1
|
Nassrallah WB, Ramandi D, Cheng J, Oh J, Mackay J, Sepers MD, Lau D, Bading H, Raymond LA. Activin A targets extrasynaptic NMDA receptors to ameliorate neuronal and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of Huntington disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106360. [PMID: 37992785 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical-striatal synaptic dysfunction, including enhanced toxic signaling by extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (eNMDARs), precedes neurodegeneration in Huntington disease (HD). A previous study showed Activin A, whose transcription is upregulated by calcium influx via synaptic NMDARs, suppresses eNMDAR signaling. Therefore, we examined the role of Activin A in the YAC128 HD mouse model, comparing it to wild-type controls. We found decreased Activin A secretion in YAC128 cortical-striatal co-cultures, while Activin A overexpression in this model rescued altered eNMDAR expression. Striatal overexpression of Activin A in vivo improved motor learning on the rotarod task, and normalized striatal neuronal eNMDAR-mediated currents, membrane capacitance and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in the YAC128 mice. These results support the therapeutic potential of Activin A signaling and targeting eNMDARs to restore striatal neuronal health and ameliorate behavioral deficits in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wissam B Nassrallah
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel Ramandi
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Judy Cheng
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - James Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marja D Sepers
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Lau
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dahlmanns M, Valero-Aracama MJ, Dahlmanns JK, Zheng F, Alzheimer C. Tonic activin signaling shapes cellular and synaptic properties of CA1 neurons mainly in dorsal hippocampus. iScience 2023; 26:108001. [PMID: 37829200 PMCID: PMC10565779 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108001] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dorsal and ventral hippocampus serve different functions in cognition and affective behavior, but the underpinnings of this diversity at the cellular and synaptic level are not well understood. We found that the basal level of activin A, a member of the TGF-β family, which regulates hippocampal circuits in a behaviorally relevant fashion, is much higher in dorsal than in ventral hippocampus. Using transgenic mice with a forebrain-specific disruption of activin receptor signaling, we identified the pronounced dorsal-ventral gradient of activin A as a major factor determining the distinct neurophysiologic signatures of dorsal and ventral hippocampus, ranging from pyramidal cell firing, tuning of frequency-dependent synaptic facilitation, to long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), and de-potentiation. Thus, the strong activin A tone in dorsal hippocampus appears crucial to establish cellular and synaptic phenotypes that are tailored specifically to the respective network operations in dorsal and ventral hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Dahlmanns
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Jesus Valero-Aracama
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jana Katharina Dahlmanns
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valero-Aracama MJ, Zheng F, Alzheimer C. Dorsal-Ventral Gradient of Activin Regulates Strength of GABAergic Inhibition along Longitudinal Axis of Mouse Hippocampus in an Activity-Dependent Fashion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13145. [PMID: 37685952 PMCID: PMC10487617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional and neurophysiological distinction between the dorsal and ventral hippocampus affects also GABAergic inhibition. In line with this notion, ventral CA1 pyramidal cells displayed a more dynamic and effective response to inhibitory input compared to their dorsal counterparts. We posit that this difference is effected by the dorsal-ventral gradient of activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β family, which is increasingly recognized for its modulatory role in brain regions involved in cognitive functions and affective behavior. Lending credence to this hypothesis, we found that in slices from transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB (dnActRIB), inhibitory transmission was enhanced only in CA1 neurons of the dorsal hippocampus, where the basal activin A level is much higher than in the ventral hippocampus. We next asked how a rise in endogenous activin A would affect GABAergic inhibition along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus. We performed ex vivo recordings in wild-type and dnActRIB mice after overnight exposure to an enriched environment (EE), which engenders a robust increase in activin A levels in both dorsal and ventral hippocampi. Compared to control mice from standard cages, the behaviorally induced surge in activin A produced a decline in ventral inhibition, an effect that was absent in slices from dnActRIB mice. Underscoring the essential role of activin in the EE-associated modulation of ventral inhibition, this effect was mimicked by acute application of recombinant activin A in control slices. In summary, both genetic and behavioral manipulations of activin receptor signaling affected the dorsal-ventral difference in synaptic inhibition, suggesting that activin A regulates the strength of GABAergic inhibition in a region-specific fashion.
Collapse
|
4
|
Dahlmanns M, Dahlmanns JK, Schmidt CC, Valero-Aracama MJ, Zheng F, Alzheimer C. Environmental enrichment recruits activin A to recalibrate neural activity in mouse hippocampus. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:663-675. [PMID: 35257169 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β family member activin A modulates neural underpinnings of cognitive and affective functions in an activity-dependent fashion. We have previously shown that exploration of a novel and enriched environment (EE) strongly enhanced activin signaling. Whereas the many beneficial effects of EE are amply documented, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we examined the hypothesis that EE recruits activin to regulate synaptic plasticity in a coordinated, cognition-promoting manner. Elevated activin levels after EE enhanced CA1 pyramidal cell excitability, facilitated synaptic transmission, and promoted long-term potentiation. These EE-induced changes were largely absent in mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB. We then interrogated the impact of activin on network oscillations and functional connectivity, using high-speed Ca 2+ imaging to study spike routing within networks formed by dissociated primary hippocampal cultures. Activin facilitated Ca2+ signaling, enhanced the network strength, and shortened the weighted characteristic path length. In the slice preparation, activin promoted theta oscillations during cholinergic stimulation. Thus, we advance activin as an activity-dependent and very early molecular effector that translates behavioral stimuli experienced during EE exposure into a set of synchronized changes in neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and network activity that are all tuned to improve cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Dahlmanns
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jana Katharina Dahlmanns
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carla C Schmidt
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Jesus Valero-Aracama
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Neurotrophic Factors and Dendritic Spines. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:223-254. [PMID: 37962797 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are highly dynamic structures that play important roles in neuronal plasticity. The morphologies and the numbers of dendritic spines are highly variable, and this diversity is correlated with the different morphological and physiological features of this neuronal compartment. Dendritic spines can change their morphology and number rapidly, allowing them to adapt to plastic changes. Neurotrophic factors play important roles in the brain during development. However, these factors are also necessary for a variety of processes in the postnatal brain. Neurotrophic factors, especially members of the neurotrophin family and the ephrin family, are involved in the modulation of long-lasting effects induced by neuronal plasticity by acting on dendritic spines, either directly or indirectly. Thereby, the neurotrophic factors play important roles in processes attributed, for example, to learning and memory.
Collapse
|
6
|
Krapacher FA, Fernández‐Suárez D, Andersson A, Carrier‐Ruiz A, Ibáñez CF. Convergent dopamine and ALK4 signaling to PCBP1 controls FosB alternative splicing and cocaine behavioral sensitization. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110721. [PMID: 35730718 PMCID: PMC10545536 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110721] [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: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ΔfosB is an alternatively spliced product of the FosB gene that is essential for dopamine-induced reward pathways and that acts as a master switch for addiction. However, the molecular mechanisms of its generation and regulation by dopamine signaling are unknown. Here, we report that dopamine D1 receptor signaling synergizes with the activin/ALK4/Smad3 pathway to potentiate the generation of ΔFosB mRNA in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) via activation of the RNA-binding protein PCBP1, a regulator of mRNA splicing. Concurrent activation of PCBP1 and Smad3 by D1 and ALK4 signaling induced their interaction, nuclear translocation, and binding to sequences in exon-4 and intron-4 of FosB mRNA. Ablation of either ALK4 or PCBP1 in MSNs impaired ΔFosB mRNA induction and nuclear translocation of ΔFosB protein in response to repeated co-stimulation of D1 and ALK4 receptors. Finally, ALK4 is required in NAc MSNs of adult mice for behavioral sensitization to cocaine. These findings uncover an unexpected mechanism for ΔFosB generation and drug-induced sensitization through convergent dopamine and ALK4 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carlos F Ibáñez
- Department of NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking University School of Life SciencesBeijingChina
- Chinese Institute for Brain ResearchBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zheng F, Valero-Aracama MJ, Schaefer N, Alzheimer C. Activin A Reduces GIRK Current to Excite Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:920388. [PMID: 35711474 PMCID: PMC9197229 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.920388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β family, is recognized as a multifunctional protein in the adult brain with a particular impact on neuronal circuits associated with cognitive and affective functions. Activin receptor signaling in mouse hippocampus is strongly enhanced by the exploration of an enriched environment (EE), a behavioral paradigm known to improve performance in learning and memory tasks and to ameliorate depression-like behaviors. To interrogate the relationship between EE, activin signaling, and cellular excitability in the hippocampus, we performed ex vivo whole-cell recordings from dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells (GCs) of wild type mice and transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB (dnActRIB), which disrupts activin signaling in a forebrain-specific fashion. We found that, after overnight EE housing, GC excitability was strongly enhanced in an activin-dependent fashion. Moreover, the effect of EE on GC firing was mimicked by pre-treatment of hippocampal slices from control mice with recombinant activin A for several hours. The excitatory effect of activin A was preserved when canonical SMAD-dependent signaling was pharmacologically suppressed but was blocked by inhibitors of ERK-MAPK and PKA signaling. The involvement of a non-genomic signaling cascade was supported by the fact that the excitatory effect of activin A was already achieved within minutes of application. With respect to the ionic mechanism underlying the increase in intrinsic excitability, voltage-clamp recordings revealed that activin A induced an apparent inward current, which resulted from the suppression of a standing G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) current. The link between EE, enhanced activin signaling, and inhibition of GIRK current was strengthened by the following findings: (i) The specific GIRK channel blocker tertiapin Q (TQ) occluded the characteristic electrophysiological effects of activin A in both current- and voltage-clamp recordings. (ii) The outward current evoked by the GIRK channel activator adenosine was significantly reduced by preceding EE exploration as well as by recombinant activin A in control slices. In conclusion, our study identifies GIRK current suppression via non-canonical activin signaling as a mechanism that might at least in part contribute to the beneficial effects of EE on cognitive performance and affective behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology
and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Alzheimer Fang Zheng
| | - Maria Jesus Valero-Aracama
- Institute of Physiology
and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology
and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Alzheimer Fang Zheng
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oberländer K, Witte V, Mallien AS, Gass P, Bengtson CP, Bading H. Dysregulation of Npas4 and Inhba expression and an altered excitation-inhibition balance are associated with cognitive deficits in DBA/2 mice. Learn Mem 2022; 29:55-70. [PMID: 35042829 PMCID: PMC8774195 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053527.121] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Differences in the learning associated transcriptional profiles between mouse strains with distinct learning abilities could provide insight into the molecular basis of learning and memory. The inbred mouse strain DBA/2 shows deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory, yet the transcriptional responses to learning and the underlying mechanisms of the impairments are unknown. Comparing DBA/2J mice with the reference standard C57BL/6N mouse strain we verify an enhanced susceptibility to kainic acid induced seizures, confirm impairments in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory tasks and uncover additional behavioral abnormalities including deficits in hippocampus-independent learning. Surprisingly, we found no broad dysfunction of the DBA/2J strain in immediate early gene (IEG) activation but instead report brain region-specific and gene-specific alterations. The learning-associated IEGs Arc, c-Fos, and Nr4a1 showed no DBA/2J deficits in basal or synaptic activity induced gene expression in hippocampal or cortical primary neuronal cultures or in the CA1, CA3, or retrosplenial cortex following spatial object recognition (SOR) training in vivo. However, the parietal cortex showed reduced and the dentate gyrus showed enhanced SOR-evoked induction of most IEGs. All DBA/2J hippocampal regions exhibited elevated basal expression of inhibin β A (Inhba) and a learning-associated superinduction of the transcription factor neuronal Per-Arnt-Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4) known to regulate the synaptic excitation-inhibition balance. In line with this, CA1 pyramidal neurons of DBA/2J mice showed fewer inhibitory and more excitatory miniature postsynaptic currents but no alteration in most other electrophysiological properties or gross dendritic morphology. The dysregulation of Npas4 and Inhba expression and synaptic connectivity may underlie the cognitive deficits and increased susceptibility to seizures of DBA/2J mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Oberländer
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victoria Witte
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - C. Peter Bengtson
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ho CH, Paolantoni C, Bawankar P, Tang Z, Brown S, Roignant J, Treisman JE. An exon junction complex-independent function of Barentsz in neuromuscular synapse growth. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53231. [PMID: 34726300 PMCID: PMC8728599 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The exon junction complex controls the translation, degradation, and localization of spliced mRNAs, and three of its core subunits also play a role in splicing. Here, we show that a fourth subunit, Barentsz, has distinct functions within and separate from the exon junction complex in Drosophila neuromuscular development. The distribution of mitochondria in larval muscles requires Barentsz as well as other exon junction complex subunits and is not rescued by a Barentsz transgene in which residues required for binding to the core subunit eIF4AIII are mutated. In contrast, interactions with the exon junction complex are not required for Barentsz to promote the growth of neuromuscular synapses. We find that the Activin ligand Dawdle shows reduced expression in barentsz mutants and acts downstream of Barentsz to control synapse growth. Both barentsz and dawdle are required in motor neurons, muscles, and glia for normal synapse growth, and exogenous Dawdle can rescue synapse growth in the absence of barentsz. These results identify a biological function for Barentsz that is independent of the exon junction complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Hei Ho
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell BiologyNYU School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Chiara Paolantoni
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Génopode Building, Faculty of Biology and MedicineUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Praveen Bawankar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesJohannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Zuojian Tang
- Center for Health Informatics and BioinformaticsNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
Computational Biology at Ridgefield US, Global Computational Biology and Digital ScienceBoehringer IngelheimRidgefieldCTUSA
| | - Stuart Brown
- Center for Health Informatics and BioinformaticsNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
ExxonMobil Corporate Strategic ResearchAnnandaleNJUSA
| | - Jean‐Yves Roignant
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Génopode Building, Faculty of Biology and MedicineUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesJohannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Jessica E Treisman
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine and Department of Cell BiologyNYU School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neuroadaptations and TGF-β signaling: emerging role in models of neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:296-306. [PMID: 34131268 PMCID: PMC8671568 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases are manifested by maladaptive behavioral plasticity. Despite the greater understanding of the neuroplasticity underlying behavioral adaptations, pinpointing precise cellular mediators has remained elusive. This has stymied the development of pharmacological interventions to combat these disorders both at the level of progression and relapse. With increased knowledge on the putative role of the transforming growth factor (TGF- β) family of proteins in mediating diverse neuroadaptations, the influence of TGF-β signaling in regulating maladaptive cellular and behavioral plasticity underlying neuropsychiatric disorders is being increasingly elucidated. The current review is focused on what is currently known about the TGF-β signaling in the central nervous system in mediating cellular and behavioral plasticity related to neuropsychiatric manifestations.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rodrigues NC, Silva-Cruz A, Caulino-Rocha A, Bento-Oliveira A, Alexandre Ribeiro J, Cunha-Reis D. Hippocampal CA1 theta burst-induced LTP from weaning to adulthood: Cellular and molecular mechanisms in young male rats revisited. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:5272-5292. [PMID: 34251729 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a highly studied cellular process, yet determining the transduction and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) pathways that are the essential versus modulatory for LTP elicited by theta burst stimulation (TBS) in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) area is still elusive, due to the use of different TBS intensities, patterns or different rodent/cellular models. We now characterised the developmental maturation and the transduction and GABAergic pathways required for mild TBS-induced LTP in hippocampal CA1 area in male rats. LTP induced by TBS (5x4) (five bursts of four pulses delivered at 100 Hz) lasted for up to 3 h and was increasingly larger from weaning to adulthood. Stronger TBS patterns - TBS (15x4) or three TBS (15x4) separated by 6 min induced nearly maximal LTP not being the best choice to study the value of LTP-enhancing drugs. LTP induced by TBS (5x4) in young adults was fully dependent on N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity but independent of protein kinase A (PKA) or protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Furthermore, it was partially dependent on GABAB receptor activation and was potentiated by GABAA receptor blockade and less by GAT-1 transporter blockade. AMPA GluA1 phosphorylation on Ser831 (CaMKII target) but not GluA1 Ser845 (PKA target) was essential for LTP expression. The phosphorylation of the Kv4.2 channel was observed at Ser438 (CaMKII target) but not at Thr602 or Thr607 (ERK/MAPK pathway target). This suggests that cellular kinases like PKA, PKC, or kinases of the ERK/MAPK family although important modulators of TBS (5x4)-induced LTP may not be essential for its expression in the CA1 area of the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Armando Silva-Cruz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Neurociências, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Caulino-Rocha
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Bento-Oliveira
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Alexandre Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Neurociências, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Cunha-Reis
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Unidade de Neurociências, Lisbon, Portugal.,Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Neuroadaptations in the dorsal hippocampus underlie cocaine seeking during prolonged abstinence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26460-26469. [PMID: 33020308 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006133117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse vulnerability in substance use disorder is attributed to persistent cue-induced drug seeking that intensifies (or "incubates") during drug abstinence. Incubated cocaine seeking has been observed in both humans with cocaine use disorder and in preclinical relapse models. This persistent relapse vulnerability is mediated by neuroadaptations in brain regions involved in reward and motivation. The dorsal hippocampus (DH) is involved in context-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but the role of the DH in cocaine seeking during prolonged abstinence has not been investigated. Here we found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member activin A is increased in the DH on abstinence day (AD) 30 but not AD1 following extended-access cocaine self-administration compared to saline controls. Moreover, activin A does not affect cocaine seeking on AD1 but regulates cocaine seeking on AD30 in a bidirectional manner. Next, we found that activin A regulates phosphorylation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN2B and that GluN2B-containing NMDARs also regulate expression of cocaine seeking on AD30. Activin A and GluN2B-containing NMDARs have both previously been implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Therefore, we examined synaptic strength in the DH during prolonged abstinence and observed an increase in moderate long-term potentiation (LTP) in cocaine-treated rats compared to saline controls. Lastly, we examined the role of DH projections to the lateral septum (LS), a brain region implicated in cocaine seeking and found that DH projections to the LS govern cocaine seeking on AD30. Taken together, this study demonstrates a role for the DH in relapse behavior following prolonged abstinence from cocaine self-administration.
Collapse
|
14
|
TGF-β/Smad3 Signalling Modulates GABA Neurotransmission: Implications in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020590. [PMID: 31963327 PMCID: PMC7013528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutiryc acid (GABA) is found extensively in different brain nuclei, including parts involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as the basal ganglia and hippocampus. In PD and in different models of the disorder, an increase in GABA neurotransmission is observed and may promote bradykinesia or L-Dopa-induced side-effects. In addition, proteins involved in GABAA receptor (GABAAR) trafficking, such as GABARAP, Trak1 or PAELR, may participate in the aetiology of the disease. TGF-β/Smad3 signalling has been associated with several pathological features of PD, such as dopaminergic neurodegeneration; reduction of dopaminergic axons and dendrites; and α-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, TGF-β/Smad3 intracellular signalling was recently shown to modulate GABA neurotransmission in the context of parkinsonism and cognitive alterations. This review provides a summary of GABA neurotransmission and TGF-β signalling; their implications in PD; and the regulation of GABA neurotransmission by TGF-β/Smad3. There appear to be new possibilities to develop therapeutic approaches for the treatment of PD using GABA modulators.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang JQ, Dong Y, Li SJ, Pan CL, Liu HY, Wang YK, Xu L, Yang JH, Cui YX, He JT, Mang J, Xu ZX. Knockdown of microRNA-17-5p Enhances the Neuroprotective Effect of Act A/Smads Signal Loop After Ischemic Injury. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1807-1817. [PMID: 31093905 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02815-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic injury is a leading cause of human mortality and disability, seriously threatening human health in the world. Activin A (Act A), as a well-known neuroprotective factor, could alleviate ischemic brain injury mainly through Act A/Smads signaling. In our previous study, a noncanonical Act A/Smads signal loop with self-amplifying property was found, which strengthened the neuroprotective effect of Act A. However, this neuroprotective effect was limited due to the self-limiting behavior mediated by Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) protein. It was reported that microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) could suppress the expression of SARA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thus we proposed that knockdown of miR-17-5p could strengthen the neuroprotective effect of Act A/Smads signal loop through SARA. To testify this hypothesis, oxygen-glucose deficiency (OGD) was introduced to highly differentiated rattus pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. After the transfection of miR-17-5p mimic or inhibitor, the activity of Act A signal loop was quantified by the expression of phosphorylated Smad3. The results showed that suppression of miR-17-5p up-regulated the expression of SARA protein, which prolonged and strengthened the activity of Act A signaling through increased phosphorylation of downstream Smad3 and accumulation of Act A ligand. Further luciferase assay confirmed that SARA was a direct target gene of miR-17-5p. These practical discoveries will bring new insight on the endogenous neuroprotective effects of Act A signal loop by interfering a novel target: miR-17-5p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Qi Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yue Dong
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Si-Jia Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Bethune Medicine Institute, Jilin University, 828 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Pan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Bethune Medicine Institute, Jilin University, 828 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yu-Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jia-Hui Yang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yun-Xia Cui
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jin-Ting He
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jing Mang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zhong-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Park AJ, Havekes R, Fu X, Hansen R, Tudor JC, Peixoto L, Li Z, Wu YC, Poplawski SG, Baraban JM, Abel T. Learning induces the translin/trax RNase complex to express activin receptors for persistent memory. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28927503 PMCID: PMC5606845 DOI: 10.7554/elife.27872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity and memory require de novo protein synthesis. Yet, how learning triggers this process to form memory is unclear. Translin/trax is a candidate to drive this learning-induced memory mechanism by suppressing microRNA-mediated translational silencing at activated synapses. We find that mice lacking translin/trax display defects in synaptic tagging, which requires protein synthesis at activated synapses, and long-term memory. Hippocampal samples harvested from these mice following learning show increases in several disease-related microRNAs targeting the activin A receptor type 1C (ACVR1C), a component of the transforming growth factor-β receptor superfamily. Furthermore, the absence of translin/trax abolishes synaptic upregulation of ACVR1C protein after learning. Finally, synaptic tagging and long-term memory deficits in mice lacking translin/trax are mimicked by ACVR1C inhibition. Thus, we define a new memory mechanism by which learning reverses microRNA-mediated silencing of the novel plasticity protein ACVR1C via translin/trax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Jung Park
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Xiuping Fu
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Rolf Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jennifer C Tudor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Lucia Peixoto
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Zhi Li
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Yen-Ching Wu
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Shane G Poplawski
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jay M Baraban
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang ZJ, Martin JA, Gancarz AM, Adank DN, Sim FJ, Dietz DM. Activin A is increased in the nucleus accumbens following a cocaine binge. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43658. [PMID: 28272550 PMCID: PMC5341561 DOI: 10.1038/srep43658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a long-lasting disease characterized by compulsive drug intake mediated in part by neuronal and biological adaptations in key brain areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc). While we previously demonstrated involvement of the activin 2a receptor in drug taking, the role of its ligand, activin A, in cocaine relapse is unknown. Activin A levels in the NAc were assessed via ELISA and immunohistochemistry (in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia) following a cocaine binge paradigm. Cocaine exposure significantly increased the levels of activin A in the NAc of animals that had self-administered cocaine prior to the 14-day withdrawal compared with levels in saline controls. This was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of IBA1+ microglia in the NAc that were immunopositive for activin A. In contrast, the proportions of NeuN+ neurons and GFAP+ astrocytes that were immunopositive for activin A remained unaltered. In conclusion, these data suggest that increased secretion of activin A, particularly from microglia, in the NAc represents a novel potential target for the treatment of cocaine relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Amy M. Gancarz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Danielle N. Adank
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Fraser J. Sim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - David M. Dietz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Institute on Addictions, Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Weng W, Chen Y, Wang M, Zhuang Y, Behnisch T. Potentiation of Schaffer-Collateral CA1 Synaptic Transmission by eEF2K and p38 MAPK Mediated Mechanisms. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:247. [PMID: 27826228 PMCID: PMC5078695 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), likewise known as CaMKIII, has been demonstrated to be involved in antidepressant responses of NMDA receptor antagonists. Even so, it remains open whether direct inhibition of eEF2K without altering up-stream or other signaling pathways affects hippocampal synaptic transmission and neuronal network synchrony. Inhibition of eEF2K by the selective and potent eEF2K inhibitor A-484954 induced a fast pre-synaptically mediated enhancement of synaptic transmission and synchronization of neural network activity. The eEF2K-inhibition mediated potentiation of synaptic transmission of hippocampal CA1 neurons is most notably independent of protein synthesis and does not rely on protein kinase C, protein kinase A or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2. Moreover, the strengthening of synaptic transmission in the response to the inhibition of eEF2K was strongly attenuated by the inhibition of p38 MAPK. In addition, we show the involvement of barium-sensitive and more specific the TWIK-related potassium-1 (TREK-1) channels in the eEF2K-inhibition mediated potentiation of synaptic transmission. These findings reveal a novel pathway of eEF2K mediated regulation of hippocampal synaptic transmission. Further research is required to study whether such compounds could be beneficial for the development of mood disorder treatments with a fast-acting antidepressant response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiguang Weng
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Chen
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Man Wang
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghan Zhuang
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Behnisch
- The Institutes of Brain Science, The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Link AS, Zheng F, Alzheimer C. Activin Signaling in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:32. [PMID: 27242425 PMCID: PMC4861723 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Activins are members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family and serve as multifunctional regulatory proteins in many tissues and organs. In the brain, activin A, which is formed by two disulfide-linked βA subunits, is recognized as the predominant player in activin signaling. Over the last years, considerable progress has been made in elucidating novel and unexpected functions of activin in the normal and diseased brain and in deciphering the underlying molecular mechanisms. Initially identified as a neurotrophic and protective factor during development and in several forms of acute injury, the scope of effects of activin A in the adult central nervous system (CNS) has been considerably broadened by now. Here, we will highlight recent findings that bear significance for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric diseases and might hold promise for novel therapeutic strategies. While the basal level of activin A in the adult brain is low, significant short-term up-regulation occurs in response to increased neuronal activity. In fact, brief exposure to an enriched environment (EE) is already sufficient to considerably strengthen activin signaling. Enhancement of this pathway tunes the performance of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in a fashion that impacts on cognitive functions and affective behavior, counteracts death-inducing signals through extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), and stimulates adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus. We will discuss how impaired activin signaling is involved in anxiety disorders, depression, drug dependence, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and how reinforcement of activin signaling might be exploited for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Link
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhu G, Sun J, Bi X, Baudry M. A calpain-2 selective inhibitor enhances learning & memory by prolonging ERK activation. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:471-477. [PMID: 26907807 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
While calpain-1 activation is required for LTP induction by theta burst stimulation (TBS), calpain-2 activation limits its magnitude during the consolidation period. A selective calpain-2 inhibitor applied either before or shortly after TBS enhanced the degree of potentiation. In the present study, we tested whether the selective calpain-2 inhibitor, Z-Leu-Abu-CONH-CH2-C6H3 (3, 5-(OMe)2 (C2I), could enhance learning and memory in wild-type (WT) and calpain-1 knock-out (C1KO) mice. We first showed that C2I could reestablish TBS-LTP in hippocampal slices from C1KO mice, and this effect was blocked by PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK. TBS resulted in PTEN degradation in hippocampal slices from both WT and C1KO mice, and C2I treatment blocked this effect in both mouse genotypes. Systemic injection of C2I 30 min before training in the fear-conditioning paradigm resulted in a biphasic dose-response curve, with low doses enhancing and high doses inhibiting freezing behavior. The difference between the doses needed to enhance and inhibit learning matches the difference in concentrations producing inhibition of calpain-2 and calpain-1. A low dose of C2I also restored normal learning in a novel object recognition task in C1KO mice. Levels of SCOP, a ERK phosphatase known to be cleaved by calpain-1, were decreased in dorsal hippocampus early but not late following training in WT mice; C2I treatment did not affect the early decrease in SCOP levels but prevented its recovery at the later time-point and prolonged ERK activation. The results indicate that calpain-2 activation limits the extent of learning, an effect possibly due to temporal limitation of ERK activation, as a result of SCOP synthesis induced by calpain-2-mediated PTEN degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Jiandong Sun
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang JQ, Liang WZ, Cui Y, He JT, Liu HY, Wang Y, Xue LX, Ji QY, Shi W, Shao YK, Mang J, Xu ZX. Noncanonical Activin A Signaling in PC12 Cells: A Self-Limiting Feedback Loop. Neurochem Res 2015; 41:1073-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
23
|
Cui B, Li K, Gai Z, She X, Zhang N, Xu C, Chen X, An G, Ma Q, Wang R. Chronic Noise Exposure Acts Cumulatively to Exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease-Like Amyloid-β Pathology and Neuroinflammation in the Rat Hippocampus. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12943. [PMID: 26251361 PMCID: PMC4528219 DOI: 10.1038/srep12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A putative etiological association exists between noise exposure and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology is thought to be one of the primary initiating factors in AD. It has been further suggested that subsequent dysregulation of Aβ may play a mechanistic role in the AD-like pathophysiology associated with noise exposure. Here, we used ELISA, immunoblotting, cytokine arrays, and RT-PCR, to examine both hippocampal Aβ pathology and neuroinflammation in rats at different time points after noise exposure. We found that chronic noise exposure significantly accelerated the progressive overproduction of Aβ, which persisted for 7 to 14 days after the cessation of exposure. This effect was accompanied by up-regulated expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its cleavage enzymes, β- and γ-secretases. Cytokine analysis revealed that chronic noise exposure increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and the receptor for advanced glycation end products, while decreasing the expression of activin A and platelet-derived growth factor- AA. Furthermore, we found persistent elevations of glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 expression that closely corresponded to the noise-induced increases in Aβ and neuroinflammation. These studies suggest that lifelong environmental noise exposure may have cumulative effects on the onset and development of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cui
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Gai
- 1] Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China [2] Shandong academy of occupational health and occupational medicine, Shandong academy of medical sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojun She
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanxiang Xu
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuewei Chen
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Gaihong An
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Shandong academy of occupational health and occupational medicine, Shandong academy of medical sciences, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
A key role for TGF-β1 in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11252. [PMID: 26059637 PMCID: PMC4462026 DOI: 10.1038/srep11252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a well-known neuroprotective and neurotrophic factor demonstrated to play a role in synaptic transmission. However, its involvement in physiological mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and memory at hippocampal level has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we examine the role of TGF-β1 in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory in adult wild type mice. Our data provide evidence that administration of exogenous TGF-β1 is able to convert early-phase-LTP into late-phase-LTP. Furthermore, we show that the block of the endogenous TGF-β1 signaling pathway by the specific TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542, impairs LTP and object recognition memory. The latter impairment was rescued by administration of exogenous TGF-β1, suggesting that endogenously produced TGF-β1 plays a role in physiological mechanisms underlying LTP and memory. Finally, TGF-β1 functional effect correlates with an increased expression of the phosphorylated transcription factor cAMP-Responsive Element Binding protein.
Collapse
|
25
|
Hasegawa Y, Hojo Y, Kojima H, Ikeda M, Hotta K, Sato R, Ooishi Y, Yoshiya M, Chung BC, Yamazaki T, Kawato S. Estradiol rapidly modulates synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons: Involvement of kinase networks. Brain Res 2015; 1621:147-61. [PMID: 25595055 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) is locally synthesized within the hippocampus in addition to the gonads. Rapid modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by E2 is essential for synaptic regulation. Molecular mechanisms of modulation through synaptic estrogen receptor (ER) and its downstream signaling, however, have been still unknown. We investigated induction of LTP by the presence of E2 upon weak theta burst stimulation (weak-TBS) in CA1 region of adult male hippocampus. Since only weak-TBS did not induce full-LTP, weak-TBS was sub-threshold stimulation. We observed LTP induction by the presence of E2, after incubation of hippocampal slices with 10nM E2 for 30 min, upon weak-TBS. This E2-induced LTP was blocked by ICI, an ER antagonist. This E2-LTP induction was inhibited by blocking Erk MAPK, PKA, PKC, PI3K, NR2B and CaMKII, individually, suggesting that Erk MAPK, PKA, PKC, PI3K and CaMKII may be involved in downstream signaling for activation of NMDA receptors. Interestingly, dihydrotestosterone suppressed the E2-LTP. We also investigated rapid changes of dendritic spines (=postsynapses) in response to E2, using hippocampal slices from adult male rats. We found 1nM E2 increased the density of spines by approximately 1.3-fold within 2h by imaging Lucifer Yellow-injected CA1 pyramidal neurons. The E2-induced spine increase was blocked by ICI. The increase in spines was suppressed by blocking PI3K, Erk MAPK, p38 MAPK, PKA, PKC, LIMK, CaMKII or calcineurin, individually. On the other hand, blocking JNK did not inhibit the E2-induced spine increase. Taken together, these results suggest that E2 rapidly induced LTP and also increased the spine density through kinase networks that are driven by synaptic ER. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Hasegawa
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hiroki Kojima
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Muneki Ikeda
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hotta
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Rei Sato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Miyuki Yoshiya
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Project of Special Coordinate Funds for Promoting Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|