1
|
Willems S, Zaienne D, Merk D. Targeting Nuclear Receptors in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9592-9638. [PMID: 34251209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors, also known as ligand-activated transcription factors, regulate gene expression upon ligand signals and present as attractive therapeutic targets especially in chronic diseases. Despite the therapeutic relevance of some nuclear receptors in various pathologies, their potential in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is insufficiently established. This perspective gathers preclinical and clinical data for a potential role of individual nuclear receptors as future targets in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, and concomitantly evaluates the level of medicinal chemistry targeting these proteins. Considerable evidence suggests the high promise of ligand-activated transcription factors to counteract neurodegenerative diseases with a particularly high potential of several orphan nuclear receptors. However, potent tools are lacking for orphan receptors, and limited central nervous system exposure or insufficient selectivity also compromises the suitability of well-studied nuclear receptor ligands for functional studies. Medicinal chemistry efforts are needed to develop dedicated high-quality tool compounds for the therapeutic validation of nuclear receptors in neurodegenerative pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He G, Gu J, Wang H, Cheng S, Xiong Q, Ke M, Hu Y, Feng J, Song L, Liu Z, Xu Y. Nr2e1 deficiency aggravates insulin resistance and chronic inflammation of visceral adipose tissues in a diet-induced obese mice model. Life Sci 2021; 278:119562. [PMID: 33915130 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 1 (Nr2e1) expression in adipose tissues of obese mice and assess the role of Nr2e1 in insulin resistance and chronic inflammation of the adipose tissues. MAIN METHODS An obese model was established in Nr2e1 knockout (KO) mice and their wild type (WT) littermates through a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) feeding regime. The epididymal fat weight, body weight, and daily food intake were recorded. The blood lipid profile, blood inflammatory factors, and the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin were determined. We estimated insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The expression of inflammatory factors and F4/80 was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting to assess adipose tissues inflammation. We also determined the molecules of insulin signaling and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by western blotting. KEY FINDINGS The Nr2e1 expression was upregulated in WT obese mice when compared with that in control mice. Despite a lower body weight and epididymal fat mass in Nr2e1-/- mice, these rats showed increased inflammatory cytokines secretion, more pronounced hyperlipidemia, and impaired insulin sensitivity after HFD treatment. Further investigation revealed that Nr2e1 deletion affected the expression of insulin signaling and NF-κB pathway-related molecules in visceral adipose tissues. SIGNIFICANCE Nr2e1 may act as a potential target to improve insulin sensitivity and inflammation in obesity and related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhen He
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaowei Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Huawei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyuan Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Ke
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jieyuan Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linyang Song
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yancheng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qu C, Qu C, Xu L, Shen J, Lv D, Li Y, Song H, Li T, Zheng J, Zhang J. Nuclear receptor TLX may be through regulating the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway to ameliorate cognitive impairment in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Brain Res Bull 2020; 166:142-149. [PMID: 33197535 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a common pathophysiological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The orphan nuclear receptor TLX plays an important role in neural development, adult neurogenesis and cognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of TLX on cognitive dysfunction, hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroinflammation in a rat model of CCH and to assess the possible mechanisms. METHODS Permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) was used to establish a model of CCH. Stereotaxic injection of an adeno-associated virus vector expressing TLX was used to overexpress TLX in the hippocampus. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris Water Maze test. Immunofluorescent staining was used to assess hippocampal neurogenesis. The effects of overexpression of TLX on SIRT1 and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed with qRT-PCR and western blot. RESULT After 2-VO, CCH rats exhibited cognitive impairment and reduction of hippocampal TLX levels. Overexpression of TLX ameliorated cognitive impairments with increasing number of BrdU + cells and BrdU + NeuN + cells in DG. Furthermore, TLX rescued the reduced SIRT1 usually induced by CCH. Additionally, TLX also inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as NF-κB and IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggested that TLX exerted protective effects against cognitive deficits induced by CCH. The possible mechanisms of TLX may be through regulating the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway, promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and inhibiting the neuroinflammatory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chujie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Changhua Qu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Linling Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Dongwei Lv
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Song
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Junjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, No.169, Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rajabi H, Aslani S, Abhari A, Sanajou D. Expression Profiles of MicroRNAs in Stem Cells Differentiation. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:906-918. [PMID: 32072899 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200219092520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells and have a great potential in multilineage differentiation. These cells are classified into adult stem cells like Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). Stem cells also have potential therapeutic utility due to their pluripotency, self-renewal, and differentiation ability. These properties make them a suitable choice for regenerative medicine. Stem cells differentiation toward functional cells is governed by different signaling pathways and transcription factors. Recent studies have demonstrated the key role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of various diseases, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, aging, cell fate decisions. Several types of stem cells have different and unique miRNA expression profiles. Our review summarizes novel regulatory roles of miRNAs in the process of stem cell differentiation especially adult stem cells into a variety of functional cells through signaling pathways and transcription factors modulation. Understanding the mechanistic roles of miRNAs might be helpful in elaborating clinical therapies using stem cells and developing novel biomarkers for the early and effective diagnosis of pathologic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Rajabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Aslani
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Abhari
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Davoud Sanajou
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The orphan nuclear receptor TLX: an emerging master regulator of cross-talk between microglia and neural precursor cells. Neuronal Signal 2019; 3:NS20180208. [PMID: 32271856 PMCID: PMC7104320 DOI: 10.1042/ns20180208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and neurogenesis have both been the subject of intensive investigation over the past 20 years. The sheer complexity of their regulation and their ubiquity in various states of health and disease have sometimes obscured the progress that has been made in unraveling their mechanisms and regulation. A recent study by Kozareva et al. (Neuronal Signaling (2019) 3), provides evidence that the orphan nuclear receptor TLX is central to communication between microglia and neural precursor cells and could help us understand how inflammation, mediated by microglia, influences the development of new neurons in the adult hippocampus. Here, we put recent studies on TLX into the context of what is known about adult neurogenesis and microglial activation in the brain, along with the many hints that these processes must be inter-related.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kozareva DA, Foley T, Moloney GM, Cryan JF, Nolan YM. TLX knockdown in the dorsal dentate gyrus of juvenile rats differentially affects adolescent and adult behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2018; 360:36-50. [PMID: 30481511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor TLX is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and is an important factor regulating the maintenance and self-renewal of neural stem cells from embryonic development through adulthood. In adolescence and adulthood, TLX expression is restricted to the neurogenic niches of the brain: the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. The adolescent period is critical for maturation of the hippocampus with heightened levels of neurogenesis observed in rodents. Therefore, we investigated whether lentiviral silencing of TLX expression (TLX knockdown) in the dorsal dentate gyrus of juvenile rats incurred differential impairments in behaviour during late adolescence and adulthood. Our results showed that knockdown of TLX in the dorsal dentate gyrus led to a decrease in cell proliferation in the dorsal but not ventral dentate gyrus. At a behavioural level we observed differential effects in adolescence and adulthood across a number of parameters. A hyperactive phenotype was present in adolescent but not adult TLX knockdown rats, and an increase in immobility during adolescence and in swimming frequency during adulthood was observed in the forced swim test. There was an increased defecation frequency in the open field during adulthood but not adolescence. There were no changes in cognitive performance on hippocampus-dependent tasks or in anxiety-related behaviours. In conclusion, silencing of TLX in the dorsal dentate gyrus led to impairments in hippocampal-independent behaviours which either did not persist or were reversed during adulthood. The current data highlight the temporal importance and function of the nuclear receptor TLX during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danka A Kozareva
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Tara Foley
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard M Moloney
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mackeh R, Marr AK, Fadda A, Kino T. C2H2-Type Zinc Finger Proteins: Evolutionarily Old and New Partners of the Nuclear Hormone Receptors. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2018; 15:1550762918801071. [PMID: 30718982 PMCID: PMC6348741 DOI: 10.1177/1550762918801071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) are evolutionarily conserved ligand-dependent
transcription factors. They are essential for human life, mediating the actions
of lipophilic molecules, such as steroid hormones and metabolites of fatty acid,
cholesterol, and external toxic compounds. The C2H2-type zinc finger proteins
(ZNFs) form the largest family of the transcription factors in humans and are
characterized by multiple, tandemly arranged zinc fingers. Many of the C2H2-type
ZNFs are conserved throughout evolution, suggesting their involvement in
preserved biological activities, such as general transcriptional regulation and
development/differentiation of organs/tissues observed in the early embryonic
phase. However, some C2H2-type ZNFs, such as those with the Krüppel-associated
box (KRAB) domain, appeared relatively late in evolution and have significantly
increased family members in mammals including humans, possibly modulating their
complicated transcriptional network and/or supporting the morphological
development/functions specific to them. Such evolutional characteristics of the
C2H2-type ZNFs indicate that these molecules influence the NR functions
conserved through evolution, whereas some also adjust them to meet with specific
needs of higher organisms. We review the interaction between NRs and C2H2-type
ZNFs by focusing on some of the latter molecules.
Collapse
|
8
|
O'Léime CS, Cryan JF, Nolan YM. Nuclear deterrents: Intrinsic regulators of IL-1β-induced effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 66:394-412. [PMID: 28751020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.07.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are born and develop into the host circuitry, begins during embryonic development and persists throughout adulthood. Over the last decade considerable insights have been made into the role of hippocampal neurogenesis in cognitive function and the cellular mechanisms behind this process. Additionally, an increasing amount of evidence exists on the impact of environmental factors, such as stress and neuroinflammation on hippocampal neurogenesis and subsequent impairments in cognition. Elevated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hippocampus is established as a significant contributor to the neuronal demise evident in many neurological and psychiatric disorders and is now known to negatively regulate hippocampal neurogenesis. In order to prevent the deleterious effects of IL-1β on neurogenesis it is necessary to identify signalling pathways and regulators of neurogenesis within neural progenitor cells that can interact with IL-1β. Nuclear receptors are ligand regulated transcription factors that are involved in modulating a large number of cellular processes including neurogenesis. In this review we focus on the signalling mechanisms of specific nuclear receptors involved in regulating neurogenesis (glucocorticoid receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, estrogen receptors, and nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 1 (NR2E1 or TLX)). We propose that these nuclear receptors could be targeted to inhibit neuroinflammatory signalling pathways associated with IL-1β. We discuss their potential to be therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory disorders affecting hippocampal neurogenesis and associated cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán S O'Léime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gustafsson JA, Webb P. Editorial. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 157:1-2. [PMID: 26791250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This Special Issue on the topic of "Orphan Nuclear Receptors" should help to cement the long held view that orphan members of the Nuclear Receptor superfamily play crucial roles in development, physiology and multiple pathologies and that some are attractive druggable targets. Focusing on selected orphans, this issue highlights recent developments in orphan receptor action and addresses questions about function, ligand recognition, strategies for drug development and applications for such drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Orphan Nuclear Receptors".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Ake Gustafsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden; Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Paul Webb
- Genomic Medicine Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
TLX-Its Emerging Role for Neurogenesis in Health and Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:272-280. [PMID: 26738856 PMCID: PMC5219886 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor TLX, also called NR2E1, is a factor important in the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal, neurogenesis, and maintenance. As a transcription factor, TLX is vital for the expression of genes implicated in neurogenesis, such as DNA replication, cell cycle, adhesion and migration. It acts by way of repressing or activating target genes, as well as controlling protein-protein interactions. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulated TLX acts in the initiation and progression of human disorders of the nervous system. This review describes recent knowledge about TLX expression, structure, targets, and biological functions, relevant to maintaining adult neural stem cells related to both neuropsychiatric conditions and certain nervous system tumours.
Collapse
|