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Lee HW, Chen SJ, Tsai KJ, Hsu KS, Chen YF, Chang CH, Lin HH, Hsueh WY, Hsieh HP, Lee YF, Chiang HC, Chang JY. Targeting cathepsin S promotes activation of OLF1-BDNF/TrkB axis to enhance cognitive function. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:46. [PMID: 38725007 PMCID: PMC11084077 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01037-2] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a cysteine protease that played diverse roles in immunity, tumor metastasis, aging and other pathological alterations. At the cellular level, increased CTSS levels have been associated with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and disrupted the homeostasis of Ca2+ flux. Once CTSS was suppressed, elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and changes of Ca2+ influx were observed. These findings have inspired us to explore the potential role of CTSS on cognitive functions. METHODS We conducted classic Y-maze and Barnes Maze tests to assess the spatial and working memory of Ctss-/- mice, Ctss+/+ mice and Ctss+/+ mice injected with the CTSS inhibitor (RJW-58). Ex vivo analyses including long-term potentiation (LTP), Golgi staining, immunofluorescence staining of sectioned whole brain tissues obtained from experimental animals were conducted. Furthermore, molecular studies were carried out using cultured HT-22 cell line and primary cortical neurons that treated with RJW-58 to comprehensively assess the gene and protein expressions. RESULTS Our findings reported that targeting cathepsin S (CTSS) yields improvements in cognitive function, enhancing both working and spatial memory in behavior models. Ex vivo studies showed elevated levels of long-term potentiation levels and increased synaptic complexity. Microarray analysis demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was upregulated when CTSS was knocked down by using siRNA. Moreover, the pharmacological blockade of the CTSS enzymatic activity promoted BDNF expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Notably, the inhibition of CTSS was associated with increased neurogenesis in the murine dentate gyrus. These results suggested a promising role of CTSS modulation in cognitive enhancement and neurogenesis. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a critical role of CTSS in the regulation of cognitive function by modulating the Ca2+ influx, leading to enhanced activation of the BDNF/TrkB axis. Our study may provide a novel strategy for improving cognitive function by targeting CTSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Wei Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
- Taipei Cancer Center, TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 252, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110301, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Szu-Jung Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hua Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Han Lin
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yun Hsueh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Pang Hsieh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Feng Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Chueh Chiang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Yang Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.
- Taipei Cancer Center, TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 252, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110301, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
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Yin Y, Wang B, Yang M, Chen J, Li T. Gastric cancer prognosis: unveiling autophagy-related signatures and immune infiltrates. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1479-1492. [PMID: 38617515 PMCID: PMC11009815 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Autophagy played a crucial regulatory role in tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively analyze autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in gastric cancer, focusing on their expression, prognostic value, and potential functions. Methods The gastric cancer gene chip datasets (GSE79973 and GSE54129) were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, the Limma package was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the normal and disease groups. The selected ARGs were further authenticated using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and GSE19826 database. Results A total of 15 autophagy-related DEGs, eight of which were upregulated [FKBP1A, IL24, PEA15, HSP90AB1, cathepsin B (CTSB), ITGB1, SPHK1, HIF1A], while seven were downregulated (DAPK2, EIF2AK3, FKBP1B, PTK6, NKX2-3, NFE2L2, PRKCD). Analysis revealed that CTSB was specifically associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showcased a significant enrichment of CTSB-related genes within immune-related pathways. Moreover, correlation analysis demonstrated a clear association between the expression of CTSB and immune infiltration. The upregulation of CTSB in gastric cancer was linked to poor survival and increased immune infiltration. Conclusions We conjectured that CTSB likely played a critical role in regulating immunity and autophagy in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Yin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance (Ningxia Medical University), Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
| | - Baozhen Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance (Ningxia Medical University), Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
| | - Mingzhe Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance (Ningxia Medical University), Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance (Ningxia Medical University), Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tumor Hospital, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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3
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Moaddel R, Farmer CA, Yavi M, Kadriu B, Zhu M, Fan J, Chen Q, Lehrmann E, Fantoni G, De S, Mazucanti CH, Acevedo-Diaz EE, Yuan P, Gould TD, Park LT, Egan JM, Ferrucci L, Zarate CA. Cerebrospinal fluid exploratory proteomics and ketamine metabolite pharmacokinetics in human volunteers after ketamine infusion. iScience 2023; 26:108527. [PMID: 38162029 PMCID: PMC10755719 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a treatment for both refractory depression and chronic pain syndromes. In order to explore ketamine's potential mechanism of action and whether ketamine or its metabolites cross the blood brain barrier, we examined the pharmacokinetics of ketamine and its metabolites-norketamine (NK), dehydronorketamine (DHNK), and hydroxynorketamines (HNKs)-in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma, as well as in an exploratory proteomic analysis in the CSF of nine healthy volunteers who received ketamine intravenously (0.5 mg/kg IV). We found that ketamine, NK, and (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK readily crossed the blood brain barrier. Additionally, 354 proteins were altered in the CSF in at least two consecutive timepoints (p < 0.01). Proteins in the classes of tyrosine kinases, cellular adhesion molecules, and growth factors, including insulin, were most affected, suggesting an interplay of altered neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neural network functions following ketamine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Cristan A. Farmer
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mani Yavi
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Min Zhu
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jinshui Fan
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Qinghua Chen
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elin Lehrmann
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Giovanna Fantoni
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Supriyo De
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Caio H. Mazucanti
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elia E. Acevedo-Diaz
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peixiong Yuan
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Lawrence T. Park
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Josephine M. Egan
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gross J, Knipper M, Mazurek B. Candidate Key Proteins in Tinnitus: A Bioinformatic Study of Synaptic Transmission in Spiral Ganglion Neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4189-4207. [PMID: 37736859 PMCID: PMC10661836 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01405-w] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
To study key proteins associated with changes in synaptic transmission in the spiral ganglion in tinnitus, we build three gene lists from the GeneCard database: 1. Perception of sound (PoS), 2. Acoustic stimulation (AcouStim), and 3. Tinnitus (Tin). Enrichment analysis by the DAVID database resulted in similar Gene Ontology (GO) terms for cellular components in all gene lists, reflecting synaptic structures known to be involved in auditory processing. The STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the Cytoscape data analyzer were used to identify the top two high-degree proteins (HDPs) and their high-score interaction proteins (HSIPs) identified by the combined score (CS) of the corresponding edges. The top two protein pairs (key proteins) for the PoS are BDNF-GDNF and OTOF-CACNA1D and for the AcouStim process BDNF-NTRK2 and TH-CALB1. The Tin process showed BDNF and NGF as HDPs, with high-score interactions with NTRK1 and NGFR at a comparable level. Compared to the PoS and AcouStim process, the number of HSIPs of key proteins (CS > 90. percentile) increases strongly in Tin. In the PoS and AcouStim networks, BDNF receptor signaling is the dominant pathway, and in the Tin network, the NGF-signaling pathway is of similar importance. Key proteins and their HSIPs are good indicators of biological processes and of signaling pathways characteristic for the normal hearing on the one hand and tinnitus on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Gross
- Tinnitus Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Leibniz Society of Science Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marlies Knipper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Center (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Leibniz Society of Science Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnitus Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Stoka V, Vasiljeva O, Nakanishi H, Turk V. The Role of Cysteine Protease Cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15613. [PMID: 37958596 PMCID: PMC10650516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115613] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Papain-like cysteine proteases are composed of 11 human cysteine cathepsins, originally located in the lysosomes. They exhibit broad specificity and act as endopeptidases and/or exopeptidases. Among them, only cathepsins B, H, C, and X/Z exhibit exopeptidase activity. Recently, cysteine cathepsins have been found to be present outside the lysosomes and often participate in various pathological processes. Hence, they have been considered key signalling molecules. Their potentially hazardous proteolytic activities are tightly regulated. This review aims to discuss recent advances in understanding the structural aspects of these four cathepsins, mechanisms of their zymogen activation, regulation of their activities, and functional aspects of these enzymes in neurodegeneration and cancer. Neurodegenerative effects have been evaluated, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Cysteine cathepsins also participate in tumour progression and metastasis through the overexpression and secretion of proteases, which trigger extracellular matrix degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first review to provide an in-depth analysis regarding the roles of cysteine cathepsins B, H, C, and X in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Further advances in understanding the functions of cysteine cathepsins in these conditions will result in the development of novel, targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Vasiljeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- CytomX Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan;
| | - Vito Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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6
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Vijh D, Imam MA, Haque MMU, Das S, Islam A, Malik MZ. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approach reveals the therapeutic mechanism of action of curcumin in Alzheimer disease. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1205-1220. [PMID: 36652025 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01160-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance which plays a major role in reducing the amyloid plaques formation, which is the major cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Consequently, a methodical approach was used to select the potential protein targets of curcumin in AD through network pharmacology. In this study, through integrative methods, AD targets of curcumin through SwissTargetPrediction database, STITCH database, BindingDB, PharmMapper, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database were predicted followed by gene enrichment analysis, network construction, network topology, and docking studies. Gene ontology analysis facilitated identification of a list of possible AD targets of curcumin (74 targets genes). The correlation of the obtained targets with AD was analysed by using gene ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analyses and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We have incorporated the applied network pharmacological approach to identify key genes. Furthermore, we have performed molecular docking for analysing the mechanism of curcumin. In order to validate the temporospatial expression of key genes in human central nervous system (CNS), we searched the Human Brain Transcriptome (HBT) dataset. We identified top five key genes namely, PPARγ, MAPK1, STAT3, KDR and APP. Further validated the expression profiling of these key genes in publicly available brain data expression profile databases. In context to a valuable addition in the treatment of AD, this study is concluded with novel insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of curcumin, will ease the treatment of AD with the clinical application of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanshi Vijh
- Agriculture Plant Biotechnology Lab (ARL-316), University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector 16-C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Md Ali Imam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | | | - Subhajit Das
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 411007
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- Department of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, 15462, Dasman, Kuwait.
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7
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Matutino Santos P, Pereira Campos G, Nascimento C. Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Pathway and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Mood Disorders: A Review Article. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:133-151. [PMID: 36684613 PMCID: PMC9849791 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s376380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are disabling conditions that cause significant functional impairment. Due to the clinical heterogeneity and complex nature of these disorders, diagnostic and treatment strategies face challenges. The etiology of mood disorders is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental aspects that are associated with specific biological pathways including inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Alterations in these pathways may reduce the cell's ability to recover from stress conditions occurring during mood episodes. The endo-lysosomal and autophagy pathway (ELAP) and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) play critical roles in protein homeostasis, impacting neuroplasticity and neurodevelopment. Thus, emerging evidence has suggested a role for these pathways in mental disorders. In the case of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), a deeper understanding in the role of ELAP and UPS has been critical to discover new treatment targets. Since it is suggested that NDDs and mood disorders share clinical symptomatology and risk factors, it has been hypothesized that there might be common underlying molecular pathways. Here, we review the importance of the ELAP and UPS for the central nervous system and for mood disorders. Finally, we discuss potential translational strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder associated with these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petala Matutino Santos
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Pereira Campos
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Nascimento
- Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Moretto E, Stuart S, Surana S, Vargas JNS, Schiavo G. The Role of Extracellular Matrix Components in the Spreading of Pathological Protein Aggregates. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:844211. [PMID: 35573838 PMCID: PMC9100790 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.844211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of aggregated misfolded proteins. These pathological agents have been suggested to propagate in the brain via mechanisms similar to that observed for the prion protein, where a misfolded variant is transferred from an affected brain region to a healthy one, thereby inducing the misfolding and/or aggregation of correctly folded copies. This process has been characterized for several proteins, such as α-synuclein, tau, amyloid beta (Aβ) and less extensively for huntingtin and TDP-43. α-synuclein, tau, TDP-43 and huntingtin are intracellular proteins, and their aggregates are located in the cytosol or nucleus of neurons. They have been shown to spread between cells and this event occurs, at least partially, via secretion of these protein aggregates in the extracellular space followed by re-uptake. Conversely, Aβ aggregates are found mainly extracellularly, and their spreading occurs in the extracellular space between brain regions. Due to the inherent nature of their spreading modalities, these proteins are exposed to components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including glycans, proteases and core matrix proteins. These ECM components can interact with or process pathological misfolded proteins, potentially changing their properties and thus regulating their spreading capabilities. Here, we present an overview of the documented roles of ECM components in the spreading of pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases with the objective of identifying the current gaps in knowledge and stimulating further research in the field. This could potentially lead to the identification of druggable targets to slow down the spreading and/or progression of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Moretto
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, CNR, Milan, Italy
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Edoardo Moretto,
| | - Skye Stuart
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sunaina Surana
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Norberto S. Vargas
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Giampietro Schiavo,
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Heib M, Weiß J, Saggau C, Hoyer J, Fuchslocher Chico J, Voigt S, Adam D. Ars moriendi: Proteases as sculptors of cellular suicide. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119191. [PMID: 34973300 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Ars moriendi, which translates to "The Art of Dying," encompasses two Latin texts that gave advice on how to die well and without fear according to the Christian precepts of the late Middle Ages. Given that ten to hundred billion cells die in our bodies every day, it is obvious that the concept of a well and orderly ("regulated") death is also paramount at the cellular level. In apoptosis, as the most well-studied form of regulated cell death, proteases of the caspase family are the central mediators. However, caspases are not the only proteases that act as sculptors of cellular suicide, and therefore, we here provide an overview of the impact of proteases in apoptosis and other forms of regulated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Heib
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jonas Weiß
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Carina Saggau
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Justus Hoyer
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Susann Voigt
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Adam
- Institut für Immunologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Michaelisstr. 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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10
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Ma K, Chen X, Liu W, Chen S, Yang C, Yang J. CTSB is a negative prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target associated with immune cells infiltration and immunosuppression in gliomas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4295. [PMID: 35277559 PMCID: PMC8917123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous researches have demonstrated the meaning of CTSB for the progress of several tumors, whereas few clues about its immunological characteristic in gliomas. Here we systematically explored its biologic features and clinical significance for gliomas. 699 glioma cases of TCGA and 325 glioma cases of CGGA were respectively included as training and validating cohorts. R software was used for data analysis and mapping. We found that CTSB was remarkably highly-expressed for HGG, IDH wild type, 1p19q non-codeletion type, MGMT promoter unmethylation type and mesenchymal gliomas. CTSB could specifically and sensitively indicate mesenchymal glioma. Upregulated CTSB was an independent hazard correlated with poor survival. CTSB-related biological processes in gliomas chiefly concentrated on immunoreaction and inflammation response. Then we proved that CTSB positively related to most inflammatory metagenes except IgG, including HCK, LCK, MHC II, STAT1 and IFN. More importantly, the levels of glioma-infiltrating immune cells were positively associated with the expression of CTSB, especially for TAMs, MDSCs and Tregs. In conclusion, CTSB is closely related to the malignant pathological subtypes, worse prognosis, immune cells infiltration and immunosuppression of gliomas, which make it a promising biomarker and potential target in the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Weihai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chenlong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M, Jowik K, Paszynska E, Dutkiewicz A, Słopien A, Dmitrzak-Weglarz M. Expression of immune-related proteins and their association with neuropeptides in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102214. [PMID: 34861598 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a metabo-psychiatric disorder where alterations of cytokines, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and the interactions between these factors can play an important role. Thus, the primary goal of the presented study was a cross-sectional analysis of immune-related proteins in patients with AN. Moreover, the correlations between these molecules and selected neuropeptides were studied. Twenty-five adolescent inpatients girls in the acute stage of a restrictive type of AN were enrolled in the study within the first year of the disease. Additionally, thirty similar in age and height controls (CG) were also assessed. The levels of 24 immune-related proteins, including cytokines, chemokines, and proteases, were measured. Moreover, selected adipocytokines, gastrointestinal hormones, and centrally produced neuropeptides levels were determined. Finally, the correlations between these molecules were analyzed. The fasting levels of CXCL1, CXCL9, FGF2, GrB, IL1, IL6, IL8, MMP8, MMP9, CTSS were statistically lower in AN than in the CG. The concentrations of many immune-related proteins remain unchanged despite their metabolic and mental condition. Moreover, significant correlations were found between leptin and CXCL1, CXCL9, GrB, IL1, IL6, and MMP8. Leptin receptors were correlated with GrB, while resistin was associated with MMP9. Our findings suggest that the initial stage of restrictive AN among adolescents within the first year of the disease is not connected with a pro-inflammatory state. Some immune-related protein changes may be associated with altered neuropeptides, primarily leptin, its receptors, and resistin. Future research should clarify which changes are primary and secondary to weight loss and whether these changes normalize with increasing weight. This would aid in understanding the complex etiopathogenesis of AN and in the search for new methods of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 27/33 Szpitalna St., 61-572 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Jowik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 27/33 Szpitalna St., 61-572 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Elzbieta Paszynska
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 70 Bukowska St., 60-812 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Agata Dutkiewicz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 27/33 Szpitalna St., 61-572 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Słopien
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 27/33 Szpitalna St., 61-572 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland.
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Tripathi A, Scaini G, Barichello T, Quevedo J, Pillai A. Mitophagy in depression: Pathophysiology and treatment targets. Mitochondrion 2021; 61:1-10. [PMID: 34478906 PMCID: PMC8962570 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria, the 'powerhouse' of eukaryotic cells, play a key role in cellular homeostasis. However, defective mitochondria increase mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production and cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, leading to increased inflammation. Mitophagy is a vital pathway, which selectively removes defective mitochondria through the process of autophagy. Thus, an impairment in the mitophagy pathway might trigger the gradual accumulation of defective mitochondria. Accumulating evidence suggest that inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of depression. In this article, we have reviewed the role of impaired mitophagy as a contributing factor in depression pathophysiology. Further, we have discussed the potential therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating mitophagy in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Tripathi
- Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giselli Scaini
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tatiana Barichello
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA; Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA; Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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13
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Emanetci E, Çakır T. Network-Based Analysis of Cognitive Impairment and Memory Deficits from Transcriptome Data. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2415-2428. [PMID: 33713319 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01807-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is an inevitable process that negatively affects all living organisms and their vital functions. The brain is one of the most important organs in living beings and is primarily impacted by aging. The molecular mechanisms of learning, memory and cognition are altered over time, and the impairment in these mechanisms can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Transcriptomics can be used to study these impairments to acquire more detailed information on the affected molecular mechanisms. Here we analyzed learning- and memory-related transcriptome data by mapping it on the organism-specific protein-protein interactome network. Subnetwork discovery algorithms were applied to discover highly dysregulated subnetworks, which were complemented with co-expression-based interactions. The functional analysis shows that the identified subnetworks are enriched with genes having roles in synaptic plasticity, gliogenesis, neurogenesis and cognition, which are reported to be related to memory and learning. With a detailed analysis, we show that the results from different subnetwork discovery algorithms or from different transcriptomic datasets can be successfully reconciled, leading to a memory-learning network that sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind aging and memory-related impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Emanetci
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Çakır
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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