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Mineiro R, Albuquerque T, Neves AR, Santos CRA, Costa D, Quintela T. The Role of Biological Rhythms in New Drug Formulations to Cross the Brain Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12541. [PMID: 37628722 PMCID: PMC10454916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612541] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
For brain protection, the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier limit the traffic of molecules between blood and brain tissue and between blood and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. Besides their protective function, brain barriers also limit the passage of therapeutic drugs to the brain, which constitutes a great challenge for the development of therapeutic strategies for brain disorders. This problem has led to the emergence of novel strategies to treat neurological disorders, like the development of nanoformulations to deliver therapeutic agents to the brain. Recently, functional molecular clocks have been identified in the blood-brain barrier and in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. In fact, circadian rhythms in physiological functions related to drug disposition were also described in brain barriers. This opens the possibility for chronobiological approaches that aim to use time to improve drug efficacy and safety. The conjugation of nanoformulations with chronobiology for neurological disorders is still unexplored. Facing this, here, we reviewed the circadian rhythms in brain barriers, the nanoformulations studied to deliver drugs to the brain, and the nanoformulations with the potential to be conjugated with a chronobiological approach to therapeutic strategies for the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mineiro
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Neves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- UDI-IPG—Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
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2
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Albuquerque T, Neves AR, Paul M, Biswas S, Vuelta E, García-Tuñón I, Sánchez-Martin M, Quintela T, Costa D. A Potential Effect of Circadian Rhythm in the Delivery/Therapeutic Performance of Paclitaxel-Dendrimer Nanosystems. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:362. [PMID: 37504857 PMCID: PMC10381694 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14070362] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock controls behavior and physiology. Presently, there is clear evidence of a connection between this timing system and cancer development/progression. Moreover, circadian rhythm consideration in the therapeutic action of anticancer drugs can enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Nanosized drug delivery systems (DDS) have been demonstrated to be suitable engineered platforms for drug targeted/sustained release. The investigation of the chronobiology-nanotechnology relationship, i.e., timing DDS performance according to a patient's circadian rhythm, may greatly improve cancer clinical outcomes. In the present work, we synthesized nanosystems based on an octa-arginine (R8)-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer conjugated with the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX), G4-PTX-R8, and its physicochemical properties were revealed to be appropriate for in vitro delivery. The influence of the circadian rhythm on its cellular internalization efficiency and potential therapeutic effect on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) was studied. Cell-internalized PTX and caspase activity, as a measure of induced apoptosis, were monitored for six time points. Higher levels of PTX and caspase-3/9 were detected at T8, suggesting that the internalization of G4-PTX-R8 into HeLa cells and apoptosis are time-specific/-regulated phenomena. For a deeper understanding, the clock protein Bmal1-the main regulator of rhythmic activity, was silenced by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology. Bmal1 silencing was revealed to have an impact on both PTX release and caspase activity, evidencing a potential role for circadian rhythm on drug delivery/therapeutic effect mediated by G4-PTX-R8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Neves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Milan Paul
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Elena Vuelta
- Servicio de Transgénesis, Nucleus, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- IBSAL, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Tuñón
- IBSAL, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Martin
- Servicio de Transgénesis, Nucleus, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Unidad de Diagnóstico Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Instituto Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (USAL/CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- UDI-IPG-Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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Furtado A, Costa D, Lemos MC, Cavaco JE, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The impact of biological clock and sex hormones on the risk of disease. Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol 2023; 137:39-81. [PMID: 37709381 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.03.004] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular clocks are responsible for defining 24-h cycles of behaviour and physiology that are called circadian rhythms. Several structures and tissues are responsible for generating these circadian rhythms and are named circadian clocks. The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is believed to be the master circadian clock receiving light input via the optic nerve and aligning internal rhythms with environmental cues. Studies using both in vivo and in vitro methodologies have reported the relationship between the molecular clock and sex hormones. The circadian system is directly responsible for controlling the synthesis of sex hormones and this synthesis varies according to the time of day and phase of the estrous cycle. Sex hormones also directly interact with the circadian system to regulate circadian gene expression, adjust biological processes, and even adjust their own synthesis. Several diseases have been linked with alterations in either the sex hormone background or the molecular clock. So, in this chapter we aim to summarize the current understanding of the relationship between the circadian system and sex hormones and their combined role in the onset of several related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furtado
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - J Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal; UDI-IPG, Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal.
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Furtado A, Esgalhado AJ, Duarte AC, Costa AR, Costa-Brito AR, Carro E, Ishikawa H, Schroten H, Schwerk C, Gonçalves I, Arosa FA, Santos CRA, Quintela T. Circadian rhythmicity of amyloid-beta-related molecules is disrupted in the choroid plexus of a female Alzheimer's disease mouse model. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:524-540. [PMID: 36583371 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25164] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is part of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) and was recently described as an important component of the circadian clock system. It is the principal source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and responsible for the synthesis and secretion of various neuroprotective peptides including those involved in amyloid-β (Aβ) transport/degradation, contributing to Aβ homeostasis. Inadequate Aβ metabolic clearance and transport across the BCSFB have been associated with circadian dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. To investigate whether AD pathology influences Aβ scavengers circadian expression, we collected CP at different time points from an AD mouse model (APP/PS1) (female and male animals, aged 6- and 12-months-old) and analyzed their mRNA expression by Real-time RT-PCR. Only angiotensin-converting enzyme (Ace) expression in 6-month-old female wild-type mice and transthyretin (Ttr) expression in 12-month-old female wild-type mice presented significant rhythmicity. The circadian rhythmicity of Ace and Ttr, prompt us to analyze the involvement of circadian rhythm in Aβ uptake. A human CP papilloma (HIBCPP) cell line was incubated with Aβ-488 and uptake was evaluated at different time points using flow cytometry. Aβ uptake displayed circadian rhythmicity. Our results suggest that AD might affect Aβ scavengers rhythmicity and that Aβ clearance is a rhythmic process possibly regulated by the rhythmic expression of Aβ scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furtado
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André J Esgalhado
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,UDI-IPG- Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa-Brito
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eva Carro
- Networked Biomedical Research Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Horst Schroten
- Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Childrens Hospital, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Childrens Hospital, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fernando A Arosa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,UDI-IPG- Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
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Mineiro R, Santos C, Gonçalves I, Lemos M, Cavaco JEB, Quintela T. Regulation of ABC transporters by sex steroids may explain differences in drug resistance between sexes. J Physiol Biochem 2023:10.1007/s13105-023-00957-1. [PMID: 36995571 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-023-00957-1] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Drug efficacy is dependent on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents. Tight junctions, detoxification enzymes, and drug transporters, due to their localization on epithelial barriers, modulate the absorption, distribution, and the elimination of a drug. The epithelial barriers which control the pharmacokinetic processes are sex steroid hormone targets, and in this way, sex hormones may also control the drug transport across these barriers. Thus, sex steroids contribute to sex differences in drug resistance and have a relevant impact on the sex-related efficacy of many therapeutic drugs. As a consequence, for the further development and optimization of therapeutic strategies, the sex of the individuals must be taken into consideration. Here, we gather and discuss the evidence about the regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters by sex steroids, and we also describe the signaling pathways by which sex steroids modulate ATP-binding cassette transporters expression, with a focus in the most important ATP-binding cassette transporters involved in multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mineiro
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília Santos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Manuel Lemos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo B Cavaco
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique. 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
- UDI-IPG-Unidade de Investigação Para o Desenvolvimento Do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal.
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Santos CRA, Cipolla-Neto J, Krohn M, Gonçalves I, Quintela T. Editorial: Crossing brain barriers in health and disease: Impact of circadian rhythms. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1176084. [PMID: 37051143 PMCID: PMC10083483 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1176084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- UDI-IPG - Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Telma Quintela
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Neves AR, Albuquerque T, Quintela T, Costa D. Circadian rhythm and disease: Relationship, new insights, and future perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3239-3256. [PMID: 35696609 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30815] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The circadian system is responsible for internal functions and regulation of the organism according to environmental cues (zeitgebers). Circadian rhythm dysregulation or chronodisruption has been associated with several diseases, from mental to autoimmune diseases, and with life quality change. Following this, some therapies have been developed to correct circadian misalignments, such as light therapy and chronobiotics. In this manuscript, we describe the circadian-related diseases so far investigated, and studies reporting relevant data on this topic, evidencing this relationship, are included. Despite the actual limitations in published work, there is clear evidence of the correlation between circadian rhythm dysregulation and disease origin/development, and, in this way, clock-related therapies emerge as great progress in the clinical field. Future improvements in such interventions can lead to the development of successful chronotherapy strategies, deeply contributing to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Neves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior (UDI-IPG), Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Furtado A, Mineiro R, Duarte AC, Gonçalves I, Santos CR, Quintela T. The Daily Expression of ABCC4 at the BCSFB Affects the Transport of Its Substrate Methotrexate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052443. [PMID: 35269592 PMCID: PMC8909972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexuses (CPs), located in the brain ventricles, form an interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid named the blood-cerebrospinal barrier, which, by the presence of tight junctions, detoxification enzymes, and membrane transporters, limits the traffic of molecules into the central nervous system. It has already been shown that sex hormones regulate several CP functions, including the oscillations of its clock genes. However, it is less explored how the circadian rhythm regulates CP functions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sex hormones and circadian rhythms on the function of CP membrane transporters. The 24 h transcription profiles of the membrane transporters rAbca1, rAbcb1, rAbcc1, rAbcc4, rAbcg2, rAbcg4, and rOat3 were characterized in the CPs of intact male, intact female, sham-operated female, and gonadectomized rats. We found that rAbcc1 is expressed in a circadian way in the CPs of intact male rats, rAbcg2 in the CPs of intact female rats, and both rAbcc4 and rOat3 mRNA levels were expressed in a circadian way in the CPs of intact male and female rats. Next, using an in vitro model of the human blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, we also found that methotrexate (MTX) is transported in a circadian way across this barrier. The circadian pattern of Abcc4 found in the human CP epithelial papilloma cells might be partially responsible for MTX circadian transport across the basal membrane of CP epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furtado
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Rafael Mineiro
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Ana Catarina Duarte
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Cecília R. Santos
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.F.); (R.M.); (A.C.D.); (I.G.); (C.R.S.)
- UDI-IPG—Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Albuquerque T, Neves AR, Quintela T, Costa D. The Influence of Circadian Rhythm on Cancer Cells Targeting and Transfection Efficiency of a Polycation-Drug/Gene Delivery Vector. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14040681. [PMID: 35215593 PMCID: PMC8875434 DOI: 10.3390/polym14040681] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The conception of novel anticancer delivery systems and the combination of chronobiology with nanotechnology may provide a powerful tool to optimize cancer therapy. In this work, polyethylenimine (PEI) has been used to complex p53 encoded plasmid DNA (pDNA), and the anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) has also been loaded into the vectors. To investigate the influence of circadian clock on drug/gene delivery efficiency, HeLa, C33A and fibroblast cells have been transfected with developed PEI/pDNA/MTX delivery vectors at six different time points. Phenomena as the cellular uptake/internalization, drug/gene delivery and p53 protein production have been evaluated. The cell-associated MTX fluorescence have been monitored, and p53 protein levels quantified. In HeLa and C33A cancer cells, significant levels of MTX were found for T8 and T12. For these time points, a high amount of p53 protein was quantified. Confocal microscopy images showed successful HeLa cell’s uptake of PEI/pDNA/MTX particles, at T8. In comparison, poor levels of MTX and p53 protein were found in fibroblasts; nevertheless, results indicated rhythmicity. Data demonstrate the influence of circadian rhythm on both cancer-cells targeting ability and transfection performance of PEI/pDNA/MTX carriers and seemed to provide the optimum time for drug/gene delivery. This report adds a great contribution to the field of cancer chronobiology, highlighting the relationship between circadian rhythm and nanodelivery systems, and charting the path for further research on a, yet, poorly explored but promising topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (T.A.); (A.R.N.); (T.Q.)
| | - Ana R. Neves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (T.A.); (A.R.N.); (T.Q.)
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (T.A.); (A.R.N.); (T.Q.)
- UDI-IPG-Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (T.A.); (A.R.N.); (T.Q.)
- Correspondence:
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Catarina Duarte A, Raquel Costa A, Gonçalves I, Quintela T, Preissner R, R A Santos C. The druggability of bitter taste receptors for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114915. [PMID: 35051386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic drugs to the brain remains a major pharmacology challenge. A complex system of chemical surveillance to protect the brain from endogenous and exogenous toxicants at brain barriers hinders the uptake of many compounds with significant in vitro and ex vivo therapeutic properties. Despite the advances in the field in recent years, the components of this system are not completely understood. Recently, a large group of chemo-sensing receptors, have been identified in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Among these chemo-sensing receptors, bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) hold promise as potential drug targets, as many TAS2R bind compounds with recognized neuroprotective activity (quercetin, resveratrol, among others). Whether activation of TAS2R by their ligands contributes to their diverse biological actions described in other cells and tissues is still debatable. In this review, we discuss the potential role of TAS2R gene family as the mediators of the biological activity of their ligands for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and discuss their potential to counteract drug resistance by improving drug delivery to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CPIRN-IPG- Centro de Potencial e Inovação de Recursos Naturais- Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Av. Dr. Francisco de Sá Carneiro, 6300-559, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Robert Preissner
- Institute of Physiology and Science-IT, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Philippstrasse 12, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Soares JM, Gallo CC, Furtado A, Cavaco JE, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The Crosstalk between Melatonin and Sex Steroid Hormones. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:115-129. [PMID: 33774638 DOI: 10.1159/000516148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, an indolamine mainly released from the pineal gland, is associated with many biological functions, namely, the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep inducer, regulator of energy metabolism, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. Although several pieces of evidence also recognize the influence of melatonin in the reproductive physiology, the crosstalk between melatonin and sex hormones is not clear. Here, we review the effects of sex differences in the circulating levels of melatonin and update the current knowledge on the link between sex hormones and melatonin. Furthermore, we explore the effects of melatonin on gonadal steroidogenesis and hormonal control in females. The literature review shows that despite the strong evidence that sex differences impact on the circadian profiles of melatonin, reports are still considerably ambiguous, and these differences may arise from several factors, like the use of contraceptive pills, hormonal status, and sleep deprivation. Furthermore, there has been an inconclusive debate about the characteristics of the reciprocal relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones. In this regard, there is evidence for the role of melatonin in gonadal steroidogenesis brought about by research that shows that melatonin affects multiple transduction pathways that modulate Sertoli cell physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, and also estrogen and progesterone production. From the outcome of our research, it is possible to conclude that understanding the correlation between melatonin and reproductive hormones is crucial for the correction of several complications occurring during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, and for the control of climacteric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Maria Soares
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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12
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Quintela T, Furtado A, Duarte AC, Gonçalves I, Myung J, Santos CRA. The role of circadian rhythm in choroid plexus functions. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 205:102129. [PMID: 34343629 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For several years, a great effort has been devoted to understand how circadian oscillations in physiological processes are determined by the circadian clock system. This system is composed by the master clock at the suprachiasmatic nucleus which sets the pace and tunes peripheral clocks in several organs. It was recently demonstrated that the choroid plexus epithelial cells that compose the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier hold a circadian clock which might control their multiple functions with implications for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. However, the choroid plexus activities regulated by its inner clock are still largely unknown. In this review, we propose that several choroid plexus functions might be regulated by the circadian clock, alike in other tissues. We provide evidences that the timing of cerebrospinal fluid secretion, clearance of amyloid-beta peptides and xenobiotics, and the barrier function of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier are regulated by the circadian clock. These data, highlight that the circadian regulation of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier must be taken into consideration for enhancing drug delivery to central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jihwan Myung
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, No. 172-1 Sec. 2 Keelung Road, Da'an District, Taipei 106, Taiwan; Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No. 291 Zhongzheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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13
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Alvelos MI, Francisco Â, Gomes L, Paiva I, Melo M, Marques P, Gama-de-Sousa S, Carreiro S, Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Lemos MC. Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus: clinical, genetic and functional studies of novel mutations in the arginine vasopressin gene. Pituitary 2021; 24:400-411. [PMID: 33433888 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is a rare disorder characterized by childhood-onset progressive polyuria and polydipsia due to mutations in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of families with neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus. METHODS Five Portuguese families with autosomal dominant FNDI underwent sequencing of the AVP gene and the identified mutations were functionally characterized by in vitro studies. RESULTS Three novel and two recurrent heterozygous mutations were identified in the AVP gene. These consisted of one initiation codon mutation in the signal peptide coding region (c.2T > C, p.Met1?), three missense mutations in the neurophysin II (NPII) coding region (c.154T > C, p.Cys52Arg; c.289C > G, p.Arg97Gly; and c.293G > C, p.Cys98Ser), and one nonsense mutation in the NPII coding region (c.343G > T, p.Glu115Ter). In vitro transfection of neuronal cells with expression vectors containing each mutation showed that the mutations resulted in intracellular retention of the vasopressin prohormone. Patients showed progressive symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia, but with wide variability in severity and age at onset. No clear genotype-phenotype correlation was observed. CONCLUSION The intracellular accumulation of mutant vasopressin precursors supports the role of cellular toxicity of the mutant proteins in the etiology of the disorder and explains the progressive onset of the disorder. These findings further expand the AVP mutational spectrum in FNDI and contribute to the understanding of the molecular pathogenic mechanisms involved in FNDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês Alvelos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilha, Portugal
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Medical Faculty, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ângela Francisco
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Leonor Gomes
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Paiva
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Melo
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Marques
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Gama-de-Sousa
- Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave, Unidade de V. N. Famalicão, 4761-917, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Sofia Carreiro
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Manuel Carlos Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilha, Portugal.
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Costa-Brito AR, Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Duarte AC, Costa AR, Arosa FA, Cavaco JE, Lemos MC, Santos CRA. The Choroid Plexus Is an Alternative Source of Prolactin to the Rat Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1846-1858. [PMID: 33409838 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Among the more than 300 functions attributed to prolactin (PRL), this hormone has been associated with the induction of neurogenesis and differentiation of olfactory neurons especially during pregnancy, which are essential for maternal behavior. Despite the original hypothesis that PRL enters the central nervous system through a process mediated by PRL receptors (PRLR) at the choroid plexus (CP), recent data suggested that PRL transport into the brain is independent of its receptors. Based on transcriptomic data suggesting that PRL could be expressed in the CP, this work aimed to confirm PRL synthesis and secretion by CP epithelial cells (CPEC). The secretion of PRL and the distribution of PRLR in CPEC were further characterized using an in vitro model of the rat blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. RT-PCR analysis of PRL transcripts showed its presence in pregnant rat CP, in CPEC, and in the rat immortalized CP cell line, Z310. These observations were reinforced by immunocytochemistry staining of PRL in CPEC and Z310 cell cytoplasm. A 63-kDa immunoreactive PRL protein was detected by Western blot in CP protein extracts as well as in culture medium incubated with rat pituitary and samples of rat cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Positive immunocytochemistry staining of PRLR was present throughout the CPEC cytoplasm and in the apical and basal membrane of these cells. Altogether, our evidences suggest that CP is an alternative source of PRL to the brain, which might impact neurogenesis of olfactory neurons at the subventricular zone, given its proximity to the CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Costa-Brito
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fernando A Arosa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José E Cavaco
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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15
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Gomes PRL, Motta-Teixeira LC, Gallo CC, Carmo Buonfiglio DD, Camargo LSD, Quintela T, Reiter RJ, Amaral FGD, Cipolla-Neto J. Maternal pineal melatonin in gestation and lactation physiology, and in fetal development and programming. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 300:113633. [PMID: 33031801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation are reproductive processes that rely on physiological adaptations that should be timely and adequately triggered to guarantee both maternal and fetal health. Pineal melatonin is a hormone that presents daily and seasonal variations that synchronizes the organism's physiology to the different demands across time through its specific mechanisms and ways of action. The reproductive system is a notable target for melatonin as it actively participates on reproductive physiology and regulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis, influencing gonadotropins and sexual hormones synthesis and release. For its antioxidant properties, melatonin is also vital for the oocytes and spermatozoa quality and viability, and for blastocyst development. Maternal pineal melatonin blood levels increase during pregnancy and triggers the maternal physiological alterations in energy metabolism both during pregnancy and lactation to cope with the energy demands of both periods and to promote adequate mammary gland development. Moreover, maternal melatonin freely crosses the placenta and is the only source of this hormone to the fetus. It importantly times the conceptus physiology and influences its development and programing of several functions that depend on neural and brain development, ultimately priming adult behavior and energy and glucose metabolism. The present review aims to explain the above listed melatonin functions, including the potential alterations observed in the progeny gestated under maternal chronodisruption and/or hypomelatoninemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Rodrigues Lourenço Gomes
- Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Bldg 1, Lab 118, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lívia Clemente Motta-Teixeira
- Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Bldg 1, Lab 118, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Congentino Gallo
- Pineal Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, 862 Botucatu St., 5th floor, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil.
| | - Daniella do Carmo Buonfiglio
- Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Bldg 1, Lab 118, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ludmilla Scodeler de Camargo
- Pineal Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, 862 Botucatu St., 5th floor, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil.
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, Infante D. Henrique Ave, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Fernanda Gaspar do Amaral
- Pineal Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, 862 Botucatu St., 5th floor, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil.
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Neurobiology Lab, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Bldg 1, Lab 118, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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Duarte AC, Rosado T, Costa AR, Santos J, Gallardo E, Quintela T, Ishikawa H, Schwerk C, Schroten H, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA. The bitter taste receptor TAS2R14 regulates resveratrol transport across the human blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113953. [PMID: 32272108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of transport mechanisms at brain barriers must be thoroughly understood, so that novel strategies for improving drug delivery to the brain can be designed. The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) established by the choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells has been poorly studied in this regard despite its relevance for the protection of the central nervous system (CNS). This study assessed the role of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), TAS2R14 and TAS2R39, in the transport of resveratrol across CP epithelial cells using an in vitro model of the human BCSFB. Both receptors are expressed in human CP cells and known to bind resveratrol. First, Ca2+ imaging assays demonstrated that resveratrol specifically activates the TAS2R14 receptor, but not TAS2R39, in these human CP epithelial cells. Then, we proceeded with permeation studies that showed resveratrol can cross the human BCSFB, from the blood to the CSF side and that TAS2R14 knockdown decreased the transport of resveratrol across these cells. Conversely, inhibition of efflux transporters ABCC1, ABCC4 or ABCG2 also restrained the transport of resveratrol across these cells. Interestingly, resveratrol upregulated the expression of ABCG2 located at the apical membrane of the cells via TAS2R14, whereas ABCC1 and ABCC4 at the basolateral membrane of the cells were not affected. Altogether, our study demonstrates that the BCSFB is a gateway for resveratrol entrance into the CNS and that the receptor TAS2R14 regulates its transport by regulating the action of efflux transporters at CP epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Gallardo
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Duarte AC, Santos J, Costa AR, Ferreira CL, Tomás J, Quintela T, Ishikawa H, Schwerk C, Schroten H, Ferrer I, Carro E, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA. Bitter taste receptors profiling in the human blood-cerebrospinal fluid-barrier. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113954. [PMID: 32251676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells establish an important blood-brain interface, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), which constitutes a complementary gateway to the blood-brain-barrier for the entrance of several molecules into the central nervous system (CNS). However, the mechanisms that operate at the BCSFB to regulate the molecular traffic are still poorly understood. The taste signalling machinery, present in many extra-oral tissues, is involved in the chemical sensing of the composition of body fluids. We have identified this pathway in rat CP and hypothesised that it could also be present in the human BCSFB. In this study, we characterised the bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) expression profiling in human CP by combining data retrieved from available databases of the human CP transcriptome with its expression analysis in a human CP cell line and immunohistochemistry of human CP sections from men and women. TAS2R4, 5, 14 and 39 expression was confirmed in human CP tissue by immunohistochemistry and in HIBCPP cells by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. Moreover, the presence of downstream effector proteins GNAT3, PLCβ2 and TRPM5 was also detected in HIBCPP cells. Then, we demonstrated that HIBCPP cells respond to chloramphenicol via TAS2R39 and to quercetin via TAS2R14. Our findings support an active role of TAS2Rs at the human BCSFB, as surveyors of the bloodstream and CSF compositions. These findings open new avenues for studies on the uptake of relevant compounds for targeted therapies of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina L Ferreira
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Neuropathology, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, CIBERNED, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Carro
- Instituto de Investigacion Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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18
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Furtado A, Astaburuaga R, Costa A, Duarte AC, Gonçalves I, Cipolla-Neto J, Lemos MC, Carro E, Relógio A, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The Rhythmicity of Clock Genes is Disrupted in the Choroid Plexus of the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 77:795-806. [PMID: 32741824 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choroid plexus (CP), which constitutes the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, was recently identified as an important component of the circadian clock system. OBJECTIVE The fact that circadian rhythm disruption is closely associated to Alzheimer's disease (AD) led us to investigate whether AD pathology can contribute to disturbances of the circadian clock in the CP. METHODS For this purpose, we evaluated the expression of core-clock genes at different time points, in 6- and 12-month-old female and male APP/PS1 mouse models of AD. In addition, we also assessed the effect of melatonin pre-treatment in vitro before amyloid-β stimulus in the daily pattern of brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (Bmal1) expression. RESULTS Our results showed a dysregulation of circadian rhythmicity of Bmal1 expression in female and male APP/PS1 transgenic 12-month-old mice and of Period 2 (Per2) expression in male mice. In addition, a significant circadian pattern of Bmal1 was measured the intermittent melatonin pre-treatment group, showing that melatonin can reset the CP circadian clock. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated a connection between AD and the disruption of circadian rhythm in the CP, representing an attractive target for disease prevention and/or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rosario Astaburuaga
- Institute for Theoretical Biology (ITB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
- Medical Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology and Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum (MKFZ), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Ana Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eva Carro
- Networked Biomedical Research Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spain
- Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Relógio
- Institute for Theoretical Biology (ITB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
- Medical Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology and Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum (MKFZ), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
- Department of Human Medicine, Institute for Systems Medicine and Bioinformatics, MSH Medical School Hamburg - University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Talhada D, Costa-Brito AR, Duarte AC, Costa AR, Quintela T, Tomás J, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA. The choroid plexus: Simple structure, complex functions. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:751-753. [PMID: 31825126 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Talhada
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Ana Raquel Costa-Brito
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Duarte
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Costa
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Tomás
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Tomás J, Santos CRA, Duarte AC, Maltez M, Quintela T, Lemos MC, Gonçalves I. Bitter taste signaling mediated by Tas2r144 is down-regulated by 17β-estradiol and progesterone in the rat choroid plexus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 495:110521. [PMID: 31352039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is constituted by choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPEC) that regulate molecular trafficking between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. We hypothesize that taste receptors expressed in CPEC monitor the composition of these body fluids in a sex hormone dependent way. Thus, we compared the expression of taste related genes in the choroid plexus of sham and ovariectomized female rats, and then studied the effect of 17β-estradiol and progesterone in their expression and function. We found that the bitter receptors Tas2r109, Tas2r144, and the taste-related genes Plcb2 and Trpm5 were down-regulated by ovarian hormones in vivo and ex vivo with functional implications. Knocking-down Tas2r144 with a specific siRNA in a CPEC line (Z310) effectively reduced the Ca2+ response to the bitter compound denatonium benzoate, in a similar manner to female sex hormones alone, suggesting that female sex hormones downregulated the responses of CPEC to chemical stimuli by reducing Tas2r144.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Maltez
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Manuel C Lemos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
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21
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Quintela T, Duarte AC, Gonçalves I, Furtado A, Santos C. Circadian oscillation of Aβ-related molecules at the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier. IBRO Rep 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.07.1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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22
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Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Silva M, Duarte AC, Guedes P, Andrade K, Freitas F, Talhada D, Albuquerque T, Tavares S, Passarinha LA, Cipolla-Neto J, Santos CRA. Choroid plexus is an additional source of melatonin in the brain. J Pineal Res 2018; 65:e12528. [PMID: 30260503 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cerebrospinal fluid melatonin is released from the pineal gland, directly into the third ventricle, or produced de novo in the brain from extrapineal melatonin sources leading to a melatonin concentration gradient in the cerebrospinal fluid. Despite the interest on this topic, the brain areas capable of producing melatonin are not yet clear. Bearing this in mind, we hypothesized that the choroid plexus (CP) could be one of these melatonin sources. We analyzed and confirmed the presence of the four enzymes required for melatonin synthesis in rat CP and demonstrated that arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase shows a circadian expression in female and male rat CP. Specifically, this enzyme colocalizes with mitochondria in rat CP epithelial cells, an organelle known to be involved in melatonin function and synthesis. Then, we demonstrated that melatonin is synthesized by porcine CP explants, although without a circadian pattern. In conclusion, our data show that the CP is a local source of melatonin to the central nervous system, probably contributing to its high levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. We believe that in the CP, melatonin might be regulated by its endogenous clock machinery and by the hormonal background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Marco Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes
- CENSE, DCEA, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Késsia Andrade
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Flávia Freitas
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Daniela Talhada
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sara Tavares
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luis A Passarinha
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Requimte, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Carvalho J, Quintela T, Gueddouda NM, Bourdoncle A, Mergny JL, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Cruz C. Phenanthroline polyazamacrocycles as G-quadruplex DNA binders. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 16:2776-2786. [DOI: 10.1039/c8ob00247a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several phenanthroline polyazamacrocycles are proposed as ligands for c-MYC and telomeric G-quadruplex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI – Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde
- Universidade da Beira Interior
- 6200-506 Covilhã
- Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI – Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde
- Universidade da Beira Interior
- 6200-506 Covilhã
- Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - João A. Queiroz
- CICS-UBI – Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde
- Universidade da Beira Interior
- 6200-506 Covilhã
- Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI – Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde
- Universidade da Beira Interior
- 6200-506 Covilhã
- Portugal
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24
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Quintela T, Albuquerque T, Lundkvist G, Carmine Belin A, Talhada D, Gonçalves I, Carro E, Santos CR. The choroid plexus harbors a circadian oscillator modulated by estrogens. Chronobiol Int 2017; 35:270-279. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2017.1400978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | | | - Daniela Talhada
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eva Carro
- Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Investigacion Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecília R.A. Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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25
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Duarte AC, Hrynchak MV, Gonçalves I, Quintela T, Santos CRA. Sex Hormone Decline and Amyloid β Synthesis, Transport and Clearance in the Brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27632792 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones (SH) are essential regulators of the central nervous system. The decline in SH levels along with ageing may contribute to compromised neuroprotection and set the grounds for neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments. In Alzheimer's disease, besides other pathological features, there is an imbalance between amyloid β (Aβ) production and clearance, leading to its accumulation in the brain of older subjects. Aβ accumulation is a primary cause for brain inflammation and degeneration, as well as concomitant cognitive decline. There is mounting evidence that SH modulate Aβ production, transport and clearance. Importantly, SH regulate most of the molecules involved in the amyloidogenic pathway, their transport across brain barriers for elimination, and their degradation in the brain interstitial fluid. This review brings together data on the regulation of Aβ production, metabolism, degradation and clearance by SH.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Duarte
- Health Sciences Research Centre - CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - M V Hrynchak
- Health Sciences Research Centre - CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - I Gonçalves
- Health Sciences Research Centre - CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - T Quintela
- Health Sciences Research Centre - CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - C R A Santos
- Health Sciences Research Centre - CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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26
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Costa AR, Marcelino H, Gonçalves I, Quintela T, Tomás J, Duarte AC, Fonseca AM, Santos CRA. Sex Hormones Protect Against Amyloid-β Induced Oxidative Stress in the Choroid Plexus Cell Line Z310. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27328988 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) epithelium is a unique structure in the brain that forms an interface between the peripheral blood on the basal side and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the apical side. It is a relevant source of many polypeptides secreted to the CSF with neuroprotective functions and also participates in the elimination and detoxification of brain metabolites, such as β-amyloid (Aβ) removal from the CSF through transporter-mediated influx. The CP is also a target tissue for sex hormones (SHs) that have recognised neuroprotective effects against a variety of insults, including Aβ toxicity and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. The present study aimed to understand how SHs modulate Aβ-induced oxidative stress in a CP cell line (Z310 cell line) by analysing the effects of Aβ1-42 on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and apoptosis, as well as by assessing how 17β-oestradiol (E2 ) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) modulated these effects and the cellular uptake of Aβ1-42 by CP cells. Our findings show that E2 and DHT treatment reduce Aβ1-42 -induced oxidative stress and the internalisation of Aβ1-42 by CP epithelial cells, highlighting the importance of considering the background of SHs and therefore sex-related differences in Aβ metabolism and clearance by CP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - H Marcelino
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - I Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - T Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - J Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - A C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - A M Fonseca
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - C R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Gonçalves I, Hubbard PC, Tomás J, Quintela T, Tavares G, Caria S, Barreiros D, Santos CRA. 'Smelling' the cerebrospinal fluid: olfactory signaling molecules are expressed in and mediate chemosensory signaling from the choroid plexus. FEBS J 2016; 283:1748-66. [PMID: 26934374 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The olfactory-type signaling machinery has been known to be involved not only in odorant detection but also in other tissues with unsuspected sensory roles. As a barrier, the choroid plexus (CP) is an active participant in the monitoring of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), promptly responding to alterations in its composition. We hypothesized that olfactory signaling could be active in CP, contributing to the surveillance of the CSF composition. We determined the mRNA and protein expression of the major components of the olfactory transduction pathway in the rat CP, including odorant receptors, the olfactory G-protein (Gαolf), adenylate cyclase 3 and cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 2. The functionality of the transduction pathway and the intracellular mechanisms involved were analyzed by DC field potential recording electrophysiological analysis, in an ex vivo CP-brain setup, using polyamines as stimuli and blockers of the downstream signaling pathways. Concentration-dependent responses were obtained for the polyamines studied (cadaverine, putrescine, spermine and spermidine), all known to be present in the CSF. Transfection of a CP epithelial cell line with siRNA against Gαolf effectively knocked down protein expression and reduced the CP cells' response to spermine. Thus, the key components of the olfactory chemosensory apparatus are present and are functional in murine CP, and polyamines seem to trigger both the cAMP and the phospholipase C-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathways. Olfactory-like chemosensory signaling may be an essential component of the CP chemical surveillance apparatus to detect alterations in the CSF composition, and to elicit responses to modulate and maintain brain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Peter C Hubbard
- CCMAR - Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Tavares
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sandra Caria
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barreiros
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Tomás J, Santos CRA, Quintela T, Gonçalves I. "Tasting" the cerebrospinal fluid: Another function of the choroid plexus? Neuroscience 2016; 320:160-71. [PMID: 26850994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) located in brain ventricles, by forming the interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is in a privileged position to monitor the composition of these body fluids. Yet, the mechanisms involved in this surveillance system remain to be identified. The taste transduction pathway senses some types of molecules, thereby evaluating the chemical content of fluids, not only in the oral cavity but also in other tissues throughout the body, such as some cell types of the airways, the gastrointestinal tract, testis and skin. Therefore, we hypothesized that the taste transduction pathway could also be operating in the CP to assess the composition of the CSF. We found transcripts for some taste receptors (Tas1r1, Tas1r2, Tas1r3, Tas2r109 and Tas2r144) and for downstream signaling molecules (α-Gustducin, Plcβ2, ItpR3 and TrpM5) that encode this pathway, and confirmed the expression of the corresponding proteins in Wistar rat CP explants and in the CP epithelial cells (CPEC). The functionality of the T2R receptor expressed in CP cells was assessed by calcium imaging, of CPEC stimulated with the bitter compound D-Salicin, which elicited a rise in the intracellular Ca(2+). This effect was diminished in the presence of the bitter receptor blocker Probenecid. In summary, we described the expression of the taste-related components involved in the transduction signaling cascade in CP. Taken together, our results suggest that the taste transduction pathway in CPEC makes use of T2R receptors in the chemical surveillance of the CSF composition, in particular to sense bitter noxious compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - C R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - T Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - I Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Quintela T, Marcelino H, Deery MJ, Feret R, Howard J, Lilley KS, Albuquerque T, Gonçalves I, Duarte AC, Santos CRA. Sex-Related Differences in Rat Choroid Plexus and Cerebrospinal Fluid: A cDNA Microarray and Proteomic Analysis. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 26606900 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) epithelium is a unique structure in the brain that forms an interface between the peripheral blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is mostly produced by the CP itself. Because the CP transcriptome is regulated by the sex hormone background, the present study compared gene/protein expression profiles in the CP and CSF from male and female rats aiming to better understand sex-related differences in CP functions and brain physiology. We used data previously obtained by cDNA microarrays to compare the CP transcriptome between male and female rats, and complemented these data with the proteomic analysis of the CSF of castrated and sham-operated males and females. Microarray analysis showed that 17 128 and 17 002 genes are expressed in the male and female CP, which allowed the functional annotation of 141 and 134 pathways, respectively. Among the most expressed genes, canonical pathways associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative phosphorylation were the most prominent, whereas the most relevant molecular and cellular functions annotated were protein synthesis, cellular growth and proliferation, cell death and survival, molecular transport, and protein trafficking. No significant differences were found between males and females regarding these pathways. Seminal functions of the CP differentially regulated between sexes were circadian rhythm signalling, as well as several canonical pathways related to stem cell differentiation, metabolism and the barrier function of the CP. The proteomic analysis identified five down-regulated proteins in the CSF samples from male rats compared to females and seven proteins exhibiting marked variation in the CSF of gonadectomised males compared to sham animals, whereas no differences were found between sham and ovariectomised females. These data clearly show sex-related differences in CP gene expression and CSF protein composition that may impact upon neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - H Marcelino
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - M J Deery
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Feret
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Howard
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - K S Lilley
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - I Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - A C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - C R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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30
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Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Carreto LC, Santos MAS, Marcelino H, Patriarca FM, Santos CRA. Analysis of the effects of sex hormone background on the rat choroid plexus transcriptome by cDNA microarrays. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60199. [PMID: 23585832 PMCID: PMC3622009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) are highly vascularized branched structures that protrude into the ventricles of the brain, and form a unique interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the blood-CSF barrier, that are the main site of production and secretion of CSF. Sex hormones are widely recognized as neuroprotective agents against several neurodegenerative diseases, and the presence of sex hormones cognate receptors suggest that it may be a target for these hormones. In an effort to provide further insight into the neuroprotective mechanisms triggered by sex hormones we analyzed gene expression differences in the CP of female and male rats subjected to gonadectomy, using microarray technology. In gonadectomized female and male animals, 3045 genes were differentially expressed by 1.5-fold change, compared to sham controls. Analysis of the CP transcriptome showed that the top-five pathways significantly regulated by the sex hormone background are olfactory transduction, taste transduction, metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and circadian rhythm pathways. These results represent the first overview of global expression changes in CP of female and male rats induced by gonadectomy and suggest that sex hormones are implicated in pathways with central roles in CP functions and CSF homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Laura C. Carreto
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Manuel A. S. Santos
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Helena Marcelino
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Filipa M. Patriarca
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI – Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Santos CRA, Martinho A, Quintela T, Gonçalves I. Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of metallothioneins. IUBMB Life 2011; 64:126-35. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Martinho A, Gonçalves I, Cardoso I, Almeida MR, Quintela T, Saraiva MJ, Santos CRA. Human metallothioneins 2 and 3 differentially affect amyloid-beta binding by transthyretin. FEBS J 2010; 277:3427-36. [PMID: 20646067 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07749.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR), an amyloid-beta (Abeta) scavenger protein, and metallothioneins 2 and 3 (MT2 and MT3), low molecular weight metal-binding proteins, have recognized impacts in Abeta metabolism. Because TTR binds MT2, an ubiquitous isoform of the MTs, we investigated whether it also interacts with MT3, an isoform of the MTs predominantly expressed in the brain, and studied the role of MT2 and MT3 in human TTR-Abeta binding. The TTR-MT3 interaction was characterized by yeast two-hybrid assays, saturation-binding assays, co-immunolocalization and co-immunoprecipitation. The effect of MT2 and MT3 on TTR-Abeta binding was assessed by competition-binding assays. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that TTR interacts with MT3 with a K(d) of 373.7 +/- 60.2 nm. Competition-binding assays demonstrated that MT2 diminishes TTR-Abeta binding, whereas MT3 has the opposite effect. In addition to identifying a novel ligand for TTR that improves human TTR-Abeta binding, the present study highlights the need to clarify whether the effects of MT2 and MT3 in human TTR-Abeta binding observed in vitro have a relevant impact on Abeta deposition in animal models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martinho
- Health Sciences Research Centre, CICS, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Quintela T, Gonçalves I, Martinho A, Alves CH, Saraiva MJ, Rocha P, Santos CRA. Progesterone enhances transthyretin expression in the rat choroid plexus in vitro and in vivo via progesterone receptor. J Mol Neurosci 2010; 44:152-8. [PMID: 20535645 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-010-9398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Depletion of ovarian hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) after menopause may contribute to the decline in cognitive performance and increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women, striking the importance of understanding the regulation of pivotal proteins involved in AD pathogenesis by ovarian hormones. Transthyretin (TTR) is now recognized as one of such proteins due to its ability to sequester and degrade amyloid β (Aβ) into less harmful peptides and preventing their aggregation. We have previously demonstrated that E2 enhances TTR expression. In this study, we investigate the effects of P on TTR expression in primary cultures of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells and in adult ovariectomized female rats. The results obtained demonstrate that, in vitro and in vivo, TTR is up-regulated by P. In addition, the mechanism underlying the response of TTR to P was investigated, and we provide evidence that this response is achieved through a progesterone receptor-mediated mechanism. Our results reinforce the importance of ovarian hormones on the regulation of TTR, which may reflect on the processing of Aβ peptides and consequently on AD onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Quintela
- Health Sciences Research Centre-CICS, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
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Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a 55 kDa homotetrameric protein known for the transport of thyroxine and the indirect transportation of retinol. Within the central nervous system, TTR is primary synthesized and secreted into the cerebral spinal fluid by the choroid plexus (CP), whereas most TTR in the systemic circulation is produced and secreted by the liver. TTR is involved in two types of amyloid disease, the senile systemic amyloidosis and the familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. TTR has also been implicated in the sequestration of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), preventing its deposition. To explore other biological roles for TTR, we searched for protein-protein interactions using the yeast two-hybrid system with the full-length human TTR cDNA as bait. We found a novel interaction between TTR and metallothionein 2 (MT2) in human liver. This interaction was confirmed by competition binding assays, co-immunoprecipitation, cross-linking, and Western blotting experiments. Binding studies using MT1 showed a saturable specific interaction with TTR with a Kd of 244.8 +/- 44.1 nM. Western blotting experiments revealed a TTR-MT1/2 protein complex present in rat CP and kidney tissue extracts. Immunofluorescence experiments, in CP primary cell cultures and in CP paraffin sections, showed co-localization of TTR and MT1/2 in the cytoplasm of epithelial CP cells and localization of MT1/2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, dot blot immunoassays of rat CSF provided the first evidence, to our knowledge, of circulating metallothionein in CSF. Taken together, we suggest that TTR-MT1/2 complexes may be functionally significant not only in healthy conditions but also in Abeta deposition in Alzheimer disease, thereby providing a novel potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gonçalves
- Centre of Investigation in Health Sciences-CICS, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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