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Adashek JJ, Pandya C, Maragakis NJ, De P, Cohen PR, Kato S, Kurzrock R. Neuregulin-1 and ALS19 (ERBB4): at the crossroads of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cancer. BMC Med 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38369520 PMCID: PMC10875826 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is implicated in both cancer and neurologic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, to date, there has been little cross-field discussion between neurology and oncology in regard to these genes and their functions. MAIN BODY Approximately 0.15-0.5% of cancers harbor NRG1 fusions that upregulate NRG1 activity and hence that of the cognate ERBB3/ERBB4 (HER3/HER4) receptors; abrogating this activity with small molecule inhibitors/antibodies shows preliminary tissue-agnostic anti-cancer activity. Notably, ERBB/HER pharmacologic suppression is devoid of neurologic toxicity. Even so, in ALS, attenuated ERBB4/HER4 receptor activity (due to loss-of-function germline mutations or other mechanisms in sporadic disease) is implicated; indeed, ERBB4/HER4 is designated ALS19. Further, secreted-type NRG1 isoforms may be upregulated (perhaps via a feedback loop) and could contribute to ALS pathogenesis through aberrant glial cell stimulation via enhanced activity of other (e.g., ERBB1-3/HER1-3) receptors and downstream pathways. Hence, pan-ERBB inhibitors, already in use for cancer, may be agents worthy of testing in ALS. CONCLUSION Common signaling cascades between cancer and ALS may represent novel therapeutic targets for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Chinmayi Pandya
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Pradip De
- Cancer Genomics, Avera Cancer Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Philip R Cohen
- Department of Dermatology, Davis Medical Center, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- WIN Consortium, Paris, France.
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Abdelaziz HA, Abdelbaki TN, Dean YE, Assem S. Is neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) a potential blood biomarker linking depression to obesity? A case-control study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:670. [PMID: 37710187 PMCID: PMC10503040 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM No definite biomarker linking depression and obesity has been found yet. Our study aimed to investigate neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) as a potential blood biomarker for this association. METHODS A case-control study was conducted on 108 obese subjects assigned for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 100 non-obese controls. Depression was assessed pre- and post-operatively. Serum NRG-1 was measured. RESULTS Pre-operatively depression was significantly higher among obese compared to non-obese patients. After the operation, 1.9% of the severely depressed subjects reported no depression, while 5.6% became moderately depressed; about 6% of the moderately depressed and 16% of the mildly depressed became not depressed. Serum NRG-1 level was significantly lower among obese and severely depressed compared to the controls. It was negatively correlated to the level of depression pre- and post-operative (r = -0.764 and -0.467 respectively). The sensitivity of serum NRG1 as a predictor for depression pre- and post-operative was 92.45% and 52.94% respectively. Specificity was 69.09% and 79.73% respectively at cut-off values of ≤ 3.5 and ≤ 2.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION NRG-1 is a possible biomarker for the diagnosis of depression pre-bariatric surgery and the prediction of its prognosis post-operatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ahmed Abdelaziz
- Family Health, Mental Heath Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tamer Nabil Abdelbaki
- Faculty of Medicine, General Surgery Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yomna E Dean
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Sara Assem
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zhang S, Hu S, Dong W, Huang S, Jiao Z, Hu Z, Dai S, Yi Y, Gong X, Li K, Wang H, Xu D. Prenatal dexamethasone exposure induces anxiety- and depressive-like behavior of male offspring rats through intrauterine programming of the activation of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in hippocampal PV interneurons. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:657-678. [PMID: 34189720 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone is a commonly used synthetic glucocorticoid in the clinic. As a compound that can cross the placental barrier to promote fetal lung maturation, dexamethasone is extensively used in pregnant women at risk of premature delivery. However, the use of glucocorticoids during pregnancy increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In the present study, we observed anxiety- and depressive-like behavior changes and hyperexcitability of hippocampal neurons in adult rat offspring with previous prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE); the observed changes were related to in utero damage of parvalbumin interneurons. A programmed change in neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4) signaling was the key to the damage of parvalbumin interneurons in the hippocampus of PDE offspring. Anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, NRG1-ErbB4 signaling activation, and damage of parvalbumin interneurons in PDE offspring were aggravated after chronic stress. The intervention of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling contributed to the improvement in dexamethasone-mediated injury to parvalbumin interneurons. These results suggested that PDE might cause anxiety- and depressive-like behavior changes in male rat offspring through the programmed activation of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling, resulting in damage to parvalbumin interneurons and hyperactivity of the hippocampus. Intrauterine programming of neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4) overactivation by dexamethasone mediates anxiety- and depressive-like behavior in male rat offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuwei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wanting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Songqiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhexiao Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zewen Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medicine Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiyun Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yiwen Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaohan Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ke Li
- Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medicine Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Functional EGF domain of the human neuregulin 1α produced in Escherichia coli with accurate disulfide bonds. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11715-11727. [PMID: 36198848 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuregulins comprise a large family of growth factors containing an epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain. NRG1 acts in signaling pathways involved in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and adhesion of many normal cell types and in human diseases. The EGF domain of NRG1 mediates signaling by interaction with members of the ErbB family of receptors. Easy access to correctly folded hNRG1α EGF domain can be a valuable tool to investigate its function in different cell types. MATERIALS AND METHODS The EGF domain of hNRG1α was produced in Escherichia coli in fusion with TrxA and purified after cleavage of TrxA. Conformation and stability analyses were performed by using biophysical methods and the disulfide bonds were mapped by mass spectrometry. The activity of the hNRG1α EGF domain was demonstrated in cell proliferation and migration assays. RESULTS Approximately 3.3 mg of hNRG1α EGF domain were obtained starting from a 0.5 L of E. coli culture. Correct formation of the three disulfide bonds was demonstrated by mass spectrometry with high accuracy. Heat denaturation assays monitored by circular dichroism and dynamic light scattering revealed that it is a highly stable protein. The recombinant EGF domain of hNRG1α purified in this work is highly active, inducing cell proliferation at concentration as low as 0.05 ng/mL. It induces also cell migration as demonstrated by a gap closure assay. CONCLUSION The EGF domain of hNRG1α was produced in E. coli with the correct disulfide bonds and presented high stimulation of HeLa cell proliferation and NDFH cell migration.
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Hodges SL, Bouza AA, Isom LL. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis Mechanisms of Voltage-Gated Ion Channel Subunits and Cell Adhesion Molecules. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1028-1048. [PMID: 36113879 PMCID: PMC9553118 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several integral membrane proteins undergo regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), a tightly controlled process through which cells transmit information across and between intracellular compartments. RIP generates biologically active peptides by a series of proteolytic cleavage events carried out by two primary groups of enzymes: sheddases and intramembrane-cleaving proteases (iCLiPs). Following RIP, fragments of both pore-forming and non-pore-forming ion channel subunits, as well as immunoglobulin super family (IgSF) members, have been shown to translocate to the nucleus to function in transcriptional regulation. As an example, the voltage-gated sodium channel β1 subunit, which is also an IgSF-cell adhesion molecule (CAM), is a substrate for RIP. β1 RIP results in generation of a soluble intracellular domain, which can regulate gene expression in the nucleus. In this review, we discuss the proposed RIP mechanisms of voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channel subunits as well as the roles of their generated proteolytic products in the nucleus. We also discuss other RIP substrates that are cleaved by similar sheddases and iCLiPs, such as IgSF macromolecules, including CAMs, whose proteolytically generated fragments function in the nucleus. Importantly, dysfunctional RIP mechanisms are linked to human disease. Thus, we will also review how understanding RIP events and subsequent signaling processes involving ion channel subunits and IgSF proteins may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Several ion channel subunits and immunoglobulin superfamily molecules have been identified as substrates of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). This signal transduction mechanism, which generates polypeptide fragments that translocate to the nucleus, is an important regulator of gene transcription. RIP may impact diseases of excitability, including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death syndromes. A thorough understanding of the role of RIP in gene regulation is critical as it may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of previously intractable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hodges
- Departments of Pharmacology (S.L.H., A.A.B., L.L.I.), Neurology (L.L.I.), and Molecular & Integrative Physiology (L.L.I.), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alexandra A Bouza
- Departments of Pharmacology (S.L.H., A.A.B., L.L.I.), Neurology (L.L.I.), and Molecular & Integrative Physiology (L.L.I.), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lori L Isom
- Departments of Pharmacology (S.L.H., A.A.B., L.L.I.), Neurology (L.L.I.), and Molecular & Integrative Physiology (L.L.I.), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Micó-Carnero M, Casillas-Ramírez A, Sánchez-González A, Rojano-Alfonso C, Peralta C. The Role of Neuregulin-1 in Steatotic and Non-Steatotic Liver Transplantation from Brain-Dead Donors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050978. [PMID: 35625715 PMCID: PMC9138382 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Brain death (BD) and steatosis are key risk factors to predict adverse post-transplant outcomes. We investigated the role of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) in rat steatotic and non-steatotic liver transplantation (LT) from brain death donors (DBD). Methods: NRG1 pathways were characterized after surgery. Results: NRG1 and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) levels increased in steatotic and non-steatotic grafts from DBDs. The abolishment of NRG1 effects reduced PAK1. When the effect of either NRG1 nor PAK1 was inhibited, injury and regenerative failure were exacerbated. The benefits of the NRG-1-PAK1 axis in liver grafts from DBDs were associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels, respectively. Indeed, VEGFA administration in non-steatotic livers and IGF1 treatment in steatotic grafts prevented damage and regenerative failure resulting from the inhibition of either NRG1 or PAK-1 activity in each type of liver. Exogenous NRG1 induced greater injury than BD induction. Conclusions: This study indicates the benefits of endogenous NRG1 in liver grafts from DBDs and underscores the specificity of the NRG1 signaling pathway depending on the type of liver: NRG1-PAK1-VEGFA in non-steatotic livers and NRG1-PAK1-IGF1 in steatotic livers. Exogenous NRG1 is not an appropriate strategy to apply to liver grafts from DBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Micó-Carnero
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Araní Casillas-Ramírez
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ciudad Victoria “Bicentenario 2010”, Ciudad Victoria 87087, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (A.S.-G.)
- Facultad de Medicina e Ingeniería en Sistemas Computacionales de Matamoros, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Matamoros 87300, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Sánchez-González
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ciudad Victoria “Bicentenario 2010”, Ciudad Victoria 87087, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (A.S.-G.)
| | - Carlos Rojano-Alfonso
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (C.R.-A.)
| | - Carmen Peralta
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.-C.); (C.R.-A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-932-275-400
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Zhai QY, Ren YQ, Ni QS, Song ZH, Ge KL, Guo YL. Transplantation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Neural Stem Cells Pretreated with Neuregulin1β Ameliorate Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Rats. Biomolecules 2022; 12:428. [PMID: 35327620 PMCID: PMC8945978 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease and recovering blood flow as early as possible is essential to reduce ischemic damage and maintain neuronal viability, but the reperfusion process usually causes additional damage to the brain tissue in the ischemic area, namely ischemia reperfusion injury. The accumulated studies have revealed that transplantation of exogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) is an ideal choice for the treatment of ischemia reperfusion injury. At present, the source and efficacy of exogenous NSCs after transplantation is still one of the key issues that need to be resolved. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were obtained and induced into NSCs byadding growth factor and neuregulin1β (NRG1β) was introduced during the differentiation process of NSCs. Then, the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) models were established, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated among groups treated by NRG1β, NSCs and NSCs pretreated with 10 nM NRG1β (NSCs-10 nM NRG1β) achieved through intra-arterial injection. Our data show that the NSCs-10 nM NRG1β group significantly improves neurobehavioral function and infarct volume after MCAO/R, as well as cerebral cortical neuron injury, ferroptosis-related indexes and mitochondrial injury. Additionally, NSCs-10 nM NRG1β intervention may function through regulating the p53/GPX4/SLC7A11 pathway, and reducing the level of ferroptosis in cells, further enhance the neuroprotective effect on injured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yue Zhai
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Taishan Scholars Construction Project Excellent Innovative Team of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China; (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-Q.R.); (Q.-S.N.)
| | - Yu-Qian Ren
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Taishan Scholars Construction Project Excellent Innovative Team of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China; (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-Q.R.); (Q.-S.N.)
| | - Qin-Shuai Ni
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Taishan Scholars Construction Project Excellent Innovative Team of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China; (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-Q.R.); (Q.-S.N.)
| | - Zhen-Hua Song
- Institute of Pharmacology, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China;
| | - Ke-Li Ge
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China;
| | - Yun-Liang Guo
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Taishan Scholars Construction Project Excellent Innovative Team of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, China; (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-Q.R.); (Q.-S.N.)
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Neuregulin-4 Is Required for Maintaining Soma Size of Pyramidal Neurons in the Motor Cortex. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0288-20.2021. [PMID: 33495243 PMCID: PMC8114872 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0288-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of neuronal soma size is essential for appropriate brain circuit function and its dysregulation is associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. A defect in the dendritic growth and elaboration of motor neocortical pyramidal neurons in neonates lacking neuregulin-4 (NRG4) has previously been reported. In this study, we investigated whether the loss of NRG4 causes further morphologic defects that are specific to these neurons. We analyzed the soma size of pyramidal neurons of layer (L)2/3 and L5 of the motor cortex and a subpopulation of multipolar interneurons in this neocortical region in Nrg4+/+ and Nrg4−/− mice. There were significant decreases in pyramidal neuron soma size in Nrg4−/− mice compared with Nrg4+/+ littermates at all stages studied [postnatal day (P)10, P30, and P60]. The reduction was especially marked at P10 and in L5 pyramidal neurons. Soma size was not significantly different for multipolar interneurons at any age. This in vivo phenotype was replicated in pyramidal neurons cultured from Nrg4−/− mice and was rescued by NRG treatment. Analysis of a public single-cell RNA sequencing repository revealed discrete Nrg4 and Erbb4 expression in subpopulations of L5 pyramidal neurons, suggesting that the observed defects were due in part to loss of autocrine Nrg4/ErbB4 signaling. The pyramidal phenotype in the motor cortex of Nrg4−/− mice was associated with a lack of Rotarod test improvement in P60 mice, suggesting that absence of NRG4 causes alterations in motor performance.
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Ou GY, Lin WW, Zhao WJ. Neuregulins in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:662474. [PMID: 33897409 PMCID: PMC8064692 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.662474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are typically characterized by progressive neuronal loss and neurological dysfunctions in the nervous system, affecting both memory and motor functions. Neuregulins (NRGs) belong to the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like family of extracellular ligands and they play an important role in the development, maintenance, and repair of both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) through the ErbB signaling pathway. They also regulate multiple intercellular signal transduction and participate in a wide range of biological processes, such as differentiation, migration, and myelination. In this review article, we summarized research on the changes and roles of NRGs in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in AD. We elaborated on the structural features of each NRG subtype and roles of NRG/ErbB signaling networks in neurodegenerative diseases. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of NRGs in the symptom remission of neurodegenerative diseases, which may offer hope for advancing related treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-yong Ou
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wen-wen Lin
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wei-jiang Zhao
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Cell Biology Department, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-jiang Zhao
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Zhao WJ, Ou GY, Lin WW. Integrative Analysis of Neuregulin Family Members-Related Tumor Microenvironment for Predicting the Prognosis in Gliomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682415. [PMID: 34054873 PMCID: PMC8155525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, including brain lower grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most common primary brain tumors in the central nervous system. Neuregulin (NRG) family proteins belong to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of extracellular ligands and they play an essential role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, roles of NRGs in gliomas, especially their effects on prognosis, still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we obtained raw counts of RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical information from 510 LGG and 153 GBM samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We analyzed the association of NRG1-4 expression levels with tumor immune microenvironment in LGG and GBM. GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) was performed to determine the prognostic difference of NRGs gene set between LGG and GBM. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and the nomogram model were constructed to estimate the prognostic value of NRGs in LGG and GBM. The results demonstrated that NRG1-4 were differentially expressed in LGG and GBM in comparison to normal tissue. Immune score analysis revealed that NRG1-4 were significantly related to the tumor immune microenvironment and remarkably correlated with immune cell infiltration. The investigation of roles of m6A (N6-methyladenosine, m6A)-related genes in gliomas revealed that NRGs were prominently involved in m6A RNA modification. GSVA score showed that NRG family members are more associated with prognosis in LGG compared with GBM. Prognostic analysis showed that NRG3 and NRG1 can serve as potential independent biomarkers in LGG and GBM, respectively. Moreover, GDSC drug sensitivity analysis revealed that NRG1 was more correlated with drug response compared with other NRG subtypes. Based on these public databases, we preliminarily identified the relationship between NRG family members and tumor immune microenvironment, and the prognostic value of NRGs in gliomas. In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive roles of NRG family members in gliomas, supporting modulation of NRG signaling in the management of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-jiang Zhao
- Cell Biology Department, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-jiang Zhao, ; Guan-yong Ou,
| | - Guan-yong Ou
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-jiang Zhao, ; Guan-yong Ou,
| | - Wen-wen Lin
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Qorri B, Tsay M, Agrawal A, Au R, Gracie J. Using machine intelligence to uncover Alzheimer’s disease progression heterogeneity. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is heterogeneous with numerous subtypes. Through a proprietary interactive ML system, several underlying biological mechanisms associated with AD pathology were uncovered. This paper is an introduction to emerging analytic efforts that can more precisely elucidate the heterogeneity of AD.
Methods: A public AD data set (GSE84422) consisting of transcriptomic data of postmortem brain samples from healthy controls (n = 121) and AD (n = 380) subjects was analyzed. Data were processed by an artificial intelligence platform designed to discover potential drug repurposing candidates, followed by an interactive augmented intelligence program.
Results: Using perspective analytics, six perspective classes were identified: Class I is defined by TUBB1, ASB4, and PDE5A; Class II by NRG2 and ZNF3; Class III by IGF1, ASB4, and GTSE1; Class IV is defined by cDNA FLJ39269, ITGA1, and CPM; Class V is defined by PDE5A, PSEN1, and NDUFS8; and Class VI is defined by DCAF17, cDNA FLJ75819, and SLC33A1. It is hypothesized that these classes represent biological mechanisms that may act alone or in any combination to manifest an Alzheimer’s pathology.
Conclusions: Using a limited transcriptomic public database, six different classes that drive AD were uncovered, supporting the premise that AD is a heterogeneously complex disorder. The perspective classes highlighted genetic pathways associated with vasculogenesis, cellular signaling and differentiation, metabolic function, mitochondrial function, nitric oxide, and metal ion metabolism. The interplay among these genetic factors reveals a more profound underlying complexity of AD that may be responsible for the confluence of several biological factors. These results are not exhaustive; instead, they demonstrate that even within a relatively small study sample, next-generation machine intelligence can uncover multiple genetically driven subtypes. The models and the underlying hypotheses generated using novel analytic methods may translate into potential treatment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bessi Qorri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Mike Tsay
- NetraMark Corp, Toronto, ON M4E 1G8, Canada
| | | | - Rhoda Au
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Neurology and Epidemiology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA 02218, USA
| | - Joseph Gracie
- NetraMark Corp, Toronto, ON M4E 1G8, Canada 5Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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Sinevici N, Ataeinia B, Zehnder V, Lin K, Grove L, Heidari P, Mahmood U. HER3 Differentiates Basal From Claudin Type Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Contributes to Drug and Microenvironmental Induced Resistance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554704. [PMID: 33330026 PMCID: PMC7715030 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (BC). Numerous kinase inhibitors (KI) targeting different pathway nodes have shown limited benefit in the clinical setting. In this study, we aim to characterize the extent of HER3 reliance and to define the effect of Neuregulin (NRG) isoforms in TNBCs. Basal and Claudin type TNBC cell lines were treated with a range of small molecule inhibitors, in the presence or absence of the HER3 ligand NRG. Single agent and combination therapy was also evaluated in human cancer cell lines through viability and biochemical assessment of the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway. We show that Basal (BT20, HCC-70, and MDA-MB-468) and Claudin type (MDA-MB-231, BT-549) TNBC cell lines displayed differential reliance on the HER family of receptors. Expression and dynamic HER3 upregulation was predominant in the Basal TNBC subtype. Furthermore, the presence of the natural ligand NRG showed potent signaling through the HER3-AKT pathway, significantly diminishing the efficacy of the AKT and PI3K inhibitors tested. We report that NRG augments the HER3 feedback mechanism for continued cell survival in TNBC. We demonstrate that combination strategies to effectively block the EGFR-HER3-AKT pathway are necessary to overcome compensatory mechanisms to NRG dependent and independent resistance mechanisms. Our findings suggests that the EGFR-HER3 heterodimer forms a major signaling hub and is a key player in tumorigenesis in Basal but not Claudin type TNBC tested. Thus, HER3 could potentially serve as a biomarker for identifying patients in which targeted therapy against the EGFR-HER3-AKT axis would be most valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Veronica Zehnder
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Grove
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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