sympathetic collateral branching to innervate blood vessels in embryonic skin. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060147. [PMID: 38639409 PMCID: PMC11139032 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels serve as intermediate conduits for the extension of sympathetic axons towards target tissues, while also acting as crucial targets for their homeostatic processes encompassing the regulation of temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen availability. How sympathetic axons innervate not only blood vessels but also a wide array of target tissues is not clear. Here we show that in embryonic skin, after the establishment of co-branching between sensory nerves and blood vessels, sympathetic axons invade the skin alongside these sensory nerves and extend their branches towards these blood vessels covered by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Our mosaic labeling technique for sympathetic axons shows that collateral branching predominantly mediates the innervation of VSMC-covered blood vessels by sympathetic axons. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), previously known to induce collateral axon branching in culture, can be detected in the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-covered blood vessels, as well as sensory nerves. Indeed, VSMC-specific Ngf knockout leads to a significant decrease of collateral branching of sympathetic axons innervating VSMC-covered blood vessels. These data suggest that VSMC-derived NGF serves as an inductive signal for collateral branching of sympathetic axons innervating blood vessels in the embryonic skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenling Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Development Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine Lipsius
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Development Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nathan G. Burns
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Development Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryo Sato
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Development Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Azaan Rehman
- Imaging AI Program, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hui Xue
- Imaging AI Program, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christian Combs
- Light Microscopy Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Harshi Gangrade
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Emmanouil Tampakakis
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yoh-suke Mukouyama
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Development Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Calvo-Enrique L, Lisa S, Vicente-García C, Deogracias R, Arévalo JC. Enhanced TrkA signaling impairs basal forebrain-dependent behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1266983. [PMID: 37808473 PMCID: PMC10556247 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1266983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) modulate cognitive functions such as attention, learning and memory. The NGF/TrkA pathway plays an important role in the development and function of BFCNs, although two mouse models conditionally deleting TrkA expression in the central nervous system (CNS) have shown contradictory results. To shed light into this discrepancy, we used a mouse model with a gain-of-function in TrkA receptor signaling. Our results indicate that enhanced TrkA signaling did not alter hippocampal cholinergic innervation, general locomotion or anxiety-related behaviors, but it increases ChAT expression, the number of cholinergic neurons at early postnatal stages and, mutant mice showed impaired motor learning and memory functions. These data demonstrate that proper functioning of the cholinergic system in CNS requires a balanced NGF/TrkA signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Calvo-Enrique
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Vicente-García
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ruben Deogracias
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arévalo
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Testa G, Mainardi M, Vannini E, Pancrazi L, Cattaneo A, Costa M. Disentangling the signaling complexity of nerve growth factor receptors by
CRISPR
/Cas9. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22498. [PMID: 37036720 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101760rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The binding of nerve growth factor (NGF) to the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) and p75NTR receptors activates a large variety of pathways regulating critical processes as diverse as proliferation, differentiation, membrane potential, synaptic plasticity, and pain. To ascertain the details of TrkA-p75NTR interaction and cooperation, a plethora of experiments, mostly based on receptor overexpression or downregulation, have been performed. Among the heterogeneous cellular systems used for studying NGF signaling, the PC12 pheochromocytoma-derived cell line is a widely used model. By means of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we created PC12 cells lacking TrkA, p75NTR , or both. We found that TrkA-null cells become unresponsive to NGF. Conversely, the absence of p75NTR enhances the phosphorylation of TrkA and its effectors. Using a patch-clamp, we demonstrated that the individual activation of TrkA and p75NTR by NGF results in antagonizing effects on the membrane potential. These newly developed PC12 cell lines can be used to investigate the specific roles of TrkA and p75NTR in a genetically defined cellular model, thus providing a useful platform for future studies and further gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Testa
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
| | - Marco Mainardi
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Eleonora Vannini
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Laura Pancrazi
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- European Brain Research Institute “Rita Levi Montalcini” (EBRI) Rome Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
- Centro Pisano ricerca e implementazione clinica Flash Radiotherapy “CPFR@CISUP”, “S. Chiara” Hospital Pisa Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A functional circuit formed by the autonomic nerves and myofibroblasts controls mammalian alveolar formation for gas exchange. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1566-1581.e7. [PMID: 35714603 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar formation increases the surface area for gas exchange. A molecular understanding of alveologenesis remains incomplete. Here, we show that the autonomic nerve and alveolar myofibroblast form a functional unit in mice. Myofibroblasts secrete neurotrophins to promote neurite extension/survival, whereas neurotransmitters released from autonomic terminals are necessary for myofibroblast proliferation and migration, a key step in alveologenesis. This establishes a functional link between autonomic innervation and alveolar formation. We also discover that planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling employs a Wnt-Fz/Ror-Vangl cascade to regulate the cytoskeleton and neurotransmitter trafficking/release from the terminals of autonomic nerves. This represents a new aspect of PCP signaling in conferring cellular properties. Together, these studies offer molecular insight into how autonomic activity controls alveolar formation. Our work also illustrates the fundamental principle of how two tissues (e.g., nerves and lungs) interact to build alveoli at the organismal level.
Collapse
|
5
|
TrkA-cholinergic signaling modulates fear encoding and extinction learning in PTSD-like behavior. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:111. [PMID: 35301275 PMCID: PMC8931170 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that the use of cognitive enhancers as adjuncts to exposure-based therapy in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be beneficial. Brain cholinergic signaling through basal forebrain projections to the hippocampus is an established pathway mediating fear response and cognitive flexibility. Here we employed a genetic strategy to enhance cholinergic activity through increased signaling of the NGF receptor TrkA. This strategy leads to increased levels of the marker of cholinergic activation, acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase, in forebrain cholinergic regions and their projection areas such as the hippocampus. Mice with increased cholinergic activity do not display any neurobehavioral abnormalities except a selective attenuation of fear response and lower fear expression in extinction trials. Reduction in fear response is rescued by the GABA antagonist picrotoxin in mutant mice, and, in wild-type mice, is mimicked by the GABA agonist midazolam suggesting that GABA can modulate cholinergic functions on fear circuitries. Importantly, mutant mice also show a reduction in fear processing under stress conditions in a single prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD-like behavior, and augmentation of cholinergic signaling by the drug donepezil in wild-type mice promotes extinction learning in a similar SPS model of PTSD-like behavior. Donepezil is already in clinical use for the treatment of dementia suggesting a new translational application of this drug for improving exposure-based psychotherapy in PTSD patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tampakakis E, Gangrade H, Glavaris S, Htet M, Murphy S, Lin BL, Liu T, Saberi A, Miyamoto M, Kowalski W, Mukouyama YS, Lee G, Minichiello L, Kwon C. Heart neurons use clock genes to control myocyte proliferation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh4181. [PMID: 34851661 PMCID: PMC8635446 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh4181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurons can regulate the development, pathogenesis, and regeneration of target organs. However, the role of neurons during heart development and regeneration remains unclear. We genetically inhibited sympathetic innervation in vivo, which resulted in heart enlargement with an increase in cardiomyocyte number. Transcriptomic and protein analysis showed down-regulation of the two clock gene homologs Period1/Period2 (Per1/Per2) accompanied by up-regulation of cell cycle genes. Per1/Per2 deletion increased heart size and cardiomyocyte proliferation, recapitulating sympathetic neuron–deficient hearts. Conversely, increasing sympathetic activity by norepinephrine treatment induced Per1/Per2 and suppressed cardiomyocyte proliferation. We further found that the two clock genes negatively regulate myocyte mitosis entry through the Wee1 kinase pathway. Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown link between cardiac neurons and clock genes in regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart size and provide mechanistic insights for developing neuromodulation strategies for cardiac regen5eration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Tampakakis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Harshi Gangrade
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephanie Glavaris
- Division of Paediatric Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Myo Htet
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sean Murphy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, Cellular, and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brian Leei Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ting Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amir Saberi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Matthew Miyamoto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, Cellular, and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - William Kowalski
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoh-Suke Mukouyama
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Neuro-Vascular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gabsang Lee
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Chulan Kwon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, Cellular, and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
NGF-TrkA signaling dictates neural ingrowth and aberrant osteochondral differentiation after soft tissue trauma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4939. [PMID: 34400627 PMCID: PMC8368242 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25143-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a central feature of soft tissue trauma, which under certain contexts, results in aberrant osteochondral differentiation of tissue-specific stem cells. Here, the role of sensory nerve fibers in this abnormal cell fate decision is investigated using a severe extremity injury model in mice. Soft tissue trauma results in NGF (Nerve growth factor) expression, particularly within perivascular cell types. Consequently, NGF-responsive axonal invasion occurs which precedes osteocartilaginous differentiation. Surgical denervation impedes axonal ingrowth, with significant delays in cartilage and bone formation. Likewise, either deletion of Ngf or two complementary methods to inhibit its receptor TrkA (Tropomyosin receptor kinase A) lead to similar delays in axonal invasion and osteochondral differentiation. Mechanistically, single-cell sequencing suggests a shift from TGFβ to FGF signaling activation among pre-chondrogenic cells after denervation. Finally, analysis of human pathologic specimens and databases confirms the relevance of NGF-TrkA signaling in human disease. In sum, NGF-mediated TrkA-expressing axonal ingrowth drives abnormal osteochondral differentiation after soft tissue trauma. NGF-TrkA signaling inhibition may have dual therapeutic use in soft tissue trauma, both as an analgesic and negative regulator of aberrant stem cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cho JY, Matsukawa N. The unsolved mystery of hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide: A potent cholinergic regulator. Brain Circ 2021; 7:29-32. [PMID: 34084974 PMCID: PMC8057103 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_14_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic efferent networks located from the medial septal nucleus to the hippocampus play a pivotal role in learning and memory outcomes by generating regular theta rhythms that enhance information retention. Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP), derived from the N-terminus of HCNP precursor protein (HCNP-pp), promotes the synthesis of acetylcholine in the medial septal nuclei. HCNP-pp deletion significantly reduced theta power in CA1 possibly due to lower levels of choline acetyltransferase-positive axons in CA1 stratum oriens, suggesting cholinergic disruptions in the septo-hippocampal system. This review also explores HCNP as a potent cholinergic regulator in the septo-hippocampal network while also examining the limitations of our understanding of the neurostimulating peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Y Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
A Neurotrophic Mechanism Directs Sensory Nerve Transit in Cranial Bone. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107696. [PMID: 32460020 PMCID: PMC7335423 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The flat bones of the skull are densely innervated during development, but little is known regarding their role during repair. We describe a neurotrophic mechanism that directs sensory nerve transit in the mouse calvaria. Patent cranial suture mesenchyme represents an NGF (nerve growth factor)-rich domain, in which sensory nerves transit. Experimental calvarial injury upregulates Ngf in an IL-1β/TNF-α-rich defect niche, with consequent axonal ingrowth. In calvarial osteoblasts, IL-1β and TNF-α stimulate Ngf and downstream NF-κB signaling. Locoregional deletion of Ngf delays defect site re-innervation and blunted repair. Genetic disruption of Ngf among LysM-expressing macrophages phenocopies these observations, whereas conditional knockout of Ngf among Pdgfra-expressing cells does not. Finally, inhibition of TrkA catalytic activity similarly delays re-innervation and repair. These results demonstrate an essential role of NGF-TrkA signaling in bone healing and implicate macrophage-derived NGF-induced ingrowth of skeletal sensory nerves as an important mediator of this repair.
Collapse
|
10
|
The effect of nerve growth factor on supporting spatial memory depends upon hippocampal cholinergic innervation. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:162. [PMID: 33723225 PMCID: PMC7961060 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01280-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) gene therapy has been used in clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how NGF influences memory may help develop new strategies for treatment. Both NGF and the cholinergic system play important roles in learning and memory. NGF is essential for maintaining cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus, but it is unclear whether the supportive effect of NGF on learning and memory is specifically dependent upon intact hippocampal cholinergic innervation. Here we characterize the behavior and hippocampal measurements of volume, neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, and cholinergic innervation, in brain-specific Ngf-deficient mice. Our results show that knockout mice exhibit increased anxiety, impaired spatial learning and memory, decreased adult hippocampal volume, neurogenesis, short-term potentiation, and cholinergic innervation. Overexpression of Ngf in the hippocampus of Ngf gene knockout mice rescued spatial memory and partially restored cholinergic innervations, but not anxiety. Selective depletion of hippocampal cholinergic innervation resulted in impaired spatial memory. However, Ngf overexpression in the hippocampus failed to rescue spatial memory in mice with hippocampal-selective cholinergic fiber depletion. In conclusion, we demonstrate the impact of Ngf deficiency in the brain and provide evidence that the effect of NGF on spatial memory is reliant on intact cholinergic innervations in the hippocampus. These results suggest that adequate cholinergic targeting may be a critical requirement for successful use of NGF gene therapy of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Neurotrophin signalling in amygdala-dependent cued fear learning. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:161-172. [PMID: 32845430 PMCID: PMC7529623 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala is a central hub for fear learning assessed by Pavlovian fear conditioning. Indeed, the prevailing hypothesis that learning and memory are mediated by changes in synaptic strength was shown most convincingly at thalamic and cortical afferents to the lateral amygdala. The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to regulate synaptic plasticity and memory formation in many areas of the mammalian brain including the amygdala, where BDNF signalling via tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors is prominently involved in fear learning. This review updates the current understanding of BDNF/TrkB signalling in the amygdala related to fear learning and extinction. In addition, actions of proBDNF/p75NTR and NGF/TrkA as well as NT-3/TrkC signalling in the amygdala are introduced.
Collapse
|
12
|
The NGF R100W Mutation Specifically Impairs Nociception without Affecting Cognitive Performance in a Mouse Model of Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type V. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9702-9715. [PMID: 31685654 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0688-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a key mediator of nociception, acting during the development and differentiation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and on adult DRG neuron sensitization to painful stimuli. NGF also has central actions in the brain, where it regulates the phenotypic maintenance of cholinergic neurons. The physiological function of NGF as a pain mediator is altered in patients with Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy type V (HSAN V), caused by the 661C>T transition in the Ngf gene, resulting in the R100W missense mutation in mature NGF. Homozygous HSAN V patients present with congenital pain insensitivity, but are cognitively normal. This led us to hypothesize that the R100W mutation may differentially affect the central and peripheral actions of NGF. To test this hypothesis and provide a mechanistic basis to the HSAN V phenotype, we generated transgenic mice harboring the human 661C>T mutation in the Ngf gene and studied both males and females. We demonstrate that heterozygous NGFR100W/wt mice display impaired nociception. DRG neurons of NGFR100W/wt mice are morphologically normal, with no alteration in the different DRG subpopulations, whereas skin innervation is reduced. The NGFR100W protein has reduced capability to activate pain-specific signaling, paralleling its reduced ability to induce mechanical allodynia. Surprisingly, however, NGFR100W/wt mice, unlike heterozygous mNGF+/- mice, show no learning or memory deficits, despite a reduction in secretion and brain levels of NGF. The results exclude haploinsufficiency of NGF as a mechanistic cause for heterozygous HSAN V mice and demonstrate a specific effect of the R100W mutation on nociception.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The R100W mutation in nerve growth factor (NGF) causes Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy type V, a rare disease characterized by impaired nociception, even in apparently clinically silent heterozygotes. For the first time, we generated and characterized heterozygous knock-in mice carrying the human R100W-mutated allele (NGFR100W/wt). Mutant mice have normal nociceptor populations, which, however, display decreased activation of pain transduction pathways. NGFR100W interferes with peripheral and central NGF bioavailability, but this does not impact on CNS function, as demonstrated by normal learning and memory, in contrast with heterozygous NGF knock-out mice. Thus, a point mutation allows neurotrophic and pronociceptive functions of NGF to be split, with interesting implications for the treatment of chronic pain.
Collapse
|
13
|
Reduced Cholinergic Activity in the Hippocampus of Hippocampal Cholinergic Neurostimulating Peptide Precursor Protein Knockout Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215367. [PMID: 31661900 PMCID: PMC6862429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic efferent network from the medial septal nucleus to the hippocampus has an important role in learning and memory processes. This cholinergic projection can generate theta oscillations in the hippocampus to efficiently encode novel information. Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP) induces acetylcholine synthesis in medial septal nuclei. HCNP is processed from the N-terminal region of a 186 amino acid, 21 kD HCNP precursor protein called HCNP-pp (also known as Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1)). In this study, we generated HCNP-pp knockout (KO) mice and assessed their cholinergic septo-hippocampal projection, local field potentials in CA1, and behavioral phenotypes. No significant behavioral phenotype was observed in HCNP-pp KO mice. However, theta power in the CA1 of HCNP-pp KO mice was significantly reduced because of fewer cholineacetyltransferase-positive axons in the CA1 stratum oriens. These observations indicated disruption of cholinergic activity in the septo-hippocampal network. Our study demonstrates that HCNP may be a cholinergic regulator in the septo-hippocampal network.
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang JY, Lu HC. mGluR5 Tunes NGF/TrkA Signaling to Orient Spiny Stellate Neuron Dendrites Toward Thalamocortical Axons During Whisker-Barrel Map Formation. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:1991-2006. [PMID: 28453662 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons receive and integrate synaptic inputs at their dendrites, thus dendritic patterning shapes neural connectivity and behavior. Aberrant dendritogenesis is present in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Down's syndrome and autism. Abnormal glutamatergic signaling has been observed in these diseases, as has dysfunction of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Deleting mGluR5 in cortical glutamatergic neurons disrupted their coordinated dendritic outgrowth toward thalamocortical axons and perturbed somatosensory circuits. Here we show that mGluR5 loss-of-function disrupts dendritogenesis of cortical neurons by increasing mRNA levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10), in part through calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs), as the whisker-barrel map is forming. Postnatal NGF and FGF10 expression in cortical layer IV spiny stellate neurons differentially impacted dendritic patterns. Remarkably, NGF-expressing neurons exhibited dendritic patterns resembling mGluR5 knockout neurons: increased total dendritic length/complexity and reduced polarity. Furthermore, suppressing the kinase activity of TrkA, a major NGF receptor, prevents aberrant dendritic patterning in barrel cortex of mGluR5 knockout neurons. These results reveal novel roles for NGF-TrkA signaling and CP-AMPARs for proper dendritic development of cortical neurons. This is the first in vivo demonstration that cortical neuronal NGF expression modulates dendritic patterning during postnatal brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Yen Huang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.,The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Josephy-Hernandez S, Pirvulescu I, Maira M, Aboulkassim T, Wong TP, McKinney RA, Saragovi HU. Pharmacological interrogation of TrkA-mediated mechanisms in hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218036. [PMID: 31233568 PMCID: PMC6590805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the brain, the TrkA receptor for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is expressed primarily in the cholinergic system. TrkA/NGF support neuronal health and function, and deficiencies in this axis are associated with progressive cholinergic neuron atrophy and death, and with cognitive deficit in disorders such as Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. These observations led to the hypothesis that TrkA agonists may rescue atrophic cholinergic neurons and benefit cognition. Indeed, a small molecule TrkA partial agonist called D3 normalized TrkA signals and improved memory in cognitive impairment models of ageing and an APP mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Paradoxically, in young healthy mice chronic delivery of D3 caused impaired memory without impairing learning, a form of anterograde amnesia. Here, we use this as a model to study the mechanisms of impaired memory. In young healthy mice acute or chronic treatment with D3 induces hyperactivation of TrkA-mediated signals in hippocampus, and causes a deficit in hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation proximal to drug exposure, without affecting learning or memory retrieval. The impairment after acute drug exposure is reversible. The impairment after long-term drug exposure is irreversible, likely due to a decrease in hippocampal CA1 neuron basal arborization. These findings support the notion of a homeostatic role for TrkA in memory, and demonstrate the differential outcomes of TrkA (hyper)activation in healthy versus disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Josephy-Hernandez
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Iulia Pirvulescu
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mario Maira
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - R. Anne McKinney
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Regulation of cholinergic basal forebrain development, connectivity, and function by neurotrophin receptors. Neuronal Signal 2019; 3:NS20180066. [PMID: 32269831 PMCID: PMC7104233 DOI: 10.1042/ns20180066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic basal forebrain (cBF) neurons are defined by their expression of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) neurotrophin receptors in addition to cholinergic markers. It is known that the neurotrophins, particularly nerve growth factor (NGF), mediate cholinergic neuronal development and maintenance. However, the role of neurotrophin signalling in regulating adult cBF function is less clear, although in dementia, trophic signalling is reduced and p75NTR mediates neurodegeneration of cBF neurons. Here we review the current understanding of how cBF neurons are regulated by neurotrophins which activate p75NTR and TrkA, B or C to influence the critical role that these neurons play in normal cortical function, particularly higher order cognition. Specifically, we describe the current evidence that neurotrophins regulate the development of basal forebrain neurons and their role in maintaining and modifying mature basal forebrain synaptic and cortical microcircuit connectivity. Understanding the role neurotrophin signalling plays in regulating the precision of cholinergic connectivity will contribute to the understanding of normal cognitive processes and will likely provide additional ideas for designing improved therapies for the treatment of neurological disease in which cholinergic dysfunction has been demonstrated.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sposato V, Canu N, Fico E, Fusco S, Bolasco G, Ciotti MT, Spinelli M, Mercanti D, Grassi C, Triaca V, Calissano P. The Medial Septum Is Insulin Resistant in the AD Presymptomatic Phase: Rescue by Nerve Growth Factor-Driven IRS 1 Activation. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:535-552. [PMID: 29736736 PMCID: PMC6334735 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) are key modulators of learning and memory and are high energy-demanding neurons. Impaired neuronal metabolism and reduced insulin signaling, known as insulin resistance, has been reported in the early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has been suggested to be "Type 3 Diabetes." We hypothesized that BFCN may develop insulin resistance and their consequent failure represents one of the earliest event in AD. We found that a condition reminiscent of insulin resistance occurs in the medial septum of 3 months old 3×Tg-AD mice, reported to develop typical AD histopathology and cognitive deficits in adulthood. Further, we obtained insulin resistant BFCN by culturing them with high insulin concentrations. By means of these paradigms, we observed that nerve growth factor (NGF) reduces insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo. NGF activates the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and rescues c-Fos expression and glucose metabolism. This effect involves binding of activated IRS1 to the NGF receptor TrkA, and is lost in presence of the specific IRS inhibitor NT157. Overall, our findings indicate that, in a well-established animal model of AD, the medial septum develops insulin resistance several months before it is detectable in the neocortex and hippocampus. Remarkably, NGF counteracts molecular alterations downstream of insulin-resistant receptor and its nasal administration restores insulin signaling in 3×Tg-AD mice by TrkA/IRS1 activation. The cross-talk between NGF and insulin pathways downstream the insulin receptor suggests novel potential therapeutic targets to slow cognitive decline in AD and diabetes-related brain insulin resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sposato
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Rome “TorVergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bolasco
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterotondo Outstation, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spinelli
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Delio Mercanti
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Triaca
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cattaneo A, Chirichella M. Targeting the Post-translational Proteome with Intrabodies. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 37:578-591. [PMID: 30577991 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the proteome exceeds that of the genome. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) and conformational changes of proteins trigger new molecular interactions whose systematic elucidation is hampered by the lack of specific tools. PTMs are particularly relevant for epigenetic regulation of gene expression; a field of translational interest. However, state-of-the-art inhibitors used in epigenetic studies and therapies target modifier enzymes such as acetylases and deacetylases, rather than a single PTM protein per se. The systematic development of anti-PTM intrabodies, which allow targeting of intracellular proteins in the context of living cells, will help reaching a new level of precision and specificity in the description of epigenetics, paving the way to new therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7 - 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Michele Chirichella
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7 - 56126 Pisa, Italy; Current address: Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Via Vincenzo Vela 6, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rizzi C, Tiberi A, Giustizieri M, Marrone MC, Gobbo F, Carucci NM, Meli G, Arisi I, D'Onofrio M, Marinelli S, Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. NGF steers microglia toward a neuroprotective phenotype. Glia 2018; 66:1395-1416. [PMID: 29473218 PMCID: PMC6001573 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the sentinels of the brain but a clear understanding of the factors that modulate their activation in physiological and pathological conditions is still lacking. Here we demonstrate that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) acts on microglia by steering them toward a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory phenotype. We show that microglial cells express functional NGF receptors in vitro and ex vivo. Our transcriptomic analysis reveals how, in primary microglia, NGF treatment leads to a modulation of motility, phagocytosis and degradation pathways. At the functional level, NGF induces an increase in membrane dynamics and macropinocytosis and, in vivo, it activates an outward rectifying current that appears to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission in nearby neurons. Since microglia are supposed to be a major player in Aβ peptide clearance in the brain, we tested the effects of NGF on its phagocytosis. NGF was shown to promote TrkA-mediated engulfment of Aβ by microglia, and to enhance its degradation. Additionally, the proinflammatory activation induced by Aβ treatment is counteracted by the concomitant administration of NGF. Moreover, by acting specifically on microglia, NGF protects neurons from the Aβ-induced loss of dendritic spines and inhibition of long term potentiation. Finally, in an ex-vivo setup of acute brain slices, we observed a similar increase in Aβ engulfment by microglial cells under the influence of NGF. Our work substantiates a role for NGF in the regulation of microglial homeostatic activities and points toward this neurotrophin as a neuroprotective agent in Aβ accumulation pathologies, via its anti-inflammatory activity on microglia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Rizzi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Alexia Tiberi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Michela Giustizieri
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Marrone
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Gobbo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Nicola Maria Carucci
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Giovanni Meli
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Mara D'Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Silvia Marinelli
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical SciencesUniversity of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17‐19Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
De Sanctis C, Bellenchi GC, Viggiano D. A meta-analytic approach to genes that are associated with impaired and elevated spatial memory performance. Psychiatry Res 2018; 261:508-516. [PMID: 29395873 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory deficits are a common hallmark of psychiatric conditions, possibly due to a genetic predisposition. Thus, unravelling the relationship between genes and memory might suggest novel therapeutic targets and pathogenetic pathways. Genetic deletions are known to lead to memory deficits (post-deletion "forgetfulness" genes, PDF), or, in few instances to improve spatial memory (post-deletion "hypermnesic" genes, PDH). To assess this topic, we performed a meta-analytic approach on memory behavior in knock-out mice. We screened 300 studies from PubMed and retrieved 87 genes tested for possible effects on spatial memory. This database was crossed with the Allen Brain Atlas (brain distribution) and the Enrichr (gene function) databases. The results show that PDF genes have higher expression level in several ventral brain structures, particularly the encephalic trunk and in the hypothalamus. Moreover, part of these genes are implicated in synaptic functions. Conversely, the PDH genes are associated to G-protein coupled receptors downstream signalling. Some candidate drugs were also found to interfere with some of the PDH genes, further suggesting that this approach might help in identifying drugs to improve memory performance in psychiatric conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia De Sanctis
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS 86077, Italy; Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso 86100, Italy
| | | | - Davide Viggiano
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso 86100, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yegla B, Parikh V. Developmental suppression of forebrain trkA receptors and attentional capacities in aging rats: A longitudinal study. Behav Brain Res 2017; 335:111-121. [PMID: 28803853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons innervating the cortex regulate cognitive, specifically attentional, processes. Cholinergic atrophy and cognitive decline occur at an accelerated pace in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; however, the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains unknown. Here we hypothesized that developmental suppression of nerve growth factor signaling, mediated via tropomyosin-related kinase A (trkA) receptors, would escalate age-related attentional vulnerability. An adeno-associated viral vector expressing trkA shRNA (AAV-trkA) was utilized to knockdown trkA receptors in postnatal rats at an ontogenetic time point when cortical cholinergic inputs mature, and the impact of this manipulation on performance was assessed in animals maintained on an operant attention task throughout adulthood and until old (24 months) age. A within-subject comparison across different time points illustrated a gradual age-related decline in attentional capacities. However, the performance under baseline and distracted conditions did not differ between the AAV-trkA-infused and animals infused with a vector expressing shRNA against the control protein luciferase at any time point. Additional analysis of cholinergic measures conducted at 24 months showed that the capacity of cholinergic terminals to release acetylcholine following a depolarizing stimulus, cortical cholinergic fiber density and BF cholinergic cell size remained comparable between the two groups. Contrary to our predictions, these data indicate that developmental BF trkA disruption does not impact age-related changes in attentional functions. It is possible that life-long engagement in cognitive activity might have potentially rescued the developmental insults on the cholinergic system, thus preserving attentional capacities in advanced age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Yegla
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - Vinay Parikh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Houtz J, Borden P, Ceasrine A, Minichiello L, Kuruvilla R. Neurotrophin Signaling Is Required for Glucose-Induced Insulin Secretion. Dev Cell 2017; 39:329-345. [PMID: 27825441 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Insulin secretion by pancreatic islet β cells is critical for glucose homeostasis, and a blunted β cell secretory response is an early deficit in type 2 diabetes. Here, we uncover a regulatory mechanism by which glucose recruits vascular-derived neurotrophins to control insulin secretion. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a classical trophic factor for nerve cells, is expressed in pancreatic vasculature while its TrkA receptor is localized to islet β cells. High glucose rapidly enhances NGF secretion and increases TrkA phosphorylation in mouse and human islets. Tissue-specific deletion of NGF or TrkA, or acute disruption of TrkA signaling, impairs glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in mice. We show that internalized TrkA receptors promote insulin granule exocytosis via F-actin reorganization. Furthermore, NGF treatment augments glucose-induced insulin secretion in human islets. These findings reveal a non-neuronal role for neurotrophins and identify a new regulatory pathway in insulin secretion that can be targeted to ameliorate β cell dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Houtz
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Philip Borden
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alexis Ceasrine
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | | | - Rejji Kuruvilla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pfisterer U, Khodosevich K. Neuronal survival in the brain: neuron type-specific mechanisms. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2643. [PMID: 28252642 PMCID: PMC5386560 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenic regions of mammalian brain produce many more neurons that will eventually survive and reach a mature stage. Developmental cell death affects both embryonically produced immature neurons and those immature neurons that are generated in regions of adult neurogenesis. Removal of substantial numbers of neurons that are not yet completely integrated into the local circuits helps to ensure that maturation and homeostatic function of neuronal networks in the brain proceed correctly. External signals from brain microenvironment together with intrinsic signaling pathways determine whether a particular neuron will die. To accommodate this signaling, immature neurons in the brain express a number of transmembrane factors as well as intracellular signaling molecules that will regulate the cell survival/death decision, and many of these factors cease being expressed upon neuronal maturation. Furthermore, pro-survival factors and intracellular responses depend on the type of neuron and region of the brain. Thus, in addition to some common neuronal pro-survival signaling, different types of neurons possess a variety of 'neuron type-specific' pro-survival constituents that might help them to adapt for survival in a certain brain region. This review focuses on how immature neurons survive during normal and impaired brain development, both in the embryonic/neonatal brain and in brain regions associated with adult neurogenesis, and emphasizes neuron type-specific mechanisms that help to survive for various types of immature neurons. Importantly, we mainly focus on in vivo data to describe neuronal survival specifically in the brain, without extrapolating data obtained in the PNS or spinal cord, and thus emphasize the influence of the complex brain environment on neuronal survival during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pfisterer
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Khodosevich
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tomlinson RE, Li Z, Zhang Q, Goh BC, Li Z, Thorek DLJ, Rajbhandari L, Brushart TM, Minichiello L, Zhou F, Venkatesan A, Clemens TL. NGF-TrkA Signaling by Sensory Nerves Coordinates the Vascularization and Ossification of Developing Endochondral Bone. Cell Rep 2016; 16:2723-2735. [PMID: 27568565 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing tissues dictate the amount and type of innervation they require by secreting neurotrophins, which promote neuronal survival by activating distinct tyrosine kinase receptors. Here, we show that nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling through neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (TrkA) directs innervation of the developing mouse femur to promote vascularization and osteoprogenitor lineage progression. At the start of primary ossification, TrkA-positive axons were observed at perichondrial bone surfaces, coincident with NGF expression in cells adjacent to centers of incipient ossification. Inactivation of TrkA signaling during embryogenesis in TrkA(F592A) mice impaired innervation, delayed vascular invasion of the primary and secondary ossification centers, decreased numbers of Osx-expressing osteoprogenitors, and decreased femoral length and volume. These same phenotypic abnormalities were observed in mice following tamoxifen-induced disruption of NGF in Col2-expressing perichondrial osteochondral progenitors. We conclude that NGF serves as a skeletal neurotrophin to promote sensory innervation of developing long bones, a process critical for normal primary and secondary ossification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Tomlinson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Brian C Goh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zhu Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Daniel L J Thorek
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Thomas M Brushart
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Fengquan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Arun Venkatesan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Thomas L Clemens
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Josephy-Hernandez S, Jmaeff S, Pirvulescu I, Aboulkassim T, Saragovi HU. Neurotrophin receptor agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents: An evolving paradigm. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 97:139-155. [PMID: 27546056 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are prevalent, complex and devastating conditions, with very limited treatment options currently available. While they manifest in many forms, there are commonalities that link them together. In this review, we will focus on neurotrophins - a family of related factors involved in neuronal development and maintenance. Neurodegenerative diseases often present with a neurotrophin imbalance, in which there may be decreases in trophic signaling through Trk receptors for example, and/or increases in pro-apoptotic activity through p75. Clinical trials with neurotrophins have continuously failed due to their poor pharmacological properties as well as the unavoidable activation of p75. Thus, there is a need for drugs without such setbacks. Small molecule neurotrophin mimetics are favorable options since they can selectively activate Trks or inactivate p75. In this review, we will initially present a brief outline of how these molecules are synthesized and their mechanisms of action; followed by an update in the current state of neurotrophins and small molecules in major neurodegenerative diseases. Although there has been significant progress in the development of potential therapeutics, more studies are needed to establish clear mechanisms of action and target specificity in order to transition from animal models to the assessment of safety and use in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Josephy-Hernandez
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Iulia Pirvulescu
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Triaca V, Sposato V, Bolasco G, Ciotti MT, Pelicci P, Bruni AC, Cupidi C, Maletta R, Feligioni M, Nisticò R, Canu N, Calissano P. NGF controls APP cleavage by downregulating APP phosphorylation at Thr668: relevance for Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2016; 15:661-72. [PMID: 27076121 PMCID: PMC4933663 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NGF has been implicated in forebrain neuroprotection from amyloidogenesis and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of NGF signalling in the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in forebrain neurons using primary cultures of septal neurons and acute septo-hippocampal brain slices. In this study, we show that NGF controls the basal level of APP phosphorylation at Thr668 (T668) by downregulating the activity of the Ser/Thr kinase JNK(p54) through the Tyr kinase signalling adaptor SH2-containing sequence C (ShcC). We also found that the specific NGF receptor, Tyr kinase A (TrkA), which is known to bind to APP, fails to interact with the fraction of APP molecules phosphorylated at T668 (APP(pT668) ). Accordingly, the amount of TrkA bound to APP is significantly reduced in the hippocampus of ShcC KO mice and of patients with AD in which elevated APP(pT668) levels are detected. NGF promotes TrkA binding to APP and APP trafficking to the Golgi, where APP-BACE interaction is hindered, finally resulting in reduced generation of sAPPβ, CTFβ and amyloid-beta (1-42). These results demonstrate that NGF signalling directly controls basal APP phosphorylation, subcellular localization and BACE cleavage, and pave the way for novel approaches specifically targeting ShcC signalling and/or the APP-TrkA interaction in AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience National Research Council (CNR) Rome Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation) Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Sposato
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience National Research Council (CNR) Rome Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation) Rome Italy
| | - Giulia Bolasco
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Monterotondo Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience National Research Council (CNR) Rome Italy
| | | | - Amalia C. Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Center (CRN) ASP Catanzaro Lamezia Terme Italy
| | - Chiara Cupidi
- Regional Neurogenetic Center (CRN) ASP Catanzaro Lamezia Terme Italy
| | - Raffaele Maletta
- Regional Neurogenetic Center (CRN) ASP Catanzaro Lamezia Terme Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation) Rome Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI Foundation) Rome Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience National Research Council (CNR) Rome Italy
- Department of System Medicine University of Rome “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hou XQ, Zhang L, Yang C, Rong CP, He WQ, Zhang CX, Li S, Su RY, Chang X, Qin JH, Chen YB, Xian SX, Wang Q. Alleviating effects of Bushen-Yizhi formula on ibotenic acid-induced cholinergic impairments in rat. Rejuvenation Res 2016; 18:111-27. [PMID: 25482164 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2014.1603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored the curative effect and underlying mechanisms of a traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription, Bushen-Yizhi formula (BSYZ), in ibotenic acid (IBO)-induced rats. Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests showed that BSYZ significantly improved spatial and object memory. Brain immunohistochemistry staining showed that BSYZ significantly up-regulated expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus and cortex. The protein tyrosine kinase high-affinity receptor TrkA was slightly increased in the hippocampus and cortex, and significantly enhanced in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) after BSYZ intervention. The immunoreactivity of the p75 low-affinity receptor in BSYZ-treated rats was significantly strengthened in the cortex. Similar expression trends of nerve growth factor (NGF), TrkA, and p75 mRNA were observed in the hippocampus and cortex. Additionally, BSYZ reversed IBO-induced disorders of acetylcholine (ACh) levels, ChAT, and cholinesterase (ChE) in the cortex, which was consistent with the changes in mRNA levels of ChAT and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Expression of ChAT and AChE proteins and mRNA in the hippocampus was up-regulated, whereas the apoptosis-relative protein cleaved caspase-3 was decreased after administration of BSYZ. Moreover, changes in cell death were confirmed by histological morphology. Thus, the results indicated that the BSYZ formula could ameliorate memory impairments in IBO-induced rats, and it exerted its therapeutic action probably by modulating cholinergic pathways, NGF signaling, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, it is suggested that the BSYZ formula might be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other cholinergic impairment-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qin Hou
- 1 DME Center, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Patel A, Yamashita N, Ascaño M, Bodmer D, Boehm E, Bodkin-Clarke C, Ryu YK, Kuruvilla R. RCAN1 links impaired neurotrophin trafficking to aberrant development of the sympathetic nervous system in Down syndrome. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10119. [PMID: 26658127 PMCID: PMC4682116 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder affecting the nervous system in humans. To date, investigations of neural anomalies in Down syndrome have focused on the central nervous system, although dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system is a common manifestation. The molecular and cellular bases underlying peripheral abnormalities have remained undefined. Here, we report the developmental loss of sympathetic innervation in human Down syndrome organs and in a mouse model. We show that excess regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), an endogenous inhibitor of the calcineurin phosphatase that is triplicated in Down syndrome, impairs neurotrophic support of sympathetic neurons by inhibiting endocytosis of the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, TrkA. Genetically correcting RCAN1 levels in Down syndrome mice markedly improves NGF-dependent receptor trafficking, neuronal survival and innervation. These results uncover a critical link between calcineurin signalling, impaired neurotrophin trafficking and neurodevelopmental deficits in the peripheral nervous system in Down syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Naoya Yamashita
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Maria Ascaño
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Daniel Bodmer
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Erica Boehm
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Chantal Bodkin-Clarke
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Yun Kyoung Ryu
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| | - Rejji Kuruvilla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400N. Charles Street, 224 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Y, Zhu X, Huang C, Zhang X. Molecular changes in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens are associated with blocking the behavioral sensitization to cocaine. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16172. [PMID: 26538265 PMCID: PMC4633640 DOI: 10.1038/srep16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization is associated with persistent functional and structural alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes have not been elucidated. In this study, the behavioral sensitization to cocaine was established in Sprague Dawley rats and was measured by locomotion and behavioral rating. The brain tissue homogenization was used for measuring the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the expression and activity of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), level of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation at serine 473 and threonine 308, and the expression of p75(NTR), TrkA, and TrkB protein. The Results showed that cocaine sensitization was associated with increased BDNF, ILK activity, phospho-Akt Ser(473), p75(NTR), and TrkB protein levels in the mPFC and NAc core. The combination of pergolide and ondansetron normalized not only behavioral sensitization, but also the increases in these molecular markers. Dual immunofluoresence staining showed that ILK expression is co-distributed with p75(NTR) and TrkA expression in both the mPFC and NAc core. Results suggested that the BDNF-TrkA/p75(NTR)-ILK-Akt signaling pathway may be active in cocaine sensitization and associated neural plasticity in the mPFC and NAc core.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21221, USA
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Can Huang
- Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Xiuwu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21221, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Neck muscle afferents influence oromotor and cardiorespiratory brainstem neural circuits. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 220:1421-36. [PMID: 24595534 PMCID: PMC4409642 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sensory information arising from the upper neck is important in the reflex control of posture and eye position. It has also been linked to the autonomic control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and cervical dystonia, which involve disturbance to the neck region, can often present with abnormalities to the oromotor, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. We investigated the potential neural pathways underlying such symptoms. Simulating neck afferent activity by electrical stimulation of the second cervical nerve in a working heart brainstem preparation (WHBP) altered the pattern of central respiratory drive and increased perfusion pressure. Tracing central targets of these sensory afferents revealed projections to the intermedius nucleus of the medulla (InM). These anterogradely labelled afferents co-localised with parvalbumin and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 indicating that they are proprioceptive. Anterograde tracing from the InM identified projections to brain regions involved in respiratory, cardiovascular, postural and oro-facial behaviours—the neighbouring hypoglossal nucleus, facial and motor trigeminal nuclei, parabrachial nuclei, rostral and caudal ventrolateral medulla and nucleus ambiguus. In brain slices, electrical stimulation of afferent fibre tracts lateral to the cuneate nucleus monosynaptically excited InM neurones. Direct stimulation of the InM in the WHBP mimicked the response of second cervical nerve stimulation. These results provide evidence of pathways linking upper cervical sensory afferents with CNS areas involved in autonomic and oromotor control, via the InM. Disruption of these neuronal pathways could, therefore, explain the dysphagic and cardiorespiratory abnormalities which may accompany cervical dystonia and WAD.
Collapse
|
31
|
Indo Y. Neurobiology of pain, interoception and emotional response: lessons from nerve growth factor-dependent neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:375-91. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Indo
- Department of Pediatrics; Kumamoto University Hospital; Honjo 1-1-1, Chuou-ku Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dekkers MPJ, Nikoletopoulou V, Barde YA. Cell biology in neuroscience: Death of developing neurons: new insights and implications for connectivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 203:385-93. [PMID: 24217616 PMCID: PMC3824005 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201306136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The concept that target tissues determine the survival of neurons has inspired much of the thinking on neuronal development in vertebrates, not least because it is supported by decades of research on nerve growth factor (NGF) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Recent discoveries now help to understand why only some developing neurons selectively depend on NGF. They also indicate that the survival of most neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) is not simply regulated by single growth factors like in the PNS. Additionally, components of the cell death machinery have begun to be recognized as regulators of selective axonal degeneration and synaptic function, thus playing a critical role in wiring up the nervous system.
Collapse
|
33
|
Yegla B, Parikh V. Effects of sustained proNGF blockade on attentional capacities in aged rats with compromised cholinergic system. Neuroscience 2013; 261:118-32. [PMID: 24374328 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Disruption in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling via tropomyosin-related kinase A (trkA) receptors compromises the integrity of the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic system, yielding cognitive, specifically attentional, impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although normal aging is considered a risk factor for AD, the mechanisms underlying the selective vulnerability of the aging cholinergic system to trkA disruption is not clear. The levels of proNGF, a proneurotrophin that possesses higher affinity for p75 receptors, increase in aging. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that cholinergic and attentional dysfunction in aged rats with reduced BF trkA receptors occurs due to the overactivation of endogenous proNGF signaling. We employed a viral vector that produced trkA shRNA to suppress trkA receptors in the corticopetal cholinergic neurons of aged rats. BF trkA suppression impaired animals' performance on signal trials in both the sustained attention task (SAT) and the cognitively taxing distractor version of SAT (dSAT) and these deficits were normalized by chronic intracerebroventricular administration of proNGF antibody. Moreover, depolarization-evoked acetylcholine (ACh) release and the density of cortical cholinergic fibers were partially restored in these animals. However, SAT/dSAT scores reflecting overall performance did not improve following proNGF blockade in trkA knockdown rats due to impaired performance in non-signal trials. Sustained proNGF blockade alone did not alter baseline attentional performance but produced moderate impairments during challenging conditions. Collectively, our findings indicate that barring proNGF-p75 signaling may exert some beneficial effects on attentional capacities specifically when BF trkA signaling is abrogated. However, endogenous proNGF may also possess neurotrophic effects and blockade of this proneurotrophin may not completely ameliorate attentional impairments in AD and potentially hinder performance during periods of high cognitive load in normal aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Yegla
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - V Parikh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kopec AM, Carew TJ. Growth factor signaling and memory formation: temporal and spatial integration of a molecular network. Learn Mem 2013; 20:531-9. [PMID: 24042849 PMCID: PMC3768197 DOI: 10.1101/lm.031377.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor (GF) signaling is critically important for developmental plasticity. It also plays a crucial role in adult plasticity, such as that required for memory formation. Although different GFs interact with receptors containing distinct types of kinase domains, they typically signal through converging intracellular cascades (e.g., Ras–MEK–MAPK) to mediate overlapping functional endpoints. Several GFs have been implicated in memory formation, but due to a high level of convergent signaling, the unique contributions of individual GFs as well as the interactions between GF signaling cascades during the induction of memory is not well known. In this review, we highlight the unique roles of specific GFs in dendritic plasticity, and discuss the spatial and temporal profiles of different GFs during memory formation. Collectively, the data suggest that the roles of GF signaling in long-lasting behavioral and structural plasticity may be best viewed as interactive components in a complex molecular network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Kopec
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of nerve growth factor improves recognition memory in the rat. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:255-61. [PMID: 23932816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays pivotal roles in neuronal survival in the adult mammalian brain and may modulate forms of structural and functional plasticity, including neurogenesis. We have shown previously that six weeks of housing in an enriched environment (EE) that did not include access to running wheels resulted in improved recognition memory concomitant with increased NGF expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Here we have attempted to probe a causal link between NGF and the observed enrichment-induced changes in hippocampal function by assessing the effects of six weeks continuous intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of NGF on recognition memory and cell proliferation. We report that NGF-infused rats show enhanced recognition memory when compared with vehicle-treated controls. Expression of NGF and its receptor, TrkA, was increased in treated rats, as was expression of the synaptic vesicle protein, synapsin. Finally, we observed an increase in cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of NGF-treated rats. These data indicate that chronic infusion of NGF can stimulate an improvement in learning and memory that is associated with specific cellular changes in the hippocampus, including synaptogenesis and cell proliferation.
Collapse
|
36
|
Tiveron C, Fasulo L, Capsoni S, Malerba F, Marinelli S, Paoletti F, Piccinin S, Scardigli R, Amato G, Brandi R, Capelli P, D'Aguanno S, Florenzano F, La Regina F, Lecci A, Manca A, Meli G, Pistillo L, Berretta N, Nisticò R, Pavone F, Cattaneo A. ProNGF\NGF imbalance triggers learning and memory deficits, neurodegeneration and spontaneous epileptic-like discharges in transgenic mice. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:1017-30. [PMID: 23538417 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
ProNGF, the precursor of mature nerve growth factor (NGF), is the most abundant form of NGF in the brain. ProNGF and mature NGF differ significantly in their receptor interaction properties and in their bioactivity. ProNGF increases markedly in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and proNGF\NGF imbalance has been postulated to play a role in neurodegeneration. However, a direct proof for a causal link between increased proNGF and AD neurodegeneration is lacking. In order to evaluate the consequences of increased levels of proNGF in the postnatal brain, transgenic mice expressing a furin cleavage-resistant form of proNGF, under the control of the neuron-specific mouse Thy1.2 promoter, were derived and characterized. Different transgenic lines displayed a phenotypic gradient of neurodegenerative severity features. We focused the analysis on the two lines TgproNGF#3 and TgproNGF#72, which shared learning and memory impairments in behavioral tests, cholinergic deficit and increased Aβ-peptide immunoreactivity. In addition, TgproNGF#3 mice developed Aβ oligomer immunoreactivity, as well as late diffuse astrocytosis. Both TgproNGF lines also display electrophysiological alterations related to spontaneous epileptic-like events. The results provide direct evidence that alterations in the proNGF/NGF balance in the adult brain can be an upstream driver of neurodegeneration, contributing to a circular loop linking alterations of proNGF/NGF equilibrium to excitatory/inhibitory synaptic imbalance and amyloid precursor protein (APP) dysmetabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Tiveron
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, EBRI-European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|