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D’Este G, Fabris F, Stazi M, Baggio C, Simonato M, Megighian A, Rigoni M, Negro S, Montecucco C. Agonists of melatonin receptors strongly promote the functional recovery from the neuroparalysis induced by neurotoxic snakes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011825. [PMID: 38190386 PMCID: PMC10798625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Snake envenoming is a major, but neglected, tropical disease. Among venomous snakes, those inducing neurotoxicity such as kraits (Bungarus genus) cause a potentially lethal peripheral neuroparalysis with respiratory deficit in a large number of people each year. In order to prevent the development of a deadly respiratory paralysis, hospitalization with pulmonary ventilation and use of antivenoms are the primary therapies currently employed. However, hospitals are frequently out of reach for envenomated patients and there is a general consensus that additional, non-expensive treatments, deliverable even long after the snake bite, are needed. Traumatic or toxic degenerations of peripheral motor neurons cause a neuroparalysis that activates a pro-regenerative intercellular signaling program taking place at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We recently reported that the intercellular signaling axis melatonin-melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) plays a major role in the recovery of function of the NMJs after degeneration of motor axon terminals caused by massive Ca2+ influx. Here we show that the small chemical MT1 agonists: Ramelteon and Agomelatine, already licensed for the treatment of insomnia and depression, respectively, are strong promoters of the neuroregeneration after paralysis induced by krait venoms in mice, which is also Ca2+ mediated. The venom from a Bungarus species representative of the large class of neurotoxic snakes (including taipans, coral snakes, some Alpine vipers in addition to other kraits) was chosen. The functional recovery of the NMJ was demonstrated using electrophysiological, imaging and lung ventilation detection methods. According to the present results, we propose that Ramelteon and Agomelatine should be tested in human patients bitten by neurotoxic snakes acting presynaptically to promote their recovery of health. Noticeably, these drugs are commercially available, safe, non-expensive, have a long bench life and can be administered long after a snakebite even in places far away from health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia D’Este
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Fabris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Stazi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Baggio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myology Center (CIR-Myo), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica Neurologica, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
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Zhen W, Zhen H, Wang Y, Chen L, Niu X, Zhang B, Yang Z, Peng D. Mechanism of ERK/CREB pathway in pain and analgesia. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1156674. [PMID: 37008781 PMCID: PMC10060514 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1156674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has long centered on the pathophysiology of pain. The Transient Receiver Potential (TRP) protein family is well known for its function in the pathophysiology of pain, and extensive study has been done in this area. One of the significant mechanisms of pain etiology and analgesia that lacks a systematic synthesis and review is the ERK/CREB (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/CAMP Response Element Binding Protein) pathway. The ERK/CREB pathway-targeting analgesics may also cause a variety of adverse effects that call for specialized medical care. In this review, we systematically compiled the mechanism of the ERK/CREB pathway in the process of pain and analgesia, as well as the potential adverse effects on the nervous system brought on by the inhibition of the ERK/CREB pathway in analgesic drugs, and we suggested the corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhen
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Zhen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Handan Chinese Medicine Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yuye Wang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Leian Chen
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Niu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dantao Peng
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Dantao Peng,
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Negro S, Lauria F, Stazi M, Tebaldi T, D’Este G, Pirazzini M, Megighian A, Lessi F, Mazzanti CM, Sales G, Romualdi C, Fillo S, Lista F, Sleigh JN, Tosolini AP, Schiavo G, Viero G, Rigoni M. Hydrogen peroxide induced by nerve injury promotes axon regeneration via connective tissue growth factor. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:189. [PMID: 36567321 PMCID: PMC9791753 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) leverages on extensive exchange of factors released from motor axon terminals (MATs), muscle fibers and perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), among which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a major pro-regenerative signal. To identify critical determinants of NMJ remodeling in response to injury, we performed temporal transcriptional profiling of NMJs from 2 month-old mice during MAT degeneration/regeneration, and cross-referenced the differentially expressed genes with those elicited by H2O2 in SCs. We identified an enrichment in extracellular matrix (ECM) transcripts, including Connective Tissue Growth Factor (Ctgf), which is usually expressed during development. We discovered that Ctgf levels are increased in a Yes-associated protein (YAP)-dependent fashion in response to rapid, local H2O2 signaling generated by stressed mitochondria in the injured sciatic nerve, a finding highlighting the importance of signals triggered by mechanical force to motor nerve repair. Through sequestration of Ctgf or inactivation of H2O2, we delayed the recovery of neuromuscular function by impairing SC migration and, in turn, axon-oriented re-growth. These data indicate that H2O2 and its downstream effector Ctgf are pro-regenerative factors that enable axonal growth, and reveal a striking ECM remodeling process during nerve regeneration upon local H2O2 signaling. Our study identifies key transcriptomic changes at the regenerating NMJ, providing a rich source of pro-regenerative factors with potential for alleviating the consequences of peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Negro
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470U.O.C. Clinica Neurologica, Azienda Ospedale, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Lauria
- grid.419463.d0000 0004 1756 3731Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Marco Stazi
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Toma Tebaldi
- grid.11696.390000 0004 1937 0351Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Povo, Italy ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
| | - Giorgia D’Este
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Myology Center (CIR-Myo), University of Padua, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Aram Megighian
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Lessi
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Chiara M. Mazzanti
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sales
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Romualdi
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Fillo
- grid.470599.60000 0004 1760 920XCenter of Medical and Veterinary Research of the Ministry of Defence, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- grid.470599.60000 0004 1760 920XCenter of Medical and Veterinary Research of the Ministry of Defence, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - James N. Sleigh
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Andrew P. Tosolini
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Gabriella Viero
- grid.419463.d0000 0004 1756 3731Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Myology Center (CIR-Myo), University of Padua, 35129, Padua, Italy.
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Saquel C, Catalan RJ, Lopez-Leal R, Ramirez RA, Necuñir D, Wyneken U, Lamaze C, Court FA. Neuronal activity-dependent ATP enhances the pro-growth effect of repair Schwann cell extracellular vesicles by increasing their miRNA-21 loading. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:943506. [PMID: 36212694 PMCID: PMC9537768 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.943506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries is critically dependent on axonal regeneration. Several autonomous and non-cell autonomous processes regulate axonal regeneration, including the activation of a growth-associated transcriptional program in neurons and the reprogramming of differentiated Schwann cells (dSCs) into repair SCs (rSCs), triggering the secretion of neurotrophic factors and the activation of an inflammatory response. Repair Schwann cells also release pro-regenerative extracellular vesicles (EVs), but is still unknown whether EV secretion is regulated non-cell autonomously by the regenerating neuron. Interestingly, it has been described that nerve activity enhances axonal regeneration by increasing the secretion of neurotrophic factors by rSC, but whether this activity modulates pro-regenerative EV secretion by rSC has not yet been explored. Here, we demonstrate that neuronal activity enhances the release of rSC-derived EVs and their transfer to neurons. This effect is mediated by activation of P2Y receptors in SCs after activity-dependent ATP release from sensory neurons. Importantly, activation of P2Y in rSCs also increases the amount of miRNA-21 present in rSC-EVs. Taken together, our results demonstrate that neuron to glia communication by ATP-P2Y signaling regulates the content of SC-derived EVs and their transfer to axons, modulating axonal elongation in a non-cell autonomous manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Saquel
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1143, CNRS UMR 3666, Membrane Mechanics and Dynamics of Intracellular Signaling Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Romina J. Catalan
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Lopez-Leal
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramon A. Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Necuñir
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christophe Lamaze
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1143, CNRS UMR 3666, Membrane Mechanics and Dynamics of Intracellular Signaling Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Felipe A. Court
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Felipe A. Court
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Wen X, Jiao L, Tan H. MAPK/ERK Pathway as a Central Regulator in Vertebrate Organ Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031464. [PMID: 35163418 PMCID: PMC8835994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to organs by trauma, infection, diseases, congenital defects, aging, and other injuries causes organ malfunction and is life-threatening under serious conditions. Some of the lower order vertebrates such as zebrafish, salamanders, and chicks possess superior organ regenerative capacity over mammals. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), as key members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are serine/threonine protein kinases that are phylogenetically conserved among vertebrate taxa. MAPK/ERK signaling is an irreplaceable player participating in diverse biological activities through phosphorylating a broad variety of substrates in the cytoplasm as well as inside the nucleus. Current evidence supports a central role of the MAPK/ERK pathway during organ regeneration processes. MAPK/ERK signaling is rapidly excited in response to injury stimuli and coordinates essential pro-regenerative cellular events including cell survival, cell fate turnover, migration, proliferation, growth, and transcriptional and translational activities. In this literature review, we recapitulated the multifaceted MAPK/ERK signaling regulations, its dynamic spatio-temporal activities, and the profound roles during multiple organ regeneration, including appendages, heart, liver, eye, and peripheral/central nervous system, illuminating the possibility of MAPK/ERK signaling as a critical mechanism underlying the vastly differential regenerative capacities among vertebrate species, as well as its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are fundamental components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of all vertebrates and play essential roles in development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves. There are distinct populations of SCs including: (1) myelinating SCs that ensheath axons by a specialized plasma membrane, called myelin, which enhances the conduction of electric impulses; (2) non‐myelinating SCs, including Remak SCs, which wrap bundles of multiple axons of small caliber, and perysinaptic SCs (PSCs), associated with motor axon terminals at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). All types of SCs contribute to PNS regeneration through striking morphological and functional changes in response to nerve injury, are affected in peripheral neuropathies and show abnormalities and a diminished plasticity during aging. Therefore, methodological approaches to study and manipulate SCs in physiological and pathophysiological conditions are crucial to expand the present knowledge on SC biology and to devise new therapeutic strategies to counteract neurodegenerative conditions and age‐derived denervation. We present here an updated overview of traditional and emerging methodologies for the study of SCs for scientists approaching this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,CIR-Myo, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca di Miologia, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,CIR-Myo, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca di Miologia, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Hörner SJ, Couturier N, Bruch R, Koch P, Hafner M, Rudolf R. hiPSC-Derived Schwann Cells Influence Myogenic Differentiation in Neuromuscular Cocultures. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123292. [PMID: 34943800 PMCID: PMC8699767 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneurons, skeletal muscle fibers, and Schwann cells form synapses, termed neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). These control voluntary body movement and are affected in numerous neuromuscular diseases. Therefore, a variety of NMJ in vitro models have been explored to enable mechanistic and pharmacological studies. So far, selective integration of Schwann cells in these models has been hampered, due to technical limitations. Here we present robust protocols for derivation of Schwann cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and their coculture with hiPSC-derived motoneurons and C2C12 muscle cells. Upon differentiation with tuned BMP signaling, Schwann cells expressed marker proteins, S100b, Gap43, vimentin, and myelin protein zero. Furthermore, they displayed typical spindle-shaped morphologies with long processes, which often aligned with motoneuron axons. Inclusion of Schwann cells in coculture experiments with hiPSC-derived motoneurons and C2C12 myoblasts enhanced myotube growth and affected size and number of acetylcholine receptor plaques on myotubes. Altogether, these data argue for the availability of a consistent differentiation protocol for Schwann cells and their amenability for functional integration into neuromuscular in vitro models, fostering future studies of neuromuscular mechanisms and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Janice Hörner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Couturier
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Roman Bruch
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Philipp Koch
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany;
- Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR gGmbH), 68159 Mannheim, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, 68163 Mannheim, Germany; (S.J.H.); (N.C.); (R.B.); (M.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Heidelberg University, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Chang CP, Wu KC, Lin CY, Chern Y. Emerging roles of dysregulated adenosine homeostasis in brain disorders with a specific focus on neurodegenerative diseases. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:70. [PMID: 34635103 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern societies, with an increase in the older population, age-related neurodegenerative diseases have progressively become greater socioeconomic burdens. To date, despite the tremendous effort devoted to understanding neurodegenerative diseases in recent decades, treatment to delay disease progression is largely ineffective and is in urgent demand. The development of new strategies targeting these pathological features is a timely topic. It is important to note that most degenerative diseases are associated with the accumulation of specific misfolded proteins, which is facilitated by several common features of neurodegenerative diseases (including poor energy homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction). Adenosine is a purine nucleoside and neuromodulator in the brain. It is also an essential component of energy production pathways, cellular metabolism, and gene regulation in brain cells. The levels of intracellular and extracellular adenosine are thus tightly controlled by a handful of proteins (including adenosine metabolic enzymes and transporters) to maintain proper adenosine homeostasis. Notably, disruption of adenosine homeostasis in the brain under various pathophysiological conditions has been documented. In the past two decades, adenosine receptors (particularly A1 and A2A adenosine receptors) have been actively investigated as important drug targets in major degenerative diseases. Unfortunately, except for an A2A antagonist (istradefylline) administered as an adjuvant treatment with levodopa for Parkinson's disease, no effective drug based on adenosine receptors has been developed for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the emerging findings on proteins involved in the control of adenosine homeostasis in the brain and discuss the challenges and future prospects for the development of new therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and their associated disorders based on the understanding of adenosine homeostasis.
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Abstract
Cellular metabolism is critical not only for cell survival, but also for cell fate, function, and intercellular communication. There are several different metabolic transporters expressed in the peripheral nervous system, and they each play important roles in maintaining cellular energy. The major source of energy in the peripheral nervous system is glucose, and glucose transporters 1 and 3 are expressed and allow blood glucose to be imported and utilized by peripheral nerves. There is also increasing evidence that other sources of energy, particularly monocarboxylates such as lactate that are transported primarily by monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 2 in peripheral nerves, can be efficiently utilized by peripheral nerves. Finally, emerging evidence supports an important role for connexins and possibly pannexins in the supply and regulation of metabolic energy. In this review, we will first define these critical metabolic transporter subtypes and then examine their localization in the peripheral nervous system. We will subsequently discuss the evidence, which comes both from experiments in animal models and observations from human diseases, supporting critical roles played by these metabolic transporters in the peripheral nervous system. Despite progress made in understanding the function of these transporters, many questions and some discrepancies remain, and these will also be addressed throughout this review. Peripheral nerve metabolism is fundamentally important and renewed interest in these pathways should help to answer many of these questions and potentially provide new treatments for neurologic diseases that are partly, or completely, caused by disruption of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Rawat
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brett M Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Wanasuntronwong A, Punyawattananon V, Rotpenpian N, Meepong R, Srikiatkhachorn A. Nociceptive receptors are expressed differently in trigeminal nociception after lingual nerve injury and unilateral external carotid artery occlusion in rats. Arch Oral Biol 2021; 126:105128. [PMID: 33895544 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the different changes in nociceptive activity between two animal models of trigeminal neuropathic pain: unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush in rats. DESIGN In this study, changes in nociceptive activity were investigated in unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush models of trigeminal neuropathic pain in rats. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by capsaicin application on the tongue of rats were recorded in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed in the trigeminal ganglia and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. RESULTS The fEPSP in unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush rats was irregular relative to that in sham rats. In particular, the fEPSP spike in lingual nerve crush rats had a higher amplitude and shorter duration than that in sham rats. Unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush also increased c-fos expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Upregulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in trigeminal ganglion was observed in unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush rats, whereas upregulation of purinergic receptor subtype 3 in trigeminal ganglion was observed only in lingual nerve crush rats. CONCLUSIONS Although unilateral external carotid artery ischemic reperfusion and lingual nerve crush similarly increased nociceptive activity at the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, the fEPSPs and expression of nociceptive peripheral afferent neurons were different. Therefore, direct and indirect nerve injuries apparently induced the same nociceptive activity by different signaling responses dependent on nociceptive receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anan Srikiatkhachorn
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wei ZY, Qu HL, Dai YJ, Wang Q, Ling ZM, Su WF, Zhao YY, Shen WX, Chen G. Pannexin 1, a large-pore membrane channel, contributes to hypotonicity-induced ATP release in Schwann cells. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:899-904. [PMID: 33229726 PMCID: PMC8178772 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.290911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx 1), as a large-pore membrane channel, is highly permeable to ATP and other signaling molecules. Previous studies have demonstrated the expression of Panx 1 in the nervous system, including astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. However, the distribution and function of Panx 1 in the peripheral nervous system are not clear. Blocking the function of Panx 1 pharmacologically (carbenoxolone and probenecid) or with small interfering RNA targeting pannexins can greatly reduce hypotonicity-induced ATP release. Treatment of Schwann cells with a Ras homolog family member (Rho) GTPase inhibitor and small interfering RNA targeting Rho or cytoskeleton disrupting agents, such as nocodazole or cytochalasin D, revealed that hypotonicity-induced ATP release depended on intracellular RhoA and the cytoskeleton. These findings suggest that Panx 1 participates in ATP release in Schwann cells by regulating RhoA and the cytoskeleton arrangement. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University, China (No. S20180806-002) on August 5, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Ya Wei
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui-Lin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Juan Dai
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhuo-Min Ling
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Feng Su
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Xing Shen
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University; Medical School of Nantong University; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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12
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Abstract
The peripheral nervous system has retained through evolution the capacity to repair and regenerate after assault from a variety of physical, chemical, or biological pathogens. Regeneration relies on the intrinsic abilities of peripheral neurons and on a permissive environment, and it is driven by an intense interplay among neurons, the glia, muscles, the basal lamina, and the immune system. Indeed, extrinsic signals from the milieu of the injury site superimpose on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms to modulate cell intrinsic programs. Here, we will review the main intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms allowing severed peripheral axons to re-grow, and discuss some alarm mediators and pro-regenerative molecules and pathways involved in the process, highlighting the role of Schwann cells as central hubs coordinating multiple signals. A particular focus will be provided on regeneration at the neuromuscular junction, an ideal model system whose manipulation can contribute to the identification of crucial mediators of nerve re-growth. A brief overview on regeneration at sensory terminals is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
- Myology Center (Cir-Myo), University of Padua, 35129 Padua, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
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13
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Anagnostou ME, Hepple RT. Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Neuromuscular Junction Degeneration with Aging. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010197. [PMID: 31941062 PMCID: PMC7016881 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle deteriorates with aging, contributing to physical frailty, poor health outcomes, and increased risk of mortality. Denervation is a major driver of changes in aging muscle. This occurs through transient denervation-reinnervation events throughout the aging process that remodel the spatial domain of motor units and alter fiber type. In advanced age, reinnervation wanes, leading to persistent denervation that accelerates muscle atrophy and impaired muscle contractility. Alterations in the muscle fibers and motoneurons are both likely involved in driving denervation through destabilization of the neuromuscular junction. In this respect, mitochondria are implicated in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, and are also likely key to aging muscle changes through their direct effects in muscle fibers and through secondary effects mediated by mitochondrial impairments in motoneurons. Indeed, the large abundance of mitochondria in muscle fibers and motoneurons, that are further concentrated on both sides of the neuromuscular junction, likely renders the neuromuscular junction especially vulnerable to age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction with aging include impaired respiratory function, elevated reactive oxygen species production, and increased susceptibility to permeability transition, contributing to reduced ATP generating capacity, oxidative damage, and apoptotic signaling, respectively. Using this framework, in this review we summarize our current knowledge, and relevant gaps, concerning the potential impact of mitochondrial impairment on the aging neuromuscular junction, and the mechanisms involved.
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14
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Patchett AL, Flies AS, Lyons AB, Woods GM. Curse of the devil: molecular insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2507-2525. [PMID: 31900624 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the only mammalian species known to be affected by multiple transmissible cancers. Devil facial tumours 1 and 2 (DFT1 and DFT2) are independent neoplastic cell lineages that produce large, disfiguring cancers known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The long-term persistence of wild Tasmanian devils is threatened due to the ability of DFTD cells to propagate as contagious allografts and the high mortality rate of DFTD. Recent studies have demonstrated that both DFT1 and DFT2 cancers originated from founder cells of the Schwann cell lineage, an uncommon origin of malignant cancer in humans. This unprecedented finding has revealed a potential predisposition of Tasmanian devils to transmissible cancers of the Schwann cell lineage. In this review, we compare the molecular nature of human Schwann cells and nerve sheath tumours with DFT1 and DFT2 to gain insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil. We discuss a potential mechanism, whereby Schwann cell plasticity and frequent wounding in Tasmanian devils combine with an inherent cancer predisposition and low genetic diversity to give rise to transmissible Schwann cell cancers in devils on rare occasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patchett
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew S Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - A Bruce Lyons
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Gregory M Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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15
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Jessen KR, Arthur-Farraj P. Repair Schwann cell update: Adaptive reprogramming, EMT, and stemness in regenerating nerves. Glia 2019; 67:421-437. [PMID: 30632639 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells respond to nerve injury by cellular reprogramming that generates cells specialized for promoting regeneration and repair. These repair cells clear redundant myelin, attract macrophages, support survival of damaged neurons, encourage axonal growth, and guide axons back to their targets. There are interesting parallels between this response and that found in other tissues. At the cellular level, many other tissues also react to injury by cellular reprogramming, generating cells specialized to promote tissue homeostasis and repair. And at the molecular level, a common feature possessed by Schwann cells and many other cells is the injury-induced activation of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and stemness, differentiation states that are linked to cellular plasticity and that help injury-induced tissue remodeling. The number of signaling systems regulating Schwann cell plasticity is rapidly increasing. Importantly, this includes mechanisms that are crucial for the generation of functional repair Schwann cells and nerve regeneration, although they have no or a minor role elsewhere in the Schwann cell lineage. This encourages the view that selective tools can be developed to control these particular cells, amplify their repair supportive functions and prevent their deterioration. In this review, we discuss the emerging similarities between the injury response seen in nerves and in other tissues and survey the transcription factors, epigenetic mechanisms, and signaling cascades that control repair Schwann cells, with emphasis on systems that selectively regulate the Schwann cell injury response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristjan R Jessen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Arthur-Farraj
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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16
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Beamer E, Conte G, Engel T. ATP release during seizures - A critical evaluation of the evidence. Brain Res Bull 2019; 151:65-73. [PMID: 30660718 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
That adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) functions as an extracellular signaling molecule has been established since the 1970s. Ubiquitous throughout the body as the principal molecular store of intracellular energy, ATP has a short extracellular half-life and is difficult to measure directly. Extracellular ATP concentrations are dependent both on the rate of cellular release and of enzymatic degradation. Some findings from in vitro studies suggest that extracellular ATP concentrations increase during high levels of neuronal activity and seizure-like events in hippocampal slices. Pharmacological studies suggest that antagonism of ATP-sensitive purinergic receptors can suppress the severity of seizures and block epileptogenesis. Directly measuring extracellular ATP concentrations in the brain, however, has a number of specific challenges, notably, the rapid hydrolysis of ATP and huge gradient between intracellular and extracellular compartments. Two studies using microdialysis found no change in extracellular ATP in the hippocampus of rats during experimentally-induced status epilepticus. One of which demonstrated that ATP increased measurably, only in the presence of ectoATPase inhibitors, with the other study demonstrating increases only during later spontaneous seizures. Current evidence is mixed and seems highly dependent on the model used and method of detection. More sensitive methods of detection with higher spatial resolution, which induce less tissue disruption will be necessary to provide evidence for or against the hypothesis of seizure-induced elevations in extracellular ATP. Here we describe the current hypothesis for ATP release during seizures and its role in epileptogenesis, describe the technical challenges involved and critically examine the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Beamer
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02YN77, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Giorgia Conte
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02YN77, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias Engel
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02YN77, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Abstract
When cells undergo necrotic cell death in either physiological or pathophysiological settings in vivo, they release highly immunogenic intracellular molecules and organelles into the interstitium and thereby represent the strongest known trigger of the immune system. With our increasing understanding of necrosis as a regulated and genetically determined process (RN, regulated necrosis), necrosis and necroinflammation can be pharmacologically prevented. This review discusses our current knowledge about signaling pathways of necrotic cell death as the origin of necroinflammation. Multiple pathways of RN such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis have been evolutionary conserved most likely because of their differences in immunogenicity. As the consequence of necrosis, however, all necrotic cells release damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that have been extensively investigated over the last two decades. Analysis of necroinflammation allows characterizing specific signatures for each particular pathway of cell death. While all RN-pathways share the release of DAMPs in general, most of them actively regulate the immune system by the additional expression and/or maturation of either pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. In addition, DAMPs have been demonstrated to modulate the process of regeneration. For the purpose of better understanding of necroinflammation, we introduce a novel classification of DAMPs in this review to help detect the relative contribution of each RN-pathway to certain physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Sarhan
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria ; INSERM UMR_S 1109, Laboratory of Excellence Transplantex, University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France ; German Academy of Transplantation Medicine, Munich , Germany ; and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Walter G Land
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria ; INSERM UMR_S 1109, Laboratory of Excellence Transplantex, University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France ; German Academy of Transplantation Medicine, Munich , Germany ; and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Wulf Tonnus
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria ; INSERM UMR_S 1109, Laboratory of Excellence Transplantex, University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France ; German Academy of Transplantation Medicine, Munich , Germany ; and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Christian P Hugo
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria ; INSERM UMR_S 1109, Laboratory of Excellence Transplantex, University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France ; German Academy of Transplantation Medicine, Munich , Germany ; and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Andreas Linkermann
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria ; INSERM UMR_S 1109, Laboratory of Excellence Transplantex, University of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France ; German Academy of Transplantation Medicine, Munich , Germany ; and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
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18
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Negro S, Lessi F, Duregotti E, Aretini P, La Ferla M, Franceschi S, Menicagli M, Bergamin E, Radice E, Thelen M, Megighian A, Pirazzini M, Mazzanti CM, Rigoni M, Montecucco C. CXCL12α/SDF-1 from perisynaptic Schwann cells promotes regeneration of injured motor axon terminals. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1000-1010. [PMID: 28559442 PMCID: PMC5538331 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction has retained through evolution the capacity to regenerate after damage, but little is known on the inter-cellular signals involved in its functional recovery from trauma, autoimmune attacks, or neurotoxins. We report here that CXCL12α, also abbreviated as stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), is produced specifically by perisynaptic Schwann cells following motor axon terminal degeneration induced by α-latrotoxin. CXCL12α acts via binding to the neuronal CXCR4 receptor. A CXCL12α-neutralizing antibody or a specific CXCR4 inhibitor strongly delays recovery from motor neuron degeneration in vivo Recombinant CXCL12α in vivo accelerates neurotransmission rescue upon damage and very effectively stimulates the axon growth of spinal cord motor neurons in vitro These findings indicate that the CXCL12α-CXCR4 axis plays an important role in the regeneration of the neuromuscular junction after motor axon injury. The present results have important implications in the effort to find therapeutics and protocols to improve recovery of function after different forms of motor axon terminal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Lessi
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Duregotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Aretini
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco La Ferla
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Franceschi
- Laboratory of Genomics, Pisa Science Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elisanna Bergamin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Egle Radice
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Thelen
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy .,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua, Italy
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19
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Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is indispensable for survival. This synapse between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers allows posture, movement and respiration. Therefore, its dysfunction creates pathologies than can be lethal. The molecular mechanisms of NMJ development and maintenance are the subject of intensive studies. This mini-review focuses on some of the most recent discoveries. An unexpected role for a protein, rapsyn, which has been known for 40 years to aggregate acetylcholine receptors has emerged. A new cell partner at NMJ has been unmasked and is challenging our understanding of the functioning of this synapse. Toxins are now used as new tools to study degeneration/regeneration. The possibility of creating human NMJ in vitro is within reach with major consequences for drug screening. Wnts are secreted neurogenic factors that have been involved in vitro in acetylcholine receptor clustering, but their precise role in vivo remains to be clarified. All these data are raising new and exciting perspectives in the field and are discussed in this Review. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Legay
- Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8119, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neurosciences and Regenerative medicine, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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20
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Rigoni M, Montecucco C. Animal models for studying motor axon terminal paralysis and recovery. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:122-129. [PMID: 28326543 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An extraordinary property of the peripheral nervous system is that nerve terminals can regenerate after damage caused by different physical, chemical, or biological pathogens. Regeneration is the result of a complex and ill-known interplay among the nerve, the glia, the muscle, the basal lamina and, in some cases, the immune system. This phenomenon has been studied using different injury models mainly in rodents, particularly in mice, where a lesion can be produced in a chosen anatomical area. These approaches differ significantly among them for the nature of the lesion and the final outcomes. We have reviewed here the most common experimental models employed to induce motor axon injury, the relative advantages and drawbacks, and the principal read-outs used to monitor the regenerative process. Recently introduced tools for inducing reversible damage to the motor axon terminal that overcome some of the drawbacks of the more classical approaches are also discussed. Animal models have provided precious information about the cellular components involved in the regenerative process and on its electrophysiological features. Methods and tools made available recently allow one to identify and study molecules that are involved in the crosstalk among the components of the endplate. The time-course of the intercellular signaling and of the intracellular pathways activated will draw a picture of the entire process of regeneration as seen from a privileged anatomical site of observation. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua, Italy
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21
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Rodella U, Negro S, Scorzeto M, Bergamin E, Jalink K, Montecucco C, Yuki N, Rigoni M. Schwann cells are activated by ATP released from neurons in an in vitro cellular model of Miller Fisher syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:597-603. [PMID: 28067631 PMCID: PMC5451166 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction is exposed to different types of insult, including mechanical trauma, toxins and autoimmune antibodies and, accordingly, has retained through evolution a remarkable ability to regenerate. Regeneration is driven by multiple signals that are exchanged among the cellular components of the junction. These signals are largely unknown. Miller Fisher syndrome is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome caused by autoimmune antibodies specific for epitopes of peripheral axon terminals. Using an animal model of Miller Fisher syndrome, we recently reported that a monoclonal anti-polysialoganglioside GQ1b antibody plus complement damages nerve terminals with production of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, which activates Schwann cells. Several additional signaling molecules are likely to be involved in the activation of the regeneration program in these cells. Using an in vitro cellular model consisting of co-cultured primary neurons and Schwann cells, we found that ATP is released by neurons injured by the anti-GQ1b antibody plus complement. Neuron-derived ATP acts as an alarm messenger for Schwann cells, where it induces the activation of intracellular pathways, including calcium signaling, cAMP and CREB, which, in turn, produce signals that promote nerve regeneration. These results contribute to defining the cross-talk taking place at the neuromuscular junction when it is attacked by anti-gangliosides autoantibodies plus complement, which is crucial for nerve regeneration and is also likely to be important in other peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Rodella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - Michele Scorzeto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - Elisanna Bergamin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - Kees Jalink
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Nobuhiro Yuki
- Department of Neurology, Mishima Hospital, Niigata 940-2302, Japan
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
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